July 31, 1912 - Wednesday

31. Muz and I dressed in our bathing suits and sweaters and after breakfast we went down to the pier to wait for Mr. Culver. He did not get there till 11 as he was in a sail-boat and there was not much wind. We got in and started. After we’d been going for some time we began to eat clams. I did not eat many but Muz won’t be able to look a clam in the face for a month without blushing. We had a dandy sail with lots of good eats and visited a light house out in the bay. It was a dandy. We went all over it from top to bottom. We did have a time and a half getting up the iron ladder (which had no handrails) especially Muz.

We did not go in swimming until we got back to the beach and then only I went. Got a letter (quite a witty one) from Dan in answer to my postal. Don has not answered his yet. It really would not compromise him at all to do so but Don always was a cautious youth. Still he may not have got it yet. I’ll wait and see.

Had a peachy time, take it all together, to-day.

The Light-House we visited

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South West Ledge Light is now known as the New London Ledge Lighthouse.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_London_Ledge_Light

July 30, 1912 - Tuesday

30 Went in bathing and swam out to the raft. Also sat on the post to which the ropes that hold the raft are tied. Mr. Culver was there. He swam out too but Muzzy wouldn't. Went up to the island and swam near there. Muzzy swam some too. Learned to float. Went to the island again in the afternoon but a little boy had to row us over as we had no bathing suits on. Muz was wearing her blue dress & I my pink. But when we wanted to get back - although only about 43 ft of water separated us from the mainland - we had to walk around to the bridge and nearly 4 miles across country to get home. We reached it at 6:15. I was ravenous and ate a good supper. Muz is so sunburned that she can hardly touch her neck and arms. I am rather burned.

July 29, 1912 - Monday

29 Got good night's sleep and then started down to the shore. We had not been there long before it began to rain. Sent postals to Harriet, Dan and Don. Cut Chris's toe-nails, a job which took about an hour but was, I flatter myself, thoroughly done. It cleared up later and we went in bathing. I caught some small but (as I soon found out) bitey crabs. It began to rain again while we were in so we ran home. I got dressed and then went out and got some peanuts and graham crackers for Muz and myself. There are no classy youths around here as far as I can see.

July 28, 1912 - Sunday

"If you would have a serene old age never woo a girl who keeps a diary." (The Cynic's rules of Conduct)

28 Woke up at about 6 A.M. It was so cold as ice and poor Chrissy was nearly frozen. Took his cage back to bed with me and let him out. He stayed with me pretty well but I was in mortal fear he'd hurt the bed-clothes. The house is so blame new! Breakfast at 8 (and on Sunday at that!) After eating it we went for a stroll on the beach. I picked up lots of pretty shells. This house has bath-houses attached which are very convenient. I certainly do wish New London were warmer but we'll enjoy our bathing here very much, I think. Later - Muz & I went in bathing and had a lovely time. The water was fine but rather cool. Miss Clark and Mrs. Creegan were there too. Went to the beach again this afternoon and walked with Muz. Bought a strawberry-ice-cream cone which was very nice but it made me feel queer inside. Got my face badly sun-burned.

July 27, 1912 - Saturday

27 Well, my starting-off day has at last arriven, so to speak I am bursting with pure joy. Was too late to go to breakfast but at about 10 Muz called up and made me go after all. Later - We had a comfortable ride to N.L. and took a taxi to the house. When we got there we found that Miss Clarke could not give us a room after all and we had to engage one across the road with a Mrs. Corbly. We will take our meals with Miss Clarke, though. New London is a gayer and more cheer-place than we imagined it. Muz and I walked down to the beach tonight after supper and it was a dandy one! I shall enjoy bathing there, I bet! We are going to go in bathing tomorrow at about ten. Chrissy behaved like the angel bird he is, on the way down here, and I certainly was relieved. I shall begin a new page for my stay here so shall write no more here.

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The postcard above may be of the area where Marjorie and her mother visited. This postcard was not posted in the diary however I located it online and found that it was post-marked 4 days after this diary entry. So, whoever wrote it, may have run into Marjorie! The postcard is for sale and can be found on the following website:

http://www.cardcow.com/14821/bathing-beach-ocean-new-london-connecticut/  

July 26, 1912 - Friday

26 Loafed all morning and finished "Pam". Fine story. Went down to the office and saw Muz. Bought some colored pencils like Dan's. Forgot to bring my India ink to the office so I can't draw any in my diary while I'm here. Just think! only one more day before I go away! I shall bring this Compendium of timely Slush along. Dressed up rather for dinner tonight but did not see many people. Saw Miss Egan. She is reading "Pam" now.

July 25, 1912 - Thursday

25 Copied out of Don's diary all he said about me and put it (on pad paper) in with one of his letters in my diary. Decorated the letter some more. Miss Egan is playing the piano. Hang! I wish she wouldn't play everything I've heard Don play. It makes me homesick for him. O, Slush! I really must stop this mooney, mushy stuff or what will I think of myself in after years? Mr. Herman gave us a canvas bag to carry Chris's cage in when we go away. Donald was at supper and I returned his diary. Mrs. P was there too and was quite nice, though for that matter she has no reason not to be. Started "Pam".

July 22-24, 1912 - Monday - Wednesday

 

22-24 Went out to the Dibble's farm. Bess and Helen met me half-way. Had dandy time. Made orange-ice, slid in the hay and discovered a new family of kittens. There are now seven cats at that farm!!! Telephoned to Muz lots. Slept with Helen the first night and Bess the second. H and B joshed me a lot about Dan and Don, neither of which is stuck on me. It's a queer world!

Came home and found both Muz and Chris very glad to see me. Went to Don's house with Dan (Where have I heard that remark before?) as Dan wanted to get his racket. I really didn't want to go, honest! I don't want Don to think I'm crazy about him 'cause I'm not!!!! Why the boy hadn't even noticed that I'd been gone!!! He was composing what he called a sonata. He walked home with Dan and me. I really must return his diary. Don says that what I took to be his Stock exchange really isn't; he says it's just a list of names not in order but I don't really care much whether it's so or not. I suppose it is. He doesn't care enough to lie about it. Hurrah! 3 more days and I'm off to the sad sea waves. Uncle G came and he and I ate lots of raw onions. Muz couldn't because she has to go to the dentist. He (uncle G.) stayed till nearly eleven.

July 21, 1912 - Sunday

21 Saw Dan at breakfast. He has not destroyed his diary after all as he said he had. I saw a new drawing in it but did not read any. Muzzy is still packing and so am I. Dan read my diary (when I wasn't looking) up to June 30. I was pretty hot at first but I guess it was coming to me for reading part of his. He had an awful headache to-night and I don't wonder! Half the mush he read in this diary would kill a stronger boy than he is. After all, I don't think I really am fond of Donald in a sentimental way. He is jolly and funny and really doesn't care for me anyhow so why should I? I don't think I do, even in the face of all the trash I've written here. Come home at 9:30 and there was Muzzy, face down on the bed reading a cheap novel, the rascal!

July 20, 1912 - Saturday

20 Went to see Mrs. Sage but she and Blink had gone away for the summer. Went to the office but did not stay all day. Walked with Dan to Don's to get my diary. Don came back with us and we had quite a nice evening. Don said he had torn out his Stock Exchange but he hadn't. I was 4th.

July 19, 1912 - Friday

19 Went to the office with Muz. Stayed all day.

July 18, 1912 - Thursday

18 Nothing much didding so far. Don's got to let me read his Stock Exchange!! Somehow I'm rather glad he's not "mushy" to me. At least, I may not be glad but I respect him more. Stayed at Mahoney's and saw Don. He had a friend who was coming but he phoned to him not to and stayed with us. Don and I tried to get Dan's letter to Clara but failed. Don took me home. It was raining pitchforks.

July 17, 1912 - Wednesday

17 Went for a walk with Dan. He was nicer than I've ever known him to be for he treated me more like another boy. He said he wished I was as I was a good sport & would make a dandy boy. Like that kind of a compliment. I had telephoned to Don to come but he had company. We passed his house on our walk and saw Chandler Green calling. Chris got an awful fright because I took him out of the cage in the dark. I had hard work getting him back and he squawked pitifully, poor thing! Don showed me a letter he got from the fair Clara. Gull of "dearests" and "sweetests". I promised to show him my W. S. I wrote to Helen Perkins (Bud).

July 16, 1912 - Tuesday

16 Got this special delivery letter from Don at breakfast. enclosed was a stamped and addressed envelope to answer with. I said "yes" (and then some) Mailed answer at 11 A.M. but found later that he did not get it till 5 P.M. Glad he was not cross.. Went down-town with Muz. Got a dandy white skirt with a pocket, some "sneakers", a pair of ties, etc.

(enclosed in envelope)

Aetna Ins. Co.

7:15 Tues A.M.

 Dear Marg:
   Excuse haste but have only 3 minutes. When you telephoned last night I had already read up to where my 2nd letter was pasted in. I thought it fair to you to tell this. I could not explain then as there were people sitting beside me. I have read just enough so I absolutely must see the rest - please?? Your illustrations are fine!!! The whole thing is just great! I think you have a wonderful imagination and a very original way of expressing your thoughts. Say you know I'm terribly in love with your imagination! Do you blame me? Don't worry about my having read what I have. You know I keep my (?) counsel. I enjoyed it very much and am eagerly awaiting your permission to finish it (Can't spell it - haven't time) If you will answer this in enclosed envelope this A.M. it will be appreciated. Excuse these terrible hen tracks.


Don


P.S. I would get answer about 3 hrs after mailed it before 11 A.M.

July 15, 1912 - Monday

15 Don is not back yet or at least I've not seen him. He may be back though for he was to start work to-day. Dan has started to work to-day, too. I wish the 27^th were here now so I'd be going away for the summer. Dan's two little sisters are just starting on their vacation to-day. 

I'm going down-town about 4:30 to get a white skirt and white shoes and on pair of white stockings & one of blue.  Till then I’ll die of ennui. I can’t even read!!!

I am going out to the D’s farm on Monday, the 22^nd. Helen invited me. Decided not to go down-town after all. It’s too hot and Muz doesn’t want to.

15 Went with Dan to Don's house. had quite a nice time. Don seemed glad to see me. Read part of his diary. He thinks I am "a very lovely girl" He walked home with Dan and me and I gave him this fool book to read, a thing I'd resolved never to do but I have a way of breaking my resolves (I did not keep the one on Page 28) and he seems to be able to just make me do as he wants! Got "cold feet" and phoned to him not to read it till I could doctor it up a bit. He said "all right Good-bye" in a cold, tired tone and I went upstairs and cried. i thought he was angry at the fuss I made over the old thing.

July 14, 1912 - Sunday

14 Saw Dan at breakfast. He has written lots in his diary. Muz has bought a new trunk for us (herself and me, not D. and me) Don is not home yet but it’s only 3 oclock so far and “Hope springs eternal in the human breast” you know. Muz and I house-cleaned to beat the band and sorted out a lot of junk we didn’t want from what we did. Dan showed Muz some of the illustrations in his diary. They were very good. Poor Dan! About everyone in the house has seen the spicy part of his diary but not all of it. My eyes ache pretty badly.

It is partly that that impels me to the following momentous step:

                To Whom It May Concern:- I, the undersigned, do hereby solemnly swear and affirm that, during the week, beginning this fourteenth day of August A.D. 1912, I will read or peruse no printed matter whatever , books, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines or reading material in any form, saving and excepting that contained in diaries or letters.

                Witness my hand and seal

                                Marjorie W. James

                Witnesses – Grace T. James

P.S. This is no joke. I’m going to try and keep the resolution. Bess, Helen and Lillian are here today. Bess seems to think I have a crush on Dan. 

If she changed the a in that to o she would have been “warmer”. The Dibbles have been loading her infant mind with all the horrible and revolting details of my wild career. I guess I shan’t ever let anyone except, possibly, Muzzy see this book till I’m so old and gray that I can speak of it as one of my “youthful follies” I showed May Ingraham my Weekly Seesaw and she was mean enough to describe it to Bessie and Lillian. I certainly am a double dinged, dyed-in-the-wool boob. Donald was not at supper so my faultless detective instinct prompts me to conclude that he is not back yet. Very simple, Watson! Dan and I sat on the front porch and Dan told me about the girl he was so fond of up at Indian Neck. She must have been very pretty, and she really was fond of Dan and he of her. I think she must have been an awfully interesting girl as well as a classy one. I went home early.  Dan seemed to have a three-in-one, two fold, double plated grouch over something Harriet said to him over the telephone. It was the time she was phoning to me and she told me to tell it to him but I can’t remember what it was. He won’t tell.

Mr. C. called and stayed till about ten. Muz has given me the loveliest pale pink evening scarf ($6.50). It’s a perfect beauty.

July 13, 1912 - Saturday

13 Loafed. Went to the Cook's but no one was there but Mrs. Cook. Went back to Mahoney's. Later I went back to the Cook's and H. was there. I showed her the pictures in this diary but the naughty girl read some of it however she says it was nothing very spicy and that she has forgotten it. Dan started his diary and the part I saw of it was the (?)! All about red lips and pink cheeks and curly brown hair. Alas! not mine. He was mad when I saw it. Came home and let Chris out while I answered Don's last letter. I guess his coming back to-morrow and you can just bet I'm glad!! Muz was dead-tired so I brought her her supper. It was awfully fatty corned beef so I went out and got some canned chicken and Uneedas for her. I hope Don has shaken his bang and gone back to pomps, but I'll be pretty glad to see him, you bet, pomp or no pomp.

July 12, 1912 - Friday

12 Went to H's house about 9 A.M. Helped her pack and had lots of fun. Stayed to lunch. Played "Artists" some more. Poor Harry! she must be pretty sick of the game. Went to Mahoney's for supper and caught a fleeting glimpse of the fair Daniel. Went back to H's. She, Katherine and I played "Artists" some more. H. had to go away but K. and I read some then I came home and found there the letter (on the preceding page) from Don. Patched up the envelope which was rather torn and pasted the letter in here. P.S. Hope Don comes home soon. Chris (the canary) was furious with me when I came in because I had neglected him. Muz was at the Cook's for supper.

(the preceding page with envelope)

(Enclosed in the envelope)

The Maples

Enfield, Mass

Thursday P.M.

Dear Marg: -

                Was glad to get the letter from you this evening and I would be gladder yet to get another before I return. You write good letters. I can’t say that you are very explicit in giving me the quotations but I am glad to know that I am in with the rest of the live stock. Great Caesar’s ghost! I wish that girl would play a new tune. Honest, she plays one song even more than I do. However, she’s got indigo eyes and wears lavender dresses and hair ribbons. Speaking of hair ribbons how’s the little pink fairy? Come to think of it I haven’t seen her for almost a month!! Say you know that blooming piano across the road has got my rag out a yard and I can’t concentrate my shattered thoughts sufficiently to complete any single line of thought. Sounds as if I were writing poetry, doesn’t it? Really I think I’d make a perfectly good poet. My hair has grown yards since I’ve been here. Hanged if those boobs aren’t singing now!!! It’s really impossible for me to write. Please write to me again before Saturday?? Hope your new diet agrees with you – Very sincerely

Don

I use undoubtedly the finest envelopes you ever saw! Haven’t taken pictures yet of the queens. Hope to be allowed to take yours when I return?

July 11, 1912 - Thursday

11 Got this letter from Donald at 11 o’clock last night. Miss Raymond brought it up. I knew he would write. I told you so. The picture postal came with it but the plain one is just there for convenience. It was the first I ever got from him. I’ll answer his letter to-day. Took a quilt and a sofa cushion out on the roof last night and went to sleep there with a rope tied round my waist so I couldn’t fall off in my sleep but Muz woke up about eleven and missed me. She looked out there and saw me and I had to come in. It was then that I got Don’s letter. His end of the W. S. is going up again. I am going to the office as soon as Muz telephones me to. Perhaps I’d bettter get up now as it is 8:45. (later) Got to breakfast just about in time to get some. Went to the tailor’s and had my two new dresses shortened. They will probably be ready to night. Answered Don’s letter. Tried not to appear jealous of R. M. but I’m afraid I was not so hearty as I might have been. I’m not so sure that I am jealous but I feel a little bit that way. Am at the office now. What a little fool I am! I’m sure (or almost sure) that D. likes me as well as he does R. M. or how could he have torn himself away from her society just to write to me, and so soon after he got there too? P. S. Mrs. M got a letter from Dan some time ago in which she says he sends his love to me. Probably a slight (?) exaggeration. (Later still) Went to tailor’s and got my dresses about 5 P.M.  and returned to Mahoney’s just in time to see Dan who has returned (Ding it! I’ve got that word on the brain) from his vacation looking as if he’d been boiled as he probably has. Sat on the front steps with him for a while but he had to go on an errand for his ma. He’d no sooner gone than Harry atkins arrived. I was never more surprised in my life. Spent evening at her apartment and played “Artists” (about fifty games).

 

(enclosed in envelope)

The Maples

Enfield, Mass

July 9-10

Dear Marg: -

                Having duly arrived and taken a general survey of the scenery etc., I beg to enclose my humble opinion concerning said scenery etc.

                Across the road I behold a brand new tennis court occupied at present by the queenly young lady named Ruth Merrow. Perhaps you remember beholding a likeness to the queenly phiz in my 19” diary. Well anyway she’s here-prettier than ever! Guess I’ll stay my whole week (this sentence is not supposed to bear any relation to the preceding one) and come home Sunday night. All the fellows I knew here last year, are here now and I expect to have a great old time in spite of my boiled head, which by the way has improved considerably during the journey up. Did not grace Enfield with my perfectly good bike which is reposing on its side in the back yard of 821 Asylum Ave. Bought a camera this afternoon before I left and I hope to get some good pictures of Enfield. I would greatly appreciate the latest stock quotations. Don’t eat too much! Whatever you do don’t eat too much!!  That particular sin is a sacred performance upon which I have a patent.

Don

(also enclosed in envelope)

Strawberries

Pie

Candy

Cake

Doughnuts

Crullers

Pork

Preserves

Carbonated Drinks

Pickles

French Dressing

Mayonnaise

Bananas

Meat at breakfast

Welsh Rarebits

Cabbage

Blueberries

Huckleberries

Raspberries

Blackberries

Cigars

Cigarettes

(enclosed in second envelope)

The Maples

Enfield, Mass

Thursday P.M.

Dear Marg: -

                Was glad to get the letter from you this evening and I would be gladder yet to get another before I return. You write good letters. I can’t say that you are very explicit in giving me the quotations but I am glad to know that I am in with the rest of the live stock. Great Caesar’s ghost! I wish that girl would play a new tune. Honest, she plays one song even more than I do. However, she’s got indigo eyes and wears lavender dresses and hair ribbons. Speaking of hair ribbons how’s the little pink fairy? Come to think of it I haven’t seen her for almost a month!! Say you know that blooming piano across the road has got my rag out a yard and I can’t concentrate my shattered thoughts sufficiently to complete any single line of thought. Sounds as if I were writing poetry, doesn’t it? Really I think I’d make a perfectly good poet. My hair has grown yards since I’ve been here. Hanged if those boobs aren’t singing now!!! It’s really impossible for me to write. Please write to me again before Saturday?? Hope your new diet agrees with you – Very sincerely

Don

I use undoubtedly the finest envelopes you ever saw! Haven’t taken pictures yet of the queens. Hope to be allowed to take yours when I return?

July 8, 1912 - Monday

8. Don has had his hair cut in a bang and it looks fierce. He is not ½ as good looking that way as he is with it popmadour. He is starting for Enfield, Mass. On the 5^something train this P.M.  His end of the W.S. (see next page) is gradually succombing to the force of gravity but he’s in no danger (?) of falling off. Dan has not come back yet and may not return till next Sunday. P.S. Hope Don writes to me.

July 7, 1912 - Sunday

7 Went to breakfast quite early and finished “G. of the L.” Dan is not home yet from the seashore and Don was not at breakfast. Muz is housecleaning.  Went to Buelah’s but not much doing. Afraid I made Mary sick, swinging her by the feet.

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"G. of the L." - "Girl of the Limberlost" - A novel by Gene Stratton-Porter - Wikipedia Plot Description and online text.

Marjorie mentions two Dons - one is a boy who lives at her boarding house, a 'annoying-brother' type of relationship, the other is a boy she has a crush on.

July 6, 1912 - Saturday

6 Loafed at Mahoney’s all morning and at Buelah’s all afternoon. Read “Girl of the Limberlost” Fine story. Had a visit from Sarah and Marion Miel just at supper time and they stayed till 6:40, so I had my supper in solitary grandeur.

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"Girl of the Limberlost" - A novel by Gene Stratton-Porter - Wikipedia Plot Description and online text.

July 5, 1912 - Friday

5 Was too lazy to go to breakfast so ate pretzels and peanut butter instead and two ice cream cones. Got Mrs. Dibble to sew up my new dresses and they had not been turned up so all the good it did was to add an extra row of stitches. Bought Don’s tennis ball. I need one anyway and it was new. Sat for awhile on the porch with him. He was awfully nice but I’m afraid I bored him rather. Buelah saw me with him. She’ll tell Irene. I don’t care. I’m rather glad if anything.

July 4, 1912 - Thursday

4 Ah! The glorious fourth. Woke about 6:30 A.M. because of a fire-cracker serenade performed under my window. Went to breakfast (after dressing) and met Don with another boy in route to the river. Went myself but did not see him. Went in swimming after lunch and tore a great hole in my new suit. Came home in canoe after supper, and went rest of way in trolley. I was squeezed against an awful pig of a woman.

No, Gwendolyn, he is not warming his hands; he is trying to hypnotize the fire.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF G.A.H.A. MAHONEY, DECEASED.

P.S. Gus is still missing.

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Hartford Trolley - Information and Route