Keeping a diary- 2014 & 1936

Remember when I blogged about diaries & journals last year? (If you don't, I understand. Just click that link I put in 2 sentences ago & it will take you to the post.) Well, I have decided to get back to my diary with the help of my great-grandmother Irene Smith Dolton. I never knew her because she was born around 1880 & died a few years before I came into the world. Reading her diary is like a little glimpse into her life in Ludlowville (Town of Lansing), plus it has sparked conversations with my dad about his family.

But, you may be wondering how Irene is helping me get back on track with my diary. A few years ago, I thought it a great idea to post her diary entries in a blog. I had read another blog (which I can't seem to find now because there are many more out there) about a soldier in WWI. The ancestor was posting daily as if the soldier were writing them now. I thought I could do the same because I have one entire year, 1936, & no more. This would only be a year long commitment. So, now as I post one of Irene's entries every day, I then write in my diary. Hopefully, this will keep me on track for all of 2014 while I visit my great-grandmother in 1936.

Irene Smith Dolton's diary from 1936

If you are interested in reading the 1936 Dairy of Irene Smith Dolton, here is the link for the 1st entry. They are rather short, so have a glance.

Teaching US History in Unusual Ways

Long before companies like Honest Tea started putting quotes on their bottle caps, milk bottles came with history lessons.

I found these milk bottle tops in my grandmother's collection of stamps, first day covers, post cards & bicentennial memorabilia. I think they are neat & thought I would share for those people like my mom who actually remember these. But also for people like me & my daughter who have never seen them.

Milk bottle tabs- 1700s

Milk bottle tabs- 1800s

Of course, my favorite one is the 1920 Women's Suffrage Amendment tab below.  I have no idea what local dairies might have issued these. Any one out there remember?

Milk bottle tabs- 1900s

More on the history of milk in glass bottles.