Mary's Memoirs

Sam goes to Boise, Idaho, for a couple of days. People do not go out and look at each other's flowers like that anymore. People do not go outdoors that much anymore either. Especially kids.

Sunday, May 1, 1950

Today I cleaned the house and left for Cleora's before Sam got out of bed. He was so tired from the trip. Called on Alice Duckwiler and found her not at all well. She must have a nurse all the time, so I stayed but a short time. Then to Cleora's and we had a lovely lunch together. Saw her flowers and she gave me some fall blooming anemone. Her house is so lovely since she has had it remodeled and she is enjoying it thoroughly. Left Cleora's and went out to Maimee Hanberg's. Wrote names of petitioners in my notebook. We talked of this and that. Dashed home. Sam cooked dinner of venison hamburger. It was delicious. Cherry pie to go with it and it tasted good. To Philathea Chapter and was to take Edith Michels but she got tied up with her choir so couldn't go. There was a good crowd out and this chapter room was decorated with May baskets in pink. There was much talk about chapter business which went on and on. I had heard of their Jangles but this is the first time I ever sat in on one. It wasn't good. But Hazel did real well. She never lost her nerves or got excited. So finally, it was all over, we ate. I am thankful we had our first meeting over. Thankful for many things.

Monday, May 2, 1950

Was sleepy so did not get up very early. To De Leo's to garden club where they had such a tiresome meeting amending by-laws, but a good salad for lunch after which we went out on a hike up the canyon behind Bonnie's house. Met Mrs. Yett, the fire chief's wife, at Bremerton. She seems very nice. When I got home Sam was mowing the lawn and there was so much grass in some places it had to be raked. So, I raked about 2 ½ hours. Then made dinner and afterward went to Starlight Club with Maimee Gould. There was a good crowd there and we enjoyed Mrs. Douglas, an old teacher of Ann Rabbie's who is a button collector and told us a great deal about those she brought to show us. They served a beautiful birthday cake which they presented first to Mrs. Douglas so she could blow out the candles. The meeting was at Agnes Berg's home. The officers of the club decided not to attend our officers club. Unless we called for help on favors or something. They practiced the Mother's Day addenda too.

Tuesday, May 3, 1950

Today Sam was dressed and ready to go to Seattle and Boise, Idaho, before I got up. Was weary as I never got to bed until 12. After breakfast I went to the store. Mailed my parcel to Kurth's, made some calls at Mae Housen's, then home and finished ironing. As soon as that was done, I raked the lawn and now it is all clean of grass cuttings, but what a job! Planted some baby blue eyes between the steppingstones under the new arbor and raked under the bamboo tree so cleaned up a lot of places. Have scrapbook up to date. Vacuumed rug of grass cuttings so tomorrow can dust. To Belfair Chapter and sat in the East with Alice Pope. All the officers did very well, and Zeola had a most wonderful writeup of the installation for the chapter records. I feel after watching Cordelia that she will make a splendid officer and Alice won't need to worry about her. The May baskets on the refreshment table downstairs were so clever and Addie gave me one to take home. To bed late.

Wednesday, May 4, 1950

Tried to sleep but gave it up. Ate a late breakfast. John Stuyts came just as I was cleaning the refrigerator. He stayed over an hour. Cleaned all cabin shelves and I am glad that is done. To Gorst and had my hair recombed. To Ruth Small's and made some calls, then home. It is raining and cold out. Rec'd a nice letter from Floyd Gordon. To Reliance Chapter with Ruth Small and Mae Housen. They had a fine Mother's Day program and a splendid initiation. We enjoyed it all. Although I still think our choir is by far the best. Saw many I knew and talked. Home late and to bed. Very cold out. A note was handed me that I'm to meet the Rainbow Girls at the Temple at 8:30 Saturday.

Thursday, May 5, 1950

Caught the 8:30 boat and Alice Pope was on it also. So was Mrs. Miles Howell, who we never saw until ready to get off. We all walked uptown together. To our meeting and did I get broken in as secretary! They so moved this and that. Finally, all done about 1:40 so I hurried with my shopping and caught the 3:30 boat home. Alice Pope and Cleora both on it. Saw Hazel Kaufman and had quite a chat. Then to Cleora's where I cleaned up and ate dinner. It certainly was nice of her to ask me. Took Maimee Gould to Officer's Club and we started at 7:30 and were all through by 9:30. Ate and had so much fun. No one wanted to go home. We talked about our last meeting and made our favors for Mother's Day. They are lovely and I think it will turn out very well. Herman will try to get a date for the ball in March. We did a lot of laughing. Guess we all felt good. Hope I can take Eunice Higgins to Grand Ada's reception at Toledo May 20. To bed late again. Tired.

Friday, May 6, 1950

Today both my alarm clocks went off although I was awake. To the Masonic Temple where I got Patty Higgins, Margaret Dingman and another girl as my passengers. We ate our lunch in the rumpus room. A Mr. Dow took us on a tour of the home. We called on Mrs. Lambert and several others. They were all so glad to see us. We bought hot pads from one lady. They have a beautiful dining room and such a lovely kitchen. A group of young people from a Lutheran Academy at Puyallup came and sang hymns. It was lovely. We all sang with them. Home again and ate at the Towers. Got my mail and home. Very lovely all day but so windy. Quiet night.

Saturday, May 7, 1950

Today I slept late and ate a leisurely breakfast. Then I cleaned house, and the Housens came down to see my installation gifts. We walked around and saw the flowers. After Mae left with some more material to sew up for me. I got at my book work so now I'm pretty well caught up on that. Sat out int the sun and wrote letters and now am all done. Very nice out. Worked on my scrapbook so it is up to date also. Checked my calendars so they all match. To Betty Fischler's and had a nice visit. She is going to type some cards for me. When I came home Sam was here. Said he had a good time, but never says much about any trip he takes. To bed early.

■ Clydene Hostetler was a longtime Belfair resident and historian. She now resides 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]