1848 was a very good year to commence writing a journal:

Our journal scribbler is James Welch of Lowell, Massachusetts. He is a 22 years old Vermont expatriate. He is married to Sarah (nee Crum), age 19. As his journal begins they have been married for seven months, having tied the knot in April. James has signed a contract to work a year in a Lowell dry goods store where he sells cloth and fashionable material to ladies, tailors and seamstresses.

Friday, November 24, 1848:

It is General Taylor's 58th birthday "He whom the people just elected President of the United States. A dull day for trade --- storms so that the evening trade will be ruined. John Whitaker one of the Green Mountain Boys called to see me today. A perfect specimen of a "greeny" --- has been in these diggings for some time but evidently never saw the Elephant (?)."

Saturday, November 25, 1848:

Warm -- snow melting. "Not much trade in the forenoon. In the afternoon and evening considerable doing. It is the opinion of most men that business will be very dull here this winter in consequence of the reduction of wages [in the Lowell mills]. A large number of operators have left this week and many more will probably go."

Sunday, November 26, 1848:

"In the morning the prophet (?) was good for a fine day but this afternoon is cold and cloudy. Wife and I attended church all day -- in the afternoon cousin Lurenela went with us. In the evening we attended the Third Fundamentalist to hear the Rev. Mr. Fletcher -- the man who was suspended from the order for being engaged to 2 women at the same time!"

Monday, November 27, 1848:

"Cold and windy ... not much trade. "The following is the story that the [Lowell Mill] girls tell now. "We have had our wages cut down and you must sell your goods a great less" -- just as though goods did not cost us anything.

Tuesday, November 28, 1848:

A few old women out "looking round". Lowell seems almost to be deserted by the girls -- have seen but few good looking ones this week. Pleasant in the afternoon and evening and not much trade -- but few girls here who buy goods.

Wednesday, November 29, 1848:

Everyone is making preparation for Thanksgiving -- which comes off tomorrow. The market is full of eatables of every description. Visions of rost Turkey & plumb pudding will doubtless fill all minds tonight. I bot. 3 plump chicks and calculate on having a "time".

Thursday, November 30, 1848:

Thanksgiving day! Got up early and found it most pleasant. Brown [store owner / boss] told us to be on hand in good season this morning -- accordingly Woodward and myself were at the shop a 7 1/2 but could not get in. At 8 Brown came and in a few minutes Chas. made his appearance. Had been at the Museum!! We had little trade for such a day. John Kimball and wife & Sister were down from Nashua. They dined with us and Wm. [James' brother William] also. My little wife had lots of good things. Can't be a better cook. Bill ate his share and I went into the Chicken fixins "some".

Friday, December 1, 1848:

Rather cold -- am cross as fury -- think I eut too much Thanksgiving -- more trade today then yesterday.

Saturday, December 2, 1848:

Very wet and consequently very dull. I feel very lazy and I am inclined to think I shall not work very hard unless it clears off very soon.

Sunday, December 3, 1848:

Did not get up in season to attend church this forenoon and am to lazy to go this afternoon. Went to Cadet Hall to a temperance meeting in the evening.

Monday, December 4, 1848:

Considerable business today -- quite warm for the season. Lizzy [wife, Sarah Elizabeth] has commenced making a rug. I got the yarn for her the other day.

Tuesday, December 5, 1848:

I am 23 years old this day and a very unpleasant day it is too -- a cold northeaster is upon us in full blast. I don't get a birthday present this time although Lizzy said she would give me something if she had anything to give -- it shows good will which is better than nothing.

Wednesday, December 6, 1848:

This has been a very dull stormy day -- wrote a letter to Henry [brother] -- shut up at 1/2 past 4 and went home. In the evening saw Wm. He had a letter written by cousin Charlotte by which we learned that aunt Shire is dead -- lived in Rochester N.Y. Saw Mr. Pollis last anual message today and woe be to the man who shall attempt to read it all.

Thursday, December 7, 1848:

Lizzys birth-day! I regret that I have not small or gather no change at all to purchase her a present with. I shall do it soon as I get money enough. The weather is still cold and wet. The side walks are covered with ice which renders it rather dangerous for pedestrians. Went to the Museum in the evening -- saw the indian Yubba and his wife.

Friday, December 8, 1848:

Cleared off warm -- both shop doors open and good trade in the afternoon. Mother Crum received a letter from Mrs. C. Curtis stating that Harriet had got a little Asahel born on 30th Nov -- good!

Saturday, December 9, 1848:

I see by the papers that they have the cholera in N.Y. The smallpox seems to be increasing here -- very warm for the season.

Sunday, December 10, 1848:

This has been a very wet, gloomy day. I got up with a tremendous head-ache which left me about noon. Did not go out but once or twice during the day.

Monday, December 11, 1848:

It is said that the smallpox is prevailing to an alarming extent but the city authorities are doing nothing about it and I believe they would not if half the people were dead. Voted for city office today -- no choice.

Tuesday, December 12, 1848:

There is every appearance of a snow-storm this morning. This afternoon is dull indeed - no trade and the evening is off the same piece -- no storm this time.

Wednesday, December 13, 1848:

Bill has got the gold fever -- says he is bound to go to California. Read a letter from cousin Ann at Newport -- all well there. In the evening I went to the "lodge".

Thursday, December 14, 1848:

Wm. has cooled down somewhat -- at least his fever is not quite so high since he found that he cannot get $50 pr. month from the time of going on board the vessel.

Friday, December 15, 1848:

Got this morning and found I had a violent headache which kept me from my business all day -- did not go to the shop at all.

Saturday, December 16, 1848:

Better to day -- so as to attend to business a part of the day.

Sunday, December 17, 1848:

Attend church in the afternoon on Prescott St. In the evening wife and I called at Mr. Smiths to see Mr. and Mrs. Cummings after which we went to City Hall to hear John Hawkins -- the great temperance advocate -- crowded house.

Monday, December 18, 1848:

I have had the hardest luck that a fellow could have in selling goods. People and women in particular think they buy any kind of goods for a good price yet tell us that "goods are cheap" as tho we knew nothing of it.

Tuesday, December 19, 1848:

This morning while putting goods out at the door who should appear to me but Dennis Cotton. He has been to Vt. on a visit -- says the folks are all well. He is going to Attleboro where he is at work. Went home to tea and found Norman Mower there -- is down with a lot of poultry etc.

Wednesday December 20, 1848:

Brown has gone to Boston and the rest of us might as well be off for there is no business this forenoon. In the afternoon we had quite a "rush" -- closed up at dark. In the evening Wm. and I went to the Museum. City election again today -- no choice.

Thursday, December 21, 1848:

There has been quite a change in the weather since yesterday. This morning there a very little snow on the ground and it has been growing cold all day.

Friday, December 22, 1848:

A regular "blue" day! A cold N.E. snow storm is down upon us in all its fury -- a prospect of sleighing for Christmas -- no trade at all. I purchased a Christmas present for Lizzy today.

Saturday, December 23, 1848:

Instead of the rattling of wagons and thundering of coaches in the street today -- our ears were saluted with the chime of "merry sleigh bells". Nature presents quite a wintry aspect -- being clothed in a white robe.

Sunday, December 24, 1848:

It was cold this morning but this afternoon it rains. I asked Lizzy what I should write -- she said "I don't care what you write". Mahala Kimball said "write I picked over my apples". Did not attend church in consequence of the rain. Bill spent the day with us -- had oysters for supper.

Monday, December 25, 1848:

Christmas day -- no use to wish one a "merry christmas" to day for it has been a very disagreeable day. A warm drizzling rain has been operating on the snow all day which renders the walking quite soft. All "slosh" and drizzle. bah! what a day for christmas. I was not the lucky boy that got a single present. Oh dear!

Tuesday, December 26, 1848:

Quite a sudden change in the weather since last evening. The snow and water have frozen in the street and the sleighing is still good. Business is dull and I am cold as fury. Have been trying to beat a little sense into a "puddy" (?) but it was "no go". Received a letter from Geo. [brother] -- is well and works for Mr. Merritt.

Wednesday December 27, 1848:

I am of opinion that some of our merchants will "bust up" unless trade increases soon. I hope goods will be higher soon for it is more work to sell a good print for 4 pence then it is to sell it for a nine pence and besides the ladies are more particular when they pay four pence then they would be were they paying nine pence. I spent the evening at home with my wife which is quite a luxury. Stormy.

Thursday, December 28, 1848:

A bright morning with an addition of about a foot of snow to our former stock -- which will render the sleighing complete. Voted for city office again. The "Locals" & "free soilers" united and with the help of a few whigs -- French was elected Mayor.

Friday, December 29, 1848:

We are having another snow storm which renders the day very dull and gloomy. This evening we had 2 long shawls stolen from the door -- profitable business this putting goods outside.

Saturday, December 30, 1848:

The storm continues. Brown has gone to Dover. Chas. is off among his associates. He helped himself to change before going out of which no account was made - - nor has been to this date Jan 20, 1849.

Sunday, December 31, 1848:

I have a tremendous sour nose which prevented me from attending church. They tell me I look like a "hard drinker". Wife and I attended a temperance meeting where remarks were made on "red noses" but of course I didn't take any of it.

Monday, January 1, 1849:

"I wish you a happy new year" was the first thing I heard this morning and before I was half awake. It was Lizzys sweet voice and I wish her many - very many such. Recd. a letter from Geo. this morning saying that he sent me a bbl. of Butternuts Dec 28.so I posted off to the Depot and have been on a "wild goose chase" all morning. No butternuts to be found.

Tuesday, January 2, 1849:

Coldest morning we have had -- Cholera in N.O. [New Orleans]. Louis Napoleon elected prest. of France. Chas. bound for California -- my butternuts have come -- good.

Wed. 3 - Thermometer from 5 to 10 below zero. Quite pleasant and trade a little more brisk. Lizzy has a bad cold -- did not go out in the evening.

Thurs. 4 - The cholera rages in N.O. Pleasant but not much trade.

Fri. 5 - I undertook to write a letter this forenoon but the moment I sat down to write some one would come in - they kept me on the "jump" until I gave it up -- have not been troubled with customers since.

Sat. 6 - Yesterday morning I came to the shop in good season but could not get in -- the shop was not opened. This morning it was some later when I came and Chas. was disposed to find fault because I did not come earlier. I gave him a few "hits" which he does not relish very well I guess for he looks rather "mopish" -- don't think he will mention it again.

Sun. 7 - Did not attend church today. The weather is fine. Wm. came to the house and we cracked a few of those butternuts Bro. Geo. sent us -- supped on oysters and in the evening went to hear John Hawkins and Yankee Hill lecture on Temperance -- had a spirited meeting. I left off chewing tobacco Jan. 1st. and intend to persevere -- good.

Mon. 8 - I commenced my work for the week as usual -- that is by going to the shop -- going through with the same routine of duties, telling the same worn out "stories" (lies), returning home late at night and finding wife in bed -- fire all out and myself out of humor.

Tues. 9 - I have a very bad cold which makes me feel very bad and renders me unfit for business which fortunately is not very driving. Bill had a letter from Geo. -- no news.

Wed. 10 - A tremendous cold day and no trade. Went to the Lodge and was appointed to a very lucrative and honorable office.

Thurs. 11 - The thermometer is from 6 to 10 below this morning. I wrote a letter to cousin Ann to day. About 300 have gone to Nashua for a ride. I asked Lizzy to go but got the mitten. I don't think I should have gone had she consented.

Fri. 12 - I received a letter from Carlos Curtis this morning -- says the folks are all well. The accounts from the "land of gold" are if true really wonderful which I'm inclined to doubt although I think there is large quantities of gold there.

Sat. 13 - I came to the conclusion last evening that as it was now good sleighing and not having had a sleigh ride since I have been in Lowell -- I would have one. So this morning I engaged one of the finest teams this city can boast of -- took wife & Mahalu Kimball and started for Nashua where we arrived in safety -- stopped at John Kimballs -- found them all well -- the weather was warm and appeared like rain. We had a fine time -- arrived in Lowell about 11ock.

Sun. 14 - I have not been out today -- the walking is very bad -- the snow has melted so it is quite soft. I have a bad cold so I have a good excuse for staying in. Mahalu says that while I'm writing that I'm thinking of my youthful days. I philohened [?] her to night but she "backed out". Lizzy is asleep on the sofa -- she has been teasing me to go to bed.

Mon. 15 - Charles was so sick this morning he could not open the store, but he had been "round" all day. Brown has been to Boston and bot lot of De Laines Prints & Linen Hkfs. to get up a "rush" with. Before he gets up much of a "rush" I am thinking he will have to find his customers for there seems to be but few buying goods at all now.

Tues. 16 - We have been quite busy today -- have been getting in some new goods -- we are bound to have some business if there is any such thing.

Wed. 17 - We have had quite a warm day. This evening as we were about to close the store we heard an alarm of "fire". Some one said it was on Stackpole St. where Brown lives. On hearing its "whereabouts" he took leave of us quite sudden and went to Belividere a trifle quicker then he ever did before "I guess". Woodward and I "blew out" & "put" for Stackpole St. We soon discovered it was not Br. house but one owned by Goodspeed. Went to the Lodge in the eve.

Thurs. 18 - Another of those cold days. Cousin Lurenda called on me to day requesting an explanation of matters relating to the inattention she had received at our hands. She got a few hints -- Vermont boys are plenty these nowadays. Norman Moore & Wash. Seaver called on me today and this evening Wm. Labarn -- went to the Museum with him -- he is the "same old coon".

Fri. 19 - I should think this is the coldest day we have had. It is so cold that words freeze as soon as they are spoken. I suppose as soon as we have a thaw that they will make a terrible uproar in the street.

Sat. 20 - I saw a man who is bound for California. The gold fever runs high -- thousands are going to the gold region. I am inclined to think this is the golden age we have "heard tell on".

Sun. 21 - I did not attend church today. In the evening I set out with wife & Julia & Mahalu to go to Mr. Townes lecture at the City Hall but there was such a crowd we could not get in so I came home with them and went back and managed to work myself in.

Mon. 22 - Woodward has gone to New Market consequently I have as much as I can attend to. Julia is sick and the doc says she has the "busy old boy" [flu?].

Tues. 23 - I have one of Jobs comforters in my nose which makes me feel rather down -- good trade to day -- Woodward gone -- I am tired.

Wed. 24 - A first rate day for trade but not much appears to be doing. Closed up in good season -- went to the Lodge in the evening -- Lizzy watched with Geo. Nettleton.

Thurs. 25 - Lizzy came home about 2ock sick -- Geo. is very sick. Woodward came from Newmarket. It rained this afternoon. This evening I disguised myself and distributed a few hand-bills on the McK. It was funny to hear the girls talk to me as though I was a new boy.

Fri. 26 - I read a letter from Geo. [brother] this morning. He has got the gold fever -- is bound for California in the Spring. I dont know as I blame him any -- I would go myself if my situation was such that I could leave.

Sat. 27 - We had quite a fire this morning. The Bolling alley and part of a dwelling house were burned. Geo. Nettleton died this morning.

Sun. 28 - Attended the funeral of Geo. Nettleton this forenoon did not go to church. The disclosures made by the recent fire produces quite a sensation -- there appears to be a private communication under ground with the dwelling house adjoining. It was a notorious rum hole and it is well that it is destroyed.

Mon. 29 - A little snow last night but not enough to make the sleighing good -- warm this afternoon and walking bad -- no trade. Chas. gave notice of leaving on Wednesday next. JP. spoke to me about opening shop shop.

Tues. 30 - Chas. is packing up and Woodward has gone to Concord. J. and I have had quite a time this evening -- did not get through until 11ock.

Wed. 31 - I had the pleasure of opening the store this morning. J. gives me 1/- pr. day extra for it. Chas has gone home - Woodward is off & J. & I are alone but it is to cold for much trade. Lizzy and I went to see the Panorama of the Ohio & Miss. rivers -- think it a very good painting.

Thurs, Feb. 1 - It has been rather stormy today but have had business enough for J. & I are alone. We have good sleighing again. Recd. a letter from Henry [brother] & wrote one to C. Curtis today. Henry is well and goes to school.

Fri, Feb. 2 - Scarcely time to wink today. J. & I are alone yet -- Woodward ought to have a cent. If he dont come tomorrow I shall think he has gone to California.

Sat, Feb. 3 - Woodward has come -- good. Lizzy is sick today and has symptoms of the barioloid [?].

Sun, Feb. 4 - A very fine day this but wife is sick & I prefer to stay with her to going out. I am "chief cook & bottle washer". Bill came down & I had a "time" with the girls as usual & now he is off with them.

Mon, Feb. 5 - Wife is sick yet and I have to "fly sound". Stormy but little doing in the way of trade.

Tues, Feb. 6 - Woodward is gone & J. & I have to work "some". Elizabeth is no better. Saw Lurinda at No. 5 Lawrence!

Wed, Feb. 7 - I found myself sick this morning & dont feel able to be about but as Woodward is gone I suppose I must "stand by". Went home to dinner but did not return and unless W. has got back then J. has to grub alone.

Thurs, Feb. 8 - Sick as a horse -- they say I am not going to the barioloid -- have a great deal of fever. Lizzy is not much better. Both of us being sick makes it rather bad. Woodward got back Wed. afternoon -- glad of that.

Fri, Feb. 9 - I am some better this morning -- although not able to go out. Doct. says I must keep still today & I reckon I dont feel much like doing any thing else.

Sat, Feb 10 - I feel tolerable well this morning and made out to get to the shop. Tarr & Battles & Tucker & Patch they tell me have failed.

Sun, Feb. 11 - Kept in the house most of the time today for I did not feel very well. Lizzy is some better -- she has the "very old boy". Julia and I went to City Hall for a lecture but there was such a rush that we could not get in.

Mon, Feb. 12 - Opened the shop in due form this morning. Doct. Parker says I have got the burioloid. Mr Cleveland called on me today -- it is very cold -- no trade.

Tues, Feb. 13 - A very mild day and a very good trade -- seems more like old times. We anticipate a good run of business this spring.

Wed, Feb 14 - 'Valentine Day" I have received none yet but think I shall write a few "for fun". The worst set of customers out today I ever saw -- all want nine penny de Laines. Went to Lodge in the evening -- took one of the boys into the Lodge.

Thurs, Feb 15 - Valentines are flying about quite thick but as yet I dont get any. Brown spoke to me about stopping with him another year -- think I shall accept of his offer although I think I might get more somewhere else.

Fri, Feb. 16 - I sent Frank a Valentine which will make his eyes stick out some I reckon. Some cousins are up from Methum.

Sat, Feb. 17 - Our cousins went home this afternoon. Our folks had a candy scrap this evening. I got home in season to help them pull and "wind up" the doings and got a "gaub" to boot.

Sun, Feb 18 - I had so much to do that I could not possibly attend church today. In the evening Bill and I went to Horatives.

Mon, Feb. 19 - I never knew it was so cold in the shop as it was this morning -- so cold that one can scarcely wink. No trade -- too cold.

Tues, Feb. 20 - This is the first comfortable day we have had for a long time. We had an invitation to a candy party on the Boott. Think I shall not attend as I have a very bad cough and do not feel very well.

Wed, Feb. 21 - Bought a lottery ticket and expect today a blank of course as I am not one of the lucky sort. Went to the Museum to see Mr. & Mrs. Ayling perform -- Mr. A. is a good actor as is Mrs. A.

Thurs, Feb. 22 - We commenced measuring goods preparatory to taking acct. of stock. I am half sick with a bad cold.

Fri, Feb. 23 - It seems like spring today. Brown has gone to Boston & we dont get along very fast measuring goods. I realize I am about sick & dont feel much like work.

Sat, Feb. 24 - Much warmer than it has been. We have had a very cold winter -- the coldest that has been known for many years.

Sun, Feb 25 - This has been a very unpleasant day -- it has rained part of the day and is very bad walking. I am sick.

Mon, Feb. 26 - I am some better today although my head aches bad. Chas. has come to town today. It storms -- N.E. storm is upon us.

Tues, Feb. 27 - We are into the stock today in good earnest. Woodward is sick and not able to do much & I am not very well. He did not come to the shop this evening.

Wed, Feb. 28 - Woodward is sick abed & J. and I have had as much as we can attend to -- taking acct. of stock & all. Went to the Lodge -- took 3 degrees -- did not get through until 10 -- wife thought I had been to the Museum.

Thurs, Mar. 1 - Got up and eat my breakfast well enough but about 10ock was sick as a horse. Went to see the Doct. -- got some stuff. Charles is with J. this eve. & I am at home fixing up for tomorrow.

Fri, Mar. 2 - I am out again this morning but dont feel very powerful. Saw Woodward this morning -- is some better. J. and I have got most through taking acct. of stock. I suppose I commenced my 3 years service yesterday -- "So note it be".

Sat, Mar. 3 - It continues cold & dull-- have not heard from Woodward this morning. I think I am "on the gain". Great preparations are making to celebrate Old Zacks inauguration which comes off on Monday.

Sun, Mar. 4 - I am about half sick today. It is a fine day and I have been out for a walk. Went to City Hall this evening to hear Mrs. Eddy [Mary Baker Eddy] speak on temperance-- no new ideas were advanced.

Mon, Mar. 5 - This is "old Zachs" inauguration day -- great doings all around tonight. Congress broke up Sunday morn -- fight in both houses. Woodward is better.

Tues, Mar.6 - I have been "round town" in search of a house to live in but have found none yet.

Wed, Mar. 7 - Been after a house again -- found one in Dracutt that I like very much & think I shall have it. Went to the Lodge.

Thurs, Mar. 8 - Wife and I went over to Dracutt to see the house and have enjoyed it. It is pleasantly situated -- rent $66. [year/$5.50 month] & I think we shall like it there much although Lizzy does not seem much in favor of going there.

Fri, Mar. 9 - I see by the papers that Judge Collamer of Vt. is appointed P.M. Gen. [Postmaster General] -- good -- he is one of the "Green Mountain boys". Cold & windy -- business dull.

Sat, Mar. 10 - We have done a fair business today -- much better than we have for a long time. Cold, windy & muddy.

Sun, Mar 11 - Have concluded to move tomorrow & have been getting things in readiness -- Bill was here this eve.

Mon, Mar. 12 - Moved this forenoon & have been in the shop this afternoon. Wife and I going tomorrow.

Tues, Mar. 13 - Have been putting things in order at our new home in the town of Dracutt -- think we may enjoy ourselves if we are well for it is a pleasant place. Trade is good today as it is warm & spring like.

Wed, Mar. 14 - I made a purchase of some furniture today. We had company this evening. Mahalu, Mary Buffington & Lewman were at our house -- staid until 9ock. Had a good time. Lew is going home in a few days.

Thurs, Mar. 15 - We expected Mary Buffington would board with us but it will not be convenient for her so to do at present. It storms this afternoon & the walking is very bad -- no trade. Rec. a letter from Cous. Ann.

Fri, Mar. 16 - Recd. a letter from Geo. this morning -- says he is ready to come to Lowell. He is of opinion that Henry is obliged to work to hard & that it is thought that he will be sick again this spring. I should like to know how it is & if it is as he thinks he must not stay there. Mahula is coming to board with us -- good.

Sat, Mar. 17 - "Saint Patrick day in the morning" & the "pats" were are having a "time". Trade is dull but the times indicate a "good time coming". Mahula came to our house to board this evening "glud ont" for she will be good company for Lizzy.

Sun, Mar. 18 - My first Sunday in Dracutt -- did not attend church today because I did not wish to! Wrote a letter to Geo. - told him to come on to Lowell.

Mon, Mar. 19 - Brown has gone to Boston & Woodward & I have to do nothing. Saw Tom Flood today -- says he is bound to go into business for himself & if he cant raise funds any other way he is going to sue somebody! Whew.

Tues, Mar. 20 - The Boston Artillery called here on their return from Manchester -- half of them were drunk. This is "blow out" night. Balls are all the rage.

Wed, Mar. 21 - A dull stormy day however I found enough to do -- cleaned the lamps, sawed wood etc. Brown has gone home.

Thurs., Mar. 22 - A cold windy day & but little trade or anything else.

Fri, Mar. 23 - Lizzy went home on a visit & I went there & dined. Mahula took her dinner in the mill.

Sat, Mar. 24 - News from the old country represent things in a very disturbed state. The Pope abdicated some time ago -- several powers are combining to reinstate "his holiness". I bot a stair carpet today and have had the blues ever since. A mild day but no trade.

Sun, Mar. 25 - Cold & windy -- at home most of the day-- went over to "Dads" [FIL} & took tea-- in the evening it rained.

Henceforth a change of scenery. Instead of daily word-for-word reports of weather, trade and lodge meetings, etc. we will 'skip' some days anf just hit the highlights. Thanks ...

Thursday, March 29, 1849 - Brother George arrives in Lowell from Vermont looking for employment.

Tuesday, April 3 - Mahula and Julia Off to Nashua for a visit.

Wednesday, April 4 - Brother George thinks he might find work on the Middlesex Canal. James and George visit the Lowell Museum.

Thursday, April 5 - Burney the "box man" has been sued for libel by Dr. Kimball of the Lowell Hospital. Burney has "the sympathy of the people".

Friday, April 6 - James is looking at lots to rent to make a garden. Peckham's wife has died.

Saturday, April 7 - Mahalu back from Nashua with big gob of molasses candy which "tickled" James.

Sunday, April 8 - James and Lizzy attended Universalist Church services. Mr. Clarke preached. Later they visited Lizzy's folks, the Crum's.

Tuesday, April 10 - James cleans out the store cellar - "good job done".

Wednesday, April 11 - Brown hires a Mr. Emerson from Newport to work in the store.

Friday, April 13 - Emerson given James' job of opening the store. James rents a garden lot from a Mr. Adams for $2.00 "provided he does not sell it before the crops are harvested".

Sunday, April 15 - Mr. Robinson and Julia visit James and Lizzy.

Tuesday, April 17 - Brown goes to Boston and buys "about a thousand".

Thursday, April 19 - 2 inches of snow fell overnight.

Saturday, April 21 - Slow day at the store. "a few Tom Cats out and a moderate sprinkling of pats"

Bob Crowley said:

It looks like the weather in Massachusetts is nothing to write about.

Click to expand...

175 years ago life was more arranged around the weather. And with no radio, TV, telephone, Internet or local sports team the weather was a prime source of daily conversation.