Farmer's Daughter Quilt Mosaic - 64 Blocks

    

     Here are the 64 quilt blocks I have made so far for my Farmer's Daughter Quilt.  Of course, my blocks range in size from 6" to 12" and will not be in this order, but it's fun to see the blocks all together.  Which one is your favorite? 

You might also enjoy reading the introduction to my project:

 http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/08/farmers-daughter-quilt-introduction.html

Strawberry Basket Quilt Block

     I had fun making this little 6" Strawberry Basket block.  I found the pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I used some strawberry fabric left from a picnic quilt I had made.  
    In these diary entries, Minerva is Hattie's oldest sister, with a family of her own.  Ted is her 14-year-old brother, and Charlie is a hired man.  The family farm is located close to the Marais des Cygnes River near Olivet, Kansas. 
 
Sunday, May 28, 1916 - written Monday
"As it was storming quite fiercely at bedtime last night, I put off writing until later.  It had been quite a nice Memorial Sunday.  We had a little shower just about noon, but it didn't amount to anything.  We went to Sunday School.  There was no church, so we had a little extra program.  I had to tell a story, and there were some special songs. 

"The folks were at Minerva's for dinner to eat fried chicken.  Just Ted and Charlie and I ate here.  The folks came back about 2:30, and we went up to the cemetery.  They didn't have any services, but there was quite a crowd at the cemetery."

Monday, May 29, 1916 -
"We had quite a bad storm in the night (although I slept too soundly to let it bother me), and the river has been more than bank-full all day.  But it has been clear, and the sun shone brightly, so I think the flood will not last long.

"It made a delightful washday, and the men have been mowing and fixing the yard."

Wednesday, May 31, 1916 -
"My, I'm so sleepy.  I thought I'd have a little nap this afternoon, but Mother wanted me to go to town.  I was just thinking about going, despite the wind, when Mrs. Peet's shrill voice was heard below.  She had 28 quarts of strawberries to sell, so we took them.  We canned 14-1/2 quarts and had the kitchen cleaned before 5:00.  She came about three.

"Then Papa came in and said we could have supper early, and he'd take me to town in the car.  I got me some shoes from Stubb and chased around with Alpha a bit and gossiped with Christie and May.  They informed me that Carrie was making her wedding dress in the Restaurant!

"We just had one eye to come home with, and it nearly went out.

"Mother and Anna are going to Topeka tomorrow, so I'll have my hands full for a few days, I think, but I'm glad they are going to go."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/shopping-spree-quilt-block.html

Shopping Spree Quilt Block

     I found this 12" Shopping Spree block in Judy Martin's Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns.  Did you know there is a quilt block with that name?  I used Judy's templates to make the block. 
     As I post this, we have a foot of snow outside, so it's strange reading about a "truly summer day."  In these diary entries, Elmo is a hired man.  "William Ashley 'Billy' Sunday was an American athlete who, after being a popular outfielder in baseball's National League during the 1880s, became the most celebrated and influential American evangelist during the first two decades of the 20th century.  Sunday was a strong supporter of Prohibition, and his preaching almost certainly played a significant role in the adoption of the 18th amendment in 1919." (Wikipedia)  http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/streak-of-lightning-quilt-block.html

Monday, May 22, 1916 -
"This has been a truly summer day - not too warm but quite pleasant.  Incidentally, it was a nice wash day.  Of course, we have been quite busy.  I had a little nap this afternoon and wrote a letter.  I was in hopes I'd get one in return tonight, but it seems that Elmo thinks he will keep the mail until morning.

"Papa and Mother may go to Kansas City in the morning, and if they do, that means no beauty sleep after five o'clock.  So I must pile in."

Tuesday, May 23, 1916 -
"The folks did go to Kansas City this A.M., and as we got up at five o'clock and it is after ten now, I'm just a little tired...

"Mr. Trapp brought us a mess of fish today, 35 in all, but some were quite small. We had 9 of the largest ones for supper."

Wednesday, May 24, 1916 -
"Of course, 5:30 came pretty early this A.M., and I have been quite busy all day.  I was determined to finish the ironing, and although it is a warm day, with Anna's help on the last few pieces, I finished it this P.M.

"The folks came home this evening; they were so rushed that they said they couldn't take time to go hear Billy Sunday.  They did do quite a bit of shopping.  Papa said he bought a nice, big hall clock, a sofa, and some other furniture, including a couple of sleeping porch cots - one for me and one for himself that is larger than the one he has now.  He said he could give his short one to Howard.  Ha!

"Mother brought me a pretty green silk (changeable) petticoat, a dainty organdy waist, a pair of white gloves, a pretty 'teddy bear,' a silk handkerchief, and a towel for my hope box.  O yes, and some candy.  I think I was indeed well remembered.  It pays to stay home and keep house and do the ironing."

You might also enjoy reading my previous block post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/waterwheel-quilt-block.html

Waterwheel Quilt Block

     This little 6" Waterwheel block was easy to make since it's nothing but squares and half square triangles.  I got the pattern from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. 
     A fun fact : "On May 20, 1916, the first cover illustration by Norman Rockwell appears on the Saturday Evening Post, which will soon feature ten Rockwell covers a year.  Rockwell's idealized scenes of small-town American life strike a chord with Post subscribers, many of whom have recently moved to large cities from the country." from Scholastic Timelines: The United States in the 20th Century by David Rubel. 
     In these diary entries, Howell Lusk is her date for commencement.  (In the next generation, a Lusk does marry a Woodbury - but that doesn't happen in Hattie's generation.)  Ted is Hattie's 14-year-old brother.
 
Friday, May 19, 1916 -
"Howell just now brought me home from the commencement exercises, and although I didn't have as much downright excitement as we did last year, still it was very interesting, and I enjoyed it.  The ushers were not so clever about separating dates as we were a year ago.

"Today was the last day of school, and each room celebrated by having a picnic.  Of course, they chose the river for their 'stomping ground,' and we were 'bothered' all day with requests for can openers, tablecloths, buckets, water, etc.  Mr. Miller asked me to come down and have lunch with them, but Mother was about played out, and I didn't like to leave her to get the dinner alone.  Ted came up, soaked from head to foot, and said he had been in swimming.  I told him he was very modest, going in with his shoes and his watch in his pocket.  Papa took the car up to the garage this P.M., and I greatly improved its appearance by giving it a sponge bath before he started."

Saturday, May 20, 1916 -
"It seems very fond of raining on Saturday nights - is fairly pouring now.  'Course, just when we had planned on getting out in the car tomorrow!

"Although it isn't nine o'clock, I am dead tired and am going right to bed.  I worked very industriously today, and the rain makes me want to sleep."

You might also enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/envelope-motif-quilt-block.html

Envelope Motif Quilt Block

     My grandmother wrote so many letters that I had to include this 12" Envelope Motif block in my quilt.  I found the pattern at http://www.quilterscache.com/E/EnvelopeMotifBlock.html 
     In these diary entries, Henrietta is a friend who has been visiting from Emporia.  Orvel is a hired man, close to Hattie's age.  Ruth is Hattie's sister, just two and a half years older.   
    
Tuesday, May 16, 1916 -
"I have sure felt the effects of my horseback ride today!  My back has been so stiff and sore, and we have had lots of work to do - washing, baking, and scrubbing, besides other things.  Henrietta was right - I am either sunburned or else her wonderful 'paint box' is working on me.  Mother said my nose was red like I had been on a 'toot.'

"I intended to go to bed real early.  Came up here about 8 o'clock and have been writing. Then Orvel brought the mail - a letter from Ruth and some candy. 

"It has been a lovely day and is one fine large night out.  Being as how it is 9:20, I am going to bed and try to get rid of this 'back.'"

Wednesday, May 17, 1916 -
"My 'back' is gone today, but I still feel somewhat 'spread out' as the result of that big saddle.  I have worked quite industriously today, ironing, churning, etc., but I am not nearly so tired as yesterday...

"I began a letter to Ruth, but I have so much to say I'll probably be writing it all week.  I did a very crazy thing today (to say the least).  I buried a certain little stick with some carving on it!  But I got tired of seeing it lay around." 

Thursday, May 18, 1916 -
"I have been writing some more on the letter to Ruth.  I don't know when I'll get it finished.

"Papa went to Emporia today, and I had to take him to the train.  I wasn't in the village long - there wasn't much doing.  Alpha was making herself a waist in their store, and when I went to McGregor's there were three Hattie's present - Hattie Reese, Mrs. Elmore, and myself - so I didn't stay there long...

"I put my geraniums out and fixed up the porch boxes this P.M., also made a cake while Mother went to town.  It has been a lovely day but is a little cloudy now."   

Aunt Annie's Chocolate Applesauce Cake

Cake:

1/2 cup shortening                                              Topping:

2 eggs                                                                  2 Tablespoons sugar

1-1/2 cups sugar                                                 1/2 cup chopped nuts

2 cups flour                                                          1 cup chocolate chips 

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda                               

3 Tablespoons cocoa                                         

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon                                        

1/2 teaspoon salt                                                

2 cups applesauce                                                  

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  For cake, beat together shortening, eggs, and sugar. 

3.  In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cocoa, cinnamon, and salt.

4.  To the sugar mixture, add dry ingredients alternately with applesauce.  Mix 2-3 minutes.

5.  Pour into greased and floured 9" x 13" pan.

6.  Mix together topping ingredients and spread evenly over cake.  Bake 45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.  
                from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy, published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant

 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/farmers-fields-quilt-block.html

Farmer's Fields Quilt Block

     I found this Farmer's Fields quilt block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone.  Each of the blocks is drawn on a grid (think graph paper), so you can draft them to the size you want.  I made mine 8" square.  
     In this diary entry, Hattie's week-end party with friends from Emporia is over.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework (before quitting).  Ted is Hattie's 14-year-old brother.  Orv is a hired man about Hattie's age.  The rest of the people mentioned are Hattie's friends from Emporia, Kansas, where she graduated from high school in 1914.  Fan Tan is a card game, also known as Sevens, Domino, or Parliament.     http://www.pagat.com/domino/sevens.html

Monday, May 15, 1916 -
"Well, the house party is all over.  I just got back from taking Hen and Bing to the train, and I think I'll go to bed right away for I am dead tired.  It is perfectly beautiful out - such a 'dear' night - and has been lovely all day so that we have been able to get out a little.  Charlie insisted on leaving this A.M., so after much deliberation and discussion, we decided the whole bunch of us would walk across the pastures and see him off.  We had lots of fun and spent a while in the village.  Bing tore his socks in crawling over a fence, and so we had to go into Stubbs and buy a new pair.  We also visited school about five minutes.

"Upon reaching home about 11 o'clock, I found out, much to my surprise, that Mrs. Hile had come and got her 'duds' and left a piece of her mind!  In a way, I'm sure glad she has gone, but, of course, we need someone to help us.

"We took some very 'artistic' pictures of Bing and Hen and myself boxing, played Fan Tan a while, then went horseback riding.  Hen rode Luke, Bing rode Duke, and I rode Rag.  I let Hen use the little saddle and, as a result, I am rather tender about sitting much.  But we had a fine ride - we went up north past Bill McCracken's and back past George Mann's and Mr. Edmans.  The scenery is certainly lovely from some of those hills.  Orv got home about five and took some more pictures.  Then I came up to help Mother with supper, and Hen and Bing went on with Papa and Ted after the cows.  Bing rode Ruby bareback!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/hill-and-valley-quilt-block.html

Hill and Valley Quilt Block

     This 12" Hill and Valley quilt block should not have been difficult to make, but I first used a different green and decided it was too bright so had to rip it out and redo it.  I found the pattern at: http://www.quilterscache.com/H/HillandValleyBlock.html
     In this diary entry, Hattie's week-end party with friends continues.  Ted is her 14-year-old brother, and Orv is a hired man about her age.  The other people mentioned are her friends visiting from Emporia.    

Sunday, May 14, 1916 -
"It stormed quite fiercely this A.M. just before we got up and, of course, the roads were too muddy to think of going to church.  We kids did the breakfast dishes; Bing and Charlie displayed some very keen dish-towel explosions.  I never heard anything like it before.  We fooled around all morning.  Hen slept a while, Lesta and I fixed the lettuce and radishes for dinner, and Ted took the boys boat riding.  We had a very nice dinner and after having a tussle over some Kodak pictures, we decided we would go for a walk.  It was partly cloudy but not raining.  For pure craziness, we donned rubber boots and overshoes.  Hen and I had on riding skirts, and the rest were in old clothes.  We walked up on top of the big hill up to the rock pile.  We took several pictures (Orv was very kind to loan us his Kodak), and I laughed until I ached over Hen and Bing playing ball.  We crossed several 'dear little streams' (according to Lesta).  Hen and Bing insisted on carrying me across one, and Hen forgot that her boot leaked until she was in the middle of the stream!  We each had a motor-cycle ride with Orvel through the alfalfa field before we came in.

"Lesta had to go home tonight, and as it looked very stormy and the roads were muddy, Bing took her in to the train and then came right back.  But it cleared away and is just beautiful out tonight.  We have been helping Ted with his algebra, eating candy, and listening to Hen's story.  She gave us a very detailed book review of a French play she is reading."  

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:   
 http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/wrench-quilt-block.html

Wrench Quilt Block

     This 6" Wrench block was one of the first ones that I made for this project, using the pattern from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.
     In this diary entry, Hattie has friends from Emporia coming by train for the week-end, but things don't go exactly as planned.  The Wrench block name will give you a clue to some of the difficulties she had.          

Saturday, May 13, 1916 -
"It's raining!

"O, I can't write.  Hen and Lesta are in bed talking, and it is almost twelve so I'll not write any more now.

"Things turned out so different from the way I had planned!  They always do.  I got a letter from the kids this morning saying that at least Bing and Hen would be here, possibly the others.  So I worked quite diligently until about three o'clock getting things ready.  Papa had promised to be here early to drive the car, but he didn't come until about 4:30, so we were late starting.  Orvel didn't have the car in perfect readiness as we thought, and we had to give it gasoline and water and a slight cleaning.  Finally, at five o'clock we were off and went along very nicely until we came to the Ely Hill.  Here we had to get out and crank as Papa kept killing the engine and then go a few feet and stop again.  During this time, the train arrived and still we sat on the hill!  Nearly desperate with cranking, Papa told me to go to Tyson's and phone to the garage.  I did and also phoned to Stub.  When he said my guests were wandering the streets, I told him to tell them what the trouble was and that I'd soon be there.  A strong south wind was blowing and made walking rather difficult, but I was just plowing along when I saw the whole bunch coming, piled in Mr. Rowland's old dirty truck.  I got in and came back to the Hill with them.  When they got the car started again, Papa picked us up and we were soon here.  We went for a little stroll down to my 'cozy nook' before supper.  After supper, we went for another one up as far as Emonds.  

"We came back and sat on the porch and danced and watched the clouds and lightning with hopes that it would not rain, but despite all hopes, it is fairly pouring."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/single-wedding-star-quilt-block.html

Single Wedding Star Quilt Block

     This 6" Single Wedding Star block was made using a pattern from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.
     In this diary entry, Hattie writes about attending both a funeral and a golden wedding anniversary party. 
    
Wednesday, May 10, 1916 -
"(It looks just twenty minutes of Thursday, however) so for this reason I'll leave the details until morning and hie me to bed.  So much of interest has happened that I couldn't do it and myself both justice tonight.  I certainly had one grand time at the Golden Wedding, though, and everything turned out lovely.  After Jesse (!!?!!) left me at the door I came up and, stopping at Papa's and Mother's door, we began talking and discussing things in general.  So Good Night!

"Papa wanted me to go to Mrs. Jessee's funeral, so to please him I finally consented although I hate to go to funerals.  Poor Lizzie May and the other children, I feel so sorry for them all. 

"We just got back from the cemetery when Fred Schroder, Grandpa Burton, Mr. and Mrs. Haddon, and their little girl stopped by for a few moments.  Then we ate a lunch and got ready to go.  (At the Golden Wedding) we saw a crowd and had a pleasant visit with the 'old folks' for a while, then I went out and helped with the serving.  We had lots of fun sampling each cake and hiding away the good ones and condemning the 'corn bread' and the one with 'onion filling.'  It was so cold that the guests nearly froze eating ice cream and cake out of doors.  There were over a hundred people present.  After the second table was served, Florence Mann, May, Olga, and I got Jesse to take us for a ride.  We came down to the bridge here where there are six boys camping.  We began talking to them, but as soon as they came up near, we tied our handkerchiefs over our faces so they couldn't identify us.  The joy ride was fun, and as we got back the folks were ready to come home so Lottie said for me to wait and come with them.  We ate our share of the 'hidden fruit' then.  I ate with Jesse although J. B. tried to get me to eat with Elmo.  Try our best, we could only get rid of about 9 of the 15 gallons of ice cream, but it was mighty good!  Jesse escorted me to the door and said he would like me to go with them to the Carnival at Osage Saturday night.  I told him it would be lovely, but I thought I would have company from Emporia!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
 http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/whirlpool-quilt-block.html     

Whirlpool Quilt Block

     This 8" Whirlpool block is nothing but half squares triangles so is an easy block to make.  (Maybe not so easy.  At first go-around, I sewed the entire right quarter of the quilt upside down and had to re-do and re-photograph!)  I used the pattern from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but sized it up from 6" to 8" finished.   
     In this diary entry, the river that is mentioned is the Marais des Cygnes River, a 217 mile river located in eastern Kansas and western Missouri.  Marais des Cygnes means "Marsh of the Swans" in French, presumably in reference to the Trumpeter Swan.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marais_des_Cygnes_River  Alpha, Griffie, and Lizzie are friends of Hattie's.  Orv is a hired man close to Hattie's age, and Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework.  This is another entry in which Frank George (along with his mother and sister, Fannie) are mentioned.  Frank is Hattie's future husband and my grandfather!
 
Sunday, May 7, 1916 -
"After not attempting to sleep until 2:10 this A.M., Alpha and I awoke at six o'clock.  We ate candy and took some 'morning after' pictures, then finally dressed in time for breakfast at 7:30.  We took a little stroll down by the river before Sunday School.  Everything was beautiful and fresh this A.M.  The water looked so inviting that we decided Alpha would come home again after church with me, and we'd go boat-riding.  Griffie wanted to come out, too, and although she phoned me this P.M. that she was coming out with Lizzie, she didn't appear.  I dressed all up in my white middy suit and hat, and we walked out to the bridge with our Kodaks to wait for her.  A party of Lebo people were coming down, and we came on up when they arrived.  There were Dr. and Mrs. Lusk, Mr. and Mrs. D.P. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Black and their two children, and Frank George, his mother, and Fannie.  After they left, we started for our boat ride.  Orv insisted on going with us, and we couldn't find any oars and the boat was locked and Orv broke it and then threw our padlock (the broken one) into the river!  We got stranded on a rock and slopped water into the boat and all over ourselves until we certainly were a sorry looking mess." 

Monday, May 8, 1916 -
"This has seemed like the longest day!  After having all sorts of queer dreams last night and having a sudden wind come up and nearly blow us out of bed, we awoke before six o'clock.  Alpha's father called and wanted her to come right home.  So immediately after breakfast before six-thirty, she started.  It was a lovely cool morning.  As it was wash day, I did the housework and Mother and Mrs. Hile were in the basement.  Mrs. Barrett phoned and told me that Mrs. Jessee had died last night and that was the reason Mrs. B. had phoned for Alpha.  

"About ten o'clock, I became so desperately sick I had to go to bed with the hot water bag and dope up on hot ginger.  I guess slopping around in that boat yesterday was not especially helpful to my welfare.  About noon, I finally fell asleep and slept until 3:30.  That's one reason why it seems like such a long time since morning.  

"I lounged around a while then wrote a letter to Howard.  Mother, and Papa, and I received invitations tonight to the Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Lovell for Wednesday evening.  I think it will be real nice.  Well, Papa will be at home tomorrow morning, and I'll be glad!"

You might also like to read my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/12/friendship-block-quilt-block.html

Friendship Square Quilt Block

     I really love this Little Apples fabric line by Aneela Hoey.  I thought it was perfect for this 8-1/2" Friendship Square block.  I found a 6" pattern for this block in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but made it larger to accommodate the center fabric design.  

     In these diary entries, Ruth is Hattie's 23-year-old sister while George and Anna are 12-year-old twins in the family.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework, and Orv is a hired man about Hattie's age.  The others mentioned are her friends. 

Friday, May 5, 1916 -
"I thought I'd go to bed early, but after I took my bath, I started a letter to Ruth and it is now after ten.

"Today has been lovely - even a little hot.  George and Anna had vacation today, and a bunch of the high school and 8th graders had a picnic down here this P.M. after school.  Mother and Mrs. Hile went to town, and I stayed home with the kids and washed my hair and did a little darning.  Then this evening just before supper, Anna and I went over in the woods and picked two immense bunches of violets.  They are lovely - so blue and long stemmed!  I sent Hen and Lesta each a bunch. . .

"We were favored with a nice mess of fish for dinner by Mr. Trapp."

Saturday, May 6, 1916 -
"After all my work, planning and hoping for Florine to come, she disappointed me - never even wrote me a letter.  It is such nice weather, too, I think it's a shame.  After I went to the train and she didn't come, Alpha told me to come to her house for supper and go to the show.  I phoned Mother and she said if Alpha would come home with me, it would be all right.  It was in the bargain that if I stayed, Stub would take care of my horse.  Ruby McCauley chaperoned and took us all in to the show.  There were Griffie, Alpha, Lela, Grace, and I in the 'string party' as Louie called it.  The movies were rather dim, but Alpha and I furnished peanuts and candy, and we had fun anyhow.  Orv took Alpha and me to the Restaurant afterward and we had a 'cold one.'  Then Orv came out with us, for which I was truly thankful - we didn't have to put away the horse.  As it is nearing midnight, we must pile in."   

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
 http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/night-and-day-quilt-block.html

Night and Day Quilt Block

    
     This 12" Night and Day block took me most of a day to make.  I am so glad it's done!  I started out with paper piecing and did 1/4 of the block that way.  I  ended up using templates for the remaining 3/4.  I found the free pattern on-line here: http://www.quilterscache.com/N/NightandDayBlock.html
     According to Dictionary.com, a Burletta is a musical drama containing rhymed lyrics and resembling comic opera or a comic play containing songs.  I believe the Bronco Bill show the kids wanted to go to is a cowboy movie, part of a very popular series of movies:  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broncho_Billy_Anderson_filmography

Wednesday, May 3, 1916 (written Thursday) -
"As it was 5 minutes before twelve when I got in last night, I decided to leave all unnecessary duties until morning.  Howell and I took in the Burletta that the Key West Glee Club gave.  It would have been more appreciated, I think, had it not been quite so long and drawn out.  We sat with Stub and Fern and had a good time except we became mighty tired.  It lasted until after 11:00 and grew rather monotonous.

"I sewed all morning, began making my crepe dress.  Then in the afternoon, Mother and I went to town.  I didn't have the slightest intention of buying a hat when I went, but Mother wanted me to look at some.  The first thing, she showed me one that was a perfect match for my suit - it was also a very stylish hat and looked well on me so without much delay, I brought it home.  I wore it with my suit to the play and am really quite crazy about them both.  I think I'll like the change from the conventional blue."

Thursday, May 4, 1916 -

"I'm so sleepy; Mrs. Hile said I nearly went to sleep coming up stairs.  I certainly don't envy the spectators at Bronco Bill's show tonight.  The kids wanted to go - in fact, talked of nothing else - so Orvel, out of the kindness of his heart, told Mother to let them go, and he would go with them.  He hadn't intended to go at all.  He told me he was saving his quarters to go hear Billy Sunday.   

"Papa left for Wallace again this morning.  It has been a beautiful day and promises to continue so. . .

"Although Papa was very kind and let me sleep this morning, I am ready for bed now!"

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/alpine-cross-quilt-block.html

Alpine Cross Quilt Block

 

     I made this 10" Alpine Cross block because Hattie's Mamma is buried in the Alpine Cemetery.  The family visits her grave on May Day to leave her bouquets.  I think it's a beautiful pattern.  The directions can be found here:  http://www.quilterscache.com/A/AlpineCrossBlock.html

     In this entry, George and Anna are 12-year-old twins - Hattie's younger siblings.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework. 

    
Monday, May 1, 1916 -
"It cleared off lovely today and has been a beautiful May Day.  George called me this morning early and said, 'May basket!'  He and Anna had made some for all and filled them with flowers.

"Mrs. Hile came about 9:30 this A.M., so I have been sewing a good deal today.  I finished my cap and planned my crepe dress and partially altered my suit.  I am beginning to like it a great deal better.

"This evening Papa and Anna and I each took a pretty bouquet of flowers - lilacs, violets, and verbenas - and walked up to the cemetery and put them on Mamma's grave.  Papa always brought her a bouquet on May Day, and we children got in the habit, too, so we still like to remember our little custom.  I think she still appreciates it, and I know it does us no harm to still hold the memory of the things she liked dear.

"I have been writing a letter to Fern and am quite sleepy.  Just a little tired, too.  To keep up with Papa, it kept Anna and I on the run part of the time, and yet he would say, 'My knees hurt so, I can hardly walk!'"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/streak-of-lightning-quilt-block.html

Streak of Lightning Quilt Block

     This Streak of Lightning quilt block is easy to make.  You can find the pattern online free at Quilterscache by clicking here.
     In this diary entry, Mother is Hattie's stepmother, Nelle Daniels Woodbury.  Ann is her 12-year-old sister.  "William Ashley 'Billy' Sunday was an American athlete who, after being a popular outfielder in baseball's National League during the 1880s, became the most celebrated and influential American evangelist during the first two decades of the 20th century.  Sunday was a strong supporter of Prohibition, and his preaching almost certainly played a significant role in the adoption of the 18th amendment in 1919." (Wikipedia)

Wednesday, April 26
"I haven't done much today but churn and crochet.  O yes, I mopped the kitchen at 7:30 this A.M.!  But the churning was terribly slow.  I didn't finish until afternoon.  I had a little nap, too.

"Papa came in from Larned this A.M. and left for Wallace at 5:20 this P.M.  He went by way of Kansas City and took my suit back.  He didn't decide to go until after 4:30, so we had time for nothing but to fly around and get him ready.  I took him to the station."

Friday, April 28, 1916 -
"Mother and Ann went to town this P.M. and brought home my suit that Papa had sent by express.  I'm not real sure that I like it - it is a sort of apple green, a color I have never worn much.  It fits pretty well, though, so I may keep it.

"My clock has stopped, so I couldn't tell how late it is but presume it's about 'straight up.'"

Sunday, April 30, 1916 -
"This has been a rainy, rainy day.  The sun hasn't shown a minute, and the drizzle has been incessant.  Of course, we didn't go to church.  In fact, I didn't do anything but eat and sleep and read. . .

"We got a telegram from Papa this morning, and he came in tonight - but he says he has to go back again for the cattle he bought.

"Billy Sunday opened his revival in Kansas City today.  I'm just wild to hear him.  Hope I can go down."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry here:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/basket-weave-quilt-block.html

Basket Weave Variation Quilt Block

     My first Basket Weave block, using the original pattern, looked like a swastika symbol, which is unacceptable to me.  After much input from others and after several attempts, this is the variation I chose.  I found the original pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but varied it by flipping some of the basic blocks around to form a different design in the center.    

     In these diary entries, Hattie's stepmother has been out of town, and she is thankful to have her home.  The housework is a lot without her help!  On Easter Sunday, Hattie goes to church with her Mother (stepmother Nelle Daniels Woodbury) and her younger brothers Ted (14) and George (12).  Sister Anna (12) is sick at home. 

Saturday, April 22, 1916 -

"Well, Mother finally got home, and I'm rejoicing.  It seems a long week.  I got my wish for a nice, bright, warm, still day, for today has been really hot!  This morning was entirely too lovely to be spent in the house baking and cleaning.  But such is life!

"I finished my work this afternoon and had my bath and got ready to go to town.  Papa and Mr. Peat and I, after a great deal of puttering, got the horse hitched up and I started.  I just had a few minutes to run up to the church to see how the Decorating Committee was progressing. (I was supposed to help.)  But it was about train time, so Alpha and I shot down to the station.  I greeted Mother and was just helping her get her baggage when Alpha hopped on the train, seeing some friends, and called back to me, 'Harriet, stop in and tell Mamma I'm going to Quenemo.'  And off she was without even a hat or coat and no money either!  That's just like Alpha.  Her folks were as astonished as I.

"Grace Mc. phoned this A.M. and informed me that I was to act as usher with Grace K, Mary, and May in the morning.  I told her I had no new hat to display, and she said neither had she.  Then May spoke up and said, "Neither have I."  But afterwards Mary phoned and said she had got one.  But I don't care!  Mother brought me a nice corsage bouquet of pink roses, sweet peas, hyacinths, and ferns so I can at least have flowers.  I had violets last year.  Mother brought me a pretty basket filled with nice things: an Easter souvenir pin cushion, two pretty handkerchiefs, a dainty collar, a bar of French soap, and crepe for a dress.  O yes, a box of Easter candy, too!"

Sunday, April 23, 1916 -
"This has been about the nicest Easter day (as far as the weather is concerned) that I have on record.  Just a nice warm, bright spring day.  Anna was sick but Mother, Ted, George, and I went to church.  Everybody (but I) was out in his or her new spring outfit.  They had a right nice program and beautiful flowers.  I filled my new basket with tulips, lilacs, cherry and apple blossoms, and everyone admired it very much." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/cats-and-mice-quilt-block.html

Cats and Mice Quilt Block

     I love the color combination of this 12" Cats and Mice quilt block.  It was not difficult to put together.  I used the directions found here:   http://www.quilterscache.com/C/CatandMiceBlock.html
     In this diary entry, Elmo and Orv are hired men who live on the farm.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework and lives with them most of the week.  Lyndon is the county seat of Osage County, Kansas.  
     Hattie plays One Old Cat with her twelve-year-old siblings, Anna and George.  I found out information on Wikipedia about this old game:  One Old Cat is a bat and ball game, with a giver (pitcher), a striker (batter), a catcher, and sometimes another fielder or two. The striker, upon hitting the ball thrown by the giver, attempts to run to a single base (often the giver's position) and back again. The fielders try to "sting" the striker-runner with a thrown ball while he/she is not touching the base. The striker is also out if the struck ball is caught in the air, or if he swings three times at the giver's deliveries and misses. Once the striker is out, players rotate positions.  One Old Cat is a game of individuals—one against all—and not a team sport. Each base touched before 'out' (or just home) scores a point, although the score is often not kept.

Friday, April 21, 1916 -
"It's almost eleven o'clock, but we had to look over the mail after Elmo brought it, of course.  I am a little 'tahred' as Florine used to say.  Mrs. Hile and I cleaned both this morning and a while this afternoon.  Papa went to Lyndon today and was gone almost all day.  He doesn't intend to go to Kansas City tomorrow, so I told him I would be willing to wait until next week if he'd let me go along.

"Today has been bright but rather cool and windy.  I nearly blew off of the upper north porch this A.M. while cleaning rugs.  Orv told me I needed an anchor. 

"Anna, George, and I had a very exciting game of 'one old cat' this evening.  The roosters are beginning to crow; I had better turn in."

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

Four Winds Quilt Block

     I enjoyed making this 12" Four Winds quilt block.  I found the pattern at The Quilter's Cache right here.  It is made up of squares and half square triangles so is an easy one to make. 
     In these diary entries, Mother is still in Topeka, so Hattie has more than her usual share of the housework to do.  Twelve-year-old twins George and Anna appear to be reliving the boxing match that took place earlier on March 25 between Jess Willard and Frank Moran.  Orvel is a hired man who works on the farm.  Hattie is continuing her correpondence work through the University of Kansas.    
   
Wednesday, April 19, 1916 -
"This has been the windiest day! - even worse than yesterday.  After doing up the housework, I did a little mending - nothing very exciting, but the wind made me so sleepy that just as soon as the dinner dishes were done, I came up here and had a little nap.  I slept so hard that I didn't wake until the storm aroused me.  It hailed a little, and Orvel said there was a cyclone cloud west of here.  But it didn't last long, was all clear and the wind blowing as usual by four o'clock.  It is quiet now but cloudy and raining some.

"Mother sent the kids some boxing gloves, and George and Anna had quite a 'sparring match' before supper out on the east porch.  Anna knocked George out in the second round, but George broke Anna's beads in the third!  Orvel was trying to start the engine on water, and so there was quite an attendance at the prize fight.

"Papa says he may go to Kansas City in the A.M. if it doesn't rain, so I expect we'll have to get up pretty early.  I wish he'd wait until Mother comes, so I can go with him to exchange my suit and get my hat, but I don't know when she is coming.  As I want my suit for Easter, I'll not ask him to wait."

Thursday, April 20, 1916 -
"It's awfully cold out tonight!  And it rained some more today.  I don't believe we are going to have any more spring.  But as long as I haven't got my spring clothes, I had ought to be satisfied.  Papa didn't go to Kansas City, and we had a letter from Mother tonight saying she wouldn't be home until Saturday, so it doesn't look as if I am going to get to go to the City.  

"We saw in the paper that Mother was going to bring Mrs. Rogers home with her, but in her letter tonight she said she was not.  So that is off my mind - I won't have to prepare for strange guests.  I got my lesson assignment off today, too, so that is off my mind."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/homemaker-quilt-block.html

Homemaker Quilt Block

    
     I worried about making this little 6" Homemaker quilt block with its Y seams.  However, I took my time, cut carefully, and followed the directions in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt book and had no problems.  The little green check is brushed cotton and has some give to it, which helped when I was pressing.  
     In these diary entries, Orvel is a hired man and Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework.  Mother is gone, so Hattie and Mrs. Hile have all of the housework to do.  Hattie refers to the house where the hired men live as the "Country Club."  She reads in the Kansas City Star newspaper that Pancho Villa's body may have been found.  I created a link if you want to read further. 

Monday, April 17, 1916 -
"Busy with a housewife's duties, I have been occupied in mind, at least, all day.  Mrs. Hile was washing, so I had to wash the breakfast dishes, pack lunches, make beds, dust, bake two pies, plan dinner, sweep the porches, and churn all before dinner.  It rained this A.M. after it had been clear at sunrise.  But the sun came out again at noon, so Mrs. Hile starched and hung out the clothes, while I washed the dishes after dinner.  I called at the Country Club then rested and crocheted a while before starting supper.  I have been perusing the Sunday Star since the evening work was finished.  News is out that Villa's body has been found.  This is the third rumor of his death - hope it's true this time.   http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026749/1916-04-17/ed-1/seq-2/

"It's a beautiful moonlit night tonight."

Tuesday, April 18, 1916 -
"Another busy day.  Mrs. Hile was ironing, so I did practically all the other work except dish washing and am a little weary.  I'm not so very sleepy now but probably shall be in the morning.  It has been so windy today, but the clouds have cleared away and the full moon shining with all force.  

"I gave Orvel a big bunch of tulips to take to his sister-in-law.  She is quite ill with the measles.  The tulips are blooming just lovely and the violets - it seems they never were so blue!

"There were some men here wanting to lease land for oil today, but Papa is going a little slow about giving them a lease."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/end-of-day-quilt-block.html

End of Day Quilt Block

     This little 6" End of Day quilt block was fun and easy to make.  I found the pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.
     In these diary entries, Hattie is on a date with Howell Lusk.  Ted is Hattie's 14-year-old brother, and Orv is one of the hired men.  Ruth is Hattie's 23-year-old sister, and Anna is her 12-year-old sister.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who lives with them and helps with the housework.
     I have included Aunt Cleo's recipe for White Bread.  Aunt Cleo later married Hattie's brother George, who is 12 (Anna's twin) at the time of this diary.   

Friday, April 14, 1916 -
"Just a little scratch as it is 11:30, and I'm tired.  Howell and I have been to a musicale at the church.  Miss Mildred Christie and a male quartet furnished the number.  During the program the lights went out for a little, of course.  It is quite muddy, but there were quite a few out - a good many dates, and Alpha came pattering in alone about nine o'clock.

"I had to bribe Ted with some candy to get him to hurry in so we could have supper early.  Howell came in so beastly early last time I was afraid he might arrive while we were eating.  Howell called up while we were at dinner so, of course, everyone heard me accept the date, and Orv kept grinning all during supper - trying to get me fussed, I presume.  But we had supper soon after Papa got back, and everything went off very smoothly."

Saturday, April 15, 1916 -
"This is Ruth's birthday.  I would sure like to see her tonight, and I wonder if she got my letter today.

"Mother left for Topeka this A.M., so I have been pretty busy with the baking today.  I made 7 loaves of bread, 4 pies, and baked beans this A.M., and Mrs. Hile and I made a cake this afternoon.  I haven't done much cooking lately, but I still know how.  We got the house cleaned pretty early and then Hester came to give Anna her lesson.  Her friend, Miss Meeker, came with her.

"I am so terribly sleepy I thought I'd go to bed early.  It's raining again, and a good night to sleep.  But I was mending and reading and crocheting and couldn't work up enough energy to come up stairs."   

Aunt Cleo's White Bread

2 cups milk

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 Tablespoon lard (shortening)

1 package dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

6 - 6-1/2 cups flour

1.  Scald milk.  Stir in sugar, salt, and lard.  Cool to lukewarm. 

2.  Sprinkle yeast on warm water; stir to dissolve.  Add yeast and 3 cups flour to milk mixture.  Beat with spoon until batter is smooth and sheets off spoon (or beat 2 minutes with mixer.)

3.  Add enough flour, a little at a time, first by spoon and then with hands, to make a dough that leaves the side of the bowl.  Turn onto a lightly floured board; cover and let rest 10 minutes.

4.  Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Round up into a ball and put into a lightly greased bowl.  Turn dough over to grease top; cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. 

5.  Punch down, cover and let rise again until almost doubled, about 45 minutes. 

6.  Turn onto board; shape into ball and divide in half.  Shape into 2 loaves and place in greased 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pans.  Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. 

7.  Bake in 400 degree oven for 35 minutes or until deep golden brown.  Place on wire rack and let cool away from draft.  Dip waxed paper into shortening or butter and brush over the top of the loaves.

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

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/peace-and-plenty-quilt-block.html

Peace and Plenty Quilt Block

     This 8" Peace and Plenty block was fun and easy to make - just half square triangles.  I adapted the original 6" pattern found in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. 
     In these diary entries, Papa visits Chester Redding, a Woodbury relative from New Hampshire who now lives outside of Chicago.  Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who stays with Hattie's family and helps with the housework. 

Wednesday, April 12, 1916 -
"Papa arrived home tonight safe and sound.  He got $9.55 for his cattle and seems very well pleased as we all are.  He went out to see Chester Redding and his family who live in Berwyn, a suburb of Chicago.  Papa brought me a new suit from Kansas City.  I am not sure that it 'suits.'  I want to try it on in daylight first.  It is a real dark blue serge trimmed in a little taffeta, gabardine, and steel buttons."

Thursday, April 13, 1916 -
"I finally got my crocheted yoke started successfully after beginning it five times and am getting along so well I hate to lay it down.  But I have done other things today, too.  I helped Mrs. Hile finish the ironing this A.M. and swept and helped clean the third floor and studied some besides the other regular duties.  It has been a rainy, rainy day and, of course, is damp and cold.

"Mother and I had planned on going to Kansas City tomorrow to take my suit back and do some other shopping, but Papa changed his mind, said people would think we were trying to spend money as fast as he could make it.  Ha!  Besides, he said he had to go down on business next week, and I could go along and exchange the suit then.  I hope the weather is nicer for I hate to go anywhere in the rain, and I'm so tired of cold weather. 

"My tulips are coming out lovely in these showers, but the sun would greatly aid them."

You might enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/cups-and-saucers-quilt-block.html

Cups and Saucers Quilt Block

     This is a little 6" Cups and Saucers quilt block.  I found the pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I also found the pattern at Quilterscache here.  I fussycut the center to feature the roses.
     In this diary entry, Papa is shipping cattle to Chicago.  My dad writes:  "When a cattleman shipped cattle on the railroad, the cattle owner could ride in the caboose free to wherever the cattle were going (Kansas City or Chicago) and free coming back." 
     Hattie is studying for her correspondence courses that she's taking through Kansas University.  She later writes that she found these classes "rather unsatisfactory without the classroom environment."  

Friday, April 7, 1916 -
"I was sure surprised to see everything covered with snow this morning, and it kept up snowing almost all A.M., but it didn't stay long enough for sleighing.

"Papa started for Chicago with the cattle this evening, so, of course, it has been a day of some little excitement.  Mother baked and fussed about all day getting his lunch fixed and his bag packed, and we all had to fly around getting him off.  The cattle certainly looked fine as they drove them to town.  We all lunched on fried chicken, brown bread, nut sandwiches, cake, pie, coffee, pickles, etc. about the time he left. 

"I studied awhile until supper was ready when the folks made me come down and go through the motions, although I wasn't hungry.  We have just been sitting around talking this evening, and Mother says for me to go to bed early!  But I'm going to take a bath first."

1917 Recipe for Hickory-Nut Sandwiches

1 cup finely chopped hickory nuts
2 cups finely chopped apples
Mayonnaise
Celery or celery seed
Bread, sliced thinly and with crusts trimmed

1.  Mix together hickory nuts and apples with as much mayonnaise as needed to bind.
2.  Add finely chopped celery or celery seed if desired.

3.  Use mixture as filling in sandwiches.   
                                  from the July 1917 edition of Needlework Magazine 
http://vpll.wordpress.com/category/lifestyle/food-1911-1919/


You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post: http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/11/attic-windows-quilt-block.html

Attic Windows Quilt Block

     This 9" Attic Windows quilt block was a quick one to make.  I used this free on-line pattern: http://www.quilterscache.com/A/AtticWindowBlock.html.  I won the center fabric in a drawing at my Modern Quilt Guild monthly meeting, as part of a basket of goodies. 
     In this diary entry, Mrs. Hile is a neighbor who helps with housework. 
     Below the diary entry, I have included a more complete description of the third floor, later written by Hattie's niece, Ann Woodbury Lusk.  (Ann's father, Howard, is Hattie's younger brother.)  Ann grew up in this same home, so she is well acquainted with all its nooks and crannies.   

Thursday, April 6, 1916 -
"Papa is planning on shipping his cattle to Chicago tomorrow.  He received a message today saying he got $9.15 for the five steers he shipped last night and $9.60 for the hogs.  I hope he does as well with the remainder - those were the poorest he sent last night.  I told him he could bring me a new suit from Chicago. 

"Mrs. Hile cleaned the third floor today, but tonight has turned so cold, it doesn't look much like housecleaning weather." 

     "The third floor was two long north/south rooms - and a tiny north room - exactly like an oven in the summer. . .
     "Mostly the third floor was the west room for storage and the east room for parties.  The closet doors here were only child high, which made them delightful playhouses, and sometimes such intriguing things were discovered in far corner boxes.  Also, here was where Mother cured her homemade lye soap.  Bars and bars laid out on wooden slats - couldn't lay it right on the floor or the lye would eat it up.  That soap certainly made things white.  When my daughter was learning to crawl, I used to send her petticoats to Mother to wash in the homemade soap."  by Ann Woodbury Lusk 

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Receipt for Lye Soap

Ingredients:

5 cups water

1 (13 ounce) can lye

6 pounds lard

CAUTION:  Lye is highly caustic and should be washed off immediately with cold water!  Wear rubber globes.  Turn face away from lye when pouring into water to avoid inhaling the fumes.  Always pour the lye into the water rather than the water into the lye!  NEVER mix lye in an aluminum container, as the lye will react with it.

1.  Prepare the lye solution first, so it can cool to between 95 and 98 degrees.  Pour cold water into an enamelware pot, and then add the lye slowly while stirring the solution steadily with a wooden spoon.  The reaction between lye and water will generate temperatures over 200 degrees F.  Place the enamel pot in a basin of cold water to hasten cooling.  Once cooled, pour it carefully into a 2-quart glass container.

2.  Melt the lard and bring to a temperature of between 95 and 98 degrees F.  To ensure thorough mixing, stir the lard before the lye is added.  Pour in the lye solution in a steady stream while continuing to stir with an even circular motion.  The mixture will turn opaque and brownish, then lighten.

3.  Soap is ready when its surface can support a drop of mixture for a moment; the consistency should be like sour cream.

4.  You may add colorants, scents, or other special ingredients.

5.  Pour liquid into molds lined with brown paper or coated with Vaseline and place in a warm location.  Cover molds with cardboard or blankets.  After 24-48 hours, cut into bars and separate the bars so that they can completely air-dry or cure.  Wait at least 3 weeks before using the soap. 

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