Friday, Jan 31, 1908
Cool and wind blew rather hard during the day. Blizzard at night. Got Will C's letter and answered it. Mama took me downtown in p.m. and I went to Owosso. Saw Elaine T. Club girls met at Belle's in evening although it was awful stormy. Mama came down. Arthur took the girls home with his horse and cutler. Mama and I drove home at 12 o'clock and the road was drifted quite bad.
Tuesday, Jan 28, 1908
Washed. Mama and I went downtown in afternoon. Saw Winnie and Mable. Stopped at Belle's on our way home. Talked with Fred Lahman in evening.
Sunday, Jan 26, 1908
Snowed all day. Chilt over in p.m. Dan called me up over the phone. "Great." Made candy. Heard that poor Will C. has the measles. Poor fellow!
Saturday, Jan 25, 1908
Donald brought me home in the a.m. Got W.M.'s dandy letter. Mama and I went over to Eveleth's in p.m. Papa went downtown in p.m. for a little while.
Friday, Jan 24, 1908
Went downtown in afternoon. Belle, Gracie, M.W., Grace W., Mrs Wren, and myself went to Foresters party in evening in the Opera House. Had a dandy time and got home at 2:30. "Carnations." Libbie and Archie.
Wednesday, Jan 22, 1908
Milbourn and Mr Frye over in the afternoon. Walked downtown and stopped to see W.C. Stayed at Belle's all night and went to Maccabee Installation and dance. "Good times come to those who wait." Ha! Ha! Jennie Chaffee, Pearl Wren, W.C., Mable Wallace, and I. Seal M. met me on way from taking Bertha home so took me home. "I'll bet she will be mad." Oh, my.
"Seal M." is likely to be Seal Morse, who is referenced one other time in Grace's diary, also at a dance.
"W.C." is likely to be Winnie Chapin.
"Milbourn" could be Melbourne Rose, Grace's cousin.
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Transcriber's notes:"Seal M." is likely to be Seal Morse, who is referenced one other time in Grace's diary, also at a dance.
"W.C." is likely to be Winnie Chapin.
"Milbourn" could be Melbourne Rose, Grace's cousin.
From the 1907 directory
Tuesday, Jan 21, 1908
Sewed. Mr and Mrs Alta Wren family and Mrs Floyd Wren over in evening. Had dandy time. The last of the sleighing.
Mrs Floyd Wren is a widow, Pearl (nee Spaulding) Wren. In all later entries in Grace's diary, Pearl is referred to as Pearl Wren. The 1910 census shows the Alta Wren family (wife Minnie, children Harley and Teresa) living in Caledonia. I was unable to locate Pearl Wren in 1910. The Family History Library has images of Michigan marriage records from 1903 showing that Pearl Spaulding married Floyd Wren on July 2 of that year. Floyd Wren's occupation is listed as "druggist". Floyd died at age 30, 3 years later on 7 June 1906. The Corunna Journal from 1906 is missing, so I'm not sure of his cause of his death. I did find his death certificate but could not read the doctor's handwriting. He died in a hospital and had been attended by a doctor for a few days.
So, in 1908 when Grace wrote this diary, Pearl Spaulding Wren was a widow and was around 28 years old.
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Transcriber's note:Mrs Floyd Wren is a widow, Pearl (nee Spaulding) Wren. In all later entries in Grace's diary, Pearl is referred to as Pearl Wren. The 1910 census shows the Alta Wren family (wife Minnie, children Harley and Teresa) living in Caledonia. I was unable to locate Pearl Wren in 1910. The Family History Library has images of Michigan marriage records from 1903 showing that Pearl Spaulding married Floyd Wren on July 2 of that year. Floyd Wren's occupation is listed as "druggist". Floyd died at age 30, 3 years later on 7 June 1906. The Corunna Journal from 1906 is missing, so I'm not sure of his cause of his death. I did find his death certificate but could not read the doctor's handwriting. He died in a hospital and had been attended by a doctor for a few days.
So, in 1908 when Grace wrote this diary, Pearl Spaulding Wren was a widow and was around 28 years old.
Monday, Jan 20, 1908
Grandma and I drove downtown in afternoon. In evening Chilt and Mr Fenner were over. Talked with Emma and Will C.
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Transcriber's note: There are 2 Fenners listed in the Corunna directory in 1907. 
Sunday, Jan 19, 1908
My folks went over to Buckles and Grandma spent the day at Brands. Winnie and I baked chicken and had a dandy dinner. Chilt came over and told our fortunes. Took Winnie back home about 6 o'clock. Dandy day.
The Buckle family lives about a mile down the road, about 6 properties east of the Rose farm. Grace spells their name at least once as "Buckel", but primarily uses the "Buckle" spelling.
In 1908, the head of household was Fred E. Buckle, born July 1865, according to census records. He died on December 31, 1909.
His wife is Agnes "Aggie" Buckle (nee Serr). She was born May 1868. In census records she consistently reports having 2 daughters, and no other children living or deceased.
The elder daughter is sometimes named "Z Romaine" and sometimes "Romaine Z" in census records. She is 14 years old in 1908 when Grace wrote her diary. Therefore it most likely that when Grace refers to "Romaine B" she is more than likely referring to Romaine Bramwell, who is closer to Grace's age. Romaine Buckle was born 10 Apr 1894 and died 20 Jul 1978 per the Michigan death index and Social Security records. She married William Walter Knott around 1927, per 1930 census records.
The younger Buckle daughter is named Mildred. She is not referenced in Grace's diary, so must have been too young in age for Grace to take much notice.
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Transcriber's notes:
The Buckle family lives about a mile down the road, about 6 properties east of the Rose farm. Grace spells their name at least once as "Buckel", but primarily uses the "Buckle" spelling.
In 1908, the head of household was Fred E. Buckle, born July 1865, according to census records. He died on December 31, 1909.
His wife is Agnes "Aggie" Buckle (nee Serr). She was born May 1868. In census records she consistently reports having 2 daughters, and no other children living or deceased.
The elder daughter is sometimes named "Z Romaine" and sometimes "Romaine Z" in census records. She is 14 years old in 1908 when Grace wrote her diary. Therefore it most likely that when Grace refers to "Romaine B" she is more than likely referring to Romaine Bramwell, who is closer to Grace's age. Romaine Buckle was born 10 Apr 1894 and died 20 Jul 1978 per the Michigan death index and Social Security records. She married William Walter Knott around 1927, per 1930 census records.
The younger Buckle daughter is named Mildred. She is not referenced in Grace's diary, so must have been too young in age for Grace to take much notice.
Saturday, Jan 18, 1908
Mama and I drove downtown after Winnie Chapin after supper. Rather cold.
In the 1910 census, Winnie Chapin, age 22 (in 1910) is living in Corunna Ward 1. Winnie's case is unusual, where she is a single girl listed as a "roomer". In the 1920 census she continues to be listed as a "boarder". By 1930 she has married and is now Winnie Wallace. Her parents were still living, and living in Michigan, in 1910, so it is curious as to why she wasn't living "at home". In 1910 she is working as a deputy clerk at the post office.
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Transcriber's note:In the 1910 census, Winnie Chapin, age 22 (in 1910) is living in Corunna Ward 1. Winnie's case is unusual, where she is a single girl listed as a "roomer". In the 1920 census she continues to be listed as a "boarder". By 1930 she has married and is now Winnie Wallace. Her parents were still living, and living in Michigan, in 1910, so it is curious as to why she wasn't living "at home". In 1910 she is working as a deputy clerk at the post office.
Friday, Jan 17, 1908
Ironed. Chilt over and brought my diary book. In evening Mama and I went to see Mrs Den Thompson at Chilt's.
Wednesday, Jan 15, 1908
Went downtown in afternoon and in evening we all went over to Forsters. Met Elaine Danforth, Joy Sherman, and Etta Burger. Felt rather blue because I wasn't dressed up and the rest were. Hattie's 21st birthday and we gave her 6 Hawaii and China plates.
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Transcribers note: The Forsters are most likely Leon G and Hattie Montfort Forster. Hattie was born Jan 1887 which would make her 21 in Jan 1908. In 1910, this married couple was living in Flint, Michigan.
1907 directory
Tuesday, Jan 14, 1908
Sewed all day. My folks went to Den Thompson's funeral in afternoon. Chilt up in evening. Glen M. called me up over the phone.
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Transcriber's note:
I think that Glen M. may be Glen Montfort. He is 18 years old in 1908, and his sister, Mrs Hattie Montfort Forster, is friends with Grace. Grace happens to attend Hattie's birthday party tomorrow, which could be a reason for Glen Montfort to call her tonight.
Monday, Jan 13, 1908
Mama and papa went downtown in afternoon. Geo. Brands and wife up in the evening. Dandy night.
The Brands farm was nearby to the Rose farm, just north of the Shiawassee River on the other side of the Hawkins property. It appears from Grace's diary entries that the adults were friendly with each other, but she didn't seem to have anything to do with their son, Ivan.
The 1910 census lists George Brands as head of household, age 51. His wife is Abbie Brands. They have been married for 22 years and Abbie reports having only one child, Ivan, age 21. George's mother, Elvira, lives with them as well. She is age 79 and widowed.
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Transcriber's note:The Brands farm was nearby to the Rose farm, just north of the Shiawassee River on the other side of the Hawkins property. It appears from Grace's diary entries that the adults were friendly with each other, but she didn't seem to have anything to do with their son, Ivan.
The 1910 census lists George Brands as head of household, age 51. His wife is Abbie Brands. They have been married for 22 years and Abbie reports having only one child, Ivan, age 21. George's mother, Elvira, lives with them as well. She is age 79 and widowed.
Sunday, Jan 12, 1908
Blizzard all day. Harry Hawkins up in a.m. Chilt over in evening. Talked with Will C. in evening.
Saturday, Jan 11, 1908
Went to Owosso with Chilt to get flowers. Stopped at Geo. Bachelor's and on way home to see Winnie. Got home at 5 o'clock. Dandy day and warm.
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Transcriber's notes:
Owosso is an estimated 4 miles from Grace's home.
"Winnie" is not Winifred Humphrey, who Grace always refers to as either "Winifred" or "W.H." This Winnie is more likely to be her friend Winnie Chapin, though it is a common name in Corunna area in 1908.
I couldn't find Geo Bachelor in the city directory or census records.
Owosso is an estimated 4 miles from Grace's home.
"Winnie" is not Winifred Humphrey, who Grace always refers to as either "Winifred" or "W.H." This Winnie is more likely to be her friend Winnie Chapin, though it is a common name in Corunna area in 1908.
I couldn't find Geo Bachelor in the city directory or census records.
Friday, Jan 10, 1908
Heard that Den Thompson was dead.
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Transcriber's note:
Dennison "Den" Thompson is Chilt's older brother, older by 12 years. His wife appears to have been Medora Latilda Benham.
Thursday, Jan 9, 1908
Sewed in morning. In afternoon Roy and Percy was over for a little while.
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Transcriber's note:
Roy and Percy are Grace's half first cousins. See my separate entry describing the family and their relationship.
Tuesday, Jan 7, 1908
Aunt Louise's family over all day. In afternoon I went downtown. Went to P.O. and met Altea Armstrong. Up to Belle's all night. Went to Club at Mable Wallace's and we dressed as little girls. I got 1st prize for putting puzzle together first. Am. Beauty rose. Dudecks over in evening but I wasn't here. "Teddie bears and dolls."
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Transcriber's notes:
"Aunt Louise" is Grace's mother's sister, Louise Rigoulot. She married Lewis Pardonnet in 1897 when she was 18 years old. They had 4 children: Minnie, Samuel, Clarence, and Eugene. The Pardonnet family lived relatively close by to Grace's home and visited frequently.
the Dudecks referenced here are possibly John H and Eva D Dudeck, since Grace mentions visiting Eva Dudeck personally on July 6.
Mabel Wallace lives in city of Corunna. She is 22 years old and in the 1910 census, she is still living in Corunna with her parents and siblings.
Belle is referenced 43 times in Grace's diary, but her identity is a mystery!
Altea Armstrong is another mystery.
Grace refers to her "club" every now and then. I don't know the details of her club, though it appears it is not the Priscillas club or other women's club that is often referenced in the Corunna Journal.
Monday, Jan 6, 1908
Chilt over in morning. Will went back to Ann Arbor and papa went downtown. Dandy day.
Sunday, Jan 5, 1908
Harry came up after W.H. about noon and he stayed a little while. Will came up too. Had a sick horse so he stayed all night. Grandma and I had a spat that will hold us for a while. Talked with Will C. in evening.
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Transcriber's notes:
W.H. is very likely Winifred Humphrey. We know she is in town and it appears that Grace commonly refers to her as W.H., and that she often stays over at Grace's house when she is visiting.
Since they were looking for Harry Hawkins yesterday, is he our Harry today?
This entry refers to both Will, and Will C. One Will is staying over at Grace's house, while she talks with Will C., presumably on the phone as she usually does. From tomorrow's diary entry we know that the Will that stayed over at her house tonight, usually lives in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is where the University of Michigan is located. Will Soper attends U of M and the Corunna Journal has reported that he is in town. It was reported when he arrived, and 2 weeks later when he left.
Will Soper graduated from Corunna High School in 1905, and his friend Ray Derham, who is Grace's future brother-in-law, graduated from CHS a year later.
"Grandma" is Ann Eliza Crandall (1829-1912), 2nd wife of Edward Rose. Edward Rose died in 1906. Their son Elbert "Bert" Lee Rose is Grace's father.
Saturday, Jan 4, 1908
Winifred and I drove downtown with Della in afternoon. Went up to the depot to see if Harry was coming up in evening. "Prettily, prettily." Bernidine Seward. Ha! Ha! In evening Sum came up but Harry could not because Les did not get back in time.
In 1910, 2 years after Grace wrote this diary, she was living "next door" to 2 Hawkins families, according to the 1910 census.
Harry Hawkins, born Jan 1871, lived with his wife Marion "Mary" and 3 children in one of the nearby residences.
Sumner "Sum" Hawkins, born Jan 20 1885, lived in another residence with his mother Jennie, born Sep 1842. Sumner is listed as the head of household. I got his full birthdate from his WWI draft registration card. (By that time his wife Mildred, born 1894, had joined the household.) I am guessing that Harry Hawkins is Sum's uncle.
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Transcriber's note:
Since Harry is mentioned in the same sentence as Sum, I am guessing Grace is referring to Harry Hawkins.
Harry Hawkins, born Jan 1871, lived with his wife Marion "Mary" and 3 children in one of the nearby residences.
Sumner "Sum" Hawkins, born Jan 20 1885, lived in another residence with his mother Jennie, born Sep 1842. Sumner is listed as the head of household. I got his full birthdate from his WWI draft registration card. (By that time his wife Mildred, born 1894, had joined the household.) I am guessing that Harry Hawkins is Sum's uncle.
Regarding Bernidine Seward, I have looked in census records and family history library, but I can't find anyone by that name.
I also don't know who Les is.
I also don't know who Les is.
Friday, Jan 3, 1908
Winifred, Grace M., Emma H., and Addie L. came up in afternoon and we went to Chilt's to have fortunes told. Got back at 10:30. "I received what Will C. sent to me by Emma." Ha! Ha!
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Transcriber's notes:
Chilt is Chilton Thompson, age 60, Grace's neighbor "across the street" as we would say today. See my separate entry describing the Thompson family and property.
Will and Emma are often referenced together in Grace's diary. She talks to them on the phone. However, I do not know their relationship and I am not sure if Emma, seen with Will, is the same person as Emma H.
Similarly I do not know who Grace M. and Addie L. are. Grace M. could possibly be Grace Miller, who our Grace mentions once more in her diary, along with "Emma".
Winifred is likely to be Winifred Humphrey, a friend of Grace's who lives out of town but is close to Grace and comes to visit later over July 4th. The Corunna Journal (published once a week) Jan 9th edition reports that Winifred Humphrey is in town.
This news item indicates that Miss Etta Berger lives in Lansing. However, Miss Etta M Berger is shown to be a resident of Corunna in the 1907 city directory, and also still single in Corunna in 1910. She is 31 years old in 1908, so perhaps she has taken work in Lansing in 1908, or there is more than one Etta Berger in Shiawassee county (though I've only found one).
Thursday, Jan 2, 1908
Drove downtown in the afternoon and got Della. Talked with Will C. over the phone in evening.
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Transcriber's notes:
I searched the Corunna Journal archives around this date but did not find reference to anyone named Della coming to visit.
Will C. is most likely to be Will Cook. Will Cook has been a friend of the family's for at least a few years now. I have letters written from Grace's paternal grandmother (Ann Crandall Rose) to Grace, in 1906, when Ann was living with her daughter Minnie Rose Towler. Will is mentioned several times in those letters, and once, Grandma mentions that she would really like to see Will and Grace become closer. Will lives in Vernon, about 8 miles away. In the 1910 census, there is a William Cook renting a room in Vernon. That Will Cook is about Grace's same age, so I assume he is our Will Cook. In 1908 when Grace is writing this diary, it appears that Will Cook is also a boarder in Vernon, as she mentions once visiting him with friends, "in his room".
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