Diary, 1917

Containers:

Box 1, Folder 15

Scope and content:

Ruth writes much about her relationship with Frank Richards; they talk of marriage, but he resists during wartime; he eventually enlists and goes off to camp. War preoccupies everyone; Ruth joins the Red Cross; her brother Harold gets a military position in Washington, DC; after marrying Lucille Thomas in July, brother Lyman is drafted, transfers to various camps, and eventually gets a position in Washington with Harold. Ruth researches, writes, and reads two papers to her Government Science Club, attends a King's Daughters convention in Terre Haute, and participates in a 'pageant'. Financial concerns cause Ruth and her mother to rent out their house and move temporarily into a room near the city, before leaving to spend 2½ months on vacation in Leland, MI. They return to their house in Indianapolis but think of selling it. Ruth visits her brother Lyman when he is in camp near Louisville. She complains about fatigue and nerves, spends time in bed with a 'cold on [her] lungs', and suffers a sprained rib caused by coughing. Loose sheets, lined, three-hole punched, 5 x 7¾ inches, partially held together by string. Various items are glued in: newspaper clippings, a program, ticket stubs, an invitation, a postcard, a calendar.

Access and use