Mary gets busy in the garden

Mary is gearing up for her flowers on the property. Doesn’t sound like the weather was particularly great, but trying to break into the next season with more sun. Mary likes her sun and likes to be tanned.

Saturday, April 2, 1949

Today the sun was out when I got up. Sam washed clothes and I cleaned house. At 1 o’clock, I had a permanent put in my hair at Gorst and did not get home until 4:30. Sam had dragged the road and oh! it did look so nice. Then he got supper while I got ready which was a big help to me. Flossie and Georgia Ashland were here when I was away. At 6, Duffields, Marvins and Lovey came for me. We were at the temple in Shelton long before the doors were open, so we got good seats. There were some from Philathea, Union and Belfair there. The installation was very nice, and the addenda were lovely too. Decorations upstairs were yellow daffodils and white plum blossoms. Downstairs were Star Candle holders full of spring flowers around green and pink candles. The cake squares were lovely, all decorated with flowers. Jessie Knight Grisdale was presented with a silver tea set as a token of her 25 years as secretary. The junior past matron was given a similar set by a large group of members.

Sunday, April 3, 1949

Arose early and the sun was so warm and bright. Cleaned and dusted house and Sam raked lawn and painted an ailing tree. Ironed and put away all the clothes. Sam tied 2 rows of raspberries and I moved all the golden glows. Also planted all the stuff Mama sent in the box. About 2:30 the Wistmans came out and got some oysters. I made coffee and we finished up the chocolate cake. Then Eddie Walkers came about 4 and they stayed about an hour. They were full of talk about the new house they rented. We ate at 6 and I surely had a pile of dishes to do. The sun was real warm all day and I think I got a little tan. It was grand out. We drove up to Squires. He will come to work for a couple of hours tomorrow. Cleaned my desk.

Monday, April 4, 1949

Today, Squires pruned all the trees and along the road. We discovered my glads and dahlias were all frozen, so I don’t have to worry about them. To Gorst to get my hair combed out and it looks very nice. Sam went to Bremerton to get a pane for Post Office window. He dug over 1½ rows of berries and they surely look clean. I planted seeds of poppies up by rail fence entrance. Planted nasturtiums by cabin. Very warm out today but a cool wind came up at 2:30 so now it’s quite cool. Picked up Wilma Rasmussen and Alice Pope and went to Philathea to Installation. We had a nice time and plenty of laughs. The Chapter room was beautifully decorated with white plum blossoms and daffodils. Leta York was lovely in a blue gown and an orchid on her shoulder. We had to wait outside for about 20 minutes before we could get in as the new officers were having their picture taken. Everyone we knew was there. Sat by Alma Nelson and had a good time.

Tuesday, April 5, 1949

Arose late and Sam helped me transplant some perennials up under the maples. Rained last night so it is a perfect time to transplant. Sam went to Seattle and won’t be home until Sunday. He plans to go to Yakima and Walla Walla. Then Blanche and Mary Hackett came down about 1:30 so later I made lunch. We ate out in the sun. It was fun! Later Blanche and I went shopping in Belfair and got an idea to call on Mrs. Foster. So as soon as we put away our things we went over. We found the place easily and had a nice visit. Katie has a cute baby and seems very happy. Home and ate some geoduck chowder so then called it a day. Finished cleaning the attic and lined up all the Installation gifts. Very clear out. The daffodils are lovely along the driveway.

Wednesday, April 6, 1949

Today was very warm and though Blanche and I tried to get out early we had so many interferences, we did not get out until 2:15. The Skenes came down and had lunch, so we had a good old visit. They walked all over the place and saw my flowers. In the afternoon Blanche and I weeded the garden, and it was warm and pleasant. Nichols came over and asked me if I wanted a fire permit. In the evening Blanche and I went into Belfair U.A. They elected Sam to membership which made me very happy. It was only a small meeting, but we had a lot of fun. They served salad (Jell-O) and nut bread. The Fischlers were out and had a good time. Betty looked so well. The 12 loaves of bread for the bazaar are ordered so we are very happy. Mrs. Crosswhite and Henningsen are to take them.

Thursday, April 7, 1949

Today I went to get my hair combed at 1 and Blanche got hers trimmed. We stopped at the store and post office to get mail, etc. Then home and did a few things around the house. At 5:50 I picked up Wilma Rasmussen, Ruth Small and Alice Pope and went to town. We arrived before the Chapter Room was lit. Saw Helen Pistona and Hazel Mosher there early too. There was an enormous crowd and a lovely installation but too long. The Chapter Room was decorated with white plum blossoms and pink stock on which golden butterflies had been pinned. Gladys Watkins wore a blue gown and carried red rosebuds. Edith Michael wore pink. All the officers carried bouquets of yellow daffodils. Even courtesy officers. There were many addenda and songs galore. Downstairs had tiny schoolhouses and pupils on the tables for decorations. Home late. Saw the sheriff. They caught someone at Belfair for theft. Wonder who?

Friday, April 8, 1949

Today I got Squires at 9 and he sprayed the roses, cleaned garden by the arbor near the door of the house and a good part of the garden. I cleaned about 20 feet along the bulkhead and some in the heather garden. Blanche and I drove into town, and I bought a dress, shoes and hat. Nearly lost the hat too. Saw so many I knew, even Betty Fischler. We stopped to see Alma Nelson who has been ill. Talked to Lovey on the phone. She will get two passengers for Bainbridge so we will have a full car. Very clear out today but a very cold wind most of the time. We planned the party for Betty Fischler and later Helen served tea and fig cookies she had made. Home at 11 and to bed. A bright moonlight tonight.

■ Clydene Hostetler was a longtime Belfair resident and historian. She now lives on a classic wooden boat on the Columbia River. She has been researching Mary Theler’s life for the past 17 years. She can be emailed at [email protected].