1895 Journal 7

(Remainder of journal in Laura Keene Gleaves Robinson handwriting)

Alice and I kept the house together until the year of 1938 thus keeping the house together 2 yrs.  We divided at once all Papa’s and Mama’s lovely things they left to us equally.  In 1937 I sent Anna (Oct 1) 1250.00 for her part. Belisa (Oct 23, 1937) 1250 for her part, exchanged my part of lots toAlicefor her part.  Making seven payment to my sisters for their parts.  Then I owned the house and Alice lived with me, I kept up the house, the car the insurance the plumbing all the upkeep and paid the servants Alice halved the groceries, the coal, the utilities, kept her chickens and took care of the garden herself. Painted my china. Made my furniture covers.

Belisa and I took a trip to Californiain the year 1936, Oct 26^th.  I went toTexas and we went in her car dividing expenses.  We had a lovely time and saw many interesting things.  The next year 1937, Mrs. Wilkinson my friend from Grahams Forge, Alice and I went toFlorida for a month; spent most of the time inMiami. Alice’s first trip. I had been once while Ernest lived in 1932 with Mrs. Wilkinson.  In 1938 in Jan. Alice and I went again toFlorida. on returning only a few days.  Received a telegram fromTexas that Belisa was in a coma almost dying.  I had only a few minutes left immediately forTexas.

Belisa remained in a coma for a week delirious 5 weeks finally I brought her home.  I had done everything possible not counting the cost.  Getting best Drs best nurses.  After returning home she improved.  I kept a nurse with her for several months.  Finally after returning to aRoanokehospital she recovered in over a year’s time.  In three years she recovered and now has a furniture shop upholsters, refinishes and most everything has a good trade and now in May, 1941 seems well pays third of groceries also 1/3 of lights and water out of her earnings part of coal

What I have done to improve the house and premises of dear Papa’s and Mama’s.  In 1937 Had Mr. Miller to paper all upstairs paint etc.  An electrician to cover and conceal all wires, bought one new rug, had all others cleaned, bought new candlewick bed spreads draperies etc. Everything looked lovely at a cost – see other side

In March 1941, I had my living room and dining room papered in blue.  Halls papered tan with Rose figures.Alice’s living room in rose.  All wood work white, new draperies in all down stairs rooms, Bielmarried in April gave her large party.  In fall gave tea, 85 guests.