What Our Words Say

A peek at our grandmother's 1939 diary!

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

The post set-up: The year was 1939 and the world was in transition. The Great Depression was ending and rumors of World War 2 were beginning. So, to divert the hard times New York held the World’s Fair and Hollywood released the movies, Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz to escape what was happening globally.

These were also the events occurring in the time my husband’s grandmother was writing these journal entries in 1939.

So, have things really changed in 86 years?

Let’s find out!

The family now lived in the northern Indiana area at this time, after immigrating from Hungary as children, if you recall in my earlier posts: From Paprika to Pizza, parts one and two. I’ll link Part 1 here:

It was interesting to read her brief entries and we’d love to share a few entries of her records below with you, dear reader.

My notes are in italics.

We hope you enjoy!

“Keeping a journal has taught me that there is no such thing as an unimportant day.” ~David Whyte

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1/10/1939:

Cool today. Ironed clothes all forenoon. M not much better. (M is the youngest daughter)

With a family, there is always chores involving clothes!

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27

1/11/1939:

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash

Called Doc. M’s throat and mouth very sore. Breaking out in light red rash all over body. Doc says it is probably Scarlet Fever. He will come out again tomorrow.

Serum shots ensued and they were all homebound. Sickness spread throughout the family.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6

1/15/1939:

What a Sunday. No one to church except O. (O is the dad) M better. Must stay in bed to protect her heart.

Seems the family was sick the whole month of January!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

1/30/1939:

Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash

Snowing and blowing, -22 degrees - blizzard. O stuck in snow drift in driveway, took Pa half hour to get him out.

I cannot even imagine how cold that day must have been or why anyone would venture out!

“When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” (warm clothing) Proverbs 31:21

2/1/1939:

Washed bedroom. Aired bedding and mattress. Washed woodwork, windows, floors, rugs and pictures with Lysol. Soaked all bed covers, quilts, curtains and clothing worn during M’s illness.. Doc was here and says she is fine.

I’m exhausted just reading what all she did that day!

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” 1 Corinthians 14:40

2/4/1939:

Clear and not so cold. Went shopping. B ice skating at lake. (B is an older brother) Went to show in afternoon.

It’s nice to see them having some fun after being so sick and cooped up in January.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

4/5/1939:

E is two years old today…weighs 27 lbs. (E is also an older brother) Ma gave him two suits, O various toys, and Taylors came over with a sand pail, shovels and 4 darling little chicks, colored green, rose, purple and orange. E likes the orange one. I made a custard cake for him.

Sounds so sweet, celebrating a child’s birthday with presents, friends and cake. Not unlike today, is it?

“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.” Proverbs 4:10

4/7/1939:

Good Friday. Everything covered in snow. Temp is 22 degrees. O bought sack of potatoes. Ma wanted to plant a few today. Pa has the ground all prepared and Good Friday seems to be the traditional potato planting day.

Is this still a good gardening rule to go by?

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7

4/12/1939:

Taylors over in evening. They traded their Studebaker today for a Buick. Very nice.

It’s fun to read about the cars back in the day. What’s the oldest car you remember your family having?

“The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8

4/25/1939:

Property taxes due. Printed tickets for church Men’s Euchre Party set for May 4.

Any Euchre players out there? My husband’s family STILL play!

“So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

4/26/1939:

Weather better at 70 degrees. Ma has garden fixed beautifully. Jonquils, hyacinths and violets all in bloom. Ma planted onions, garlic and parsley. Seeds she planted in the warm beds are starting to sprout and one asparagus plant has about eight shoots up.

She wrote more on this day. I wish she would have written more on other days. I am liking her more and more as I get to know her through diary entries.

Does that happen with us too? Do people get to know us more as we write and they “hear” our voice? Is that where trust begins for the writer and the reader?

5/4/1939:

Mostly cloudy. Have headache, but no relief. Hope there is a place in Heaven where no one has headaches.

There will be. No pain or tears in heaven, Grandma! Praise God!

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passes away.” Revelation 21:4

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It’s fascinating to see that even all those years ago, things are still basically the same.

Of course we have newer technologies, AI, internet, faster cars, and such,

But we still have families to provide for and take care of daily.

Illnesses that require doctors and medications,

Gardens that need planting and tending to grow.

Friends that come over, celebrate and show us new things,

Social outings to a movie, shopping, or off to work we go.

Clothes to clean, church to attend, meals to make.

We are blessed to be able to have these things to take care of in our lives.

So, do you keep a diary, journal, any record of your days?

Let’s make “what our words say” count, now and for generations to come as we write about our families, our spouses, our children and our lives!

Until next time, sweet friends,

Brooke

P.S Thank you taking your time to read this post today. If you feel led to share, comment and/or purchase my prayer journal or artwork below to support my writing endeavors, I would be most grateful!