Baseball Star Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 9" Baseball Star block in Judy Martin's Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns.  (I reduced it from it's original 12" down to 9".)    
     In these diary entries, Frank is Hattie's date and will later become her husband and my grandfather.  Betty, Fannie, Lucile, and Bobbie are Frank's siblings (and my great aunts and uncle).  Ada Sullivan later marries Frank's brother Russell and becomes my great aunt, too!
     The Grange (officially The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry) is a fraternal organization for American farmers that encourages farm families to band together for their common economic and political well-being.  It was founded in 1867 and is the oldest surviving agricultural organization in America.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Grange_of_the_Order_of_Patrons_of_Husbandry
   
Wednesday, August 30, 1916 -
"There hasn't been much excitement today.  I have spent a good share of the time ironing, but we were anxious to get it all finished as we are taking in the Grange Fair tomorrow - at least some of us.

Thursday, August 31, 1916 -
"After a little skidding and hair breadth escape from being ditched, we just now got in at eleven o'clock.  I think it's a shame it had to rain today when we wanted the sun to shine, but of course we are very thankful for the rain.   

"At a quarter before twelve, Frank phoned that he would be over in about an hour if it didn't rain anymore.  Right after dinner I got ready, and we started soon after one.  Betty went with us, and there was quite a crowd assembling, but the weather was so doubtful that many turned back.  We listened to the vocal and reading contests and looked at the exhibits which were splendid, and after awhile, Ada Sullivan and Gladys Condon went with us to the ballgame.  It was very exciting.  Plymouth beat Key West about 7-0, and there were still more exciting horse races after the game.  There was a light drizzle going on during the game, but it let up while we ate supper.  They had fixed up the nicest lunch, and we were so hungry that we all did full justice to it.

"The play was the most unique one I ever attended.  In itself, it would have been very good if it hadn't been that it started to rain again about the middle of the first act.  Frank's car was furnishing lights, so we had driven right up the center aisle of the 'Airdome' and sat in the car.  Fortunately, we were in shelter.  But the actors and actresses had no roof over them, and some of them wore their rain coats during it all.  Of course, they had to rush through and put on no extras whatever.  The cattle over in the show grounds were bawling full force, and everything was making so much noise that we could hardly hear.  It had stopped raining by the time we got started, but the roads over there were surely slick.  Fortunately, we encountered no deep ditches.  We took Betty, Fannie, Lucile, and Bobbie home first.  We didn't find the roads quite so slick over this way."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/wheel-quilt-block.html

Wheel Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 8" Wheel block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone.  It's an old pattern that was first published in Ohio Farmer in 1894.
    In these diary entries, Hattie and Frank are going to visit Hattie's high school friends in Emporia.  (Hattie graduated from Emporia High in 1914.)  Her 18-year-old brother, Howard, acts as chaperone.  Hattie and Frank have just started dating this summer, but Frank will later become Hattie's husband and my grandfather!    

Saturday, August 26, 1916 -
"I would have come up an hour or more ago as I was sure sleepy, but I was waiting for Frank to call up again.  Mother tried to tell me it would be exceedingly improper for him to call after nine o'clock, that I couldn't go, etc.  But he saved the day by calling just before nine."

Sunday, August 27, 1916 -
"I am writing this Monday afternoon as we didn't get in until 12:40, and I was so dead tired and sleepy and cold that I found the way to bed in double quick time.  But we certainly had a lovely time.  When I awoke, it was cloudy and had sprinkled a little during the night, but it cleared off and was lovely all day.  Howard went with us, and we got started at 8:10.  The drive was lovely, though a little chilly, but we had no trouble at all and reached Haynes' a little before 10 o'clock.  Hen was in her kitchen apron so by the time she was ready, Bing arrived, and we went to church together.  Dr. Templeton was fine as usual, and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire service and, of course, saw many people I knew.  We had a splendid dinner, of course, and Edith, who has just returned from the East, entertained us with telling of her trip, which was brilliantly punctuated with Virginia's witty remarks.

"We piled in the car and went to the grove, and Howard and Neta met us there. Then Frank and I went with Bing and Hen in their canoe, and John and Fern and Howard and Neta went in a boat.  We certainly had a lovely ride, rode waves, took pictures, slipped upon secluded couples, etc. until after six.  Then we all went up to Lesta's for supper.  After the boys had washed and combed and powdered, Bing, who was butler, announced lunch and ushered us into the Dining Room.  We were at the table until after eight o'clock, eating part of the time but mostly laughing at John's jokes, and still we managed to consume a pile of eats.  After we went in the Living Room, Bing and Hen took possession of the piano bench, and Hen thumped loudly enough to drown their conversation.

"About 8:30 we began to leave, but it took us forever to get started from town.  After a great deal of palavering, we left Lesta's and then we had difficulty in getting the car started.  Finally at almost ten, we left town and spun along very keenly for about five miles when pop! went a tire.  Oh, I was so sleepy and cold, and those boys had to toil away there with changing and pumping up the tire while I curled up and tried to sleep!  In the course of an hour or two, they had finished and we had no more trouble.  I relieved Frank at Lebo, and that woke me up a little and also warmed me considerably."  

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/grape-basket-quilt-block.html 

Grape Basket Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 10" Grape Basket block in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I had the grapes fabric left from a picnic quilt I had made so thought it would be fun to use in this block.
     In these diary entries, Grace is a hired girl who helps with housework.  Anna is Hattie's 12-year-old sister, and Minerva is her oldest sister (30-years-old), who lives nearby.  Ruth and Mary are older sisters living in Washington.  Mother is Hattie's step-mother who was born in Germany, which is currently fighting in World War I.  The United States will not enter the war until 1917.  Hen and Fern are high school friends from Emporia, Kansas.  Hattie is dating Frank, who will later become her husband and my grandfather.  

Tuesday, August 22, 1916 -
"I helped Grace put out a big washing today, but the air was so fresh that I didn't get tired at all, but I certainly did sunburn hanging out the clothes.  I don't know why for the sun was not hot, but I am simply scarlet." 

Wednesday, August 23, 1916 -
"Mother and Anna spent the day with Minerva, it being her birthday.  They went about 10:30 and came home in time for supper.  Grace and I stayed home, kept house, and ironed.  I had my fill of doing up shirts and collars, am really becoming quite a laundress."

Thursday, August 24, 1916 -
"I hope something a little more exciting happens soon; it seems like this week is like the 'morning after.'  There was so much last week, and now the town is as dead as a cemetery.

"I have been making me a lace camisole today out of some lace I had.  I did some mending besides, so I didn't get it finished.  Mother made 16 glasses of grape jelly this morning.  We had a letter from Ruth this evening saying that Mary was some better and is up and around."

Friday, August 25, 1916 -
"Just four more months until Christmas! and not a thing started.  I have been all summer on that one yoke, and the sleeves are just started.  I'll sure have to whip up.

"And I have oodles to do if I go to school.  I have received letters from both K.U. (Kansas University) and K.S.A.C. (Kansas State Agricultural College) but haven't decided on either of them yet.  Mother finally received a letter from Germany this morning, which makes her feel so much better - of course, it had been censored.

"I wrote a couple of letters - one to Hen and one to Fern, telling them that if it didn't rain, Frank and I would accept their invitation for Sunday.  But it may rain as it is cloudy and has been thundering and lightning this evening.  I wish we could at least get enough to settle the dust.

"Papa wishes me to put out the light so ----- " 

You might also enjoy my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/basement-window-quilt-block.html

Basement Window Quilt Block

    
     I found the pattern for this Basement Window block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. 
     In this diary entry, Frank is Hattie's future husband (and my grandfather).  League refers to the Epworth League, a Methodist young adult association for individuals ages 18-35. 

Sunday, August 20, 1916 -
"I thought last night that I wouldn't be able to crawl out at all today, but I surprised myself by feeling quite energetic.  I was up before seven o'clock, and after breakfast I made two delicious lemon pies for dinner.  Then I suddenly made up my mind to go to Sunday School with the kids in the buggy.  There were only a very few out to church, and I was real glad that I didn't show the effects of yesterday's dissipation.  Frank came and brought the Niles girls when Sunday School was almost over.  We had some right exciting discussion about yesterday's festivities and the dance in particular.  Mrs. Houchins insisted on expressing her honest views.

"The folks arrived home about 1:30, and we had dinner and then rested and napped all afternoon.  I dressed and arranged my speech for League before supper, and Frank arrived just as we finished eating.  I made my talk mostly to empty benches, but a few more arrived in time for church.  And believe me, we sure had a typical Methodist scorcher!  He surely scored the dancers - making no distinctions whatever.  I can't blame him, for I know that wasn't a very elevating performance last night, but I didn't like the way he bawled out the Lebo girls.  For they didn't go nor had any intentions of going. 

"The folks had mistakably locked us out, and I had to go through the basement and unlock the doors."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/childrens-delight-quilt-block.html

Children's Delight Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 10" Children's Delight quilt block at:   http://www.quilterscache.com/C/ChildrensDelightBlock.html.  I loved using this cheerful fabric.
     In this diary entry, Lesta Alvord and other girlfriends are coming from Emporia for a picnic.  Howard is Hattie's 19 year-old brother.  Minerva is her oldest sister, and Rob is Minerva's husband.  Frank is Hattie's date (and later becomes her husband).  Rachel Evans later married Howard.    

Saturday, August 19, 1916 -
"We were up early this morning and immediately when breakfast was over, we began to fly around packing the lunch and getting things in order.  By nine o'clock, we had everything ready and began to dress.  The kids were very excited about going early, so Howard took them and part of the eats up first.  Then he came back for the rest of us.  But Frank phoned that he was coming for me, so the folks went on, and about eleven Frank appeared.  We were about halfway to town when we met Lesta and friends in Alvord's car.  They wanted to come back and fix up a little, so we turned around and drove back.  They brought a suitcase full of extra clothes with them, and by the time they were sufficiently primped, it was after 12 o'clock and the folks had left the chicken for me to bring.  So we flew around, and finally Lesta was satisfied with herself and we sped back to town.  The folks had begun eating but were saving space for chicken.  Minerva and Rob, the kids and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas ate with us, so we had quite a picnic.  It sure was hot, and I sunburned right through my waist. 

"Frank and I went into the ballgame while the girls went down to Barrett's again.  After we coaxed the girls to come up to the game, we all piled in Alvord's car and got back in time to see the last two innings and Plymouth win.  When we went back downtown, Frank had gone to haul somebody else around, and there were nine girls piled in Alvord's car - we caused quite a sensation.

"At almost eight o'clock, the girls were getting ready to leave, and I was dying to get home and get dressed for the evening.  Just as the girls were leaving, Frank came back.  He had run out of gasoline on the way home and had had all sorts of trouble.  We bade the girls good bye and good luck, and then we sped home, and I broke my record by bathing and dressing in twenty minutes.  But we were just a shade too late.  Rachel Evans was just finishing a reading in which she scored Frank in some way.  Everyone smiled when we came in, but I didn't find out just what the joke was.  The entertainment was splendid and although there wasn't a very large crowd out, the Lebo League had over $14 after paying their expenses and a fourth to the church here.

"We went down to the Restaurant and had some pink ice cream and ice water.  Then we went to the town well and filled up.  We drove by the dance hall, but the one light, one fiddle, and the little stuffy old Bank Building didn't look very inviting, so we came on home."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/ladies-aid-quilt-block.html 

Ladies' Aid Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this 8" Ladies' Aid block free on-line at: http://www.quilterscache.com/L/LadiesAidBlockBlock.html 
    In these diary entries, Mother and Hattie attend Ladies' Aid at Mrs. George's home.  Hattie is dating her son, Frank, and will eventually marry him.  Hattie and her 19-year-old brother, Howard, also attend a party given by Frank's sisters, Betty and Fannie.  Hattie is just learning how to drive, but Mother isn't ready to ride with her just yet!  My grandmother grew up on a farm near Olivet, Kansas, while my grandfather grew up on a farm in nearby Lebo, Kansas.
 
Tuesday, August 15, 1916 -
"Howard and I received invitations this morning for Betty's and Fannie's party Thursday night, and Mother and I received an invitation by phone from Mrs. George urging us over tomorrow.  I don't seem to be able to convince Mother that I am capable of taking her over in the car, however."

Wednesday, August 16, 1916 -
"Howard took us over to George's about two o'clock, and we certainly had a lovely time.  The house and porch were full of guests, and the barn yard was filled with cars and men.  The George girls are lovely, and I like their cousin so much!  I am sure looking forward to the party tomorrow night.  Frank was not receiving but was in evidence.

"I have been writing a letter to Bing and must now brush my hair and say my prayers as I'll have to get up early and will probably be out late tomorrow night."

Thursday, August 17, 1916 -
"As it is one A.M. Friday by the clock, I shall save details until later.  We certainly had a lovely time at the party.  That Lebo bunch is sure jolly.  Fannie and Betty had everything planned so nicely and, to the joy of all present, the lights didn't go out as they had feared.  Evi Jones sang some for us and so did Fannie, and Annagrace and Marie played.  They served maple nut ice cream and light and dark cake."

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/birthday-cake-quilt-block.html

Birthday Cake Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this Birthday Cake block in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs and drafted it to 6" square. 
     In these diary entries, Hattie's siblings, George and Anna, are 12-year-old twins.  Minerva is her older, married sister who's just had a baby.  Brother Ted has a birthday and turns 15.  Grace is a hired girl, and Rag is a horse!
     Hattie is dating Frank (her future husband).  Mrs. George is his mother, and Betty and Fannie are his sisters.  
   
Saturday, August 12, 1916 -
"Mother came home this evening, and she just now presented me with a blue and white striped skirt.  Just what I have been wanting to wear to the picnic next Saturday.

"Papa and George went to Osage this afternoon to get the batteries for the car, but there was something else needed for the batteries, so they came home without - still no lights.  So Papa had to drive Rag up to meet Mother.

"I am not quite so sleepy as I was last night, although I am a little tired.  I slept, as the dead to the world, until 5:30 this A.M., and it was with difficulty that I arose then.  I baked 3 apple pies, a 3 layer chocolate cake, a peach cobbler, made applesauce, pickled beets and prepared vegetables for dinner while Grace and Anna cleaned, churned, etc.  We were all very industrious.  I made over my pink chiffon girdle this afternoon - it is quite fussy."

Sunday, August 13, 1916 -
"I have just been down to take a dose of medicine and then ate a piece of pie to take the taste out of my mouth.  The pie will probably countermand all the good the medicine would have done.

"It has been a lovely cool day, for a change, and cloudy part of the time.  Papa took us to Sunday School in the car, then he went up to see Minerva; she was up today.  There were not many out today, and we were all bunched up with other classes.  Uncle Jimmy wanted me to teach the young men's class!  Of course, I wouldn't consent.

"We sure had the best dinner today.  The roast beef was fine, and I was hungry.  It was Ted's birthday celebration.  Papa gave him a riding bridle.

"Just before supper, Papa and I had a nice little chat about my going to school.  He acted very favorable and is willing for me to try to do something.

"Oh, there is so much going on this week, I'll have to choose what I shall take in.  There is to be a League social Tuesday night, and Grace spoke of having a party for Jack and Gladys Wednesday night; and Wednesday, Mrs. George entertains the Lebo Ladies Aid and has asked us over.  Thursday night Betty and Fannie are entertaining for their cousin, and Saturday is the picnic.

"And I have sewing and oodles to do!"

Hattie's Apple Crumb Pie

4 large, tart apples

1/2 recipe Plain Pastry

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup butter

1.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2.  Pare apples; cut in eighths and arrange in 9-inch pastry-lined pie pan.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar mixed with cinnamon.

3.  Sift remaining 1/3 cup sugar with flour; cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over apples.

4.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake about 40 minutes more, or until apples are tender.   

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/galaxy-star-quilt-block-89-10.html

Galaxy Star Quilt Block

     I found the pattern for this paper-pieced, 9" Galaxy Star block at Quilters Cache:  http://www.quilterscache.com/G/GalaxyStarBlock.html.
     In these diary entries, Hattie has a date to the Chautauqua with Frank George, who later becomes her husband.  Anna is Hattie's 12-year-old sister, and Howard is her (almost) 19-year-old brother.  Betty is Frank's sister.  
     The Chautauqua Movement - traveling shows and local assemblies that flourished in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - provided popular education combined with entertainment in the form of lectures, concerts, and plays, and were modeled after activities at the Chautauqua Institution of western New York (Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionary).

Wednesday, August 9, 1916 (written Thursday) -
"I didn't stop to look at the clock as I came in but think it was about midnight.  As Mother was leaving on the early train, I knew I couldn't sleep until breakfast was ready so piled in without any preliminaries.  The night was surely grand!  The hot winds had cooled somewhat, although not enough for me to feel the need of a coat, and the moon is more than half full.

"I got to go to Chautauqua to see Lulu Tyler Gates in "The Fortune Hunter" - I have been wanting to hear her for years.  She surely is a queen - a handsome woman.  She was in the drug store eating when we were.  The Alpine Yodlers were rather funny.  I drove the car all the way there and back and got along just fine.  Frank says I'm getting good enough to take Mother for a ride.  

"When Hester came to give Anna her lesson, she told me they were going to have a party for Stub and Fern tomorrow night and wanted me to tell Frank.  The girls are each to take a linen towel and the boys furnish the eats."

Thursday, August 10, 1916
"It seems as though I write all my accounts a day late.  I am writing this on Friday, but it was Friday when I got in last night, so I thought it just as well to wait until later in the day.  I went down and set the sponge at almost one A.M.  But oh!  It was such a perfect night, I could have stayed out until daylight. 

"Mother left on the 7:20, so of course I am promoted to 'boss' and believe me, I've had my hands full.

"Howard occupied the back seat tonight.  We did some tall rushing and met the train.  Frank's cousin from Kansas City came in, and we took her and Betty home before we went to the party.  The crowd was waiting for us and went down as soon as we arrived.  I had a pretty good time, but I don't like to play such rough-house games as Drop the Handkerchief, Three Deep, etc.  I lost one of my treasured hairpins during one scramble, but Frank found it - for which I am truly thankful. . . We did have the most fun eating.  We had maple nut ice cream and chocolate, burnt sugar, and angel food cakes.  Fern and Stub seem extremely happy in their little nest, and Fern has changed the looks of the bachelor quarters extremely." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/nonsense-quilt-block.html

Nonsense Quilt Block

    
     I found this Nonsense quilt pattern in 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone.  It's also known as Boy's Nonsense.
     In these diary entries, Minerva is Hattie's oldest sister.  She's married and lives in the nearest town of Olivet, Kansas.  Donald is Minerva's son, who wants to name his new brother Sardine!  Howard and Ted are Hattie's younger brothers.
     Hattie attends Chautauqua with Frank George, her future husband and my grandfather.  The Chautauqua Movement - traveling shows and local assemblies that flourished in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - provided popular education combined with entertainment in the form of lectures, concerts, and plays, and were modeled after activities at the Chautauqua Institution of western New York (Merriam-Webster On-Line Dictionary).
     Note that Mother thinks Hattie's diary keeping is "a waste of time and sleep" but that Hattie thinks in fifty years she might enjoy seeing what her life used to be like. 

Friday, August 4, 1916 -
"Well, I have a new nephew born last night.  He surely is a fine, big boy - 9-1/2 pounds.  We were up to see him and Minerva tonight.  He has an abundance of light hair.  Donald said he was going to name him Sardine!"

Saturday, August 5, 1916 -
"Papa and Howard and Ted went to Emporia today, and I had them get me a new supply of paper.  I crowded last night's account in such a small space, and now I just discovered several more sheets in the desk drawer.  But I have plenty now.  Mother says it's a waste of time and sleep, but perhaps fifty years from now I'll enjoy seeing how I used to be.

"Papa also brought me some new, pink silk stockings and some letter paper and some good things for tomorrow - watermelon, peaches, cherries, and a fine roast."

Sunday, August 6, 1916 -

"I am so tired - it is a little after 11 o'clock, and I'm anxious to pile in bed.  Frank and I made another trip to Osage City tonight - but no alarming disasters this time.  We attended Chautauqua.  The entertainment was very good -  Hannah Gove and the Pilgrim Girls as a prelude to a scientific lecture on Wireless, Radium, and Liquid Air.  We were each given a snowball!

"We kids went to church this morning in the car.  I drove coming home, and we were caught in a little sprinkle this side of the big hill. Frank brought Fannie and Verning Speer out to Sunday School, and for the first time on record our class won the banner on Missionary Sunday - and only five in the class!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/03/village-square-quilt-block.html

Village Square Quilt Block

     The fun center fabric is Aneela Hoey's Little Apples fabric by Moda.  I found the idea for this pattern in The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer.  It was originally published by Nancy Cabot in the Chicago Tribune on July 13, 1937.  It is also known as Art Square, and I found the pattern for it on-line here: http://www.quilterscache.com/A/ArtSquareBlock.html
     In these diary entries, Hattie is 20 years old, Minerva is her 30-year-old (oldest) sister, and Howard is her 19-year-old brother.  Frank is her future husband (and my grandfather), though they are just dating now. 

Tuesday, August 1, 1916 -
"It's actually raining!  What a relief!  After a warm, dusty day, it surely feels good to me.  For some reason or other, I couldn't sleep last night.  I just tossed around and finally had to come in the house - it was cool on the porch, too. 

"O, yes, I voted today.  Hope I did it right so that my vote will count, and I do hope Mr. Pringle gets the Senatorial nomination over Mr. Logan.  I'm sure we have all done our share.

"I went to the dentist after I had been to the polls, and after my tooth was filled, Mother and Papa and I went down to the restaurant and each had a sundae.  Mr. and Mrs. Sam Schrader are running the place now.  Then Mother and I went up to see Minerva while Papa did some more electioneering and came home about six o'clock."

Wednesday, August 2, 1916 -
"The rain wasn't half a sprinkle, and it has been one of the hottest days on record today.  Not a breath of air - but just hot!  Just now a little breeze has started, which I sincerely hope continues.

"Papa, Howard, and I went to town tonight, and I ran the car going up.  It seemed all the Fords were out this evening.  We were down to the depot with May a little, and then I went to the post office with Grace Keller.  Frank was in town to hear the election returns.  We are all rejoicing because Mr. Pringle won with a good majority."

Thursday, August 3, 1916 -
"I have crocheted quite a bit today and wrote a letter to Bing.  I started one on the typewriter but made a row of mistakes at the bottom of the first page so gave it up and wrote in the good, old-fashioned way.

"Howard has a date tonight with May.  It took him all afternoon to get ready.  I told him if a date caused such a rejuvenation, he'd ought to have them more often." 



You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/02/beginners-delight-quilt-block.html