Sheila P., noticing how much I like old journals and how fascinating I find the trivia of the past, sent me this book to peruse -- a record from 1938 into 1958 -- thinking I might find some interesting tidbits for my Birdie book. Sheila said the record book was originally the property of Neva Grady of Cullowhee, NC. There seem, however, to be two record keepers at work -- different handwritings occasionally.
Neva and her Significant Other, from what I can tell, seem to have divided their time between NC and Florida - among the entries for 1938 are records of planting lemons, tangerines, and Temple oranges -- purchased, evidently, from A.E. Nichols, Box 1645, Tampa.
These folks were serious about their record-keeping. Low temperatures, miles traveled, purchase prices and serial numbers -- all went into the book. If they sent off a coupon for a sugar and creamer set, the address and date were recorded, as well as the date the item was received.
Neva and her Significant Other, from what I can tell, seem to have divided their time between NC and Florida - among the entries for 1938 are records of planting lemons, tangerines, and Temple oranges -- purchased, evidently, from A.E. Nichols, Box 1645, Tampa.
These folks were serious about their record-keeping. Low temperatures, miles traveled, purchase prices and serial numbers -- all went into the book. If they sent off a coupon for a sugar and creamer set, the address and date were recorded, as well as the date the item was received.
It's a window on the past -- fuel oil at 10-15 cents a gallon (and my keyboard doesn't even have the cents symbol -- more's the pity). They furnished their new-built mountain home -- a dropleaf table for $50, a double bed for $35, a corner cupboard for $35.
In 1940, on April 1, Neva had a tooth pulled, in May, two and then three more were extracted. Then in June, she records first five pulled, then eight, after which she notes "(All gone)" and two weeks later, "New dentures."
As WWII comes on, ration books are applied for and serial numbers noted down. War bonds are bought. And every once in a while there's a very human note. After an eye exam and a prescription ($3), there's the note "This guy is full of crap." Two weeks later, there's a second eye exam -- by a different doctor.
In 1940, on April 1, Neva had a tooth pulled, in May, two and then three more were extracted. Then in June, she records first five pulled, then eight, after which she notes "(All gone)" and two weeks later, "New dentures."
As WWII comes on, ration books are applied for and serial numbers noted down. War bonds are bought. And every once in a while there's a very human note. After an eye exam and a prescription ($3), there's the note "This guy is full of crap." Two weeks later, there's a second eye exam -- by a different doctor.
I'm not sure why I find this all so interesting -- but I do! I do! There are stories lurking here, as in the entry for the 18th on the page below: " For the 2nd time in as many months, Neva left my bed to go off by herself."
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