Chocolate Lover Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 10" Chocolate Lover block in Judy Martin's Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns.
     As background information, Hattie's Mamma, Alberta Emily Young Woodbury, passed away three years earlier in June of 1913.    

Sunday, October 29, 1916 -
"I am all broken up tonight, but I can't help it.  Perhaps I shall feel better after a night's sleep.  We have been to church, and there was a wonderful revival meeting.  I think it stirred the hearts deep down, even if not all admitted it, of everyone there.  I held out very well until they began to sing 'Tell Mother I'll Be There.'  Then I simply couldn't help it - that song always brings tears.  I had succeeded in wiping them away and went up to the altar to shake hands with some of the struggling ones, then just as we got back to our seats, they started to sing it again.  I couldn't stand it again, so I asked Frank to please go home.  It is very foggy tonight, and he had to drive slowly.  There was scarcely a word uttered between us all the way home.  When we got to the steps, I told Frank I felt bad from hearing the song and hadn't felt like talking.  He said he knew just how I felt and that he had intended to ask me something tonight, had been fighting it back but couldn't help it.  Then pressing my hand, he said good night and I responded.   

"I must go to bed.  It has been an hour since I got in, but it seems as though I am too excited to do anything.  I hope I can get to sleep, for I am tired."

Monday, October 30, 1916 -
"It is late now, almost eleven, and as I didn't get much sleep last night, I'm tired and, of course, I've had a good deal on my mind today.  I have thought it over so many times and have come to no nearer conclusion.

"This has been a perfect autumn day in spite of the dense fog this morning.  It cleared away about the time we were hanging out the clothes and has been clear and bright since.  I have enjoyed it, too.

"Papa went to Emporia this morning, and as he wanted to go to Lyndon to hear Capper, Frank offered to take him over from Osage.  Of course, he asked me to go.  The ride was lovely to Osage to get Papa and then on to Lyndon.  We all went up to the Hotel for supper, then all the politicians began to swarm in.  The band music got us started, so we went down and found the hall full.  We edged up and found good seats up front on the stage steps.  Mr. Pringle, Mr. Miller, and Governor Capper all spoke, and each had a splendid talk.   A quartet sang two cleve political songs, and Miss Shoecraft sang a solo, a parody on 'Uncle Sammy.'  After we had shaken hands with the Governor, we got our things up at the Hotel and came on home.

"Frank asked Papa how fast he wanted to drive.  He said he didn't care, just so we didn't get in to the ditch.  Well, we did that very thing up on front of Schlageler's old place.  We were both looking at a light about 10 miles in the distance and accidentally got into a rut.  We went into a little ditch but had no trouble in getting out.

"Of course, Frank hasn't had much chance to say anything more to me, and I'm glad for I don't know what to say to him.  He gave me a nice box of candy tonight."  

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/shortcut-to-school-quilt-block.html

Shortcut to School Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 9" Shortcut to School block on-line at Quilter's Cache:
http://www.quilterscache.com/S/ShortcutToSchoolBlock.html. 
     In these diary entries, Hattie is serving as a substitute teacher for Fannie George, Frank's sister.  (Frank is the man she's dating.)  Bobby is Frank's youngest brother. 

Thursday, October 26, 1916 -
"I'm going to bed early, as I have to be up early in the morning for I'm going to teach school!  I'm a little shaky on the subject, but I wanted to help Fannie out.  She phoned me and asked me about it this evening, and I promised her I'd do what I could." 

Friday, October 27, 1916 -
"Well, I had a lovely day!  It has been an ideal day as far as the weather is concerned, too.  Frank came for me about eight o'clock.  I was all ready, and Mother had a nice lunch packed for me, and we were soon off. 

"The children were all just lovely, and I didn't have a bit of trouble with any of them - not even Mike as George predicted.  He was real nice to me.  Bobby pumped water for me, gave me four apples, and was a perfect little gentleman, but Frank told me he had given him a few instructions.  

"Frank was at Niles' and came down for me soon after school was out.  We discussed the day's affairs and so forth for a while, then came on home.  

"I sure ate an immense share of the good supper Mother had for us.  Among much else, she had a little liverwurst, and I got so tickled at Papa.  He took a piece and smelled it before he put it on his plate."   

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/barbara-frietchie-star-quilt-block.html

Barbara Frietchie Star Quilt Block

     I found this 8" Barbara Frietchie Star pattern in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. 
     In these diary entries, Mother is visiting friends in Topeka, so Hattie is in charge of the household.  The threshers are working at the Woodbury farm, so Hattie has more hungry mouths to feed than usual.  In the evening, Papa recites the poem "Barbara Frietchie":  http://www.earlywomenmasters.net/quilts/b/bfritchie/index.html

Monday, October 23, 1916 -
"It has turned cold again and has been cloudy and disagreeable all day.  Grace hung out the washing but had to bring it in before it was dry on account of the smoke and chaff from the thresher.  She was right peeved.  They came just at noon, but I had a good dinner fixed for them.  This afternoon I went to town to mail some letters and get a few groceries. 

"I came home and got supper for ten of us, and after reading the papers a little, I'm going to bed as I'm tired.  Unless it rains, the threshers think they will finish in the morning."

Tuesday, October 24, 1916 -
"Well, it sure rained and hasn't stopped yet for that matter.  It has been a typical rainy day, dark and damp and not a ray of sunshine.  The threshers sat around here all morning, and I had to get dinner for them, but they finally left on the water wagon this afternoon.

"We have had a good, long evening.  Papa went after the children this evening, and the boys did their chores early, so we were eating before six o'clock.  I have been tatting, but we each took a turn at reading and reciting for the benefit of the others except Ted, who is reading like mad on The Last of the Mohicans - his review is due Friday.  Papa rendered 'Barbara Frietchie' for us." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/envelope-quilt-quilt-block.html

Envelope Quilt Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 6" Envelope Quilt block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. 
     In these diary entries, Hattie finds that it's too cold to sleep on her sleeping porch so sleeps in her bedroom instead.  Since attending a wedding, she has been following a tradition of sleeping with a piece of the wedding cake under her pillow as well as a 'dream' envelope of names.  She withdraws a name each morning.  The remaining name is the man she'll marry.  It's obvious that she's not happy with the results!  Frank is her future husband, George and Anna are twins and her youngest siblings, and Dudley Doolittle is a U.S. Representative from Kansas.

Thursday, October 19, 1916 -
"This has been a very wintry day, a cold rain this morning which brought with it some snow and sleet.  We started the furnace this evening (rather Papa and the boys did).  I am sleeping 'in' tonight.  I don't think it does me any particular good to sleep out there where it is so cold my nose fairly freezes until I cover my face. 

"I have been doing all sorts of little odd jobs today.  Finished my teddy finally, pressed, mended, washed some gloves and stockings, etc.  I started a new tatting pattern this evening and became so interested I almost forgot to come to bed. 

"Frank's name came out of the 'dream' envelope this morning, leaving Otis as the finale.  But I'm not sleeping on it.  To tell the truth, it isn't half so much fun as when someone else fixed it."

Saturday, October 21, 1916 -
"This has been a lovely day and much warmer - in fact, we let the furnace fire go out this afternoon.

"Mother left for Topeka this morning, so I am the 'boss.'  I got along wonderfully with the children.  I let Anna make a couple of little cakes if she would be good, and she is quite proud of them. 

"Frank wanted me to go hear (Dudley) Doolittle, and as the roads were good, I consented.  He came over for supper, and we left about 7 o'clock.  We were in danger of being pulled for not having the tail light on so had to go to the garage and were a little late for the meeting.  He is certainly the handsomest man and a good friend of Frank's.  I may vote for him (he asked me to, especially) even if, as George says, 'he's nothin' but an old Democrat!'

"Frank gave me a lovely box of Lowney's nut chocolates, and I have had a lovely time.  We got in at 10:30." 

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/maple-leaf-quilt-block.html

Maple Leaf Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this Maple Leaf block free on-line but reduced it from a 12" block to a 6" block.  http://www.quilterscache.com/M/MapleLeafBlock.html.  
     In these diary entries, Mary is one of Hattie's older sisters living in Washington state.  She has recently had surgery but is planning to come home to Kansas for Thanksgiving.  Howard and Ruth are two more of Hattie's siblings, while Fern is a friend.  Hattie has been to a wedding.  She sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow as well as an envelope with four names inside.  Every morning, she removes one name until there's only one left - the name of the man she'll marry.  She has already removed "Old Maid" from the envelope and has now removed "O.O."        

Saturday, October 14, 1916 -
"The threshers, just three of them, came in time for dinner but went home before supper on account of the rain.  We had no special cleaning to do today but some extra baking.  I made four apple pies. 

"Papa had a letter from Mary saying she was getting along fine and would probably be home for Thanksgiving.  That sure sounds good.  I can hardly wait to see them.  It has been nearly four years since I bade her goodbye."

Sunday, October 15, 1916 -
"We children went to Sunday School and church.  They are beginning Revivals and had a good meeting - fine sermon and singing.  But I guess I'm not Methodist enough to be very crazy about revivals. 

"I discovered this morning that I did not sleep on the wedding cake last night.  It was on the floor, and I slept merely on the envelope and names.  So I'm doing it over tonight."

Tuesday, October 17, 1916 -
"It's sure going to frost tonight.  I went out and covered all my rosebushes before Frank came, and I'm glad I did for it's sure cold now.  I felt comfortable in my serge dress and furs. 

"They had a splendid meeting tonight - fine sermon and real, live singing.  But still, I'm no 'shouting Methodist.'

"It was quite pleasant all day, bright and fair.  Mother went to Club this afternoon, while I stayed home, finished the ironing, and got supper.

"We heard from Howard today.  I also got letters from Ruth and Fern.  My!  I must get busy and answer a few."

Wednesday, October 18, 1916 -
"I rescued O.O.'s name from the fateful envelope this morning.  Just one more critical withdrawal, and I'll not sleep on the last one."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/old-maids-puzzle-quilt-block.html

Old Maid's Puzzle Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 8" Old Maid's Puzzle block free on-line at:  http://www.quilterscache.com/O/OldMaidsPuzzleBlock.html.  
     In these diary entries, Hattie writes about attending the wedding of Ruth Jones and Wayne Traylor, who become life-long friends.  A blog reader, Sherry Smedley, was kind enough to explain a wedding tradition I was unfamiliar with.  At the wedding, "cake was handed out to anyone who wanted a piece.  The bride and groom usually came around with a basket full of cut pieces and gave them out while speaking with people.  It was usually fruit cake.  The entire piece went under your pillow.  The cake was usually wrapped in saran wrap and then wrapped in a paper doily and tied with ribbon."  Hattie places the wedding cake along with four names in an envelope under her pillow.  Each morning she removes one name.  The last name remaining is the name of the man she will marry.  Hattie is relieved that the first name she removes is Old Maid! 
   
Wednesday, October 11, 1916 (written Thursday) -
"We reached home from the wedding at 1:00 A.M. Thursday, so I have waited until later in the day to make the entry.

"It certainly was a most magnificent affair and despite the fact that it was cloudy most of the day, the evening was lovely and the full moon in evidence.

"With Mother's help, I managed to get a fussy little gown in readiness.  With a little pink fur, a lace waist, the yellow chiffon in the skirt, and rosettes on the waist catching up the draperies, and my pink chiffon girdle, the gown was rather presentable.  Then with my pink stockings, black pumps, and new black velvet hat, Frank said I 'rivaled the bride.'

"Ruth was perfectly darling in her white satin gown with train and veil, and her Mother looked so nice, too, in black net. 

"The church was quite full - there were about three hundred guests.  After the ceremony, we went right over to the Peerless where the reception was held.  We certainly had splendid eats - a two course supper served just lovely.  We went to the house and saw the many beautiful gifts.  They are certainly well supplied.  They ought to be happy.  They don't lack anything that money can buy.  We went out to their bungalow shortly after they left the hall and tried to surprise them, but they heard the cars and came out to meet us.  We formed a mock procession, with Mrs. McAllister as the bride with a knitted scarf for a veil, and marched in.  After inspecting their dear little home, we sang 'Home Sweet Home' and departed."

Thursday, October 12, 1916 -
"I have written three letters and quite a bit in here, and I must get to bed.  I had a nap of an hour and a half this afternoon, so I'd be dead to the world by now. 

"Well, I must fix some names in the wedding cake and then dream on it."

Friday, October 13, 1916 -
"I've come to the conclusion that it is the things we can't have that we like best and that the nice things we have in abundance do not cause the thrills.  Oh well, I'll not cross the bridge until I come to it.

"Oh, by the way, I got out 'Old Maid' the first thing!  I'm sure tickled!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/stitchers-square-quilt-block.html

Stitcher's Square Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 10" Stitcher's Square block in Judy Martin's Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns. 
     In this diary entry, Hattie is frustrated with not having a way to earn her own money for new clothes.  Mother (her step-mother since her Mamma died three years earlier) offers to help her rework an outfit to wear to a wedding.  
    
Monday, October 9, 1916 -
"Oh, dear!  I'm so desperately tired of not having any money of my own.  I don't know what to do.  Here, I want some new clothes before the wedding, but Papa still insists that he can't let me get anymore now, and, of course, I am called to account for every penny I do spend.  I'd be willing to do most anything to be independent.  I have prayed over the matter and trusted in the Lord, but it doesn't seem to do any good.  I don't see light any clearer than ever. 

"Oh!  I'm so tired.  I really have worked hard today, and now it is eleven o'clock, and I feel so terrible.  It's so hard to have faith that everything will come out all right.  But I'm going to bed with the hopes at least that tomorrow will be brighter."

Tuesday, October 10, 1916 -
"I do feel considerably more cheerful tonight.  Mother and I planned this evening to fix up my old yellow chiffon tomorrow.  I know it's late in the day, yet I think we can do it for Mother certainly is a dear about helping me.  We were so busy today that we didn't have a moment's time.  We were ironing, and Mother was making tomato pickle all morning.  Then this afternoon we went to town as I had to go to the dentist.  Papa shipped cattle tonight so, of course, that meant a little extra flying around." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/royal-star-quilt-block.html

Royal Star Quilt Block

       I found the pattern for this 8" Royal Star block online at http://www.quilterscache.com/R/RoyalStarBlock.html. 
     In this diary entry, Hattie and her beau Frank are travelling by train to Kansas City to see the Royal Livestock Show.  They are staying overnight with Frank's cousin, Fannie. 

Thursday and Friday, October 5 & 6, 1916 -
"I certainly had a nice trip, and the weather was just perfect Indian summer weather, with lovely moonlight nights.  Frank arrived about six thirty.  I was just finishing my breakfast but was not in the happiest of moods, for Papa didn't give me as much money as I wanted.  But Mother cheered me a little, and I kissed them goodbye and we were off.

"We succeeded in beating the Santa Fe out of a little fare, and yet it was not our fault.  Frank bought the tickets to Argentine in order to save the extra rate into Missouri, and they collected no cash fare from Argentine.  In fact, we were talking and didn't notice where we were until the train pulled into the Union Depot at Kansas City.

"Frank phoned to Fannie; then we went right out there in an auto.  For once, Frank felt like telling the driver to be careful - he sure did some sudden dodging and dashing.

"We had lunch with Fannie and her mother, then started downtown immediately afterward.  We enjoyed the cattle show all afternoon, took great interest in the judging, and then went through the barns.  We went back out to Fannie's for dinner, and her Mr. Cutler went to the horse show with us in the evening.  This was fine and so also was the Wild West Show immediately following.  It was late when we got back out to Fannie's, and we were all terribly tired.  Fannie and I chatted a little while but were too sleepy to talk very long.  The feather bed and linen sure felt good to me, and I put in a full night.

"We took our time about getting up and eating breakfast.  About 10:30, we started downtown.  Here we left Frank, who was going to the Hereford Sale.  We were going to shop a little and told him to meet us at one o'clock for lunch.  Fannie wanted to go to the New York to look at a suit - a perfectly darling green velvet trimmed in seal skin.  It was a handsome model, and Fannie looks like a French doll in it.  She paid $49.45 for it, but it was a bargain at that.  Next, we went to Kline's to look at hats.  After much looking, Fannie and I each bought one.  I don't know whether I am very crazy about mine or not.  It is just a plain black velvet - soft wide brim and crown.  It is good velvet and well made.  Fannie liked it, and Frank seems to think it's 'fine,' so I hope I'll not dislike it. 
We went to a cafeteria where we had a fine lunch.

"We went back down to Convention Hall to take another look at the cattle.  I never tired of looking at the Herefords.  They are perfect beauties.  We saw the Grand Champion - Bocaldo the 6th of the Hazlett herd - and the one of Colonel Taylor's that sold for $3000.  We became so engrossed that it was 3:30 before we knew it, so we hurried back up to get our travelling bags, bade Fannie goodbye, then took a car for the Union Station. 

"We were in plenty of time for our train.  The scenery from Kansas City to Olathe was perfectly beautiful - the trees are turned much more than they are here. 

"Frank gave me a grand big box of candy, and here I haven't finished the one he gave me Sunday night and have over half of the one left he gave me last night at the horse show."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post: 
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/star-of-hope-quilt-block.html

Star of Hope Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 6" Star of Hope block in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but enlarged it to 7-1/2" so I could rotary cut it instead of using templates.
Here's a free 15" pattern online from the Quilters Cache.
     October 2 is Hattie's 21st birthday.  Ruth, Mary, and Eva are her older sisters living in Washington state.  Ted and Howard are two of her younger brothers.  Ted lives at home, and Howard is in Manhattan, attending the School of Agriculture as pre-enrollment to Kansas State College (now Kansas State University).  He is drilling in preparation for the possibility of the United States entering World War I.  Hattie is thrilled to get to attend the Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City with her beau, Frank.     

Monday, October 2, 1916 -
"I have been writing to Ruth and Mary until I'm weary of writing.  It is now ten o'clock.

"Well, I'm of age now.  But it doesn't seem as if I have any more privileges than I did 10 years ago.  O yes I do, I know.  But, of course, I can't do everything I want to.  I wouldn't want to.

"However, I do want to go to the Royal and to the wedding.  And, of course, get the clothes necessary.  But still there are lots other more vital and lasting things that I want, but I suppose the only way to obtain them is to work for them and trust in the Lord.

"Ted conferred a great honor upon me this morning by christening Ruby's latest offspring - and a mule at that - 'Hattie.'  I surely feel flattered.

"Mother gave me a nice, fine, white nightgown - to put in my hope box."

Tuesday, October 3, 1916 -
"I feel quite elated for Papa and Mother decided I could go to the Royal with Frank Thursday.  I am sure wild to go, and I think it is lovely of Frank to ask me and nicer still for Fannie to invite us there for, of course, I couldn't go if we had to go to a hotel.  

"This has sure been a windy day - it was wash day, and the clothes would have blown to pieces if we hadn't taken them down as soon as they were dry.

"Then this P.M., I went to the dentist.  I rode Bag as Mother was going to drive Luke to Club.  Dr. Jones nearly forced his instrument halfway to my eye, and Louraine Robinson sat there waiting to hear me scream.

"Mother had quite a time getting to town.  An auto whizzed past her and scared her worse than it did Luke.  Then her hat blew off and into the ditch on the Ely Hill.  But fortunately, Papa and Jesse Lovell appeared just then to rescue her and the hat.

"Had a letter from Howard today saying he was now a corporal in charge of 7 men.  Ted insists that he wouldn't salute if he was one of the squad." 

Wednesday, October 4, 1916 -
I got no mail tonight but was favored with two this morning - one from Eva and one from Ruth with a doily for my hope chest."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/turkey-tracks-quilt-block.html

Turkey Tracks Quilt Block

    
     I found the pattern for this 9" Turkey Tracks block at:  http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TurkeyTracksBlock.html .  Even though I'm not a fan of paper piecing, I did paper piece this block successfully without having to rip out a seam!
     In this diary entry, Hattie is celebrating her 21st birthday a day early.  Frank (the man she's been dating this summer and her future husband) and two of his sisters, Betty and Fannie, have come to help her celebrate.  Frank gives her a "lovely" box of chocolates.  He is teaching Hattie how to drive a car and, apparently, how to also change a tire!  (Blowouts seem to be fairly common occurrences.)  Grace is a hired girl.  "League" refers to "Epworth League," a Methodist organization for young adults.     

Sunday, October 1, 1916 -
"I just now discovered much to my dismay that someone has been rummaging through my desk.  This diary and my letters were all tumbled together.  Oh, that makes me so provoked!  I thought there was no one quite so small and dishonorable in this family.  I always have things in a certain position so that I can tell immediately if anyone has been in here.  I noticed a magazine on my cedar chest was turned over once today, but I never noticed the desk until now.  I have a pretty good idea who it was. 

"Betty and Fannie and Frank came out after Sunday School - there was no preaching.  It was dreadfully windy part of the time and even looked threatening and sprinkled this afternoon but is clear now.  We had a fine dinner, but Mother had to light candles on the birthday cake, which embarrassed me greatly.  This is the menu:

Mashed Potatoes       Sweet Potatoes

Turkey, Cranberry Sauce

Dressing, a la nuts and raisins       Gravy

Bread and Butter

Fruit Salad       Nutcake       White Cake

Cranberry Pie       Pumpkin Pie       Cheese

"Since Grace insisted on going home today, I had to wash the dishes.  Then we sat around and talked and discussed the wedding.

"About 5:30 we left and took the girls home (Betty to Lebo), then we came back to League.  We had a nice little blowout the other side of Ridgeton but were not long changing tires.  I am even learning how to do that.  We got to League in good time, and I had to make a little speech.

"Frank gave me a lovely box of Vassar's and asked me to go to the Royal Stock Show a couple of days this week.  His cousin Fannie has invited us."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/04/hearth-and-home-quilt-block.html