Sunday 22 December 1878
Monday 28 October 1878 Eardley called to see us. Very stormy afternoon.
Friday 7 February 1879 8am
Wednesday 30 October 1878 Thunder and heavy storm at 6am.
Thursday 31 October Consulted F Wright as Doctor. Dolman has left me.
Called on Walker. He is very bad.
Friday 1 November Took Boys to see cattle in market.
Saturday 2 November Tried ‘Black Pudding’ for first time and found it very
nice.
Painted ‘Rosa’ in my
mackintosh “Going to ‘stonish Mother”.
Put up curtains and pictures
in Breakfast Room.
Sunday 3 November Rosa’s birthday - 4 today.
Sunday 10 November Heavy rain did not go out all day. Sketched outline of figure for new large
picture - Lady with Bird and Dog.
Tuesday 12 November First snow - about 2 ½ inches. Thermometer at top of house outside 29 ½
degrees.
13 November Thermometer 32 degrees.
Saturday 16 November W N Mason called.
Sunday 17 November At home. Added
Dog (St Bernard) and background to large picture.
Saturday 23 November Called on Walker again and saw him. He is sinking fast.
Thursday 28 November Saw Leech as to Dolman’s “deserting” us. He said Dolman said the same.
Friday 29 November Walker died.
Saturday 30 November Moved furniture and hung pictures in dining room.
Monday 2 December 1878 Started using Old Drawing Room for my office.
Will Mason called 4 to 6
pm. He mentioned about Dolman. I said it was not our fault.
Wednesday 4 December Attended Walker’s funeral.
Saturday 7 December 1878 “Polly
Soulby”. Little girl born.
Tuesday 10 December Had talk with Dolman told him we considered he
had deserted us, and he was the only one who had.
Thermometer 20 degrees this
morning. Commencement of frost.
Wednesday 11 December Skating with the Boys on Pond near Chemical works
Mansfield Road all morning.
Thursday 12 December Skating in afternoon again. Ernest has learned to skate.
Friday 13 December Annie Dolman died from convulsions only ill
from yesterday afternoon.
Saturday 14 December Called at Dolmans.
Sunday 9 February 1879 9am
Monday 16 December 1878 Annie Dolman buried in Old Cemetery.
Wednesday 18 December Slight fall of snow in morning, heavy at night -
about 2 ins.
Monday 23 December To Madame Cummings concert - she is much improved.
Tuesday 24 December Thermometer 17 degrees at 7pm.
Wednesday 25 December Xmas day.
Thermometer 16 degrees. Heavy
fall of snow.
Thursday 26 December Painting Girl and Dog - all day till 5pm.
Thaw commenced.
Tuesday 31 December Took Ernest to Borough Sessions. Heard case of Jobson and Simmonds (a money
lender).
Wednesday 1 January 1879 To Dolmans to Dinner.
Saturday 4 January Thermometer 22 degrees at 8am.
Sunday 5 January Thermometer 21 degrees 7.15 am.
Tuesday 7 January Took Boys skating on canal.
Saturday 11 January Ernest (age 8 ½) and Bernard (6yrs 5mths) skated from
Siddals Road Canal Bridge to Swarkestone Lock and back over 12 miles. We did from the Navigation Inn London Road to
Swarkestone Lock and back 9 miles without stop in 1 hour 45 mins.
Tuesday 14 January Thaw in progress.
Wednesday 15 January E Gamble moved from Kegworth to Brunswick Terrace
Leamington.
Moved Books to dining room
shelves.
Saturday 18 January Snow again.
To T Clarke’s to tea.
Tuesday 21 January T Roe Senior died.
To see Sir (Joseph)
Noel Paton’s Picture of “Satan Watching the sleep of Christ” a very fine
picture.
Wednesday 22 January Thermometer 24 degrees 7am.
Went to skate at Geo
Whuldon’s with Annie Rosa and the Boys.
Called on Sowters and Whuldons.
Thursday 30 January Sent 8 pictures to Heathcote’s to sell. Fanny Mason to tea. She is staying at Dolmans.
Saturday 1 February 1879 To See ‘Toole’ at Corn Exchange. Very crowded.
Snow storm at night.
Sunday 2 February Thaw commenced.
Painted further “Girl and Dog”.
Tuesday 4 February Peace condemned to death for the murder of Mr Dyson.
Wednesday 5 February Wind changed to SSW and thaw commenced.
The Prince Imperial
(Napoleon) came to the Hunt Ball at the new Assembly Rooms with the Earl of
Harrington’s party.
Friday 7 February Thorough rain.
Hope frost gone it has lasted with only two short breaks from 4
December.
Sunday 9 February 1879 Entered up the foregoing from small notebooks. Business progresses very favourably. Heavy rain last night very fine this morning,
and quite “spring”.
I have been almost free from
Rheumatism this winter, except in the third and fourth knuckles of my left hand
- today they are very tender.
Monday 10 February 1879 Lizzie Brackenbury came for a short visit.
Wednesday 12 February 1879 Spent some time in Assize Court.
Thursday 13 February 1879 Lizzie B left by 1.20 G.N.R. train. Rhodes refused her request.
Dolman’s children have all
got measles.
Friday 14 February 1879 Ernest began with measles. Called in Dolman. Went over their new house in the Wardwick for
the first time.
Monday 17 February 1879 Kate Santley at Corn Exchange. Had 1/- worth
Tuesday 18 February 1879 Weston the great American pedestrian in his walking
match of 2000 miles in 1000 hours (Sunday walking included), came through
Derby. He is walking all round
England. I saw him at 1.20 pm in the
Wardwick going to lecture at the Temperance Hall and again in the Royal at 3pm
when he started off to walk to Burton and on to Leicester tonight.
Ault valued furniture etc
here.
Wednesday 19 February 1879 Fall of snow again from SW. Melted at once.
Thursday 20 February Snow again.
Friday 21 February Minnie Walker the Cook left.
Saturday 22 February To play at Lecture Hall for benefit of D Robins. Poor company.
Sunday 23 February 1879 Heavy snow again at 7am till 9. There was a great fall of snow in London
yesterday. Snowed here part of the
day. Fine night.
Monday 24 February 1879 Snowed nearly all day until it was about 4 ½ ins deep
on the level. Thermometer 29 degrees.
Tuesday 25 February 1879 Frost last night.
Barny began with measles.
Wednesday 26 February Snow and frost still continue. Went to Hague’s Minstrels. They have some clever acrobats amongst the
troop. Rosa and Harry began measles.
Friday 28 February 1879 Weston’s 1000 hours up at 4.10 pm. He finished 22 ½ miles short of the 2000 he
was to have walked.
Saturday 1 March 1879 Walked out
with Annie in afternoon to look for houses to let. Went over Dr Taylor’s old house in Friar
Gate, it is a first class house.
Children are all getting over
the measles very nicely. Ernest is
better.
Mr Councillor Humphreys died
suddenly.
Sunday 2 March 1879 Short walk before Breakfast- a lovely morning,
slightly frosty.
Walked at 12 to Chaddesden
park and back. Walk in evening.
Glazed dress of Girl in large
picture with “Crimson Lake and ?”
Tuesday 4 March 1879 Looked over Mr Barton’s old house in Full
Street. The dirtiest, worst arranged
house we have seen.
Wednesday 5 March Went to
Ockbrook Borrowash and Draycott with Annie looking at houses.
Saturday 8 March With Sheffield, Gilling and Clarry to Weston and met
Doherty and Greaves there. Had tea late
home.
Was to have gone pike fishing
with Wheatcroft and Bennett (of Woodweiss and Co) but Bennett was prevented.
Sunday 9 March Not out in morning.
Walk in evening.
Wednesday 12 March 1879 Close elected Coroner for the Borough.
Thursday 13 March 1879 Long interview with Pratt (Cox’s agent) about the
tenancy of the House.
Friday 14 March 1879 Grand National Hunt Steeple Chase held here for the
first time on the new course. Went in
the afternoon on Chaddesden hillside.
Had a good view.
Snowed all day.
Saturday 15 March 1879 2nd day of races. Went at 2.30 pm.
Sunday 16 March 1879 Annie rather faint and poorly last night and her
breakfast in bed today to rest.
Thursday 20 March 1879 To Matlock to dinner at Mr Wheatcroft’s. Went in a ? with Mr and Mrs and Miss
Wheatcroft Mr and Mrs Sheffield, Mr Doherty, Mr Shute and Mrs Hill about 20
workmen employed on a Terrace of houses building for Mr A.E Wheatcroft also had
dinner. A pleasant outing.
Saturday 22 March 1879 A Troop of the 21 Hussars came through and I took the
Boys to see them fall in in the Market Place at 8am.
Monday 24 March 1879 Received notice from St Alkmund’s Church Committee
that they have appropriated my seat to Mr Worthington of Duffield Bank! See my letter in reply to Collumbell.
To Keith’s Circus in the new
building in Princes Street; see following description from Daily Gazette.
(Not included -ed)
Tuesday 25 March 1879 I was awake soon after 5am and heard the Police come
for the Hose at 5.20, but it was so cold I did not go up to the roof to see
where the fire was. At 7.30 I went out
and at Hurd’s shop I first heard of the fire - see description below; (not
given - ed).
When I arrived at the scene
the fire was nearly out, but the unfortunate man had been removed to the dead
house. The sight of the burnt horses was
sickening and quite upset me for several hours, I had seen almost all of them
in the ring the night before. It is the
most distressing sight I ever saw.
Attended meeting to get up subscription.
Snow fell again.
Wednesday 26 March 1879 Ground covered with snow again and ice as thick as
two pennies.
27 March 1879 Snow again.
Friday 28 March 1879 The land with Buildings to pull down at corner of
Albert Street and Peter Street (George’s Shop) sold by auction at £28 per
yard. 315 yards = £8820!
Saturday 29 March 1879 Wind changed to West.
Walk to station with Annie in afternoon.
Sunday 30 March 1879 7am Painted Girl - Canary Lace and part
background. Walk at 6pm.
Monday 31 March 1879 6.30 am. To
Reading Room 7.45am.
After long search found
Gamble’s notice to M Higgins that deed cancelled.
Tuesday 1 April 1879 Covered our bedroom walls with all my oil
sketches. Rebuilding of the Circus on
the ‘Holmes’ begun.
Lottie called..
Mrs Sands (Miss Almay) died.
Thursday 3 April 1879 Committee having demanded immediate payment for the
furniture £245 although the Trustee has only just sent me the valuation I
submitted the proposal to Mr SW Cox, but he turns out not to be the
Landlord. It is Mr W E T Cox and he
declines but has put the terms of tenancy into writing.
Sunday 6 April 1879 To St Andrews, Annie and I only the weather so
showery. In afternoon painted Girl and
Dog, put final glaze on dress, scarlet lake it is now a very good colour-
shadow mixed with Burnt umber and little black - put in flower pots etc. Walk from 6 to 8.
Monday 7 April 1879 Wind gone round into East with cold rain. Have to raise £245 on furniture today -
where?
Annie went to ask Dolman (not
for me) and only got scolded.!
Tuesday 8 April 1879 Saw Harrison and put off advertisement. Try Haskew.
Wednesday 9 April 1879 Saw Chartres and explained my views to him.
Friday 10 April 1879 Good Friday Painted Dog in large picture from Mr
Aulton’s ‘Brunette’, a St Bernard.
Saturday 12 April 1879 Keith’s new Circus opened.
Sunday 13 April 1879 Heavy fall of snow nearly all day.
Monday 14 April 1879 Holiday. Had
Brunette again and finished. Took Rosa
to half part of the afternoon Circus.
She was delighted. Took Ernest at
night. Mrs Fulton called
Tuesday 15 April 1879 Heavy snow again all morning. Took Annie and Barney to afternoon
performance at Circus.
Wednesday 16 April 1879 Got up at 6.30.
First walk out before Breakfast into County for this spring the weather
has been so bad; went as far as W Mayer’s Chaddesden.
Mrs Dolman met me with Jim at
corner of St James Street and Corn Market and cut me.
Went at 9am to take particulars
for Insurance of Keith’s Circus, and staid ½ hour watching a Frenchman training
a new horse just over from America, and not tried before aged 6 years. Groom said they never buy them young. He used patience and kindness; when the horse
understands and does what is wanted he gives him a nibble of carrot.
Thursday 17 April 1879 Cousin Iley M Bradley married to W. N. Mason at
Eastbourne. Telegraphed at 12 o’ clock
to W N M “Accept heartiest congratulations and best wishes for health and
happiness in future to you and Mrs M, Annie joins”.
Friday 18 April 1879 6.30am Easter Fair Day. Went at 7.30 am with Ernest and Bernard to
see the Fair people fixing their booths etc.
Saw a flock of Donkeys for sale.
The Boys and Rosa had a ride on 3 of them afterwards. Not a large Fair, I suppose suffering from
the bad times. Good show of Cart
Stallions.
Saturday 19 April 1879 5.30am Went for walk to Little Chester and
Chaddesden. Watched Mayer’s Welsh Ponies
fighting for some time.
Young Sutton of Rosliston
called at 12.30 having come over (17 miles) on his Bicycle - he staid lunch and
went with us into the Fair in the afternoon.
We went into a tent and saw
“S Hill”, a man with hands like feet, see Book of his life in Common place Book. Sutton left at 6.16 for home; he is a very
nice lad.
Circus at night.
Sunday 20 April 1879 Painted large picture all day. Having a first sitting for the face from
Annie.
Had walk in evening. Rain all day with cold East
wind.
Monday 21 April 1879 Painted from 8 to 10am nearly finished picture.
Went to circus. New programme and great improvement.
Tuesday 22 April 1879 5.45am Walk before breakfast to Chaddesden and back.
Wednesday 23 April 1879 Took Annie the two Boys and Rosa to Circus at
night. They were all very much delighted
- went in 1/- places very comfortable.
Thursday 24 April 1879 5.50 am - rainy morning did not go out. Read in bed.
Popplewell came in the morning to criticise Picture of Dog etc. T Worthington in the afternoon - likes it. Made some small suggestions which I have
carried out.
Friday 25 April 1879 5.45 Went down to the Rabbits and gave them some
hay. Signed S Brearey’s petition to the
G.N.R. company to put on better train service to Skegness. Took Annie to Circus at night.
Sunday 27 April 1879 5.50am fed rabbits and very tired. Painted ‘Stags in Kedleston Park’. Walk in the evening. Wrote some letters.
Monday 28 April 1879 5.50 am. Up at
7.30. Williams called to inspect Picture
“Home Pets” (Lady and Dog etc) and liked it very much. Mr Bewley Editor of Daily Gazette also
promised to view.
WNM and Mrs Mason called - on
their ‘wedding’ tour.
Wednesday 30 April 1879 Took Rosa Bernard and Ernest to Circus.
Thursday 1 May 1879 5.45 am Wind still N East and very cold.
Friday 2 May 1879 Very poor market day, all business very slack yet.
Saturday 3 May 1879 5.30 To Chaddesden before breakfast. Saw first swallow. Assize day
Cordwell (London) called, he has now a partner, and a wife and
3 children 1 girl and 2 boys.
Sunday 4 May 1879 4.30 to Chaddesden was there at 5.15 - and walked on
by Spondon Lane and home by the Derwent at 8am.
Not to church in morning. Walk in
evening. Painted new foreground to
“Cennant Mawr”.
Monday 5 May 1879 7am bad luck with the rabbits. Madam kindled unexpectedly a day before has
12 young and all dead. Princess also had
2 and although she made a good nest she dropped them on the floor and ate part
of one.
In office all day. Circus at night new programme. Keith had all his new horses in, all
purchased untrained since the fire (within the last 3 weeks).
Tuesday 6 May 1879 6.35 Read - up at 7.45 fed rabbits. In office all day.
Mrs Lindsay and May, called
this afternoon. Annie met Lottie in the
street, and Lottie made several innuendos against me and they almost
quarrelled.
Wednesday 7 May 1879 Advertizement of sale of our Furniture by the Trustee
appeared in Mercury this morning, it has nearly sent me off my head - 9am. Can scarcely bear to wait till 1.30 when I
hope to hear from Will.
Took Annie and the 3 children
to the Circus for a change from troubles.
Saturday 10 May 1879 At 5am went to Chaddesden to sketch pony. Shewed Sheffield my pictures, he wishes to
buy “Repton Church”.
Sunday 11 May 1879 4am to Chaddesden.
Home to breakfast 8.30am. Home
all day heavy showers at night.
Monday 12 May 1879 Harrison sent man to take an inventory for sale, saw
him and he will not put full advertizement in the papers this week. Saw money lender wants £80 for £250 for a year
and a half.
Tuesday 13 May 1879 Received a nice letter from M Worthington saying he
should not take the pew at St Alkmunds.
To Circus alone new performance.
Friday 16 May 1879 5.45am read.
7am out with Ernest. Very busy
day.
Fanny M called. She has come to live at Dolman’s.
Took Ernest Barny and Rosa to
Circus.
Saturday 17 May 1879 4.30 am to Rabbits then got up and started at 5am to
Chaddesden and by Morley’s home. N Mayer
told me that on the 19 April after I left, the other horses killed one of the
Ponies, breaking its shoulder and hip.
1880
Sunday 22 August 1880 Rock Villa Up
at 6.30 am. Notes made since the last
entry above in small pocket memoranda books from which the following entries
have been extracted.
During the interval things
have not been well with me, but on the whole “they might have been worse”, and
now for more than a month they have been better.
About 3 weeks since I wrote
to Mother but have not yet had a reply only a short ‘thanks’ from Fanny. I ought to have written oftener.
The Derby and Derbyshire Bank
about a month since tried to sell my reversionary interest but only had £550
offered!
Extracts from memoranda
Thursday 22 May 1879 To Chaddesden at 5.30am - watching and sketching
ponies etc.
Monday 26 May 1879 With Boys before Breakfast to see Myers large circus
come in.
Friday 30 May 1879 To Dolmans and met Will and Eardley there. Row!
Tuesday 3 June 1879 T Worthington to dinner for first time.
Saturday 7 June 1879 Fanny came to help us to move into another house.
Tuesday 10 June 1879 Decided on Rock Villa 7 Madeley St
Wednesday 11 June 1879 Moving all day.
13 June 1879 Finished moving.
To office 4 Albert St also.
17 June 1879 Fanny left.
Friday 20 June The Boys had two little white mice and they packed
them so tight in the sleeping box with cotton wool that this morning both are
smothered!
Sunday 22 June 1879 Long walk to Hallam and on to Ilkeston. Counted in returning from St Paul’s Church
Little Chester to Inn at the top of Babington Lane 1760 paces. From Inn to 7 Madeley Street 1060 paces. St Paul’s Church to Pountain’s Corner 500
paces. Started to walk to West Hallam to
come back by 3.30 Great Northern train, but missed it. Then walked on to Ilkeston
to catch the Midland and missed it by about 2 minutes. Walked home again and arrived a little after
10pm, having had nothing since 1 o’ clock dinner but a Brandy and Soda and
biscuit. Distance 9 miles out and 9 in,
and detours say 21 miles.
Monday 7 July 1879 Saw 4 tame nightingales at Biggs’ in Victoria
Street. One he has had three years and
he says it sings a full song. The first
time I have seen any in captivity.
Sunday 13 July 1879 Young Mainwaring of Ashbourne shot a Policemen and
wounded another. Weather began to clear
up at last after months of rain.
Sunday 20 July Very stormy again.
Monday 21 July Baby born “Lilian Amy” at 10.40am. Dr Wright did not come until an hour after!
Wednesday 24 July 1879 P touched 1st
Sunday 27 July 1879 Mrs Prince
came and sat with Annie for a time.
Sunday 3 August 1879 Tremendous thunderstorm 11pm last night for a long
time. Long walk to Breadsall Morley etc.
Monday 4 August 1879 Children to school 1st day to Miss
Browett’s.
Thursday 7 August 2 Rabbits died.
Sunday 10 August Annie to Church first time.
Thursday 14 August Met Mrs and Miss Horsley going to Li
Monday 18 August Nurse left.
Thursday 21 August Little Harry getting to tattle nicely calls the
Cabinet the “comeaway”.
Friday 22 August George Barnett died whilst bathing at Skegness. The water was too cold and he had heart
disease; he died a minute or two after they got him out. He was only in about 3 feet of water.
Saturday 23 August Tore my middle finger of right hand very badly on a
tenter hook in the garden fence. Hung
all my weight on it. Mr Crosby tied it
up. (He is since dead).
Monday 1 September 1879 S Walker Cox died at his Shooting Box in Scotland.
Wednesday 3 September 1879 Fireworks at night.
Saturday 6 September 1879 Wrote letters etc.
Tuesday 30 September 1879 Fanny M and Lizzie Mason called.
18 October 1879 S Leech died.
2 December 1879 Hard frost commenced.
7 December 1879 Thermometer in Arboretum in the open 1 yard above the
ground registered 42 degrees of frost!
14 December 1879 Sketched ‘Rosa’ 24 x 18
27 December 1879 Made Bird cage from old orange cases in the shape of a
house. Now in the Hall.
2 January 1880 Harrison advertized the Furniture again.
4 January 1880 Painted dead Pike and Perch.
8 January Mr Pike
Ashbourne Road, a Friend and Client died.
11 January 1880 To Normanton Church for first time.
14 January 1880 Frost still continues. 12 degrees frost last night.
(Extracts from Pocket Memo
Books continued Sun 2 October 1886)
21 January 1880 Thermometer to 15 degrees during night.
17 February 1880 Dolman R re
Lottie.
19 February 1880 Ill all day.
22 February 1880 Walked with Ernest to Duffield and back by train -
very nice walk.
25 February 1880 Boys and Annie to Sowter’s.
29 February 5th Sunday in February only occurs once in
80 years. Walk with Ernest to ? over and
back by Normanton.
2 March 1880 Snow and very rough wind and Rain.
9 March 1880 Announcement that Parliament to be dissolved.
20 March 1880 Annie (M.C.) (Miscarriage? - ed) nursed her
all night. Very bad.
21 March 1880 Annie very bad.
23 March 1880 Annie better.
26 March 1880 Good Friday.
At home all day making Fowl House and rabbit boxes. T Worthington came.
27 March Annie’s nurse left.
29 March To Spondon with 2 Boys - back by train.
4 April Painted “Pike and Perch”.
9 April 1880 (Extract from small books 28 November 1886) At New
Mills North Derbyshire as Presiding Officer at the Election.
18 April 1880 At home from Church children measles.
25 April 1880 Baby (Lil) only beginning to recover from
measles. Walk with 2 Boys to Chaddesden
Roe.
2 May Sun Walk 2 Boys to Kedleston Park 2.30 to 8pm.
9 May 1880 Walk with Boys to Osmaston 5pm.
12 May 1880 Walk Annie to Osmaston after tea.
16 May Walk with Annie to Chaddesden.
17 May To Chaddesden sketching.
19 May To Plimsolls Meeting.
22 May Sir William Harecourt’s Meeting in afternoon.
23 May Not to Church.
Long walk on Findern Road with Annie in evening. Heard cuckoo first time.
Sunday 22 August 1880 resumed
Went to St James’ Church this
morning. Took Harry for first time he is
just over 3 years - was very good - we always go now in the morning and
generally go for a walk in the fields for the afternoon and until sunset. This afternoon I was very tired and laid down
from 2.30 to 4.30 on bed and Annie took the children into the Arboretum which
adjoins our place. Then after tea at
6.30pm Bernard Rosa and I went for a walk on the Normanton Road and fields.
We are now doing with one
servant (Harriet Blakeman) and I have no clerk at present but as things are
improving I hope to have one when the cold weather comes and fires are
necessary.
Monday 30 August 1880 7.10am
Saturday 28 August 1880 Home at 12.30 after cold lunch walked with Annie all
the children and Harriet to Sinfin Brook and spent the afternoon and evening
there. We caught some minnows in the
Small Brook in Radford’s field.
Sunday 29 August 1880 Church in morning.
Mr Molineux preached a very nice sermon.
Annie could not go. At home all
afternoon. Walked with Ernest and Rosa
round Osmaston Park in the evening.
A heavy storm during last
(Sunday) night. The thunder awoke me
twice and it frightened Rosa very much.
We bought a couple of fowls
in the market last Friday with the money realized by sale of 2 Rabbits and to
test them with Butchers meat I weighed them before dressing - 7lbs 12 oz
After dressing - 7lbs; Cooked
(roasted) 4lbs 13oz; Bones weighed 1lb 8oz.
To enter leg of mutton when
next have roasted (never done - ed).
Not had very busy week but
done very well considering the time of year etc. Had case for Mr Molineux to oppose license to
a licensee on Osmaston Road.
Saturday 11 September 1880
Monday 30 August 1880 Very severe thunderstorm during last night. The lightening was very vivid, and it seemed
to return and burst out anew three times, waking us all up each time.
Walked in the evening with
Annie and Rosa to Sinfin Brook to fetch the Boys home. They had been fishing for minnows all
day. They caught four or five and one
weighing 5 3/4 oz! The biggest I ever
saw. His head was nearly black and it
was almost the colour of a tench.
1 September - Wednesday Agricultural Show. Good in cattle and horses Poultry and
Flowers. Very poor in Pigs Sheep and
implements. Only one cart stallion
shown.
4 September Saturday Left office at 12 and all went to Sinfin Moor and I
sketched “Corn Field”. A lovely
afternoon and we all enjoyed it very much arriving home about 8pm.
11 September Saturday Painted at home last night at “Barrow” Picture.
Harry was very poorly on
Thursday night but is better now.
Harriet our servant has taken
to persistent sleep walking and we have to lock her in her room at night.
Business very quiet yet. Been busy making up balance sheet lately.
3 September 1881 All family to Cleethorpes for day. Met Mother and Fanny.
1887
21 June Queen’s Jubilee.
Annie self and all family to Matlock.
Saw Bonfires on all the hills returning.
6 August Annie self and all family to Skegness. Cheap likeness groups on sands taken.
9 September Annie Laura and self to Alford 6 days. Lizzie Brackenbury there.
December 7 1887
Journey to London for one day
with Ernest and Bernard. 1st time I have been since May 1878. The Boys first visit. We made a long day. Went on by the Underground rail to Moorgate
Street. Walked on by the Exchange
Mansion House etc, Cornhill and to London Bridge (by the Monument) where we
found the Boats were not running. Then
along Cannon Street as far as the station, and across to Cheapside and on to
Saint Pauls where we spent a few minutes.
On to the Thames Embankment through the Temple to the Law Courts, by the
Strand turned up into Drury Lane and through Covent Garden, Leicester Square
and Trafalgar Square. Spent a short time
in the National Gallery then to Westminster; we could not go into the Hall as
it is now closed to the general public without an order. Lunched at the Aquarium. Walked back to the
Horse Guards, through Green Park to Piccadilly and so on to Hyde Park and the
Serpentine; across the Park to the Marble Arch, there took a cab to the zoo,
and arrived 20 minutes before closing time.
Staid until 20 past four, walked back to the top of Langham Place and
thence by bus to Oxford Circus. Walked
down Regent Street to Spiers and Pond’s Criterion and dined there 5.30pm. Afterwards to Drury Lane saw ------ and cab
to St Pancras, returning by 12 train.
1888 March 11 Sunday Evening 52 Rose Hill Street,
Derby
Caught cold a fortnight
before Xmas, and it settled on my lungs.
Highton attended me. Had pleurisy
pneumonia etc etc, was very bad 5 weeks in bed, and only got out last Monday
for first time. Been attending office in
the mornings only; hope next week to make full time. Had very cold weather from East and North
East with heavy snows up to last Sunday.
In May 1885 I had a bad cold on the lungs and the right lung went
wrong a little, shrank the doctor said, I was many weeks away from work, went
to Mothers at the end of July, by the aid of kind friends for a month, and
began working a little at home 52 Rose Hill Street, Derby in October - first
out business being to October Borough Sessions.
Ernest helping me in the business.
In May ‘86 I took one room at 11 ½ St Mary’s Gate for an office with
Bernard to help (from August ‘86).
In June ‘87 took the house 9 St Mary’s Gate for offices and hold
them now, under letting part, the kitchens and top bedrooms. Bernard is still with me. Had Walkup 5 weeks whilst I have been ill, to
help at the office; he left a week yesterday since.
The Emperor William 1st
of Germany died last Friday morning aged 90 years. The Crown Prince succeeds as Frederick the 1st
he is suffering from a dangerous illness in the throat, likely to turn to
cancer.
I had many kind presents and
good wishes in my late illness, and I trust its lessons may be brought home, as
intended - I have to be very careful of chills and cold winds and am half an
invalid yet.
Monday 23 April 1888
Cold East Wind today and
having pains in my chest, dare not go out.
On 21st inst, woke
up with outline of letter to Lottie in my mind, told Annie, and afterwards
wrote it out. This morning after talk
with Annie decided to send the letter. (Will of Arthur Henry Dolman
registered in Derby in 1887, so Lottie must be a widow at this point - ed).
Business been steadily
growing since last entry here, and I have only missed 2 mornings at the
office. I have not been down regularly
in the afternoons, the morning tires me out so.
Cold winds and snows lasted
until a week ago but the last few days it has been showery with thunder, and
warmer average 48 degrees.
Have done some painting
lately see catalogue.
21 May 1888 Whit Monday Annie self and all family for the day to
Ambergate.
26 May 1888 Rosa and self to Birmingham her first visit.
Tuesday 19 June 1888
Mab, Harry Walker’s wife of a
Boy - makes Polly a grandmother at 48.
Weather here so cold to now
we have had a fire in sitting room every night.
Thunder storm in morning but no change after.
Saturday 20 June 1888
Bernard and self to Millers
Dale and walked by Cheedale to Buxton.
Not been there since 15 July 1876.
Met Dr Highton in the Dale he had been photographing. First I met him we went with party, Dolman’s
brothers to the same place for tea.
Reached Buxton 6.20pm 8 miles
- tea at Miss Steeples. Annie small
carnelian and silver seal.
Monday 2 July 1888
Arboretum festival, poured
with rain from 6am to 5.30 pm. Very few
people. The Balloon was so wet it could
only just rise and dropped through the tree tops. I was at County Court in the morning, at home
evening.
Wednesday 4 July 1888
Examined by Dr Highton
again. Says no further progress in lungs
- not apply yet for further Insurance. Must
go away if only a fortnight.
Monday 9 July 1888
Ernest and self by trip
5.20am to London. To Academy Doré
gallery and Crystal Palace in afternoon.
Ernest’s first visit to the Academy, Doré and Crystal Palace. At night to “The Mikado” at the Savoy. Home 5.10am 10 July none the worse enjoyed it
very much. Not been to Crystal Palace
since 25 October 1874.
Friday 13 July 1888
Bernard with me to Royal
Agricultural Show at Nottingham 2 to 6pm then to Nottingham and home 10pm
train. Last time I saw it at Derby.
Monday 16 July 1888
Yesterday was St
Swithins. It rained during Saturday
night, all yesterday, during last night and rains slightly this morning
8am. Wind E and NE very slight.
Tuesday 24 July 1888
Thunder hail and rain
3pm. Hail broke St James’ School windows
during children’s exam. Lil passed to 3rd
standard Laura 2nd Harry 6th all are now leaving there.
Saturday 4 August 1888
Annie Lil and self by 2pm
excursion train to Buxton- Lil’s first visit.
Began to rain when we reached Bakewell and never ceased until after midnight. Went into the Pavilion and grounds- tea at
Miss Steeples. Walked round Crescent and
Baths and spent time there until return 8pm.
Present Lil, Aluminium Pen holder and pencil case as memento. Very poor season there so far weather been so
bad.
Monday 6 August 1888
Bank Holiday. Walk down Town with Annie in morning. At home all afternoon, pouring rain! Had fire in room.
7 August First hot day since June.
Saturday 11 August 1888
Annie self and all children
except Bernard to Sutton. Telegraphed
yesterday to Fanny, and she and Mother came to meet us by Tram arriving at
Sutton about 3pm. Polly May and Louie
afterwards drove over so we all met together.
Ernest went back with them to stay a week at Grandma’s. When we arrived about 11.30am (left Derby
7.45) it was misty, an old fashioned sea Haar, but about 2 it began to clear
and the afternoon was very nice. There
was no wind and the tide high at 8am much clay bared at low water. We left at 8pm the tide then very nice some
pretty rollers coming in. Mother and
Fanny went home by 6.30 train, Polly and party about 5pm.
A coupling of the carriage
next behind ours just outside Ilkeston, startling us all with a great bang and
jerk, it had to be taken off and left behind.
We did not arrive home until 2am 3 hours behind time. The children slept nearly all the time so
rested partly.
Saturday 18 August 1888
Bernard and Harry and self to
Chellaston all day fishing. Very hot, no
sport. Enjoyed the outing very much.
Friday 24 August 1888
Browett called. Have not seen him for a long time.
Saturday 25 August
Rosa Harry and self to
Spondon 4pm to 7.30. Enjoyed strolling
about quietly. Lovely afternoon.
Monday 27 August 1888
Ernest returned - he stayed a
week longer than expected, looks better and sunburnt. He has enjoyed his visit very much.
I have agreed to buy the
house (52 Rose Hill Street) we live in and now have to arrange about carrying
it out. Price £520 and I can borrow
nearly all the money on it - if not shall sell again at a profit.
Sunday 7 October 1888
Bernard and I had a walk on
Kedleston Road starting at 10.20 am. A
lovely morning after frosty night.
Friday was very stormy and wet after 2 or 3 bright days and frosty
nights. It is a long time since I was on
the Kedleston Road and many alterations have been made - the field adjoining
the Elms Kedleston Road where our Old Friend Alderman Clarke used to live has
been divided by a street and built upon.
The fields opposite George Whuldon’s Park have been built on, as far
nearly as the old toll gate. New houses
are also being built in Penny Long Lane.
Went to the Markeaton bridge and then across Kedleston Road and by the
footpath up the hill and across to Duffield Road. We enjoyed the walk very much.
Last Sunday we walked round
Osmaston Park. The Midland Railway has
lately purchased the Hall and estate so I suppose it will be pulled down.
For 3 or 4 weeks there have
been murders of women in Whitechapel (London) with horrible mutilations, no
clue to the murderer being left. Every
Monday we expect to hear of further ones. (“Jack the Ripper”)
Monday 5 November 1888
Nothing further has been
heard of the above murderer so far.
We have had thick fogs
morning and afternoon during nearly all October with fine days. Now we have had three days storm rain and
from North and North-east.
On Friday last I got rather
wet and have been in the house since, not ill, but unwell.
Monday 5 November 1888
At the time of writing this
10am I am hoping the weather will clear and I shall go to the office later.
Saturday last was Rosa’s 14th
birthday and she had Gerty Whittaker to tea in the evening they all had a fine
romp. Rosa has begun dancing.
Sunday 30 December 1888 5.30pm
I have had a cold lately with
cough but am glad to say I am better now.
It began to call up recollections of last Xmas but I have so far kept in
full work for which I am thankful. We
have had very handsome presents 2 turkeys (one weighed 20 lbs) 2 ducks - and a
large hamper from Mother. The weather
has been open, with a little rime frost in the mornings - just sufficient to
give an appearance of winter.
We have been inclined to sell
again and move from here (52 Rose Hill St) so that I might live at the office,
but I have consulted Dr Hough, and he says there is not disease in the lungs,
and as we have got through part of the winter I have decided to try and arrange
to stay here, so I hope shortly to settle the matter.
Tuesday 1 January 1889
Yesterday morning we had 9
degrees of frost. This morning the
thermometer is 36 degrees and it has rained during the night.
Annie Lil and Laura went to
the Pantomime ‘Aladdin’ yesterday afternoon, the two latter not having seen one
before. They enjoyed it very much. I fetched them away.
This morning we all opened
the Bible at a guess for texts- some were very appropriate. Mine was too good. God give me the wisdom it promises.
Yesterday I started a banking
account with Messrs Samuel Smith and Co - not had one since ‘78.
The streets this morning were
sheets of ice. I got into St Mary’s Gate
with a slip or two going to the office, but when talking with Mr Dodds (Barber
and ? Cashier) opposite the Chapel Gates, he slipped up, I moved to try to help
him and my heels also flew up; so we both went down flat on our backs side by
side, a most ridiculous sight.
Fortunately neither of us hurt, only shaken.
The frost continued 8 days
and went as low as 22 degrees.
Tuesday 15 January 1889
Presiding Officer at Newbold
near Chesterfield all went off quietly and satisfactorily. Young Eddowes at the same place. James Leech my clerk. I enjoyed the little outing none the less
that it will be paid for.
Thursday 17 January we had a party to celebrate Laura’s 8th
anniversary of her birthday (today being the actual day) and also to return
several invitations from other friends to them.
2 of Revd Hackings, 2 Lunns, 2 Houlstons, 4 Whittakers and Nellie Mason
(RWH Mason -architect).
Last Friday morning I had a
case at Loughborough County Court, the first time I have attended that court.
Ernest has been a week ill,
very low with swelled throat etc but he is a little better.
I have now arranged as to the
purchase of the House and this week have had the old apple trees and the
laburnam tree in the back garden rooted up to plant young ones. Also the old privet hedge at the passage end
of the back garden rooted up and new privet planted, it looks very nice.
Mrs Elias Sandars formerly
our neighbour on Duffield Road died last week in Torquay.
Our 3 younger ones dined at
Mrs Dolman’s yesterday; Rosa was to have done but was not well.
Bernard caught a 5oz roach
yesterday at Chellaston and carried it home in a handkerchief. It was alive when he arrived (4 miles) and
revived in water being all right this morning when he killed it for Ernest.
Sunday 3 February 1889
Stormy weather snow on the
ground this morning but since 9am the thermometer has gone up to 40 degrees.
Ernest has been at home
nearly three weeks ill, with swollen glands and general debility. He commenced work again last Friday and seems
all right.
Broomhead County Hall Keeper
died last week.
Commenced putting a lattice
screen before the back garden cabinet this week, it is to have Ivy and Hops
trained over it. We had an invitation to
the Mayor’s Ball but declined as the expense would be so much.
Sunday 17 March 1889
Nothing very particular has
occurred since the last entry. Deville
let me down about the balance for the house purchase money, and new
arrangements are in progress with Jackson (Vendor’s solicitor) and Gallinger.
The screen is finished but
the weather has been so bad we have not been able to paint it.
Business has been scarce, and
ready money very short unfortunately.
Bernard has decided he does not like Law, and wants to go on
the Midland in the engineering department of points and signals. Mr Bosworth of the Midland passenger traffic
department, last week gave me two dress circle tickets to the Theatre “Forget
Me Not” Miss Genevieve Ward. Annie and I
went and enjoyed it very much.
Awfully sorry I have had to
put Fanny off again for a time, but I have promises of new business this week
and cash so hope to send her some.
Moody is dangerously ill.
Lizzie has been ill from
coagulated blood in a vein in the leg and has had to lie down for some time,
and still has to keep the leg horizontal most times, it might be dangerous.
Eardley Mason’s oldest
daughter has gone to teach in an Austrian family at Vienna!
Joe has been heard from after
6 months silence.
Sunday 26 May 1889
22 Gerard Street, Derby
(number after changed to 59)
Last Tuesday, 21st
instant we moved here from 52 Rose Hill Street. Finding that Will was not willing to assist
us and being tired of the trouble and annoyance as to settling the purchase I
sold the Rose Hill House again for £555 but expenses of moving and other things
exhausted great part of the balance, much to our annoyance.
This is a very nice place
high above the road and overlooking the houses on the opposite side of the
road. There is a garden about 10 yards
long in front, with well grown lilac laburnam and pink May trees in it now just
blooming. A small garden at the
back. The front room (drawing room) is a
good room with bay window about 18ft by 15 ft; dining room behind 16x12 ½ ;
kitchen, back kitchen, cellars and small outbuilding. A large bedroom to the front, good room
behind and two smaller ones at back, and large attic. Altogether a good, high, respectable House.
Prescott and Co did the
moving very well and Home moved the Piano.
It is within 6 minutes easy
walk from the office, 12 minutes for Ernest and the girls and 5 minutes for
Harry to school. Altogether very
convenient.
Bernard has at last gone to
Mr Paul Prince’s works at the station, as points and signals engineer, he
commenced on the 9th instant, and has 9/- a week pay.
I sold all the pigeons to
Milne (architect) gave two doves to Hill (architect) and brought two doves and
a little one just hatched and two canaries here. I shall make a cage for them in the back
garden. I also brought the plum tree (5
years old) and 4 nut trees 3 years old.
Yesterday I put in 2 tomatoes. We
had very hot weather up to last Thursday when thunder storms began, and on
Friday we had two very severe storms. One of Broadlands’ Houses in Western Road
Mill Hill was struck and damaged.
Since my last entry Moody had
died aged 48.
A Mr Kay Board School master
purchased the Rose Hill House.
Business has rather improved
lately, I hope it will continue.
We have commenced purchasing
groceries from Storer, a son of old John Payne of Duffield Road (still alive)
is manager.
I have got the idea of a new
“perfect”!! fountain pen, and have
written all this with a rough model, made with and turkey quill and a
plug. I shall describe it more fully
when better carried out. (The writing has a broad line, with an uneven-ness
in the amount of ink - a tendency to leave blots - ed).
Everybody is going to the
great Paris Exhibition, I see no way to achieve it.
Last week I was examined by M
Benthal for a new proposal for life insurance for £200 with the Guardian; he
pronounced me a ‘good life’. I suppose
it will be accepted. My old friend Sylvester
died a week ago I hear from Fanny.
Lizzie is better.
Friday 31 May 1889 9.30am
Rain and thunder storms
nearly all the week. Business very quiet
up to this morning.
Sunday 2 June 1889
I can scarcely realize the
fact that we are now close upon Midsummer and that my birthday falls within
this week.
This morning at 6am was
bright above with foggy haze below at 7.30 it grew almost dark with perfect
calm, then lightening began from the West, and continued till 8.30, not much
rain, and now it is calm and dull again.
I think it would be chiefly over Etwall.
We all like the new house and
situation very much. I can get home to
lunch every day which is a great boon.
Sunday 9 June 89
Rainy morning after a very
hot fine week without thunder although there have been reports of heavy thunder
storms last Thursday and Friday in the South and London.
On the 7th I had a
letter from dear Mother short but sweet, she will be 80 in August also
from Fanny and Polly.
Yesterday I put up the wire
small bird cage, this time with wooden roof, which is a good thing for the
little chaps this morning. It is 8 feet
long 2 feet deep and 6ft 6ins high, so is a good flight. At present I have only two canaries the cock
I brought here which was an out of doors bred one, and was out all the winter
before last, and in a cold room all last winter, and a new hen green and yellow
and tufted green: I bought it from Curzon as in feeding the others one morning
in the small cage, the hen bolted out whilst I was not looking for a moment,
and went clean away. I was sorry as she
was just making a nest.
The cock dove died from
inflammation of the bowels, I think from the sudden loss of exercise causing
stoppage. I have bespoken another from
Curzon. The little one has gone on well
and can now fly a little.
Monday 10 June 89
Finished and painted the
aviary.
Very cold- had dining room
fire.
Whit Monday holiday.
On the 4th inst I
went with R Oliver William Briggs’ clerk to Horsley Woodhouse to swear some
affidavits. It is the first time I have
been there since 1878.
3 July 1889 Only 2 showers of rain in the last 6 weeks.
4 August 89 Harry, Mason A H and self to Duffield trout fishing -
nil!
Thunder storms all morning.
Lilian sold her first oil
picture.
6 August 89 Ernest went to Alford to visit. Annie nearly choked herself with a 3 cornered
sweet. I pushed it into her gullet and
sent for Dr Francis. Better in an hour
thank God.
11 August 89 Heard Suffragan Bishop of Derby at St Warburgh’s first
time.
Sunday 6 October 89
Saturday 17 August Took Harry to meet Bernard fishing at Chellaston. RW Mason (architect) went with us. A splendid hot day. Harry caught 10 small fish, Bernard 16.
18 August Ernest returned last night from Skegness. He stayed 6 days at Skegness then a week with
Mother at Alford. It has ‘browned’ him
and done him good. He had lovely
weather.
29 August Walk with Rosa and Harry to Sinfin and Stenson. A lovely afternoon, found a few mushrooms.
30 August We have an American half Indian in the town, rubbing
old rheumatic people with “Sequah’s oils”, and curing them. He has set up old Botham the Blacksmith who
was quite crippled; he helped us in putting up the vinery at the Elms in 1871
or 2. Also old Beresford, who used to be
the Borough nightwatchman, now in the Liversage Alms Houses, who could only
crawl by the help of two sticks, and many others equally well-known. Sequah drives from one place to another with
4 horses, a gilded coach, band of 9 musicians and grooms, all dressed in
leather suits, with cowboy hats. He
stayed 3 weeks and sold an immense quantity of Oil” and Prairie Flower
medicine. He also drew teeth ‘gratis’ for
any number, to the music of the Band. We
all went several times. He operated in
the ‘cattle market’.
2 September Rosa weighed at station 7st 10lbs.
7 September 20th anniversary of our wedding.
12 September Wm N Mason called first time at 22 Gerard Street
(since changed to 59 - 22 July ‘96), and at the office. He likes the House very much.
15 September Walk with Lil and Laura to Chaddesden 6pm to
8pm. Lovely evening.
21 September Annie, Harry, Lil Laura and self went to see Miss
Beaumont go up in a balloon and drop with a parachute. It was very stormy but she accomplished it
safely, going up at 6.10pm, between the storms, from the cattle market landing
in the osiers near the canal below the new cemetery.
25 September Harry and self to Kedleston Park, a lovely walk, not
been there for a long time. Harry cut
his hand on a beech tree at the end of Vicar Wood.
26 September Thursday Annie Lil Laura and self walked to Kedleston
Park, rain came on. Annie has not been
there for years.
Saturday 28 September Bernard Rosa Harry Lil Laura and self walked to
Kedleston Park 3 to 7 pm enjoyed it very much.
3 October Self Rosa Harry Lil and Laura to Sanyter’s Circus
-very large and good one. At 8am we all
went to see the men swim the horses in the Derwent near the railway
bridge. They swam nearly 100 in
4's. At one time there were 13 all
swimming down the middle of the river together.
2 of Buffalo Bill’s mules got away and made some fun. Sanyter purchased them from him.
Friday 4 October Rosa and self to “Fun on the Bristol” at 9pm. Don’t care much for it.
Sunday 28 December 1890
A month ago last Friday
evening (28 November) about 6.45 pm going down Beckett Street opposite
the Drill hall after tea at 5.30 during the first snow and frost of the winter
I slipped up on a slide or ice hidden in the snow, and in falling broke my
left arm about 4 inches from the shoulder.
Someone I don’t know helped me up and to Dr Francis, who at once set it
and sent me home to 22 Gerard Street in a cab.
I had been home to tea and was going to a sale of houses at Heathcotes
to meet Mr Winfield, our Landlord.
On the following Tuesday 2
December the bone had to be re-set, and I have been in bed until last
Tuesday 23 December when I sat up an hour or two. On Wednesday I dressed partly for the first
time and went down to dinner, and have been up every day since. The arm is going on well. It is the first time I have broken a bone.
Had many kind letters of
sympathy. Mr Eddowes helped us.
In November ‘89 we had a great blow up with gas accumulated between
the floor of our bedroom and the drawing room ceiling underneath, which it blew
out. Bernard and Lilian were over the pipe and were badly burnt. I was between
them and the gaslight which ignited the escaping gas and was burnt on the
forehead etc and Rosa was blown against the wall but not hurt. Dr Francis attended us.
In January 1890 I took Harry Lil and Laura to Nottingham to the
Pantomime there- we enjoyed it very much.
At the end of January I took cold and was laid up with bronchitis and
cough until nearly April. During the
summer and autumn I have painted a good deal.
Having dropped my Law
Certificate over a year I had to give six weeks notice to renew, and on
Christmas Day received notice from Parkes and Co my new agents that it is
granted without any terms or fines. I
intend to push business on this year, D.V. (Deo Volente - ed).
W. Briggs died in November
‘90 after having taken a partner about 6 months before. He was 3 years my senior. H Mills of Sale and Co died in November also
very suddenly. He had only been married 16 months. He was about 50.
John Close solicitor about 3
months since fell in getting out of a cab and broke his leg. He is better.
We have had snow now for over 3 weeks, and some nights as much as 22 degrees
of frost. The Boys and children have all
had grand skating. About a week before I
broke my arm we had a fall of snow and frosts, and a day or two after it
thawed. Then we had a new dry frost for
a week then snow. This afternoon the
thermometer is at 28 degrees.
I have two canaries and 4
doves out in the aviary, they bear it well.
We did not get out to the sea
last summer. I lost so much money and
time in illnesses we could not afford it.
In November ‘89 Mr Woodforde
the County Court Judge retired and we have since had Mr Barber Q.C. a Chancery
man who is much liked. (Note in
margin “he went wrong in the head and died 28 March ‘92" - mark
shows ref is to Mr Barber -ed).
Our landlord Mr Winfield has
given me business lately.
There have been no changes at
home during the year. Mother was poorly
a short time since but is now better; she is sending us a hamper of 14lbs of
Beef mince pies, cowslip wine etc.
Harry Walker is now staying
at Alford with Soulbys and there are now Mother (1), Polly (2) Harry (3)
Harry’s boy (4) generations all together!
Old Mr Soulby died last autumn.
Paul Prince fell and broke
his leg at Matlock the day after I fell.
Charles Allen died last year.
Bernard is getting on well at
the Midland Engineering Works under Paul Prince.
Ernest took several prizes: a
Bronze medal, Queen’s prize, 2 third grade prizes at South Kensington this
year. He is now head in Mr Simmond’s
studio, Mr Mein having gone to Philadelphia.
Rosa has finished school and
has been in for the College of Preceptor’s exams but we shall not hear the
result until the end of January next. (Note in margin - she passed in 2nd
class).
Harry has left Mr Dennison’s,
and will help me a while when I start the office again.
20 December The children
and I found many mushrooms this year in the meadows by the Derwent nearly to
Spondon up to 31 October.
24 December Up in Bedroom 11 to 1.30 first time
31 December Pratt and Jim Dolman to tea etc.
Our little cat “Tiny” about 4
years old was lost for 2 or 3 days in December.
On 24 December Mrs Stone opened a cupboard drawer in the kitchen and
found her there - very hungry - she had had nothing for 3 days and
nights and was close shut.
At Xmas we had present turkey
from Soulbys - WN Mason ducks- Mother beef, cakes etc-
.