Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County. In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Mabel, as she was known, kept a diary which New York Almanack is publishing each week. She is back in Adams for the summer, working at her father’s weekly newspaper, the Jefferson County Journal, and this week preparing for her friend’s wedding.
Monday, June 29
Worked at [newspaper] office in the morning. Bought towel for Edna [her sister] and collar for me to give Georgia. Post card from Jessie Barnes. In afternoon Edith gave a linen shower for Georgia.
We guessed names of magazines and I drew with Georgia for prize. I won but afterwards put it in her basket. After supper we tried to make paper hats over at Edith’s but finally gave up the idea. Louise and I walked down with Zoe.
Tuesday, June 30
Went down to office and at 11 the girls came for me to select ribbons for wedding. After dinner I went with Alma to get asparagus up at Spicer’s for the church. Trimmed the church until almost 6 and then went downstreet with Edith after gloves. To-night practiced at the church and afterwards Zoe, Louise and I tried to make ribbons. Miss Armstrong was here and made mine. Letter from Rollin [a suitor] this morning. Mr. Steele was buried this afternoon.
Wednesday, July 1
Miss Armstrong fixed my coronet ribbons to wear to the wedding. Alma took bridesmaids out to pick daisies for our boquets and later we made them under Louise’s apple tree. After dinner I was not permitted to help, so I lounged around until time to dress — wore my white silk. Gathered at Georgia’s before wedding and she gave us her picture. Georgia made a beautiful bride. Floyd Holley and I went together and managed to preserve our dignity. Had our pictures taken after the ceremony at reception. Threw some leaves and confetti. Louise & Edith & Helen came over after supper. Wrote names for Edith and Floyd to put with wedding cake.
Thursday, July 2
Sometime after 10 we went to take away the church decorations but Alma and Zoe had it nearly all done. Mother went on Study Club picnic up at Mrs. Harris’. After dinner Sarah made ginger snaps and we were late in finishing the dishes. Borrowed the McClure’s — it has stopped coming to us — of Auntie Brown and finished the “Wayfarers.” Went downstreet with Edna [her sister] to mail letters and buy meat. Wrote to Will Bailey. Went with Edith after aster plants and downstreet. Our 3rd cousin Bishop Van Buren is here to stay alnight. Mrs. Webster was taken to hospital at Syracuse; ill with appendicitis.
Friday, July 3
Mr. Braithwaite came before we were thru breakfast and sat down to eat with us. He told me interesting things about his boys’ club. We all took hold and cleaned the rooms and then Edna and I went down to Laura’s for dinner. Staid until after 4 and walked up with Alice. After supper Herb Waite took us automobiling up on the Center road to Talcotts. Afterwards went downstreet with Edith and Edna. Saw Herb Williams.
Saturday, July 4
Edna and I disagreed about work at cottage previous years and consequently I would not go with her and father. They started about 9:30. Turned up the bottom of my gingham dress and put together my embroidered corset cover. Put on my kimona after dinner and read Lorna Doone until 4. Cousin Fannie called and staid all night. Louise, Alma, Edith and I had tea up at Alma’s, each furnishing. Mr. Gilbert took flashlights of us.
Sunday, July 5
Went down and got in bed with mother. Took Sunday School teacher down to Nell before breakfast. Communion Sunday so mother went to Baptist church. Nell and I had charge of the primary. Cousin Fanny staid for dinner. Read Lorna Doone over in Louise’s hammock and then we made fudge — the best I ever made. Went to Baptist church to hear Edith play. Walked down with Jessie after she came up on Park Street. Father and Edna came home.
Photos: Mabel Allen; her sister Edna
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