19-year-old Helena Muffly wrote exactly 100 years ago today:
Friday, June 5, 1914: Went to Watsontown this morning.
Her middle-aged granddaughter’s comments 100 years later:
Hmm. . . Why did Grandma go to the nearby town of Watsontown? . . . Did she go shopping? . . . Run an errand for her mother or father?
She probably enjoyed getting away from the farm for awhile….sounds like she’s been staying pretty close to home lately.
May was a difficult month for her. . .I hope she was having some fun during June.
At least she felt going to Watsontown was worth mentioning, even if she didn’t elaborate.🙂
That’s true. . .It was definitely better than a “same as ever” day.
I lived in a small community of about 300 people for about 7 years. Going into town once a month for supplies was a fun outing!
Diana xo
I can remember that we only went grocery shopping once every three or four weeks when I was a small child since we raised a lot of our food on the farm. You’re absolutely right–back then going to town was a fun adventure.
Yes, maybe she went shopping or to meet a friend.
Shopping or visiting with a friend seem like the two most likely options.
I was thinking how short her entries tend to be and wondering about her motivations in keeping the diary.
I’m not really sure. She had her ups and downs regarding the level of detail that she included in her diary entries–but they generally were short. Maybe she used it for self reflection (though she doesn’t really seem to do that with much depth).
It would be interesting to hear from women who have used a diary similarly about what their motivations were.
I know I used to get a diary and make a couple small random entries, but I didn’t keep it up as she did. That shows a lot of motivation.
I think she probably needed a day out to enjoy the scenery and perk her up.
I agree.🙂
She didn’t sound very excited about “going to town” but I’m sure she enjoyed getting out for awhile.
That’s kind of why I tend to think that she had to run an errand for her parents–though, as you said, it probably was pleasant to get off the farm for a few hours.
Every time I go into Watsontown and pass the railroad tracks I think of Helena!
I always enjoy reading your comments. It’s fun how you live in the same area where Grandma lived.
I think it is so awesome. What a privilege to get know her and you!!🙂