L. A. Miller Diary of 1935
(Excerpted by Fred Lindley)
Sunday, January 6: … I have been busy on a toll report for December 1934 and finish same; also, a U. S. Internal revenue report $.20 due. It will cost more than $.20 to send it in.
Thursday, January 10: … Bruno Hauptmann [FL1] trial is in full swing. The evidence is very strong against him.
Wednesday, January 16: … Mr. Luther Beiser paid this a.m., telephone rent. $47.60, plus a credit of $10 equals $57.60. Pays through January 1, 1935, his telephone rent
Sunday, January 27: … Mrs. Mary Moulton Wilke passed out of this life about 9 AM today… She was a remarkable woman in many respects. Born in Ontario, Canada of Irish parents, by the name of Moulton. Her parents moved to Seattle, Washington state and both died there.
Tuesday, January 29: … Mrs. Mary Wilke Moulton [sic] [FL2] was laid to rest this p.m. In the Darrtown cemetery. … Dr. A.B. Wilke is in a serious condition and is liable soon to follow his wife.
Sunday, February 3: … I am still confined to the house too much; due to the cold damp weather that sticks around freezing. Dr. Grothaus called and left me some medicine.
Wednesday, February 6: … Dursch Coal Company delivered 2 tons of Ohio Egg Coal; = … $11.33. Arnold has been out on wire breaks and phone trouble a.m. and to Oxford, Ohio p.m.
Friday, February 8: … A day to be in the house, but travel and commercial trucks pay no attention to the weather. They have become the carriers of the commerce the U.S. Most local R.R. have gone out of biz. on local hauls and local passenger travel.
Saturday, February 9: … I attended the Stock Company meeting this 10 AM at the Darrtown schoolhouse. We held our meeting in [the] recitation room. 11 present = $11 paid in annual dues. Oyster dinner at noon. Certificates issued to all members present. We are now all state police[FL3] for 1935: a great protection if used with sense and judgment.
Monday, February 11: Farm Bureau met today in Darrtown Lutheran church. A few people are paying telephone rent. Many are in arrears - but all will pay as biz gets better. … the Lindbergh baby case has gone to the jury. The decision is awaited.
Wednesday, February 13: … I am in bed, due to a close call of pneumonia. I called in [FL4] Dr. J. B. Grothaus [FL5] in time to head the thing off. The doctor pronounced me right in my diagnosis. I’ll pull out okay, with care.
Thursday, February 14: Bruno Hauptmann is found guilty as the kidnapper of the Lindbergh baby and death of baby.
Friday, February 15: Dr. Grothaus called today and left me some dope, okay. Sister-in-law, Jay Phillips was out doing some work and helping out…
Saturday February 16: … They have condemned Bruno Hauptmann to be executed March 18, 1935. … My old friend, Joseph Davis, died at 12:30 AM, 16 and 17 of February 1935. A good man and a good neighbor.
Sunday February 17: I have been in bed with a touch of pneumonia. … Mrs. Francis Weiss died
this PM. at 9 o’clock.
Monday February 18: … Joseph Davis was laid to rest this p.m. At 2 o’clock, Darrtown Cemetery. A good neighbor and a man that will be missed very much. … so, it goes for all men, now and forever … one generation must give way to the oncoming.
Wednesday, February 20: … Mrs. William Weiss [FL6] was laid to rest … this 2 p.m. A young woman. Born here at Darrtown. A pleasant, likable girl and woman: husband and two children, Bernice and Paul survive her.
Thursday, February 21: … Dr. Grothaus called yesterday and it says I am normal and okay… I am interested in the Davis girls [FL7] getting a square deal in the settling on their rights. Mr. Joseph Davis had deeds of all land made it out and filed in escro at the First National Bank of Hamilton, Ohio.
Friday, February 22: … I am over my slight attack of pneumonia, by Dr. Grothaus giving an injection at early-stage.
Monday, February 25: A misting rain all day. Arnold has been trying to wash clothes; a poor day to dry them. He took them over to Mrs. Ward’s dry cellar and hung up on lines to drive.
Saturday, March 2: … Not doing very well asked to my back injury. I will have an x-ray taken to ascertain the condition.
Monday March 4: I landed in Mercy Hospital at 3:30 PM and will get an x-ray tomorrow. A fine place, very clean, good and kind nurses in attendance.
Tuesday, March 5: … I am in Mercy Hospital for spinal treatment.
Wednesday, March 6: I have had an x-ray on my spine and the trouble located. Cure will be slow. I am supposed to go to bed and stay there, until cure is effected [sic]. Mrs. Merle Kahn brought me home in her large auto. I have been abed since. I am under the care of the Ohio industrial Commission. Dr. J. B. Grothaus has charge of my case: a fine man and an able physician…
Friday, March 8: … Dr. J. B. Grothaus called this a.m. … I am going to pull out of this back, or rather, spine injury; but, it will take time; a long time they tell me to get the natural spinal secretions restored.
Sunday March 10: … John Neanover, a close neighbor boy, I hear, is real sick with Typhoid fever. Much pneumonia in the section, due to cold, damp winds out of the north.
Tuesday, March 12: … I am now lying on my back as directed, as much as possible, to do so Is a real job; as, I have always slept and rested best on my right or left side. Mrs. Ward has helped us at exchange and many other ways.
Wednesday March 13: Dr. Grothaus called this a.m. and found me normal. All except, my spine injury - which will be some months in getting to a normal condition. … I hope, I am now on the road to complete recovery and I shall be careful to avoid future accidents[FL8] .
Friday March 15: … I am on the sick list and my spinal injury seems so slow in improvement. A bad place to get injured. Injured February 19, 1934 [FL9] and here [it] is March 15, 1935.
Saturday March 16: … I am real weary and tired of this telephone work and the poor pay of subs, [FL10] due to Financial bust-up of U.S. and the world slump, in general.
Sunday, March 17: … Mr. Harry Teckman called this p.m. A good biz man and a square shooter, in all things. I am improving, so slowly; but, I believe I am going to went out on this fall of February 19, 1934. [FL11]
Thursday, March 21: … Mrs. Ward, a good neighbor, helps out, in so many ways. She is a good operator and helps out at telephone exchange quite often. Mr. Jacob Snavely has trimmed our grape vines. He knows how to do it properly.
Thursday, March 28: … At home. Arnold had calves dehorned, this p.m. Mark Nichol did the work. We were surprised by the visit of Albert Dawson and the family - except the son. A wife and two daughters. Same Albert - as of old, lives in the woods, like a hermit. But, educates his children. Charles Kahn called this PM.
Friday, March 29: … I sent nine hogs to Cincinnati, Ohio stockyards. Arnold went with them: first sold for $9.10 per pound. I cleared $100 on this lot, above all expenses.
Sunday March 30: … Mr. Guy Dynes came up and gave me a much-needed haircut.
Monday April 1: … Mr. and Mrs. Sam Woodruff called this a.m. I was asleep and did not meet them.
Friday, April 5: … Bill’s knee [injury ] went to Dr. Grothaus, at Hamilton[FL12] . Gave him a shot for what ails him.
Sunday, April 7: … Bill got in this a.m. After 12 M, from a graduating class due at Eton Ohio.
Thursday, April 11: … Dr. Grothaus called [FL13] this AM. Also, Jay Phillips Wilson is with us today.
Sunday April 14: … Mr. Frank Fowles, of Hamilton, Ohio, called [this] p.m. Mrs. Fowles died last November. A biz lady.
Wednesday, April 17: … We had a call of Mr. and Mrs. Kahn of Hamilton, Ohio: cousins of Mrs. Miller. … Duersch Coal Company delivered 2 tons of coal - $12.88. I paid same by check.
Friday, April 19: … Granville Wills [FL14] called and paid his rent, as usual. … I walked [FL15] down to lot[FL16] ; horse in bad condition. Sow ready to go to Cincinnati.
Thursday, April 25: … I did some chores down at the lot. My horse has been sadly neglected. I had him in good condition, before I was taken to the hospital.
Tuesday, April 30: Mr. Neanover is having his hand plow my large lot for potatoes and corn. … Mr. Long is to put out some potatoes and garden on the east side of the aforesaid lot.
Friday, May 3: … Bill is busy helping with the final graduation program[FL17] .
Saturday, May 4: … The schools are having their annual commencements here and there, as they close at different periods.
Sunday, May 5: … Two more weeks of school here. My grandson, William M. Miller, will be ready for college, I hope.
Thursday, May 9: … A Mr. Long of Hamilton, Ohio[FL18] , telephone man, … is putting out my garden on the shares.
Friday, May 10: George Long and his kids came this a.m. and planted a fine lot of potatoes. He will plant some sugar corn also.
Sunday May 19: … Being a cold and damp, I have been in bed to keep warm - because, the folks very foolishly took out our heating stove [FL19] in April. No stove should be removed before June 1 of any year.
Monday may 20: … Billy, my grandson feels proud that he will graduate this year and get his diploma.
Sunday, May 26: … 52 years ago tonight, at about 830 PM, Eva M. Phillips and L. A. Miller were married. …
Friday May 31: Mrs. John Manrod, 80 years old, interred this p.m., Darrtown cemetery. … I am planning to go to C.N.C. college commencement [FL20] next week. I attended said college 1879 to 1883. Graduated August 1882. Took a course in M. D. 1883.
Tuesday June 4: … I have been busy getting books and office in shape that I may be free to attend the alumni meet at C. N, C. College, Danville, Indiana, May 23 – 26.
Thursday, June 13: … I went to Oxford Ohio and attended to some biz at both banks. Cashed some coupons of Liberty bonds per Government issue. Billy took me up. His uncle, Ned Wilke, called this p.m. He returns to Canada tomorrow. He has been visiting is brother, Doc. Wilkie, who was unable to talk to him or recognize him. No chance for his recovery, so the doctors say.
[FOR MUCH OF JUNE, MR. MILLER DESCRIBES THE WEATHER, FARM CROPS, AND NATIONAL ECONOMY (esp. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS). HE SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES THE STRAWBERRY CROP THAT HE AND HIS SISTER-IN-LAW PLANTED AND ARE NOW HARVESTING.]
Tuesday, July 2: A real hot day for the farmer in his wheat. But, the self-binder, with a tractor saves men and horses. Most big farmers have such an outfit. But, many small farmers use for horses, as in the past.
Thursday, July 4: … Charles Nixon called and paid telephone rent.
Sunday, July 7: … I call on Mr. Joseph Dietrich and sister. Good class of people, reliable in every way.
Wednesday, July 17: Threshing of wheat and barley and oats has now started in this section.
Saturday, July 20: the Phillips girls; Jay and Margaret; came out: Bill went after them. They helped Eva clean house … Ernest was late in returning to send them [HOME]. I boarded and kept Margaret for over two years and helped to clothe her. Also, kept a home for the family by getting financial assistance to save their farm, etc., etc.
Sunday, July 21: … I made out a K of P report to Grand Chancellor Bob Featheringham. If I have a name like the above, I would legally change it to Ham or Feathers. …
Wednesday, July 31: A bad accident at our end of town. A lady killed and one man badly hurt; skull fracture. A bad short turn [FL21] for fast autos. Some 20+ accidents, in the record, so far, since autos and trucks came into use.
Thursday August 1: … Another auto took the ditch on west side of pike, south Main St., at 11:30 PM. Pulled out and went on its way. I hope a real engineer will bank and lengthen the curve to make it safe for strangers
Saturday, August 3: … I saw and heard some fine music and Kentucky hillbilly dancing–the old Virginia reel – this p.m., at Wiley’s dancehall[FL22] .
Friday, August 9: … I see they plan to build, at Darrtown, O., a new School building, at a cost of $15,000. Are people going crazy in these hard times?
Monday, August 12: … tomorrow is local primary election in Ohio to select candidates for the fall election in Ohio.
Tuesday,
August 13: …My son, E. L. Miller is head of election board for this precinct.
William M. Miller has been out clearing up some telephone trouble caused by trees and limbs falling over lines.
Bonds for a $25-$30,000 new school building killed.
Thursday August 22: … We attended a K of P meeting at Somerville, O. – a good meeting. Some ice cream was served at closing of meeting.
Friday, August 23: … Funeral service for Will Rogers and Wiley Post [FL23] held in California: a world hook-up of radio. They will both be brought to Oklahoma City for internment; their home city.
Friday, August 30: … Lil Moulton came this six o’clock p.m. Arnold went to Hamilton, O. to meet her. My only grandson also came in from Ohio State fair. … Dr. A. B. Wilkie is not likely to live much longer and then, Bill will go to Seattle, Washington.
Thursday, September 5: … Two new houses in our growing village of Darrtown, Ohio. Being located on the, to be, Great Appalachian highway, the travel will be, and is now, very heavy.
Saturday, September 7: … The Ridge Runners were here with their music at Wiley’s Dancehall. I listened a short time to the music and the dancing of old Virginia Reel. Real stepping to the music.
Sunday, September 8: … I must bring Dick, my only horse, up to the barn and shelter from the heat and flies that are pestering him.
Monday, September 9: … Huey Long, Senator of Louisiana, shot in the capitol building at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. May prove fatal.
Tuesday, September 10: … Sen. Huey Long died 5 AM.
Friday, September 13: … Looked after garden and stock – one horse and two beef calves - to show at the Butler County fair - last week of this month. They are a fine pair of calves. I fix[FL24] the weight of both, at 2500 pounds.
Wednesday, September 18: Heat still continues, with no abatement. I have read no explanation from our scientist and astronomers[FL25] , as to the cause of the recent, unprecedented, drought and dust storms, followed by the heavy rains and floods, in many parts of this whole world…
Friday, September 20: … Bill’s two calves, to be shown at Butler County fair next week, are in No. 1 condition and ought to bring top prices at sale. Sold at fair; calve club.
Tuesday, September 24: … Butler County fair is now opening and a big fair and crowd are in prospect. Bill Miller, grandson, and his two baby beef calves went down to fair this a.m. A big time for the kids. Wild west cowboys will exhibit each day riding and roping, as they did when the west was really a vast, wild section of this U.S.
Tuesday, September 26: Bill Miller received 2nd in his class. The two calves sold at an average up $.10 per pound on foot, this p.m. Most calves sold $.06 to $.08 per pound. Not enough buyers present.
Saturday, October 12: … Auto travel on this Cincinnati-Hamilton-Richmond highway averages one auto and truck per minute for 15 to 18 hours per day, at least 5,000 [FL26] autos and trucks passed my home every 24 hours.
Sunday, October 13: Summer weather for this section. Lil Moulton leaves this week for California. Doc A.B. Wilkie is still lingering and has been quite a charge to his family. No hope for his recovery. Under such conditions, death would be a relief to him and all concerned. Life is sweet and the hereafter is, to most people, a problem. As to me, I have an ample proof as to a hereafter – we live again.
[FOR MOST OF OCTOBER, MR. MILLER WROTE ABOUT THE WEATHER, THE HARVESTING OF HIS GARDEN CROPS, AND NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS; INCLUDING COMMENTS ABOUT WARRING FACTIONS IN ITALY.] [OBSERVATION: IT SEEMS THAT MR. MILLER IS LESS MOBILE THAN HE WAS IN
EARLIER YEARS – PERHAPS DUE TO HIS LINGERING SPINAL PROBLEMS – AND, AS A POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE, HIS REPORTS OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS HAVE DECLINED IN NUMBER AND FREQUENCY.]
Sunday, November 3: … Eva is not well and I am letting her lie in bed and sleep and rest. The boys are out moving poles on the Nichol Road; the last, I hope, we ever move.
Tuesday, November 5: … Max Hosea called this p.m. a few minutes. He deals in telephone companies: buys and sells. We are hoping to sell this plant to him.
Thursday, November 7: … I am working on tolls at odd times to report to Cincinnati Bell Company. … Mr. Carpenter hauled a load of corn to pay his telephone rent[FL27] . $15 …
Saturday November 9: … My grandson Bill has been working fairly well this week – helping his dad on Nichol Road lines that has to be moved - due to road widening.
Wednesday, November 13: A lodge (K of P) special meeting to consider the conditions this lodge is up against. Membership is now so small, we are in danger of losing our charter [FL28] and building, as well. The lodges are, and have been, combining to save its [sic] membership.
Friday, November 15: … I finished up November report on tolls to Cincinnati Bell Company and I made out report to U.S. Internal Revenue on toll tickets. … I worked at switchboard this PM. I shall go to bed soon and take a good sleep. I only desire to sell [FL29] out this company and retire from active biz.
Wednesday, November 20: … the U.S. is in bad condition: Big biz have [sic] only put more men out by adding machinery to do the work [FL30] of millions of men. Now what are we going to do with the men, who are the consumers. Who will buy?
Sunday, November 24: Mr. Frank Fowles called a few minutes this p.m. A fine man: he lost his wife: a fine woman. He is a collector of bad debts for the merchants and biz members of Hamilton.
Thursday November 28: … the Phillips girls came to have Thanksgiving dinner and helped Eva roast the turkey. William M. went after them and took them home this PM.
Friday, November 29: … Quite an accident. A drunken truck driver swiped a few autos a mile south and landed himself and truck in a field on east side of road: he was headed south and should have been on the west side of road. No one killed, but a number hurt and auto damaged.
Monday December 2: … Grandson Bill is over at George Nichols helping shred fodder: $1 per + board.[FL31]
Wednesday, December 4: … Billy M. Miller is trying his hand at one branch of farming. He is helping shred corn fodder and took a hand in unloading corn. His dad happened along and helped him unload. The experience will do a lot to make him think, as to his future jobs, in the life’s struggle ahead.
Thursday, December 5: Bill is over at Charles Nixon’s, still one of the corn shredding gang.
Friday, December 6: … I am getting my reports in shape and propose to do some collecting of telephone rentals: so many are behind in rent and tolls. I propose to get all collected by April 1, 1936 and carry no one, thereafter. In fact, hope to sell out plant and retire for good[FL32] , from the telephone biz.
Tuesday, December 10:
· … went down to lot and fed and watered Dick [my] horse.
·… I desire to dispose of this telephone plan to the Cincinnati bell telephone company, if possible.
·… 11:50 PM call for a doctor. I am glad that I did not go to bed[FL33] . Maria Davis, sick.
December 17: … A big truck upset, just across the road. I saw all the whole accident. They had a load of Perina [sic] Chow, a preferred grain feed [headed] for Cincinnati Ohio. Teckman’s men, with one of his big trucks, pulled it back on its wheels; only a light loss and small repair bill. No one hurt. A short, bad curve in the road.
December 23: … A few are coming in to pay their telephone rent. Arnold is working in Oxford, Ohio. Bill is on the gad[FL34] , like the rest of the young folks, little and big. I see by the papers that Lindbergh has gone to England to take up his residence. They fear for their present boy. I don’t blame them.
December 25: … I called on R. Kirk Mee to swear me to a Revenue U.S. report this PM. A fine equipped residence.
December 31: … the Burns [sp?] brothers called and paid $25 on telephone rent and tolls. Theodore Decker called and paid his telephone rent for one year; also, his tolls for the past year. Bill, the rover, and chum were off to Cincinnati, O. to be entertainment by a swell party – I presume.
[FL1]From the Internet: … a German-born carpenter who was convicted of the abduction and murder of the 20-month-old son of aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
[FL2]Her name was actually…Mary Moulton Wilke.
[FL3]This confirms info that has been passed down through generations.
[FL4]“Called in” likely means that that Mr. Miller asked Dr. Grothaus to come to the Miller residence, as this was a time when physicians commonly made “house calls’ (came to the patient’s home).
[FL5]If we determine that Dr. Grothaus lived in or near Darrtown, his name will be added to the “Darrtown Doctors” webpage. See: http://www.darrtown.com/history/history-10.html
[FL6]Mrs. William Weiss, nee Frances Bufler, was 49 years of age, when she died. Earlier in her life, she worked partime at the Darrtown Telephone switchboard. See more info at: http://www.darrtown.com/people/weiss-william-f.html AND at http://www.darrtown.com/organizations/businesses-5.html
[FL7]This refers to Nell and Maria Davis, daughters of Joseph Davis. Their property (farm land) was located a the intersection of St. Rt. 177 and St. Rt. 73. This crossroads became known as Davis Corner. See; http://www.darrtown.com/people/davis.html
[FL8]The reference to avoiding “future accidents,” plus other comments made by Mr. Miller, suggests that he experienced an accident of some nature that led to his spinal condition. No clarification thus far, been found in this (1935) diary. Unfortunately, we do not possess the diary for the preceding year (1934); so, we do not, at this time, know what happened.
[FL9]This confirms an accident over a year ago.
[FL10]“Subs” refers to subscribers – of telephone rent.
[FL11]So, we know that Mr. Miller’s injury resulted from some type of fall.
[FL12]This seems to confirm that Dr. Grothaus was not a resident of Darrtown – in the mold of other physicians identified as “Darrtown Doctors.”
[FL13]Physicians still making house calls, in 1935.
[FL14]The Granville Wills family lived back the long lane to the north of Scott Road, just east of Darr’s Run.
[FL15]Apparently, Mr. Miller’s spinal problem has improved.
[FL16]This refers to Mr. Miller’s four lots that border the east side of Cherry Street, just north of South Street (Scott Road).
[FL17]William “Bill” Moulton Miller was a member of the 1935 senior class at the Milford Township High School (commonly known as Darrtown High School). See the class photo and other related items at: http://darrtown.com/organizations/schools-3.html
[FL18]Might this “Mr. Long of Hamilton, Ohio” later become the Mr. (George) Long that lived on and worked the first farm south of Darrtown on the east side of Rt. 177? More research needed. Meanwhile, see the George Long family of Darrtown at: http://www.darrtown.com/people/long.html
[FL19]“Back in the day,” before central heating, people had individual, free-standing wood/coal stoves in various rooms of their home. It was customary to remove heating stoves (and the pipe that connected to the chimney) when the stove was not being used.
[FL20]We have previously learned that Mr. Miller was a graduate of Central Normal University in Danville, Illinois.
[FL21]From previous entries, this no doubt, refers to the curve in the road where St. Rt. 177 intersects with Scott Rd., at the south end of Darrtown. The Miller home sat in the southeast corner of that location.
[FL22]Until proven differently, we will assume that this “Wiley’s dancehall” comment refers to the Hitching Post in Darrtown, because: (1) it seems unlikely that, at this time in his life, Mr. Miller would have traveled from Darrtown for such an event – due to his back/spinal injury; (2) Mr. Miller has shown a proclivity for referring to people and places by names of his personal choice (“Arnold” for his son, Ernest and “Talawanda River”); and (3) Bill and Pearl Wiley were operating the Hitching Post at this time – having purchased it in 1932 – according to grandson, Ron Wiley (verified, March, 2018).
[FL23]Numerous websites report the untimely and accidental deaths of these two American icons. This is one such site: http://www.avstop.com/news/wp.html
[FL24]“Fix” equals “estimate.”
[FL25]It seems that, in 1935, the notion of “global warming” had not yet been introduced.
[FL26]This figure seems a tad “sketchy.” Two vehicles every minute equals 120 per hour and that totals 2,160 vehicles in 18 hours.
[FL27]In 1935, nearly six years after the onset of the Great Depression, telephone rent is still being paid “in kind,” rather than with currency.
[FL28]Fortunately, for members of the Darrtown K. of P. Lodge, this threat abated and the Darrtown chapter continued to function, into the middle of the 20th century.
[FL29]SPOILER ALERT: Ernest Miller, Mr. L.A. Miller’s son, will sell the company in 1941.
[FL30]What might Mr. Miller and others of his generation think about the impact of 21st century robotics?
[FL31]This likely means that a farm hand received one dollar for a day’s work, plus meals.
[FL32]A recurring refrain from Mr. Miller…
[FL33]Presumably, had Mr. Miller gone to bed earlier, he would have gotten out of bed to connect the call.
[FL34]From the dictionary: “Gad” = go around from one place to another, in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment.
