Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County. In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Mabel, as she was known, kept a diary which New York Almanack is publishing each week.
Monday, August 24
Ironed the napkins and a white waist which I had washed when I first came down. While Edna [her sister] went in bathing I got the dinner, making corn muffins. In the P.M. Winston Phelps came over to spend a few days with the Dunmores and was over to play croquet with us and Grace Huson. Russell, Della and I got the supper.
Attempted to cross [Henderson Harbor] in Russell’s motor but it refused to run, after having gone perfectly an hour previous. I rowed Della across and Russell, Anna. A Northeaster came up and there was quite a sea. The people came over here to play games. Succeeded in spilling the milk on the way over.
Tuesday, August 25
Picnic to Chaumont! We started at 9:15, our family, Clayton, the Dunmores, Anna and Mr. Phelps and the Husons and Etta. Used the motor most of the way over but the sail home was glorious and the sunset colors ?? and rich. The water was almost purple. We ate lunch at Point Salubrious, returning to Chaumont where we did the town as best we could in the short time we had. Russell and I walked thru the cemetery. It was Etta Stillman’s birthday and in the boat Clayton made a presentation speech of various articles. Played “Up Jenkins” over at Dunmores.
Wednesday, August 26
A Northeaster blew all day. Read this morning and spent some of the time over at Dunmores. After dinner Mr. Phelps brot over Guy Carryl’s “Grimm Tales Made Gay” which Russell and I read. They are very clever, especially the story of Bluebeard. About six Russell rowed me over to Cedarwood after Sarah and Edna. Clara and Mr. Phelps walked around. Had supper over here, eating in the front room. Anna, Della and I did the dishes and then we sat out on the porch.
Thursday, August 27
Edna made her pancakes for breakfast and afterwards I made a cake and Sarah helped with the apple sauce. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher came soon for Sarah and I went out for a short motor ride with Mr. Phelps. Had planned to go after balsam with Russell but we did not. Frosted cake and then went in bathing with the crowd. After dinner we all went to Howard’s Island and spent the afternoon. Della and I got supper over there, Anna Johnston helping out with a Johnny cake. Winston Phelps and I talked in front of the cottage and then we played cards with the crowd. The girls slept over here.
Friday, August 28
Anna Johnston, Della and I all slept together, so we none of us slept so very well. Tried to build the fire but Edna had to help me out. Made corn gems for breakfast which we had on the porch, Russell and Winston Phelps coming over. Read the Newcomer and then went in bathing with Edna. Swam down to the cedar clump by the Ripley landing. After dinner Winston Phelps came over and took the picture of the crowd which I hope will be good. The Husons and Etta left this afternoon and also Mr. Phelps. Went on a walk with the crowd to Hungerford Corners and back thru the lane. Della, Russell, Anne and I waited for the mail while Edna and Clara made French toast for supper.
Saturday, August 29
Had a late breakfast at 9, Edna preparing it. Went with Russell after balsam and did not get back until almost four. Went in the grove back of White’s Bay and cut a whole bag full of the fine tips. Went in bathing when we came home and then Clara got dinner for us. We all went over in the motor to White’s Bay after chickens for Clara. The rest went across while Clara and I staid home to wait for the people. Father and mother came later, driving down with Mr. Cooper’s horse. Father brot a card from Claribel Bryant.
Sunday, August 30
Had breakfast on the porch. I was quite flattered as I made muffins and all were eaten. Wrote to Martha Parker and Herb and talked to Della in the Retreat. Clara invited us over for a chicken dinner which we all greatly enjoyed. Started White Fang by Jack London — the first I have read by him. He is an exceeding vivid and forceful writer. Went across with Russell in the motor to mail some letters and get the milk. We all sat around the park, talking and eating olives, Hersheys and cookies.
Photos: top, Mabel Allen; middle, page from Grimm Tales Made Gay by Guy Carryl; bottom, first edition of White Fang by Jack London.
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