19-year-old Helena Muffly wrote exactly 100 years ago today:
Tuesday, June 9, 1914: Besse came out today to spend part of the week and get her sewing done.
Her middle-aged granddaughter’s comments 100 years later:
The few words in a diary entry sometimes don’t even begin to convey the full story. This time I (and many of you) can fill in a few of the gaps. . .
Grandma’s married sister Besse recently lost a baby. The three-day-old infant died on May 23. This was her second newborn to die. She also lost a baby in 1912.
There’s no place like home. It can be a wonderful place to spend a few days sewing and regrouping.
A Hundred Years Ago 
You are right about family and home. I’m glad to hear Bessie had support during her grief.
They look well dressed and beautiful in their white dresses! Helena looks giggly. Did she have a good sense of humour?
Diana xo
That’s a great photo of the 4 of them! I think, like you, that it’s a fine thing that Besse could come home and engage in some routine work, in the company of people who cared for her.
I’m sure being at home with her family for a few days helped Besse deal with the loss of yet another baby…
I am sure it helped Besse a great deal to be with her family
Truly, time with women, whether they be friends or family, is incredibly restoring. Sewing, cooking, whatever … offers the opportunity for comfort.
Did Besse have any children surive?
And I love the photo
I’m sure she got some comfort with family. Love the photo!
That is always sad to hear about a baby.
I have a picture almost just like that of my grandmother and her three sisters. I think they were dressed in white or colors also.
I am sure the time together was very healing.
Poor Besse. I feel so sad for her. Hopefully the day spent at home helped lift her spirits and gave her some comfort.
Such sad circumstances… Being with loved ones (who understand & care) is the best medicine for times like that. Beautiful photo.
A heartwarming family gathering. I’m sure Helena and the others did much to help Besse heal.
The garden looks a lovely place to be.
I love this photo! Jane
I suppose all the girls in the photo were sorrowing. It’s a wonderful photo.