18-year-old Helena Muffly wrote exactly 100 years ago today:
Friday, January 16, 1914: Ruth and I went up to Oakes’ this evening. The occasion being a birthday surprise party for Al. Had a very, very fine time. He was there. That’s why I had such a good time.
Her middle-aged granddaughter’s comments 100 years later:
Grandma—
What fun! It’s wonderful to hear that you had a “very, very fine time.” It sounds like your life is getting more exciting.
Just one question—Who the heck was “he”?
—
The Oakes lived on a farm near the Mufflys, and had several children about the same age as Grandma and her sister Ruth–—Al, Jim, and Rachel.
This was the second time in less than two weeks Grandma and Ruth went to Oakes. On January 7, 1914 Grandma wrote:
. . . Ruthie and I went up to Oakes’ this evening.
Oh, when she wrote “he was there”, I thought she was referring to Al. Perhaps “he” is a secret crush that Grandma has!
I love this hint of romance. I am still a sucker for even a bit of romantic intrigue.
He was there – oh this is so much fun 🙂
Isn’t she talking about Al? That’s how I read it. hehe
Another mystery in Grandma’s diary! Is it “he”!!!!?! or just he (Al)? And who is Al? That could be anybody – Albert, Aldo, Alfonso, Alex, Alfred, Alvin, . . .??
It’s almost like she knew we’d be looking at this 100 years later and is being coy – very cute!
I wonder who “he” is. Of course Al would be there, it was his party.
This really perked her up.
Sweet!
Delightful!!!…
Oh the joys of young love! Well, on grandma’s part anyhow. I can remember having crushes and it was the best when the other person felt the same way. Not so great when the didn’t… I hope Grandma’s “he” was “the one”. 🙂
Uh oh! The plot thickens……
Hi Sheryl. I love this entry. Is there a chance it was the man she married? He graduated with her, didn’t he? Jane