The 1890 Diary of Abba Owen

Newest chapter in an ongoing serialization of the 1888 diary of Abba Owen, daughter of Ypsilanti mineral water baron Tubal Cain Owen and Anna (Stowe Foote) Owen. The Owens lived in a now-vanished house near the current day Roosevelt School building on EMU, where Tubal also had his magical and very profitable well.

Saturday March 22nd: A pleasant day. Miss Gray and Margarete Gilbert spent the afternoon and took tea and spent the evening. We took pictures in the afternoon and in the evening we had scherades [charades?] and had a lovely time.

Sunday March 23rd: Quite cold to-day. We all went this evening to confirmation at the Episcopal church and it was so full that the boys went and got some chairs to place in the isles [aisles] for us. There were 30 confirmed. Last of [car whir] Eber and I were confirmed there were over forty. [not sure about the 30-40 discrepancy]

Monday March 24th Real chilly. Mrs. Moore and Eber returned to Ann Arbor this morning. Suderer did not come tonight.

Tuesday March 25th: A windy disagreeable day. I went over to the Sappho club. Rich and I went over to a pupil's recital at the conservatory this evening.

Wednesday March 26th: About same as yesterday. Eber came home to-night.

THursday March 27th: I went up to Normal Chapel this morning. Mrs. Pease, Mrs. Hodge, Mr. Seringer and Mr. Breresford of Detroit sang a quartet "God is a Spirit"; the choir also sang.

I am taking now a musical course having Adv. voice culture Structure [?] of music and Adv. vocal music. It keeps me pretty busy. Took mama down to society and then went to church.

Friday March 28th: Terrible storm commenced last night, snowed and the wind blew all night and all to-day. The wind is blowing terribly. About 4 in. of snow on the ground. School closes to-day for a week's spring vacation.

Saturday March 29th: Stormy. Louise Snyder called here this afternoon. I had not seen her in nearly two years. She is in Detroit studying music. Grandpa went to Plymouth this morning.

Tune in next Tuesday for another look at Abba's doings.