Ruth used a 5-year diary (1936-1940), with just 4 lines per day. She did write regularly in 1936, but most of the rest of the diary is blank. I suppose that having a second child to care for was quite an adjustment.
Monday, May 17, 1937 - "Baby Diane now 1 year old - 4 teeth - trying to walk. Had folks up for birthday cake I baked. Baby rec'd 3 dresses, 1 swimsuits."
Thursday, May 20, 1937 - "Went to Bridal Shower on Evangeline at her Aunt Jaunita's house. About 30 present. Beautiful gifts. Fun. Home at 9:45."
Wednesday, June 30, 1937 - "BABY DIANE took her first independent steps. About 3 to start, then several times she took from 3 to 8."
Saturday, July 3, 1937 - "Clyde phoned news of baby girl to Florence this AM. Folks drove to Michigan."
Tuesday, July 5, 1937 - "Guess I'll stop recording my age! Irene dropped in for few minutes. Folks got back from Mich. about 3. Left baby with Mama & Jim went with us to the Manor show."
Evangeline was one of Ruth's close friends, another member of the monthly Sewing Club that would come about in a few years. Florence Childers Ballentine was one of Ruth's good friends from her working days at Wards. She and Clyde were married on 12/31/30. Her daughter, Bonnie Kay, was a friend of mine in our early years.
My grandparents were probably visiting relatives in the southwest corner of Michigan where Jim Meredith grew up. Ruth's age was only a young 31 when she protested about recording it any more. Little did she know that she had many decades ahead. Irene Hertel was a little older than Ruth, but a long time friend of both she and her mother, Lottie.
