In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976), or Mabel as she was known, kept a diary which New York Almanack is publishing each week. In these entries, she is back in Adams, working on her father’s weekly paper, The Jefferson County Journal.
Monday, June 8
Late for breakfast. Washed dishes alone and dusted. Washed out the white waists and handkerchiefs and frosted Sarah’s cake. After dinner I straightened out the room and went down to the office to fold the Annual [of Jefferson County Journal].
Mary came at about 5 for me to go driving with her, Jessie and Louise. Drove up around Cooper’s square. To-night went to C.E. business meeting and then called to see Jessie. We sat on the Baptist steps. Talked with father on couch.
Tuesday, June 9
Drove for mother while she did some errands. Caught in a slight shower hardly enough to lay the dust. Went down for father at Twelve. At four went with Louise to help Mrs. Pruyne entertain summer’s room [?] at school. Mailed a train letter for Lu. In the evening Jessie came up to Louise’s and we walked down with her. She took us into Clark’s for some orange ade. Straightened out my desk and threw away many of my letters.
Wednesday, June 10
Mother, Sarah and Mrs. Cooper went to Watertown to the Black River Association where mother gave response to the welcome. I took them down to the station and also Auntie Browns. Folded in Annual until dinner time. Louise came over and helped me with the work and then I her. Read proof and folded at office. A new man, Mr. Osbourne, is working. Gypsy party in town. Mother and Mrs. Cooper came home. Went down with Louise to Executive meeting at A.H.S. [Adams Historical Society?] but it was not held. Am staying with Louise.
Thursday, June 11
A Red Letter day for me because I was up and dressed and over here before father was up. Took mother driving and took Mrs. Fields of Lowville to the train. Went to the cemetery with flowers, the first time since I came back from the west. Sarah came this afternoon. Folded and Mary talked with me. Alma came in and took me into Clark’s. She took us up to see soldiers encampment. Went up later with father and mother and Alma Whittemore. Jessie and I danced the “Barn Dance” in the moonlight under Louise’s apple tree.
Friday, June 12
Cleaned the dining room, the hall and the parlor. Helen Greene came over to see me. Talked with mother about her giving toast for the alumni banquet. Straightened my room around so there really is same space. Folded at the office. Alma came & took me automobiling toward Pierrepont Manor. Father and mother went down to Mr. and Mrs. Legg’s. I spent the evening reading until Louise came over.
Saturday, June 13`
Mother and father’s thirteenth anniversary and Alice sixth birthday. Made a chocolate cake this morning, ironed the waists and folded at the office. After dinner I frosted the cake and went over to the church to help with the daisy chain. Afterwards Alma, Louise and I went down to Jessie’s where we had a little spread from Jessie’s parent’s reception. Louise, Helen and I walked after supper and then went downstreet.
Sunday, June 14
Children’s Day. The primaries walked in, carrying a daisy chain which I helped to place on platform. There was no Sunday School. The much needed rain came after dinner and we were interested in watching a young robin on the front porch. Promised Nell to lead Junior but there was none on account of the rain. Went to Christian Endeavor but there was no service. Went with Nell and heard Dr. Divine at Baptist church. Went down after Mary but she was already here to stay alnight with me.
