Grandma and Grandpa Cox lived on a farm in Wood Co. Ohio. Their lives were full with the comings and goings of their children and grandchildren who lived nearby. The families of Grandpa's brothers were also frequently involved in their farming world. Grandma's people lived farther away, in Kansas.
The farm is relatively quiet in December in northwest Ohio. This is the time to get away, no planting or thrashing or canning to be done at this time of the year, just a time to keep warm by the gas stove or bundle up and ride up to the neighbors in the bobsled.
This year Christmas would be different- John and Naomi took a trip that would take them to Columbus and Stafford Kansas to visit her sister and brother and their families.
Grandma had a nice sized diary in 1914 with a entry place even for a note about the weather and the temperature.
Sat. Dec. 19, 1914 Nice 20A
We got our trunk ready and the boys took it up in the car this P.M. and got our tickets to Columbus. I went up town with Pa this afternoon did a little more trading and went to Mansons a little while, Aunt Em is better is around at work again.
We went to Johns awhile but she had gone to Toledo to stay all night to Ethels. They have all given us such nice Xmas presents things we can use in our trip, from Clydes, a shirt and tie for Pa and kid gloves and diary for me. from Ethels a nightshirt shirt for Pa and felt slippers from R.E. box with socks tie etc and box of stationary for me, Johns a lovely corset cover, Jason a dandy pocket book for each.
(Note: Manson is John's brother; Em is Manson's wife. John, Ethel, Clyde, R.E. (Ralph), and Jason are Naomi's children.)
Sun. Dec. 20, 1914 Toledo Nice 18
We all came down to Ethels for dinner and had a nice day together we went to B.G. in the car and left it in the Garage and they all went back this evening and will go home in it tonight, but we will stay here and start to Hatties in the morning. Clydes staid and spent the evening before going home.
Anna was quite sick and had to go to bed for awhile couldn't eat dinner with the rest. Jasons brought their things over and will stay with Ralph while we are away.
(Note: B.G. is Bowling Green, OH and Anna is son John's wife.)
Mon. Dec. 21, 1914 Good
We got started on the 7-30 train this A.M. and got as far as Fort Wayne, Ind. about 11 and had to wait till about 3 P.M. then started to St. Louis and didn't get in there till 1 o'clock and will have to stay here till 9 in the morning.
The weather has been pretty good and we have enjoyed the trip so far quite it wasn't all together tiresome we had quite a bit of fun there were a couple of college boys on that made it lively for us. There was also a young woman that was going to meet her husband in Misouri, and was awful glad to get with us.
Tues. Dec. 22, 1914 Good
We didn't get started from St. Louis till about 10 this A.M. and got into Monett about 6 and never got out till about 11 o'clock it seemed awful tedious waiting so long but we got our suppers then went to two picture shows so we only had to wait about a hour then we never got into Columbus till 3 o'clock, Hattie was at the Depot to meet us and took us home in the bus.
It seemed funny to leave so much snow and not find any here nor in St. Louis. Helen has got to be a very lovely girl.
Wed. Dec. 23, 1914 Rainy
We were very tired last night and slept late and have been resting today. Pa went round a little, to look around, Helen has been busy getting and wrapping presents for everybody. Hattie put in some china to burn or fire rather, some for herself and some for others, she has a roomer Mr. Towsley a very nice young man a music teacher, he ate dinner with us today. Hattie is talking some of going out to Toms with us a few days.
Thurs. Dec 24, 1914 Cooler
Pa and I went over town this A.M. and got a few things. Helen went back to school this A.M. for awhile to take her test then has been very busy doing up presents and getting others again and receiving any amount of them. We all went to the Church tonight to the Cantata given by the children it was very nice.
Hattie took us round some and into her new store room where there is a sort of department store of 5 and 10 it is very nice.
Fri. Dec. 25, 1914 Cool
Christmas has passed off very pleasantly and quietly Hattie had a dandy turkey dinner and had Charlie Parmenter's family and Mother Parmenter all over.
Helen went home with the children right after dinner to skate and play. and we visited till evening. Tom Parmenter brought his Mother over and came for her as his horse was shod They have asked us over.
Sat. Dec. 26, 1914 Fine
It has been thawing a little and the crossing are read bad but will soon be better to get round now. Pa has been round a good bit looking at the town Helen didn't get back till this P.M. and she was so disappointed because she didn't get to skate that her mother let her go with a larger girl to their lake and Pa went with her and saw the lake. Hattie took me and went over and packed her china she had in a store for sale, a good deal was sold besides a big traveling bagful that Pa carried and she and I each carried some and it's all so pretty. We all went to a picture show tonight.
Sun. Dec 27, 1914 Fine
I can't keep track of the temperature here as there is no thermometer. Pa walked round awhile this A.M. then after dinner Tom Parmenter came and took us over there and we staid for supper.
Mrs. P. came over for supper too and we had to promise to visit her and Charlies folks tomorrow.
A couple of women called on Hattie one used to work for her when Helen was quite small.
Mon. Dec 28, 1914 Rainy
Charlie Parmenter came over and took us over there for the day, that is Pa, myself and Helen, Hattie had to do a lot of runing round on business at Mineral, Scammon and I don't know where all she has so much to see to and is getting ready to go to Tom's with us.
We had a very nice visit with Charlies family and the old lady she took us over to her house after dinner they are all situated very nice in good new houses. Mr Towsley went rabbit hunting and came in about 7-30 wet to the hide with 6 dandy rabbits, it rained nearly all day but he took a warm bath and drink of hot sling and went to bed.
Tues. Dec. 29, 1914 Colder
It quit raining and has frozen some this morning. Hattie had quite a lot of work to do again today settling some of her bills and paying her taxes etc etc, and is also having some sewing done for Helen to go away. I did a little washing. Pa finished reading a book I got at St. Louis "The Secret Garden" Burnetts. then he took a stroll round town this afternoon.
Wed. Dec. 30, 1914 Nice
Our stay here is about over we are all hustling to get ready to start have packed the trunk and a man will be after it at five o'clock.
Hattie and Helen are packing and getting some sewing and milinery work done.
Pa took quite a trip and today and saw the country. We got a nice letter from Toms folks.
Thur. Dec. 31, 1914 Stafford Fine
We got started this morning about 9-20 and had a nice trip and good weather Hattie had brought a nice lunch for dinner, then we had to wait at Burton about 2 hrs so got a lunch and started on to Stafford at 6-40 and got here about 8-30.
Uncle Tom and Aunt Elvira were there to meet us with a bus it was too full however for all to ride so Uncle Tom and John walked and got home before we did.
Ruby and Gertie staid at home and had supper ready a very nice supper to, O it is so nice here and they are so nicely fixed and so good to us. I know we will have a lovely visit.
Fri. Jan. 1, 1915
We've had a great day at Toms Lawsons family Sam's and Earnests and McFaddens were all here. Tonight Pa and the girls all went to the moving picture show. Hattie went home with Earnests folks Has pictures taken.
Sat. Jan. 2, 1915
Tom and Elvira took us all over town today through their stores and business places. Earnests brought Hattie back this P.M. then Sam and Orra took us and Tom all out to their place tonight on their machine, They all have cars. We're having a dandy visit.
Sun. Jan. 3, 1915
Orra had the big day today, such a dinner as she had, Toms, Lawsons, Emery's Bessies and Earnests were all here 29 in all. Tom, Elvira and Hattie staid at Lawson and Emerys where where we will gather tomorrow. Its lovely weather.
Mon. Jan. 4, 1915
This has been another great day They all gathered at Lawsons except Bessies and Earnests. They all went home tonight but John and I and Helen, she wanted to stay. The children went over to Emerys tonight but we and Lawsons have had quite a visit.
Tues. Jan. 5, 1915
Lawson's and Sams brought us and all came over to Toms for dinner then took their machines and drove round and had a group picture of five taken, Tom, Elvira, Hattie, John and myself. Hattie is getting ready to go home. Jessie came home today, but went back tonight to Wichita.
Wed. Jan. 6, 1915
Hattie went home this A.M. and it seems rather quiet but its too bad to go out any as it snowed last night so are having a quiet visit I wrote some letters. Pa and Tom and the girls all went to the show tonight.
Thurs. Jan. 7, 1915
We washed a little this A.M. then Pa and Elvira went to a missionary meeting and wanted me to go and we had a nice time a fine program and refreshments afterward Pa and Tom went round town some and brought proofs home they are very good.
Fri. Jan. 8, 1915
Earnest came this evening and took us out to his place in his machine, we've been ironing and crocheting etc today. I'm not feeling so very good am quite lame with rheumatism.
Sat. Jan. 9, 1915
We've had a nice visit here at Nettie Ernest had to go away and butcher this A.M. Pa went with him, I took quite a tumble P.M.
Sun. Jan. 10, 1915
It stormed quite hard last night and this A.M. so the folks couldn't come here for their big dinner today but we had a nice visit and a dandy dinner then toward evening Earnest and Nettie brought us over to Toms. We went to church tonight with Toms and E.
Mon. Jan. 11, 1915
It was so bad Earnests staid all and went back early this A.M. in time for his school, I have just staid in and rested all day and Ruby and I have been working out some new crochet patterns. Mrs. Satterfield came in tonight with her crochet and we had quite a bee.
Tues. Jan. 12, 1915
Sam and Orra came down after us this afternoon to spend a few days with them, Ruby came out with us and we've all surely had a lively evening. Orra picked out a new pattern i the midst of the talk and noise.
Wed. Jan. 13, 1915
We all went over to Emery's to their big dinner all the family gathered there but Earnests, Alta's parents were there too. We came back here to Sams again, Gertie came along Ruby went home. Emery has a very sick horse. Bessie came tonight.
Thur. Jan. 14, 1915
Orra entertained the Ladies Aid today. they all brought their work had a very pleasant time. Sam, Ruth, Gertie and Pa went to Stafford to the Farmers Institute today. Jesse came home tonight Bessie is here too.
Fri. Jan. 15, 1915
Jesse and Sams took us all round the country today over in Pratt Co. Jesse is a good driver its his business. We came home ate dinner then went over to Stafford but came back as we were going over to Lawsons in the A.M. they killed two big jack rabbits this A.M.
Sat. Jan 16, 1915
My how it stormed last night and is still at it this A.M. so we can't go to Lawson's don't know how it will wind up will know later. Tonight still finds us here the roads are blockaded also the mail carrier can't get through. Are having a good time though.
Sun. Jan. 17, 1915
Lawson came over for us in the wagon in time for dinner, the weather is real nice now but for the drifts in the road. Emery and Alta were here for dinner.
Mon. Jan. 18, 1915
Lawson's and we went over to Emery's in the wagon today its just a little ways. Ruby phoned tonight that we've a letter and card Will go in as soon as the roads are fit.
Tues. Jan. 19, 1915
This has been a nice quiet day the men all went to a sale and Fannie and I worked at our fancy work. I'm crocheting a bib for little John. The weather is nice and the roads getting broke.
Wed. Jan. 20, 1915
Lawson and Fannie brought us back to Stafford and we're going to arrange to go home soon as possible A letter from Ethel says Doris has been very sick. Nettie and Ernest came and staid tonight to visit.
Thurs. Jan. 20, 1915
Ernest went back this A.M. but Nettie staid over. I have been getting ready to go home in the morning and Pa went up and got the tickets. I am so glad to get started home again. I get so tired of visiting so long. Orra's came.
Fri. Jan. 22, 1915
We finally got started and got as far as Kan City till night, now it will take till morning to get to Chicago. We've had a fine day to travel.
Sat. Jan. 23, 1915
We arrived in Chicago about 8-30 this A.M. got a nice warm breakfast and started on to Toledo arrived here about 4-30 went to Ethel and staid, Hazel phoned to Clydes and they'll come over dinner tomorrow.
(Note: Ethel and Clydes family live in Toledo. Hazel is Ethel's oldest child)
Sun. Jan. 24, 1915
Clydes came over and we went home with them to stay tonight Little John is sure getting fine. We feel a little tired but so glad to get back among the children again, Baby Doris is better again.
(Note: LIttle John is Clyde's baby and Doris is Ethel's baby. Little John is my Uncle John)
Mon. Jan. 25, 1915
Here we are at home again the boys took up a load of clover seed and met us at the train. They got the furniture from Quincy's and shipped Clydes bookcase to him and brought his table home they met us with the bobsleds.
And so ends the trip of John Hughes and Naomi Esther Deselm COX
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