Contents by Date Editor’s Preface........................................................................................5 Tuesday Nov 28, 1905.............................................................................7 Thursday, Nov 30th 1905.........................................................................7 Tuesday Dec 5th 1905...............................................................................8 Wed Dec 6th 1905....................................................................................8 Friday Dec 8th 1905..................................................................................8 Saturday Dec 9th 1905..............................................................................9 Monday, Dec. 11th 1905...........................................................................9 Wed Dec 13th 1905..................................................................................9 Saturday, Dec 16th 1905...........................................................................9 Sunday Dec 17th 1905............................................................................10 Wednesday Dec 20th 1905.....................................................................10 Monday Dec. 25th 1905.........................................................................11 Wednesday Dec 27th 1905.....................................................................11 Thursday Dec 28th 1905.........................................................................12 Saturday Dec 30th 1905..........................................................................12 Saturday Jan 20th 1906...........................................................................13 March ….. 06.......................................................................................13 Saturday June 2nd 1906..........................................................................14 Thursday July 12th 1906.........................................................................17 Friday July 13th 1906..............................................................................19 Saturday July 14th 1905..........................................................................21 Sunday July 15th 1906............................................................................22 Monday, July 16th 1906..........................................................................23 Tuesday July 17th 1906...........................................................................24 Wednesday July 18th 1906.....................................................................25 Thursday July 19th 1906.........................................................................26
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Friday, July 20th 1906.............................................................................27 Saturday July 21, 1906...........................................................................28 Sunday July 22nd 1906............................................................................30 Monday July 23rd 1906...........................................................................33 Tuesday, July 24th 1906..........................................................................33 Wednesday July 25th 1906.....................................................................34 Thursday July 26 1906...........................................................................37 Friday July 27th 1906..............................................................................40 Saturday, July 28th 1906.........................................................................46 Sunday July 29th 1906............................................................................47 Monday July 30th 1906...........................................................................49 Tuesday July 31st 1906...........................................................................50 Wednesday August 1th 1906..................................................................51 Thursday August 2nd 1906.....................................................................53
About the Editor: K. Barrett Bilali is an independent journalist, writer, and editor. He has been published in Quartz Africa, US News and World Report, Morocco World News, American Media Institute and the Urban News Service. He is the author of Newburgh: Mecca of American Historic Preservation published by Arcadia Publishing. He also served as the former city historian of Newburgh, New York. Barrett Bilali lives with his wife Laila bint Ali Chfira in New York City and Rabat, Morocco. Please note that this is a self-publication and needs your contribution and pledges to finish the important labor of love which is the create an ebook for each of Miss Deyo’s diaries. So thank you for visiting my Patreon page where you can get updates as each volume is published.
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Editor’s Preface Born in 1886, Miss Mildred Deyo came of age at the turn of the 20th Century with the proper comeuppance of an American debutante. Her father, Dr. John Deyo of Newburgh, New York, provided Mildred and her sister Edith with private all-girls school education, membership at the Powelton Club in neighboring Balmville, and summers in Amagansett and Allenhurst. Her frequent visits to Manhattan include lunch at the Waldorf, Broadway shows, dinner at Hotel Astor and shopping at Lord & Taylor’s. Miss Deyo was a prolific writer with 27 handwritten volumes each providing a glimpse into her life from 1895 to the end of World War II. In this series, Miss Deyo shares the values, prejudices and love life of a young twenty-something from 1905 to 1909. From her privileged perspective, she recounts memorable events in the history of Newburgh, New York. She writes the most about her summer vacations at Amagansett and describes her auto rides to various towns and villages in the Hudson Valley. “Automobiling,” as Miss Deyo describes it, is a new fancy, but most of her travel is by horse-drawn carriage, train, trolley, ferry or by foot. Miss Deyo was a highly competitive tennis and croquet player. Bridge was the game of her class and she played often. There are eight journals in this series beginning with volume 6 and ending with volume 14. There is no volume 13; either for reason of superstition or it simple was not included in the collection. The collection was purchased from an Antiquarian bookseller in Salisbury Mills, New York and have been in my possession for over twenty years. Volume 6 begins in Newburgh at her house at 116 First Street. She mentions many names of friends who are also from historically prominent families: Whitehill, Randolph, Belknap, Ramsdell, Whitney and more. It highlights her second summer at Amagansett where she has a love interest named Frank or maybe he is simply a fascination. They spent the previous summer together at Amagansett. But he isn’t there this year much to Miss Deyo’s chagrin. Instead the beautiful Miss Deyo attracts the obvious attention and subtle flirtations of a chaperone, Mr. Herrick. Miss Deyo, a product of propriety, certainly knows her limitations with a married man. But does he?
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The original journals have very few paragraphs breaks but I have sought to make the story flow more easily by making shorter paragraphs. I have left her spellings and inflections as they were written. So “Gemini” is Jiminy. She uses “proffessors” and hyphenates many words which, with her posh writing voice, gives originality to her writing. In one place, her original diary entry is included to share her actual handwriting. The photograph below is taken from my book, Newburgh: Mecca of American Historic Preservation and shows four generations of the Deyo ladies. The infant is Miss Deyo. She is seated on the lap of her great-grandmother Pierce 1803-1888, her grandmother (left) Adeline Farnham Coney 18271890, and her mother (right) Emma Frances Coney Deyo 1855-1904. Not all of Miss Deyo’s life was taken out of an Edith Wharton novel. Her Grandmother Pierce died when she was only four years old followed by her grandmother Coney two year later. More tragically, her mother died in 1904, the year before she sits down to share her life in these pages. Miss Deyo never marries despite her expressed appreciation of fine gentlemen callers and their devoted appreciation of her charms. Instead she used her inheritance and dedication to history in public service. During World War I she raised money in Newburgh and served overseas to support the war effort. She chronicled the history of World War II in a series of journals yet to be published. And she served as curator of the Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh, NY. She passed away in 1982. It is an honor to share her life through the publishing of her writings. --K. Barrett Bilali
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The Diaries of Miss Mildred Deyo Volume VI Tuesday Nov 28, 1905 Had our first real snowstorm today but it probably won’t last. Went down town [Newburgh, NY] in the afternoon. In the evening went up to Cornelia’s to play “bridge.” Edith came up later after the G.F.S. Thursday, Nov 30th 1905 Went to church this morning, Thanksgiving day. Cousin Helen had invited me to take dinner with them and we certainly had a fine time. Mrs. Ring, Tom and Mr. Huske were also there, so there were twelve of us. About five o’clock Mrs. Ring, Cousin Helen, Edith and I played bridge and the “gentlemen” strolled over to the club for a short time. Mrs. Ring and Tom had to go about six so Mr. Huske took Mrs. Ring’s place and Elizabeth took Cousin Helen’s. We did have the best game but didn’t the “Rector” get furious because he held such abominable hands. I had dandy luck and Elizabeth and I came out way ahead. After the game, to atone for his anger, the Rev. John told our fortunes for us and then we told his. About half past nine Elizabeth, Cousin Helen, Edith and I went down in the kitchen and got supper. We had lots of fun, the whole day was fine. It’s the first Thanksgiving I remember without Aunt Evelina and Cornelia who are in Poughkeepsie with Ed. 6
Tuesday Dec 5th 1905 This afternoon Uncle Bernard, Edith and I went down to Tarrytown to see Bernard 3rd who is at Hackley School. It is certainly one of the most attractive schools and we had such a pleasant time. Bernard took us all over the buildings and grounds and introduced us to several of the proffessors and their wives. Bernard came down to the station with us. He is such a dear boy and we want him to come up to Newburgh in the Spring. Wed Dec 6th 1905 Went to the club this afternoon. In the evening went over to the church to a meeting of the Communicants Guild. A missionary from North Carolina spoke about his work in the mountains and he certainly was most entertaining. Friday Dec 8th 1905 Uncle Bernard left at noon today. It seems strange without him as Cornelia and I have been with him ever since Oct 30th. In the afternoon, Alice Allan, Frances, Cornelia, Edith and I took a walk around the Treei. 7
Saturday Dec 9th 1905 Frances gave a luncheon today and we certainly had lots of fun. Alice, Margaret Kerr, Maude, Pauline, Frances Millard, Cornelia, Edith and I were “among those present.” I guess there was nothing we didn’t speak about. After the luncheon we went up to the club but it was awfully stupid. I went in to Cousin Helens to supper and in the evening Cousin Helen, Elizabeth, Margaret, and I played bridge. Monday, Dec. 11th 1905 Home in the morning. In the afternoon, Edith and I just had two tables of bridge, Margaret Kerr, Elizabeth, Maude, Rhetta, Cornelia, Frances, and ourselves. Papa, Edith and I went up to Minnie Wards’ to dinner but unfortunately had to run off early to a concert at St. Paul’sii by Proffessor Carl. Kenneth took us. Wed Dec 13th 1905 Did some shopping then Papa took Frances, Cornelia, Marge, Edith and Me down to see the Hendrick Hudson iii. They are working on her all the time and we walked under her from bow to stern. She is perfectly huge, the largest river boat in the World. Went up to the club afterwards but very little doing. Saturday, Dec 16th 1905 Went up to Frances’ in the morning. In the afternoon, just as we three [Edith with them most likely] got to the club, we met Walter with his machine and he wanted us to go for a little spin. Some Mr. Gordon was with him and Frances proceeded to make an awful break by running down the Erie and finally found out that Mr. Gordon was connected with the Erie. Such sights as we were when we got back, all wind-blown with faces, red as beets. Edith honestly was the funniest looking object. I went back with Frances to dinner and in the evening Cornelia and Edith came up to play bridge. Dr. George Allan is spending Sunday. 8
Sunday Dec 17th 1905 Church in the morning and Sunday School and church in the afternoon. When we came out we found Walter with his auto with Will Walker, Papa, and Mr. Youngs waiting for us. We jumped in and hustled home to get bundled up and then had a dandy spin to Cornwall. Almost scared Kenneth Cameron and Will Nicoll blue on the bridge down by the Cornwall
Military Academyiv. Walter took us all home to his house and insisted on our coming in, as he knew there was some cold turkey waiting for us to consume. We didn’t refuse, but had to hustle home as we had invited Aunt Evelina, Cornelia, and Frances to supper. Needless to say they had arrived when we got home. Kenneth Cameron called in the evening, just as we had been discussing him. “A bad penny, etc.” Wednesday Dec 20th 1905 Papa, Edith and I went to New York this morning. Edith and I shopped all morning, then joined Papa for lunch. After that we all went down town and went to Uncle Dan’s and Uncle Emmet’s offices. It’s the first time I‘ve been in Uncle Emmet’s new office and it is an improvement on the old one. 9
As we said good-bye I said to Uncle Emmet “How would you like it if I said I was going to live in New York.” And at that he rushed forward exclaiming “Mildred,” and it dawned on me then that he thought I was going to announce my engagement. He certainly looked surprised. Monday Dec. 25th 1905 It’s Christmas, but it doesn’t seem like it. Edith and I went to church at seven and at 10:30. Then we three went up to Liberty Street for dinner. Poor Aunt Evelina is so nervous and very sick. The day was rather a sad one though we tried to make it happier. I wish there were lots of children around at Christmas time. We didn’t stay very late as Aunt Evelina was tired. Wednesday Dec 27th 1905 Bob, Edith and I went over to help fill the candy boxes at the church, then later went down town. In the afternoon played
St. Georges Episcopal Church, Grand Street, Newburgh NY
hockey up at Jenkinsv. The ice wasn’t very good, and as it was the first time I had skated this year and new skates too, by the time the game was over, I was a case. Went back to the club for tea then in the evening Helen gave a skating party at Jenkins. We all hooted at Casey for taking a 10
lantern but what we ever would have done without it when we crossed the race-way, I don’t know. It was inky black, and the board over the raceway was split on one end and to improve matters, when you got to the middle of the board, it would spring up and down with you. Needless to say we came back another way. The ice was just like glass but Maltby tried to put up a scare that it wasn’t safe. To be sure “Casey” did go through in one corner but you couldn’t drown any way. The alarmist “got sat upon.” We all came home on the last car which didn’t go any farther than the power housevi and weren’t we provoked that we had to hoof it to the Kerr’s. Gemini!! But wasn’t I tired. Edith and Cornelia couldn’t go so they were at Kerr’s when we arrived. Our party consisted of Clara, Helen Johnston, Helen Kerr, Edith, Cornelia, Walter, Kenneth Cameron, Kenneth Smith, Percival, Maltby and I, and we certainly had fun but oh, so tired. Thursday Dec 28th 1905 Went over to trim the Christmas tree this morning. Elizabeth, Anna Harter, Edith and I went down town to buy tinsel, balls, etc. at the ten cent store. Anna Harter is certainly too funny for words. Directly after lunch Walter came for us to go for an auto trip. He wanted us to be gone all afternoon but as the Christmas tree is at three we couldn’t. As it was, we had a dandy ride almost to Goshen and simply flew home as we were delayed by a train. In the evening, went up to Dr. Hall’s tree. 11
Saturday Dec 30th 1905 Went to Frances in the morning. Then in the afternoon went to the club. Art Wade took me for Frances Millard and after talking for at least fifteen minutes, I finally tumbled to the fact when he asked me how my husband was. In the evening the crowd went around to Clara’s. We had a very funny time as K.C.vii had undertaken to call some of the girls down for not replying to Gladys’ invitations sooner. He’s entirely too bossy. Saturday Jan 20th 1906 Went to New York this morning and went up to Aunt Jeannie’s to meet Edith. Had lunch there and then in the afternoon we went to see Ethel Barrymore in “Alice-Sit-by-theFireviii.” I missed the five o’clock train home so after the theatre we went over to the Astorix and telegraphed to Papa, not to expect me until eight. March ….. 06 This afternoon at three the Hendrick Hudson was launched at Marvel’s Yardx. Papa, Mr. Huske, Frances, Edith and I went down to see it. I’ve never seen such crowds in my life. We climbed to the very top of the coal heap and from there saw the boat go off. It was the most impressive sight and she slipped off at just three. All the boats blew their whistles, a salute was fired, and five pigeons were flown. The day boat was in gala attire with all her flags flying. In the evening, Tom, Margaret and Frances came down and we played five hundred. 12
This has been an ideal day. This morning at half past nine Walter came in his machine and Papa, Cornelia, Edith and I started with him for Nyack. The day couldn’t have been more perfect and the country was beautiful. We went along without a hitch only having to stop for about ten minutes when we let the oil overflow. My, didn’t we feel swell going through Tuxedo as a train had just pulled in and everything was bustle. The Ramapo Valley certainly is beautiful.
We arrived at Nyack about quarter of twelve. Before dinner we went down to the river for a few minutes. We had a bully dinner and about quarter of four started home bringing Aunt Nelle with us. Walter and Cornelia both came to supper with us and about nine o’clock, we went for another short spin around the Treexi. I haven’t had such a good day in perfect ages. Saturday June 2nd 1906 This afternoon Aunt Evenlina, Elizabeth, Mollie, Cornelia, Edith and I went to the Academy to see the amateur production of “the Pirates of Penzance.”
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I wouldn’t have missed it for a farm. Miss Mason looked about sixteen and too pretty for anything especially in the first scene and in the last scene in her night-gown. Mr. Drisserroth was having the time of his life making love to Miss Mason and he didn’t let an opportunity slip by when he could put his arm around her. When he kissed her, he was simply radiant. Miss Inganoff was fine, and acted awfully well. Her voice any way is lovely and she certainly showed to advantage. The men were all good too, but we got almost hysterical at Fred Fowler in his bath robe, but he really did very well, in fact they all did. We almost died at the chorus and Mrs. Sahler was too silly for words. Mrs. Enders was very good. Edith and I couldn’t get over it last night and I only hope they give it again, or else some other one. Tuesday June 5th 1906 This afternoon Margaret Kerr, Frances, Edith and I went down to West Point to see the Cavalry charge and it certainly was bully but I thought my ear drum would “bust” for I’ve never heard such a noise. It looked very much like rain part of the times but it held off until we got home, but about seven o’clock the most terrific thunder shower came up that I ever hope to see. We had invited Margaret and Frances to come down in the evening so Edith and I had both donned our black silk mull, low-neck dresses. About quarter past seven the most awful flash of lightning came, directly followed by crashing thunder and in about two minutes the fire bells began to ring furiously. 14
We rushed to the front door and saw people flocking up Liberty Street so I tore to the back stoop and never have I seen such a sight. At first I thought it was Brown’s but then discovered it was Trinity steeple entirely wrapped in flames. I called Edith and Papa and we just grabbed umbrellas and utterly regardless of our clothes, dashed out in the rain. Before we had gone a block , we were simply soaked, and our dresses ruined, but we could stop for that, and there we stood in front of the telephone building, in the hardest pour I’ve ever been in, and watched that steeple burn. Never have I seen such a gorgeous sight but it was awful too. There is no mistake that if hadn’t been for the rain soaking all the surrounding buildings, the fire would have swept the town to the river. The most beautiful sight was when the entire steeple came crashing down, a sheet of flame. After that we went home and got on dry clothes, much to my disgust, and then went over again. The firemen didn’t seem to know what to do and altogether I’ve never seen a more poorly managed fire. We viewed it from every point and some of the choice friends we picked up! No man was to bum to converse with and finally after we had been there about three hours, some young boy tapped me and said “Don’t you want to stand on this board out of the wet?” 15
We were as drenched as could be but we accepted and kept up a continual conversation throughout the rest of the fire. One little tower gave the greatest lot of trouble and burned in spite of everything. This was the last part to go out. We finally departed, but I’ve never seen such a corner as that was. Dr. Mitchell’s fence was entirely broken down and everything was water soaked and mud, several feet deep. Thursday July 12th 1906 It doesn’t seem possible that a year has passed and we are off again for Amagansett. And yet when I think of everything that has happened in the last year, it seems so long. I’ve hardly been able to wait for this day to arrive, the only drawback is, that Frank won’t be there. Papa and Edith came down to see us off on the 7:30 and Mrs. Allan and Frances were laden down with umbrellas, parasols, tennis racquet, boxes, coats, etc. My, but I did hate to say good-by to Papa and Edith and from their expressions, I guess they weren’t any happier than I over it. On reaching New York, we went directly to the 34th Street ferry where we saw to our trunks and checked our numerous packages. Then I left the Allans and went down to Benedicts to see about my ring. Goodness!! The cars were slow and it took me an age. I met Frances at Lord and Taylor and we did some shopping, then about one we went up to the Imperial for lunch. Such a bully lunch and dandy music! Down the center of the room was a huge table with about a hundred men or more seated, probably some society or something. After lunch Frances and I took a Broadway car to Schoverling, Daly and Gales to see about having her racquet restrung. Then we came up town and stopped at the Post Card store and sent some postals to Edith, then took the car 16
to 34th Street. Found Mrs. Allan waiting for us and we crossed on the ferry to Long Island City. We were quite a little ahead of time so had to wait until our train was made up. As soon as we could we boarded it, and got comfortably seated. Three little girls, all under 17, interested us as they were talking excitedly to a policeman and finally one of them burst into tears. They seemed to be giving an address to the officer and I heard one say, “You’ll see that she gets on all right.” When they got on the train they were all crying and I certainly did feel sorry for them. However, they began to look happier after a while and were all laughing when they alighted at Inogue, I think.
We got so excited as we got nearer to Amagansett and when we passed East Hampton, I could hardly contain myself. Aunt Evelina was waiting for us and said Cornelia fully expected to be home to meet us but she had gone on a sailing party and hadn’t gotten home yet. Mr. Hand met us with the automobile and we spun over the ground in great style. We met several people whom we knew and just as we were nearing the Sea View we 17
heard a shout and discovered Allen. The Harters and Mrs. Bilquist met us at the Hotel and we certainly were glad to be back again. After washing and trying to make ourselves presentable, we had supper and then later Frances and I strolled
up to Parsons. Cornelia had just gotten home a short time before and we found a crowd on the piazza. We were duly introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Willets, Ed Frost, Miss Meyers, Miss Truman, Mr. Hinkle and I don’t remember who else. Of course, we had lots to talk about and our tongues rattled for a long time. Finally we departed and Cornelia, accompanied by her two swains, Mr. Frost and Mr. Hinkle, escorted us home. We all made arrangements to go to the beach in the morning. Friday July 13th 1906 Early this morning Frances and I walked up to the drug store and invested in some postals to send to Edith. When we got back to the Sea View we found Cornelia and Ed Frost and the dogs waiting for us to go to the beach. We collected our bathing outfit and all went down. Goodness, how rough the waves looked but nevertheless we donned our suits but before going in, 18
took a run up the beach. Mr. Hinkle joined us and later I went out with him to jump the waves. It took quite a little of my courage to go out as it was my first dip in the ocean since last summer. Of course got my hair soaking so had to dry it. In the afternoon went over to the club and Allen and Frances stood Anna and me in tennis. Later Anna and Mr. Dunwoodie stood Mr. Harter and me and we won. When Mr. Dunwoodie had a depart, a Mr. Taylor who is staying at the Sea View, took his place. We, Frances and I had purposely tried to avoid meeting him for he is the limit. But there was no hope now, and we were duly introduced. I didn’t fall all over myself to be pleasant, but it didn’t matter to him in the least. He’s a hard-shelled nut and you simply can’t snub him. I was so provoked; I thought I had escaped from the Club House unseen, when I was going home to supper, but the first thing I heard was “Oh, Miss Deyo” and I saw Taylor coming out of the club. It did irritate me beyond words and some how I couldn’t be civil to him. He rambled on all the way over to the hotel, telling me he was down here for his health etc. as one specialist whom he went to said, he had whooping cough, and he said he happened to make this remark on the hotel piazza and now all the fond Mammas and Papas steered clear of him. I wish I had a good excuse like that. In the evening Cornelia, Frances and I went over to the club but didn’t stay long. Allen was the only other one there. Saturday July 14th 1905 Went over to the club early this morning to write letters. A directors meeting was being held and we caught a glimpse of John through the door. His “little friend” as Mr. Storey termed him was playing tennis with Gladys and Mary Storey. If he weighs a pound, he weighs 250. Frances, Cornelia and Ed departed early to the beach, but I waited until later as Mr. Harter 19
and I had promised to play Anna and Mr. Taylor before going down to the ocean. When the directors meeting was over, we began our set and Mr. Harter and I won. Saw John for a few minutes before the game, and afterwards we walked down to the beach together. Found Gladys and Mr. Dexter and Marty Storey down on the beach and was introduced to Mr. Dexter. It seemed very rough and no one was inclined to go in so we joined Frances, Ed, and Cornelia, who were lying in the sand up by the dunes. Early in the afternoon we were up in my room, but about three, went up to choir rehearsal. Not much like last year when there were as many of the young crowd there. Gemini, how I do miss Frank. I wouldn’t care who else were here if he only were down this summer. After choir practice Mr. Harter and I stood Frances and John in tennis and we won 2 sets out of 3. After supper Frances and I went up to the village and stopped a few minutes at the hotel before going over to the dance. Philip arrived this afternoon to spend Sunday and we certainly were all more than glad to see him. The dance was quite fun but there were a great many girls and men few. I had some dandy dances with Philip and one with Allen. Philip certainly can dance like a streak and barring him the next best dancer to my mind is Allen. I’d rather dance with him than any other one down here expect Philip. Sunday July 15th 1906 Went to church this morning and sang in the choir. The music really sounded very well, especially as a Mrs. Robinson, a 20
fine singer, sang a solo. But the sermon!! Well the less said the better. Poor Mr. Hulett, he certainly can’t preach and his sermon was a collection of words, the subject, cheerfulness. His ideas for three minutes were good but the rest of the time was taken up in seeing how many different ways he could say the same thing. However, he did his best, and I felt very sorry to see the way some of the congregation behaved as I’m sure Mr. Hulett must have seen them and he has feelings like anyone else. Went down to the beach but unfortunately I couldn’t go in. This afternoon Cornelia, Frances, Ed Frost, Mr. Hinkle, Philip and I spent on the beach, just as lazy as we could be. We took some pictures and had a general rough-house after and a game of ball as we began to feel strenuous toward the end of the afternoon. In the evening we all went over to the club and sang until Philip and Mr. Truman had to go to catch the train. Too bad Philip couldn’t stay longer. We had to climb into the club through a window and soon we saw the directors beginning to gather and we thought they were collecting forces to put us out, but it proved they were going to have a meeting. Finally, Ed, Cornelia, Hinkle, Frances, and I were alone in the ball room, and Cornelia got on a high horse. Finally, she ended up by having Ed draw her across the floor on a sofa pillow. This almost ended disastrously as she almost upset. We left the club about nine and went over to the hotel and found Mrs. Mahler entertaining the guests with her Victor machine. We sat on the piazza the rest of the evening and listened to it. It certainly was bully. 21
Monday July 16th 1906 Went down on the beach and watched the people go in bathing. Mr. Dexter came over and sat with me and we had a long confidential talk. I told him I had always been crazy to go on the stage and he said “Don’t do it, Miss Deyo. I advise you not to. But if you ever should, just let me know and I can give you some letters of introduction which would be of use to you.” I assured him I had no intention of going but I had always had a desire to go. Then he said, “Miss Deyo, I’m going to tell you something which I’ve never told anyone, not even my family, except John, whom I told about three weeks ago. I was on stage last winter for about ten weeks and I know what the life is. But the stage is much better in England than America for a girl to start.” I tried to find out what he played in but he wouldn’t say. John came down later and our confidential chat was broken up. In the afternoon Cornelia, Frances, Ed, Mr. Hinkle and I, armed with eatables, writing material, and steamer rugs, went down to the beach for the afternoon. Ed went up to the bath houses and got ginger ale and sarsaparilla and we did have a dandy time. Didn’t come up until after six and after supper walked up to the village. On our way up we saw the Dutchers 22
arriving at Terry’s cottage. Went down to the club for a while. Amy Brosmith was there and we talked for some time then went over to the Hotel. We were watching Mrs. Allan, Mrs. Mahler, Anna and Mrs. Harter playing bridge when I heard Frances say “Mildred, here’s John” and I looked and saw John. He has come to call on us and was perfectly radiant because Miss Dutcher had arrived. We went out on the piazza and of all fool conversation we had. It certainly is unfortunate that John is so deaf. Poor fellow, he seems worse this year than last. We got on the subject of love and it was very funny, especially as there were some people on the piazza. I hoped they enjoyed it. Finally we began to hear mutterings of an approaching storm and about quarter of eleven John took his departure. But we had no sooner gotten up stairs than we heard the rain coming down in sheets. We tore down stairs with an umbrella, but John had disappeared into the night. He must have gotten soaked. Tuesday July 17th 1906 When I woke up this morning there way an awful fog, not very unusual though for the sea-shore. Mr. Harter is getting up a musical for this coming Friday and he wanted me to sing a solo. I told him I couldn’t possibly as I had no confidence in myself, so finally Frances and I said we would sing together. As we had not brought any duets we decided to sing a “Lullaby” from Jocelyn and I was to sing the solo part and both come in on the second part. After breakfast this morning Frances wanted to try some scales but didn’t want to do it in the Hotel parlor, so we went over to Mrs. Johnston’s and she was too nice for anything. Said any time we wanted to use her piano to come over. We endeavored to warble the fog out of our throats, then went over to the club to practice with Mr. Harter. Mrs. Robinson was singing over her songs and Mrs. Osbourne also sang but Frances 23
and I got scared so we decided to wait until another time. We strolled down to the beach and soon had collected quite a merry throng on the sand, Miss Dutcher, Mrs. Dutcher, Gladys and Mary Storey, John, Cornelia, Ed Frost, Mr. Hinkle, Emma Meyer and others. We all amused ourselves for the most part, by trying to annoy the others by putting sand in shoes, pockets or anything that came handy. In the afternoon a lot of us went down on the beach again and Cornelia, Emma and Mr. Dexter went in bathing. It had cleared about noon but began to get awfully damp again in the afternoon. Went to the club later and Miss Dutcher and John stood Mr. Dutcher and Frances. In the evening I wrote some letters and we both retired early. Wednesday July 18th 1906 Went over to the club this morning to write letters then later went down to the beach to watch the bathers. Frances didn’t go in as she had a bad headache. It’s getting very embarrassing, making excuses all the time for not going in the ocean, and playing tennis. I wish people wouldn’t ask me to do things. The beach was awfully queer this morning, kind of a reef quite far out. Amy, John, Mr. Hinkle, Ed, Miss Meyer, Cornelia, Anna, Mr. Harter and the children all joined us and we had great fun together. In the afternoon as Anna and Mrs. Osbourne were receiving at the club, we went over to play bridge, as Anna seemed to want us. Mrs. And Miss Dutcher, Frances and I got a table and we certainly had a grand rough-house. We started inside but thought we’d have more fun and more air out on the piazza so we moved our table. It was just as well for the others that we did, for we did more talking and laughing than anything else. All the others finished long before we did so we didn’t finish the three rubbers.
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The informal reception afterwards was lots of fun but Ed Frost thought he’d be awfully funny and saddled me with the minister for ages. I couldn’t break away and all the times Ed was grinning at me behind the rector’s back. I almost burst out laughing in Mr. Hulett’s face once as Ed was too ridiculous. In the evening we all planned to go over to the club so after Frances and I had gotten home from the Post Office after supper, we went over. All the Parsonites including the minister, came down, also the three Osbournes, Mrs. Johnston, and a bunch from the Hotel. We played Boston for a while, then Adverbs, and finally ended with charades. The minister had the time of his life but got us all in convulsions as he did everything wrong. Thursday July 19th 1906 Didn’t wake up until quarter of nine this morning consequently had to hustle to get down to breakfast. Went over to the club to practice for the musical then went to the beach. Frances was taken sick in the afternoon and so can’t sing tomorrow night. I can’t get up enough nerve to sing alone. Made button holes in a shirt waist and did some sewing in Frances’ room then about five o’clock I went over to the club. An awful mist had come up very suddenly from the ocean and you couldn’t see across the road. Gladys, Dorothy Osbourne, Mary Storey and I were the only ones at the club. My hair just got soaked from the fog, even though I’d only been out in it a short time. Frances, Cornelia, Mr. Hinkle, Ed and I had planned to go down and have a very select beach fire that night and the boys had collected the wood for it, but when the dense fog came in from the ocean, I thought they had probably given it up. But about seven there was a rap on Frances’ door and in came Cornelia. She was so surprised to find Frances in bed. She said the boys had gone to the village for “food” and would stop for us as they had decided to go, fog or no fog. In a few minutes we went down on the piazza to wait and who should drive up 25
while we were sitting there but the Wilcoxes. They are just the same as ever, and Mrs. Wilcox immediately entered a complaint because the bus was not there to meet them. Mr. Terry said “Well, we’ve been expecting you for three days and didn’t know when you would arrive.” Ed and Mr. Hinkle soon appeared and we “foolish four” started for the beach. My, how damp it was and you could have cut the fog with a knife. There was another beach fire down by the bath house, the village people, but they weren’t near us. We waited to light ours until dark, and my, wasn’t it a beauty. It certainly did look pretty to look down the beach and see the other fire burning too. The boys went down to get some drinkables at Captain Edward’s and later in the evening, when the fire was reduced to embers, we roasted marshmallows. I ate so many I thought I’d turn into one. We came home quite early, about quarter past ten, but lo and behold, I was locked out. The door was bolted and what to do I didn’t know. We tried several windows and finally to my great relief, we found one of the parlor windows unlocked. So I crawled in, said good night very hurriedly, stumbled over the furniture, and finally reached my room safely. It’s just a year today since I first came to Amagansett. Friday, July 20th 1906 Thank fortune I can go in bathing this morning. Cornelia, Emma and I went in and it was bully. In the afternoon we went over to the club to practice and help trim the stage for tonight. Later I went over to the Hotel and got my tennis racket and shoes and played two sets with John. I haven’t allowed myself to think of singing today as I am so shaky but when I was sitting up in the second hall watching for Frances, and saw the people flocking to the club, I must say I was scared. But there was no hope for it now as I had promised to sing. We went over, and just as I was starting I got a long letter from Edith. I read it to 26
Frances going over and she had a lot to tell about Dr. Ashplant. Frances sat inside with the Harters and Miss Gussie who has just arrived with Mrs. Brewster. I went in the ladies room and waited patiently for my turn and just before I had to sing I felt as if I couldn’t squeak a note but I knew that would never do, so I braced up and truth to tell, when I finally did get up on the stage, I didn’t feel half as nervous as I expected. I managed to get through all right, but I didn’t want to come out for an encore a bit, but I had to. First I sang “Berceuse” from Jocelyn. Then as an encore “The Maiden and the Butterfly.” Everyone was awfully sweet to me and I certainly did appreciate it. My, but Gladys Storey did look pretty tonight and I don’t know when I’ve taken such a fancy to anyone as I have to her friend Mary Storey. After the musicale we danced and had a good time generally. Cornelia has been teaching Ed to reverse and he has proved a very apt pupil. Tonight he reversed the whole evening, but he does take dancing as such a business. Saturday July 21, 1906 This morning I was awakened by the sound of a bugle. As it was almost nine, I hopped out of bed, went to my window, and saw two foreigners out on the road with a dancing bear. I haven’t seen one before in ages so I watched them for a long time. They went over to the Harter’s cottage and the children were so delighted. Finally they left and I was proceeding with my dressing, when I suddenly realized that Mr. Harter was coming across the lawn and had a dandy view of me. Didn’t I dodge though, but I fear not in time. A lot of us young people met over at the club about ten and, as the musicale had been such a success the night before, we were fired with enthusiasm to give a vaudeville. Our time and talent were limited but we determined to work hard, all of us, and give it the next Friday evening, six days to prepare. Well, if we didn’t have to hustle. We first decided we would have an 27
opening chorus, a medley of about six of the popular songs and then and there we asked Mr. Harter to help us with the choruses. He was too nice and consented to help all he could. Then I suggested that six of us dress as little girls and sing “I Can’t Do the Sum” from Toyland. We then thought it would be fun to give a little play “A Proposal under Difficulties” and as Ed Frost leaves for New York tomorrow, we asked him to get the copies and send them “post haste” to us. We did a lot of talking but didn’t really arrive at any very definite conclusion only we made a beginning. Mr. Dexter and Mr. Dutcher consented to give a burlesque skirt dance if we would make their costumes and I imagine they will be fine. From the club we went to the beach and a few of us went in bathing but as it was raining, the majority didn’t go in. I didn’t care whether it poured or not, and had a dandy bath. However, I thought I’d never get my hair dry and as it was raining so hard we decided to take the stage and I had to bob my hair up any old way in order to catch it. The bunch from Parsons came down in the afternoon just as we were getting desperate, so we all piled up in Gretchen’s room and tried on her “child’s costume” and some others she had. Emma made out a list of things we wanted for the Vaudeville and Mrs. Harter said he would send to the City that night for them. The girls got simply bursting at me in Gretchen’s dress, as if was too tight in the rear. After we had decided on a picture for Frances to represent in a yellow, old-fashioned dress, and had decided on our costume sets, as it had cleared off, we betook ourselves to the village to see if we could purchase different colored paper muslins. We left Emma and Cornelia at parson’s corner, and collected Miss Dutcher and splashed through the puddles to the store but nothing doing, they had absolutely nothing we wanted. Coming home just at the corner by the church we met Mr. Dexter so we sat on the fence and discussed his costume. He is 28
45 inches around the waist and we were trying to figure how many yards we ought to purchase for his ballet costume. Couldn’t come to any very definite conclusion as we all had different ideas. Finally, Mr. Dutcher joined us on the corner and we finally left them, and sauntered over to the club. Directly after supper Frances and I went up to Parsons and the village. As we were going up to parsons we saw a young girl and fellow, awfully nice looking, come out from the dining room and go over to one of the cottages. Frances or somebody said they were Mr. and Mrs. Herrick and were here last year with a big dog. They look awfully nice and I hope we soon meet them. When we got home from the village, we dressed and then went over to the dance. Gladys Storey was overjoyed to think the Herricks had come, and said they were simply dandy. I didn’t meet them tonight. We had lots of fun tonight but the men were still quite few. Sunday July 22nd 1906 This morning we mustered up courage to go to church but I really think if we had known what we were up against we wouldn’t have gone. Frances and I started to sneak into a rear seat but no sir, Mrs. Garmonie spotted us and asked us if we would sit up by the organ. I was glad we did for whatever breeze was to be had, we got through the window. Really the music was the most painful thing I’ve ever listened to. Kittie Van Houghlin played and I suppose she did her best, but it was awful. None of us came to choir rehearsal yesterday as it rained, consequently we all sang differently and it was fierce. Mr. Hulett’s sermon was about on a par with last week and taking it all in all, I don’t think we, any of us, were much benefitted by it. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick sat right near us but we didn’t meet them. Walking down from church Miss Van Houghlin and I were in back of Frances and John and Frances said “I didn’t like the hymns this morning a bit” and 29
John replied “ No, neither did I.” and at that Kittie V.H. spoke up and said “Thank you, I chose them.” John was very much disturbed and tried to make amends but Frances wasn’t at all faced. Only Cornelia and I and Mary and Gladys went in this morning and it was bully. I must buy a cap as I get my hair simply soaked every day. While I was drying my hair up on the bath house steps, and Frances was talking to me John brought Mr. Herrick up and introduced him to Frances. He told Frances that her aunt, Miss Ward, told him to look out for Miss Allan at Amagansett. Frances said “Miss Ward? Why, I have no aunt by that name,” never thinking that he might mean Miss Julia Ward and he have gotten Frances mixed up with Helen. I was hoping and praying that Frances wouldn’t introduce me as my hair was all over my face but in a minute she said “Mr. Herrick, I want you to meet Miss Deyo.” I felt like a scare-crow and I know I looked like one but the deed was done. John joined us and asked if we would enter the mixed doubles tournament and we all consented. Soon after I departed to my bath-house to get dressed and Frances waited for me. We, Cornelia, Ed, Frances and I had planned to spend the afternoon on the beach as Ed was to leave late in the afternoon. They were to stop for us at the Hotel, and we waited and waited for them but nothing doing, so about four o’clock we decided to leave word that we had gone and for them to follow us. John came down later and sat with me. I wrote a long letter, while John and Frances carried on the funniest conversation. Once he recited some poetry for her and of all bored expressions I’ve ever seen, she had the funniest. I could see too, that she was ready to burst out laughing at a moment’s notice. Before John arrived Frances went over to Miss Truman and her brother who were sitting near us on the sand and asked if she knew where Cornelia and Ed were. She said that they started for the beach but just as they 30
reached the church Cornelia turned her ankle and fell and fainted. They got her to Parson’s and Mr. Dexter who was there, carried her up stairs and he and Miss Meyer fixed and bandaged her ankle and she was sitting on the piazza when the Trumans left. We thought from this, that it was simply a strain so we didn’t go up from the beach until after six. As soon as I got to the Hotel George, the office boy said with a very long face, “Miss Deyo, Mr. Dexter has been here to see you, to say that Miss Belknap has had a bad fall and thought you ought to know it.” Of course, when I heard this I hustled up to Parson’s directly after supper and found Cornelia with her foot upon a chair, and surrounded by a group of sympathizing friends. It seemed that she and Ed got as far as the church when without the slightest warning her ankle turned and she fainted dead away. She and Ed previously had argued as to what color a person, vey tanned, would turn if they fainted and Ed insisted they would turn green, so as Cornelia was fainting she said “Am I turning green?” it probably wasn’t funny at the time but afterwards we all roared at it. Just as she fainted Mr. Ames and some other man came along in a carriage and jumped out to help. Ed and Mr. Ames carried her to the carriage and took her to Parson’s and Mr. Dexter who was on the piazza carried her up stairs on his back. I should loved to have seen it. Mr. and Miss Dutcher came up later to see how she felt and then about 8:30 we invited them to come down to the Hotel and hear the Mahler’s machine. We didn’t invite Dr. Luck but the first thing we heard was “I’d like to see you down” and Emma very politely said, “Oh, thank you Dr. Luck, we’re all going down together.” Notwithstanding down he came and we couldn’t shake him all evening. He’s the limit. 31
Monday July 23rd 1906 When we first got up this morning it looked very much like a storm and we were so disappointed as we had planned to take the auto to East Hampton. However, it cleared off nicely and about ten o’clock Mrs. Brewster, Miss Gussie, Anna, Mrs. Allan, Frances, Emma, Marie, Gretchen, and I started. The road was rather rough but we got over in good season. Passed Mr. Dutcher driving on the road. We did some shopping principally for the Vaudeville and fairly bought out some of the stores. Started home laden with bundles about eleven and got home in time to go in bathing before noon. In the afternoon I sewed for a while, then wrote letters and made my sash for the vaudeville before going over to the club. In the evening we had a rehearsal at the club and Mr. Herrick said he would give a monologue Friday night. We also got Mr. Wills, Amy Handy’s friend, to do a “Coon sketch”, and Miss Bailey to sing “Cross your Heart.” Our programme is really getting on finely. Mrs. Herrick is the cutest thing. When Frances and I were going up to Parson’s last night Mr. and Mrs. Herrick were sitting on the church steps and they came down to the fence and Mr. Herrick introduced us to Mrs. Herrick. She is going to be Fritzi Scheffxii in the opening chorus. I can hardly wait for Friday to come. Practiced some of the pictures tonight but it was not a very “serious” rehearsal. Tuesday, July 24th 1906 Will this rain ever stop? I am going in bathing this morning, no matter if it pours cats and dogs. Swallowed my breakfast and tore over to the club. Found them all rehearsing the choruses. After we had finished I said I was going in bathing. I guess the majority thought I’d lost my sense but nevertheless some of us went down but Mr. Herrick and I were the only ones to go in of 32
our crowd. There was a terrible set and undertow but we had lots of fun. Stayed in for a long time until I found I was the only girl with about eight men so after two or three more good ones came, breakers I mean not men, I went in. Mr. Colsome was caught out in a whirl and Mr. Ames had to go to his rescue. Mr. Colsome was ready to go to the bath house after that. I forgot to put on rubbers consequently I was simply soaked when I got home. The rain had stopped about twelve but we, Mr. and Mrs. Herrick, Gladys, and I had to wade home through the mud. Early in the afternoon the girls all came down to the Hotel and we made our costumes for “Toyland” with the assistance of some of the other girls. Mr. Dexter came down about half past two and he and I betook ourselves to the piazza to make up original verses for “Toyland.” We got four very good ones and decided that would be enough. By the time we had finished composing the verses, the girls were gathering p their work, ready to start for the club for rehearsal. After that was over Mr. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. Herrick and I played bridge out on the piazza while the rest of the bunch betook themselves inside and played “hearts.” I do think Mrs. Herrick is one of the most attractive girls I’ve ever met and has the most captivating giggle. We did have more fun but I played like a fool. In the evening went up to the village and stopped at Parsons to see the invalid. Met a bunch of people going to the club so we finally ended up there. Wednesday July 25th 1906 As usual, went to the club for rehearsal after which John and I stood Gretchen and Mr. Dutcher in tennis for three sets and we won. Then went to the beach for a bath. Didn’t go in right away as I was awfully hot from tennis. We stayed in a long time this morning consequently almost everyone had gone when I came out of my bath house. Mr. Herrick was there as we sat on the rail and talked. He said “Don’t look now, but in a minute 33
turn around and see who that man is sitting on the fence at the corner of the bath house.” Soon I looked and saw Dr. Luck and told Mr. Herrick who he was and how we, none of us, could stand him, that he was the limit. He said, “Well, you just wait for ‘Whiff’ and me to walk home with, for he’s just waiting to join you.” So I did and sure enough, just as soon as we had started up the board walk, he followed. Mr. Herrick said that he and some of the other fellows were going to take him out in the waves some day and sit on him. Mr. H told Mrs. H that if Dr. Luck ever spoke to her, just to let him know. We parted at the Sea View and the Herricks were trying to induce me to play at the bridge party in the afternoon. I said I’d think about it and I’m still thinking. However, Anna got at us after dinner and Frances and I finally said we’d play. The club was very elaborately decorated and Mrs. Ward’s gown was the most gorgeous thing, too much so for Amagansett. We progressed and didn’t I have bum luck. Mr. Harter, Frances, Mr. Herrick and I started at one table and I hardly moved the whole afternoon. Directly after the bridge was over Mr. Herrick wanted me to play tennis so finally I agreed but had to hustle home and change my dress. They had bully things to eat, all kinds of sandwiches, cake, salted nuts, Huylers, orange ade, tea, etc. John and I stood Mr. Herrick and Dorothy Warren but we didn’t put a very good fight. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick came to supper with the Wilcoxes. Just as I was going up stairs to dress for supper, Mr. Herrick called me, so I sat on the stairs and talked to him for some time. He was too silly and just kept me 34
in gales of laughter. He was standing by the palms in the hall and I was sitting on the stairs looking through the banisters. He said “I’m Harry Shaw” and lot more ridiculous remarks. Miss Smith and Amy came along soon and as they passed, pretended they were shocked, etc. Soon I left him, to dress for supper and as I got up by Amy’s room, found her and Miss Smith. They said the idea of my secretly talking to a married man and I remarked there was nothing secret about it as we had chosen the main stair way for our conversation. Miss Smith then said “Let me tell your palm” so she did and first she said I was a flirt, heart going to rule my head, only be married once and a lot more nonsense. This delayed dressing sometime and I was very late for supper. After supper Frances and I walked up for the mail and just as we were leaving the Hotel Mr. and Mrs. Herrick called to me and asked us if we would get theirs if there was any. Went to Parson’s on our way home to invite them all down to the Hotel as a Mr. and Mrs. Russell from Keith’s were to give a Vaudeville entertainment at 8:30. We found them at Parson’s out on the lawn all bowing silently nine times to the new moon and we all had to do it for luck. Cornelia is able to walk on her foot now so while she went up to change her dress, some of the crowd played croquet. We got down to the Hotel shortly before it began and it was really very good, songs and funny stories. After it was over and the parson bunch had departed, I was talking to some one on the stairs and finally a few of the ladies asked me to sing and not to be disagreeable, I was just going to when Mr. Terry came in and said Mrs. Wilcox wanted Miss Deyo and Miss Allan out on the piazza. We went out and found Mrs. Wilcox, Gretchen, Amy Brosmith, Miss Smith, Marie Dutcher, Mr. Dutcher, Gladys, John and Mr. and Mrs. Herrick having ginger ale. We joined them and had lots of fun. A strong wind was blowing around the corner of the piazza and it took my liberty scarf and blew it all up over my head. 35
Gladys who was sitting next to me, amused herself with it by winding it round me in different ways and finally once she got up to fix it and then sat down in Mr. Herrick’s lap, who had sneaked into her chair without her knowing it. Poor girl, she was so distressed and we jollied her a lot about it. Mr. Herrick presented me with a paper ring from his cigar which I wore. Gave Mrs. Herrick my black silk waist for her to wear on Friday in her Fritzi Scheff act. The crowd broke up a little after ten as we know we had two hard days ahead of us. However, I did my usual stint of staying up until about one o’clock or after writing letters. It’s positively the only time I get and there too I had to finish my dress tonight. Thursday July 26 1906 I could scarcely sleep last night thinking of all we had to do today and tomorrow. I even dreamed about it, consequently I wasn’t very much rested this morning. The tennis tournament began this morning and when we got over to the club for rehearsal about 9:30 John came rushing up and said we were to play this morning against Gladys and Mr. Wells.
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Mr. Herrick came up to me and said “if you could have seen how I tried to work things so I would draw you in the tournament, you would have laughed. The last four names to be drawn were yours and Miss Warren, John and I but the last draw went wrong and I lost.” I gave him a pink ribbon or to be more correct, he took my pink ribbon, for a mascot and then after I had seen about one or two things and told Mr. Truman how big we wanted the frame, Frances and I went over to Anna’s to help with the red tissue paper hats. We roped Mrs. Osbourne, Mrs. Johnston, Miss Gussie and several others into helping us and they progressed finely. My match was at 10:30 and soon some one called out “Miss Deyo it’s twenty-five minutes to eleven.” Didn’t I dust over through just arriving in time. Mr. Herrick and Dorothy Warren won against Anna and Allen yesterday, Mr. Harter and Frances also beating Mrs. Herrick and I can’t think who. John and I managed to win from Gladys and Mr. Wells although we weren’t playing a bit well. After the match we went back again to Anna’s and the hats were almost completed. Frances and I tried on about every one and finally selected ours. It was certainly dandy of those ladies to help us as our time is so short. The stuff hasn’t come from New York yet so we’ve sent over to East Hampton for the things as we can’t wait any longer. In the afternoon we all piled over to the club for an early rehearsal. About four o’clock, the time set for the tennis tournament, it began to rain so we gave it up. I was mighty glad for I was simply dead tired. The rest of the afternoon we spent in writing programmes and we roped everyone into this. Some of the girls and fellows were rehearsing their songs and dances and such a hubbub I never did hear. We made about forty programmes and made some final arrangements for the following day. About six we all 37
departed, but even though Mr. Harter couldn’t come in the evening, we thought we’d all go and sing over the choruses. Just as I was about to go down stairs after supper, Frances came in my room and said, “Guess who’s here?” I couldn’t and so she told me. “Marian.” Then she appeared and I’ve never been so surprised in my life. The whole family arrived tonight at Parsons and are going to be here for the rest of the summer. We all went over to the club and as only a few had arrived, I sat down in a corner to write more programmes. Soon the Herricks came and several others, and Mr. Herrick came over to me and said “What are you doing?” and when I told him, he said he’d help me. Soon he looked up and said “Will you promise me something?” and I said “Well, I don’t know,” and he answered “Of course I wouldn’t ask anything unreasonable, and if you’ll promise me something I’ll tell you something very nice.” I finally agreed and he said ‘I want you to go directly to bed tonight when you go home and not stay up to write any letters or do anything else for you look simply tired out.” I promised and then he said, “Do you know I think you have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen in any human being.” Well, to say the least, it was embarrassing and I do wish people wouldn’t say those things. Finally everyone had come and after singing we all played “Up Jenkins” and did have such a funny time. Before we sat down I heard John say something to Mr. Dexter about not smoking in the ballroom but as they spoke in French, I couldn’t understand all they said. Finally, as we were playing I could see John getting more furious by the minutes because Mr. Dexter continued to smoke. Mr. Dexter had asked us if we objected and we said no, so he kept on. Finally John wrote on the pad a note in French and pushed it over to Mr. Dexter. He read it and sent 38
a reply. Nothing doing in the non-smoking. Finally, John got simply purple with rage and sent a final note to Mr. Dexter and when he didn’t pay any attention to it again, John got up from the table and said “Good-night” and stalked out of the room. I’ve never seen anything so childish. At this point Mr. Dexter followed John and we heard them having it hot and heavy in the men’s room. It was very embarrassing for all of us as we didn’t know whether to go on or what to do. However I said, “ Let go on as if nothing had happened” so we did and after a few minutes John and Dexter came back, after having it out, resumed their places, and the game went on. Of course, It was Dexter’s fault as he should have stopped and not put all of us in such an embarrassing position. It certainly was the limit. Talk about Frank and his “pets,” I’ve never seen him show himself as petulant as John did tonight. Friday July 27th 1906 The great day of the Vaudeville has arrived!! Went over to the club early for rehearsal after which everyone turned in and helped put up the stage. Mr. Combs, a cousin of the Warren’s is going to give a Spanish Dance and he was practicing it this morning. The frame for the pictures looks finely as Mr. Truman painted it black. After we got through at the club, we went over to the Hotel and I cut out Frances’ dress for her and then Mr. and Mrs. Herrick came for me and we three went down to the ocean for a swim. In the afternoon the “troupe” went over to the club for a final rehearsal. Everything went very smoothly. Mrs. Ward had told us we could have anything we wanted from her house so Mr. Herrick and I went over to get a big wicker chair and some sofa pillows. Mrs. Ward told us to help ourselves so we went back across the fields to the club loaded with pillows, chair, etc. Mr. Herrick asked me yesterday whether Edith or I were the older and I told him that Edith was fifteen months older, so going across the fields he said thinking I’d forgotten 39
about our conversation yesterday “How old did you say your sister was?” And I immediately caught on and said, “Well , if you’re fishing to find out my age, I’ll tell you I’m twenty-one.” He said “you’re too quick for me. I thought you’d forgotten our conversation.” He is twenty-nine. Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Osbourne, Mrs. Johnston, Anna, Miss Gussie and others have been helping us today make our own bonnets and sun flowers and they’re all done. At four o’clock John and I played the semi-finals against Frances and Mr. Harter. The first set was very close 7-5 but the second set we went to pieces and they won. My racket broke right down the middle of the handle during the first set and I couldn’t play for a cent. Of course I know we couldn’t win but I could have played much better if my racket hadn’t broken. It certainly was provoking. At the end of the last few games it was so split that I borrowed Mr. Dutcher’s Pine and I wish I had changed earlier as I could do much better with it. Went home about six and got dressed in white dresses for the opening chorus and then came down to supper. We were awfully late and when we got through we came out in the hall and found Mr. Wells making all the girls up. I didn’t want much “make up” but when I looked at myself in the glass I thought I’d expire. He had put entirely too much black on my eyes to suit me. Just then Mr. Herrick appeared and he and I were on the piazza together. I told him I had too much on, and he said to come to the end of the piazza and he’d take some off for me. I said during the process “Don’t you think there’s too much black under my lashes” and he said “Well, perhaps, but I see lots of blue too.” Finally we started for the club laden with things. When we got to our dressing room the first that met my eyes was Mrs. Herrick as Fritzi Scheff. She was the cutest thing I ever hope to see and I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. Miss Smith’s friend Mr. Warnick came tonight and he is [read script] 40
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We began at 8:10 with the chorus, a medley of six songs, “The Little Chauffeur”, “Somewhere in the World there’s a Little Girl for Me.” “Where Love is Young,” “You’re Just the Girl I’m Looking for,” “Moon Dear’” “The Mascot of the Troop.” We girls, ten of us, wore white shirt waists and skirts and big red crepe tissue paper hats. The men just wore their regular suits. Of course we had to do a little acting during the songs and “Moon Dear” we did a grand flirtation act with our left hand neighbor. When we finally struck into the “Mascot of the Troops” Mrs. Herrick appeared as Fritzi Scheff, beating a drum and really the chorus did go off with lots of snap. Mr. Herrick had two solo parts which he did very well. We had to repeat almost the entire chorus for an encore. Mr. Comb in his Spanish Dance was fine and so good looking. He is very graceful and looked for all the world like a ballet girl. The monologue was good too I guess, but I didn’t hear it as I was madly changing my costume. Then came the pictures which were fine. Miss Bailey in “Cross Your Heart” couldn’t have been better and she sang it right at Mr. Wells who sat in the front row. But Dutcher and Dexter in their ballet dance were perfectly killing. They wore white mosquito netting dresses, silly hats, long gloves, etc., and in every way there were perfectly ridiculous. They danced to “Waltz me Around Again Willie” and really we almost expired. Then they told funny stories and forgot the point of some of the jokes but it never fazed them a bit. But the climax was when Dutcher shipped to the front of the stage and assuming a very coy attitude said “do you believe in Fairies?” and Dexter in a burly tone replied, “What do you think I am, Peter Pan”? 42
This act followed by two more pictures “The Only Pebble etc.”, Mr. Harter playing “In the Good old Summer Time,” and “For He’s the Jolly Good Fellow” and while this was being shown, Mr. Herrick sang “A Jolly Good Fellow” softly behind the scenes. Mr. Wells in his “Coon Sketch” was bully and a fine make-up. Toyland came next and such a scrambling as we girls had to get ready. We all sat on a walk dressed as children and sang the chorus and Mr. Dexter sang the following verses, “If anyone wants to strike this place Then need not be afraid, For all the girls are in the swim The best that’s ever made. The men are few but I am big And I can take my share If anyone wants to butt in here And relieve me of my care” Oh, no- o –o – o etc. Refrain. 43
II “If Eddie took sweet Cornelia One day down to the beach And on the way she tripped and fell And made an awful breach of etiquette and modesty, She fell at Eddie’s feet, But Eddie didn’t care a rap He thought it awfully neat.” Oh, oh – etc. III “If Newburgh girls all come down here And at tennis take a hand, And if the balls go flying by And just the air they fan, Why blame the courts because they’re grass Tho’ used to dirt you say, Get in the game and red the rules Perhaps you’ll learn some day. IV If every more to the beach you go And on the sand you sit, And watch the boys and girls go in For their usual morning dip. And when the girls all dry their hair, Wet from the ocean spray. The boys all work the Marcel gag As an excuse to stay.” Chorus. 44
This was followed by the closing chorus, a medley of “Cheyenne,” “Back, back, back to Baltimore,” “I wants to own you Honey (Honey Lou),” and “Bill Simmons.” About eight of the “company” blacked up as coons and had enormous yellow sun flowers of tissue paper, on their heads, their faces forming the black centers. John’s sun flower came partly off and from over the wall two white hands appeared to fix it. Everyone told me that the whole thing was a great success and I think it was. I’ve never enjoyed anything more. We kept our Toyland costumes on and danced afterwards and the whole evening was perfect. I had quite a long talk with Mr. Wells after the performance. I suppose if Amy had seen us together she would have butted in and bourne Mr. Wells away. Found the Harters, Mrs. Allan, Miss Gussie, and Mrs. Brewster on the piazza of the hotel and talked to them for quite a few minutes before going up to bed. Saturday, July 28th 1906 Went over to the club this morning and found everyone there looking a little worse for wear, but all pitch in to clear the club house. About eleven we all departed for the beach and I jumped the waves with Mr. Harter. It was horribly rough this morning and a terrible set. We couldn’t get out beyond the breakers and consequently had to go through the majority of them. We were caught in a whirl once and an enormous wave came and dashed us apart but when I finally came to the top Mr. Harter grabbed me so I was O.K. However some kind friend told me afterwards that the bathing master was just coming out to us. Needless to say my hair was soaked so we all sat up on the bath house steps and dried our wigs. Mr. Dexter, Mr. Wells, Mr. Dutcher, and Mr. Herrick, all assisted in the process and we all had lots of fun together. 45
Finally when “Skidde” was drying my hair I stole his pink ribbon, his mascot for the tennis tournament, and hid it in my sleeve. He at first didn’t know whether I had taken it or not, but when I finally made a dive for the bath house, he followed in hot pursuit and I just got to my door and was going to close it when he got there. He kept saying “Please give it to me. I’ll lose all my luck.” And when once he turned away to look at something, I slipped out in back of him and rushed around the back of the bath house. At first he started after me but soon stopped and I joined the crowd. After about five minutes we all decided to get dressed and when I reached my bath house, there sat “Skidde.” Well if I wasn’t embarrassed, as all my underclothes and everything were in full view. I just tore the pink ribbon from my sleeve and told him to “skidoo” and he departed. Goodness, but I was fussed. Early in the afternoon I went over to the club to write letters then about four o’clock everyone arrived for the finals between Frances and Mr. Harter against Dorothy Warren and Mr. Herrick. The last team won and got very pretty prizes. We all went into the club and sang and made noise generally and then departed about six to dress for supper and the dance. We didn’t arrive at the dance until quite late and every thing was in full swing. Consequently the evening seemed very short. We had lots of fun in the Virginia Reel as everyone was brimming over with surplus energy. 46
Sunday July 29th 1906 Instead of church this morning we all decided to go down on the beach. The singing and sermon of last week were too much for us so we collected a big crowd of non-church goers and had a dandy time loafing. About half past eleven we all donned our bathing suits and went in and it was simply glorious. Emma and I were the last ones to come out of the ocean as it was perfect. Went up to dinner a little after one and after we had finished we sauntered into the parlor. We were all so dead tired that we simply couldn’t move and I threw myself down on the sofa and could have gone to sleep except the girls wouldn’t let me. We all were in graceful positions to say the least, sprawling on the floor most generally. Finally everyone agreed that I, on the sofa, looked too comfortable, so with one accord they proceeded to take my hair down. I was too sleepy to resist and far too sleepy to go up stairs to fix it so I let it hang until the first thing I knew everyone was arriving at the Hotel en route for the beach. I shipped upstairs in a hustle I can tell you, fixed my hair, got my camera and hustled down again. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Osbourne and several others were just starting so we joined them. We found about everyone had arrived when we came so we fell to and helped to gather wood. Marie and I went up the beach to get some and after I had gone a short distance I took off my pumps as they were filled with sand, so I left them on the beach and Marie left hers. We gathered wood way up the shore and then when we came back, we found someone had been playing funny and hidden our shoes. Unfortunately too, I had gotten an enormous hole in one stocking from walking in the sand, so when we got to our crowd, I sat down and asked where my shoes were. They all of course pretended not to know and look very innocent but it didn’t work and soon I spied a pile of the men’s coats at a short distance so I jumped up, shuffled over there and found our shoes. We took 47
some pictures before supper and then I took a time exposure of all the crowd and eatables just before “grub.” I never had anything taste as good as things did that night even though generously sprinkled with sand. My, how I ate and I guess everyone else did too. About eight we lighted the beach fire and it was a dandy. The chaperones wanted us to sing some of our vaudeville so we did and had lots of fun. After a while we got our cameras together and after much planning and arranging, took some flashlights and I do hope they come out. No one had ever taken them before and I only knew a little about it so I don’t know how things will come out. Mr. Herrick, Mr. Harter, Mr. Johnston and I combined forces and took them. About nine o’clock it started to rain which scared the chaperones so they all left, but we young people stayed, Mr. and Mrs. Herrick acting as chaperones. If didn’t rain hard then but about 10;30 it started again so we all “skidood” for home. However, Amy Handy, Miss Bailey and Mr. Wells stayed on and I don’t know when they came up. Miss Dutcher, Mrs.Herrick, Mr. Herrick and I came home together. We did have the best time and everyone enjoyed it. I think there were about thirty of us, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Osbourne, Mr. and Mrs. Harter, Mrs. Dickinson, Mrs. Wilcox, Gretchen, Emma, Marie, Cornelia, Hinkle, Marie Dutcher, Mr. Dutcher, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Truman, Amy Handy, Miss Bailey, Mr. Wells, Amy Brosmith, Miss Smith, Mr. Warnick, Mr. and Mrs. Herrick, Marian, John and I. Monday July 30th 1906 Went over to the club intending to write letters but Mr. Herrick wanted Mr. Harter and me to stand Mrs. Herrick and himself in tennis so we did, and I don’t know when I’ve played 48
such a long set. It was perfectly silly: we all won on our service and finally ended 12-10 in our favor. We went directly to the beach after it was over but didn’t go right in as we were too warm. The water was dandy this morning but as usual very rough. I still feel sleepy and this morning Frances came and knocked on my door before I had wakened, so I didn’t get down to breakfast until half past nine. I was to have played tennis with Allen at 9:30 but didn’t get up in time so in the afternoon I played a couple of sets with him and ended with a splitting head-ache so had to stop. In the evening a crowed of us, about twenty, started from the Sea View on a straw ride to Three Mile Harbor. I honestly didn’t see how we were all going to squeeze in but we did and away we went. We sang about everything we knew on the way over then when we got there we danced, played Boston, had icecream, and a dandy time. Miss Smith and Mr. Warnick were the only ones who needed chaperoning but it was overlooked. Gladys said to me “Dear old Frank, how I wish he were here tonight.” And I just felt like saying “Them’s my sentiments,” but refrained. It was a bully straw ride but couldn’t come up to the one last year when Frank was here. We didn’t get home until after two and I had no idea it was so late. I almost fell under the hay wagon when I was alighting as the horses started and if I hadn’t grabbed wildly for Mr. Dexter and Mr. Herrick, I would have gone under. Tuesday July 31st 1906 This morning while I was at breakfast Mr. Herrick called me up and said he had had the corn for the corn-roast sent to me at the Hotel and would I take care of it and the fellows would stop for it in the evening. Amy Brosmith gave a sailing party today to which we were not asked neither were any Parsonites so in the morning we all went to the beach and went in bathing as usual. 49
Marion had asked Frances and me up to lunch with her so we went up and afterwards held a long pow-wow, Cornelia, Emma, Marie, Frances, Marion, and I, out on the piazza. About four we betook ourselves to the club and of all stupid places that was the stupidest. Some of the younger crowd were there and we endeavored to stir ourselves up by playing “Hide and Go Seek,” exploring the garret, etc. Finally we took pillows, at least I did, out on the grass and stretched out full length on the grass. I was awfully comfortable but Gladys, Dorothy and Allen pestered me to death. Gladys and I went home together and I walked up the road a little way with her. She certainly is the dearest girl. We met John and he is too tired from the sailing party to go to the corn roast. The boys arrived about seven and started down to the beach to collect wood for the fire. I went up stairs to get my coat and while I was gone Frances departed to Parsons to meet Marian so I waited and waited for her to come back. Finally Mrs. Herrick appeared and said she had met Frances and she said she wasn’t going to the roast. I was provoked as she might have taken the trouble to tell me. Gretchen, Mrs. Herrick and I walked down to the beach and from their description of the sailing party I imagine they didn’t have a howlingly good time. There was no wind and they had to use the motor all day. We all hauled wood when we got there and Mr. Herrick and I got got some dandy wood under the bath-house. We also tried to get into Edward’s place to get some drinkables but couldn’t find the key or force a lock so went back empty handed. The beach fire was about the prettiest one we’ve had this season and we all sat around it and talked. Finally when it burned low, we beat it out a little and roasted the corn in the embers and we certainly had a bully evening. Miss Smith and Mr. Warnick strolled off together and as everyone was tired from sailing all 50
day, we broke up a little after ten and left the beach and Miss Smith and Mr. Warnick in the bargain. Wednesday August 1th 1906 Rain this morning and it’s so provoking as it’s my last whole day and then too, two East Hampton men were to come over to play tennis against “Skidde” and another player. Went to the club early and then after playing a few fool games like “Puss in the Corner” we went to the beach. Gemini but wasn’t it rough but nevertheless Mr. Harter took me out. We waited until an enormous one broke then we rushed into the waves before the next. However, we couldn’t get out beyond them all and when huge mountains would come and break over us and we had to go through them, it certainly took all my courage. Once we got out beyond our depth and Mr. Harter Had an awful time to get us in but a huge wave helped us along. Then another breaker dashed us apart but I finally rose O.K. We took several more but I was about exhausted when we came in however I couldn’t bear to leave as I knew I only had one more day so stayed in about 15 minutes more. The rain still kept up in the afternoon but we got just desperate so I suggested donning old clothes and going to South Hampton to meet Edith and the Kerrs. We met Cornelia on our way and told her to come so she tore home for her hat and money and we rushed on to the station. When we got there the train had been in several minutes and we had been running so we were breathless. Finally we spotted Cornelia way down the road and asked the baggage man how soon before we would start and when he said, “One minute” I was sure Cornelia would never make it. However, I cooed to her and let the conductor see was trying to make it as he held the train and Cornelia made it but I’ve never seen such a wreck, hat on one side, scarlet face, and bushed. Everyone in the car was amused. When we got to Southampton we took the stage and did some shopping, bought postals, got ice-cream and 51
put in our time the sauntered back to the station. We planned to get way up the platform and get in the first car and after the train started walk through and surprise them but it didn’t work for they were in about the first car and spotted us. How our tongues did rattle. Took the auto when we got to ‘Gansett and all were waiting at the Sea View to see them. We went up and got dressed and had supper, then about 8:30 went over to the Geography Party. We were late and we found it in full swing. Some of the cities were fine but I was unusually stupid and didn’t guess half. I tried to introduce Edith to everyone but it was hard work. Afterwards we all danced and had lots of fun. Edith and I talked after we got in bed until about two o’clock. Thursday August 2nd 1906 Rain again this morning. A crowd were going to Sag Harbor with Mr. Dexter but didn’t on account of the storm as we all went to the station to say good-by. He was kind of blue but we all did our best to cheer him up. After he had departed we took the auto home. Handy and Bailey got there too later. Three cheers!! Went to the beach early for our final bath. I had a dandy time but wish Edith could have gone in but her cold was too severe. They sat under the arbor and “Skidde” sat down near the waves. He didn’t go in either. I had to come in early and get dressed and then went up to the Hotel to finish packing and get dressed. When I came down in the parlor I found all the crowd waiting to go to the station. “Skidde” sang “Gipsy Sweetheart” and that almost floored me. I couldn’t eat hardly a thing for dinner as I was so blue about leaving but when I came out in the hall and saw everyone assembled to say goodbye, I could hardly keep up. I finally managed to say farewell and then all the young people piled into the stage with me to go 52
to the station. My train was about 15 minutes late but as I, in the excitement, had forgotten all about my trunk, Skidde and I hustled around and had it expressed, and then we talked until the train came. I said good-by to them all and boarded the train, Mr. Herrick helping me on, and then just as the train was moving out, they hit up “Good bye Little Girl, good-by” and never have I felt so blue. How I did hate to leave them all and just thought of them all day long. I wrote to Edith on the train and mailed it in Long Island City then took the ferry and managed to catch the 5:30 train home. Papa didn’t expect on that train so I took a cab home and found Papa had a patient but soon he came up and I certainly was glad to see him, but goodness, if I’m not blue and homesick for ‘Gansett. They’re all up at Amy’s tonight and I bet having a bully time. If I could only have seen Frank my summer would have been complete. Actual manuscript from which this volume was transcribed includes the signature of Miss Deyo. All of the diaries have news clippings and other ephemera which provide evidence of events which she records.
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iBalmville Tree iiSt. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church established in 1860 iiiHendrick Hudson steamboat built in Newburgh, NY. ivCornwall Military Academy in now NY Military Academy vIce Skating Rink. viThomas Edison Power House on Montgomery Street vii Kenneth Cameron viii Broadway Play starring Ethel Barrymore. ixAstor Hotel xMarvel’s Yard located on waterfront was a shipbuilding dock xiBalmville Tree xiiFamous actress