Comforts of Home Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this scrappy 12" Comforts of Home block on-line at:  http://quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/easy_quilts.htm. 
     In these diary entries, all nine Woodbury children, their spouses, and the grandchildren are together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Ruth, Minerva, Eva, and Mary are Hattie's older sisters.  Lester and George are brothers-in-law.  Frank is Hattie's beau who has asked her to marry him.  She has not given him an answer yet. 

Wednesday, November 22, 1916 -
"I am writing this Thursday, for Ruth came out home in the late afternoon, and we had so much to talk about I couldn't stop to write any.

"It was a gloomy rainy day.  I had a lovely time with the children between times I was working.  Then in the afternoon, Lester and I went up after Ruth.  We visited with Minerva while Ruth got ready, then we went downtown to the depot and got some things out of the trunks and back up to the post office and over to see Grace Mc.  That lady bade me to write my resignation from the office of Third Vice of the League and said she was going to see that I was elected First Vice.  Worse yet! 

"It was awfully cold and damp coming home.  We all did justice to a good supper, and then we sang and tatted and crocheted and had a real good time afterward."

Thursday, November 23, 1916 -
"Ruth is slumbering in the guest room, so I have half a chance to scratch down a few words.  Eva and George and children went to Minerva's for a little visit.  Mary and Lester went up, too, and spent the afternoon but came back this evening.  

"It has been a much nicer day - clear and a great deal warmer, and the roads have dried up sufficiently to permit Frank to come over in the car tonight.  He phoned this morning and wanted to take me to the League (Junior) Entertainment this evening.  We had to run on Intermediate most of the way but managed to get there and back without any trouble.  

"Frank came in to warm awhile and after we had read the mail and chatted awhile with the folks, he took his departure.  I don't know why but just as I left the supper table, Mother called me to her and says, 'Now don't come in with a diamond ring tonight.'  I didn't give him a chance to say anything more than good night.  I wonder what gave Mother her suspicions."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/06/home-circle-quilt-block.html

Home Circle Quilt Block

     I found this 10" Home Circle block free on-line at Quilter's Cache:
http://www.quilterscache.com/H/HomeCircleBlock.html and thought it was perfect for a Woodbury family homecoming!  This block also goes by the names of Mrs. Anderson's Quilt, Rolling Square, and Garden of Eden. 
    In these diary entries, sister Eva and husband George Wiley along with children Albert and Arlyn have arrived from Washington state.  Sister Mary, husband Lester Johnson, and daughters Helen and Ruth, along with sister Ruth have also come from Washington.  Sister Minerva lives in the closest town of Olivet, Kansas.     

Monday, November 20, 1916 -
"Our house is rapidly filling and our family increasing.  Eva and George and the babies arrived this morning, and we received a message from Ruth, saying that they were in Denver and would be here tomorrow.  I am sure anxious to see them.  I think Eva's children are dears!  Albert is so cute, and the baby is very bright and intelligent for so young a child. 

"It has been a perfectly beautiful day.  We got the washing out early this morning before they got out here, and it was a great deal more pleasant hanging out the clothes than last wash day. 

"We just visited a great deal of the afternoon and evening, doing a little sewing or crocheting in the meanwhile, of course."

Tuesday, November 21, 1916 -
"We certainly are having one homecoming.  I am having my headquarters for the present in the sewing room.  It makes a very pleasant little bedroom with my sleeping porch cot, and the sewing machine with the mirror above serves as a dressing table and desk combined.  

"I was very surprised and exceedingly pleased to see Lester come.  I can't help but be crazy 'bout that man.  Ruth went to Minerva's, so I haven't see her yet.  Mary is just the same dear sister, even if she has been sick and in the hospital.  And those children!  Helen is the dearest, most affectionate child, so polite - and talkative.  

"I must get to bed.  I am tired and goodness knows, there is lots to do in such a big family."

You might also enjoy my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/06/evas-delight-quilt-block.html