Lou Chritton's Diary - March 4 - 31, 1946

The children of Albert Herman Chritton and
Dicey Louisa "Lou" Hogue Chritton. Based on their ages,
this photo was probably taken about 1917.

My great-grandmother, Dicey Louisa "Lou" (Hogue) Chritton, began keeping a diary on the first of January, 1946. She was 70 years old. The diary was a pocket "five year diary" with each page marked with five small slots to be filled in on the same date each year for five years. This is an excerpt from her diary.

During this period Lou is living with her son-in-law and daughter, Leamon and Ora "Mae" Moot, in Wichita.

As we start, Lou is suffering from a severe bout of influenza.

Monday, March 4, 1946

Nothing to do, only lay here, take medicine, and grunt. They have me down now.

Tuesday, March 5, 1946

Still sick. Am some better. I can go to the toilet and back to bed by myself. Ha ha.

Wednesday, March 6, 1946

You see I am getting a little bit better by the way I write. I was too sick at first to crack a joke.

Thursday, March 7, 1946

I can comb my hair and wash my face now. That makes me feel better. I guess I will make it.

Friday, March 8, 1946

I have been up about half the time today and waiting on myself pretty good.

Saturday, March 9, 1946

I have been up all day and gaining some strength but slow. Oh, this old flu, I hate it.

Sunday, March 10, 1946

Mae got me some flowers today. We have had company today. I have played some cards so I am lots better, but a long way from well.

Monday, March 11, 1946

I washed dishes and got my meals today. I will get on top yet. I am pretty weak.

Tuesday, March 12, 1946

This has been a long dreary day. It is cloudy and raining a little bit.

Wednesday, March 13, 1946

I tried to sew a little today. Made a apron for Mae and helped Mae was dishes for a change.

Thursday, March 14, 1946

Marie came a little while this evening. I made Mae a couple aprons today. I feel a little better.

Friday, March 15, 1946

I wrote some letters today and helped with the dishes. I am improving, I think. Guess I will make it.

Saturday, March 16, 1946

This has been a lonely old day for one it has been raining most all day. Mae and Leamon has gone to town.

Sunday, March 17, 1946

Leamon is going to take a bath 1 year from tonight. I don’t know when I will take one, the way I feel.

Monday, March 18, 1946

I wrote to Kennie for the first time in the Navy. I wonder if he will answer it.

Tuesday, March 19, 1946 [Her birthday]

Bills sent me a card & hankie. Mae gave me a cake, earrings, and dog. Ruth Stuart sent me a nice card. Joe Gardner gave $1.00. Jackie earrings. Chas card.

["Bills" presumably refers to her son, William "Bill" Chritton. Jackie is Jack Hulscher who is currently serving in the Navy. "Chas" is probably her son Charles "Charley" Chritton.]

Wednesday, March 20, 1946

I made a dress and a slip today. Guess I am better at last. Have been up all day. Pretty good for me.

Thursday, March 21, 1946

We had company tonight, Marie and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Pervine. Had a nice chat.

Friday, March 22, 1946

I am cooking a pork roast today. I have been taking care of two kids today. They are nice.

Saturday, March 23, 1946

I went to Concordia today to see Nellie and Lynn. Had a good time and seen Dorthy and husband.

[Concordia, Kansas, was home to a large number of the Chritton and Hogue families. It's about 150 miles from Wichita. Nellie refers to Lou's daughter Nellie Chritton Fox. Lynn is Lou's son. "Dorothy" presumably refers to Nellie's daughter, Dorothy May Fox Horton.]

Sunday, March 24, 1946

I took care of kids today and a while tonight and I don’t feel very good either.

Monday, March 25, 1946

I wrote a lot of letters today, one to Jackie, Charley, Bill, and two nieces. Joe & Myrtle.

Tuesday, March 26, 1946

Came back to Mae’s in the evening. Oh, we got home at half past eleven at night. Ha ha.

Wednesday, March 27, 1946

I feel pretty good today after the long ride over to see the kids. This is a fine day.

Thursday, March 28, 1946

 I wrote letters today and slept part of the time and chewed gum for pass time.

Friday, March 29, 1946

I made a dress today and cooked beans. It has been a beautiful day. I have been lonely.

Saturday, March 30, 1946

I hung the clothes out for Mae and gathered them in now. I am waiting to go to the Doctor.

Sunday, March 31, 1946

We stayed home all day. It was Leamon’s birthday. He was 45 years old. We didn’t whip him.

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