Flock Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this Flock block in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but adjusted the size from 6" to 8" finished.
     In these diary entries, Hattie has a terrible cold.  It's interesting to see how she treats a cold in 1916 - with a hot bath, hot lemonade, quinine, and Nibarger.  I read that quinine is a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducer.  I had only known it as an old treatment for malaria.  I could not find out what Nibarger is.  Any ideas?  
     Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework and lives with them for most of the week.  Twelve-year-old George and fourteen-year old Ted are Hattie's younger brothers.  George has invested in some guineas.  Guineas are a type of barnyard fowl.  They act as a watch dog and eat a large amount of insects.  You can see a photo and read more here: http://www.guineafarm.com/guineas.html 
    
Friday, March 31, 1916 -
"I'm going to take a hot bath, hot lemonade, quinine, and Nibarger and hop in bed and see if I can't get rid of this horrid cold.  I refused a date to the show on account of it, but I don't think I should have wanted to go in the rain anyhow." 

Saturday, April 1, 1916 -
"Nothing much doing today.  After all my 'doping' last night, I have felt worse today and my throat hurts quite bad and is swollen on the inside tonight.  I have been up on the go almost all day - had a nap this afternoon.  Mother says I had better stay in bed tomorrow, but Mrs. Hile went home for over Sunday, and I hate to leave all the housework for Mother.  I'm going to 'grease up' with Nibarger again and hope I feel better.

"It turned out bright and clear today after the shower last night.  George invested in some guineas today.  He and Ted went up to Ellis' this evening after them."

Sunday, April 2, 1916 -
"It is just six o'clock, but I'm going to bed.  My throat and eyes are beginning to hurt, and all together I feel 'bum.'  I felt better this morning. and although I didn't venture out to church, I was up and around.  I phoned to May and wanted her to come home with the kids and cheer me up.  She said Bill was here, and they would walk out after dinner.  So they came about 2:30.  We made fudge, and I ate some, of course, and that is about what is making my throat hurt.

"Mrs. Hile has come back and is getting supper, so I'm going to bed and hope to feel better in the morning." 

Monday, April 3, 1916 -
"I stayed in bed until 9:30 this A.M., but it was so beautiful and sunshiny out that I couldn't stay in any longer.  My throat hasn't hurt so much today, but my cold is still quite heavy.

"We received news today of a new nephew at Eva's."

You might enjoyed reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/weathervane-quilt-block.html

Weathervane Quilt Block

    
     I used some of Amy Butler's Midwest Modern fabric line for this block.  The flowers are really large, so I made this block 12" to accommodate them.  The directions to make this quilt block may be found at: http://www.quilterscache.com/W/WeathervaneBlock.html.
     Howard and Ted are Hattie's younger brothers.  Howard is 18 years old, and Ted is 15.  You can watch a portion of the fight between Jess Willard and Frank Moran on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5lmExNRjVQ.
          
Saturday, March 25, 1916 -
"This has been a misty, gloomy Saturday, but still I have had a pleasant day.  I always insist that I like rainy Saturdays.  Nevertheless, I did want the sun to shine.  Howard got here this morning just in time to find the whole downstairs torn up in the proces of being cleaned.  But it was all straight and clean in a remarkably short time. 

"I made some brown bread this morning for the Food Sale, and Mother did a lot of baking as usual.  She offered me a nice piece of mince pie - it was very tempting, but I had to say, "Get thee behind me, Satan," and told her to give it to Ted, for I have sworn off eating between meals, except an apple at bedtime.

"About two o'clock it had stopped raining, so I decided to go to town.  I flew around getting ready, had a dozen things to do, and about three o'clock I started.  The roads were quite muddy, and I had to poke along behind the boys on hayracks as far as Ellis'.  Despite the weather, there were a great many people in town, and our little Food Sale was quite a success.  My brown bread was sold in less than twenty minutes.

"Oh dear, I must tumble in.  I'm afraid there will be no Sunday School for me for it is raining again now."

Sunday, March 26, 1916 -
"I think this has been the most disagreeable day of the entire winter.  When I awoke this morning, it was raining hard, and soon the rain turned to a very wet snow and sleet and has kept it up most all day.  It hasn't seemed so very much like Sunday as, of course, we didn't go to church but just laid around all day.  Howard and Papa and the boys were out a good share of the day taking care of the stock - the storm is very hard on the cattle.  I fooled with my Kodak pictures quite awhile this afternoon.  I spread them all out on the dining table and sorted them to put them in my book.  Some of those old ones look so queer!  What will they look like in 25 years?

"Howard and Ted have just been in here, having their usual tussle, demonstrating to me how Willard knocked Moran last night.  The boys stayed in town last night until they heard the result or at least part of the returns from the fight.

"The sun set clear tonight - I have hopes of sunshine tomorrow."

Aunt Annie's Boston Brown Bread

3/4 cup sifted flour

1/4 cup yellow corn meal

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup bran flakes

3 Tablespoons melted shortening

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup molasses

3/4 cup boiling water

1.     Preheat the oven to 325 and bring a large pot of water to a boil.    

2,     Meanwhile, combine the flour, corn meal, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.  Stir in the bran flakes.

3.     Add melted shortening, beaten egg, and molasses and mix well.  Stir in the boiling water.

4.     Grease the inside of a metal (6" tall x 4" diameter) coffee can.  Pour the batter in the can, not allowing the batter to reach higher than two-thirds up the sides of the container.  
5.     Cover the coffee can tightly with foil. Find a high-sided roasting pan that can hold the coffee can. Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches one third up the side of the can. Put the roasting pan into the oven. Steam the bread for at least 2 hours and 15 minutes.

6.     Check to see if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into it. If the toothpick comes out clean, you're ready. If not, re-cover the pan and cook for up to another 45 minutes.

  from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant

After Step 4, the recipe said to steam in open cans topped with waxed paper.  I thought that wasn't specific enough so found more specific directions (Steps 1, 5, and 6) on the internet.

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post: http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/bouquet-quilt-block.html

Bouquet Quilt Block

    
     Sometimes the fabrics for a quilt block easily come together.  Sometimes I have to audition all sorts of fabrics before I decide on the right combination.  That's what happened for this little 6" Bouquet quilt block.  The pattern can be found in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. 
     In this diary entry of Hattie Woodbury's, The King's Daughters is an interdenominational Christian service organization that began in 1886 and is still in existence in the United States and Canada today.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with the housework.  Ted is Hattie's 14 year-old brother.  The birthday party on Wednesday is in celebration of the twins' 12th birthdays.  (Anna Louise Woodbury and George Marshall Woodbury were born on March 22, 1904.)  Minerva is the oldest Woodbury sister, and Donald is her son. 

Tuesday, March 21, 1916 -
"Today has seemed more than spring-like, for it was really hot especially in the wind, which is very strong.  It is quite terrific now, and the kids are worried for fear they won't have a nice day for their party. 

"I went to town on Rag this afternoon to get the mail.  The wind was so strong up on the hills, I could hardly ride against it.  I ran it to see Alpha a little while, and we discussed a program the King's Daughters are going to give sometime in May.  We went to the Restaurant and had a Coca Cola, which was a great deal warmer and not half so refreshing as a drink of water.

"Mother had made two cakes, and Mrs. Hile one before I got home, but Mother wanted me to make a chocolate cake, too.  I got it finished and had it in the window cooling when the boys came in to supper.  Just as they reached the porch, I gave them a significant look and removed it.  That ticked them exceedingly. 

"Papa brought a pretty bouquet of carnations for the table tomorrow.  I hope the children won't be disappointed." 

Wednesday, March 22, 1916 -  "Although it was stormy looking all morning, the wind went down and the sun came out most admirably in the afternoon.  We had everything ready, and I had time to take a little nap before the children arrived.  There were over thirty here, including Minerva and Griffie.  We served three kinds of sandwiches, three kinds of cake (angel food, golden, and chocolate), fruit salad, cocoa, pickles, olives, candy, and apples.  I was so amused at Donald.  As Mother and I were passing the sandwiches, pickles, and olives, everything was rather quiet for a minute when Donald, who had just taken an olive said, 'Huh!  they got bones in 'em, too!'  Everybody just roared, and Donald sort of hung his head when he knew they were laughing at him.  The children all seemed to have a very good time, and some of the older ones stayed until almost dark."    

Aunt Annie's Dill Pickles

 

1.     For 1 quart of pickles:  Pack washed cucumbers (suitable size for dill pickles) in sterilized jar with fresh dill, garlic clove, and 1/4 of an onion.  If you like it hot, add 1/2 jalapeno pepper.

2.     Heat to boiling:  2 Tablespoons pickling salt, 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and alum the size of a pea.  Pour over pickles and seal.

 

          from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant   

 

Here's a link, if you are like me and would need more specific instructions:

http://www.food.com/recipe/blue-ribbon-dill-pickles-241139

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/tulip-quilt-block.html

Tulip Quilt Block

     The pattern for this 9" Tulip block can be found at:  http://quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/tulip_quilt.htm
      In these entries, Alpha is a friend, and Minerva is Hattie's oldest sister.  Freddie is Minerva's son, and George is Hattie's younger brother.  Charley, Orv, and Mrs. Hile's are hired help.
     Once again, Frank George, Harriet's future husband is mentioned.  He and Frank Niles (a good friend and neighbor of Frank George) attend Senator Stavely's funeral with Papa.  Senator Stavely was a Republican senator from Osage County.    
 
Sunday, March 19, 1916 -
"We kids went to Sunday School this A.M., but they had no sermon so we did not stay for the class meeting.  Mother had told me I could stay in town if I wanted to, and Alpha and Minerva both asked me, but I thought I'd rather come home.  We took Freddie home and stayed there a few minutes then came on home.  Papa went to Senator Stavely's funeral with Frank George and Mr. Niles so was not here for dinner.  Just Mother and we kids and Charley and Orv, but Papa came just as we were leaving the table...

"Papa told George and me that we could hitch up and take some salt up in the pasture to the cows.  So we did, each trying to see which could act the craziest.  Since supper, I have been writing a letter.  I really haven't many in my unanswered pile."

Monday, March 20, 1916 -
"This has seemed an unusually long day - I don't know why.  Papa went to Topeka, and Mother took him to the train.  I was busy straightening the house and getting dinner while Mrs. Hile was washing.  Then after dinner I had to churn but felt so sleepy that I took a brief nap before I started.  It seemed like I churned for hours!  It did take me quite awhile, but I had some interesting magazines to read.  But in the course of an hour or two, I finished.  The wind died down about four or five o'clock, and it was lovely outdoors.  I was down inspecting my tulip beds when a little Ford runabout dashed up to the gate, and a nice looking young man alighted and approached me.  He inquired if he was on the (Santa Fe) Trail.  Of course, I directed him, and he felt rather provoked to think he had come out here over that rocky hill, only to turn around and retrace his tracks back to town.  But he was real pleasant.  As he was leaving, I was reminded of the man who came in the Ford last summer and wanted the glass of milk and finally stayed all night and had supper and breakfast with us!"

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/rosebud-quilt-block.html

Rosebud Quilt Block

     I enjoyed making this little 6" Rosebud quilt block, although the 1" half-square triangles were tiny to work with!  I found the pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  A 12" Rosebud quilt pattern can be found here. 
     Hattie writes about St. Patrick's Day.  Spring is coming with the mention of rosebushes, bulbs, and dog-tooth violets.  Charley and Orvel are hired men who work on the farm.  Luke is a horse Hattie rides to visit her friend Fern.  Hattie also rides to the cemetery to check on bulbs she has planted at her Mamma's grave.  Her Mamma died three years ago, and Mother is Nelle Daniels Woodbury, her step-mother.
   
Friday, March 17, 1916 -
"Our family observed St. Patrick's Day in that Papa and Charley planted a few potatoes, and Orvel wore his funny green bow that I gave him last year.  

"This has been the loveliest day, and I have enjoyed it, too.  After we got through cleaning this A.M., I went out and sat in the swing and ate an orange.  It was so nice and warm out there!  Then I trimmed some rosebushes and although I scratched my hands considerably, I like to get out and fool around with the flowers.  My bulbs are coming up fine.

"About two o'clock, Papa and I saddled Luke, and I got ready for a little ride.  I went up to Matney's to see if Fern couldn't go with me, but she didn't have anything to ride but Earl's 'race horse' and that isn't very well broken.  So I sat there and talked for about an hour... I went on up to the cemetery to see how the bulbs were progressing.  I found them just peeping through.  Then, I came on home around through the Turkey Creek woods.  The children found the first dog-tooth violets of the season this evening.  Mother went to feed with Papa and had quite a time driving the team, etc.  She said she pretty nearly lost her teeth riding in such a jolty wagon.  

"I dreamed last night that I was married and was having quite an elaborate wedding.  But the strange part of it was that I couldn't find out who the 'man' was.  He kept his back turned part of the time and, moreover, he seemed to be a different person every few minutes.  The only thing I remember distinctly is that Stubs was 'best man,' and I came down a long flight of stairs with him after the ceremony.  Then 'my husband' and I were in a room where there was quite a crowd of people, most of whom I did not know, and they were giving a literary program in our honor.  Guess I'll go to bed and try dreaming it again to find out who the fortunate (?) man is!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/windows-quilt-block.html

Windows Quilt Block

     With this 6" Windows quilt block, I fussycut the purple fabric as well as the oval fabric to get the effect that I wanted.  I used the pattern from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.
     This is a continuing story from the previous day's diary entry.  Two hired men took a chunk out of a cake that was cooling in the window.  They won't admit to it, but Hattie knows they did it and is letting them know this through a joke of her own.  Orv is one of the guilty hired men.  Minerva is Hattie's 29-year-old sister.  She married Bob McCauley in 1907, and they live nearby in Olivet, Kansas with their three children.  Howard is Hattie's 18-year-old brother who is in pre-college in Manhattan, 95 miles away.  Hattie mentions World War I for the first time.  You can read more about it here:      http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/mexico_funston.htm

Thursday, March 16, 1916 -
"Well, I played my part of the joke by leaving a couple of pieces of cake on the table at the Country Club, and I think the boys felt just a little cheap.  Furthermore, I baked some gingerbread this A.M. and purposely had it in the open window with the knife right in the pan as the boys came in to dinner.  They looked at it and grinned, but I wouldn't crack a smile, although I was inwardly bursting!  They acted just a little fussed when I passed the gingerbread to them, too.  Orv just now brought the mail and, incidentally, a nut chocolate bar.  He asked me who was the cake meant for this A.M.  I said, 'I thought you might be in need of a little refreshments.'  Then we laughed and he thanked me very graciously but never an explanation!  I guess he knows I know all about it anyhow. 

"It certainly is one grand night out.  And today has been nice too - only a little chilly this morning.  Mother spent the day at Minerva's, and I have been making my apron.  I sure want to get out for a horseback ride tomorrow.  I can't stay in all these lovely days.

"I have been reading a little more about the war - I mean our war.  Some of Carranza's troops have killed their leader, Colonel Rojas, and have joined Villa.  Furston is leading the U.S. troops, and the call has been sent for more men.  Oh, I hope it won't be a real war where our boys will have to enlist!  How terrible it would be if Howard would have to make use of his drill after all!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/broken-sugar-bowl-quilt-block.html

Broken Sugar Bowl Quilt Block

     

     I enjoyed making this 6" Broken Sugar Bowl quilt block from the pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I've been working on trying to improve the value contrast in the colors I choose for a block.  I'm pleased with the results of this one.  

    Mother is Hattie's step-mother, Louise Daniels Woodbury.  Hattie's Mamma died three years ago.  Charley, Orvel, and Elmo are hired men who work on the farm.  They eat their meals with Hattie's family.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with the housework.  The bunkhouse where the hired men live is jokingly referred to as the "Country Club."  Anna is Hattie's 11-year-old sister.  (Anna has a twin named George).  Hattie is taking a correspondence course through the University of Kansas so does her lessons at home and then mails them in.     

Wednesday, March 15, 1916 -

"Oh!  I know the best joke!  Hope I can play my part of it tomorrow.  To begin with, Mother made two cakes Monday P.M., an angel food and a yellow one.  The angel cake we had for supper, and the other one was left in the pantry window until after supper, when she put it in the breadbox.  Yesterday morning when she was packing the kids' lunches, she discovered, much to her dismay, that a big hunk had been taken out of one corner.  I never saw Mother more provoked and angry - she called me clear downstairs just to show it to me.  Each of the kids declared, 'I didn't do it.'  But still Mother suspected one of them had done it for it didn't look like the cat had bothered it, and it was not broken for no piece was in the box.  Mother threatened to tell Papa of it and have the children punished for telling a story.  I never knew one of them to tell a lie so flatly as that, but still I couldn't account for the mystery.  No one else had been in the kitchen besides Mother, Mrs. Hile, and me - even the men go right out the dining room door.  But Mother let the matter drop, and nothing more was said until Mrs. Hile told me this A.M. not to tell anyone but that Charley told her that Orvel and Elmo had taken the piece as they went out from supper Monday night when the cake was in the window!  I suppose the piece was gone when Mother put it in the box, and she didn't notice it.  I suppose the boys didn't have time to think anything, only that it was a joke.  And tonight we had some on the table.  I passed it to Orv and, looking straight at him, I said, 'Will you have some cake, Orvel?' 

"He didn't look me in the eye as usual, but without any sign of embarrassment whatever said, 'Yes, thank you' and taking it, helped himself and passed it on to Elmo.  I kept strict watch and neither cracked a smile until it had been passed on.  Then they sort of grinned to themselves. 

"But my part - unless Mother sends the remainder of it in the kids' lunches - I am going to take some on a plate over to the Country Club and put it on the table so they can have a little refreshments when they are hungry.  I see now why Orv acted rather sheepish when I gave him the divinity yesterday!

"I have been sewing some today - made Anna an apron and cut one out for myself, or rather Mother cut it.  Then I did the mending this morning, too.  I studied a good share of the afternoon and got another lesson ready to send.  I have been crocheting this evening and am dreadfully sleepy as I got up quite early this morning."  

You might enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/box-quilt-block.html

Box Quilt Block

     I had fun making this easy 6" Box quilt block using the pattern found in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. 
     Harriet enjoys her hobby of photography, including developing her own pictures.  She is taking pictures of Papa's cattle in this diary entry.  The King's Daughters is an interdenominational Christian service organization that began in 1886, whose focus is to lend a hand in service to others.  A hope box or hope chest is a box or chest used to collect items of clothing or household linens, by unmarried young women in anticipation of married life.

Friday, March 10, 1916 -
"Papa had me take some pictures of the cattle this A.M.  They looked fine, and it was a lovely day to take pictures.  I hope they will be good.  We cleaned this A.M., of course, then went to town this P.M.  I made a few little purchases then went up to Mrs. Mc's, where there was supposed to have been a K.D. (King's Daughters) meeting.  But she was not very well and had called it off.  Grace Keller was there sewing, so we had quite a 'meeting' among ourselves.  I'm feeling a little 'puny' myself so am anxious to get to bed."

Saturday, March 11, 1916 -
"I have been making a desperate attempt to finish my baby dress this evening, but it seems as if I can't crochet a button tonight;  however, it's all done but the cord and buttons.

"It has been a little colder today but yet very beautiful, almost too nice to stay in and especially when there was sweeping to do.

"Mother was in bed all A.M. with a nervous headache but got up and sewed and crocheted, etc. all P.M.  She made a little cross stitched towel with blue ends and gave it to me for my 'hope-box.'

"I had a 'pressing' engagement with my wardrobe this P.M. and did some mending, etc. . .

"I was so hungry tonight, I was still eating beans when everyone else had finished and then ate a big piece of pumpkin pie after that."

Aunt Annie's Pumpkin Pie

1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin

1/4 cup white corn syrup

2 eggs

1/2 cup evaporated milk or cream

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup scalded milk

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1.     Combine pumpkin, corn syrup, eggs, and evaporated milk.  

2.     Stir butter into hot milk.

3.     Combine brown sugar, spices, and salt.  Mix until well blended.  

4.     Combine all mixtures.  Pour into unbaked 9" pie shell.

5.     Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees.  Bake 35 minutes or until inserted knife is clean.   
                from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant

You might enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/friendship-star-quilt-block.html

Friendship Star Quilt Block

    
     I found the pattern for this Friendship Star in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but changed the size from 6" to 9".  It is made from squares and half square triangles, so I didn't need templates.  This fabric is from the Fresh Flowers Moda line by Deb Strain, which I used to make a quilted tablecloth for late summer-early fall. 
     In this diary entry, Hattie attends a surprise party for her friend Grace.  Earlier, her friend Alpha has given her a choice of four boys as her date.  When she can't decide, Alpha flips a nickel to decide for her!  A taffy pull is part of the night's activities.

Tuesday, March 7, 1916 -
"Although it lacks but a few minutes of 1:00 A.M., I must jot happenings down while my memory is fresh.  Howell called up today, so I suppose Alpha's nickel flipped for him.  She said she was going to use that method of deciding which I should choose.  We just got in about 12:20, I think, and he stayed just a little to get warm.  The wind is quite chilly.  We had a good time, of course, and I think Grace really was surprised.  There were not many there, but a good crowd.  Mary and Tobe, Howard and Lela, Grace and Louraine, Jack and Gladys (and little Helen), Alpha, Lizzie-May, Glen Robinson, Howell and I made up the bunch.  We sure had a scrap while pulling the taffy.  The boys would do their best to snatch the taffy from the girls, and likewise the girls from the boys.  It ended with Jack having quite a gob, and I was the only girl who had any.  Jack and I scrapped quite awhile, but he didn't get mine, and after awhile he put his down while he went to quiet the baby so I hid the whole bunch.  We had besides the taffy and fudge, cake and fruit salad to eat.  Then we went in and played and sang until 11:30.

"I studied all P.M. so here is another day gone without writing any letters.  I must get busy!"

Aunt Minerva's White Mountain Fudge

1 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup light corn syrup

3 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1.     Place milk, corn syrup, sugar, and salt in a deep saucepan.  Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture forms a ball in cold water.

2.     Add butter and vanilla.

3.     Set pan in cold water until mixture starts thickening; then add nuts and beat until it thickens. 

4.     Pour into well-buttered pan.  Spread evenly.  Cut into squares.

              - from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant

You might enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/contrary-wife-quilt-block-aka-revolt-of.html