Entries for January 31, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Tuesday, Jan 31, 1911
Practiced.  Slept.  Met Fran at 2:30.  Changed music.  Bo't H. B. a jabot for her birthday.  All in - "Tonsilita Rita."  Read a little.  In bed before nine!

IN RITA'S DAY:  Many things were happening in 1911.  Airplanes were for the first time taking pictures from the air, and they were also for the first time experimenting with dropping bombs.  Things were changing in the world for workers.  In Belgium, a law was passed giving miners a 9 hour day.  In England the first unemployment insurance.  In the U.S. big business was taking its first hits with anti-trust laws.  The Supreme Court broke up Standard Oil into Mobil, Exxon and Socal (see cartoon).  Even though a lot was happening, Rita almost never comments on any activities... probably because there wasn't even radio communication yet.  Still she may have been aware, but just didn't write such things in her journal.

Judy's Entry: Monday, Jan 31, 2011
Went out this morning to get Mom's watch fixed.  Bought her several puzzles on sale.  Came out of the mall and my car had a flat tire.  Of course I forgot my cell phone, but I borrowed one from a nice young woman and called AAA.  They sent someone to change tire and I dropped off the flat one at Tireman.  Went grocery shopping because the storm coming may last several days.  Practiced piano.  Mom made a pie.

TODAY:  Just like Rita, I don't comment on many world events in the journal entry, but this is a very monumental time in world history.  Another revolution is occuring in Egypt (I think there was one in 1919 too).  The U. S. has a dilemma because we have supported the "president" and his police state for 30 years, and yet the people there want freedom and that is the basis of our country!  I think sometimes the moral thing must trump the political.

Entries for January 20 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Monday, Jan 30, 1911
Took lesson.  Got along beautifully.  My concerto won't do -- is an American Edition.  Felt bum.  Practiced.  After dinner Mr. & Mrs. S. went out.  Who should come but Harry Faerber.  Stopped off between trains.  Dee-lighted!

IN RITA'S DAY:  Popular classical music that was published in 1911 is listed below.  Could the concerto Rita bought be the one by Nielsen?  It may be a coincidence because when I went to the Philharmonic yesterday, the final symphony on the program was by Nielsen (The four temperments).  I liked it very much and had never heard of him.  He was Danish.

• Joseph Achron - Hebrew Melody
• Frank Bridge - The Sea
• George Butterworth - Two English Idylls
• Frederick Delius - Summer Night on the River
• Reinhold Glière - Symphony No. 3 Ilya Murometz (completed)
• Enrique Granados - Goyescas
• Gustav Holst - Second Suite for Military Band in F
• Charles Ives - Requiem S. 333
• Nikolai Medtner - Sonata for Piano in E minor, Op. 25 no 2 "Night Wind"
• Nikolai Myaskovsky - Sinfonietta in A and Symphony No. 2 completed, Cello Sonata No. 1 (later revised in 1945) written.
• Carl Nielsen - Concerto for violin and orchestra
• Arnold Schoenberg - Sechs Kleine Klavierstücke
• Aleksandr Scriabin - Piano Sonata No. 6, Piano Sonata No. 7 written
• Igor Stravinsky - Petrushka
• Ethel Smyth - March of the Women

Judy's Entry: Sunday, Jan 30, 2011
After church, got bundled up and went out to shovel off the deck.  The snow was deep because I haven't cleared it since the first storm.  Since we are supposed to get even more bad weather on Tuesday AND Wednesday, I thought I'd better clean it off.  It exhausted me (or as Rita would say: "I was all in").  Mom made cookies and we did our art homework, which was taking a small object and drawing it 10 times larger.  I did a push pin.

TODAY: The concerto Rita bought cost her 50 cents, which was significant.  You would think it would be at least several dollars today, but you can actually download these old concertos for free because they are in the public domain.  The Internet is an amazing thing that has changed things so much in just the last decade.

Entries for January 29 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Sunday, Jan 29, 1911
Went to Wellington Ave. Congregational Church.  Nice to us.  Enjoyed ourselves.  Wrote letters.  At 4 went over to Church of New Jerusalem to see Rachel, Laura and Joe.  Read, wrote, played.

IN RITA'S DAY:  The Wellington Ave Church was built in 1910.  The first service in the new building was held in January of 1911 and was conducted in the room labelled Assembly and Sunday School Room.  This room was also used for theatrical performances.  The main sanctuary was used first in October of 1911 and by that time, Rita had graduated and was back in Iowa.

TODAY:  The church is now the Wellington Ave United Church of Christ and the room where Rita attended a service has been named Baird Hall and is the home to Timeline Theater group.   In 2010 they celebrated the 100 years of the church.

Judy's Entry: Saturday, Jan 29, 2011

Mom and I went to our drawing class for several hours this morning.  Class looks like it is going to be a good, interesting group of people.  After class we went shopping and stopped at McDonald's for salads.  In the afternoon, went to the library and practiced the piano.  Did a little work on art class homework. 

Entries for January 28 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Saturday, Jan 28, 1911
Exam in music history so I didn't go down town at all.  Practiced, got harmony, wrote home, amused Fran, etc.  Al and F. Z. came about 7:30 (7?).  We hadn't fussed up because we tho't we were going to the Hippodrome.  Instead saw Forbes-Robertson in "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" at the Garrick.  Sorry, for it was a fine chance to wear our good clothes.  Nice time.



Forbes-Robinson in silent film of stage play



IN RITA'S DAY:  Going to the Hippodrome was going to a vaudeville production and not as classy as going to see a stage play at the Garrick Theater.  Forbes-Robinson was quite famous in his day.  G.B.Shaw thought Forbes-Robinson portrayed Hamlet better than anyone.  In the play Rita saw, it seems that he was supposed to be a Christ figure, but at the time dealing with such a religious figure was something producers had to be very careful about.

Judy's Entry: Friday, Jan 28, 2011

Busy day.  Daughter was home so it was great to have some time to talk.  Made lunch then after got ready to go to the city to hear the NY Philharmonic.  Diane drove as usual and we found good, cheap parking.  Then walked 6 or 7 blocks to find the restaurant - a great Jewish deli named Fine and Schapiro.  Walking was sloppy.  Every corner had huge puddles of melted snow.  At least one third of the cars parked on the street were still buried in snow.  Garbage is starting to pile up, but still Lincoln Center was beautiful with the snow and trees covered in lights.  I enjoyed the two symphonies, one by Beethoven and the other by Nielson very much.  I could have done without the soprano in the middle.  Still, a most enjoyable evening.

Alan Gilbert directing the NY Philharmonic

TODAY: People really don't dress for concerts like the used to.  For example, Diane was wearing jeans and I was wearing the same shoes that I wore for snowshoeing.  Of course, the record breaking snow caused some of it. We did wear our necklaces and pins.  Alan Gilbert is a new director but he was great.  I read somewhere he will be making over a million  a year.  Probably worth it if he can bring back the audience.

Entries for January 27 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Friday, Jan 27, 1911
Home all day.  Practiced lots.  Slept a little Tin out to Helen's to study for exam.  Stayed for dinner.  I helped Fran dress for West Side dance with Joe.  Sherwood Scheeler here for dinner.  Mr & Mrs. S, Sherwood and I played whist till 11:30!  Fran home before we got to bed.

A whist marker made at the end of the 19th century

IN RITA'S DAY: Whist was extremely popular.  Not surprising that people would play all evening.

Judy's Entry: Thursday, January 27, 2011

Got over a foot of snow.  Fortunately, it stopped early in the morning and my son helped me shovel since he didn't have school.  Went to play Mah Jongg and thought of how Rita and her friends played Whist all evening.  We could all play MJ a long time, but I left first since my daughter is to spend the night tonight.



TODAY:  Whist, like many games, is played online.  I don't know anything about it, but maybe it is more popular in other countries rather than the US.  Above is a German version.





Entries for January 26 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Thursday, Jan 26, 1911
Harmony at 10.  Lesson about 11:45.  Played bum, but guess I'm getting along O.K.  Practiced.  Letters From Marge McC and Mother and Dad.  After dinner Fran and I took a walk.  Then she made a hat and I wrote to H.E.B.  Much gossip.  Tin cramming for an exam.

IN RITA'S DAY:  I am interested by some of the slang Rita uses in her diary.  She writes that she "played bum" which  is an expression not used that way today.  I found that the slang term "the bum's rush" was first used around 1910, and the phrase "I've got your number" became very popular around the same time, maybe partly because of the song (see above)...or maybe the song was written because the phrase was popular.  The other day in her entry, Rita wrote "O you tooth" (at least that is what it looks like).  I can't figure out what that means.

Judy's Entry: Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011
Theweather this morning was okay and I got some things to make soup.  Made a nice chicken vegetable soup.  Then the snow started.  No piano lesson today.  My daughter almost got into a crash going to work.  Her office called her cell to tell her that her patients cancelled, but she was already stuck on the roads. I'm getting a little cabin fever.  Glad to have Netflix.

TODAY:  Today instead of saying "Played bum" we might say "My playing sucked."  Another slang term now is saying "my bad" meaning "it is my fault."  The street slang for police right now is "po-po" and my 88 year old mother has gotten in the habit of saying it although the other day she said "poo-poo" instead!

Entries for January 25, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Wednesday Jan 25, 1911

Went down with Fran at 9 for orchestra.  Instead of going there, went with Fran to Art Institute.  Took in the whole school.  Met Lucina.  Very nice.  Practiced all afternoon.  Got harmony after dinner.  Read.





IN RITA'S DAY:  The Art Institute of Chicago started in 1879 and moved to its present location in 1893.  In 1911 Rita's friend, Fran, studied there while Rita (and I think Tin) went to Chicago Musical College.  When I knew my grandmother, she had several things that Fran painted, including the charming watercolor sketches above.   I feel I am very lucky to have them.

Judy's Entry: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

I couldn't believe that there was enough snow this morning to cancel schools in the area.  More is forecast for tomorrow and into Thursday.  Went to the dentist for 3 month cleaning.  The State of the Union is tonight and I am interested in seeing what Obama has to say.  I think he is doing what he thinks is the best for the country.  We'll see.

TODAY:  The Art Institute of Chicago is in the same location but now has a separate school and a new modern wing.  The exhibit right now is of watercolor artist John Marin.  Much different than Fran's watercolors! (see below)

Entries for Jan 24 -- 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Tuesday, Jan 24, 1911 (Chicago)
Mrs. S and I went down town at 9:30.  Made a tour of all the shops.  Enjoyed it immensely.  Got fiddle.  Came home and practiced hard.  After dinner - music.  Early to bed.

IN RITA'S DAY:  A day of shopping was just as much fun for ladies as it is today, and the style of 1911 was filled with lace.  Rita got her violin fixed for 50 cents and purchased a lace jabot for 25 cents.  A jabot is a sort of neckwear that is used to enhance a blouse.  According to a book of the time period "[This season] a jabot will be seen on the V cut corsage [bodice] made of hemstitiched silk or batiste...No lace collar can possibly come amiss.  A season of lace this most undoubtedly is, and every kind is used from white, ecru and black."

Lace in 1911

Judy's Entry: Monday Jan 24, 2011

Monday things:  planning menus for week, laundry, grocery shopping.  Mom and I made chocolate chip cookies using the new KitchenAid Stand Mixer.  Great!  Practiced piano.  Did some online shopping.  Not as much fun as going downtown Chicago. 

TODAY: As mentioned, lots of shopping done online.  Big change from 1911, but lace is said to be big for the summer and spring of 2011.  So something old is new again.  Of course, it is used a bit differently (see below)

Entries for Jan 23 -- 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Monday Jan 23, 1911
Fooled with Helen and Tin.  Got some harmony.  Went down for lesson at 11:30.  Late.  Got along pretty weel.  Am to have Rode Concerto instead of sonata now.  After girls left, fooled.  Had to take fiddle down to Wagner & George to have bridge put in.  Met Tin.  Bo't concerto at Lyon & Healys.  After dinner played.  Mr. S amused us.  Retired awfully early.  9:30.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Lyon and Healy in Chicago, pictured above, was one of the largest music publishers in the world and sold new/antique pianos, violins and other instruments.  The "store" was very imposing and included a reception area.

Judy's Entry: Sunday, Jan 23, 2011
No church for me today.  Went to look at a house my daughter and her husband are thinking about buying.  I went with  her mother and father-in-law.  There were just too many of us there giving opinions.  The house is a sort of fixer upper and they are nervous about it.  I am going to try to stay out of it.  Practiced a bit, talked to kids, watched football.

TODAY:  Lyon and Healy has a modern look (above).  The store has undergone many changes, including new buildings after several fires.  Today L&H only deals in harps.

Entries for Jan 22 -- 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Sunday, Jan 22, 1911
No church for we wanted early dinner.  Cleaned gloves - read, played and sang.  After dinner Fran and I took a short walk.  Sherwood Scheele came.  The Johnsons sang.  Later Helen Black came.  Lots of music.  Sherwood here for lunch.  Al came with candy.  Still more music.  Sherwood left and Smiths went to a show.    Fortune.  More music.  Girls left - Al and I gossiped till 11:30.  Smiths came home and Al left.  O you tooth.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Sunday afternnons often found visitors coming and often everyone contributed to the entertainment.  Rita probably played her violin and Fran was on piano.  I'm sure they sang the songs popular in that day.  George M. Cohen was big with "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Give my Regards to Broadway."  One of the most popular songs was "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."  A copy of the cover on the original sheet music is above.

Judy's Entry: Saturday Jan 22, 2011
Had to get up early to clear drifting snow because the cleaning lady was coming.  Mom and I did some watercolor.  I am making flash cards to try to learn all the notes for piano (esp. on the Leger lines).  Went shopping, bought turtleneck and I jacket at Coldwater Creek.  Spent quiet evening.  Tried to catch up on top songs since I don't know many.

TODAY:  The top song this week is Rihanna's "What's My Name?" featuring Drake (see cover above).  The trend is for artists to "feature" other artists in their songs and videos.  Other top songs are "Firework" by Katy Perry and "Grenade" by Bruno Mars.  I wonder if anyone will recognize these songs in 100 years.

Entries for Jan 21 -- 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry, Saturday Jan 21, 1911
Paid Mrs. S.  Lecture at 9:30.  Saw Mr. Brune for a correction.  Heard three numbers on pupils musicals.  Our piano came soon after lunch.  When I began to practice my bridge broke.  Put on 2 new ones.  Neither would work.  Went over on Clark Street and bo't new one.  It  is bad.  Wrote to mother.  Fooled.  Retired early again.

Two homes on Fremont (formerly Rokeby Street)

IN RITA'S DAY: No dorm rooms for Rita.  Rita and her friends Fran and Tin got room and board at a house located at 3546 Rokeby Street in Chicago.  In 1930 Rokeby's name was changed to Fremont and above are homes that I feel may be similar to the one they stayed in.  The landlady was named Mrs. Smith and the cost for room and board was $11.00 every two weeks.  So for a semester at school in Chicago, cost for room and board would have been about $130-140.

Judy's Entry -- Friday, Jan 21, 2011
Another morning of shoveling.  Not as much snow as before but temperature dropping and lots of ice.  Mom made pumpkin pie and soup today.  Finally got to play Mah Jongg.  Very pleasant evening and great supper.

TODAY:  The average room and board for a semester in a private college in 2007 was $4300 while the average in a public college was $3700.  Not a huge difference.  The great difference comes with tuition I guess.

Entries for Jan 20 -- 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry - Friday Jan 20, 1911
Home all day.  Practiced  four  hours!  Nearly dead.  3 and 3/4 hours is the limit hereafter.  Got harmony.  Played solitaire a little with Fran and retired early.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Solitaire was played in many variations, including two and three person games.  Other games being played include the truly American game of  bridge, which evolved from the game of Whist around 1895, pinochle which evolved from the French game Bezique around 1900, and a game called "Oh hell."

Judy's Entry - Thursday Jan 20, 2011
Got the oil burner serviced and hope the heating will be more efficient.  We have been using a lot of fuel oil and another cold spell and another snow storm are coming tonight.  Mah Jongg was cancelled today.  Went to the mall and got ski pants while my mother got her hair done.

TODAY: Solitaire is still the number one card game in the world.  Now it is played in many versions on the computer.  Most computers come with games like Spider Solitaire and Free Cell already loaded on them.  One game that has taken off is Texas Hold'em, a form of poker that is played in casinos and online.  And young people play video games like "Grand Theft Auto."

Entries for Jan 19 -- 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry - Thursday, Jan 9, 1911

Harmony at 10.  Lesson supposedly at 11 - not till nearer 12!  Got along beautifully.  Says he believes he'll give me a sonata next time.  Hurray!  Practiced all afternoon and evening.  Wrote to Elon.  Retired early.

IN RITA'S DAY: I can see a little bit of a rebel spirit when Rita complains about her teacher, Sebald, being late to most lessons.  Artists at this time were starting to be more assertive.  Artist were challenging those who hired them, those who bought and used their work.  Professional associations started were: the Association of American Painters and Sculptors (1911), the Dramatists Guild (1912), the Actors Equity Association (1913), the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (1914), and the Society of Independent Artists (1916).

Judy's Entry: Wednesday Jan 19, 2011

Warmer day today so lots of ice melted and will refreeze.  Weather seems to be one of the main topics.  My mother thinks God must be angry because the weather all over the country and all over the world has been terrible.  I had my second piano lesson and have decided to start with Grade One lessons and really learn everything.

TODAY: Problems facing professional organizations today involve many new copyright issues.  People can download music and videos, print out copies of stories and music from the Internet.  Artists and the companies that produce their works can lose a lot of money. 

Entries for Jan 18 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry - Wednesday Jan 18, 1911

Tin, Fran and I went downtown together about 9.  Tin and I rented a piano.  I went to orchestra practice at 10.  Pretty good.  Worked on harmony and practiced all afternoon.  After dinner Tin and I went to Auditorium to hear Caruso in "The Girl of the Golden West."  Carolina White and the Chicago Grand Opera Co.  Wonderful!  Sat in top row of second gallery.  Heard perfectly.  Immersed. orchestra and Campanini.

IN RITA'S DAY: Puccini's opera had its first performance at the Met in New York December 1910 (see the poster above).  It then went to Chicago (is that why it is the second city?) and Caruso (picture above) came along.  Rita spend a whole dollar on her ticket which was quite a lot in that time.

Judy's Entry - Tuesday Jan 18, 2011

Another day in the house.  The storm this time was a few inches of snow and then ice and freezing rain.  It was much worse to shovel this than the huge amounts of snow we got in the other three storms.  Talked to the kids and some friends on the phone.  And of course I spend an hour or so every day on the Internet.

TODAY:  At the Opera in Chicago this week, "The Girl of the Golden West" is being performed in celebration of the 100-year anniversary!  The tickets range from $20 for a special ticket for students to $200.  Student discounts are great and here in New York, a lot of Broadway plays offer "student rush tickets" for around $25. 

Entries for Jan 17, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry - Tuesday, Jan 17, 1911

Home all day.  Practiced, worked on harmony.  In evening jollied and read.  Went to Drug Store to phone Miss Barber.  Bo't cards.  Came home and wrote foolishness on them.  Piked out to mail them.  Letters from Marjorie Stintson and H. E. B.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Writing letters was the main form of communication.  A new fountain safety pen was in use.  It was constructed sort of like lipstick in that the point retracted into the barrel by turning the end of the pen, and then a cap was screwed on for a tight seal.  Telephone calls and telegrams were available, but there were no radios yet in the homes, and Edison had just demonstrated the first talking moving picture in 1910.

 Judy's Entry - Monday, Jan 17, 2011

Phone calls and e-mails from my children and friends.  Everyone thinking about another storm tomorrow.  This is the fourth one.  This time it will be snow and then ice and freezing rain.  Went out for lunch and groceries.  Did some more drawing. 

TODAY:   Communication is so easy and we take it for granted.  Even my mother at age 88 gets e-mails from her friends, and the ones who don't have a computer, call her often.   I hear from my children and friends usually every day.  Then there we have Facebook and Twitter.  I don't use either but I was on Facebook for a short time.  The movie about the development of Facebook just won the Golden Globe for best movie.

Entries for Jan 16 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry - Monday Jan 16, 1911
Practiced hard before going to lesson.  Took it at 11:30.  Got along beautifully.  After lunch wrote letters.  Went shopping on Clark St. with Mrs. S.  She is nearly all in with quinsy.  After dinner wrote, read, laughed and acted like phools.  Letter from mother.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Shopping was a major event (just like today).  Above is a picture of Clark Street when Rita was there.  In the back of her journal, Rita keeps a budget.  Some of the things she bought (and the prices) are: camphor .10, pumps (shoes) 1.45, violin music .50, apples .10, coat 10.00, violin bow 20.00.

Judy's Entry - Sunday Jan 16, 2011
It was pretty cold today in church.  Spent some time practicing the piano.  I think reading how much Rita practiced made me feel a bit guilty.  Worked on a pencil drawing of Gary Cooper.  Watched the NY Jets win their playoff game.

TODAY: Rita's biggest purchase in Chicago was a new bow for her violin.  Today that bow may be worth thousands, but unfortunately, neither my mother or I have any of her bows or violins, but my brother in Texas may have one.  On Antiques Roadshow, I have seen violins and bows appraised for unbelievable prices.

Entries for Jan. 15. 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Sunday, Jan 15, 1911
Weather - fine but cool.  About 10 a.m. Fran and I started for a walk.  She persuaded me to go over to Rachael's with her on car.  Think I shall like R.  Dressed for dinner but it was awfully late.  Tin and I hurried to take R. I. at La Salle Station for Hamilton Park to see Helen Black.  Had a peachy time - singing, etc.  Tried to make 8:45 train.  Missed it.  Walked over to 63rd to get L.  Whole crowd - 4 boys and 3 girls brot us downtown.  Got here 10:30.  Had to write home afterward.

IN RITA'S DAY:  One important event that occurred in the area of transportation in Chicago was the development of the Electrificed Elevated, known as the "El"  (or "L" as Rita writes).  The El provided transportation for 260 million people in 1900 or about 160 rides annually for each citizen of Chicago.  Rita and her friends seemed to prefer taking the train but the L is always an option to get places like Hamilton Park.  The park was new (opened in 1905) and very progressive since it provided a place in the city for urban residents.  It had a fieldhouse with club rooms, libraries and all kinds of amenities.   

Judy's Entry: Saturday Jan 15, 2011

Nothing much doing today.  Got up late and did final shoveling.  Had to get snow off the deck so the melting snow can drain.  Also huge icicles hanging above the garage and back door looked ready to drop on my head so had to remove them.  My son helped.  Left overs from Mah Jongg pot luck.  Reading For Whom the Bell Tolls.  Haven't read it for 40 years.

TODAY:  The biggest non-news story - the astrological signs are wrong and must be changed!  This means I am not a Taurus, but instead an Aries.  Some shift in the earth over 2000 years have changed the signs.  They are even adding another sign - Ophiuchus...Ridiculous!  People seem as upset about this as they are about the terrible floods in Brazil and Australia!

Entries for Jan 14, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry, Saturday, Jan14, 1911

Went down at 9:30 for lecture.  Heard one playlet in matinee of class in Acting.  Dandy.  Tin out to lunch to Arcadians with Mr. Breckenridge.  Old Sport!  Felt bum.  Slept a lot.  Fran has grippe.  Tin and I went over on Clark to see about a piano.  N. G.  Had to fix Fran's arm which got numb.  I shall apply for a diploma as chief nurse.

IN RITA'S DAY: The grippe or influenza was common as it is today.  However, in 1918 a strain of H1N1 killed more people than were killed in World War I.  Estimates range from 50 million to 100 million people killed worldwide.  It was also known as the Spanish Flu.  People throughout the US wore masks. (see picture)

Judy's Entry - Friday, January 14, 2011

Another cold day and gutters filled with ice have caused icicles to form - dipping water onto walks and driveways where it freezes.  Had to use a lot of salt to make sure my friends didn't slip when they came for a pot luck dinner and Mah Jongg.  Dinner was good, but didn't do too well at the game.

TODAY: Flu shots are recommended for almost everyone after a strain of H1N1 (similar to 1918) in 2009 killed over 6000 people worldwide.  It was labelled the "Swine Flu" until pig farmers complained.  People all over the world were in a panic.  I can't imagine what it would be like today if millions died worldwide.



Entries for Jan. 13, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry - Friday, Jan. 13, 1911
Weather rainy.  Disagreeable day.  Stayed home and practiced all day.  Slept a little.  Began about 4:30 to fuss up for the evening.  Dressed Fran for a dance.  At 7:15 Al and Fred Zaurug (?) came.  Took us to Majestic.  Had a very delightful evening.

RITA'S IN DAY: A woman teacher in the US made an average of $50.08 a month while a male teacher made an average of $63.39 a month. Going to see a show at the Majestic would vary from 10 cents to a dollar for a special show.  On the 18th of January, Rita is going to see Caruso and she spends a dollar for the ticket!

Judy's Entry - Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011
Finally went out for snowshoeing at the park.  The trails were well groomed and we walked for about 2 hours before lunch and only 30 minutes or so after lunch.  It was a good workout.  Clear and cold but beautiful on the frozen lake.

TODAY: An average yearly salary for a high school teacher is $53,504.  Although there is no difference for males and females, the average salary for elementary teacher is less.  Is this hidden sexism since most elementary teachers are female?

Entries for Jan 12 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Thursday, Jan 12, 1911

Harmony lesson at 10.  Private lesson with Mr. Brune.  He seems very nice.  Fid lesson late.  Not extry but he "can see progress."  Lay around all afternoon.  Practiced a little.  Letter from E. C. B.  Fran got bid to dance for tomorrow night.  Wrote letters.

IN RITA'S DAY: Going to college as Rita did was unusal.  According to the American Association of University Women, in 1870 only .7% of the female population went to college and by 1900 it was 2.8% and 7.6% in 1920.  Not too surprising that Rita went to college, her mother received her teaching certificate in 1881. (see copy below).  Not sure what kind of college she attended to get certificate.

Judy's Entry: Wednesday, Jan 12, 2011

Got a lot of snow.  I would say 16 to 18 inches, so I spent most of the day with the shovel.  The good thing was that I tried out different gloves, hats and scarves to find the best for snowshoeing tomorrow. (It's going to be cold).

TODAY: I think the biggest change in college education today are the online courses and online degree programs.  Even when my children went to college, I never thought the time would come when someone could get a degree without actually attending a class in person.



Entries for Jan 11 - 1911 and 2011

Construction of the Majestic Theater and Office Building

Rita's Entry: Wednesday Jan 11, 1911 - Chicago

Weather: dark and rainy.  Might have gone to orchestra practice but didn't because of rain.  Tin in all day.  Letter from Al S. asking me to go to Majestic Friday night.  Tin to go with his room mate.  Wrote to Mother and Frances Philpott and read.  Discussed fiddles and bows with Mr. Smith.  Practiced 3 hours 40 minutes.  Wore summer dress and slippers to dinner.  Letter from H. E. B.

IN RITA'S DAY: Majestic Theater was finished in 1906 (see picture of construction above) and was Chicago's first venue costing over one million.  It was also the tallest building in Chicago at the time.  Going there must have been an exciting time for Rita.

Judy's Entry: Tuesday Jan 11, 2011 - New York 

Did a lot of errands - bank, post office, Kmart, zumba class.  Tried to clear the last of the ice off the driveway before the storm tonight.  Not enjoying storms coming so close together.  Cancelled piano lesson for tomorrow.

TODAY:  Many venues today are being named for corporate sponsors.  Comiskey Park, which would have been in Chicago in Rita's day, is now called US Cellular Field and New York's Shea has been replaced by Citi Field.  It is no wonder that the Majestic in Chicago today  looks like the picture below and is called Bank of America Theater.

Entries for January 10, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1911 - Chicago
Weather - Fine.  Practiced hard.  Nothing doing all day.  Dressed in heliotrope dress for dinner.  Tin and I hurried to go to chorus class at 8.  Got there to find that the director had been called home on account of illness.  Had to beat it right back again.  Practice 3 hours 10 min.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Like most young women, Rita and her friends seemed to enjoy fashion.  They dressed for dinner most days.  In yesterday's entry (Jan. 9), Rita and her friend Fran were laughing about "hobbles."  I didn't know what that meant but discovered that in 1911, the hobble skirt was being shown by fashion designers.  This skirt was very narrow at the hem and women had to sort of "hobble" as they walked!  It really didn't catch on with the average woman.

Judy's Entry: Monday January 10, 2011 - New York

My friend, Sherry, brought over some insulated pants, gloves, etc. for me to try and then we practiced walking in snow shoes across the back yard.  We are planning to go to a park to snowshoe on Thursday since a big snow is forecast for tomorrow night into Wednesday.  My son brought a pizza over for supper.  Grocery stores were packed today because everyone heard it is going to snow.

:

TODAY: One of the hottest fashion trends this winter are the knee high and over the knee boots.  These will often make the modern woman "hobble" because of the high heels on most of these boots.  I'll be content to hobble on the snow shoes I tried today.

Entries for January 9, 1911 and 2011

Alexander Sebald - Rita's teacher

Rita's Entry: Monday, Jan 9, 1911 - Chicago

Practiced.  Fran home all day.  Lunch at 10:30.  Took lesson at 11:30.  "Bravissimo!!"  Funnier than ever.  Home about 1:30.  Talked with Fran.  Letter from Mother.  Laughed our fool heads off -- hobbles.  Wore Fran's black dress and garnets to dinner.  Played solitaire.  More laughter.  Wrote letters to Elon and studio.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Nearly 6 million immigrants came into the U.S. during the 1910s.  More than two-thirds were from Southern and Eastern Europe, like Sebald - Rita's violin teacher, whom she seems to find funny and delightful.  This doesn't mean, however, that there wasn't prejudice against immigrants.  The Asiatic Exclusion League was pressing for an amendment to the Constitution that would deny citizenship to all Asians!

Judy's Entry: Sunday, Jan 9, 2011- New York

Church this morning.  After lunch, went for a walk with Diane, then shopping, then picked up Mom and went for ice cream at Friendly's.  Diane suggested I add a short bit of info each day after Rita's entry about what was happening in the world of 1911.  I've decided to do this and also end my entry with a little about what is happening today.

TODAY: Immigration is probably the issue that creates the most hatred in Arizona and today there was a tragic shooting in that state and 6 people were killed.  The violence was directed at a Congresswoman who has supported some liberal legislation.  The atmosphere in politics now is filled with hatred and hate speech.  People call the President a Nazi and portray him with a moustache like Hitler.  Sarah Palin has a website where Congressional Districts she dislikes (including that of the attacked Congresswoman) are "targeted" in the crosshairs of a gun. 



Entries for Jan. 8, 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Sunday, January 8, 1911 - Chicago, IL:
Weather - windy and cold!  Tinnie and I started to go to Evanston Avenue Congregational Church.  Couldn't find Aldine Ave.  Walked about a mile.  Came back on Clark - found our street and followed it up to find the church.  It was an old thing with sign saying the church had moved.  So we came home.  Al came about 3.  A little after 4 we (Al, Tin and I) went to Evanston.  Al with a lot of nerve went into lunch with the girls.  First man who has dared.  Joe H. came later.  Played - sang - made fudge.  Home about 11:30.  Pretty good.

Judy's Entry: Saturday, January 8, 2011 - New York
Got more snow than I expected - still, I don't mind shoveling the walk and the driveway by the garage.  I have to be extra careful to get all cleared now because my 88 year old mother worries about falling.  Doug drove us (me and his grandmother) to a steak house tonight.   Came home for dessert and to watch football playoff games.  Spent time while game was on looking at old postcards of Chicago (like the one of Aldine above).  Imagining what it was like for my Nanny.

Entries for January 7 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Saturday Jan. 7, 1911

Weather: Fine.  Class lecture in pedagogy by Mr. Maryott at 9:30 in Ziegfeld Hall.  At 11 a recital: 2 pianos by Paul Stoye and Ida Bell Field.  After lunch Fran went to Evanston.  Tin and I wrote letters.  I practiced.  Tin went with Ed Crowl for chop suey.  We sat at dinner till 8.  Mr. and Mrs. J sat in our room till 10 eating candy & looking at Kodak pictures.  Should have practiced more but new bowing is awful on my arm.  Letter from Ma.

Judy's Entry: Friday Jan. 7, 2011

Snowed in again today.  Not as bad as blizzard right after Christmas, but about 8 inches.  Passed some time trying to figure out who my grandmother's friend "Tin" was.  Used the Internet and found out lots of interesting things.  "Tin" is a Vietnamese man's name meaning "think" (not on the right track here!)  Also, sometimes "Tin" is nickname for "Christine" (maybe) or Lizzie (from "Tin Lizzie").  Anyway, also found out other interesting trivia... President Taft got stuck in a bathtub at the White House!  Downloaded a book on the Presidents to my Kindle since I know virtually nothing about the Presidents before FDR.  Also, got some images of Rita to put on this Blog. 

Entries for Jan 6 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry, Friday Jan 6, 1911 - Chicago
Unpacked and practiced.  After lunch I went down to school alone.  Got along beautifully.  Mr. Sebald is the funniest man I ever saw!  Can hardly even understand him.  Very interesting.  Will have to work hard but guess I'll like it fine.  Fran, Tin and I had a grand time in the evening.  Laughed.  Fran sketched and I posed.  Tin got harmony.  Looked at old Kodak books.

Judy's Entry, Thursday Jan 6, 2011 - New York
Today is my mother's 88th birthday (Rita's daughter).  While we were waiting for a delivery of flowers from my brother (her son living in Texas), I did a little research on the things mentioned in my grandmother's diary.  First, the school she attended is called Chicago Musical College.  At the time she attended, the school's administrator was Flo Zeigfeld, the father of the famous Broadway man.  Her instructor, Alexander Sebald, was a Hungarian and a protege of Franz Liszt.  I found a letter she received from the college when she graduated... but more about that in June.

Entries for January 5 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Thursday Jan. 5, 1911 - Chicago, IL
No trunks.  Letters from Fred Taylor and Merle Saint.  Rah, Rah.  Helped with dishes and gossiped.  Fooled around.  At 1 Tin and I went to school.  Dr. Ziegfeld, grand.  Have first lesson with Sebald Friday.  Am to have a few harmony lessons to try.  Visited Tin's class.  Interesting lecture by Miss Fleming.  Met some dandy girls.  Fran out with Joe for dinner - evening.  More gossip.


Judy's Entry: Wednesday Jan. 5, 2011 - New York
100 years ago today, my grandmother continued her music education studying violin at college.  Today I continued the study of piano that I started 50 years ago!  I think my instructor, who is younger than my daughter, was pleased that I know the fundamentals.  Earlier in the day, I took my mother to a senior citizen meeting at the firehouse.  She is beginning to know people.  Hopefully some day soon, she will let me drop her off there.

Jan 4 Entries: 1911 and 2011

  Rita's Entry: Wednesday, Jan 4, 1911 - Central Iowa USA:
Cold!  Finished packing.  Saw some neighbors.  Heard that a train might come between 10 and 11.  Tin and I went down and found that a wreck at State Center blocked all trains.  Went home.  Train came at last about 4:40.  Started for Chi.  Long tiresome trip (Written  on train). 
 Later:  Kedzie - suit cases.   3:30 a.m.




Judy's Entry: Tuesday, Jan 4, 2011 - New York, USA
Well, doing these diaries has taught me that my grandmother and I have several things in common - the most obvious of which is that we both can write some boring stuff!  However, 100 years ago my grandmother is off to music college in Chicago and headed for some interesting times... While I may not be unless I change course, so... the first thing I did this morning was put away that 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Then after morning exercise, I signed up for piano lessons!  I start tomorrow.  I think Rita influenced me to a certain extent since music was a big part of her life.  

Jan 3 Entries: 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Tuesday, Jan 3, 1911 - Iowa, USA:
30 below.  Elon came about 10.  He and I went to Wheelers to see "Cap" and new house.  After dinner went uptown - studio, etc.  He left about 4:30.  Read.  Gossiped.  After supper went to Lefflers, Andrews, Chamberlains, Smiths, Young and Boggies.  Mrs. N. here.  Read.  About all in.  Beastly cold.

Judy's Entry: Monday, Jan 3. 2011 - New York, USA:
Took Sharon and Andrea to airport.  Those snowbirds are off to Delray, Florida.  Came home at lunch time and then took Mom to grocery store.  Did some searching online for possible homes for Elizabeth and Michael.  Not much in their price range in Westchester County.  Wasted some time working on jigsaw puzzle.  The challenge part of it attracts me, but I do think of it as a waste of time!  First time making crab cakes for supper.  Didn't like them.

January 2 Entries: 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry: Monday, January 2, 1911 - Central Iowa, USA
10 below.  Blizzard.  Packed hard.  Worked on Dad's books some.  Played.  Telephone rang every two and 1/2 minutes.  H.B. bro't mail.  After lunch Mattie here.  Mrs. Wheeler here awhile.  Much gossip.  More books.  Fran and Fama left at noon.  Fran refused to let me go on account of blizzard.  Turned down invitation to Tin's for lunch and H.B's to go down to meet Theron and some of the girls going thru.  Read.  Headache.

Judy's Entry: Sunday, January 2, 2011 - New York, USA
Warm today.  Up to 45 and snow from blizzard is melting fast!  After church, my mother and I meet Andrea, Sharon and Diane for lunch.  It was so nice of them to bring b'day presents for Mom.  I know she misses her friends since moving here from Iowa.  We talked a lot about the changes in the government, both state and federal.  Will Medicare last?  Sharon, who is on Medicare, thinks it must change.  Diane, who isn't old enough yet to be on it, thinks it is good the way it is.  I wonder if it will still be around in 100 years!

Entries for Jan. 1 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entry, Sunday Jan 1. 1911 - Central Iowa, USA:
Cold.  Snowy.
Happy New Year Ritie!!  Home from Boggies about 8:30.  Gossiped a while.  Helped do up work and fix goose.  Got ready for S. S. [Sunday School].  Played.  Big dinner.  Fama came early.  Played for us.  Fran and Tin came.  More music and fun.  F and F went home.  Tin and I to Vespers.  Bro't her home to oyster lunch.  Mattie and Ed here.  After Tin left, Mattie and I sang a while.  Read.  Last Sunday at home for some time.

Judy's Entry, Saturday Jan 1, 2011 - New York, USA:
Got excited when I realized today is 1/1/11... but of course it was the same 100 years ago!  Was planning a big dinner New Year's Day, but brother Jim and family had their flight cancelled because of the blizzard early in the week, so it was just me, my mother, my son and his fiancee.  They announced that they are starting to plan for a wedding in August!  We fixed red snapper with fresh tomatoes for dinner and it was very good.  Before dinner we tried working on a jigsaw puzzle Nan got for Christmas, but it was too hard, so after dinner we played Cranium Turbo edition.  Lots of fun and laughs.