December 11-15, 1911- Avant, Oklahoma

1911- Avant, Oklahoma

Monday, December 11
Sunshiny again.  Edgar got us up real early.  Got breakfast.  Scrubbed kitchen and porch really well before I came to town.  Not real busy.  Went by Maudies for Lucile.  Mrs. Morris was in and wanted me to the show and rink with her but nix.

Tuesday, December 12
Came down early.  Edgar got us up early again.  Geo was in the store awhile.  Got a card from Ellery.  Stanley paid my way into the show.  Went to the show by myself.  Geo came down here after I had gone.  Show was pretty good- vaudeville.  Mrs. Robinson was sick.  Dad went there.  The three girls stayed with us.

Advertisement from the Avant Hustler

Wednesday, December 13
Lovely day.  Business a little better.  Juanita came to town with Papa.  George was in about 11.  Juanita stayed at the drug store with him all a.m.  Vaudeville again tonight.  I got Dad to go.  Geo came after me.  We went about 8:30.  Show real good. "Xmas Turkey" WE went by rink a few minutes.

Thursday, December 14
Edgar got us up early again.  "Topsy" was in after school.  She and Mr. Davis came by and just "begged"me to go to the show with them.  Florence Phillips went to the show too.  She had been in here a long time.  Stanley joined us.  Old Fred Hare just begged me to skate so I took him up.  Stanley skated too.  We came by West's and got coffee.

Friday, December 15
Cloudy.  Bummed all day.  To Hamricks and Bazaar.  Ate lunch at noon with Davis.  After supper, Dad went out to stay with Mama. I had to stay here and close up.  Geo came after me to go to Miss Suttons party.  We waited until about 8:30.  Raining when we left.  Big bunch of kids and married folks.  Very good time. Geo didn't want to go in.  We left first.  Skated awhile.  Ruth came today.  Stan took her to the party.

Charles "Shelley"Jones aka "The Colonel" Week #15- 52 Ancestors

Charles Shelley Jones was my Twice Great-Uncle.  He was the older brother to my Great-Grandmother, Trixie.  The most that I know of him was his younger days tho my Grandmother told me somewhat about him as an adult.  He eventually moved to the Cincinnati, Ohio area and remained there (except for summertime visits to Oklahoma) the rest of his life.

My family called him "Shelley" and his wife, children and grandchildren referred to him as "The Colonel" due to his rank in the Army.  He was one of the very early graduating classes of Oklahoma State University which back then was Oklahoma A&M.  Besides being a track star, he studied electrical engineering and became an engineer.  He joined the Army and served in WWI.

Shelley had numerous professional accomplishments during his career.  I think most of his family remains in Ohio.

Shelley and his Sister, (my Great-Grandmother) Trixie.  This was right before he left for WWI.

Annie Jones, Dr. EA Jones, Shelley and his wife Anna.  Anna's face was distorted in the pic,  He was married for a short time to Anna and then it ended abruptly.  I am not sure what happened.  I do know that Trixie and family loved her dearly.
He later remarried and had a family.  

More from WWI

A really interesting photo.

More WWI photos.

A bunker- so interesting.  This was sometime during WWI

Shelley and his Dad, Dr. EA Jones.  Can't you tell how proud Papa Jones was of his eldest son.
I think the look on his face says so much.

Shelley, Dinty and their daughters

Shelley's daughter

Shelley and his daughter.

More about Aunt Mary and the Waco, Texas Ewings.........

These are a couple of letters from Aunt Mary and her Daughter, Orvetta.  They had written to Trixie after the Waco visit.  Trixie saved the Beverly Hill Baptist Church program from her visit as she had attended church with Aunt Mary, Orvetta and family.

Letter from Aunt Mary Jones-Ewing.  

Add caption

Letter from Orvetta- Aunt Mary's daughter and Trixie's cousin.  

December 1-10, 1911- Avant, OK

Avant, OK- 1911

Friday, December 1
Another beautiful day.  Not much biz tho.  Went to rink and skated awhile- collected some.  Ruth and Mary both came in today.  Ruth, Geo and Lucile tried to plan a trip to Lombard Pie Supper but didn't.  Papa went home about 5:30- sick stomach hurting him.  He and Mama retired early.  I stayed here.  Lucile and Stanley went to the show.  I wrote to Mary.  Geo came after me about 8.  Closed up pretty soon and went to show too- full house.  Old man Claridy sat right behind us.  Went by rink just a minute and then on home.  Beat Stan and Lucile home.  Got washing machine.

The handsome Geo (George) Gideon.

Saturday, December 2
Such a pretty day.  No trade at all.  Went down to see Ruth and she came back with me.  We bummed around. Buford joined.  Juanita and Mayo ran off down here.  She looked like a little beggar.  After supper, Dr. Beeler and Mary came in.  They, Lucile and Meryl and I watched free open air show.  Then they all went to the show.  Wanted me to but I stayed at the store.  Nobody in though.  Read and wrote in diary.  Went home by show to get Lucile.  Went to drug store and got soap and powder.

Juanita and I think that is Shelley.

Sunday, December 3
Pretty day.  Went to SS and church.  Ruth, Buford, Maudie, Carl, John Brocker and I sat together.  Geo and I drove till about 5:30.  Dandy time.  Got some pecans.  Could hardly find road.  Lucile, Myrl, Erma and Mrs. Kenny rode horse back.  Mrs. Davidson came about 7 for me to go over song with her.  Geo came about 7:30.  We went to church.  Dad and Lucile went too.  Most beautiful moonlight night.  Saw a black cat of course.  Preacher preached so long.  Kicked at a dog- disgusted everyone.  I played song for Mrs. D.  "Tell Mother I'll be There."  Stanley went to Ramona to meet Sutton.

Not sure about the names but thought it was an interesting photo.

Monday, December 4
Pretty day.  Got breakfast and washed dishes.  Came down about 9.  Came by Mrs. Ed Jones (not her brother, Ed) for a lady.  Got a letter from Ellery.  Geo phoned about 6 and wanted to go to the show.  Man from Davenport here- he and Dad on trade.  Lucile and I would hate to leave Avant.  I ate chicken at Gardner's.   Stanley came in and said Miller's wife was sick and Geo couldn't get off.  Disappointed.  Went to rink with Mary, Mrs. Morris and Hamrick.  In pm, Ocie Dunoway and I were over to rink and skated.  Cleaned up store real good.

School children

Tuesday, December 5
Another pretty day.  Mama still feels bad.  I got breakfast and washed dishes.  Came down after 9.  Not very busy.  Went to PO- 2 or 3 times.  Mama and Juanita were down- found Juanita in drug store twice.  Geo was in just before I went to dinner.  He said we should go to the show and we did of course.  Was going to tell Geo about letter but I didn't.

Wednesday, December 6

Juanita Jones.  Cute as always.

Nothing doing much- pretty day.  After dad and I cleaned up, went by drug store and looked at xmas goods.

Thursday, December 7
Mama feels really bad- isn't able to do anything.  I got breakfast and washed the dishes.  Go up early and get dinner and so on.  Geo walked part way with me as I was going to supper and made a date for the show.  After the show, we came by the rink and had a lot of fun.  One fellow was learning and could hardly get Geo to come home.  He had started to leave and I asked him if he didn't want to hear the secret I had to tell him.  So we had quite a chat at the gate and I told him about the letter.  Dad stuck his head out of the door and we skidadled.  Ha! Ha! Lucile gave it all away.  Wrote to Ellery.

Some of the Jones plus Aunt Lulu

Friday, December 8
Same old story got breakfast, rushed around to come to town.  Back and got dinner, etc..  Geo called me up about noon.  ASked what was said. Ha!   Went to rink and skated awhile.  Had just retured when Geo came over.  I was standing in the back door.  He looked kind of shy at dad.
Went to church with Mrs. Snider.  Got awful sleepy.  None of the rest had made it home.  I felt bad- Mama sick and Dad.  I went to Jess Jones and phoned Lucile and Dad but they weren't home.

Saturday, December 9
Raining.  Didn't come down until after 10.  Went to depot with Lucile.  She went to Pawhuska to get basketball suits.  Very muddy.  Ate chili at Gardners.  Geo was in a few minutes at noon. Dad had to go to 75.  Pouring down rain.  I was so lonesome and blue.  Sutton came in about 3 and satyed a long time.  It simply poured for about 2 hours.  We went to drug store.  Geo made date for the show.  Sutton and I waded mud and water to PO.  Lucile came back from Pawhuska.  We ate chili at Gardners.  Papa went out to stay with Mama.  She has been alone all day.  She feels awfully bad.  Geo came about 8 and we went to the show.  Real good.  Sure was muddy going home. I had on boots but he didn't.

Sunday, Decmeber 10
Sun shining so bright and pretty.  The mud is drying up.  Went to SS and church.  Byron took note to town for me.  Geo came out about 4.  Almost gave him out.  We had started for a walk but Dad drove up so we got in and went for a little drive.  We came back at 7:30 and went to church.  I had to play.  Stanley sat by us.  He took it.

Private Letters Blog

It has now come to the time that I am almost finished adding Trixie's diary.  Next, I will be adding a very large collection of family letters.  The letters are from WWI era all the way up to Trixie's older years.   Some I will add to this public blog but others are of a more private nature and I will add them to a private family blog.  If you are a member of the Gideon family and would like to have access to read the private letters blog, just send me an email and I will make sure you are included.  My email address is jillann2009@gmail.com

Thanks so much!

Avant, OK- Fire of 1912

November 11-30, 1911- Avant, OK

Avant, OK- 1911

Saturday, November 11
Very warm until about 1 o'clock.  Pawhuska football bunch came in on local.  Everyone excited- I went up about 11. I had Lucile get ready- she was cleaning house.  Felt bad- was hot and tired.  We came down about one.  George phoned and wanted to know if I wanted to go to the game.  He came out and we took Juanita.  It turned cold suddenly and nearly everyone froze.  Game 10-0 in P's favor.  Saw Clara Merkee. Maudie Care and I kept trying to get behind Geo to keep warm.  All went to train with them.  Getting colder and colder.  Snowed after supper.  Edgar went home with me.  Mrs. Burke, Gowland and Ida Anderson roasted me good about Geo.  Not much trade today.  Wrote to Ellery.

Juanita and Mama Jones

Sunday, November 12
Real cold.  Juanita and I went to s.s.  and to church.  I had to play.  Lucile and hiked out and came to town in the pm.  We went to Elleanor's.  After supper, she and I went to church.  Were late and had to play.  Looked for Geo but he went to Bigheart.

Juanita, Trix and Lucile

Monday, November 13
Still cool.  Geo joined Juanita and I as we were going to dinner.  Walked part way home with us.  Curly was in during am and accused me of being out walking Sunday night- told him nix!  Didn't go home to supper.  Papa had a call up to Hamericks awhile.  Mrs. Lackey was in a long time.  Also, Mrs. Darby came in.  Geo came in before she left.  We went to show then by rink.  Pictures were fine.  After I got home, I cooked a lot of junk and Dad, Stanley and I ate.  About 11:30 heard some shots- was nearly asleep.  We got up and Bakery was on fire.  We thought it was our store at first.  We all dressed and came down.  Big crowd.  Saw Geo.  He was working like a Turk.  Saw Lou Wilder- I used to know him from Sayre about 10 years ago.  Stan, Lucile and I went home.  Then we came back with mama.  Was about 1 when we retired.

Juanita Jones.  Isn't she cute!

Tuesday, November 14
Not much doing.  Went to bank, PO and so on.  Took some clothes to the woman that was burned out. Byron, Stan, Edgar and I went home about 9.  Went by drug store and got Cuticura Soap.
Click for info about Cuticura Soap

Wednesday, November 15
Business a little better.  Got letter from Ellery.  Weather warmer.  Geo called up about 5 and asked if I wanted to go to the party at Simmons.  Fred Hare was begging me to go to the show and rink.  Dr. Beeler came along with Geo to go with but Mr. Griffith went with her.  We knew we were stung as soon as we got there.  Nobody else came but boys and Lina Hurley.  Big mess but I laughed and laughed.  They worked tricks and so on.  Geo said he could "work Tricks"- ha!  Didn't get home until about 12.  Beautiful day- Wilda was in- we bummed.

Thursday, November 16
Skated in pm.  Wilda was in. Biz was pretty good.  Several in but sales didn't go over $35 tho.  Geo was in just after I came back from supper.  He walked down to pie supper with us.  I stayed at the store and let dad go to the show.  Fred Hare got my pie.  He asked me to go to the rink and wanted to take me out home.  But I said - Nix!  Thought we were not going to have a big crowd but finally did take over $20 for football boys.  Dad came home with us.  Geo was out there but skedaddled.

Byron (when he was older) and some Avant Baseball men.  

Friday, November 17
Cool again.  No biz at all.  Rather windy.  Geo walked part way home with me.  We went to the show and to the rink.  Lucile went to the rink with Griffith.  Geo and I went to Old Man Towers and had some chili.  After we got home we had quite a chat. ring and so on.  Lucile even knocked on door to fool us.

Saturday, November 18
Such a pretty day.  Kids and a big bunch went to Pawhuska- Football.  I went to train.  I was just sick as because I didn't go.  Wilda was in and we skated awhile.  Got rather busy about 4.  Football gang got back at 6.  Defeated again.  Papa and Mama went to chicken supper and then Geo came and he and I got there  too late for chicken but had a good supper.  Mama and Lucile went to the show.  Went by rink a few minutes.

Trixie

Sunday, November 19
Went to SS and church.  About 3- Mrs. Davis, Miss Sutton, Lucile, Griffith, Geo and I walked out to Collins.  We took a few pictures.  Found persimmons and had a good time.  They came back to go to church but Griffith was so late.  When we got there he was preaching so we came back.  They all stayed until about 9:30. Papa left on the 6 train for Sayre.

Monday, November 20
Stayed at home until about 11.  Came down and got something for dinner.  Not very busy- last day of the sale.  Geo called at 6:30.  We went to show and rink.  We came out home about 10.  Mama hadn't come yet.  I was afraid Stan wouldn't go by for her so I made Byron get up and dress and come down with me.  They were just closing up.  Skated in PM.  Hare got Mable, Ruth, Wilda and me to go.

Edgar in the first Jones family car.  Not much room for the family! ha.

Tuesday, November 21
I cleaned up good at home and then Juanita and I ate lunch and came down. Griffith was in several times.  2:37 train was about 5 hours late so he couldn't leave until about 7.  Took Juanita to barber shop and had her hair cut.  Took her picture and mailed film to Boag.  Mama and I stopped by rink a little while.

Juanita Jones- The back says "35 seconds".
 I have a feeling they hung the swing and then she only sat in it a very short time. ha!

Wednesday, November 22
Not very busy.  Pretty day.  Wilda was after noon.  We bummed.  Hare wanted me to go to rink again but was busy.  Lucile and I went up the street looking for Juanita.  She was in the drug store on Geo's lap.  He hiked when we looked in the window.  He called me later and explained.  Lucile, Stanley, Byron and teachers (and a bunch) when to Lombard school home to a pie supper.  Rained.  We closed up real early.  I still have an awful cold.

Geo and Juanita

Thursday, November 23
Mama didn't come to town in a.m. I cleaned up and wrote to Mr. Pinkerton.  I sent him and El a card.  Geo was in about 2 and made a date for the show.  I didn't go home to dinner or supper.  Miss Sutton and Miss Sturgil came by to go to Davidson's Bible study and by rink a minute.  Real cool.  He wanted to tell me something at the gate.

Friday, November 24
Came down early and wrote in diary.  Felt bad- just sat around awhile.  Carl West was over awhile.  Sold him a pair of corduroy pants.   Wrote to Ellery.  Was writing when Geo came in.  Looked for Mr. Warden on the 11:30.  He was to come with his ready made goods.  Geo left when train came in.  was in later also.  Ladies in all day asking about dresses.  Mr. W. didn't come in until 6.  Miss Sutton and Lucile went to the rink.  We were all sitting in here and Geo came in.  Didn't stay but a minute.  Mama said he called me up while I was at supper.

Geo and his brother, Ray as little boys.  They were once in a wagon with their Mom, Amanda Frances, and she had to out run Indians chasing them. True story!

Saturday, November 25
Pretty day.  Ladies in to see suits, etc.  Wore Stanley's black jersey.  Went up to bank 2 times in the a.m.  Wilda and I went to PO.  Miss Sutton, Stan and I were planning to go to supper at Oil City.  She and I drove to Brockers.  She was going to ask John.  Also Geo but we gave it up.  I thought maybe Geo was going to Ramona.  He called up about 7 and we went to the show and rink.

Sunday, November 26
Pretty day.  Went to SS and then to store.  Dad came home at 11:30.  Stanley, Miss Sutton and Lucile drove all p.m. I waited until 3:30 for George- we took a little walk.  He came back at 7:15 to go to church.  Big crowd.  Moon shone so pretty.  Mama is sick today.

Monday, November 27
Woke up early - cloudy and cool.  Began to snow in p.m.  Not much biz- marked up and rearranged jewelery.   Went to PO and got letter from Ellery.  Surprised that he answered so soon.  Card from Ruth Lackey and Mr. Griffith.  Pictures from Boag.  Went up home about 5:30.  Snowing and cold.  Getting worse.  After supper, Lucile and I went to Sutton's and Strugils.   Mama felt bad and every kid was on a tare.  Especially Juanita and Lucile.

Annie Jones, Juanita, Trixie

Tuesday, November 28
Got up early and got breakfast.  Not very busy at the store.  Very cold, snowing all day.  When I got back at noon, Geo was in here trying to buy some bunting.  Didn't stay long.   I got letter off to Boag for pictures.  I came back after supper.  Not much doing.

Wednesday, November 29
Still cold.  Papa blue and feeling bad.  Mama and Juanita both sick.  Lucile came down after supper with Papa.  He didn't come in here with her.  Went home by rink.  Then Stan and I came over and got some stuff for tomorrow.  Geo was out in front when we passed.  They are still marking up xmas goods.  Wrote to Ellery in the a.m. Took it to the train.  Wilda left today.

Christmas card that was Trixie's from the early 1900's.

Thursday, November 30
Such a pretty day came down about 9.  Bummed with Sutton.  Drove up to dinner with Dad.  Then Lucile and came back and got some pickles and pies.  We went to 2:37 train with Sutton.  Then to PO and in to Hamricks.  They roasted me of course.  Got letters from McNown and Mary Powers.  Felt a little lonesome.  Ocie Dunoway, Fawn Hoffman, Erma Bee, Mary Crawford, Mrs. Harmrick and I went up to depot.  I weigh 144 lbs.  Geo called up while I was gone.  He called later to see if I wanted to go to a supper served by the Commercial Club.  We went up about 7:30 then to the show.  Started to church but we were too late.  After the show, he, Lucile and I went to the big dance.  Dr. Beeler joined us.  Stanley told Lucile she couldn't dance but she did anyway.  Big crowd.  Geo and I took Mrs. Hamrick home.  We went home about 12.  Ran a race. Geo beat us both.  Was worried about the way Papa did.