My Grandfather’s Words: Sunday July 21, 1918

April 29, 2017 Rebecca Nolen Leave a comment

The weather today was fair. It was cool this morning.

For breakfast I had an orange, hot cakes, spuds, and coffee. For lunch they served chicken, spuds and gravy, cake for dessert. The lemonade was sour. I ate supper downtown. I had a bowl of soup and apple pie with ice cream.

I was lazy this morning and didn’t get up until 6:20. I had a bath and cleaned my teeth. I shaved after breakfast. After reading my Bible and praying for a while I went over to the top sergeant’s office and asked for a chance to do something besides the bull gang. I asked him for the job in the saddlery shop under Sergeant Sladek. He gave me all the encouragement he could and promised to try and get me in.

After inspection Ralph and I had a nice conversation. I let him read CWR’s answer to those who oppose conscription or war on the grounds that it isn’t scriptural. Ralph doesn’t agree with some of the things CWR brings out. I didn’t argue with him as I want him to see it only if God will have him see it.

After noon mess I went downtown to look around a little. I had a letter from Honey Girl in the A.M & I answered it at the town Y this P.M. I walked down and I got back about 10. I was tired but did not sleep very well.

My Grandfather's Diary

My Grandfathers Words: Saturday July 20, 1918

April 23, 2017 Rebecca Nolen Leave a comment

Though cool in the early morning, the weather most of the day was hot.

For breakfast I ate three plums, and fried spuds, coffee, and bread. Lunch was roast pork, spuds and gravy, bread and water. For supper we had liver & onions, prunes, cocoa, and bread.

I didn’t get up for a bath this morning as I had taken one late last night. I was busy this morning. I was at reveille and answered sick call as I was instructed to do yesterday. The Saturday sergeant said he would get me into his office to help him. I will be very glad if he does. It surely seems as if God is helping me, by giving me favor in the sight of those in command.

I had a letter yesterday from Mary dearest but I couldn’t read it until this morning. I had another letter from Mary dearest and one from Oliver this morning. I wrote to both of them in return. My eyes hurt some yet, but not too bad.

I am hoping Sargent Sladeh puts me through for his helper in the harness & saddlery shop. The Lieutenant told him to get a helper & he said he would try & get me in.

I thought this morning I would try to go to town this evening, but my eyes are bothering me some. Instead, I wrote to Honey-Girl quite particularly in regard to coming down here. She and Aunt Frances are halfway planning on taking rooms together somewhere in Waco this fall. If the Lord wills, she may come by herself. What to do about Aunt Francis I don’t know.

My Grandfather's Diary

My Grandfather’s Words: Thursday July 18, 1918 and Friday July 19, 1918

April 23, 2017 Rebecca Nolen Leave a comment

Thursday

The weather was cool this morning and then again in toward evening, but hot in the middle of the afternoon.

For breakfast we had beef heart in sauce, fried spuds, and a banana. Lunch was sliced boiled ham and cabbage and pickles. For supper we had fried spuds, peas, bread and water, and watermelon.

It was the usual routine today: Up at 6:15, I had to hustle to get bathed and dressed for reveille. Had to repeat at the hospital this A.M. & was not attended to, had to return in the P.M. & then I must go again tomorrow. My eyes had been bothering me a great deal lately. They are smarting and feel as if there is sand in them. They are gummed up with matter in the mornings. At times my vision goes blank for a moment.

Friday

Weather is hot.

I hardly remember what I ate today. I was up at the usual time, bathed and dressed in time for reveille. After breakfast, I went to the hospital again. Yesterday, they used Homatropine in my eyes (made from atropine, which is extracted from belladonna, and used to dilate the eyes), and I couldn’t see to write. Today, I am wearing dark glasses until tomorrow. They have ordered me new glasses. I will report Monday to get them.

Just met with Sargent Knudson. He asked me what I was doing. I told him laying around until my eyes were better. He asked if I was reporting on sick call. I said no. He said I had better or I would get in trouble if anyone reported me.

—Writing this all on Saturday—