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.

Friday, August 11, 1922: Enjoy so much being here with Ethel. She is the sweetest thing in the world to every-body. How Marion has grown! She is now four and cute as can be. Richard is clever. They are all so happy and it’s such a pleasure to be with them. Ethel and I got started reading old magazines – 1855 – and the time flew by. Went riding this afternoon. Toured extensively Halls, Curve, Flippin and other places. Mrs. Lee called later. Hookie[?] the soap manufacturer was to bring me a sample tonight.

Saturday, August 12, 1922: I’m just getting so fat, resting and eating fried chicken and acting real lazy. Seems there is always someone at the door calling “Mrs. Calhoun”. Ethel says hers is truly “the house by the side of the road” and Gates is like every other small town. We went to an ice cream supper to-night. Much excitement afterwards down town. They were staging a prize fight in the middle of the street. Mrs. John Lee had a 500 party to-night. Then we had more ice cream after that.

Sunday, August 13, 1922: Ethel and I tried to go to church in Gates this morning but when we got there we found there was to be none, so we got Mary, Pauline, and Virginia and drove over to Halls. Then we had an experience for the preacher stopped “the service until the ladies got seated on the front pew.” Had more good ice cream and chicken for lunch. Surely did hate to leave them this afternoon. The whole of Gates seemed to come down to see the train so there were plenty there when I left at 6 o’clock. Blain and the Crump boy were on the train with me. Trey met me in Memphis. We went riding.

Monday, August 14, 1922: Here I am back in Memphis and Mother and Dad are still away on their boat trip. They went down to Greenville on the Kate Adams last week (Friday). Swayne left this morning so I’m all alone. Had dinner with the Kerrs to-night then we drove over to the Martins. Had a date with Trey later. He came there for me. We took a ride and ’twas the same old story, “wouldn’t I ever care”, and I was so tired.

Tuesday, August 15, 1922: Dorothy Jane and I got up early this morning and Mr. Kerr took us out to the pool, there soon after six. Had a grand swim. I swam almost half way across the pool. Surely did have an appetite for breakfast when we got back. Mother and Dad got home this morning. So happy to have them back. Went to see Anne Clark Neeler and Buddie this afternoon – sweetest children there riding with Carey then with Mildred Alexander. Had a date with Trey to-night. We went to the picture show. Saw Fools First. Trey was very sweet and patient to-night.

Wednesday, August 16, 1922: Certainly does seem good to have Mother back again. I miss her dreadfully every minute she is away, for we are to-gether all day. And at night I missed my sweet dad too. Went to town this afternoon. Played bridge to-night with Mr. Harris from Helena, Leroy and Mrs. Kerr. We had an exciting game until midnight. When I got home I wrote a steamer letter to Clint. She, Doug, Dr. and Mrs. Brooks sail for Europe Sat. on the Homeric.

Thursday, August 17, 1922: Mother’s birthday. She doesn’t say just how old she is but I do believe she feels younger than I do. I made her a birthday cake this morning. She is the sweetest person in the world and means everything to me. Went over to Helen’s this afternoon to the gossip club. An interesting afternoon. Sarah brought me home. Had a date with Jimmie to-night. Had him come for dinner with us. His car is still in the shop. He’s been in and out of town. Still hoping to get his case settled, and still a very wonderful person to be with. We just sat around at home.

Friday, August 18, 1922: Went over to the park this morning with Ethel, Marion, Richard, and the maid Betty. It’s her first trip to Memphis and some of her remarks are killing. She has had to get her some dark glasses, her eyes are so tired from looking so much. When she saw the zebra at the zoo she said “Now you know the Lord didn’t do that. ‘Twas some of man’s doings.” Marion is still peppy as ever. Had a date with Trey to-night. We went to see Thomas Meigham in Believe it and it’s True. Rather draggy. Then took a ride. Wish Trey wasn’t so serious and determined.

Saturday, August 19, 1922: Ethel, Charles, Richard and I went out to the pool soon after six this morning. Had a wonderful swim. Then we drove back here for breakfast. Needless to say we had an appetite. Later Ethel and I drove over to see Mrs Barry. That Jean is certainly a cute thing. Teddy Carr is spending the weekend with Swayne. They are certainly a pair to-gether. Went to a radio party over at Satterfields to-night. Then riding with Charley and Ethel afterwards.

Sunday, August 20, 1922: Went to Sunday School and church this morning as usual. Took a ride between time with Swayne and Teddy in the new Buick. Teddy brought Eleanor over this afternoon. That seems to be a serious case these days. Swayne brought Nathalie over to see us to-night and so we could see the ring too. Swayne has given her a lovely engagement ring. I’m so happy that Swayne and Nathalie are going to marry, and I’m sure I’ll love her as a sister.

Monday, August 21, 1922: I was up this morning soon after five and out at the pool by six with a party. Mrs. Anderson, Luther, Mrs. Kerr, Dorothy, and then two visitors, Miss Lowe and Miss Jones. We had a lovely swim, think I’m improving. Marion spent the day with me. We played in the playhouse all morning, had lunch in there too. Then we cut out paper dolls. Then went over to the park to the playgrounds. I enjoyed her muchly but was sure tired to-night. They came for her soon after dinner and I went to bed. Four years ago to-day I lost my darling Bud.

Tuesday, August 22, 1922: It rained all day long. I read Tommy and Grizel (Barrie) and took things easy after a strenuous yesterday. We were to have left this afternoon on the Kate Adams, but she is behind so skipped the Arkansas City trip. The saddest thing happened. Dorothy Rader’s husband, Fred Norvelle, died last night. Had consumption. Leaves Dorothy a widow with three children and just 22. We went to the funeral this afternoon then out to Elmwood.

Wednesday, August 23, 1922: Had lunch with Jimmie to-day at the Gayoso. Saw Lucy and Arthur there so had them join us. Had such a pleasant time. I always adore having music with my meals, and am quite contented while with Jimmie. Left him soon after lunch so I could meet Ethel. We went shopping for the Gates Community Fair and the afternoon passed quickly. Due to a puncture Charley [was late to pick] us up at the Station House but finally he came and we all rode home.

Thursday, August 24, 1922: Played golf with Nita early this morning. Had a date with Jimmie to play golf at the Country Club this afternoon with Lucy and Arthur, but I had to break the date for we found to-day we could get reservations on the Kate this afternoon. So I had just a few hours to do my packing and get off. We left this afternoon on the Kate Adams for Greenville – Virginia Fleming, Elsie Driver, Mabel Martin, Virginia Rowe, Arthur Taylor, Dan Hanley, Ned Word, Flippin Whitner, C.B. Blackburn, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Rowe, and myself. Had a regular dinner party and dance to-night. I won muchly on the slot machine and in the crap game and we sat on upper deck till long after midnight.

Friday, August 25, 1922: We are having stacks of fun going down the Mississippi. Reached Helena early this morning. The boat stayed there several hours, so right after breakfast C.B. and I went to town. We saw the town and he presented me with a new Dorien and box of candy and magazines. And we got back to the boat in time. Climbed the levee at Friar’s Point. Danced quite a bit this afternoon, then had a bridge party, three tables progressive ‘n’ everything. Then we all dressed for dinner, and had a big dance to-night. We all danced the quadrille. Later we all went on upper [deck]. C.B. and I had steamer chairs and the moon was glorious. The boys wanted us to stay up until we reached Rosedale. When we wouldn’t they serenaded us with banjos, mandolines etc., and saw to it that we didn’t sleep. Had a shower of water.

Saturday, August 26, 1922: C.B. is the best old buddie [sic] and we have so much fun to-gether. This morning when we reached Arkansas City, he got a Ford and Mabel and Ned, C.B. and I saw every-thing in the city. We play bridge in between times when we aren’t dancing. Had plenty of stags at the dance this afternoon. Some of the girls were resting. Reached Greenville while we were at dinner, so we all saw the town to-night. Left about 8.30 and went to Sunny Side where we loaded a levee camp. Never shall I forget the stubborn mule. Had the grandest dance to-night. Ned and I never stopped. Top deck. Steamer chairs and warm smoke stack, together with a midnight supper of chicken, ham sandwiches and coffee. With C.B. until almost four.

Sunday, August 27, 1922: I never tire watching them load and unload at the landings. … C.B. and I explored the lower regions. Had a long talk with George Frazzelle. He is with the levee camp. We are moving and the 117 mules etc. Had much excitement at Rosedale this afternoon. Being Sunday it was a rather quiet day for me but most pleasant. I adore being with C.B. He sees the funny side of every-thing. Says what he thinks all in a hurry. We had steamer chairs up on the top deck. Had a watermelon feast to-night. Never shall I forget the present C.B. presented me tonight. The whole dozen of our bunch is congenial as can be and everyone’s having a grand time. There were many sheiks roaming around tonight.

Monday, August 28, 1922: The saddest thing about to-day was that it was our last day on board the Kate. As usual up for breakfast at 7. We never want to miss a thing and never go to bed until 3 or after. Got off at Oldtown this morning to see the bad break in the levee. Wonderful those sacks and riff raff. Arthur, C.B. and I walked the entire length. Had a bridge game this morning then played pitch. Reached Helena right after lunch. Bob Van Dyke took us riding. We had a party at the Alley – Allen G., C.B., Richie…. C.B. gave me a jade necklace, souvenir of Helena. Danced this afternoon, then our last dinner party to-night, after which we had a tacky party, everybody on the boat. Such a time as we had dressing. I dressed C.B. as a girl, and he won first prize for the men. Everybody was a scream. I won second prize among the ladies. We danced until after midnight, then to upper deck and warm stove pipes, or rather smoke stacks. Served hot coffee and all of us stayed there until we reached Memphis, almost four o’clock. C.B. was a dear to-night and I was so sleepy. A wonderful night.

Tuesday, August 29, 1922: Not quite two hours sleep last night for they woke us up at six this morning. Such a time as we had packing and getting off the boat. Got us off before some of the boys had gotten home. Came home in Sam Moore’s car with the Martins. We have certainly had the most marvelous trip imaginable. So glad to see Mother but couldn’t come down to earth. The bunch was supposed to go to a swimming party at the 19th Century Club this morning. Everybody arrived at a different time, so there was no party. Virginia and I were an hour late. We met Arthur and went riding. In the meanwhile C.B. was phoning everywhere for us. We lunched down town, then rode and wished we were back on the boat.

Wednesday, August 30, 1922: Think the whole dozen of us are rather restless since we got off the boat. C.B. hasn’t returned to the farm yet. Had a date with him this afternoon. Arthur and Virginia, C.B. and I went to see Jackie Coogan in Trouble. Then we went riding. As usual C.B. was worlds of fun. [Bought] us much candy in sacks, then bakery cakes, and those crazy little candy hearts. I had to get home in time for a second date. Jimmie gave a dinner party out at Friendship Inn (Mrs. Flautt’s) in the country. Thought Laura Walker Mayer would be with me to-night but she was sick so I asked Virginia Rowe to go with us. There was just Virginia and Sid, Jimmie and me, but we had lots of fun. Chicken surely was good. Then we came here and played bridge until midnight.

Thursday, August 31, 1922: Went to a meeting of the Gossip Club at Margaret’s this afternoon. Helen came by for me. Margaret’s sister Louise was there with her baby. I’ve been chasing around so with these sub-debs and all the last week or so that it seemed funny to be back with “mothers” this afternoon and hear all about “the babies”. I guess there is some thing wrong with me some where and I should realize that it’s time for me to settle down. Dodge was over to-night. He has just returned from Biloxi.

September 1, 1922: Went over to Laura Walker’s this afternoon. She certainly did surprise me. Been married all this time. Goes back to New York real soon. Jimmie called and wanted me to go to the picture show. His car is at last out of the shop and F.D. is here. Elsie Driver had a bridge party for the boat party to-night. I went with C.B. and Sid. Had two dates cause C.B. wasn’t sure whether he could stay over. We had stacks of fun and laughed over everything that happened on the boat. C.B. was something to go fishing with to-night. He’s a peach. We went for a ride after the party and it seems C.B. misplaced Dan’s keys.

Saturday, September 2, 1922: Had a date with C.B. this afternoon. We went riding with Dan and Mabel, “Choker” hunting but no results. C.B. is such pleasant company and I thoroughly enjoy being with him. Just keeps me laughing all the time. We rode until dinner time. Bob Leonard just got in this morning from six months in New York and is here with Swayne. He and Swayne were so funny at dinner to-night. Had a date with Trey to-night. We went to the picture show. Saw Hurricane’s Gal and then Miss Memphis (Ruth Doughty). Trey was very devoted and very sweet.

Sunday, September 3, 1922: Went to Sunday School and church this morning. This afternoon we went out to Elmwood to take some flowers for Bud’s grave. Dad always keeps a flag on it too. How we still miss him! Went riding with Douglas J. Had a date with Trey tonight. We rode and rode. Have to to keep cool it’s so dreadfully hot. Trey was very devoted to-night as he has been for years, and I hated to tell him again that I wouldn’t marry him. He seems to think I love him and won’t admit it. I almost wish I did.

Monday, September 4, 1922: Labor Day! Went to the ball game this morning with Douglas J. A rotten game for Little Rock beat Memphis 4 to 0. I don’t like ball games in the morning. Was supposed to go to the circus parade with C.B., but you can’t do everything. Had a date with C.B. this afternoon. We rode. Then later joined Arthur and Virginia and went out to the pool for a swim. Had so much fun. Home just in time for dinner alone with Swayne. Had a date to-night with Trey. We went to the opening of the Lyric, Lassie’s White Minstrels. They were unusually good.

Tuesday, September 5, 1922: Played golf this morning with Nita. Much to my sorrow I am certainly off my game. Went to the ball game this afternoon with Rebecca. Grand game. Memphis won 3 to 0. Fred came for us. Had a date with F.D. to-night. He is going back to New Orleans to-morrow. We went out to East End with Billy and Joe to the Kappa Sigma dance. A wonderful party. Ten million stags. Confetti and grand music. Everybody was there and having a marvelous time when at one o’clock the cops stopped the party. Funniest thing I was ever in.

Wednesday, September 6, 1922: It was surely a tired Jessie that tried to play golf this morning, and hot too. [Neither] Nita nor I got a good shot until the last three holes. Mother and I went to town shopping this afternoon. An awful job. Had a date to-night with Rhodes Haverty from Atlanta. Virginia and three boys came by for us and we went out to East End. The boys are just home from Annapolis. Furnished Rhodes and me with much amusement but they could dance. A dandy crowd at East End. C.B. was funny as usual. We danced and danced. I like Rhodes.

Thursday, September 7, 1922: I declined to play golf this morning and go swimming this afternoon and really stayed at home and did some things I’ve been wanting to do. Finished a camisole for Nathalie. Gave it to her with SwaSyne’s first baby picture. Had a date with Rhodes Haverty to-night. We had dinner with Elizabeth Heard. The taxi driver really tried to lose us, however we finally got there. Always enjoy being with Eliz. She is so much fun. Had a good dinner. Then Eliz, Mr. McDowell (Bob is down in Mobile fishing), Rhodes and I went to see Gloria Swanson in Her Gilded Cage. Very interesting. Quite a talk with Rhodes when we got home.

Friday, September 8, 1922: Went swimming this morning down at the 19th Century Club with Elsie, Virginia Rowe, and Helen Lety. The water felt so good we didn’t ever want to come out. We went riding afterwards. Back to town again this afternoon. Mother and I went to the Orpheum. An Egyptian Doctor Thompson told us a new way to cure all our pains. Nothing particularly exciting on the bill. Swayne got home this afternoon. He has a new Ford coupé, so cute. Rhodes phoned to-night. He had just gotten a wire. Has to go to Atlanta, so left to-night. I’m sorry.

Saturday, September 9, 1922: Virginia Fleming and I tried to play golf this morning but it was so hot and crowded that we gave up at the 6th hole. Riding was much better. Swayne and Dodge were here for lunch and the bridegroom gave us much to laugh over. Went over to see Helen Spengler this afternoon. She is here from Chicago visiting Mabel Pidgeon McCall. Surely seems good to see her again. Helen, Mabel and I went riding this afternoon in Guinea’s new Stutz. It’s a beauty!

Sunday, September 10, 1922: Went to Sunday School and church as usual this morning. Of course I visited with my adopted children, Buddie and Anne Clarke Miller. They are precious. Swayne has a cute little new Ford coupe. All of us piled in this afternoon to go out to Elmwood. We’ve been getting such pretty flowers out there lately. It started raining late this afternoon. Rained all night and then turned very cold. I just stayed home and read.