By Anna Clutterbuck-Cook, Reader Services
Today we return to the 1917 diary of Gertrude Codman Carter. You may read the previous entries here:
Introduction | January | February | March | April | May
Only two pages of Gertrude’s diary from June 1917 remain in her diary for that year, the rest having been sliced out at some point before the volume was donated to the Massachusetts Historical Society. Only July 26-31 remain. Still, in even these half-dozen entries we see Gertrude’s life contain everything from a party at the beach to a visit to a former cook who had served the family, now on a pension, to design commissions, to tea with a woman whose son has just enlisted and will soon ship out to war in Europe.
I turn it over Gertrude.
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26 July.
To Lodge school to tea.
27 July.
Mrs South had a bathing party at the [illegible]. Rather fly [illegible] but amusing. Being a Friday & [illegible] day, a number of people [illegible]. So I planted my red sunshade in the sand & Clarence Hayden & I made ourselves into a “Vogue” cover for the amusement of the others. The children had a good time. John frisked about.
28 July.
Went in to see Mrs Plumer the old cook. Her cooking days are over. I am paying for [illegible] & [illegible] has a pension.
To Barton’s after tea
29 July.
John’s [illegible] lesson. “But Mummy, which were the nice people?”
Jacob & Esau
Took John to drive. Lovely sunset at C. Hayden’s.
30 July.
To Ilaro & town.
Called on the Majors.
31 July.
Savannah about green plots.
Inspection of auctions.
11. Dr Gooding dentist. He has invented [illegible] oval playing cards and has asked me to design a cover for them.
Tea at Mrs [illegible]. Her son has gone to enlist and she is very sad at his departure.
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As always, if you are interested in viewing the diary or letters yourself, in our library, or have other questions about the collection please visit the library or contact a member of the library staff for further assistance.