Elijah B. Treat’s
Diary for 1873

Transcribed by Dorothy A. DeBisschop

Inscription on front:

Elijah B. Treat Oxford, Conn.
A Christmas Gift from B. A. Treat


Wednesday, January 1, 1873: I riddled sumac most all day. Father helped Mr. Davis and Hine butcher two pigs. Mary, Charlie & Della came down home and staid two hours in aft noon. I carried Sadie to Congregational Christmas tree in eve. She put a silver molasses cup on the tree for me. We went to dance at Lum’s Hall. Had a great time.

Thursday, January 2, 1873: I arrived home little after 3 o'clock this morn. We had a jo
yful time at dance and supper table. It was clear and cold. Very good sleighing for a deep snow. Father & I cut some wood at school house today in fore noon and riddled sumac. In aft noon I put it up in bags. George Hine carried 12 bags to New Haven today in our sleigh. I was home in eve.

Friday, January 3, 1873: Father and I riddled sumac, 17 bags of it, put it up and sewed up the bags. It was rainy and foggy all day and eve. George Hine & I went to debate together, Got home at 11. It was bad night. Had very good time. I washed our big wagon today.

Saturday,
January 4, 1873: Father paid Hart Davis $23.98 on a note. Father & I riddled 17 bags of sumac and put it up. It was clear, nice day. Mother went to Beacon Falls. I chopped some wood. I went over to Sadie’s and staid all night. It was splendid sleighing. We had a lovely time. In eve went to bed at 2 o'clock.

Sunday, January 5, 1873: I arose at 8 o'clock. We expected to go to Seymour but it rained and iced as it came. It rained in eve. We had a good time today and in eve I did not come home on account of the storm which made it very icy. We went to bed at l/ 2 past 10 o'clock.

Monday, January 6, 1873:
I arose at 7 o'clock. It was clear and nice. Morn, I carried Sadie to her school then came home, worked until I o'clock. Then Father & I went to town meeting. Came home, done chores, carried George Hine over to debate. I was one of the disputants and spoke on Foreign Emigration. I carried Sadie home, got home at 11 o'clock. Cold and clear.

Tuesday, January 7, 1873: Father and I cut down a hickory tree out in the lane, then helped Jay Beecher move the near out house from Glover Cable’s to school house. I carried 12 bushels potatoes & 2 bushels apples to Beacon Falls to 0. W. Marrist (Sperry’s old store), got cloth for 3 shirts new to fit. I went to center in eve. Carried Sadie sleighing then.

Wednesday, January 8, 1873: I went down to center, went up to Hotel with Louisa Candee and several others. Had good time. Glover and Jay Beecher were there. Home at 12 o'clock. Father & I cut up hickory tree, cut down part of apple tree. I went to Southford, got horse sharpened, carried Louisa Candee. I carried Sadie home to get her best dress and fetched her back to Red City. Got home at
8 o'clock.

Thursday, January 9, 1873: I washed the sleigh and fixed my bells. Got in some wood and fussed around all forenoon. Got ready at noon. Went after Sadie, fetched her down to center to hotel. 19 of us went to Birmingham on sleigh party, took supper there, came back to center danced & took....

Friday, January 10, 1873: Sadie home for she was sick to Red City. I came back had supper and danced until 1/2 past two o'clock. Came home and brought Bernard Davis. Father & I threshed 5 florins of sumac. It was cold and clear and good sleighing. I went to center horse back, got Christmas tree out of church. Went up to see how Sadie was. Found her sick. Got home 8 o'clock.

Saturday, January 11, 1873: I threshed 4 florins of sumac today. Father and Mother went up to Millville. It was a very cold day and clear. I done chores, They got home at 7 o'clock. George Hine carried 18 bags of sumac today and 17 Thursday and 18 Tuesday. I was home in eve writing.

Sunday, January 12, 1873: I went to church in forenoon and went up to Sadie’s. She was sick abed. Fred Morris carried me up and fetched horse back at noon. I staid all afternoon. Had good talk with my Dear until l/ 2 past 8. Went downstairs. Went to bed at 9 o'clock for a wonder it was cool weather and beautiful sleighing.

Monday, 
January 13, 1873: I arose at l/ 2 past 6 o'clock. I ate breakfast then talked with Sadie until noon. Then I rode to Millville with Orlando Osborne. I ate some pie and cheese at Della’s. Mary & Edwin gone to Waterbury. Walked home from Red Oak and carried George Hine to the debate. Got home at 11 o'clock. Full house to debate.

Tuesday, 
January 14, 1873: Father & I riddled and put up 17 bags of sumac and fetched up 4 sled loads of wood from big meadow and lane. George carried 18 bags of Sumac to New Haven today that he & Father riddled yesterday. I fixed my boot. In eve, over to Mr. Hine’s. It was clear nice eve. Sleigh party went by at 1 o'clock from Naugatuck.

Wednesday, January 15, 1873: I riddled 13 l/ 2 bags of sumac in forenoon and put it up. I went to Seymour, settled accounts with Marriss Bros. and Edmund Bassett. I fetched Mr. Sharpe up to Mr. Curtiss’ party from Monroe. 23 in number. Had good time. I carried Sadie to Red City. Had good sleigh ride. Home at 9.

Thursday, January 16, 1873: Father & I worked at the sumac. Finished riddling what was threshed out 10 bags of it. We went down to Heber Chatfield’s and helped him get an ox into the slaughter and killed it. Heber offered to give me $40 per month and my board and washing to help him next summer. I was home in eve and wrote all eve.

Friday, January 17, 1873: I washed our carriage and new sleigh, cleaned out the stables. Father & I cut some wood at the wood pile. Mr. Northrup visited the school, called at our house. I carried George Hine & Charlie Beech over to the debate. It was cloudy and little dark. Did not see Sadie as I expected. Got home 10 l/ 2 o'clock.

Saturday, January 18, 1873: I done chores, went over to Mr. Hines, then went down to old Dutch house and back with George & William. Came into our house, ate apples, drinked cider. Father soaked his boots. I carried my shirt up to Authelia’s. I had a headache all day. Felt mean. It rained and froze into ice all day. Was very slippery. Wind blew last night.

Sunday, January 19, 1873: Father, Mother & I went to church. The road was all ice and made good sleighing. I went to post office with Glover. I went over to Sadie’s and found her sick again. I staid until 9 o'clock and talked with her, then came home. News came by Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe that her Uncle David Booth was dead.

Monday, 
January 20,1873: I threshed one florin of sumac & cut wood at school house. Went up to Authelia Beach’s to try on my shirt. I done the chores tonight. Home in eve. George Hine carried 13 bags of sumac today. Father & Mother went over to Bethany to Aunt Thusey’s & Beri Beecher’s. It was mild day, looked like storm.

Tuesday, January 21, 1873: Father & I cut wood at the door. It was damp, miserable day. It rained in aft noon. I went over to Sadie’s in eve. Vivian Perkins was there. We had a pleasant time. It snowed quite hard when I came home. I came home at 112 past 9 o'clock.

Wednesday, January 22, 1873: I went to Seymour, Ansonia & Birmingham. I called on Mr. & Mrs. Cramer a few minutes. Carried Father’s overcoat down to Mr. Fleig’s. Got my boot fixed and sleigh bells. I saw Mr. & Mrs. Curtiss & fetched her up home. Took tea with Sadie and had a good chat with her. Came home at 9 o'clock. Clear & cold in eve. George carried 13 bags sumac today.

Thursday, January 23, 1873: Father & I finished threshing sumac 6 florins today. We butchered our bull this aft noon down to Heber’s. We had a quarter of it and Bryan a greater. I shoveled up the sumac on each end of the floor and shoveled the sticks down by the barn.

Friday, January 24, 1873: Father & I riddled Sumac today all day. It was snowy and rainy all day. I went over to center, did not have a debate. Fetched Jay Beecher home with me. It snowed in eve quite hard. We beat paths today, 5 inches snow fell last night. Got our beef down to Heber’s.

Saturday, January 25, 1873: Father & I finished riddling out sumac 156 in all. In aft noon Mother & I got ready and started at 3 o'clock for Mary’s. Carried Bryan 88 lbs. of meat. We staid to tea at Mary’s. Charlie & Della came down. We all came across by Riggs Street. Called on Sadie.

Sunday, January 26, 1873: Charlie & Della went to Southford at 11 o'clock. Father & Mother went to church with Mr., Hine’s horse. I went over to Sadie’s. Took her down to Congregational Church in aft noon. Went home, took tea with her, had a smoke with Frank. I staid until 10 o'clock. Had a gay time as usual with Sadie. It was cloudy coming home. It snowed 2 hours in morn.

Monday, January 27, 1873: I arose at l/ 4 to 8, fed the horse, done chores, etc. it snowed very hard all day and eve from north east. I went down to Mr. Davis’s, looked at their addition on the house. I got the rest of the knife sections to mowing machine, took lock of my trunk, fixed head to meal barrel and fussed around all day. I was home in eve writing....

Tuesday, January 28, 1873: ...and planning for new addition to the house. Father, George, Mr. Davis & I went down to Burton’s then over to center and back, breaking paths. Ate dinner and then Father & I went up to old place, cut a small load of wood and fetched it to school and home. Made a path. Father cut some wood. I done chores, went down to Mr. Sutton’s and they up to Red City. Called on Sadie, had splendid time.

Wednesday, January 29, 1873: I went down to Mr. Davis’ in morn. It was clear and one of those bitter cold days. Father & I went up to the old place, cut a small load of wood, fetched it home and cut it up. I sawed in under room. It was windy & snow drifted into the road. We dug some, a very deep body of snow on the ground.

Thursday, January 30, 1873: Father & I went up to old place, cut a load of wood. I fetched it home. He cut another load. I went up and got it. I carried Mother over to Miss Hudson’s to society. I went up called on Sadie one hour, next to Society. Staid until l/ 2 past 10 o'clock. Then I went up to Lum Hall to see sleigh party from Ansonia and one from Woodbury.

Friday, January 31, 1873: Father and I went up to old place and cut a load of wood. I fetched it home and he cut another load of wood while I was gone. Then we fetched the other home. I went to center, carried 1 1/2 bushels corn and exchanged for meal. I went to the debate and come home with Louisa Candee. I arrived home at 10 l/ 2.

Saturday, February 1, 1873: Father carried the last load of sumac to New Haven today, 11 bags. George carried 17 bags today. It was clear. I went up to old place, cut a good load of wood. I left part to the school house and fetched the rest home. It was good warm day to work and pleasant and clear.

Sunday, February 2, 1873: Father, Mother & I went over to church. It was clear and very cold. I went over, called on Sadie. She was feeling rather bad with a boil, and a very hard cold. I enjoyed myself very well. Mr. Pearce called on us. I fetched him down, got home at 12.

Monday, February 3, 1873: Father, George & I went up to old place and cut a load of wood. I came home with it. They kept a chopping. I went got another load. We chopped some more. It snowed and we came home. Done chores. I called at Mr. Hine’s then went to center with Hart Davis to see about surprise party. Called at Candee girls and at Hotel. It snowed.

Tuesday, 
February 4, 1873: It was foggy morn, rained a little. I fetched down two loads of wood from old place. Father chopped some wood and a stick for sill. I went and took Hennie Cable up. Called on Sadie at Red City, found her better, had nice call. Then went up to David Hawley’s to surprise party. Had a splendid time, full house. We called at Hotel to see Negroes dance.

Wednesday, February 5, 1873: I got home at 3 o'clock this morn. We had a beautiful time. Father went to get the oxen shod and could not. I got some schoolhouse. Eli Wakelee & wife came here at 11 o'clock and staid until 4. We staid in house and talked with them. We cut wood at school house after the went and done chores. I was home in eve. The sleighing is a little soft.

Thursday, February 6, 1873:
Father went and got the oxen shod and chains mended. I put some wood up in the old school house. Mother & I went up to Millville. Mary was sick & Della was nearly. I called at Bryan's and Bruce's & got home at 1/ 2 past 7. I went over to Mrs. Buckingham's . Called on Sadie, had nice visit. Did not go to bed until 12.

Friday, February 7, 1873:
I went up to old place with Father, fetched down a load of wood. Father cut a dozen ties and I carried these to Mr. Riggs at twice & exchanged for some strait sticks of his to make planks and sills. We carried home another load of wood at night. I walked over to center. It rained, there was no debate. I rode home with Hart Davis.

Saturday, February 8, 1873:
Father & I went down the hill and chopped three trees. One was 55 ft.; one 31 & one 28 feet for studs, joists, lining boards for floor & lath boards & roof boards. Uncle Burt called here, came from West Haven. Mother was up to Millville. Fetched Charlie and Della down. We all went over to Mr. Hine’s.

Sunday, February 9, 1873:
Mother, Charlie & Della & I went to church. It was a pleasant day. Mr. Seabury preached. I carried Charlie & Della up to Millville. It was very cold. I called on Sadie. Staid until 12 o'clock, had a good visit and chat. Mary Parmelee was sick with headache. I arrived home l/2 past 1 o'clock. The wind almost turned the sleigh over.

Monday, February 10, 1873:
Father & Mr. Davis went as pall bearers to Mrs. Ebeneezer Seeley funeral. It was very cold. Mr. & Mrs. Lauren Terrill came up here from Mr. Davis’s, with them. They all staid to tea. I picked over a few apples, had the headache all day severely. Did not do much. I was home in the eve.

Tuesday, February 11, 1873:
Mr. Davis, George Hine, Father & I went down in the woods. They sawed up logs. Mr. Davis went to Rimmon Mill twice. I went three times. Carried 8 logs in all today. George & I went to Seymour and got our hair cut. Got home at l/2 past ten o'clock. .

Wednesday, February 12, 1873:
  I went down to Rimmon with three logs. Father cut tree on Kelly Fen. I carried it down to the mill, making four logs today. I went back, we fetched home sticks for studs & some wood. It was cloudy day. I went over, called on Sadie, had a splendid time. home at 10 1/2 o'clock.

Thursday, February 13, 1873: Father & I went down in woods. I carried. 2 logs to Rimmon. He cut a 24 ft stick for crosswork. We bought them home. I went after Sadie, fetched her over to our house to Sewing Society this evening. WE had a good time.  Frank Leek and Ja Beecher fiddled. They all went home at 12 o'clock. I carried Sadie back.

Friday, February 14, 1873: Father & I went up to old place. I fetched down an 8 ft. log & some wood. Went back and got a 24 foot stick & a 16 ft stick. I went to Center. Balanced accounts with S. P. Sanford. Paid him $34.75. I went up to Red City, fetched Sadie down to debate. There was a hall full. I carried Sadie up home, staid few minutes.

Saturday, February 15, 1873:
I went up and drew up 4 loads of wood for Authelia Beach. Mr. Tucker fetched up loads at same time. We ate dinner at Authelia’s. Got home at l/ 2 past 4. George Hine & I went over to the center to Democratic Caucus. Got home at 10.

Sunday, February 16, 1873: It snowed very hard today. I went to church in aft noon and then went up to Sadie's. Staid all night. It rained quite hard after dark. I had a splendid time, went to bed at l/ 4 past 12. Sadie was not feeling well, had a hard cold.

Monday, February 17,  1873: I arose at 7 o'clock, had breakfast, took Sadie to her school, fetched 5 gallons of cider brandy home with me from Sanford’s. I fetched water to wash with. Father & I went down in peach orchard and sawed up the tree he cut Saturday. I carried 2 logs to Rimmon-- good large ones for beams & rafters and fetched up some wood. Wrote in eve.

Tuesday, February 18, 1873: Father & I went down to peach orchard and loaded two logs on to the sled. I took them to the mill. He went to Mrs. Stiles Fairchild's auction. I stopped short time, went up to woods, put on two maple logs, fetched them up to woodpile. I went over & called on Sadie, had a splendid time.

Wednesday, February 19, 1873: Father & I went up to Mr. Riggs’, sawed three 24 ft. sticks into and fetched two of them home. It rained. At noon Father & Mother went up to Millville to see Mary. It came off very clear & nice. I went down in the woods & got two cuts of maple log that Father & George cut. I was home in eve, writing.

Thursday, February 20, 1873: Willie Hine & I staid at our house together last night. I helped Frank Davis draw logs all day from l/4 past 8 until l/4 past 6. Mary came down with the folks. I went over & got Sadie. We all started for Horace Perry’s surprise party. We tipped over & broke off a shaft. I came back & got own sleigh. Sadie went over with Heber. We had a splendid time, nice entertainment & dance. We staid until 1 o'clock & got home at 1/4 to 4 o'clock.

Friday, February 21, 1873: Father & I went down the hill, got a load of wood, fetched up the old sleigh on the load. We cut up most of the load. It snowed very hard from 9 o'clock until 7 p. m. I called at Mr. Hine’s a few minutes. In eve we talked with Mary.

Saturday, February 22, 1873:  
Hand written notation: Washington’s Birthday. It was cold. We fussed around a spell, shoveled some paths, sold George Hine $5 worth of hay. He and I went to the center and got our old sleigh fixed up with crooked shafts which I had. I took Hennie & Sadie to center to Washington’s celebration. Had splendid time, had an oyster supper. We got back to Riggs Street at 12 o'clock. Staid all night.

Sunday, February 23, 1873: I arose at 8 o'clock. I took Sadie to her church. I went to ours. I went after her at noon. She came down to our church. I sat down stairs with her. Our folks were not there. I took Hennie home with us. I staid until l/2 past 9 o'clock. Frank Curtiss came home with me. I had a good time. It was very cold. I went to bed at 11 o'clock.

Monday, February 24, 1873: Father, Frank Curtiss & I cut some wood in under room at first today for it was so cold. Then out to the woodpile. We cut quite a considerable. Frank sawed, I split, Father cut small wood. Built fire in the cellar as it was as cold a day as we have had this winter. I was home in eve.

Tuesday, February 25, 1873: Father, Frank & I worked at woodpile. They worked all day at woodpile. I went to center in aft noon, helped take down the greens & sweep out the church. I went & carried Mrs. Buckingham up to Wm. Bronsen’s. Sadie & I went up & got two kittens, came back, stopped at Mr. Bronsen’s had a good time. I took tea at Mrs. Buckingham home at 10 1/2.

Wednesday, February 26, 1873: Father & Mother started at 11 o'clock for New Haven & West Haven. Frank & I worked at wood pile. He sawed. I done chores, chopped small wood, split some, got up the horse and so on. It was a clear nice day. I washed up the dishes and home in the eve with Frank.

Thursday, February 28,1873: Frank & I arise at l/2 past 6. I done chores & got breakfast. It snowed some. We cut some small wood. He sawed some. It snowed in aft noon. We shelled 14 bushels of corn. I oiled my fine boots. Father & Mother came from New Haven, brought some large clams. Father got $101 .10 for sumac, which made $201.70 for sumac this year. We shelled 16 bushels in eve.

Friday, February 28, 1873: Observation: very nice day. I fetched water to wash with & worked at woodpile. Frank sawed. Father went down to Mrs. Fairchild's after a bed with George Hine in fore noon. All worked at wood in aft noon. Frank & I went to debate in eve. Not great many there. Uncle Plumb & Aunt Nancy came here and staid all night.

Saturday, March 1, 1873: Frank sawed, Father Plumb & I split up four maple logs. He and Aunt Nancy went to Millville. Father & I split wood that Frank had sawed. I done chores, carried Frank home, had good chat with Sadie. I bought a horse brush of Dan Dunham & some kerosene oil. I got home at 1/4 to 12 o'clock.

Sunday, March 2, 1873: Father, Mother & I went to church. I went up to other church, saw Sadie for a few minutes. There was a good many to church. I went & carried Sadie up to Millville to Mary’s and we staid 3 1/2 hours. Had a good visit with them. Got back to Riggs Street at 10, staid until a little after 12. Had a very nice time, got home 1/2 past 1.

Monday, March 3, 1873: I brought water to wash with, fed horse & so on. Father & I went to Kelly Fen after wood. Broke the yoke. I came home with a small load then went back and we fetched home good sized load of rock oak. Charlie & Della came down today. Had a short visit. She carried sewing machine home. It was cold, very windy day. The snow blew very fast.

Tuesday, March 4, 1873: Father & I helped dig the snow out of the road up the road then down to Heber’s and town towards Mrs. Stiles Fairchild's with a crowd of a dozen. We got through at 2 o'clock. We cut wood in under room rest aft noon. It was very cold, windy day. I wrote in the eve.

Wednesday, March 5, 1873:
Father & I went to Ansonia with horse & sleigh to buy lumber doors & windows for my new addition. We bought $140 worth of it. Windows cost $2. Sash door cost $7. Other four cost $2.25 & 2.50 a piece. Clapboards cost $21. We called at Eli Wakelee’s, his wife gave us some pie & coke. I went & called on Sadie in eve. Got home at 1/2 past 9 o'clock. Clear & warm.

Thursday, March 6, 1873:
I went to Ansonia with three yoke of oxen after my lumber. Fetched up 2400 feet & 1,000 shingles. Burton Tucker fetched up 3,000 shingles which made all we had bought. Father fetched up the 5 doors with the horse & sleigh. Father, Mother & I went down to Mr. Tucker’s and spent the evening. Clear night.

Friday, March 7, 1873: Mother went up to Millville. Father & I stubbed off 28 oak boards and swept them all off.. I carried them down to Shop and got them planed for oak floor for kitchen in aft noon and got a shoe put on the ox at Winton’s. I called on Lucy Davis, found her able to sit up in the sitting room. She was better than she had been. I carried Charles Beech to debate with me. Got home at 10 o'clock.

Saturday, March 8, 1873:
Father went down to Staples Washband’s to help them draw a building. I went up to Miss Beach’s, carried cloth for two shirts. I carried 3 bushels corn to mill. I went up, called on Sadie, gave her a little sleigh ride, had good chat, came down to church and hotel to accept Mr. J. S. Pearce’s resignation as Rector of our Parish.

Sunday, March 9, 1873:
Father, Mother & I went to church in old sleigh. It thawed a considerable, was sposhy. Clear, nice day but windy. I made three calls before I arrived at Sadie’s. I took her down to Hennie’s. We called a few minutes then went down to Congregational concert. Had a very good one, went back, had good time. I staid until 1 o'clock. It was a beautiful time to ride. Nice moon, not very cold, froze in eve.

Monday, March 10, 1873:
Clear, nice day. Father & I spread the clapboards in the barn. I fetched water to wash with. Father & I went to Kelly Fen, cut down a tree and made three logs of it, one 13, one 12 one 11 feet long, and carried it down to Rimmon to the saw mill. The snow was deep on the cross road. We could not bring home wood in eve.

Tuesday, March 11, 1873: Father & I went up to old place, cut three 16 ft. sticks for cross work. It rained when we got there. We got very wet. I visited Carrie Smith’s school house in our district. Staid two hours, liked it very well. I fixed the horses manger just at night. I was home in eve. Wrote in Lyceum book. It was clear.

Wednesday, March 12,1873: It was clear, warm & nice day, seemed like spring. The blue birds were singing. I went down to Rimmon in morn to see about the logs. I went over to Sadie’s, expected to go to New Haven. Found her sick a bed on account of vaccination. I staid 1 1/2 hours. I went down to church attend Lent Service. Came home, went down to Heber’s in eve.

Thursday, March 13, 1873: Father & I went up to old place & cut 2 sixteen ft. sticks and some rails. Fetched them down. Father staid and chopped a load of wood. I went up and got it. I went over to see Sadie. Carried her oranges, lemons & figs. Found her better than yesterday. She sat up & had her clothes on. I had a good chat with her. Got home at 11.

Friday, March 14, 1873:
Father & Mother went up to Millville & Union City to mill in old sleigh. The snow is getting thin in some places. Snow banks up to the panes here in some places, melting slowly. I chopped wood at school house and at our door. I walked over to center to debate in eve.

Saturday, March 15, 1873:
B. Martin renewed our Insurance Policy on the house for three years for $7.70. It was cloudy, has been the pleasantest week in the winter. Very nice evening & moonlight. Father & I got three load of stone up to old place for under pinning. I went down to Seymour with the buggie, got my boot fixed, got the old harness pad and blasting powder. It rained some on the way home.

Sunday, March 16, 1873:
Mother & I went to church in the buggie. Father staid home. The wind blew terribly all day and eve. I went and called on Sadie in eve. Had a good time. It was a cold windy night and moonlight. I enjoyed myself very much. Started home at 1/4 past 12 o'clock and was an hour and a half coming.

Monday, March 17, 1873:
I drew up 6 loads of wood for Authelia Beach. Charlie Beach drew up 6 loads with Mr. Davis’ oxen. Joined teams up the hill. Father & Albert Seeley cut the wood for us to sled. We finished sliding today. She had 22 loads in all. It was clear with high winds reminding one of March weather. I was tired in eve, was home writing.

Tuesday, March 18,1873:
Father & I yoked up our steers. I chopped some wood at the door. He sawed, we cut off the limbs from the cherry tree by the old house. Cut them up. I helped George Hine load a small load of hay from our barn here. We carried down to his barn. I wrote in the eve. It rained and snowed.

Wednesday, March 19, 1873: I arose at 3 o'clock this morn. I started at 6 o'clock, went to New Haven, staid to Laureen Terrell’s to dinner, then went on. I bought me a beaver hat, a pair of fine boots, 1 pair sleeve buttons & and window springs and lock. Sarah got her cloth for dress. We went to Uncle Stephen’s, staid all night. I had a very hard head ache.

Thursday, March 20, 1873: We called at John’s & Charlie Sherman’s and went to New Haven at 9 o'clock. I drive around the city to find some binding for our day. Could not. Sarah got my charm for watch chain, cost $7.00. We came home in snow storm & a little rain. Not very tedious. I staid at Mr. Curtiss’ tonight.

Friday, March 21, 1873:
I went home this morn, fed the horse, then went to Beacon Falls, got 3 pr. Stockings, 1 fine shirt, & bosom kerchief, then went to Ansonia. Was measured for a suit of cloths to be done 12 of April. Our cost for all $50.00 at Fleig’s. It was very muddy. I came home, helped do chores. Uncle Burt came, staid all night. I walked over to the debate, did not have the lecture by Mr. White.

Saturday, March 22, 1873: Uncle Burt went home. I helped George Hine get the hay out of our little barn, then I worked at taking the wall down to be relaid for the new addition. Father & mother went to Northrop’s funeral. We worked at stone after he got home. Fred Beecher called here to see about the building.

Sunday, March 23, 1873: Father, Mother, & I went to Church. It was clear & nice kind of a day. It was muddy traveling. I saw Sadie at noon. I went down to Fred Beecher’s to get a bill of my timber. Stopped at Mr. Williams, paid him money for church. I called on Sadie, had a splendid time, went home at 1 o'clock. Frank Curtiss came home with me to help us.

Monday, March 24, 1873: Father & I shoveled one load of dirt to lay under pinning for addition, but the frost was too much for us. We went down the hill, chopped down a tree, made three 16 ft logs of it for joists. Frank Curtiss drilled four rocks. We blasted 2 of them. It was very cold and chilly.

Tuesday, March 25, 1873: Father & I cleared out some things from under room. Father cut some logs into for planks & posts. Frank sawed wood in fore noon & rode to center with me & went home. I went up to Uncle Burt’s to tell him not to come down to log up the wall. I came back, went to School Exhibition of Sarah. Was a good one. I staid at Sadie’s all night.

Wednesday, March 26, 1873: I came home this morn before breakfast. I went down to Sheldon Church’s saw mill with 3 logs for planks & posts. It rained hard. I got wet most thoroughly. Charlie Beach went with me. The trees are covered with ice quite thickly. Home writing in eve.

Thursday, March 27, 1873: Father & I cut some wood at the door. It was very windy and cold. George Hine got the pegs out of my new boots. I helped him load a small load of hay at S. Fairchild's barn. Mother & I went to Sewing Society at Burritt Davis’. Had a very good time, not but a few there, home at 11 o'clock.

Friday, March 28, 1873: Father & I went down in the woods and sawed the tree we cut down the other day. I went to Rimmon twice, carried 16 ft. log first time and 32 ft. log last time for joists, making three logs I done. George Hine & I went to Debate, carried Charles Beach. Was good lecture by Joel White.

Saturday, March 29, 1873: We yoked up the steers this morn about 10 o'clock. It rained some in forenoon. If aft noon it rained terrible hard. We went up and settled with Authelia & Charlie Beach for his work last year, etc. I wrote in aft noon after we got home. Father & I went to center to caucus in the rain. It was adjourned to next week.

Sunday. March 30, 1873: Father, Mother & I went to church quite good. Many there, bad traveling. I went down to Mr. Sutton’s and then up to Sadie’s in eve. It was mushy, I had a good time, staid until 1 o'clock. The wind blew terrible hard today but not in eve.

Monday, March 31, 1873: Father & I drilled and blasted stone in the big meadow for under pinning stone. It was windy and March went out like a lion. I went helped George Hine load some straw at Mrs. Fairchild's barn. We went to school meeting in eve at schoolhouse. Had a sharp debate about the repairs.

Tuesday, April 1, 1873: I went down & fetched up Mr. Sutton and his tools this morning. He hewed 4 sills today. Father & I dug 4 loads of dirt out of the bank of dirt to put up the new wall. I carted it down by the grove. We done chores and helped Sutton snap the line. I went down to Fred Beecher’s in eve to see Mr. Church about my logs.

Wednesday, April 2, 1873: I went up to Authelia Beacher’s, tried on my fine shirt. It rained some. Father & I carted dirt out of the bank to just up underpinning to addition. Mr. Sutton worked at my floor boards. Father & I went to Caucus. Nichols French was nominated for Representative. Father had 13 votes on informal ballot. It was very muddy.

Thursday, April 3, 1873: Father & I carted out dirt with the boat, was very hard. Father picked up the dirt. I shoveled it in. It was blustering and rained some. Mr. Sutton hewed some & worked at floor boards. Mother went to Millville, fetched Jennie & Hattie Parmelee down. I was home in eve.

Friday, April 4, 1873: Father & I dug dirt. In aft noon, went down to saw mill at Rimmon. We dug some in aft noon. I done chores early, went over to Sadie’s. Staid 3/4 of an hour. I had a good chat with her. I went to Debate, staid until 10 o'clock. Mr. Sutton worked at my floor boards and hewed some.

Saturday, April 5, 1873: Father went up to school house this morn with rest to see about excepting repairs. Father & I went to Rimmon and drew part of logs onto the ways. I went to Ansonia, carried Sadie to Seymour. I tried on my new cloths at Fleig’s. I went down on cars from Seymour & called at Mr. Sharpe’s. Got home at 11 o'clock.

Sunday, April 6, 1873: Mother, Jennie & Hattie & I went to church. It was raining. Mr. Perch’s last day today. He had good sermon. Charlie & Della came home with us. I rode home with Mr. Hine. It rained very hard and thundered and lightened. Was terrible muddy. Edwin & Mary & May came down & got the other girls. I was home in eve with Charles & Della. Very dark.

Monday, April 7, 1873:
Father & I went down to Rimmon, drawed on the rest of our logs. Charlie Robinson went to Naugatuck. Father & I went to Town meeting in aft noon. It was muddy. Mr. Eben Riggs was elected Representative. Della & I went to call on Sadie. We had nice visit, got home at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, April 8, 1873: I went to Rimmon, got a load of sand in mom. In aft noon, I went down and fetched up a load of studs, 2 gifts and some boards. Uncle Burt came down. Albert Seeley & him worked at laying up underpinning stone. Got quite a lot layed up. It was nice day. Mother & Della washed. I was home in eve, tired.

Wednesday, April 9, 1873: Father & I drew stone for underpinning wall. It was very windy and cloudy. Albert Seeley & Uncle Burt layed wall. Father slacked l/2 bbl. Lime. George Hine & Willie Hine shoveled dirt out of the ditch for the east underpinning work this afternoon. We got along nicely with wall. All worked hard. Della went to Southford.

Thursday, April 10, 1873: Frank Davis helped me draw stone in the forenoon. In aft noon we went to Rimmon, fetched up over 700 feet lumber at one load from saw mill. Father, Uncle Burt & Albert worked at foundation walls. Father helped put up 12 bushel potatoes @ 90 cents per Bu. I went over to Sadie’s in eve. She would not come home with me. Charlie Robinson came down.

Friday, April 11, 1873: Good Friday. Uncle Burt & Albert worked until noon & fintshed the stone work. They went home. Mother, Charlie, Della, & I went to church. Mr. Pearce’s last sermon today. I carried Charles & Della Home. Mary’s children came down. I went to Naugatuck with Charles, engaged a team for wedding for $8.00. I carried Sadie to lecture of John Lounsbury. Good time, full house. I stopped & saw Mr. Pearce about marrying us. (Lovely, night) I got home at 11 1/2 o'clock and had a good time - very clear & warm.

Saturday. April 12, 1873: It snowed today all the while & in eve was cold. Tedious day, it fell 4 inches deep, it melted good deal. I went over to Mr. Hine’s. He put a heel on my boot. I picked over 7 bushels of apples & potatoes, greased buggie. We sorted out our clapboards. Piled them up & floor boards. Home in eve.

Sunday, April 13, 1873: I arose at 6 o'clock. The snow was 3 inches deep, but all melted away before night. I went up and saw Glover, came home, got ready, went to Fred Beecher’s, went up to Sadie’s to tea, staid until 10 o'clock. Had a good time, it was moonlight eve, but very blustery and cold.

Monday, April 14, 1873: I helped do chores, fetched water to wash with. I went down to Rimmon 3 times after timber with Willie Hine & George’s oxen. We fetched up over 1500 feet. The last load slipped off. We loaded it over. Father worked around sorting out the timber. I went to center in eve, got some meal for some corn, got $85 for my check of $116 of S. P. Sanford.

Tuesday, April 15, 1873: Father & I went over to Church’s mill & fetched home 6 sticks for plates & posts, then father went to Rimmon and fetched up last load from there. Willie Hine went with him. I went to Ansonia, Birmingham & carried 2 bushels of potatoes & 1 bushel of apples to Fleig. I bought me a new pocket book, a pair of drawers & I got my wedding suit of Fleig. Paid him $47.20 in cash and $5.00 in stuff I carried. I got 4 small windows & 140 pounds of nails.

Wednesday, April 16, 1873: Father & I got out the sleighs. I washed up good one, put them up. We carried the sills into the door jams, dug out some dirt for wood room. Father made a door for little barn. I took off base & 4 clapboards. Fred Beecher & A Seeley worked here, commenced to frame the addition. Bryant & Sarah came down and staid all night. I was home in eve.
Thursday, April 17, 1873: Father & I dug out dirt for the wood room and talked some. Made some pins for the building & filled up some of the holes in big meadow where we took out rocks. Fred Beecher, Seeley & Glover Cable worked at framing, & it snowed in morn & rained in aft noon & eve. Bryant & Sarah went home.

Friday, April 18, 1873:
Father & I got in a stone for the chimney, we fetched down a load of hay from school house barn. I washed buggie, picked up drag load of stone south of house. Fred, Glover & Albert worked at framing in the aft noon. It was busy. I went over and called on Sadie, had a good visit. Got home at 11 o'clock.

Saturday, April 19, 1873: I went up to Millville, got $127.75 for colt. Paid Bryant $3.00 for oil paper for clapboard on 160 sheets of it. It was showery. I went. over to center at 4 o'clock to parish meeting. Home in eve. Fred, Glover & Albert worked here all day. Got most ready to raise the building. Disagreeable day.

Sunday, April 20, 1873: Father, Mother & I went to Cong. Church all day. Had good sermons. Edwin & Mary were down & staid to tea & carried all my new clothes over to Sadie’s. We went and carried Mary Cable’s down home. We practiced walking and studied the Marriage ceremonies. Had a lovely time. I left for home at 10 o'clock, home at 11. Thus ended my sparking period!

Monday, April 21, 1873: Fred, Glover, Albert & Austin Hine worked here. We raised my addition today. It snowed & rained a little. I went to James Wheeler’s & paid him $24.00 for Edwin Parmelee’s interest money. I went to center in eve. Saw Mr. Hinman, got a Marriage Certificate and got 13 lb. nails, home at 10 o'clock.

Tuesday, April 22, 1873: I helped do chores and made some preparations for wedding. I wrote up my books and cash account, and helped put on some oil paper, and fussed around. Father, Fred, Albert, Glover, & Austin worked at the new addition. It was snowy. I went over and staid all night to Sadie’s. It was cloudy.

Wednesday, April 23, 1873:
I arose at 1/2 past 3 o'clock. Had breakfast. We got ready. At 1/2 past 8 o'clock, the Hack came with Charlie & Della. We went to the Church. Sadie & I were married by John T. Pearce. We bid friends good bye. Edwin & Mary, Bryan, Sarah, Charlie & Della, Sadie & I started for Hartford. Got there at l/2 past 2. They came back. We staid at the Atlyer House, walked down the park, had a lovely time.

Thursday, April 24, 1873:
We went to Wethersfield to see the State Prison. We went all over it, liked it. We had dinner, then took the cars for Yalesville. Uncle Watson met us. We called at Charlie Davis, went to Uncle Watson’s, we had a beautiful time in eve. Charlie Davis & wife, George Lumbra & wife and us. I enjoyed myself.

Friday, April 25, 1873:
We went, called on Lizzie Lumbra, then Uncle Watson carried us all down to Wallingford to Uncle Henry’s. It was splendid day. We staid to Henry’s to dinner, went back, had good time. Uncle Burt & Bennett came to Watson's. I took his horse, carried Sarah & Della to Uncle Ben’s. They walked. We had a turkey supper and nice time in eve.  Uncle Plumb and Aunt Nancy here.

Saturday, April 26, 1873:
We arose feeling good at 6 o'clock. Nice morn, had breakfast. Uncle Bennett carried us to depot, we went to New Haven, out to West haven, staid to Uncle Stephen’s to dinner, then went back to New Haven. Waited, took 5 o'clock train for Seymour. Arrived all right and nice clear weather all the trip. Thus ended my lovely wedding trip, we all got home at 8 o'clock.

Sunday, April 27, 1873:
I fussed around this forenoon. Father & Mother went to church with George Hine. Charlie, Della, Sadie & I went to church in aft noon to hear the new minister preach. Shook hands all around, then we went up to Sadie’s to tea. We carried Charlie & Della home, then I fetched Sadie home and came home myself at 11 o'clock.

Monday, April 28, 1873:
I went to Seymour and over to Smith’s and Beecher paper mill. Got 500 brick & 1 lb. Lime. Came home, ate dinner, then worked around the building the rest of the day. It was clear, nice day. Father helped put down the floor boards.

Tuesday, April 29,1873: I went down to Beaches paper mill, got 300 more brick and paid him $9.00 for the 600 brick. I went to Ansonia in aft noon and got molding, pine boards for verandah and front, got 25 lbs. of Lead, 12 lbs. of Spanish media, 3 gallons oil (linseed) for new addition. I was burning corn stalks in eve with Charlie Beach.

Wednesday, April 30, 1873:
I went up in lot east of school house meadow, showed Charlie Beach how to plow, staid up till most noon. In aft noon he split all of the hills and plowed 1 land up clean. I set out glasses for him & went to Center, carried 3 Bu. to mill & got 25 lbs. of nails. I worked around the building & rode to center with Father then walked over to Society.

Thursday, May 1, 1873:
I arose at 5 o'clock. Theodore came and fetched Sadie & Glover home. It was lovely day. I set out Land for Charlie to plow. Sadie & I walked up to the lot. I picked up some brush and stone on meadows. I worked around the building & went to center, got some gross seed, called at Hinman’s, went up to Sadie’s, Staid all night. Lovely.

Friday, May 2, 1873: I came home this morn. It was rainy. I went down to Pines Bridge with Charles Beach, carried a log from Burritt Davis to sawmill for lath. We got a load of sand from Mrs. Baldwin’s land. We got home, wet through. It rained hard. I had to change all my clothes. I caught cold. Fred did not come today. Albert, Glover & Austin worked in the forenoon.

Saturday, May 3, 1873: I went down to Rimmon, got 250 feet of lathe boards in morn. I cleaned out the stables and worked around the house and barn. Carried boards, etc., It commenced to rain at 2 p. m. We laid the verandah floor, put up some of the frame. Mr. Sutton & Father, home in evening.

Sunday, May 4, 1873: I arose at 1/2 past 5. Done chores, got ready for church. The snow fell 2 inches deep, last night. It melted this morn. I carried Father & Mother to church, then went up and fetched Sadie down to our church in aft noon. She came home with us to stay for good. Father & Mother went up to Uncle Burt’s. Mr. & Mrs. Hine called here in eve. Sadie & I kept house together.

Monday, May 5, 1873: We finished the carpenter work, I arose, done chores. Father & Mother came home. Sadie commenced her school. I worked around the building, fetched water, etc. I went down to Seymour, bought Sadie a Caster for $6.18 and some glass. & lumber, done chores, was tired, nice eve.

Tuesday, May 6, 1873: I went to Beacon Falls, got some hair for mortar and nails & center bolting, etc. Mr. Edwards worked the verandah today. Albert Seeley worked here alone. Uncle Burt came, layed part of chimney. Father & Charlie finished sewing oats and grass seed. It was nice day. We helped George Hine put out a fire across lot from wagon shed.

Wednesday, May 7, 1873: I went to Pines Bridge, got a load of sand with 2 yokes of oxen. I carried brick & mortar. We finished the chimney today and slacked 2 1/2 lbs. of lime. At night I went to Beach’s Paper Mill, got 2 bbls. of lime at 6 o'clock. Father & Mother went to Clark Botsford’s funeral at 1 o'clock.

Thursday, May 8, 1873: We mixed up lime & mortar and worked it over. I carried mortar for Uncle Burt. He put the walls on over once and put the bedroom wall on the second time. Albert Seeley worked here fixing chimney and verandah. & Charlie picked up some stone. Bryan & Sarah came down to tea. Father

Friday, May 9, 1873:
I worked around at different kinds of work, helped some. It was a rainy cold day. Uncle Burt plastered, I fixed up our hand rakes, I read news in eve. Sadie kept school as usual.

Saturday, May 10, 1873: I plowed piece east of house for potatoes in the morn. Clear, then I drew off some stones. Uncle Burt finished here at noon. Mother & Sarah went to Millville. Charlie worked on the meadows. I struck the piece I plowed in morn into ridges It was cloudy & damp.

Sunday, May 11, 1873: Mother & Della went to church in aft noon. It was foggy and rainy, we did not go to church on this account. Charlie Robinson came home with them from his folks. I carried Sadie over home this eve, staid 2 hours, had a nice ride home at 9.

Monday,  May12, 1873: I finished cleaning up the big orchard. Charlie Beach harrowed out the stalks and pulled them over. Got out 4 loads of manure for pitching in lot south of big orchard. Father plowed the garden and planted some potatoes east of the house. He helped Mr. Davis put in a bridge down by his lot. Sadie & I went to center to hear blind man preach.

Tuesday, May 13, 1873: Today, Charlie & I got out 9 loads of manure, fetched up a small load of hay from little barn. There was a very hard thunder shower. We got under the cart. Mother, Sadie & I went over to Hinman’s to donation, had a good time.

Wednesday, May 14, 1873: I went down to Burton’s in morn. We carted 3 loads of manure out of north pig pen. Father drew some stone off lot east of school house. We spread some manure and plowed 3 hours in aft noon for corn & potatoes. I went up to Robert Downs after 2 1/2 bu. potatoes to plant. Sadie rode up with me. It was cold.

Thursday, May 15, 1873: I went down to Winton’s with our oxen. ‘Got 3 pieces of shoes put on, come home. Got out 3 loads of manure and went to plowing. Father & Charlie planted 12 1/2 bushels of late Rose potatoes on east side of the lot with 1 bushel early Rose. It was clear.

Friday, May 16, 1873: I got out some manure and plowed 2/3 of the day. Father planted corn & with Charlie’s assistance a few early Rose potatoes. In evening went to mill accompanied by my dear wife, Sadie. Brought for her as token of my love just one single plum, also 17 Ibs. of nails for house..

Saturday, May 17, 1873: F, Charlie and myself passed our day in a lot, just east of here, am not sure that we accomplished anything until evening. Then we went to a meet & bought a pen for $15.00. Got home at ten & found Sadie in bed, sound asleep.

Sunday, May 18, 1873
: Mother, Bryan & wife Sadie & I went to church in aft noon. It was clear, nice day, quite number at church. Bryan & Sarah went home. George Hine & lady, Frank Davis & lady, & myself & Sadie went to Congregational Concert. Lewis Perkins was the Supt. tonight. We got home at 9 o'clock.

Monday, May 19, 1873: I got out 5 loads of manure. Father planted corn. Charlie planted potatoes & plowed & finished the piece south of the lane down south of big orchard. It was clear & cool day. I drew one load of stone from lot east of big meadow. Authelia was here in eve.

Tuesday, May 20, 1873: Charlie & I cleared out the addition and swept it out. I went to work cleaning off the mortar from the casings and sheeting. It took me until 5 o'clock. Charlie planted corn. We finished planting except one row of corn. Father went carried load of spokes to Millville, then went to Quassapaug and got three kinds of paint. Mr. Sutton painted here.

Wednesday, May 21, 1873: I went to Seymour, got lead oil & turpentine, Japan varnish & swill spout. Came home and worked around the house, helped take up carpet. We fussed around at every thing in aft noon.

Thursday, May 22, 1873: Charlie washed our old harness. I oiled it in fore noon. Glover & Albert hung the doors, put in the windows springs, etc. Charlie & I got out 6 large loads of manure for Mrs. Authelia Beach in aft noon. Hennie, Hattie & Mr. Pearce spent aft noon and took tea with us. Glover staid to tea. We had a good time. I was home in eve.

Friday, May 23, 1873: Ploughed for Authelia in the morning. Afternoon, worked at home until 4 p. m., then prepared and together with Sarah went to Ansonia. Bought sink, & other trimmings for door. Ordered a bureau at Bassett’s. Reached home 9 o'clock.

Saturday, May 24, 1873: Father and Mother accompanied by Uncle Burt & Aunt Janet went to Stratford to spend the Sabbath. I worked about the house most of the day as Sadie was sick and unable to do all the work. Charlie & Della came down in evening. G. G. Hine & myself went fishing. Arrived home 12 o'clock.

Sunday, May 25, 1873:
Did all the morning work, then dressed and went to church. After services, Charlie & Della went to Stratford, Sadie & I went to Riggs Street. In evening Father & Mother Curtiss came over home with us. Staid about 1/2 hour.

Monday, May 26, 1873: I done chores alone. Worked in garden some time, then went to center and got 3 bu. of feed ground and some garden seeds and kerosene. Got home at 1/ 4 to 12. Worked in garden some in aft noon. Father, Mother, Uncle Burt & Aunt Jane came home from Stratford. It was clear. Father & I put up scare crows in the corn. It was clear.

Tuesday, May 27, 1873: Father hung rolling doors. Charlie was home. I worked in garden a. m. Afternoon we all worked at stones. I left off work early and took Sadie to Seymour and got her bureau. Had my hair cut, got home at eleven.

Wednesday, May 28, 1873: Worked at gardening in morning, Charlie assisting me. Afternoon, father & Charlie and myself picked up stone in meadows. Mrs. Beach & children made one of her customary calls in evening,. Thundered and lightened, not but a little rain.

Thursday, May 29, 1873
: Father & I worked on road down Chestnut Tree Hill Road with the team. Charlie Beach worked for Mr. Davis planting potatoes. It was a clear beautiful day. I was tired in eve. At home with Sadie, trying to tease me, but she could not.

Friday, May30, 1873:
Father & I worked on road. Commenced below Harts and worked to above Heber’s. It was a nice day to work. I went and carried Sadie over home tonight & staid over night. Had a good visit.

Saturday, May 31, 1873:
I started home at 3 o'clock, got home. Father & I cleaned out the well to get out a dead rat, then I washed the buggie & oiled it. He worked on road 2 1/2 hours. Mary Parmelee came down a few minutes. Father & I went up to Clark Botsford’s Auction. We bought his oxen for $225.00. Mr. & Mrs. Robinson were here to tea. Sadie came home tonight.

Sunday, June 1, 1873: Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. It was a beautiful day. Mr. Anketell had a beautiful sermon. Quite a number at church. Came home, took tea, done chores, then went up to Millville, Staid 1 hour. Sadie & Della made Sarah & Mary birthday presents of napkin rings. Heber Chatfield & family called here.

Monday, June 2, 1873: Father, Charlie & I worked on the road from Mr. Davis’ up to Authelia Beach’s. It was a clear, nice day. Mr. Sutton painted on the outside and primed the doors over on the inside. Mrs. Beach and children called here in the eve.

Tuesday, June 3, 1873: Father, Charlie & I worked on the road up to Frank Davis in fore noon and towards watering trough below Heber’s in aft noon. It was a little cloudy, but a nice day to work. Mr. Sutton painted on the outside of the house. I was home in eve. We yoked up our new ox with buck.

Wednesday, June 4, 1873
: Father, Charlie & I worked with the team towards the center on the road. It was cloudy in morn and cleared up in aft noon. We worked late at night. Leena Robinson called a few minutes with Henry Wheeler. It was a warm day.

Thursday, June 5, 1873:
Charlie & I worked on road, Father on bridge for town, below watering trough. After school, Sadie & myself drove to Seymour. I started with oxen for David Riggs, but decided not to sell them at his price and sent them home. Intended to have bought a pair of boots but could not obtain any my size. Reached home at ten o'clock.

Friday, June 6, 1873:
Morning Charlie & I went after pea brush. Father assisted H. Davis on bridge. D. Riggs sent after the oxen by his brothers, paid five dollars more than his previous offer. Afternoon, Mother & I went to see Mary who was sick. After we returned, I carried Sadie home and spent night with her.

Saturday, June 7, 1873:
Came from Sadie’s this morning, got home at nine, then worked throughout the remainder of the day drawing step stones. Was sick, not hardly able to work but was rather obliged to. Wife came back from her home and her brother Charlie with her to spend the night.

Sunday, June 8, 1874: Mother, Sadie & I went to church. It was cold for this time of year. We reorganized the Sunday School and took up a collection for new books for the library. Got $14.00. Charlie Butler & wife, Elinor Pardee & Louisa Candee & Jay Beecher called here in eve. Pleasant.

Monday, June 9, 1873: I went up to John Hawley’s with my heifer in morn. Then we laid our new step stones. Went to Mr. Riggs’ lot and got 2 step stones. It was a clear nice day. Charlie hoed east of house and helped me put in our ox shed and wheel in sand and clean up around. Sadie & I went to Seymour in eve. I got a pair boots.

Tuesday, June 10, 1873: Father & I worked on a stone bridge with Hart Davis down most to watering trough. We put in a new bridge, I finished it all up. Charlie split wood in morn, in aft noon he went to Sarah Judd’s wedding, Mother & I went up to Millville.

Wednesday, June 11, 1873: Ploughed and planted with early rose potatoes piece south of the house in forenoon. In after noon I ploughed out corn & potatoes. Father and Charlie did six rows. Sarah went home after school. Mary, who was there with her, got back at nine o'clock. Mrs. Beach & children called as usual.

Thursday, June 12, 1873: Charlie and myself ploughed. Father went to mill with four bushel rye. After my day’s work, walked to John Hawley’s for a visit with old Brindle. Charles Hine called here a short time in evening. I was tired and went to bed early.

Friday, June 13, 1873: I finished plowing out corn in fore noon. Father & Charlie howed and I helped them in aft noon. We got the long rows done up to the barn. It was clean, nice day. I went to center with Sadie. I carried 3 bu. of corn to have’ ground, did not get it ground. We called at Candee girls and then we all went up to sewing. Good time.

Saturday, June 14, 1873: Father, Charlie & I placed one step stone, when we went and finished hoeing for first time at 11 o'clock. Then Charlie & I washed the big wagon. He went home. Sadie & I went to Ansonia, called on Hattie Cramer. I settled accounts with W. L.. Hotchkiss Co. Came up by the center and got me mantle shelves and brackets.

Sunday, June 15, 1873: Father, Mother, Mary Parmelee, Sadie & I went to church. Father & I went with George Hine. Sadie & I started the Sunday School by saying the catechism. Sadie & I went to Congregational church in aft noon, then went to Father Curtiss’, took tea, then we went up to see Mary. She was a little better.

Monday, June 16, 1873:
I went and plowed out corn and potatoes for Authelia Beach in fore noon. At noon I helped Father put some posts under the new verandah. I went up and howed for Mrs. Beach worth in all $1.60. She did not settle it. I went over to center, got 50 lbs. of meal. Warm day.

Tuesday, June 17, 1873: Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to West Haven and went a clamming. Staid to Uncle Stephen’s to dinner. Had a nice strawberry cake. We got most 1/2 bushel of clams. It was clear and cool day, but dusty. We called at Charlie Sherman’s & John Treats. We called on Mrs. Fairchild, Mrs. Moody. We took tea with Emerson Terrill, got home at 10 o'clock

Wednesday, June 18, 1873: Father, Charlie & I got the scythes ground and went to mowing at half past 9. We mowed an acre of clover north of our rye on the north east corner of the 2nd lot east of school house. Mother went to Millville. I howed in garden some. It clouded up some.

Thursday, June 19,1873: Father, Charlie & I mowed in the swamp down by Mr. Davis’. Charlie stirred out the hay, Charlie & I raked up 50 heaps of clover and turned over the rest of it. And then we raked up the swamp. It was warn day. Edwin & Mary came down, staid all night. I paid Albert Seeley $25.00 and settled accounts with him.

Friday, June 20, 1873: Father, Charlie and I got in one good load of clover. Mary and Sadie came out in the fields after school & walked over the meadow, out looking for strawberries. Evening I went to Center to meet members of the Lyceum. Decided to have picnic 4th of July.

Saturday, June 21, 1873: Morning I assisted Sadie about taking down bed and getting our bedroom ready for painting and papering. Others went for Aunt Mary in Seymour morning train. After her return C & myself went to Woodbury, got 18 milk pails, Della came home to see Mary in the afternoon.

Sunday, June 22, 1873: Edwin, Sadie & I attended church. After Sunday school, we elected D. Hawley assistant superintendent and H. Fairchild, librarian. While we were voting E & S went to Riggs Street. Everyone washing. Evening Wife & I visited C. Butler, had a splendid time.

Monday, June 23, 1873: Mr. Sutton was here working at mother’s sink. About eleven o'clock Mary was taken suddenly & severely sick. I started for Dr.., went to his house, from there to Seymour where I found him. By the time we reached home, she was more quiet. Charlie & Sadie went to Seymour after medicine for Mary.

Tuesday, June 24, 1873: Mr. Sutton finished mothers sink, then painted around in several different places. Received presents from Mrs. Beach & family , a pair of glass salt cellars. Edwin came down to stay with Mary. All night she was feeling rather badly.

Wednesday, June 25, 1873:
Father, Charlie & I mowed clover all day in lot east of school house meadow. Sarah & I went up the street getting subscriptions for 4th of July. It was clear, nice night. Mary was sick tonight.

Thursday, June 26, 1873: I got out the mowing machine and went to mowing with it up the lane. Mowed 1 acre, then raked up the clover in 2nd lot east of school house meadow and got in a small load. Raked up the grass I cut with the machine. Sadie & I went to center in eve. Louisa, Mary & Hannah Candee, Dan Drinham & Elinor Pardee were here in eve. Had a good call.

Friday, June 27, 1873: I mowed a little in the school house meadow. We got in three loads of clover in lot east of school house meadow and 2 load of clover from north of the lane. Put three load in little barn up by school. One load into corn house and 1 into the barn at home. The school house meadow was very light indeed.

Friday, June 28, 1873: I went mowed the piece north of the barn in the school house meadow in morn. Charlie & I went up to John Hawley’s with next to youngest cow. We got 1/2 of our hay raked and got in what I mowed yesterday and it rained quite a shower. I went to center and attended debate.

Sunday, June 29, 1873: Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. I attended to the Sunday School. We all went to Congregational church and attended the funeral of Mrs. Joel White, then went back to our church to evening service. Bryan & Sarah came down, made a call. Sadie & I went over to Father Curtiss after our washing in eve.

Monday, June 30, 1873: We fetched water to wash with. I went to plowing out corn, plowed out 128 long rows. Father & Charlie hoed 10 rows today. Uncle Burt & Aunt Jane came here from West Haven, staid to ten, went home. Sarah and I went to Seymour, got a new bed stool, crackers and waiter camp chair and so on. Got home at 10 o'clock.

Tuesday, July 1, 1873: Father, Charlie & I howed some corn & potatoes. We had a shower and went in little barn. Howed 1 row apiece in a fine misty rain, then went up to the house. It rained way hard for 1 hour and then cleared off. I helped Sadie put down the carpet in our room, put up the bedstead & filled the bed. I went to Center to Lyceum in eve.

Wednesday, July 2, 1873: I mowed little bit north of the barn smoke house lot and piece east of the old swamp. Charlie beach howed two or three rows. We opened the hay north of little barn by school house and got it in. Put 8 heaps in little barn & pitched down a small load to house one. Raked the other 3 pieces. I went with Sadie to Center and up to Father Curtiss’.

Thursday, July 3, 1873: Father finished plowing corn. I helped open the hay, then took the horse, went down to Winten’s, got two hinged shoes set there, then I went to help fix the picnic grandstand until 1 o'clock. I went home, helped father get in one load of hay. I wrote some in eve and went to bed. Had a good night’s rest. The boys fired guns at 12 o'clock.

Friday, July 4, 1873: I arose at 5 1/2 o'clock, felt good, done chores, greased the wagon, shot off my revolver twice, then got ready, went to picnic. I carried Candee girls down home and carried Mr. Anketell up to the grounds. We had a splendid time and nice refreshments. Fireworks in eve were very nice. Mary, Edwin & Children were down & Charlie & Della. They went home at 10 o'clock.

Saturday, July 5, 1873: Today Father & I mowed piece south of the old house. Charles Davis & Jennie & Hattie came here. Mother carried her up to Millville. He went back to Seymour. I put up my closet hooks for me. Father & Charlie finished hoeing in aft noon down the lot. It was cloudy.

Sunday, July 6, 1873: Mother, Sadie & I went to church. It was a very clear & cool day for July. I attended to the Sunday School. David Hawley helped me today. I went up to Post Office. Paid C. H. Butler celebration money & some for Lyceum. Sadie & I called on Mrs. Davis in eve.

Monday, July 7,1873:
Father mowed around the fence up by the school house. I mowed all of the lot south of the path by school house and raked it up. Charlie carried the hay out of the lot south of old house. We got it in there, mowed a little in the big meadow by hand. We heaped up 60 heaps tonight.

Tuesday, July 8, 1873:
Hullen Peck was buried today. I mowed piece in north east corner of the big meadow and then we got in the two load of hay from school house meadow. We opened part of it. We raked up the two loads in big meadow by hand. It was green, put it in big barn. Sadie & I went to Seymour.

Wednesday, July 9, 1873:
I mowed in lot east of big meadow, mowed most all of it. We opened the hay in big meadow and got in 4 loads. One load in corn house and one in barn. We had 70 heaps tonight that I moved today. Lewis Doolittle died last night at 11 o'clock. It was dusty,.

Thursday, July 10, 1873: I mowed half of little orchard and we got in three loads I mowed yesterday and heaped up the load I mowed today. It was clear. Mary & Della fetched Charles Davis & family down from her house. Charles & I went to center in even and we got provender, etc.

Friday, July 11, 1873:
Bryan's wife came down, got clams. I worked around the house and barn little while in morn. Then went to mowing. Finished mowing the little orchard. Shower came up - we did not rake it up. I fixed the mowing machine, had tea early. Sadie & I went to Seymour, done trading. I saw Curtiss Booth. We carried Jennie D., Charlie Davis to Alice’s house.
Saturday, July 12.1873: I mowed more than half of the big orchard. We raked up rest of little orchard and got it in. Two good loads on the load, and just one load in little barn and one in cow house. Got in 1 load from the big orchard and had 10 heaps left in the lot mowed. Ferdinand Thompson & wife came down and got some cherries.

Sunday, July 13, 1873:
Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. It was a cool day. I attended to S. School - 20 scholars there. Quite a good many there to church. Sadie & I had a call from John Gay and Leena Robinson. They went home at 9 o'clock. It was clear & cool.

Monday, July 14, 1873: I finished mowing the big orchard and lot east of big meadow. We got in 8 heaps in little barn. Fetched up a large load from orchard and put it in the barn here. We got in land east of big meadow. It looked like rain.

Tuesday, July 15, 1873: I worked in east side of big meadow. Father cradled our rye. Charlie mowed out the fences and rock & trees, etc. Father, I, & Charlie raked part of our rye. I raked and heaped up the hay with our horse, then I finished them up. Father, I , & Charles worked scatterings

Wednesday, July 16, 1873:
I mowed middle of big meadow. Father & Charlie mowed by hand. We got in 2 load from big meadow that I mowed yesterday. We got two smaller heaps I mowed today. I put it in the new barn after two loads in old corn house. I had Mr. Davis’ horse. Carried Sarah over home, fetched Hattie back.

Thursday, July 17, 1873:
I mowed down by Mr. Davis’ corner all east of the swamp. We got in our rye, 14 loads. It rained at noon and Mary & Della came down, got some new potatoes & pork. We mowed the rye, hoed the garden, picked some cherries. Could not rake our hay - it was wet. Foggy at night.

Friday, July 18, 1873: Charlie & I pitched the east end of our barn. I moved the hay back in the corn house and fixed it some. Charlie picked some cherries for pies. I went to center a foot. Our horse got lame with a stone in his foot yesterday. I got the newspaper, done trading.

Saturday, July 19, 1873: I went down to turnpike, put up some fence and got 3 quarts of raspberries. I dug some new potatoes for dinner. Got in some wood, got up the horse, went to Southford, got the forward shoes set on the horse. He was lame. John Gay & Leena came down when I did. I got some cherries, staid to tea, home in eve.

Sunday, July 20, 1873: Mother &Sarah & I went to church. I attended to the Sunday School. Quite a good many to church. It was a clear, nice day. Bryan & Mary came down for a ride & got a few cherries. I went down to Seymour with Sarah to see Uncle and Aunt Sharpe & Gertie Booth. Had a nice call. Home at 10 l/2 o'clock.

Monday, July 21, 1873: I went to mowing south of the grove, mowed half of the lot. Charlie raked the lot on the corner by hand. Father mowed out the fences. Got in 2 loads I mowed Thursday & 1 load I mowed today. It was a clear, nice day. I raked up the other two loads. Home in eve.

Tuesday, July 22, 1873:
I mowed rest of the lot south of the grove, got in’2 loads I mowed yesterday. Put them in the new barn in horse bay, and in front of doors. Got in 1 load I mowed today. Left 1 load heaped up with the horse rake. It was a nice day to work.

Wednesday, July 23, 1873: I mowed in lot east of grove lot, mowed what was west of the corn. Got in the load we left out last night & 2 loads I mowed today. Raked it up to the barn & Charlie put it in. I mowed the piece east of the corn at night. It was heavy 2 loads. I was home in eve.

Thursday, July 24, 1873: We paid Nelson J. Botsford $60.00 towards note. I mowed little piece in big meadow, north- west corner and little piece in lot north of lane on east end. Father & Charles mowed out fences where I mowed last even & today Charles & I set out the piece east of corn by hand, put in little barn 2 loads & put what I mowed today, 1 load in big barn.

Friday, July 25, 1873:
I mowed the sheep lot north of the lane, got it mowed at 11 1/4 o'clock. Father & Charles mowed out fences. I raked it with horse to get it in. 2 1/2 loads, put 1 small load in the new barn on top of the hay. Put rest of the hay in barn. We finished Haying. Sarah & I went over to Riggs Street staid all night.

Saturday, July 26, 1873:
We loaded in the sewing machine, carpet, table, w chairs & several other things. Came home, ate dinner. It was very warm day. Father went to get the cart tire set over to Center. I raked 3 stacks of oats & helped George Hine take up Mrs. Beacher’s hog worth $30. I was home in eve. It commenced to rain at dark. Rained all night very slowly.

Sunday, July 27, 1873: [Notation on side says: “First day of Reward Cards.“] I arose, done chores, got ready for Church. We had a very hard thunder shower. This morn more rain fell than all summer put together. And another one after church. I attended to Sunday School - had 28 scholars. I gave 21 reward cards to the Sunday School scholars, none to Bible Class. All had good lessons. Home in eve.

Monday, Julyv 28,1873: I went and got the oxen, took down a load of manure and went to plowing for turnips south of little barn by the corn. Leena 8 Hattie Robinson & Della came down from Southford in aft noon. I plowed some in aft noon. Charlie Robinson came down with John Joy & Leena.

Tuesday, July 29, 1873: I plowed this forenoon for turnips. Piled up the stone as I plowed, then I went to dinner. Got out a load of manure and finished plowing the piece. Charles & Della went to Millville with Mother. She staid all night.

Wednesday, July 30,1873:
I got 2 loads of manure & finished getting it out. Then Father & I drew off 7 loads of stone I plowed up. Went to dinner. Charles, Father & George Hine raked up our oats-- all we had. I raked hay for George Hine, he raked oats for us. Charles & I carried 2 l/3 bushels of corn & oats to mill in the rain.

Thursday, July 31, 1873:
Father & I threshed rye in the barn. Charlie & Della came down with Mother again today. He helped me thresh some. We threshed 4 1/2 florin sumac today. Cleaned the floor & put off the load of oats with 19 schucks. Charlie. Della, Sadie & I went over to father Curtiss’ after whitewash. Good ride.

Friday, August 1, 1873: Sadie & I went to Seymour and got some inside paint for kitchen & sitting room. Came home. We finished threshing the rye. Father, Charlie Robinson & I cleaned it up - had 12 1/4 barrels of rye. It was a little showery today and warm. Sadie got a wash tub & presents for her scholars.

Saturday, August 2, 1873: Father, Charlie Robinson & I went over to Mr. Sutton’s. He, & father cut some sumac. I plowed and helped Mr. Sutton set turnips. Father went to Aunt Thursey’s funeral at Pines Bridge. Uncle Bennett & Aunt Liza were over. Charlie & I picked up the sumac. We had a shower.

Sunday, August 3, 1873: Charlie, Della, Sadie & I went to church. It was a warm day. I attended to Sunday School. We had a very good one. I gave 26 reward cards. 34 present in all. We had a nice shower after church. We had a sing in eve.

Monday, August 4, 1873: Father & Charlie Robinson went down to Mr. Church’s & got a small load of sumac. Father got the oxen shod. I staid home & took care of the sumac and cleaned the yard. I went up to Authelia Beach’s to see about the fence. I was home I eve. It was clear.

Tuesday, August 5, 1873: Willie Davis, Father & I went down to Church’s after sumac. We got quite a good load today. It was clear, nice day. Charlie Robinson took care of our sumac at home and went a whortlebertying. I was home in eve.

Wednesday, August 6, 1873:
Willie & I went to Church’s after sumac. Got a very small load of it up by the well. Mother carried Charlie & Della up to Millville and then went up to Quassapaug with Mary after rags. It was a very clear, nice day.

Thursday, August 7, 1873: Charlie Beach, Willie & I went after sumac down east of Church’s sorghum mill, We got a small load of sumac. It was very warm day, a shower went around. I had a headache today. Father took care of the sumac at home.

Friday, August 8, 1873: Charles & I went & found our young cattle down to Baldwin’s. Came home & carried Charlie & Willie over to Mr. Sutton’s to cut sumac. It rained little in morn. Went and looked at D. Riggs & John Church’s sumac. I went to Seymour, got stove pipe, 4 chairs, match safe & stopper for sitting room. I got caught in shower.

Saturday, August 9, 1873: Charlie, Willie & I went over to Mr. Sutton’s after sumac. We got a good load. We cut in Heber’s lot, got home in good season. Father took care of it at home. It was a nice day.

Sunday, August 10, 1873:
Mother, Sadie & I went to church. It was a clear cool, nice day. I attended to Sunday School. 40 present in all. 31 reward cards given. We had a good school. Sarah & I went up to Father Curtis’, took tea, came home. Bryan & Sara, Zera Davis, Alice & Effa were her in eve. All went home.

Monday, August 11, 1873: I fetched water to wash with. Went after mist to Heber’s & Willie, Charlie & I went down to John Church’s after sumac. Got a good large load of it. We had to pick off berries. Clear, warm, day. Got home, Mary & Dell was here. I did not feel very well. Sadie went to Katie Fairchild's to Society with Jennie Chatfield.

Tuesday, August 12, 1873: Willie, Charlie & I went to John Church’s after sumac. Got a good load today. It was windy & cloudy part of day. Mother & Sadie went to Waterbury with Mary. Mrs. Beach made her usual call at o o'clock with her children & niece Nettie Riggs.

Wednesday, August 13, 1873: I went down to Mr. Davis’ and stubbed off some boards for the table. It rained a quite hard in morn I cut some of the tree up in grove. Picked up brush, etc. I fixed up curtain sticks. Varnished the table & one chair.

Thursday, August 14, 1873: It rained hard today. We cleaned out the under room and fussed around the house. Read news paper etc. We expected to have our Sunday School picnic but it more than rained being the first heavy rain this summer.

Friday, August 15, 1873:
Father & I put down our new pipe and put up our new watering trough in our yard today and started the water to running into the trough. Sadie & I went up to Millville. Folks were gone to West Haven. We went down to Father Curtis’, took tea. Went to the center, staid to rehearsal few minutes.

Saturday, August 16, 1873:
Willie Davis, Charles Beach & I put up tables in our grove, got the school house benches, etc. in forenoon. Then we went over to church and got there, had prayer. Then all came to the grove, about 125 there. We had lemonade, peanuts, candy, sandwiches, cake, etc., which were all nice. Had splendid time.

Sunday, August 17, 1873: Hattie Robinson, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. 42 Scholars present, 31 cards given out. Was pleasant nice day. Doctor Barnes, Heber Chatfield, Bryan & Wife & Emma came here. Bryan & family staid all night. Jennie Chatfreld, Mary Davis called here.

Monday, August 18, 1873: I went down to Heber’s, got meat. Willie & Charlie & I got the boards & benches in the grove, then went to John Church’s- after sumac. Got % load. It came on to rain at noon. We got through. Bryan went to Seymour tonight, bought plank. Staid here tonight, we cleaned out the cow stables.

Tuesday, August 19, 1873: Charlie & I went up to old place, cut a little sumac. It was warm, close day and cloudy. Father staid at home. Bryan & Sarah went home to Millville.

Wednesday, August 20, 1873: Willie, Charlie & I went down to David Riggs, cut 213 load of sumac and got l/3 of load over by John Church’s little farm house. It was cloudy & looked like rain some of the time. Did sprinkle some. We got a good load of sumac today.

Thursday, August 21, 1873:
Willie & Charlie washed Father’s best harness. I oiled it and then oiled mine. Father & I went to center to Agricultural meeting. It was rainy & foggy all day. It rained quite hard.

Friday, August 22, 1873: I oiled my harness and Fathers the 2nd time. Father painted up my wall in the basement. Charlie Beech went to Seymour with our horse. He & I got in our young cattle. Went to Fred Stall’s, got a turkey. Sadie & I went up to Mary’s and back in aft noon. Done some trading.

Saturday, August 23, 1873: Charlie & I went to John Church’s & got sumac. Willie was sick, did not work. We got a small load for a thunder shower came up and we came home early. I went to center, done some trading, got the mail & a little meat.

Sunday, August 24, 1873: Mother, Sadie & I went to church. I attended to S. School. 40 Scholars in all, 31 Sunday School scholars present, 30 had cards. Mr. Patterson addressed the school. Quite a number to church. Father & Mother Curtiss called on us, tonight. I went around of the farm with Father.

Monday, August 25, 1873: Charlie Beach & I went down to Mrs. Culver’s getting sumac, got a fair load. Got into a hornets nest. Charlie got stung and the oxen. I went over home with Sadie and staid little while. Theodore Curtiss came home with us to get sumac.

Tuesday, August 26, 1873:
Charles, Theodore & I went down to Mrs. Culver’s and got a large load of sumac. Got home rather late. Mother & Sadie went to Seymour and Ansonia. Took dinner with Hattie Beeman. Sadie got 3 chairs & sofa bed, etc. She was tired. Mother got her teeth fixed. It was nice day.

Wednesday, August 27, 1873: Charlie, Theodore & I went down to Mrs. Culver’s and finished getting good load on her land. Sadie & Della went to Waterbury & to Platt’s Mills. It was good clear day & warm. We got a large load of sumac. Got home late at night.

Thursday, August 28, 1873: Charlie, Theodore & I got sumac on the land owned by Mr. Gillette below James Wheelers. We got a good load & came home. Found Sadie sick with head & stomach ache on the bed. I did not go to Joel Osborne’s to Sewing Society. Quite nice evening.

Friday, August 29, 1873: Charlie, Theodore & I went up beyond Mr. Gillette’s after sumac. We got a large load, got home late. I went & carried Sadie over home. We staid all night. Came up a thunder shower in the night. Rained quite hard.

Saturday, August 30, 1873: I came home. Father & Theodore cut some sumac down on old turnpike. Charlie & Theodore picked it up on aft noon. I went to center, got two shoes set on the horses. I went over to Father Curtiss’, staid all night.

Sunday, August 31, 1873:
I started from Father Curtiss’, went home, left Sadie feeling badly with stomach and head ache, went to church with Mother in aft noon. Attended to Sunday School. 47 there, 35 rewards given. Said the last part of our catechism. Shower after church. I went up to Edwin’s and got his rubber blankets. Went & staid all night with Sadie at Father Curtiss’.

Monday, September 1, 1873: I went home this morn. We went to fixing grounds for the picnic. Took up the fence, etc. Drove stakes, commenced the tables, got them most done. Put up 2 of the covers, had a shower in the aft noon. Sadie came home feeling better with Theodore.

Tuesday, September 2, 1873: Father, Charlie & I fixed tables & put up the sumac in the barn ready for the horses at the Terre11 gathering. It was a clear beautiful day. We worked hard to get ready for them. Della came down & went back with our own team.

Wednesday, September 3, 1873: I went to Seymour, got Uncle Stephen, Aunt Mary & John. I bought 75 feet of rope for swing. The folks came from all directions, 84 in all. We had a very nice day for the gathering. There was 99 different ones here - neighbors and all. We had a splendid dance in eve over to Mrs. Hines. Sadie & I staid there all night.

Thursday, September 4, 1873: We had little rain in morn, but it cleared off nice. We had a good time playing croquet, querts, cards, den, etc. We had speeches after dinner by 3 or 4 different gentlemen. They commenced to go home at 3 p. m., all saying they had a very nice time.

Friday,  September 5, 1873: We carried Mr. Davis back home from the tables. School house benches, Lena Davis’ Melodeon, etc. I carried Aunt Mary, John & Stevie to cars at noon. It was very warm, came home, read a while. Sadie & I carried Charlie & Della up to Millville. I staid all night at Mary’s.

Saturday, September 6, 1873: I got up, got breakfast, then started for home & left Sadie to make a visit. Father & Charlie & I got sumac down below James Wheeler’s meadow. Got a good load. It was warm. Bryan & I went to center, carried Fiddle home.

Sunday, September 7, 1873: Bryan, Sarah, Emma, Father, Mother & I went to church. I attended S. School; 37 present, 30 rewards given. Came home got tea & went up to Millville in company with Bryan & Sarah & children. I attended Episcopal service at the school house. I staid to Edwin’s tonight. Sadie did not feel good.

Monday, September 8, 1873:
I went to Naugatuck this morn, got some medicine for Sadie, came home with Sadie. I went down to Pines Bridge and helped Father & Charlie oet sumac on Mrs. Riggs’ a good Ic back of burying ground. It was warm. We got

Tuesday, September 9, 1,873
: I staid home & took care of sumac. Father & Charles went down back of Mrs. Stephen Riggs house and got a good load of sumac for two to get. George Hine helped me here get in sumac. I went to Seymour and got Rev. Mr. Scott, brought him up to center. We all went to Missionary service in eve. Splendid.

Wednesday, September 10, 1873: Father & I put out the sumac. We all got ready and went over to church to County Convocation of Ministers. Sarah was baptized to day by Rev. John Anketell. Was nice day. We got in our sumac in aft noon and pitched up some.

Thursday, September 11, 1873:
Father, Charlie & I went down to Henry Church’s and got sumac. Got a fair load. Sadie & I went over to Peter Ward’s to Society. Had a very nice time. Got home as 12 o'clock.

Friday, September 12, 1873: Father & Charlie went down to Pines Bridge up on hill below Jos. Wheeler’s, got load of sumac. I staid home. and took care of it. Had 3 loads, had all I could tend to. Sadie & I went to Center in eve to Rehearsal of music at the church.

Saturday, September 13, 1873: Father, Charles & I went down on John Church’s land south of his little farm house and got a large load of sumac. It was a warm, nice day and expected this should be the last load of Sumac. Charlie & Della came down from Millville with mother, staid tonight.

Sunday, September 14, 1873: Charlie, Della & Sadie & I went to church. It rained little in the morning. There was 32 present in all, 26 rewards given. Had a splendid sermon, went home, had tea and read a while. Then I carried Charles & Della up to Millville, saw Bryan & Sarah 5 minutes. I got home at 8 o'clock.

Monday, September 15, 1873: Father, Charlie & I put in a new bridge up to our old maple tree. Stone sides & plank top. It was quite a job. I picked some grapes in the afternoon. 2 1/4 Ibs. It was clear, nice cool day. Father set the cart in the potato piece.

Tuesday, September 16, 1873: Father, Charlie & I dug early Rose potatoes south of the lane in the cow’s pasture. We dug 27 bushels of splendid ones, smooth, large and 3 1/2 bushels of small ones. We put them in the cellar. George Hine was in our house in the eve.

Wednesday, September 17, 1873:
Father & I worked with our team 10 hours on a stone bridge down by Heber Chatfield’s with Hart, Burritt Davis & Burton Tucker. It was very nice day. I wrote in my diary in the eve. Charlie Beach dug a few potatoes.

Thursday, September 18, 1873:
Father worked with Hart Davis, getting stone for bridges in forenoon. Charles & I picked up 3 bushel of apples in little orchard. I plowed for rye in the little orchard with a side hill plow. Charles dug potatoes. Father helped him in aft noon. We got in 12 bushels early rose and some pumpkins. Nice day. I did not write very much.

Friday, September 19, 1873: I churned for Sadie. Father & Charlie put up some sumac. Charlie washed the wagon & buggie. I fixed up the buggie some, put on washers & oiled it. Sadie & I went to center, got 2 shoes set on the horse forward. She called on Mrs. Anketell a little while. It rained quite hard today.

Saturday, September 20, 1873: Charlie & I went up to old place, got 1 1/4 bushels of grapes & 1 bushel of apples. Father put in 2 stone bridges with Hart Davis down Chestnut Hill. I picked up a few apples after I got home and done chores. Mary & Della came down & got some apples.

Sunday, September 21, 1873:
Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. 47 Scholars, 40 rewards given. I done chores. Father & Mother went up to Millville, staid to Mary’s all night. It was clear & warm. Sadie & I staid at home.

Monday, September 22, 1873: Father plowed some for rye. I done chores, went down the hill with Charlie Beach, looked over our lots for our two heifers Father bought of Carrington. Father & Mother came home this forenoon. I went down to Rimmon after the cattle, did not find them. I carried 1 bushel pears and 1 1/2 bushel of apples and got 62 1/2 pounds sugar.

Tuesday, September 23, 1873: Father & Charlie cut some corn. I went up to Red Oak and then to Naugatuck. Stopped to Mary’s to dinner, then went to Long Meadow and down by the pond & over to Riggs Street and home, and did not find our cattle. Or heard of them. Bryan & family moved to Wallingford today. I did not see them.

Wednesday, September 24, 1873: Father cut corn, Charlie & I went up to Long Meadow & looked the lots all through west of the pond, and then went on, kept going, went to Watertown and found the cattle in Deacon Matoon’s lot at 4 o'clock P. M. I came home, started from John Partrus at 6 o'clock, got home at 9 p. m.

Thursday, September 25, 1873: Father raked up the hay inside. Charlie & I started for Watertown after the heifers. Got up there at 10 o'clock and started home. Stopped at Mr. Camp’s to dinner and then came on, reached home between 3 & 4 o'clock. I carried Mother & Sadie up to Mrs. Beach’s to Society. We got small load of bedding from swamp. I went to Society. Hettie Robinson staid all night.

Friday, September 26, 1873:
Father & Charlie dug 28 bushel of very nice, large late Rose potatoes and 2 bushel of little ones. We got them. I plowed for rye with our Southbury plow and done better work than side hill plow. Sadie carried Hattie Robinson home. It was a very clear & nice day. I was home in eve.

Saturday, September 27, 1873: Father & Charlie dug 23 bushel of Late Rose Potatoes and 1 bushel of little ones. I finished plowing for rye and we got in the potatoes in aft noon. Also pumpkins. It was a splendid day to work.

Sunday, September 28, 1873:
Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. I carried $30.50 to Mr. Anketell to get books. 47 scholars present, 42 rewards given. We said the Lord’s Prayer and What Desirest Thou in it. Came home to tea, then I went and carried Mr. Anketell to milk train. He went to get S. School books. I went to Wm. Sharpe’s few minutes.

Monday, September 29, 1873:
I done chores. Father & I got out manure for our rye, 6 loads of it. It was cloudy some. Sadie & I went over to Father Curtis’. It rained before we got to center quite hard, but we had a good ride in the rain and staid all night.

Tuesday, September 30, 1873: Sarah & I came home at 10 o'clock. Father had got out 1 load of manure & drawn out some large rocks in the little orchard were we are going to sow rye. Father went to look at wood with B. Davis & David Riggs. I got out 1 load of manure and drew out several large stones with oxen.

Wednesday, October 1, 1873: I spread most of manure for rye. Father spread some and we rolled down the piece, sowed the rye, cut a bush and bashed it in. It was a very clear, nice day. Orlando Osborne came here and father signed his name to Edwin Parmelee’s note for the sum of $250.00, the old note having worn out.

Thursday, October 2, 1873: Father, Charlie & I picked Baldwin apples south of the house, got what there was there, about 12 bushel of it. Was clear, nice day. We went over to Dr. Lounsbury’s and ate some grapes. Father and I went to Church parish Meeting and took a vote to keep Mr. Anketell.

Friday, October 3, 1873: Father, Charlie & I picked apples in big meadow in forenoon, and in aft noon father & I picked apples alone. Mary & Della came down and went to Seymour. Mother & Sadie called on Mrs. Davis. Sadie & I carried some apples to Seymour, got some sugar, went to Uncle Wm. Sharpe’s, & up to Oxford Center.

Saturday, October 4, 1873: I finished picking Baldwin apples in big meadow. Got over 14 bushels off one tree and 1 bushel off another. Father & Charlie threshed 2 barrels of oats to carry some to the fair, and we shook a cider apple tree and brought up some corn - 12 stacks- and put it in the barn

Sunday, October 5, 1873: Mother, Charlie Robinson, Sadie & I went to church. It was a nice day. 48 present, 43 rewards given. 3 new scholars. I went down to Hart Davis’ in eve. John Gay, Leena & Hattie came down & made a call in eve. It was a beautiful, clear eve. Sadie was about sick.

Monday, October 6, 1873: It commenced to rain at 4 p. m. Charlie Robinson & I went a hunting this forenoon. He killed 3 gray squirrels & I killed a yellow hammer & blue jay. It was cloudy & rained a little when we were down to Pines Bridge. Father, Charlie & I went to town meeting little while. I had an awful head ache. Bruce Parmelee & Family & Mary Andrews came here from West Haven.

Tuesday, October 7, 1873: I went down to Fred Backus’ and got his saddle. It was cold and foggy. Bruce’s folks went home in aft noon. It was stormy kind of a day. We played Eucher. Charlie & I went over to center in after noon to see about our fair. It pretty cleared off at sunset, but was cool.

Wednesday, October 8, 1873: We all went to our cattle show and fair. It was a very good day. We did not have the Band as expected. They went to Woodbridge. We had the best exhibition in the hall we ever had. The cattle were few in number. I was assistant Marshal. Hart Davis, Chief. We took about $5.00 worth of premiums. Mary & Sarah were sick in the eve.

Thursday, October 9, 1873: Father & I picked some Russetts south of the house. I went over to center in aft noon to see about Fred’s saddle I forgot last night. Father & Mother carried Mary Parmelee home and went to Uncle Burt’s after 2 pigs. I picked up a barrel of cider apples and done the chores. Hattie, Lena, Charles & Della Robinson were here tonight.

Friday, October 10, 1873: I done the chores. We had breakfast and I got the oxen and went down and got the pumpkins in the corn. Charlie went to Millville. Leena, Hattie & Della were here. I picked some Russet apples and shook the tree. Father & Mother came home with 2 pigs.

Saturday, October 11, 1873: Della and Hattie went to Waterbury. Father & I picked some apples, dug out some early rose potatoes south of the old house and finished the piece and Rose potatoes. Father & I went to center to Town meeting in aft noon. There being a tie, David Riggs being elected Assessor, David McEwen, Board of Relief instead of father {get papers}

Sunday, October 12, 1873: Mother, Leena & Hattie Robinson, Jennie & Hattie Parmelee, Sadie & I went to church in our wagon. 57 present; 49 rewards given and 2 new scholars. Della, Sadie & I went to center in eve to get Fred’s saddle before Mrs. Warner went up north. It was a dark night.

Monday, October 13, 1873: Father & I picked up cider apples, 13 bushels, in the big meadow, and lot south of the grove and finished all of our apples for this year. I went down to Henry Church’s in the eve to engage his cider mill for tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 14, 1873: Father & I went down to the H. Church’s, made cider and ground our grapes. We fetched home 2 barrels of cider and 11 gallons of grape juice. It was a very nice day, clear and warm. Mary & Charles Robinson came down to get some butter and staid at tea.

Wednesday, October 15, 1873: Father & I went down to mill, cut down the cheese, go 10 gallons of cider and 1 barrel. Father & I made our wine, 11 gallons of juice, 77 pounds of brown sugar and made in all 28 gallons of wine. Sold Heber Chatfield 1 barrel of our cider for $9.00. Mary Nelson & Mary Sherman came here from West Haven. Mother & Della went to Seymour.

Thursday, October 16, 1873: I went up to Millville, carried 9 1/2 bushel of Baldwin winter apples. Sold 4 bushels at $2 per bushel, 5 1/2 lbs. @1.50 per lb., sold to Lyman Nichols, Mrs. Ward, Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Merrick Robinson & Tim Smith. I drew a horse rake down for big event. John & Stevie Treat came down, staid all night. Nice day & eve.

Friday, October 17, 1873: Father, John, Stevie & I went down to get chestnuts, got 1/2 bushel. John shook a tree, Stevie & I went hunting a little while. Mother went to Southford and got Leena Robinson to make her dress. I carried John & Steve to Seymour to 4 o’clock train. I carried 12 quarts of chestnuts, got tobacco, lemons and sugar.

Saturday, October 18, 1873: Father & I finished digging the potatoes. He commenced yesterday and day before. We got them in at noon. 10 1/2 bushel of Colebrook seedlings, Carters & 3 bushels of Peerless. We sold Mr. Thompson $7.50 worth of Baldwin apples & Mr. Ward 2 bushels @ $2 per bushel. I carried Jennie, Hattie & Della up to Millville and came home with Edwin’s cold and went to Southford, carried Leena home.

Sunday, October 19, 1873: Father, Mother, Sadie & I went to church. It threatened rain but did not. 48 scholars present, 41 rewards given. Two new scholars. Every thing went along nicely. Sadie & I went and carried Sister Nettie over home with Edwin’s colt. It was very dark coming home. It rained before we reached home.

Monday, October 20, 1873: Father & I went a chestnutting. It rained and the wind blew very hard. I greased the large wagon, and we husked out a dozen stacks of corn. I carried 10 bushels up garrett of good corn. We put the stalks up in the lower cow house. It was foggy and rained in the night.

Tuesday, October 21, 1873: Father threshed a few oats. I went down in woods, got 2 bushel of butternuts. Sadie, Mother Curtiss & I went over to Monroe & Stepney. Took dinner at Uncle William Curtiss, went over to Agur Beardsley, to grandmother’s surprise party. We had a splendid time. 25 there. We staid to Uncle Augur’s all night, had a good time.

Wednesday, October 22, 1873: Had breakfast at Uncle Beardsley’s. Then in company with Aunt Nina1 and Ernest, drove down to Grandma’s where we found her waiting our arrival to be conveyed to Aunt Julia’s. We ate dinner there. About three in afternoon, started for house, staid in Riggs Street that night.

Thursday, October 23, 1873: I rose at rather of a late hour, ate breakfast. I came home, got home about noon. Afternoon Father & I repaired the little barn and cleaned up 17 bushel oats. Evening Uncle Burt and wife, Charlie Sherman, his wife and Harry came from Woodbury, spent the night with us.

Friday, October 24, 1873: Father and I brought 3 cart loads of corn in stack from the lot. Made the ham. Uncle Burt and Aunt Jane went home. I carried C. Sherman & family to Seymour for the four o’clock train. Got back myself at dark.

Saturday, October 25, 1873: Father and I husked 20 stacks of corn in lot. Afternoon continued some in the house. I picked 2 bushel of quinces. Got in the stalks from 20 stacks, put them in corn barn. It was a nice day.

Sunday, October 26, 1873: We all attended church. Recited 100% of the sacraments. 53 present, 48 rewards given, 1 new scholar. Edwin & Mary came down, staid to tea and little while after tea. I helped do chores. Dr. Lounsbury & wife came over and spent the eve.

Monday, October 27, 1873: Father & I husked corn in the barn most all day. George Hine fixed my boots. Father went up to Glover Cable’s with Jay Beecher & Orlando Osborne. It rained quite hard all day.

Tuesday, October 28, 1873: Father went to husking corn. I put up 2 barrels of Baldwin apples for our own use and then went to husking corn. We husked out 20 stacks, which was all there was in the lot that we left. We carried the corn in. It was nice day.

Wednesday, October 29, 1873: Father &’ I dug Peach Blew potatoes, 7 bushels and finished digging potatoes for this year. It was nice, clear. We put the stalks top of the potatoes which made all of the crops in except for the turnips.

Thursday, October 30, 1873: Father & I mortared up 1/2 the east underpinning wall to my new part in forenoon. In aft noon Father, Charlie Beach & I drew stone off the lot east of the big meadow. I carried Mother & Sadie up to Mrs. Hawley’s to Sewing Society, staid a little while.

Friday, October 31, 1873: Father & I cut a little wood, went down to Heber Chatfield’s to settle. He was a going away and we waited until evening. We husked some corn, picked out some apples and we got 2 cotter heads of Heber and settled all book accounts to this day. It was cloudy.

Saturday, November 1, 1873: Father & I put 3 bushel of rye and 2 bushel of apples. I gave Della l/3 bushel of apples and sold rest to Seymour and John Nichols. Took dinner with Della in her new house. Carried Mary to Waterbury, got the grist ground. We got back to Mary’s at 8 o’clock, took tea and then Mother and I came home.

Sunday, November 2, 1873: Mother, Jennie, Hattie, Sadie & I went to Church. Quite a good many there in aft noon. 48 scholars present, 41 rewards given. I had a very hard cold and headache in the eve. Sadie & I expected to go to Seymour, but did not as I felt bad.

Monday, November 3, 1873: I helped Father pull our turnips. We finished them. We had 20 bushels. Put them in the cellar and that finished our crops for this year. I wrote in my Lyceum Book in the eve quite a while.

Tuesday, November 4, 1873: Father & Mother went to West Haven at 11 o’clock. I got up the horse and helped them get away. I went up to Glover’s and had him make Sadie a moulding board. He made a very nice one for nothing. I went down to Hart Davis’ to see about his colts. Came home, done chores and wrote some in the eve.

Wednesday, November 5, 1873: I done chores, had breakfast, went to pruning apple trees south of the old house & trimmed 2 rows down through on west side of the lot in the fore noon. Frank Leek came here and talked about a wringer. Father & Mother came home. Sadie & I went to Charlie Butlers wooden wedding. Carried 1 pair brackets. Good time.

Thursday, November 6, 1873: I got up at 7 o’clock, dusted my clothes. I greased the buggie, put on some washers & fixed it up a little. Father mortared up the rest of my new part and some on the old part to the house. I cut a little wood. We drew stone out of the path, drew 2 loads by the grove and 2 loads from lot east of big meadow. We traded 10 bushel of potatoes for a clothes wringer with Frank Leek

Friday, November 7, 1873: Father & I finished drawing stone in the lot east of big meadow in fore noon and chopped some wood. Father went over to Mr. Sutton’s in aft noon and helped him get his turnips. I washed the buggie, banked up the triangle in the yard. Sadie went over home little while. It rained hard in the eve.

Saturday, November 8, 1873: Father & I carried 3 bushel of potatoes & 1 bushel of apples to Ansonia. Father bought a new dress coat & vest for $20.00 of Fleig, paid him $10 in money, 2.5 in produce, leaving balance of $7.50. I bought some boards to finish under the verandah with. I bought a number of articles. Paid George S. Edwards $10.00 towards my bill. We got home before dark.

Sunday, November 9, 1873: Hattie Parmelee & I went to church, staid to Sunday School, came home. 50 scholars present; 48 rewards given. 1 new scholar. It threatened rain, but did not. Sadie was sick a bed. Edwin, Mary, Della & Charlie came down, went to church in aft noon. I went over to Riggs Street in eve with Theodore.

Monday, November 10, 1873: I helped Sadie in the house most all day. She sat in a chair by the fire in the forenoon. In aft noon she was a little better and went to doing her work. Father went to Beacon Falls and carried Frank Smith 10 bushel of Colebrook seedling potatoes at 86 cents per bushel. It was cold.

Tuesday, November 11, 1873: I helped Father & Mother get ready for Cheshire & Wallingford. It was a very nice day. I helped Sadie some. Mother Curtiss came over and staid all night last night. Father & Mother Curtiss, Uncle Wm, Aunt Nancy Curtiss & Willie. Aunty Cable, Hennie & Mr. Pearce & Mary, William Bronson all spent aft noon & staid to tea. We had a nice visit. They all went home. Mr. Pearce fetched Sadie’s & my wedding certificate

Wednesday, November 12, 1873: It was rainy this morn. I done chores, fixed little barn and then went to banking up the house on the front and north west corner. I helped George Hine raise his well pole and then done my chores. George Hine & I went over to organization of Debate.

Thursday, November 13, 1873: I done chores and then went to cutting wood at wood pile. 2 sewing machine agents came here and hindered me, staid to dinner. Mary & Della came down in aft noon. Sadie, Jennie, Hattie & I had George Hine’s horse and went to Mr. Anketell’s reception. Had a nice time.

Friday, November 14, 1873: I done chores, then I went to banking up my new part. I finished it and helped George Hine shell some corn. It was cold. Father & Mother came home from Wallingford. I done chores and was home in the eve. Our folks got home at 6 o’clock.

Saturday, November 15, 1873: Father & I did chores, carried in wood under the new part. We boiled swill, cut some wood & brush. It looked like rain or snow all day. Mrs. Davis & Annie came up here to make some clothes for Burton’s baby.

Sunday, November 16, 1873: Mother, Jennie, Hattie, Sadie & I went to church at noon, went to Sunday School. 33 there in all; 25 rewards given. 5 large cards. It was rainy, cloudy, clear & hailed in course of the day. Burton S. Tucker’s baby 5 weeks old was buried. Charlie Robinson. Della & Hattie came here for church, staid to tea.

Monday, November 17, 1873: Father & I husked out the last of our corn today and shelled out 12 l/2 bushels of ears of corn which was all we had in the barn. We cleaned out 1 of the ox stables of straw and stalks and then put in the oxen. It snowed part of the day.

Tuesday, November 18, 1873: Father & I did chores, cut some wood in the morn. It snowed part of the day. Father & I went over to Kelly Fen and cut a load of Rock Oak that was felled and fetched it home. Took up to school house for winter school. It was unpleasant. I churned in the eve.

Wednesday, November 19, 1873: I went over to George Hine’s and got my new boots to wear every day. He got out the pegs. I oiled them. Father & I went to Kelly Fen. We chopped a load of oak wood. I came home with it. He cut another. I went after it. Pleasant day. George Hine, Sadie & I went to Lyceum, had a good time.

Thursday, November 20, 1873: Father & I worked at new mangers for our oxen and 2 north stables which we begun last night. Father finished them in aft noon. Sadie & I went to Seymour. She ordered her a new bonnet for $5.00. We came up by way of the center to Mr. Anketell’s to see about Christmas tree, only not there. Nice day.

Friday, November 21, 1873: I helped Father do chores. We put up some potatoes, 2 bushels for Charlie Robinson. Father & Mother went up there. I cut some wood at the door and put in some cut holes in my doors down under new part. I done chores alone. Father & Mother came back.

Saturday, November 22, 1873: Father & I took up the kitchen carpet and shook it out. I went down to Heber’s & got 1 cattle head and heart and skirts. Sarah & I went to Seymour in aft noon by way of Oxford Center. Carried 3 bushel of corn to mill. We went to Uncle Sharpe’s and waited from 7 until 8 o’clock for Sadie’s bonnet.

Sunday, November 23, 1873: We all went to church. It was a cloudy day. I attended Sunday School; 49 scholars present, 41 rewards given. Had a nice school. Sadie went up to Riggs Street with Auntie Cable and took tea. I went over to Father Curtiss’ in eve after Sadie, & Uncle Burt took tea here.

Monday, November 24, 1873: Brought in water to wash with. Cut wood and messed about the house nearly all day. Picked over a few potatoes and apples.

Tuesday, November 25, 1873: Went to Millville in morning after Charlie and Della, expecting to return immediately, But obliged to wait for Charlie to complete his day’s work. Got home at four. Father dressed eight turkeys.

Wednesday, November 26, 1873: I helped Father get started for New Haven at 10 o’clock. It was cold. He carried I6 turkeys and got 20 cents a pound. Charlie Robinson & I cut some wood, done chores and put in the horse for Father. George Hine carried Charlie & I to Debate. We had a very nice debate and a full house. Broke up about 10.

Thursday, November 27, 1873: Thanksgiving Day. I was sick this morn with headache. Edwin and family with Aunt Maria came down and Bryant came alone and took supper and went home. Edwin, Mary, Charlie, Della, Sadie & I all went over to Lum’s Hall to a dance. Staid about 1 hour. I danced 4 sets, nice party. We came home at 12 o’clock. It was clear & cold.

Friday, November 28, 1873: We played Eucher and enjoyed ourselves. I oiled the wagon. Edwin, Mary, May & Aunt Maria went home. Charlie, Della, Sarah & I went to Southford. I got the horse shod and the wagon spring mended that we broke last night. We staid to tea at Mrs. Robinson’s, then came down to Mr. Anketell’s to see about the Christmas tree.

Saturday, November 29, 1873: Father, Charlie & I cut up a load of wood at the school house and then cut up some at home. I churned in the eve. It was pleasant but cold. Some snow on the ground with ice.

Sunday, November 30, 1873: Charlie, Della, the girls, Sadie & I went to church. 46 present in all; 41 rewards given. Charlie Della, Sadie & I went up to Millville. Charlie had no work and they came back with us. We arrived home at 9 o’clock.

Monday, December 1, 1873: Charlie & I went over to the center and got an iron kettle mended. It snowed quite hard in forenoon. Was blustering and quite cold. Bad day to be out. We cut some wood, etc.

Tuesday, December 2, 1873: We done chores. It was stormy. It rained 8 snowed most all day. It was cold and disagreeable. We cut wood for tomorrow and cut a pile under the new part. Cut all we had up to the house. We had expected to butcher today but did not on account of the weather.

Wednesday, December 3, 1873: Father & I butchered our 2 pigs. They weighed 372 lbs. a piece. George Hine, Mr. Davis & Charlie helped to butcher. We butchered Mrs. Beach’s for her. I carried it up and then we got a sled load of wood in the grove. Sadie & Della went down, called on Lucy Davis. Charlie & I went to debate in eve. Sadie & Della called on Mrs. B. Davis.

Thursday, December 4, 1873: Father went and got the oxen shod and fetched home a load of leaves. I made a milking stool and put up 2 shelves with Charlie’s help in my closet and made Mrs. Anketell a board to iron on. I went to Mrs. Anketell’s Lecture in eve at Butler’s Hall, carried Jennie, & Hattie Parmelee.

Friday, December 5, 1873: Father & I cut out our pork and he salted his. We worked down stairs at the lard and sausage meat. I helped Sadie in eve cut lard & we tried it up on the stove. It was cloudy. Charlie Robinson went to Southford. Mr. Robinson came down to get Della & Hattie.

Saturday, December 6, 1873: I salted my pork, cleaned, and made sausage. Tried lard, went up to Authelia Beach’s to get some sage. Father went up to old place, got a load of wood and drew out rail cuts from Burritt Davis’ land on shares towards the old place.

Sunday, December 7, 1873: Sunday School money was given to Christmas tree. Father, Mother, Jennie, Hattie, Sadie & I went to church. It was a very clear, nice day & warm. I attended Sunday School. 45 present, 38 rewards given. I circulated a paper for Hennie. Edwin & Mary came down. Charlie & Della went home with them. Sadie & I was home in eve. I was writing.

Monday, December 8, 1873: Father & I threshed 2 florins of sumac. He went down to watering trough, worked 3 hours on the road to turn the water. Mother, Sarah & I went over to the church. Sarah was confirmed by Bishop Williams and 7 besides her. We went to Mr. Anketell’s to a very nice turkey dinner. The bishop, 5 ministers were there. We came home and went up to Mrs. Beach’s.

Tuesday, December 9, 1873: We done chores, cut a little wood. At noon we went over to Mr. Davis’ woods under the mountain & drew out 10 rail cuts in the logs. Father split some & I helped some after I got through dressing them out. I went down to Mr. Davis in eve to get subscription.

Wednesday, December 10, 1873: Sarah had headache. I did not go to Lyceum. Father helped Burton Tucker load of hav down to our little barn which we sold him. I helped Mr. Davis butcher his pig and Glover Cable his 2 pigs at Mr. Davis’ in fore noon. In aft noon I went to splitting rails with father out on Mr. Davis’ land on the halfs. He had cut them and we split and drew his part home for him.

Thursday, December 11, 1873: Father & I threshed 1 florin of sumac. It commenced to snow and we stopped work at sumac. Went down and drew up a hickory butt out of the grove to the house and we cut up a pile of wood. I went down to Heber’s & Hart Davis’ after for subscriptions for Christmas tree.

Friday, December 12, 1873: Rainy day. Cut some wood at the house, then went down to the peach orchard, cut wood there until two o’clock. Then came up prepared to go with Sadie to Riggs Street. Spent evening at 0. Osborne, night at Father Curtis’.

Saturday, December 13, 1873: Lay abed rather late. Took breakfast, then played ball with Frank and Theodore a short while, Started for home at three o’clock. Very muddy traveling and rained quite steadily.

Sunday, December 14, 1873: All attended Church. Got there in very good season for weather. 54 present; 48 rewards given. Charlie and I came down from Millville. Took supper with Mother. Sadie & I went to Christian Street after subscription for Christmas tree.

Monday, December 15, 1873: Brought water for Bridget - two hours. Went up to Authelia’s on an errand. Helped father thresh florin of sumac. Burton carted load of hay from little barn. Afternoon Father & I cut load of wood at old place for school house. Sarah & I went over to Mr. Anketell’s in eve to see about the Christmas tree.

Tuesday, December 16, 1873: Sarah, Charlie Beach & I went down to Seymour Ansonia & Birmingham. I carried Fleig 3 bushels of potatoes, 1 bushel of apples. I brought Charles a suit and myself a vest. Sarah got her dress cut in Birmingham. We came up by Oxford Center. Got some money for the tree & got word from sister Mary to go to New Haven tomorrow -- in the mud, 3 inches deep.

Wednesday, December 17, 1873: I arose at 5 o’clock. Sadie & I got ready & went  to New Haven in the fog & went to buy presents for the Christmas Tree. We did not see sister Mary. We bought about 100 presents. Got most of them to Malley’s and few to C. R. Evans. We left the city of 1/4 past 5 o’clock for home. Got there at 9.

Thursday, December 18, 1873: No entry on this date.

Friday, December 19, 1873: No entry on this date.

Saturday, December 20, 1873: No entry on this date.

Sunday, December 21, 1873: 50 scholars present; 47 rewards given. 1 prize to Jennie Andrus for 5 large cards.

Monday, December 22, 1873: No entry on this date.

Tuesday, December 23, 1873: No entry on this date.

Wednesday, December 24 1873: No entry on this date.

Thursday, December 25, 1873: No entry on this date.

Friday, December 26, 1873: No entry on this date.

Saturday, December 27, 1873: No entry on this date.

Sunday, December 28, ,1873: Sunday School - no path. 12 scholars present, 6 rewards given. I dug some paths, done chores went down to Mr. Davis’ with Charles Robinson to get down the sleigh there. Got out ours. Sadie & I went out and carried Charlie & Della up home in the afternoon. We broke baths alona. took tea at Edwin’s, came home by Riggs Street. Stopped at home & Hennie's a few minutes, then came home.

Monday, December 29, 1873: No entry on this date.

Tuesday, December 30, 1873: Father & I finished re- threshing what sumac we had threshed and put it up into bags. We have put up 75 bags in all. I went to Seymour in the afternoon, carried 2 bushels potatoes and 1 bushel Colebrook seedlings, & 1 bushel of apples, came to $4.20, paid of Mr. Randall for my boots, Mr. Edwards for my stove. Got me a new pair Artic overshoes, Sadie a new nubia and several other things in the grocery line. It was nice sleighing. I took Sarah over to Lum’s Hotel in eve to see the Naugatuck sleigh party. Found there dancing and music and sleigh party from Ansonia. We danced and enjoyed ourselves until 2 o’clock, then came home.

Wednesday, December 31, 1873: I threshed 3 florins of sumac touay. IL was cold & clear. Nice day to work and sumac threshed very nice. Sadie, Mother & I went over to the Congregational Christmas tree. It was a very nice one. There was a sleigh party from Birmingham- 25 couples at the Hotel. It was nice sleighing. We came right home from the tree.