Mary hosts Christmas party, gets into the holiday spirit

This week’s diary was a fun read for me. Mary is in the Christmas spirit helping everywhere she can to prepare for gatherings etc. It made me want to put up Christmas light on the boat. Enjoy!

Friday, Dec. 10, 1948

The day of the big party. Sam and I loaded the big truck and went to town. I picked up Eunice D. and we went to Alma Brelson’s, got their organ, stove, etc., and to the Temple where we unloaded it all with the help of Bill, Alma’s nephew. I helped set tables and then went to help Alma on our stage idea. It was such fun and oh was it wonderful when we finished. Sam helped put up pictures, lamp, wire for curtains, etc. Home early after getting my hair combed out. Blanch baked the beans and I put the salad together. Then we went to the party at 5 and as soon as we got there were busy. Over 300 people were there, the biggest crowd yet. We had to set up more tables. There were gasps of delight as we pulled back the curtains and it surely looked good. The program was long but very good. Everyone was very happy when Jess Duffield came out in the new Santa Claus outfit. Home late.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 1948

Today we went to town and met Alma Nelson there at 10 at the Temple. We took down all our stage setting but the tree which Job’s Daughters will use tonight. Then we will dismantle and get to me at Cleora’s Monday eve. Took Alma’s stuff home and then got my hair recombed. Home and ate lunch. Took Blanche Hackett home and Sam unloaded the truck. The furnace man was out so it is OK again. Mary Ruth had her appendix out so I shall visit her Sunday. Wet and sloppy out all day. The dog caught a big rat, too. To Cleora’s and we went to Reception for Grand Ade, Marjie Hammergren. We left as the addendas were over. To the dance and had a good time, although I was so tired that I did not care to dance. We served on the refreshment committee and so are there awhile. The Waggoners came in late. We ate noodles, then home.

Sunday, Dec. 12, 1948

Arose late. Then went out for greens to decorate on Wednesday at Masonic Temple. We just got home when Ralph, Myrtle and another couple came, and we had coffee and cake. Then we ate dinner, and I took stuff to Skene’s. After dinner I saw Mary Ruth at hospital, she had her appendix out. Saw Ethel Burgua’s husband and Mrs. Garland also. The latter is weak. Lovey is all for giving up her office again but when I came back, she was telling me who she would have for chaplain, so she is very changeable. Anyway, we had tea, and it was good. Her voice is so bad., she can’t talk. Very painful. Home and to bed.

Monday, Dec. 13, 1948

Rained all night. Sam washed clothes and I put away all stuff from the Christmas party. Cleaned all collars and Chapter dress so everything is ready for the trip. Took purse to Skene’s. Took clock to Mae Hausen’s, she will fix it for me. Then I drove to Bremerton, got Eunice Duffield and we went to Poulsbo for baskets but they had not arrived so we made arrangements with June Hively to see the ones coming on stage and she will call me Tuesday. Back to Duffield’s and as usual, ate too much for dinner. Cleora’s, Emma Morris and Marion Heland entertained. We played games and sang Christmas carols. We all brought clothes for needy children or adults and Meryle Norton will distribute them. Home late and to bed. Eunice DeLong went with us. Lovey still has a bad cold so was not there. Sam went to Seattle and stayed all night. Very clear and cold out.

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1948

Today I got up early and took Squires up to the cemetery where we planted Kinnikinnick on Papa’s grave, which he dug up near big gravel pit above Belfair. The fence has been started and will look very good. Then home and Squires cut down all old stalks of phlox, etc. After I took him home, I picked up all limbs from the big wind and cleaned cabin. June Hively called up and she said she had 5 baskets, so I met her at Bremerton. I shall keep 2 baskets and the florist will order 2 more. She plans to come out Wednesday eve so will return the two to be exchanged. I surely appreciate June doing this for me. It was such a help. Stopped at Eunice’s and showed her the baskets. She thinks they are OK. Put away towels etc., so am ready to iron. Home and ironed all clothes. I thought Eddie Fischlers could stop in to eat but did not come early enough. Surely had a good steak for them. Cleaned up desk. Tomorrow hope to mail all Christmas presents.

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1948

Arose late. Tried to snow, turned to rain. Cleaned apartment upstairs and Sam mailed parcels for Christmas. I took all gifts out of attic so this weekend we can distribute them.

Alma Nelson called up she will pay my initiation fee at White Shrine Meeting tonight if necessary. Roy Mitchell called up all happy over Sam’s letter to Lodge. Kitty Williams came down and we went to the Masonic Temple. We found Stephen there already. Decorated the table with holly and red candles. Got everything ready but we needed chairs so Eddie Fischler and I will bring some. Bette Fischler helped on baskets upstairs and so did Kitty W. The ones in East and West have pine boughs with cones and hemlock with cones in back. The Star Points have colored Pampas Grass and green background. It is lovely. Bette put a time Christmas tree on the desk. Home and cleaned washroom. Sam put all extra salmon away in boxes. Has most of fish presents wrapped. Fischlers stopped in and got my old Marshall’s dress to wear tonight. To the Temple early and Stephens put on water for coffee so we sat thru. all the initiation. The officers did very well and we were so proud of them. The Chapter room was lovely with the colored plumes and the refreshment room had red candles and holly on the tables. June Hively was there so she took the 2 baskets to be exchanged. A successful evening. We all took home cookies and ice cream. Met Bette Fischler’s mother and Ann Eller. They surely are fine people.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 1948

Arose late and cleaned house. We carried all the clothes and shoes up to the apartment and put stuff away from Eastern Star eve., Dec 15. Then Sam cleaned the gutters, and we raked all the leaves on the lawn. It looks very good. Also, Sam put chicken manure on berries. Skenes were over and we had tea. They brought back the purse. So now I’ll have to return that. I’ll not buy for them again. Very cold out all day and the leaves we raked were frozen. A lovely sunset tonight. Started my packing and have a good start until Skenes came. In the evening we read and went to bed early as we were both very tired. Very cold out tonight. Sam finished wrapping all the salmon so tomorrow I can deliver most of it. A big day and really got a lot done.

■ Clydene Hostetler was a longtime Belfair resident and historian. She now resides on a classic wooden boat on the Columbia River. She has been researching Mary Theler’s life for the past 17 years. She can be emailed at [email protected].