19-year-old Helena Muffly wrote exactly 100 years ago today:
Friday, May 22, 1914: I saw the dear little babe this evening. How proud I was that it was my little niece. How I longed for one, I alone know. Ruth and I attended the commencement at Watsontown.
Her middle-aged granddaughter’s comments 100 years later:
Grandma—
Congratulations! Your niece sounds really special. Did you get to hold her?
Did you sister Besse get any baby gifts? I saw an advertisement for Carter Baby Carriages in your local paper. Maybe someone will give her one. It looks awesome.
—
The baby was born two days prior to this diary entry. On May 20, 1914, Grandma wrote:
This afternoon I learned that I am an “auntie” for the second time. It is a little baby girl. Mingled with this new joy is a dim foreboding.
—
Besse lived in Watsontown. It is located about 1 1/2 miles from the Muffly farm. Grandma and her other sister Ruth probably stopped by Besse’s home to see the baby then continued on the commencement. MyWatsontown has a list of the 1914 graduates. There were 12 graduates. Which were friends of Grandma and Ruth? I don’t recognize any of the names.
Aww; how sweet. It is interesting that doctors advised on the best baby carriages back then.
I’m sure it was a very happy time for the family. Aw….Grandma longing for a baby….. pssst, Grandma, we KNOW it will happen one day!
Very sad that grandma had to be concerned over the fragility of life during this very special time in hers. I hope that didn’t last long and that she was able to embrace the beauty and wonder of a new life.
Wonderful to read Grandma’s words showing so much joy. After her fear of another tragedy so lovely to see her happy.
What’s her neice’s name? And how is a carriage hygienic? 🙂
How exciting! We’re moving into the next generation. And, of course, from our vantage point, we know that eventually Grandma had a baby (or more) of her own.
Aren’t ad’s funny from back then? They made some pretty outrages claims about the medicinal virtues of there wares. Still, it’s awfully cute. I guess that baby would be 100 years old this year too. Do you know much about the niece?
I’m so happy to read this entry. I hope the sweet niece had a long, happy life.
Such a happy post 🙂
Awwwww
So very sweet xxx