21 Page 213 - Clara enters Drake University, Des Moines. Page 233 - October 22nd. Estell and Wilson of Clifton start a new barn. On page 240–it tells of the “barn raising” on November 30. Fifty people came to see it and were there for supper. They were invited, a “barn raising” was a social event. 1901 [Note: No journal for this year was included in the MacMillan gift to the Cedarville University Archives] 1902 As is her custom, Martha begins the year in a poetical, prayerful way, asking God to lead each step of the way. Then she tells where each of their children is located: Fannie and husband and children in Port Jarvis, N.Y.–Fred at his railroad work in Des Moines, Ia.–Harlan in Missouri for Minneapolis flour mill–Homer and wife left his pastorate in New Jersey die to ill health and went to El Paso, Texas for a better climate and cure. Clara at Drake College, Des Moines, spending holidays with relatives in Kansas City–Jason at Cedarville College–Paul in local school–Clayton at home assisting his father. January 11. Dinner part at Uncle Hugh Murdock’s, 26 guests. January 12. She notes 18 pupils attending the afternoon Sabbath school in the McMillan school house. January 15. Their 35th wedding anniversary. March 2. Comments on school house Sabbath school March 17. A telephone installed. March 26. Comments on Jason going to work in Dayton, O. April 15. Telegraph poles and lines being erected. May 12. “We are bounded on all sides with care and work.” May 22. Fred visits Jason at Dayton; arranges for him to come home. May 25. 5th anniversary of her school house Sabbath school. June 10. Trip to Des Moines–Clara graduates from Drake Un.–Clara takes a job at Drake, assistant teacher. [The responsibility for keeping the diary was turned over to Paul from June 11 to July 31. Martha’s account of the trip to Des Moines, Iowa and other points in between during that period is located in the back of the diary.] August 26. Foundation laid for tenant house. August 28. Last meeting in old church (N. Main St.-- became a gym for the College and now the drama center) [This references the donation by William Alford in 1902 of what is now known as Alford Auditorium to Cedarville College in memory of his father John. The building was first a gymnasium for the College; then in the early 1960's it was converted to an auditorium, finally becoming a drama theater in the mid-1970's] August 31. She reports Dr. Morton’s last sermon in the old church. September 1. Jason leaves for Tarkio College (?) In Missouri. September 7. First service in new church (new Grace Baptist since 1961 or ‘62) [This building was purchased by Grace Baptist Church (organized in 1954) and is still a part of the Grace Baptist Church complex today]
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