Winter Life on Stony Island, Lake Ontario, 1902-03 — Summer 2000
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The Great Lakes… 84% of the continent’s fresh water… a different story in every drop.
Author: John A. Stevens
What follows is winter life on Stony Island, Lake Ontario, in 1902-03 as seen though the eyes and pen of my great aunt Mary [“Mate”/] Cook Stevens in her diaries and letters [or fragments] and printed in the Stevens Papers, Vol. 3, 1899-1908 [work in progress] compiled /transcribed by the writer. I am grateful for family members who preserved this material, namely great aunt Eliza Jane Stevens, 1843-1932; aunt Mabel Stevens Rose, 1895-1971; father Austin Avery Stevens, 1898-1980 and cousin Carol Rose Flick. The original writing has been retained, including misspellings and punctuation. Brackets indicate illegible writing, or comments by the writer.
Background
Stony Island is located in eastern Lake Ontario between Stony Point and Galloo Island. Henderson Harbor is the nearest landfall. The island is four miles long and over one mile wide and is divided almost in two by Stony Island Pond, which is two miles long.
Nine members formed the Stony Island Club (incorporated, 1899) and purchased fifty acres at the head of the island. The clubhouse was built of limestone barged from Cape Vincent and completed in 1901. The building, which exists to this day, sits on a limestone cliff, but the local stone is of inferior building quality. It is presently owned and well maintained by the Phillips Petroleum Company as a private sportsmen’s retreat.
An arial view of Stony Island. The clubhouse Mary and Albert tended is marked at the lower right end of the island near the shore.
In those days the Luff family farmed Stony Island, served as fishing guides and took in summer boarders. [The writer stayed in the Luff farmhouse with his family as a three year old in 1931, after it had been abandoned. It is now gone.] A Mr. Brodie lived at the head of the island.
At the time of this article, “Mate” Stevens, as she was always known, was a reporter for the Adams Journal. Albert and Mate’s home was in Henderson Harbor. Albert lived as a youth with his family on Galloo Island. Later they moved to the mainland in Henderson Harbor. He had been a sailor and commercial fisherman on the Great Lakes. At this time he was a fishing guide. Mate, raised inland on a farm near Belleville, New York, was a homemaker and had been a seamstress.
Mate [Mary E.] Cook Stevens
1856-1914
Tues. Nov. 4, 1902: Election Day Lovely day. Warm and bright. Albert went up to vote in forenoon. In afternoon went over to Brooklyn [across Henderson Harbor] and husked popcorn for Mr. Fry. Frank Horton came to see us about going to Stony Island to live. Will furnish wood, and cow, and pay us $15.00 per month, to live in Clubhouse…
Wed. Nov. 12: Dark, threatened rain frequently finally about 4 P.M. it got at it, and rained like suds for hours. Will Stevens [Albert’s brother, a boat builder and fishing guide] called… I helped Albert about the wood. He wheeled quite a lot up from shore. F.L. Webster came down from Adams through mud and rain to go to island with us.
Thurs. Nov. 13: Rainy bad day. Will and Mr Webster went duck hunting. I baked and picked up and began packing for Stony island. Mrs. Reed came and made me a long call…
Fri. Nov. 14: Nice day, and would have been a good time to have gone to Stony isle, had we been ready. Worked hard all day packing. Frank Horton called. In the evening were invited down to meet Crossett’s sister Mrs Parker and niece Mrs Warren from Mexico
Sat. Nov. 15: Fair day, but strong wind so we could not go to Stony Island, and it was just as well as we are not ready. Worked hard all day. Heard from Montgomery Ward & Co They have not received the wrapper [sent]
Sun. Nov. 16: Stony Island. Cloudy gray day, but not cold or stormy. Frank Horton came over to harbor with Naphtha launch. While Albert and he were loading up, I drove up town [Henderson, formerly known as Salisbury Mills] to see Dr Terry and get same medicine. We started for Island at 12 noon reached island 2 oclock. Frank towed J.1.See [I believe the actual name of the boat was the Jay Eye See, for J.I. See or as it appears later “J.I.C.” and “J.E.C.”] & skiff [It was 14 miles by boat from Henderson Harbor to the head of Stony Island.|
Mon. Nov. 17: Unpleasant Mr Ed Horton stayed with us last night. He very kindly helped Albert wheel up our goods last night. He went to foot of island soon after breakfast, and now we are “Monarch of all we survey Was very busy cleaning up and getting settled but did not accomplish much I churned
Tues. Nov. 18: Wind blew hard all day and it rained part of the day. I worked over butter, had about 1 pound. I scrubbed, cleaned, & swept etc, but lack a good deal of making it very home like yet. I am not homesick or lonesome yet. We had our first caller, Mr Hugh Brodie.
Wed. Nov. 19: Stony Island Club. Beautiful day. Mr. Brodie staid last night with us. Went away soon after breakfast Worked hard all day. After dinner took a short walk along bank. Mr Brodie called again, told Albert he could cut wood.
Thurs. Nov. 20: Beautiful day. I done quite a lot of baking. After that was done I went out fishing for a couple of hours with Albert, … we caught nothing, but had a very pleasant time.
Fri. Nov. 21: Stony Island Club House. Pleasant day. An eventful day. Between 2 and 3 o’clock P.M. Mike Lynik came to our door, in a fainting condition having accidentally shot himself through right shoulder, while in his boat. Albert went to foot. Mr Horton went for doctor. I staid alone with him for three hours. I feared he would die before help would come. About 10 o’clock Frank Horton Dr Levy & Pet Sprague came. Myron Barney was here. | got supper at midnight for them. Dr gave Mike Hypodermic of Morphin. He is quite comfortable. Will not operate on him until reach Henderson.
Sat. Nov. 22: Bad day. After breakfast they carried Mike on a bed, down to the shore, put him in the Naphtha Launch, and started for Henderson with him, about 10 o’clock. Mike was feeling as well as could be expected and if blood poison does not set in will recover. The wound is an ugly one. Large hole in front and two on back of shoulder.
Sun. Nov. 23: The wind blew awful hard from West, shifting N.W. afternoon. It made the lake very humpy. The spray flew half way to the House It was very cold but clear & pleasant. We enjoyed a quiet sabbath together Had a nice dinner … boild fish & cream … had first popcorn of season. Wrote Clark & Mary.
Mon. Nov. 24: Wind blows something terrible, but we do not mind it when in the house, in fact can hardly hear it through these thick stone walls.
Tues. Nov. 25: The wind did not blow quite so hard today, so Albert and I went down to foot of island for the feed & other things that Frank left there last Friday. found Myron alone, stayed long enough to get warm. Received our first mail. A card from Montgomery Ward dated Nov 18.
Wed. Nov. 26: Wind blowing very hard again. We heard by way of Preslley that Dr Levy had to remove about 5 inches of the bone in poor Mike’s shoulder, and that he is quite low.
Thurs. Nov. 27: Thanksgiving. Cold. Much quieter than any day this week. Snowed last night. An occasional flurry today. We had a pleasant and really enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner all alone by ourselves. We invited Myron & Mr Horton but they did not come Had Chicken, boiled onions, Mashed potatoes cream & mince pies, etc etc.
Fri. Nov. 28: Quite cold last night. Albert done chores & cut wood. I ironed Wrote to Montgomery Ward again concerning [wrapper] Also wrote Hammond and Crossett. Albert will carry letters to the foot tomorrow, as there is better chance of sending off from there.
Sat. Nov. 29: Quite pleasant. In forenoon the wind was light, but it breezed up and blew very hard from the south. Albert walked down to foot of island, got a lamp chimney at Mrs Luffs. Luffs boat came from the Harbor while he was there. Mike is doing nicely. Am so glad. Mr Ed Horton came up with boat on North side. Got his cloths, is going ashore for the winter, first good day. He was here to dinner.
Sun. Nov. 30: The wind blew something terrible last night, and kept up a good pace most the day. The sea was something immense. Its spray would fly nearly to the house. We spent a pleasant sabbath by ourselves.
Mon. Dec. 1: Very windy and unpleasant. We done a large washing hung it up in the Assembly Room.
Tues. Dec. 2: A beautiful summer day. How we did enjoy it After finishing the breakfast work, took Trilby and went out on beach. Wandered around Island Was tired but had such a good time Frank & Pet
came over about middle of Afternoon, brought Mail & lamp chimneys. The weather looks bad, so they took Naphtha over to Galloup harbor.
Wed. Dec. 3: What a change in the weather from yesterday Wind blew very hard and it rained hard, but nevertheless the boys had the pigs killed. Mr Jackson (old man) done the butchering. I had to get dinner for them. Heated water on stove, worked so hard am very tired tonight. We have bought half of one of the pigs. It weighs 104 lbs.
Thurs. Dec. 4: Very much to our surprise the wind went down during night. It was very cold but pleasant. Frank & Pet went over to Galloup [old spelling for “Galloo” Island] and got the Naphtha, came back and loaded up & started for Henderson between 12 & 1 oclock. I sent a letter over to Eliza and one to Mrs Haskins.
The first page of Mate’s letter to Albert’s sister Eliza is missing. At this time, Eliza is living on Galloo Island with Albert’s brother Alden [my grandfather.| Alden, a recent widower with his daughter Mabel of 7 years and son Austin [my father] of 4 years, is the first Assistant Keeper of the Galloo Island lighthouse. Eliza would later adopt these children after the death of Alden, which occurred in 1906 while he was keeper of the Stony Point light:
…and blown full of coat, vest, sweater, & shirts. the shot went clear through him, at least a table spoon-ful of them did, also gun wad’s. Poor Mike how unfortunate he is. I am so glad to hear he is getting along so nicely, but am surprised, for we did not believe he could live, not so much the wound as the shock and great loss of blood, and his health in such condition, but I tell you he has got the nerve and grit. Dr Terry told me he never wanted to hear anything about my “poor nerves” after this, for now he did not believe I had any. But I think had he seen me for a number of days after, he would have. I had them, and had ’em bad too.
Thursday Morn
I was oblige to discontinue my letter last night long before I was half through… and now Frank will go for his boat as soon as breakfast, so I must cut everything short.
I shall not be able to do one single thing for the Childrens Xmas, and I feel very sorry over it. I would like to remember them just a little, but have not a thing and cannot think of anything to make. Am so sorry.
I think we shall be able to keep comfortable, our quarters are rather small. ‘Twas awful nasty I’ve cleaned up the thickest. shall try and put up with the rest. I think it much pleasanter here at head of Stony than at head of Galloup. it is not near so dreary. There are trees & shrubs. besides we are up higher and do not see the waves, & breakers and all sides so plain. best of all we can see mainland and it does not seem far away [3 miles visibility from clubhouse.] The walls of house are so thick we do not hear wind plain at all.
Tell Mabel I have the dearest and sweetest kitten that ever lived, and we both love her as we never expected to love any such thing. She even sleeps with us. Very playful and as Albert says she brings all the sunshine we have into our lives. I do wish Mabel could come and stay with us a while, but I dont suppose you would dare have her [Mate’s and Albert’s only child, Lena, died in 1889 at the age of 13]. It might be so “catching” her getting home, and of course Albert could not carry her, as I dare not have him leave the island for fear he cannot get back. And what would become of me here all alone?
Well I must close as it is time for breakfast. I have written this by lamp light in bed, with Trilby trying to help me. Little mischief she is so full of her tunes. Trilby is the kittys name. Write us every time you can, and I will try and let you know how we are getting along. We are both well now and hope to keep so. We butchered pigs yesterday. There were 2. We have 1/2 of one.
Good morning
With love and best wishes to all
Hastily from
Mate
Fri. Dec. 5: Stony Island Wind Northeast and blowing a big gale.
Sat. Dec. 6: Tow of Barges and also a Steam barge went down river. They were lucky to get a time that they can go. I took care of meat, tried lard. Made sausage etc etc. Dannee went out with his Scow loaded with wood & Shingle [bolts] [There were cedar shingle mills on both Stony and Galloo islands.
Sun. Dec. 7: Unpleasant. colder. Snowed some. Staid indoors Wind blowing hard. Little Pressley girl came for sour milk and yeast cake.
Mon. Dec. 8: Awfully cold. Windows covered with frost. The kitchen is very cold. The old stove burns lots of wood but gives very little heat. I was busy and on my feet every moment all day. In evening we sat upstairs in our room and managed to keep warm.
Tues. Dec. 9: Coldest Night thus far. Last night it was very cold but not having a “Ther” cannot tell just how cold it really is, but one thing am certain of. Albert had to work lively to cut wood to keep fires agoing. I spent most the day up stairs in order to keep warm. The Lake steamed so could see nothing beyond the shore. Fog Whistle going all day. I made me a hood and Albert some mittens.
Wed. Dec. 10: Warmer. This old Stone prison is full of frost and the walls are reaking with dampness. The only comfortable place in house is our sleeping room, which contains a little sheet iron stove that is a good heater and our bed is good
Thurs. Dec. 11: Cold. We were very late at breakfast, had not finished when Mrs Luff came to call on us. Mr Dennee brought me some mail. (papers also letter from Mrs Crossett). Were delighted how good it seems to once more hear from civilization. [Durnee] came on yesterday. his scow blowed ashore.
Fri. Dec. 12: Continues extremely cold. Lake steaming, but not so bad as Monday. The fog whistle was blowing this morn but stopped. Young Pressley called to buy “5 cts worth salt” he was at harbor monday and said it was 26 below zero there. his father & Jim Shears came on in rowboat yesterday
Another of Mate’s letters to Eliza with the previous page missing:
…Albert has got a lot of popcorn & you know that makes him happy. We have a keg of nice cider also, but that is frozen now, it stands in the dining room too. everything froze in there, and Albert kept a roaring fire in fireplace all the time for several days, but it throws out no heat whatever, goes up chimney. burn stumps etc in that.
I don’t know what we ever would do for amusements though, if it were not for our dear little Trilby kitty. she keeps us convulsed with laughter a greater part of the time. I never saw such antics in my life. She and the dog are pretty good friends and they have many a scrape. They nearly upset me sometimes in their scrambles acrost the floor. I often wish Mabel was here to enjoy the fun with us. She always is wishing for a kitten and I know she would love Trilby as well as we do. If possible Albert is more fond of her than I am, and she certainly shows a preference for him, but I am not jealous.
You thought the “Journal would miss me” but you see I provided for that. Mrs Crossett takes my place until my return as reporter. She also has my class in S.6….
Albert has to bring from lake every bit of water. I wish it would rain so I can wash. Mrs Luff has called. We are invited down there to Xmas dinner. They drive up after us.
What happened to your “old tooter” … did not hear it during three worst days? Did it freeze up, or break down? I am very happily dissapointed and surprised to find out that its blasts do not annoy me any more here than at harbor. The thick stone walls deaden the sound wonderfully. Too bad your house is not stone [the two story frame house was new; the Stevens family was the first to occupy it. It shook in the wind.] one does not feel or hear the wind or other disagreeable sounds…
Sat. Dec. 13: My but it is cold. … Brought the bantams into house to keep them from freezing. It froze our cabbages. We have no Ther’ so cannot determine whether it is really so awful cold, or whether it is because house is so cold and the island so bleak. any way we never had anything like it in our experiences.
Sun. Dec. 14: A fairly pleasant day but continues awful cold. The lake has steamed so all the week, have seen very little water. The fog whistle began blowing again today, have not heard it since Wednesday. It must have been disabled someway as there has been need of its noise. Some warmer this P.M.
Mon. Dec. 15: Altho’ so cold today that the frost didnot start from pantry windows, it is decidedly warmer But little wind. Three boats left for Henderson. Luff & Wescott; Presley & Shears, Durnee & Jackson. Albert went down to Luffs but was to late to send off mail. They claimed that they never knew it to be colder on the island than during past week.
Tues. Dec. 16: Stormy and Windy but not near as cold and I tell you it does seem good not to freeze.
Wed. Dec. 17: Stormy a greater part of day, but Warmer. Albert busy with his chores & cutting wood. I worked on a sofa cushion and enjoyed my day and occupation very much indeed.
Thurs. Dec. 18: Quite a snow squall this morning. after that it cleared away and was quite a pleasant day after all. Mrs Luff and her son Nelson, came up here. He helped Albert draw up a fine pile of wood. Had a good visit with Mrs Luff. Stayed until most night. Had begun washing before they came, but set it aside. After they went home finished it up.
Sat. Dec. 20: Very pleasant day. I baked bread. Albert went down to Luffs, after mail Three boats came on, received letters from, Lottie Perkins, Maud Reed, Mary Fry & Mrs Haskins.
Note to Stevens family: Sat. 20
Albert going down to Luffs to see if the Stony Island fleet has come on today. They have been ashore since Monday. I’ll send this letter down, thinking perhaps some chance may open to send this to you. This week has been quite mild and enjoyable. We see your light when ever clear weather ever since I wrote you. A- thinks you done something to it to make it shine here [visibility of Galloo Island light from clubhouse is over 41/2 miles across Little Galloo Island.] We are well, only have twinges of rheumatism. The house is so damp. Hope you all are well, and shall soon hear from you.
Love to all
Mate
Sun. Dec. 21: Very strong south wind. While it was not freezing it seemed very cold. Nelson Luff and Frank Ramsey drove up here & made a call. Rained very hard all last night and most all day.
Mon. Dec. 22: Gray lowery day, but not cold. We went down to Mrs Luffs. I walked as far as pond. Albert skated me along that, a distance of over 2 miles. it was lovely. Mr Brodie brought me as far as pond when I came home.
Tues. Dec. 23: Froze last night. The steam barge got the wreck off this evening I made Candy, chocolate, fruit Maple, & nut & Wintergreen. Am just tired out.
Wed. Dec. 24: Stony Point light out [visibility 4 miles from clubhouse.] Cold & crisp. I was half sick all day, but kept as busy as possible. Made popcorn balls. Albert went and carried them & candy down to Luffs In evening carried down to Presleys a bag of Apples, popcorn balls & 5 pr mittens for the Children.
Thurs. Dec. 25: Christmas. Through a blunder of Alberts was thrown out of my chance to eat Christmas turkey. Was greatly disappointed. It was by far the most unhappy day I have experienced since coming here. Fog Whistle blowing most the day.
Sat. Dec. 27: Mrs Mary Luff, Mr & Mrs Nelson Luff and Miss Laura Ladd (teacher) [there was a schoolhouse on Stony Is.] drove up to Club House and made us a call Brought us quite a lot of Christmas, which was quite a surprise. Galloup Island light is out.
Sun. Dec. 28: The days are so near alike that there is little use writing each day.
Mon. Dec. 29: Much warmer. Frequent snow squalls – Wind southwest.
Albert & I washed. Albert is reading aloud, the book Maude sent us for Xmas, “Redemption of David Corsen.”
Tues. Dec. 30: Wind southwest. Snowed considerable, sun shone also, once or twice during forenoon. Albert picked up on shore considerable wreckage (a hatch, also top of Cabin).
Wed. Dec. 31: The wind continues South, consequently it is quite mild, and it does seem good. The wind blows hard, however, so that one could not get from island no matter how bad one might wish to do. Little did I think when I began this year, where the end would find me. But my health is much better than 12 months ago, and we are having quite a happy time of it even if alone by ourselves, away over here on Stony island. All we ask is that we may keep well.
Stony Island
Thurs. Jan. 1, 1903: Beautiful day. Warm and sunshiny, gentle wind from South. Mr. Brodie came for us, and we went down to Mrs Luffs, for New Years dinner. Spent a very pleasant enjoyable day. It was my first sleigh ride this winter.
Fri. Jan. 2: Mild, but cloudy. I went with A- to Calf island [near to the head of Stony Is.] We picked up many pieces of cabin from ill fated steamer that went down back of island. The rocks were beautiful covered with ice. Albert is not feeling well.
First Jan’ Thaw
Sat. Jan. 3: It rained all last night and kept it most all day. Albert is about sick all day… been bad for a week. Archie Presley came for milk. his broth. & him have not gone yet.
Sun. Jan. 4: Somewhat colder, but pleasant & nice Mr [Durmee] called, said Luffs went ashore Fri’. Albert went down to Luffs while he was gone Mr L came with our mail. Letters from Eliza, Mrs Haskins & Mrs [Crossett].
Mon. Jan. 5: Quite a mild nice day. it snowed some. Albert does not feel near as well. We went over into “Presley” Bay for a boat ride. Called at Presley house, and O!!! my sakes a live what a hole it is…
Wed. Jan. 7: What would we do for amusements if it were not for our cats. Trilby is just the dearest little white kitten ever made.
Fri. Jan 9: Biggest fall of snow we have had yet. Could not see 20 ft from house. Wind blew a gale in evening. Albert nearly buried in snow, while cutting snow. Wrote Maude in eve.
Mon. Jan. 12: Very stormy Wind blowing hard and quite cold. we done our two weeks washing.
Wed. Jan. 14: Not cold. I was afflicted with one of my sick headaches so could not get up until after 10. Had not been out of bed long before Mrs Rose Luff [Rueisn] & Miss Ladd came to spend the day. Albert shot 3 ducks today.
Fri. Jan. 16: Overcast with gray clouds. Mild. The water full of floating ice & snow. Albert went down to the Brodie woods and cut some wood. Swept & [mopped] Albert finished reading aloud “From Jest to Earnest” by E.P. Roe
Sat. Jan. 17: Looked as though it would be a wet day so Albert did not go to woods Mr Brodie drew us a load of wood. I was busy cooking & baking. Colder tonight.
Sun. Jan 18: Very Cold and pleasant. The Lake is full of ice. If this keeps up, there will be crossing right away. For dinner we had roast duck, Potatoe salad, and Ice cream.
Lake Frozen
Mon. Jan. 19: The angry billows have ceased their motion. As far as the eye can see there is ice. It seems strange to see the lake quiet and peaceful at last. It has been lashing its self into such a fury, all the while for nine weeks. Albert went into woods & cut a load of wood.
Tues. Jan. 20: Strong south wind, and yet the ice stays. Albert went down to Luffs.
Thurs. Jan. 22: Albert went down to Luffs Shanty [there were fishing shanties on the islands which commercial fishermen occupied even in winter.| he cut some wood Very hard walking for him.
Fri. Jan. 23: Albert went early down to woodlot. Mr Brodie drew a load of wood.
Sun. Jan. 25: Cold. Snowed part of the day. The snow now is quite deep. Very hard walking so Albert cannot get away. Would like to hear if Luffs went off yesterday Rather lovely day I am not feeling well.
Wed. Jan. 28: Received our mail that Luffs got last saturday. Ella Hammond Howland died last week of pneumonia.
Thurs. Jan. 29: Warm Washed. Rained. Big thunderstorm. Thundered & lightened all the evening.
Fri. Jan. 30: Biggest wind yet Grew colder. Snowed some. Wind blew something terrible from the south. Ice all broken up and blown away.
Spray flys all over house & way beyond freezes onto every thing it touches.
Sat. Jan. 31: Wind continues to blow quite hard but no where near so bad as yesterday Last night it was something terrible. Albert picked up fish that had been washed upon ice banks during big blow. 2 of them were alive when thawed out.
Sun. Feb. 1: Lovely mild day. Was so pleasant went down to Mrs Luffs Albert skated me upon pond. Mr Brodie brought us home. Had a very pleasant time.
27th Anniversary of our Marriage
Mon. Feb. 2: Thick heavy fog all the forenoon. Cleared away in afternoon. Then it thundered a few [times] and rained hard. Directly after breakfast I went with Albert and walked around head of island. found some fish in ice banks.
Tues. Feb. 3: A beautiful spring day Albert skated me down the Pond to Luffs. rode from Pond upon load of ice up to house. Alden & May Wattam came over from the Galloups while we were gone. Came down to Luffs, then home with us.
Wed. Feb. 4: Nice warm day. In afternoon Albert went into woods to work. The cow ran away he looked for her until so dark could see nothing.
Thurs. Feb. 5: Turned cold and snowed some during night Albert started out as soon as daylight.
Fri. Feb. 6: Pleasant. Albert sick with cold and ulcerated tooth. face badly swollen Albert very bad before night. his heart did not act right. Very pale & weak.
Sat. Feb. 7: Albert was enough better that he went down to Luffs to tell them we are out of wood. He did not eat anything Am much worried over him.
Sun. Feb. 8: Albert kept as quiet as possible, but had to pick up some wood, but were just as saving as possible He feels somewhat better, cannot eat and sweats awful bad.
Mon. Feb. 9: Albert walked to the woods in the afternoon where he met Mr Brodie who drew him a large load of wood. He feels some better and relished his food more. I felt very miserable myself. I worry so over Albert it makes me nearly sick.
Tues. Feb. 10: Was very busy baking and preparing for company tomorrow.
Wed. Feb. 11: Rainy miserable day Mrs Luff and Bertha Hess Wescott & two children came in morning and were here to dinner. In afternoon Mr & Mrs Nelson Luff and Mr Brodie came and were here to tea. They all staid during the evening Albert feels much better today.
Thurs. Feb. 12: Quite pleasant. Both Albert and myself feel rather old. I had headache but better this afternoon Ray Luff has come to stay until Albert is better.
Fri. Feb. 13: Cloudy, some wet, but little wind. Herb Wescott & Lorain [Dunnee] started in boat for Henderson. Went from this end of island to Stony Point. Alden made us a short visit. Was here to dinner. All well at Galloups Albert feels about the same as yesterday. Ray is contented.
Sun. Feb 15: Mr Wescott returned from Henderson with our mail. Also brought Galloups island mail. We signaled them, that it was here & Howards answered. Mr & Mrs Nelson Luff called. Ray did not go back with them. We sat up until 12 o’clock reading newspapers.
Dear Eliza, Was very glad to receive your letter even tho’ there was nothing late. Was sorry not to hear more about the childrens Xmas, but never mind, when I see them shall hear all about it. Am so sorry you cannot get your mail. hope tomorrow (tuesday) may be favorable for someone to come, for I know you must feel anxious. We sit up until after 12 o’clock last night reading the papers, and then my head was so full (such a rare occurrence), that I could not get to sleep until most morning. Mr. Graves [new assistant keeper of Galloo Island light] is at the island waiting to return with whoever comes for mail, and then I suppose Alden will have to march for Stony Point [Alden has been appointed keeper of the Stony Point lighthouse.|] Of course you cannot move just yet. | wonder how you will manage How horrid it is to have to pull up stakes and move this time of year and especially over ice or water. it does seem to bad that you have got to do it. I dread our moving but that will be nothing compared to what you have got to do. If you donot go until after March 1st I think I could come and help you if you want me to. As I told Alden, I have moved so much, it has become sort of second nature, and I flatter my self I’m a pretty good hand at it, — but it may be conceit.
Albert has been miserable. He is better now, but far from well. I worry awfully over him. His heart is so bad, it almost goes back on him. his breath is so short if he exerts himself any, or goes up stairs I think he is alarmed over himself, from several things he has said. I have wished we were in our own
home more than once, but under circumstances it is best we are here, for a time yet, if can only keep the breath of life in us.
Ray Luff is staying with us, and some of them drive up every few days. They are so good…
The wind has begun howling and I now fear it will be days before you will get the mail. I keep well, but accomplish little or nothing beside housework. It is certainly the most unhandy place to do work I ever worked in.
I don’t hardly see how you are agoing to manage with your mother during the moving. it does seem to bad for her to have to get out of her home, and take so long a trip this time of year [Jane Brown Stevens was to die the following April at the age of 86] …
I can hardly keep my eyes open… think I best “bunk in.” Albert is still reading his papers.
If you want us to help you, will be glad to do so, and unless something prevents Frank from getting over, I do not see anything to prevent. Mate.
Mon. Feb. 16: Nice day. We expected Galloup islanders after mail but did not come. The ice is not good enough, and if they were to come by water would have to come so far around, that guess they did not want to try it.
Tues. Feb. 17: Very cold. Air full of frost. We washed. It was difficult work getting water. In afternoon Frank Sprague came from the Galloup. Is the first one to cross the ice this winter from there. Mr Brodie brought him up here, took the mail down to the foot.
Wed. Feb. 18: Very cold and strong Northwest wind. broke up ice, & drove it in strong & rough. Snowed hard but blew it all away. Albert painted blinds.
Thurs. Feb. 19: Beautiful sunny day, but keen & cold. Mr Brodie and Mr Graves (the new assistant light keeper) called. Alden & May came across the ice, but mail had gone. Frank S. & Mr Graves started from foot, about time they got there. [They] ate dinner & returned. Alden & family will move to Stony Point as soon as possible.
Fri. Feb. 20: Snowed about 4 inches during night. Snowed some during day. Albert and Ray went down to woods. Nelson drew up a load of wood. Cannot see any water today. Wish it would keep so. Mr Dunnee began filling ice house this week.
Tues. Feb. 24: Mrs Luff and Lurien spent day here. Ray went home with them.
Thurs. Feb. 26: Warm and spring like. Albert went to woods. Cut another load of wood.
Fri. Feb. 27: Nelson drew load of wood Mr Brodie came for us in afternoon and we went down to stay all night at Mrs Luffs Beautiful Spring day.
Sat. Feb. 28: Rained last night Warm today but cloudy. Mr B. brought us home. Grew colder toward night, rained awful hard, for a few minutes. Freezing this evening.
Sun. Mar. 1: My Birthday. Cold but pleasant I did not feel well our dog ran away tonight.
Mon. Mar. 2: Albert done most the washing alone. I felt miserable.
Tues. Mar. 3: Albert went down to Luffs. I done a large ironing am very tired. My neuralgia is worse. Ray Luff brought our dog home.
Thurs. Mar. 5: Unpleasant. Rain. I was down right sick all day. Albert stayed indoors to keep track of me. My heart was fitty and the neuralgia was very severe. Dog gone again.
Fri. Mar. 6: Beautiful, bright, warm Spring day. Early this forenoon Mr Brodie, Mrs Luff and Roy came up, brought some mail, stayed to dinner. | feel much better today. A letter from Mary Stevens written Feb. 6.
Sat. Mar. 7: Albert went down to the Wescotts. Frank Horton came over as far as there yesterday, brought feed for cow. Mr W- came up to help Albert feed cow pork.
Sun. Mar. 8: It rained nearly all day long. Just at night wind shifted from south to northeast and started some of the ice out. I wrote to Maude Reed and Dr Gregor, also to Sears Roebuck & Co. The pork made our cow sick. am worried.
Mon. Mar. 9: Mr Wescott came to help Albert doctor cow.
Tues. Mar. 10: Very unpleasant. We saw Alden pass by head of island over to Lighthouse at Stony Point. Albert picked up wood on beach by pond. Mr Wescott drew it. I walked down shore.
Thurs. Mar. 12: Will this ice never go. No wind. Pleasant.
Fri. Mar. 13: We still are ice bound. pleasant weather and no wind.
Sat. Mar. 14: Alden came from Stony Point most to island. Then had to return on account of ice.
Sun. Mar. 15: Alden came over this morning and was here to breakfast. They fitted out J.E.C. and went to Galloup and carried over a load of goods to Stony Point, returned to Club House about 7 P.M. Herb Wescott called, Mrs [Br?lle] & Mrs Luff came. The latter stayed with me. The cow is some better I went down & saw her & cared for her.
Mon. Mar. 16: Alden over to breakfast again. Both Albert and he started for Galloup, but the wind breazed up so hard from south was oblige to return. Alden went to Stony Point. Mrs Luff here. Both Mr Wescott & Brodie drew up some straw for the cow.
Tues. Mar. 17: My dear little pet Banty hen died today. Mrs Luff went home this afternoon. We done part the washing tonight.
Wed. Mar. 18: Alden came from Stony point, and Albert and he went with J.I.C. over to Galloup for Mother, Eliza & the children. And at last they are moved over to mainland, and we all are very glad. Mrs Luff came up just at dark to stay with me.
Thurs. Mar. 19: Albert went to Henderson Harbor. Mrs Luff is with me. We took care of cow and helped Albert load the boat. she hurt her finger. We took wheelbarrow and went for dirt for plants.
Fri. Mar. 20: Beautiful day, wind south. Mrs Luff and I alone until after dinner when Albert returned Miss Ladd & Mr Brodie came for Mrs L-. We walked down to Presleys.
Sat. Mar. 21: Thick & foggy. Albert & I went to Calf island. Myron Barney and Ed Horton moved over to relieve us We shall not go just yet, but our pay stops today Alden “Lighted up” tonight for first time. Rainy tonight.
Wed Mar. 25: Cold. Wind blew hard from southwest – kicking up a big sea. Albert went to woods to cut wood for himself.
Fri. Mar. 27: Rainy forenoon I washed and ironed. Albert went down to Luffs. Our setting hen began hatching.
Sat. Mar. 28: Quite pleasant, but wind unfavorable for our going to Henderson. I baked in forenoon, mopped & cleaned & packed in afternoon. We are all ready now to go home whenever a good time comes. Alden came over to dinner Albert went down to Luffs.
Sun. Mar. 29: Cold, froze last night. Very pleasant sunny day notwithstanding Albert, Alden & Myron went to Galloups for the last of Aldens goods, and thank goodness they are all moved to Stony Point at last. We had fresh Trout yesterday & White fish today for dinner. It was fine.
Mon. Mar. 30: Wind blowing hard from south this morn, and Oh dear, we cannot go home.
Tues. Mar. 31: Thank goodness at last we have a fine day for going home. Arrived at Old H- Harbor about 1 P.M. How good it does seem to be in our dear little home again.
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Mate died in 1914. Our final writing of hers is her 1908 diary with her last entry:
Thurs. Dec. 31: This is the last day of the old year, and it has only a few more hours of life. It has been a very blustering day. The wind blowing hard from the west. The bay was all frozen over, and skating was fine at Xmas time but ice has all gone again, and so has most of our snow. The roads are very icy.
Albert and I were remembered by our many friends, as we received for Christmas and New Years over 30 beautiful Post cards, laden with kind wishes. We also received many other kind remembrances which was very gratifying to us…
In 1924, Albert was found dead in his boat on Stony Island Pond. There was a fish on his line. He had intended to visit his nephews, Austin Stevens and Howard Rose, who were camping on the Pond.
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