Florence Beatrice Brown was born August 1, 1899, in Pawtucket Rhode Island to Samuel and Hattie Perkins Brown. She was 17 years old and still a student when she kept this diary for the first three months of 1917. She wrote in pencil, and many words are unclear; some of the pages were ripped and/or destroyed. In the diary she makes reference to Earle, who was her future husband Earle Phillips; to Aunt, who is either Katie Perkins, or Lizzie Perkins, wife of Will Perkins; to Harold, who was Harold Phillips, brother to Earle. Her friend Lou was Luella Bowen.

Florence after she was married

p. 1 January 1 1917

Stayed at Luella’s last night. Mrs. Cahoon came in the afternoon. Stayed to supper. Charles, Harold, and Anna Link were there in the evening. Stayed till 9:45. “Early for them!” Played victrola. Midnight brunch. Brown parade with ??. Spanish … and tenor solos. . . Called Harold at 12:01, 1917. Went to bed at 2:00. Telephone all morning. Ate in our ?? Going at eleven. …afternoon ….evening {Harold is probably Harold Phillips, Earle’s brother]

p. 2 January 2, 1916 [17]

School again. Broke typewriter. Nobody going skating. I wonder if Earle went. Louella [Luella Bowen] & Sport here this afternoon. Mr. Wicks made N. Y. call. Mrs. Duxbury brought perfume, box chocolate, this book to me. [Mrs. Duxbury a friend of family] Skating spoiled; all thawed.

Wednesday

Bookkeeping exam. Planned to go to Rumford. Mrs. Burke sick. Worked till 5:10. Went, arrived 6:45. No skating. Retired 12:00. Mouse interrupts my slumber.

p. 3 January 15, 1917.

Victoria Putnam, Margaret C., and I went to Slater tonight. Went down car with Edna & Sydney T. Fellow broke skate-strap. Plenty of escorts. Saw the “Professor” with a girl on Main St. Said “Hello” instead of “How do you do?” Took her to Fisk’s. Like to know who she is.

p. 4 Thursday.

Arose at 7:00. Helped Sadie. Went to Rumford Store, chemical Works, and Garage. Dinner. Walked in deep mud home. Started 2:45 arrived at 3:45. Ray called up to go skating. Refused—because French exam to study for.

Friday.

Day of fate—“French” Comparatively easy. Elizabeth Ingles & I went skating. Ice—great. El Margeriden & Mrs. Rambottom added to

p. 5 company. Wrote letter to Emma & Annie on my celebrated pink love letter paper. Read Sopagen’s “Grace Harlowe” [adventure stories of young woman]

Saturday.

Work -morning. Pressing & repairing – shining and brushing. Wedding anniversary. Dandy time. Played popular pieces—great singer—Victrola. Square dance. Caught ?? on Consolidated [locomotive]. Jump on back platform after a wild race. Basketball team in train—not very excited.

P 6 presume they lost. Out on train. Good connections. Came on car with Pa [Samuel Brown] Paid our fares again. 11:45.

Sunday

Got up at 9:40. Went back to bed with Dream Book for ¾ hr. Breakfast at 11:30. Dinner at 3:15. Marion Lyons at Lee’s Fudge!!! Boys spent evening. Like old times. Everything agreeable. 2 escorts!!

Monday

School as usual. Skating—Bochrake ?? Met Miss L’Amereau—named Miss

P 7 Camisole. Vota & another. Brown Soph present. P.H.S. volunteers, hockey. Spent last nickel. Crabby conductor. Walk from downstreet. Study evening.

Tuesday

School again. “Less than the Dual”—Mary Pickford. “Fair.” Study evening. –[movies]

Wednesday.

School. Walk to park suggested. Mrs. Bowen, Ma [Hattie Perkins Brown] & Aunt [Katie Perkins] went away’s so I went too. Louella’s destination. Flora Sweet. Fudge!! Boiled

P 8 dinner. Palm read 10 cents a piece. Going to marry. 4 children—2 girls & 2 boys. Prosperity, money & happiness. Mind unknown now. Wish not this year but after next New Year or later. Good girl friend. Stay Lou’s all night. Study in bed. Lou goes to sleep on “Tale of Two Cities.” Not exciting & romantic enough for her not mentioning me-with Victor Hugo’s drama!

Thursday Feb. 1, 1917.

6:45 Mrs. Bowen awakes us. Up at 7:00. Out at 8:08. School Study afternoon. 5:30 get shoes, gown & music. Leave at 7:30 after curling iron performance. Play great—Clark—whole show. Walk down with Doris & Marion M. Last car. Got chocolates—best—of course. Earle in car. Didn’t thank him for paying fares. Thought I

P 9 heard Lou doing it. Should study shorthand. Test tomorrow. Earle has Biology. Interesting!! Broach hospital again—Sometime —- —- — Go to bed!!

Florence around 1917

Friday Feb. 2, 1917.

School. Went down street to watch Ma and the P. N. G’s dialogue. Bought Lou’s bag. Read and studied in evening.

P 10 Feb. 25, 1917

I don’t know exactly what has happened since Feb. 2 but I do know that I have been too busy to write in this book. We went to L[ou]’s Aunt Fannie’s two or three weeks ago to-night. Inspected Georgie’s garage. Splendid time. Was going skating next day but we had a terrible snowstorm. Friendly [restaurant] in evening. Earle has the scholarship. Went to Borden’s two weeks ago to-night. Albin Pilblat walked down with me

P 11 every morning for few weeks. He has consented to sharpen my pencils. E[arle] went to see a girl I expect last Sunday night. I studied all evening. O! I forgot about my auto ride with Arthur. Brought me home from down street in his machine. Finest I have ever ridden in. Very slow driver. Very thoughtful of him. Enjoyed it immensely. Same day Harold & Lu’ went skating. All I know about it is that Sport knocked Harold over, which caused considerable amusement, to me at any rate.

P 12

Feb 19.

Monday morning Arthur stopped in front of the doctor’s [she works at a Dr.s office] and took me down to school. Everybody thinks both him and his car are quite handsome. Costume party. High School fellows and the Baker. Very enjoyable evening.

Feb. 20.

Percle Francais  Francis Burke came home with me. Clark wanted to but did not like to butt in. Got off car at Oak Hall Bldg and walked down Main St., when much to our surprise Monsieur Clark appeared on the scene.

P 13 greatly excited, he had been searching for us and couldn’t find us. He walked up. Clark also Decided to come up cottage St. instead of Broadway. Then to Orchard St. instead of Allen Ave. We asked if he wouldn’t come the rest of the way but he declined as he thought it might be too forward I guess. However I enjoyed his company as he is a great talker.

Wed. Feb. 21

Clark going to Miss Holt’s to see about French Play. I will stay out I guess.

P 14 Work in afternoon. Met Harold & Myrtle at the corner. Costume Party in evening. Lu’ a gypsy. Florence, Dutch, Earle, a n–, and Harold—a Lizzie [fun person]. Talk about style! I wish E[arle] could have got into the girl’s clothes. Harold was certainly great. Plenty of rouge, and pencil. Ma & Pa came about 10. Went home at 12.

Thurs. Feb. 22

Earle & I went to Brown. Most unexpected holiday. The day before I had been wondering what I could do out of the ordinary. It was simply great. Left at 9:40 O. G. Car. Lecture by Chinese. Very good. Uncle Will [Perkins] sat in reserved seats in front. Didn’t know it until Fri night though. Visited Biology & Chemistry bldgs.. and 3 libraries. Perfectly wonderful. Biology is not half as bad as I thought it was. I think I will have to take a special course in it. I forgot, we went to the John Hay Library too. It was an immense bldg.. Oh! I don’t

P 15 know what I am writing, I mean we went into Brown Union. The rooms are great. Baby sat in back of us coming out from Providence, which was very tired. Brought a new subject for conversation, I won’t say what. Went to buy some honey for the baby. Another topic of interest. Met Charlie Jones, had a chat. Velvet Kisses—another topic. It seems very queer to me that people find so much in mere signs. E[arle]. spent the afternoon. Told his fortune which is

P 16 surely coming true. I’m waiting to see who will die Wednesday. Called up in evening.

Newlyweds Earle and Florence Phillips

Fri. Feb. 23

School. Purchased graduation dress material—embroidered marquisette. Went to Florence P. to see about my “butterflies.” Earle called in evening.

Sat. Feb. 24

Work. Bertha and I went down street. Leo called me up; also wanted me to come up do day. I wish he’d forget it. I told B[ertha] to tell him I had a “steady”

P 17 but I know he won’t believe it.

Sunday Feb. 25.

Church! Saw Nettie getting ready to go out in the machine. Ma’s gone, out soliciting for church. I’ve got to call L’ up. I don’t know what is the matter with her. She has gone to Aunt Fannie’s. Charlies & Anna out. Uncle Will & Aunt Lizzie [Perkins]. Called the boys. Been out sliding & skating. Olive said “Hello.” Played all the rags I could find.

P 18 Monday March 5, 1917.

Tonight I have found time to write a summary of the important events of the past week.

Monday Feb. 26.

School in the morning. L, Ma & I went to Imperial to see “Black Wolf.” [movie] Geroaldime ?? Faraan’s ?? husband. Saw a college picture. “A Speedy Hanging.”  Lou became so excited thinking it was horrible being so cruelly treated that she dusted the floor with her hat. Didn’t go to Free dly [Friendly]—excuse—

P 19 too much studying. Told my fortune, however, regardless of studies. Wished everything I had time for—going to get all my wishes! Quite surprising!!

Tuesday Feb. 27.

School as usual. Theme—comparison of mobs. Went to Lou’s in evening to study Mobs. Harold called her up. Wonderful conversation lasting about 15 min., more or less. Told my fortune and became terribly excited over some of events against which I naturally protested. Ma

P 20 informed me Earle had called twice, so I called him. Told me about Banquet. I forgot to record that Pa came home with good news that he would have a vacation until Monday. Invitation for rest ??

Wednesday, Feb. 28.

School. Went down street with L[ou]. Offered to buy her some flowers, or rather, I promised to buy her some in the near future, I hope. Everybody waiting for dinner. Study all afternoon. All used up and went to Lou’s to

P 21 meet those 2 young gentlemen. Some dudes. Mr. Pierce had a very attractive plaid shirt. Mr. Kerwin, I believe his name was, was the more sociable. Played games and sang all evening. Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Kinney chaperoned. Well escorted. Ladies in back. Had to run for car. Just got my hat and coat off when bell rang—thought sure it was Lou—but—it was Earle—highly elated over Sophomore

P 22 success.

Thursday March 1.

School in morning—nearly asleep—resolved to go to bed in afternoon. Nothing to do but French Literature. Everybody was out. Went to bed for about 20 min. Greatly refreshed. Mrs. Duxbury ready for evening. Earle called just as I started dishes—consequently, Mrs. Duxbury did most of them. Plan that all should come up if Lou had special invitation. Invitation

P 23 refused—too much studying—reason not enough of Harold. Wild goose-chase follows getting Mrs. Duxbury ready. Cars late. Earle called about 7:45—decides to come over alone—Rushed out and jumped onto car with Mrs. D. after 8:00—no gloves—except old gray ones. Put her into Ma’s hands and flew. Came up in ?? Just got hat & coat off again when Earle arrived. He always comes or calls just as start something or finish.

P 24 Inspection of his diary. Absolutely no secrets. Wonderful fortune. I do not always read all that I see. Harold came after 11:00. Went around 11:30.

Friday March 2.

School. Called on Myrtle in afternoon. She has a very nice home and the dandiest tenement! A bedroom just like I have always wanted. Asked me to come up Thurs aft. And stay in evening as allow [?] goes to lodge. Alfred

P 25 has a telephone. I was just in the act of arranging my hair. Talked about 10 min.; almost time to go—didn’t dare to have him sit down. Earle calls up so Alfred goes. Conversation short and sweet as Ma was waiting and I was not ready. Nearly went to sleep in church. Uncle Will [Perkins], Aunt L[izzy Perkins], Ma & I all in same boat. Told fortunes after church!! Keeping Lent well.

Saturday March 3.

Work. Hattie came for me.

P 26 Told of the exciting event of the week between Mr. Brown & Hattie. Miss Burke and I expect most anything from her now. Oh! I forgot! I cut my finger yesterday. Bled a couple of periods. Needed the surgeon to dress it but I had to be my own. Had to typewrite with one finger in the air all morning. Went to bed again. I was completely exhausted after so many late nights. Nearly went to sleep but not quite. Bertha [Perkins], Nellie [Perkins Thompson], her husband [Waldo Thompson] and baby [Robert Thompson] arrived—had to

P 27 appear out in a wrinkled waist. Had a great time. Bertha surprised me. She chose the craziest pieces I possess. She took one of my pictures I had taken in Agnes’ front yard but Promised not to give it to Leo for he has asked for my picture, I have refused. Grandma {Margaret Perkins] & Auntie [Katie Perkins] spent evening. I studied quite late. Last one to bed as usual with the terrible act of putting out the light and putting up the curtains.

P 28 Sunday March 4.

Got up at 8:00—got my book and went back to bed. The most wonderful love story I have ever read. Of course I might have known it would be as Irene said it was peachie and she is well versed in such things. Ma is sick. Had all the work to do. Pa helped with dishes. Ma started the meat. Dinner dishes done after 4:00. Uncle Will & Henry [Perkins] came up. Called Lou—she was up stairs sleeping. I disturbed her slumber

P 29 deep and her dream. I was really very sorry for it must have been thrilling. Pa bought us some ice cream. Mr. Borden and everybody body [sic] under the sun called up. Just finished “Lucida” and started to strap books when Earle called. He & Harold went to E. Prov. to the uncle’s only. Something escaped me in Earle’s diary—his marks—perhaps something else did but I will take his word. Read my book until 10:45. Every night seems to be engaged but

P 30 he promised to let me know the first night, possible.

Monday, March 5.

Hailing terribly. Called Superintendent Tiride ??—line busy. Heard whistle at 7:45 and 8:00. Took it for granted there was no school. It so happened that there was but any way I had a vacation. Got the meals and did the work. Finished my book—the first is better than the last. Shampooed my hair. Did some shorthand and brushed up on English: “Experience” connect to Providence.

March 26 Wed. Met ?? $1.00 last seats

P 31

Sat. matinee and evenings $1.50. The actors are all well known and became popular in Boston. I would love to go. I guess I’ll start saving my money.

P.S. Polyanna Mar. 19. Prov. Opera House

Tuesday March 6.

Already for school this morning when Ma nearly fainted away—called Lou—to get my lessons—neck bad again. Mrs. Duxbury came back about 10:00. Did the work—dressed ?? down to school at recess. Every body stopped me in the corridor.

P 32 Vi Butman & her crowd hailed me before I reached the school. Mr. Wright gazes and smiles until he can stand the strain no longer and then asks me if I am going to stay. Later comes over and asks if I am sick. Got my assignments went to library look up Washington Irving’s life. Got home just in time for dinner. Houseful of company—P.N.S.’s—Ma formed her advocacy board, or executive board. Mrs. Stanley ?? stayed to suffer [supper?]. Earle called up, of course, just as I

P 33 was going to eat my supper. Played a new one step. Decided to come Wednesday night so I could go to Cescles Francais. Good time—best time waiting for car and the rider in the car. Games, singing, and dancing. Got twisted and started to go home toward Lonadale Ave with Miss Keough & Miss Macey. Thomas escorted Eliz. Butler to car. Come up with me. Studied till 11:45

Wed. March 7

Went to school. Alvin very glad to see me back. Doesn’t bother me any. Earle called

[Next page ripped]… noon—informed

P 34…. Earle’s going to start practicing in 6 yrs. Earle’s going to be surprised in 7 years by Mildred … . Oh! I forgot! E and I are going to stand up for K & L. Won’t that be scramption ??. I forgot to ask it where I am going to live. Told Earle’s fortune—just the same as every he always gets part or all of his wish. After great difficulty in doing up Ouija he left with a bound on the 4:25 train not the 5:15.

Thursday March 7. Alvin waited in all the …

[Lacuna several days]

P 35 street about 4 o’clock. Howard Curtis went down with me. Track meet` to-night. Howard’s going to have Paige instead of an Overland [automobile] this year. Talked up tennis and dentists. Harold working diligently. Looked around the store in search of pattering shoes and dresses. Didn’t buy a thing. Chatted with M. Rawlings and Ham ? Trott in Boston Store. Ham’s going to have a reception dress just like I want. She showed me the material she’s going to have for the supper.

P 36 Earle called up. Requested me to put this in my diary—The meaning of Necco Wafers.

He promised to tell me next summer. ?? came …….

Monday March 12.

Went down to school with Margaret & Mrs. Ward. Men’s … connected the place so pages “Long” ?? Studied.

P 35 all afternoon. Did shorthand French for Wednesday. Inez came for me to go to the Friendly ?? We voted to have a dance the Wednesday after Easter. Hazel brough her Character Book—I refused to put my name in it—it was perfectly awful. Bertha Hernick & Miss Holt posted me on the Necco Wafers. [diachronic marks/shorthand] Came home with a splitting headache. Could hardly see out of my eyes.

P 36 Tuesday March 13.

Albin went down to school with me. 15 pages of Lang. Called Lou. Went to Aunt Etta’s [Etta Brown Pierce]. Studied on the E. Prov. car going and coming. Played piano and played Grofonola. Hazel’s friend Burgess bought Aunt Etta some ice cream, Ward’s silver cake, and some perfectos. We had a dandy time. Got home at 9:30. Earle called up in evening. Too late to call as 9:45.

P 37 Wednesday March 14.

Albin went down with me again. He waits for me even though he’s down to the Royal Weaving. He says that he likes court life and stories where a fellow falls in love with a girl and marries her! Albin has got over his bashfulness at last. Vera & I nearly had heart failure this morning. We talked all Penmanship period. Sue was telling me about fortune telling by palmistree.

P 38 At the end of the period he stopped and very slowly said “Everybody, except Miss Brown & Miss Porter—everybody turned around, and sat up straight and looked right at him, already for an invitation to come to the desk and receive a 2 o’clock slip when he continued—may write a page of this word—and Miss Boehnke & Miss Ainscough may write 2 pages for talking. “Everybody was anxious to see if our papers were better than

P 39 theirs but I put my in the drawer immediately. I think they were rather surprised to hear that verdict rather than a 2:00 verdict. They couldn’t have been as surprised as we were. Boehnke says that we “stand in” and they “stand out.” Vera showed me how to tell a fellow’s fortune. [shorthand markings] I wouldn’t say such an impudent thing except to some people—perhaps Albin. I had some dandy fruit salad.

Called

P 40: Lou [END]

P 41: [list of names and addresses]

Edna Angell 22 Crescent

Irene Ainscough 13 French

Marion Boehnke 6 Montgomery

Agnes & Margaret Dott 133 Newport

Hattie Macdonald 102 Central

Miss Burke Pond St.

Margaret Campbell 64 Cottage

Caroline Wheeler [care of] Hotel Mathewson, Narragansett Pier.

Bertha Perkins 3 Newton Flat, Westerly, RI

Agnes Reynolds, Manchaug [near Sutton MA]

Annie Wood 191 Phenix RI

Henry

P. 42

Earle 25 Campbell St.

Necco Wafers [Diachronic marks]

Fortune [Diachronic marks]

Call Irene

Go to see Agnes & Margaret

Write to Miss Wheeler

For more on Florence and her family, see The Memories of Katie Perkins, available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Memories-Katie-Perkins-Related-Families/dp/B0CH2QVCYY/ref=sr_1_19?crid=398YMK046NRTF&keywords=Russell+M+Lawson&qid=1703172044&s=books&sprefix=russell+m+lawson%2Cstripbooks%2C124&sr=1-19