Mary's Memoirs

More snow. There was lots of ice on the canal. Doing chores like cleaning house and the wash and attending lots of meetings and a dance. Hey! Did you see that the ground hog didn't see its shadow? We can only hope spring is on its way.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 1950

Arose at 8:30 and looked at the temperature, 8 above. Let out dog and cat and fed them. Turned up the stoves and slept about an hour more. Then Sam got up about 11:30 so we ate late. Cleaned house, made fire in wood stove and oh, it's so cozy in here now. Very sunny out up to now. Looks like snow, it's 3 o'clock. Read the papers and fooled around with some magazines. Sam went after clams but returned with a few oysters. The tide was too high to get clams. Then we ate dinner. It was a good thing I did not plan on the Sundstroms, although they told Sam they would call if they were not coming. We had to call to find out ourselves. In the evening Nichols was over. Used the phone and talked. To bed

early. Very cold out. Clear.

Monday, Jan. 30, 1950

Today was very sunny but so cold. Very windy. We arose fairly early and got the washing, etc. all finished. Tried to line up a lot of questions to ask Herman tonight. Sam went up to Belfair for the mail, etc. They are finishing the new lighting system in the store. Took a few snow pictures too. We went over to Herman Laes to dinner. Found our way easily and we had a very wonderful time. Violet had a most wonderful dinner and fried chicken that would melt in your mouth. After dinner we talked about our plans for next year and they gave me some ideas for some new names. Everything was agreeable to Herman. We played one game of canasta and Violet and Sam won. Ahh, what a long time it takes to play a game but it is a lot of fun! They have a nice fireplace, and it was so warm and cozy there we hated to go out. Home and found it very cold. 5 above zero. To bed late.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 1950

Today we arose early and went to Alma Nelson's to sew. It was 2 above zero this morning and our coldest day yet. At Alma's we sewed on several garments. They really look lovely. Hazel Kaufman came, and we all sewed and sewed. Really got such a lot done. Sam came for me at 3:15 and we went out to Belfair. Went home, built fires and back to Masonic Temple where Alma and Rudy were just finishing setting up the Chapter. Alma went through her work and oh, how well she did! I was so pleased. Then back home and got dinner. Cleaned refrigerator and sprinkled clothes for tomorrow. Lovey called up. We have a funeral tomorrow. Amelia Erskine's at 1:30. Very cold out tonight down to 10 by 5:30. The moon is out, and it is very clear.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1950

This morning the thermometer was down to zero and oh was it cold! Started the stove and did my exercises. Then Sam did the dishes and I finished ironing. To Bremerton and got Maria H. and Lovey. Went to the funeral parlor where we put on an Eastern Star funeral for Amelia Erskine. Everything went off very well and we were glad when it was over as it was so cold. Lovey's voice gave out and she told Jess to take over. Very sunny out and thawing on the roads but oh so cold! Home and put my parcels away and Sam opened oysters for dinner. Saw Roy Mitchell at the Post Office and he says, "Are you coming to Chapter?" So, I said, "Yes." Sam and I went to Chapter at Belfair. We had a good time, and the initiation was very well done. So, was the instruction by Helen and Roy Mitchell, Mr. Buley and Del Rhu Thompson. Very cold out and the moon was shining brightly when we came out of the Temple. To bed late.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 1950

Today it was zero again, so I turned up all the stoves and went back to bed for a while. Alma Nelson called up and we had quite a chat. Then Sam and I rode into the head of the bay. I called on several girls and had my hair combed out. Looks good. Very clear out and oh so bright. The sun is so warm. The ice is still on the canal but not strong enough to stand on. I tried it. Called Marie Tracy. She will be my organist and Florence Linberg said she would be my chaplain. Ah! Am I glad! To Reliance Chapter with Alma Bard and Mrs. Williams and Al Bard. Sam and Williams went to Elks Lodge. There were so many from Olympic Chapter there. Sat next to Eunice and Jess Duffield. Herman Laes says we have Dec. 15 date for our Christmas party. A very

lovely meeting and we had such a good time. Afterwards a Reliance member (Navy) showed movies of Japan. Very interesting. Lovely decorations by Mrs. Tweed. Home late. Such fun!

Friday, Feb. 3, 1950

Arose early and ate a bit of breakfast. Then Sam took me to Belfair where I met Alma Bard, Ruth Small and Alice Pope. We all went to Seattle on the 9:30 ferry with two girls from Port Orchard and conductress from Poulsbo. We had a fine time on the ferry and arrived at our meeting in plenty of time. Was a good meeting with a large attendance. At noon Alma, Alice and I ate lunch. Then went to see about Alma's past matron pin. I inquired about White Shrine jewel. Bought gifts for installing officers and incoming matrons. Star-shape vase with emblem on. Very sweet. Hope they like it. Then we got some things at Fredericks. Home on 3:30 ferry and Sam met me at the store. Made dinner and then Sam went to Masonic Lodge, and I visited at Betty Fischler's. Snowed all evening about 3 inches in all and looked like rain as we started home at 11:15. To bed late.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 1950

Today it's raining and the ice cakes are floating down the canal. A strange sight. Slept late, then Eileen Skirving called me and said she just was too frightened to be an officer although I was sorry not to have her, I had to accept it. Made waffles for breakfast and they turned out OK. Cleaned house good and changed linen. Took Nichols and Mrs. Callow up to vote. Very sloppy out. Everyone is wearing boots. We picked Eunice and Jesse Duffield up about 9 p.m. and went to dance at Philathea Masonic Temple for the worthy Matron. There was a good crowd there and what a grand time we had! Everybody had so much fun. The room was trimmed with paper tulips in window boxes and on the stage. Very pretty. Afterward we ate noodles and saw several from the dance there too. Daisy Hirsche of Pricilla was the only Worthy Matron at the dance. Home late and to bed.

■ 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].