In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) kept a diary which is being published each week. In this week’s entries, she and her sister Edna return to their home in Adams, a village in Jefferson County, to celebrate Easter. She recalls the Great Earthquake of 1906.
Monday, April 13
Helen came back after math but we could not do the examples. Edna [Mabel’s visiting sister] went up to French at 12 with Hazel Thomas, so we did not have dinner until one. Katherine Arnold came over to see Edna this afternoon, but she had gone over to stadium with Hazel Thomas. When she came back we went downstreet as Edna had to have her coat fitted. She then bought some Oxfords and we went to the Sterling for supper. Rode back and went up to hear Hugh Black.
Tuesday, April 14
For the [first] day in some time, I went to class without my math; somehow I could not get up because Edna was here. Lu went down to the train with her but I could not on account of English. Studied math with Helen Beattie. Had to read in elocution. Did math this afternoon until 4 when Lu and I went up to hear Hugh Black. He was fine and spoke on the truth of faith. To-night I went with the girls to the men’s oratorical contest; it last long and I got so tired. Staid up afterwards and wrote a report for English.
Wednesday, April 15
Earthquake 2 years ago [when Mabel was at Stanford]. Poured hard most of the day but stopped about when we left. After math I came home and found a letter from Edna and a Stanford pennant [brother-in-law] Melvin sent. As it was for Miss Minch, I took it up to English and gave it to her. She seemed pleased. As it was raining, I took her home. Came home and packed; decided to put most of my clothes in ‘Harry’s’ telescope. Latin dismissed early. Left the Campbell at about 5. Mary, Fuzzie and Lillian were the only girls left. Had to see about getting dining room rug home. The girls were all at the station. We walked up, lugging the suitcases.
Thursday, April 16
Awoke at about 6 and went and got in bed with Edna as Harriet was still sleeping. Breakfast at 7 was such a treat with coffee and cream. Washed the dishes and Harriet helped wipe them. Went up to see Miss Frazer about my green gingham and then went downstreet with Harriet and Edna. Looked at suits. Read the April number of the Wayfarers, put on blue Eton suit and went downstreet with the girls. Ordered a black hat. Went up to Alma’s. We posed for several pictures and then came home. ‘Harry’ played Stanford songs and I sang. After supper we walked over to see Mrs. Murphy and talked. It’s now eleven.
Friday, April 17
Got up for breakfast this morning. Alma came at quarter of nine and took us three with Edith automobiling. Went down on state road almost to Belleville. When we came back I, with Sarah’s help, washed my white divinity, blue Peter Thompson and other white things. After dinner Mary, Harriet and Louise came over. Edna and Harriet walked downstreet with them and I set the table. To-night we were invited over to Ruby Barrus’ to play cards It was so cold there that her teeth fairly clattered when the ice-cream was brot in. Fell down in the dining room for the third time.
Saturday, April 18
Slept until almost 8. Ironed my white divinity, made salad dressing. Edna and Harriet drove this morning but this afternoon it rained. I took a bath and then lazed around in kimono. Mother asked Louise over for a surprise for supper. Sarah and I did the dishes and then Harriet, Louise and I went down to the library. It was very dark out, but it had stopped raining. Postal card from Rollin. Read ‘A Doll’s House.’ Mme. Nazamova came back vividly to me,
Sunday, April 19
Easter Sunday. Harriet and I got in bed with Edna. When we awoke, it poured but cleared by afternoon. Had last of buckwheat cakes for breakfast. Mother was not able to go to church and her seat was occupied. Father sat back. Visited primary. Chicken dinner. Went over to see Mrs. Cooper. Met Edith who came over; found Alice Ripley here. Harriet and I met Alma to go to C.E. but there was none, so we walked. Came home for lunch and then Harriet, father and I walked down to station to see Edna off. Am glad Harriet is here to keep off the lonesomeness.
Photos, from above: Edna Allen, Mabel’s sister; and Stanford gymnasium after 1906 earthquake.
Source link
