Mary and Sam extra active as spring grows near

Mary has been writing about this large plot of land that she and Sam were purchasing and I wonder if this is the Theler wetlands? As time has gone on in this diary, one can see how the Thelers became prosperous. They had rentals, the mercantile store with a gas station, tavern and did a lot of property development. I think they worked hard to get to this place in their lives. Laws and taxes were quite different. Remember when Sam and his help dug the holes for the gas station’s fuel tanks and installed the pumps? Couldn’t do that now. Sam attended road meetings to keep informed where traffic would run and made sure his stores were on these main routes to attract customers. The last store was where KeyBank sits today. The one before that was across from QFC when the main through fair was Old Belfair Highway. Sam was a smart businessman.

Friday, March 12, 1948

Was surely weary today but Sam helped with all the cleaning so was done early. A nice day and looks like it was off to a good start. As soon as the Jell-O was made I went up to the temple with Sam and we unloaded all our stuff. We stayed about two hours fixing things up for tonight and I was tired when I came home. I laid down to try to sleep but couldn’t. To Wychoff’s and had my hair combed then Sam fixed oysters for dinner. Very good. We had to go to Jones to get the key so got to the temple at 7. There was a car of visitors there when we returned. So I let them in and seated them upstairs. There were 123 visitors and 23 members at the meeting. Our program starting with Mrs. Garland was exceptionally fine and everyone enjoyed it. The lunch was fine and taken care of very well. We on the supper committee took the flowers. The table ware decorated by Betty Fischler — daffodils in low bowls with yellow and green candles.

Saturday, March 13, 1948

Today was clear off and on. Sam washed clothes and I cleaned house and put some crocus over by the sidewalk to house. Cleaned up my desk and Easter cards are put away to mail. All cards and installation gifts are upstairs ready to wrap. Sam took sedan to Belfair to get lights fixed. We had trouble again last night. Ran over to see the Skenes about 4 while Sam made a pepper pan roast. Saw the new place they are fixing to rent. They are about done. Then after dinner I took some bazaar tickets down to Rosa Mann and she wanted to go to the store for thread so she rode up with me and I took tickets up to Addie Jones while she did her shopping. Home early and read, then to bed. We were all tired over Friday and a lot of noise from renters of Callows at 3 a.m. kept us awake. Dogs barked, etc.

Sunday, March 14, 1948

The sun was shining so brightly at 8:15 a.m. that I got up and dressed. After breakfast Sam and I hauled away all fallen limbs with the little truck. Looks very good out. Then we went up to a committee meeting at the Masonic Temple and I drove over to see Mrs. Berray. She will fix the face on one of the figurines so that’s a load off my mind. We had a nice visit. Home and sprinkled clothes for ironing Monday. A great many cars on the road but it looks like rain out now. We ate dinner at the Oyster House and then drove over to see Vina and Henry. They were fine and we spent a pleasant evening talking about this and that. Home early and to bed. A very dark night out. Emmett brought down 12 white Leghorn hens Sam ordered. Now we shall have eggs.

Monday, March 15, 1948

Today Sam took Rudy and Alma Sundstrom to Seattle to the clinic so I talked to them a while before I left. Then cleaned house and went up to see Squires about cleaning up flower beds Tuesday. Took him up to Belfair and got mail at the same time. Cloudy out but I think it will be a nice day. The camellias are coming in bloom. Ironed and mended all the clothes. Then I wrapped a few gifts for installation so that is off my mind. Rained very hard all afternoon. It surely sounded good on the roof of the attic. To the show with John and Annie to see “If Winter Comes.” It was very good but not nearly what we expected it to be. Ate a malt afterward. To bed late. Very dark out and cold.

Tuesday, March 16, 1948

Today Squires came down and cleaned off leaves, old stems, etc., from garden. It looks good. Then Bud Bickle came down and cleaned up the strawberry patch so it is ready for spring. Sam waxed the floors in the apartment and they are good for another month. Took Eunice Duffield to Social Club and we had a fine time. It was potluck and oh so much to eat! Then Alma Nelson gave a book on “Eliza” which was very good. Took figurines to Berray so she could fix the face. A sunny day out but very windy and cold. Sam went to Bremerton and from there to Tacoma. In the evening I went to Walkers. She has my dress cut out. Will try on Friday. Then over to Skene’s and told him the strawberries were dug out so all he has to do is get them. Home early and to bed.

Wednesday, March 17, 1948

A windy chilly day. Arose early and finished all work. Then washed windows on inside of the house. Sam fixed door handle upstairs and sewing machine cord. The new car comes today or Thursday. Washed all cabin and house windows inside and out also apartment windows inside. Took most of the afternoon. Sam is out on the oyster beds throwing oysters around. He says he may start up the restaurant in the tavern again. Slim Opsata suggested it and he is a great cook. We may get some upland from Pope and Talbot where the booming grounds are. There is already a good road in there. Then we will own all the land surrounding that federal government tract we have always thought was so lovely even though it has a mud beach. To Belfair Eastern Star Social Club and had a nice meeting. Mostly planned for the bazaar. Home early and to bed.

Thursday, March 18, 1948

Today was very windy and clear after a good rain last night. Went up to Belfair and gave Mrs. Small three books of tickets. She has a new grandson. Then home and got ready to go to Hoodsport. Mrs. McGee, Skene, Berray and Garth rode to Hoodsport with me. We arrived in plenty of time as I drove fast for Skene was late. There were about 125 people there and they had a splendid program and some wonderful work by Canal Craftsmen and Artists. Weaving, pottery, paintings, copper, rock collections and flower arrangements. Took Helen Anderson home with me and Mrs. Garth ate dinner with us owing to a mix-up about taking her home. To Reliance Chapter and they had a splendid initiation and lovely programs. Helen certainly took everything in and I was happy she had a chance to see initiation in another chapter. So many I knew were there too. We drove home to Union and to bed at one after she built up a fire. Talked until late.

■ Clydene Hostetler is a longtime Belfair resident, local historian, media archivist and documentary filmmaker of “Hidden in Plain Sight.” She has been researching Mary Theler’s life for the past 13 years. She can be emailed at [email protected].