Monday Dec 1. 1902
Wind variable + all around.
Along came Cass from Hines about 9. A.M with Bert and we immediately started for Station. Found all well. Chet + Cass went duck hunting at Hogback. After dinner they went again but had no luck.
Stayed at L.H. all night.
Tuesday. Dec 2
Chat + Cass went duck hunting at daylight + came back at about 10 A.M. No luck. Cass + I went to Benlaw after breakfast + put up Mr. Watkin's shutters. Then came home via W. Pt. Leaving boat there.
Jones killing 3 pigs. Gave me some liver. Stopped at Hardy’s a few minutes: Hardy going to Plainfield to work this winter Fred and Allis Guyette already gone. Mr. Barstow told me Frank Guyette, keeper of Juniper light had been to see me and had left half an hour previous to my coming. Cass went up to stay with Bert to night. I went over and had quite a discussion with Genie on divinity of Christ and authenticity of the bible.
Warm + comfortable day but cooler tonight and damp!
Wed. Dec 3, 1902
9.15 P.M Snow. half an inch this morning (2nd storm)
Went to city to interview Mr. Guyette regarding transfer of keepers.
Started on foot but got a ride from Spouldy’s to city and from Barker’s home.
Cass came soon after I ate my supper. He was going to Jerry’s but storm kept him here.
We are to go to Station tomorrow if possible and stay while Chet + Ruth come ashore.
No Wind this evening until now (9:15) it is coming up quite strong.
A cold wet stormy day.
P.M 9:30 Blowing a gale from S/W.
Thursday Dec. 4 Went to Light House
Cass came from up Street and we went to Station. Chet + Ruth + Cass came across.
Coal (part of it came on the Mariquita) at 3 P.M.
N. Wind and bad time unloading.
Friday Dec. 5
Hell of a gale from S.
Sat. Dec. 6
Light winds all day, but no one came.
Sunday Dec. 7
Another gale + storm.
Monday Dec. 8 Came Ashore
Wind light until about 10:20 A.M. Cass, Chet + Ruth came at 9:20 AM. While getting + eating breakfast wind shifted from N. to W. and while we changed boats + getting ready to come away (Cass + I) it came to a heavy gale but as we could not put our boat back any way we had to get away. Couldn’t release the painter + Chat had to cut it.
Very exciting + dangerous getting away.
We intended to land at W. Pt. But found it too dangerous. Waves so high that at times we could not see the station.
The whitest lake, the biggest winds, and hardest winds I ever was out in.
We went S a quarter of a mile to another Pt. But no better landing. We had no more choices after another quarter of a mile farther south and on we went, but when we got there it was just as bad. It was the last chance however + I had to take it.
How we ever did it I can’t tell, but we did it and saved the boat as well.
I broke through the ice about three rods from shore and went into the water with one leg nearly to my knees. We put boat in safe place + came along took dinner and warmed up at Jones. We were covered with ice from head to foot.
When I got here found everything above cellar frozen solid.
Cass went away up street, and alone I had to put 14 or 15 bbl. Apples, a lot of turnips, squashes, and pumpkins etc. down cellar and was tired as a dog and nearly sick by the time I got around to making a fire and sit down.
Sunday, Dec 9
Hell of a gale from the North, all day until 3 P.M. then went down.
Couldn’t get warm all night. Room frosty, breath froze to whiskers + blankets.15o below 0. Didn’t sleep much. Sealed up hatchway. It took me nearly all day, but I think I did it well. Went over to Hardy’s in evening nearly froze coming home.
Wed. Dec 10
10 P.M. 10o below 0 this morning. Gale S with snow. Couldn’t do anything but feed hens and try to keep from freezing by the fire all day. Nearly froze again last night.
Went over to Jones’ and Hardy’s this evening. Mrs. Hardy quite sick (Adrian’s mother).
Jones got face hurt against corner of barn, somehow, while leading a cow.
10o about at 4 P.M.
22o above now at present writing 10 P.M. Expect to sleep comfortably tonight if temperature continues to rise or even if it does not fall.
It has been a tough experience for me since Monday A.M. The toughest I think since I was burned out 6 or 7 years ago and with so much to do and not a soul to help me. I feel rather discouraged.
If my vegetables had not been frozen and my cellar could be protected as it should be, I should not feel quite so badly. But one can only do the best he can, I suppose, and I feel that I have done that, all things considered.
But it seems as if everything had conspired to hinder and thwart me in every way for the last three weeks.
If I was only young and well. But I am not and I cannot do as well or as much as I wish I could. Perhaps “when the clouds roll by” the sun look bright and the prospect may look brighter.
Haven’t seen Cass since Monday P.M.
Thursday Dec 11, 1902.
7.20 P.M. 8° Wind N. Snowing.
Fed hens, fixed footwear, made felt insole. Vic Raymond + father + mother came along to go to Stave Island about 10 a.m. Mrs. Rudy came in to keep warm + was here at noon when I left for W. Pt. and they were far from having the boat free then.
Case came about 9:20 picked up things + packed up to take to 4 Corners and said he was coming back, but haven’t seen him yet. Left at noon for W. Pt. with mail + red flag. Went via R.R. Chet saw me soon after I left it. He was working all day to free the big boat and nearly finished after I reached Pt.. We tried signaling but not successful.
Chet came over in big boat + got mail. He and Ruth both well.
Tried to relieve Stone’s dock of ice, but was not very successful.
Stopped at Jones’ on way home to rest and warm. Lottie and Sadie having hell of a time. Sadie coming home tomorrow.
Supper at Jones’.
Hardy didn’t get my stove pipe so I guess that cellar will freeze solid before I can get a fire made in the big kitchen. Violet was here in the kitchen waiting for me when I arrived. She has been gone for week or more. Was awful glad to see her and she seemed awful glad to be back. Black kitten also here.
Expected to find Cass here but see no signs of him having been here even, since I went away at noon.
Felt cold here to-night. Must write to Mrs. Carey for C + R and go to bed.
Midnight 8° Wind N + Snowing. Wrote to Mrs. Carey. Going to bed.
Friday Dec 12, 1902
11:20 P.M Wind northerly all day and temperature about 0.
Rustys had to leave their boat and go home at dark. Came down again this morning, and with Cass’ help got her out. He decided later that this had better wait again until tomorrow + so went home. Cass picked up and went to Randolph about 11 A.M. Sorry he couldn’t stay longer.
Bottom of feet cracked, and very sore. So cold I couldn’t do much outside. Fixed two doors inside so they would shut. Very cold to-night 0. Here in the kitchen close to the stove it is only 2 or 3 degrees above freezing. Wrote to Guyette, keeper at Juniper, and R. G. Stone.
Sat Dec 13
Wind north. 0 all day.
Rustys came down + took things they had left here + went home, leaving their boat somewhere down round brick house. I guess they will take train for Grand Isle, and get a boat there to go to Stave. Snow again all day. Jones going to city for stove pipes tonight.
Sunday.
Sunny all day, 0. but cold as usual. Wind northerly until about 3 P.M. it went down. Too late to go to the Point. At Jones’ this evening, he couldn’t get any stove pipe so I am going myself tomorrow.
Monday Dec 15, 1902
As lovely as a day in May. 10:30 PM
No wind. Sunshine and growing warmer all the time.
12 degrees above 0 to-night
Went to W. Pt. Chet came over. Water smooth as glass. All well. He was over yesterday with Mail + Pie in a tin pail. Wants apples next time + buttermilk. Chopped out two plank from Stone’s dock. Found all OK at the Cottage. Chet shot a seacrow coming over.
Had a hard tramp, had to stop + rest at R.R. Bridge and again at Jones'. Split some wood for him. Churned + pared, cored + sliced apples for pies for Mrs. J. + took supper there again.
11:30 Wind rising from S.
Jones sent + got 2 lengths of new pipe for me, 50 cents. Must try and move my stove to-morrow.
Tooth-ache + boil on my neck make me feel rather bad.
Got letter from Mrs. J. M. Carey. It was the kindest letter I have received in many years.
Tuesday 16
Warmer, thawing, S. wind.
Loosened up flood wood in AM + in PM took Jones sorrel mare and drew it up the hill.
Jones and I killed a muskrat on the shore.
Raining by spells all day. Got tripped up by a log. Flat on my back.
Wed. Dec 17
10 PM Still thawing, cloudy, looks stormy. Squalls all around but not here. Looks like rain tonight.
Loosened flood wood AM. Drew it up this PM and have got quite a nice lot of it. Feel much better then I did about my fuel supply.
I hear that I oil is now 14 cents per gal. Luckily I have nearly 6 gals on hand and I mean to use it economically.
Jones slipped up today helping me to draw flood wood.
Gave Jones some vegetables he didn’t have and a bottle of my old cider that he likes as well.
Very comfortable tonight. Built no fire. Spent evening at Jones’. Says I may take team to go to Pt.
11 PM Snowing like fun, wind fresh + rising.
Thur. Dec. 18, 1902
Midnight. No Wind 25 degrees.
West Wind + thawing to-day.
Went to W. Pt. With Jones’ team. Carried apples + buttermilk + mail. One letter from Colchester and a few papers.
Killed muskrat on S. Beach + took it along. Sea too rough for Chet to come over. Saw him walk back + forth so know they are all well. Chopped out one horse in Stone’s dock and think that by to-morrow I may be able to get the whole thing out.
After I got home went up + paid Henry Thayer $15.00 I owed him and that squared us once again. Paid it to Aunt Em. As Henry was helping Will Coates in his barn and did not see him. They have a new stove.
Rec’d 2nd postal from Mrs. Button directed to Cass asking him to come home as Cap'n is sick + she + Myrtle have to do chores + depend on the neighbors to do the milking.
Visited and took supper with Alma + Bert this evening. Had a very pleasant time.
Borrowed glass of Alma until Chet + Ruth come ashore.
Lost my door keys going up or coming back. But luckily I had duplicates where I could put my hand on then in anticipation of such an event.
Friday December 19,1902
10: 20 PM A Cloudy day but quite comfortable. Showering in middle of the day. Went to the Point again with old Nell. Chet had pulled out part of the dock, which made it much easier for one to handle the rest of it.
Tried signaling, but it was not a howling success.
Chet had been over a short time before I got there. Took supper at Jones and spent the evening there. Had pleasant time. Fred Cross was taken to jail for not paying Mrs. Bills’ house rent.
Jones let me take a 6 in. stove pipe knee. Wrote to Mrs. Button, at Randolph, to Cass in Essex and Mrs. J.M. Carey of Winooski.
Saturday December 20, 1902
Moved my stove into the old kitchen and now hope to be more comfortable. Sid Tatro helped me
We had good luck and completed the job about a quarter past 12 noon.
Evening- have curtains at setting-room and pantry doors, and everything quite comfortable + cozy.
Sunday December 21
Cold rainy disagreeable day.
Parker’s 9 colts running loose over everything.
At home all day. Have a bad cold. Cleaned out my sleeping room and the kitchen.
Wrote a few postals, etc.
Monday December 22
10 PM. Comfortable day. Thawing most of time freezing this evening.
Have a cold that made me almost sick abed. Washed up dishes and straightened out kitchen. Sawed a little wood. Rode over with Jones. Split a little wood for him + took supplies. Then he wrote to hire the place for three years.
Answered letter of Geo. Hunter Elgin, Ill. relating to genealogy of the Hunter family.
Intended to go to W. Pt after mail came but clouds, wind and indications of a storm persuaded me to defer going until some other time.
Have agreed to pick over a bushel of beans for Jones before Wednesday noon for 50 cents.
Tue Dec 23, 1902
A very cold day, all through with sun in the PM only.
Waited until 1:20 PM for Jones to bring beans but he failed to come.
Started at 1:30 PM for W. Pt. Jones let me take team.
Signaled Chet. Both quite well. He had brought trunk, box + table over to cottage last Friday also my boots.
I carried over some cucumbers for pickles + brought home my trunk, box + boots and also 3 hogs heads + a bag of beans from Jones.
Heads to be made into head cheese + beans to be picked over. One bushel 50 cents.
Wed Dec 24 Midnight
Merry Christmas to everybody.
Another cold day today. Very little wind.
Got home last night at 8 o’clock + went to work on Jones’ beans + worked till 3 AM went to bed at 5. Cough till 6. Then slept till 8; got up + went at it again + worked until 1:30 PM when Jones came for beans. I had 64 lbs; a bushel + 2 qts. Three more bushels to pick over.
Make graham pancakes when Jones went. Cleaned up things, sat down + slept nearly an hour + then went over to Jones to stay with his wife while he went to city. He came at 11 with presents for all the children + we ate a piece of pie + I came home. Hogs heads tomorrow.
Christmas dinner at Jones’
Joe Bessette called a few minutes just about noon.
Sent letters to Geo. Hunter, Mrs. Cary and Mrs. Button.
My Cough seems better to-night. Hope it will stay so.
Jones got a bu. of I meal for me to feed to my hens.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Thursday Dec. 25
11 PM Fine day. Hardly any wind. S. and very comfortable though not thawing.
Cut up a wheelbarrow load of limbs this mng. Went to W. Pt. With Jones’ team. Chet came over. All well. He had two letters to mail. I had none for him.
Brought home his table from the cottage.
Christmas Dinner at Jones. Best Egg-Nogg I ever drank. Dinner was fine.
Brought home 50 cents worth of I-meal that Jones got me for picking over a bushel of beans and 2 or three bushels more to pick over and also a lot of peas so I shall now have something to do evenings when I am inclined to be busy.
Friday Dec 26 1902
10 PM Light northerly winds and very little snow and some sunshine. Not so very cold but not thawing any.
Cut up one pigs head for head cheese. Not feeling very will. In house all day. Three inches of snow fell last night. Edson at home. Mailed cards to B.S.P. + Chicago Ledger. Letters to Henry Chiott, Mrs. J. M. Cary + W.M. Button.
Sunday Dec 28 1902
Light snow + light S. wind.
Went to West Point with mail. Stone + two friends were there. Snow 4 to 5 inches deep + hard walking. Chet saw signal in very few minutes. Ans’d. All well but can’t come over. He had no mail at Point for me. Took dinner at Jones + come home before dark.
Got “Squab Book” yesterday + gave to Chet today.
Monday Dec 29
Snows all around to-day, but little here. Not very cold but not thawing. Saved some wood, and worked some on head cheese. Bad cold, don’t feel a bit like living.
Jones here after two knives.
Sent 50¢ for Squab Manual.
Sid came in about noon and drank coffee with me.
Agreed to give him 50¢ for use of his 4x6 Fish Shanty + he will help me put it out on the ice.
Letter from Chiott, will extinguish light on morning of Jan 1 unless otherwise ordered.
Tuesday Dec 30
A morning in May, but wind using from S, about noon or before.
Went to the Point with mail. Chet came over, but did not stop as wind was rising.
All well.
When I read his note, I was mad + felt bad + everything else, but I suppose it will all be for the best somehow.
Back at Jones in time for dinner.
Luther Spear + Porter working on Silo.
Porter + Jones had a few words over 9 pigs that Jones took to city this PM.
Ground up the meat for head cheese before I went away.
This evening wrote a note to Chet and also on installment to B.S.P.
Going to bed at midnight.
Wed, Dec 31
11:20 P.M. The last night of the year.
This day has been pleasant. Snowing a little in middle of the day.
Made a door to the woodshed and stopped up several other small holes, as I can now keep snowdrifts outside of the shed I think.
This evening I seasoned a 10 lb pail of head cheese for Jones. Had to go over there this A.M after pepper.
The end of the year finds me still here at Button Camp, the sole survivor of them.
Alone since last April 1 and don’t know for how much longer.
Vegetables and apples in cellar nearly all frozen, + and all have got to be looked over very soon. Bad luck all around.
I have had several narrow escapes but am still alive. Wish I could be young again, but I am growing older every day now, and like a sled going down the hill, faster and faster.
I feel sometimes as if I were almost at the bottom, and wouldn’t care how soon. But then the clouds pass and when the sun shines again I feel differently.
Return to Previous Month Return to Home Page Proceed to Next Month