Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The 1919 Diary of Ypsilanti High School Teacher Carrie Hardy

Part of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.

Kind readers may recall that Carrie was still sick for most of last week. At the end of another week of sickness, her improvement was such that she could sit up in bed--which implies that she couldn't before. That's pretty bad.

Aug. 25 Mon. Better. Sat up in bed.

Aug. 26 Tues. Mrs. N. left this noon. Lillian in charge. $51.00 for Mrs. N.

Aug. 27 Wed. Drive with Lillian. Mr. O. L. Morris called in eve.

Aug 28 Thurs. Went with Lillian to market. Getting stronger. [different handwriting] Morris family return to W. G., Mo.

Aug 29 Fri. Drove my car down town this A. M. Am too weak to drive.

Aug 30 Sat. Am trying to drive a little every day to gain strength.

Aug. 31 Sun. Expected Rob but he did not come. Rather a lonely day for both Lillian and me. I eat well.

Sept. 1 Mon. Drove twice today. Went to Movie to see Marguerite Clark in "Come Out of the Kitchen."

Thanks for reading; tune in next Tuesday for the next series!

10 comments :

Anonymous said...

I've been enjoying your blog; fascinating stuff.

Just for fun, I looked up "Come Out of the Kitchen," the movie Carrie Hardy went to, on the IMDB. It was released on May 11, 1919 by Famous Players-Lasky, and is described as a Comedy-Romance.
The plot is summarized as follows:

Olivia Dangerfield and her brother are hired as servants in the household of the meticulous Mrs. Falkner. When another pair of servants is detained by the law, Olivia decides to pose as a master cook, though she knows little about the culinary arts. Meanwhile, Burton Crane, the boyfriend of Mrs. Falkner's daughter, becomes attracted to the "wonderful cook" at the Falkner home.

It doesn't say on imdb, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were a lost film.

Unknown said...

I'm relieved that Lillian finally reappeared. I bet she was hovering anxiously by the entire time, providing bedside care, but Carrie was just too sick to record her presence.

Unknown said...

Miss Hardy drives her car to regain her strength. There must be a great deal of difference in effort between driving a car in 2009 and 1919!

Dusty D said...

Anonymous: That is so cool! Thank you for looking up the plot! Classic tale of ill-starred yet successful love between the classes. You just KNOW there was a happy ending (if no dessert).

Dusty D said...

Lisele: I thought so too--the handwriting during the sick time is so shaky and trembly you just want to go over there and take care of her. It's getting a little better now, not without relapses into trembliness.

Still think it's mercury poisoning from that hideous calomel she took.

Dusty D said...

jml: That struck me too! Of course, I don't think they had power steering or power brakes back then, so it might take a good deal of exertion to steer her Maxwell around.

Jennifer Redfern said...

Being my great-great aunt i would have some loved to have been there for her. It was hard reading that she was sick and not going to take care of her. my great grandfather should have went to see her.(That's Rob.) But i am glad that Lillian was there for her and took charge as she said. I believe I am going to try to find out who she is.

Dusty D said...

Ms. Redfern: and she was sick for so long! Funny, now that I think of it, that she didn't go to the hospital...I wonder why.

Hmmm.

Jennifer Redfern said...

Probably like all the Hardy's she was to stubborn to go. I mean my mother doesn't go to the doctor until she is ready bad. Also she could have been embarrass to go. very strong woman, very independent.

Dusty Diary said...

Ms. Redfern: I appreciate your adding your insight based on knowledge of your family--very cool! Your point makes sense--and, of course, doctors made house calls then; I'd rather rest at home and have a doctor call than exert myself to go over to a hospital.