Wed. Mar. 31 1897 Wea. cloudy

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The girls went to prayer meeting and seemed to have an awfully funny time. Cora and I were down town in the afternoon and had some boys dodying the corners, it was quite amusing. I wrote some letters on the typewriter for papa and sent them up but it is so hard telling when he will get them as the roads are the same as ever.
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NOTE
"Dodying" cannot possibly be the right word, but that's what it looks like.
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Tues. Mar. 30 1897 Wea. cloudy

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Cora is planning to go home as soon as the roads are better for at present the mails can not go up or down on account of the water under the snow. We are trying to do some studying. In the evening Lulu powdered, penciled or and dressed up in tights and paraded around the streets, I mean the house. She looked real sweet and of course the rest of us kids had to go through the same except the tights.
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NOTE
Hilda seems to have left out a word. She seems to have written "powdered, penciled or and." Not sure whom Lulu was dressing up as.
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Mon. Mar. 29, 1897 Wea. nice

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The snow has commenced to melt now and hope it will keep on. I heard a meadow lark and some crows. “Puttered” around with house work most all day. In the evening Cora and I put in good four hours in grammar and I am sure we both learned a lot.

Flo and cousin Jack went down town. Flo met Burt Bogru (Lu’s old fel” and he was drunk, he gave her quite a scare.
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NOTES
1. "Bogru" seems unlikely to be the actual name but that's what the word looks like as Hilda has written it.
2. The mixed up punctuation (parenthesis, quotation mark) are Hilda's.
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Sun. Mar. 28, 1897 Wea. nice

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The girls went to church and S.S. Johnnie came down yesterday and he is dreadfully tanned. It seemed to me that I cooked most all day. I dictated and Cora wrote a “cracker jack” letter. I wonder what the answer will be. In the evening went to church but it was awfully poor. Flo came home with some one but would not tell who it was.
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Sat. Mar. 27, 1897 Wea. lovely

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Another ideal day overhead but very bad underfoot. Washed. Cora and I went down town in the afternoon. Got the mail and Cora got a letter which I made her let me see and I had to console the poor girl. Did some shopping for the Washburn folks and went up to Baardson’s. Saw proof of the Washburn school. Floyd looks awfully sweet and more than ever like Arthur.

C & I debated in the evening about the letter.
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NOTES

1. Did Cora receive a letter from Rovig?

2. "The Washburn folks" would be Hilda's parents, John & Charlotte Satterlund, and their youngest child, Floyd (Hilda's little brother).

3. "Proof" would refer to a photo, apparently of children at the school in Washburn. Arthur was Hilda's brother who died not long before Floyd was born.
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Fri. Mar. 26, 1897 Wea. nice

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When the girls came home from school they said they had a good time at the debate. Cora made a break and made her “maiden speech.”

This evening we went to a social given by the Baptists. Did not have very much fun as I was almost a stranger. Bought a doll for 15⊄ - a little beauty. Almost all the boys bought one. Cora was sorry she did not go as Rovig flirted with the girls rather freely.
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NOTE
1. Was Cora still in school? I had thought not, since she seems to be more of a peer to Hilda than to Lulu and Florence. Also, Hilda earlier mentions that Cora is studying to pass the teaching exams, like Hilda herself.
2. A little note in the "Bills Receivable" section of the diary shows that Hilda received $1.50 from a "Cora Peterson." Probably the same Cora (since the only other Cora Hilda refers to in the diary is a "Cora Strauss." Possibly Cora Peterson is related to the "Mr. Peterson" Hilda mentions once or twice. There is a slight possibility that Cora is some sort of cousin on Hilda's mother's side, since Charlotte Satterlund's maiden name was Peterson; however, Charlotte was not originally from the Bismarck area so it seems unlikely her relatives were nearby.
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Thurs. Mar. 25, 1897 Wea. nice

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Still nice weather. Same old story – studied some. Louie came over and chatted a while and L said he heard down town that Papa was appointed Deputy Warden. In one way I hope it is so, another I do not.

We girls had a great time gossiping and telling stories and building castles in the air – which of course is one of my failings.
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NOTE
Not sure why Hilda felt conflicted about her father's possibly having been appointed Deputy Warden... possibly because he was already involved in so many other endeavors (political, industrial, and more) and thus neglected his family?
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Wed. Mar. 24, 1897 Wea. nice

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We are having plenty of nice weather and it is melting some.

The girls wanted to go coasting but I suggested that they stay home one night. We all studied – Cora and I studying for exam. All I think of is to be able to pass now that I have taken the school. I do not know what I would do if I fail and have to give up my school – I suppose put my head in the sand like an ostrich – which I resemble a good deal in__
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NOTES
The last word is possibly meant to be "indeed." It begins with "in," has something that looks like a "d" and then there is a line that trails off. Not sure if Hilda meant she looked like an ostrich because she was tall.
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Mon. Mar. 22, 1897 Wea. cold

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It is some colder to-day. Cora and I went down town in the afternoon, went in and saw Adeline – she expects to go to the hospital as soon as her father comes down. We then went to Mr. Baardsons and visited a while. Mary was home not feeling very well. Mrs. B advised me to teach and she seemed to feel quite sure that I would pass. I suppose I will have to make the trial.
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Sun. Mar. 21, 1897 Wea. cold

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It is some what colder to-day. The weather looks undecided. We did not go to church in the morning. Lu and Flo went to C. E. and church in the evening. Cora and I stayed home. I am getting most awfully lazy if that is possible.

We had quite a trio this P.M. Flo soprano, Lu alto, and your humble servant – tenor. Scrumptuous – I tell you!

NOTE
C.E. was likely short for Y.P.S.C.E., or the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour. See the April 11 entry in the diary.
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z

Sat. Mar. 20, 1897 Wea. nice

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We got up pretty late to-day – however we managed to do the ironing and do some baking but it was hard work to get at it. Flo wrote a letter to mamma and Lulu and Cora wrote or worked on algebra. I finished my handkerchief and it looked real sweet. We all went for a swim and feel fine.

Flo went to the dentist for the last time & bill’s only $22.
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NOTES

1. "Went for a swim" is likely a whimsical way of saying they took baths. No matter how nice the weather in March, it couldn't be warm enough for an actual swim. (Furthermore, I don't know if anyone actually swam in the river.)

2. $22 was a lot of money in 1897, so perhaps this remark was mildly sarcastic.
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Fri. Mar. 19, 1897 Wea. nice

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Stayed home all day. Worked on my ‘kerchief and read a great deal of “Green Mountain Boys” and I think it is fine – it is a war story of 1775. We stayed home this evening and all read and enjoyed ourselves. It seems nice to be alone and not be bothered with “pesky men” and having to have meals on time etc. We do not half realize what a good time we are having.
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NOTES:
This excerpt taken from the Bennington Museum website:
In 1839 Judge Daniel Pierce Thompson wrote his most famous work of fiction. Printed locally in 1840 and nationally in 1848, his novel, The Green Mountain Boys, served to educate the nation about Vermont’s early struggle for independence. Supposedly created from first-person accounts gathered by the author in his youth, this romantic and patriotic tale follows the fictional Captain Warrington and his trusty sidekick Selden from the land wars with New York through the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and the War for Independence. As a Green Mountain Boy, Warrington, based almost completely on Seth Warner, takes part in many of the early Vermont legends and interacts with such historic personages as Ethan Allen, Remember Baker, Ira Allen, Thomas Chittenden, and Benedict Arnold. In addition to action, the novel also features a love story between Selden and Alma Hendee, the daughter of a retired British army captain and based on the author’s own daughter by the same name.
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Thurs. Mar. 18, 1897 Wea. nice

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As it was so nice to-day Lulu and I went and called on Mrs. [Uen? Wen? Illegible] and Mrs. Green. I got some linen and intend hemstitching some handkerchiefs – in fact I started some for me this evening and I got along beautifully. We spent a splendid evening – all industrious. Flo was studying up for an exam. Mama sent me some questions. I want to teach but am afraid of the exam.
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Wed. Mar. 17, 1897 Wea. lovely

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This was another ideal spring day. I stayed in all day until evening and Cora suggested a walk and we went down to the P.O. and also went down and got some rubbers. People were wearing green badges in honor of the day. When I got back Ella Fortune was here and wanted Florence to go to a supper and dance and I said - nil. Then Flo. Gage came and they all went to Prayer Meeting.
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NOTES
1. Rubbers = galoshes
2. Green for St. Patrick's Day. Interesting that it was even observed in North Dakota in the 19th century.
3. The word "nil" is a guess - the actual word is hard to read.
4. Ella is probably the sister of the boy Jim Fortune, with whom Florence was caught by Papa.
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Tues. Mar. 16, 1897 Wea. lovely

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This is a beautiful day. Such a contrast to what we have had. I wrote and pasted in my scrap book. In the evening read till about nine and then Albert and Martin Holton and Ross came up. Albert had just come back from the east. He looked quite “citified.” I guess Cora does not know which she liked or likes the best, Albert or Rovig. They stayed til 12 pm. Sh! My!
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NOTE
Hilda probably meant 12 am (i.e. midnight).
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Mon. Mar. 15, 1897 Wea. bitter cold

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We had an awful time to keep warm this morning, it was so cold. The water works are froze and no school. In the afternoon the girls went down to the little school houses and visited. We spent a lovely evening writing talking drawing etc. I am a regular old granny. I like to spend nice quiet evenings at home.
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Sun. Mar. 14, 1897 Wea. still

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It is rather sharp to-day. Did not go to church this morning. Rovig came up and spent the afternoon. He said he had a letter from Jim Fortune in St. Paul and he wished to be remembered to us. Ahem!

Went to M. E. Church in the evening and heard [Halsten L?] from the orphans home in Fargo. Flo was mad at me because I did not let her walk home with Frank.
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Sat. Mar. 13, 1897 Wea. nice

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Johnnie, Lulu and Florence went over to Prof. Moore’s last night and report a good time. Cora and I had a great old talk last night when the kids were gone.

We cleaned and worked in good style to-day. Florence went to the dentist. She has only one more trip to make. It will be a fine bill to pay.
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Fri. Mar. 12, 1897 Wea. stormy

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Did some house cleaning. Lulu and I fixed our blue dresses so they look “slick.” Cora visited school to-day. She was going to the Pen. but did not as Mr. Rovig did not come after her. We had lots of fun over it at her expense.

Five years ago to-day since Arthur died. I was in Fargo then sick in bed with the rheumatism.
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NOTE
Arthur was Hilda's little brother, the youngest child at the time. Floyd was born not long after Arthur's death.
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Thurs. Mar. 11, 1897 Wea. cold wind

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Although quite stormy I commenced to wash. I rubbed all the clothes in the machine. When the girls came home they said there was no school to-morrow on account of teacher’s exam and was sorry I commenced [them? then?].

Florence had to do all the evening work. Lulu and Johnnie went over and spent the evening at Mr. Gage’s. I stayed up till 12 o’clock baking bread.
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Wed. Mar. 10, 1897 Wea. nice

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I wrote eight letters. Papa went home to-day noon with Mr. Falconer. I went down town and wrote three letters on Mr. Williams’ typewriter. It went off fine. Went in to Mrs. Lambs and disposed of $12. Received three letters Marion, [Reitz? Rutz?], and Mamma.

The girls are mad because I won’t take them to the show to-night. Johnnie and Lulu went down town this evening.-
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Tues. Mar. 9, 1897 Wea. nice

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We have a little change to-day. It is melting some. I went down town it was awfully hard walking in the deep snow. I went in to see Selma and got some books from her to read. I suppose I ought to study instead but it is hard to get down to work. I have a lot of letters to write for papa.
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Mon. Mar. 8, 1897 Wea. mild

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It is very still and snowed a great deal. Tom Christian [Christiaan? Christians?] and Even [?] came up. They helped Casselman down with his horses and things. They leave to-night for Virginia. I can almost bet that Larry will never stay there long.

Prof. Moore is going to give a social to the C. E.’s next Friday night and the girls say [illegible] because his wife is gone.
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NOTE
C.E. was likely short for Y.P.S.C.E., or the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour. See the April 11 entry in the diary.
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Sun. Mar. 7, 1897 Wea. warm

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Cora and I went to church this morning. Mrs. Veeder came over and then Roy came from with a team and they went home. August Johnson came up and spent the evening. We ate candy and he helped me write some applications for a position. I hope to goodness I will get it. August is going home to-morrow and will assume the position of auditor. I tell you I feel proud of him as he is one of “our boys.”
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NOTES
1. Hilda apparently left out a word when she wrote "Roy came from with a team."
2. The word “auditor” is not written clearly but no other word seems plausible.
3. Presumably, the applications were for teaching positions.
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Sat. Mar. 6, 1897 Wea. snowing

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I feel tough to-day both from staying up so late and also on account of sleeping three in a bed as Mrs. Veeder was here. Mrs. V. and Roy went over to Bouchers & we have spent a very quiet day. The girls had a great time at the Cap. yesterday. They have been talking the “fellow” subject until it is stale or is that possible?
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Fri. Mar. 5, 1897 Wea. bliz

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The last day of the session and so it was quite busy. Enrolled four pages and got it all OK. Took lunch up there. Mrs. V., Roy, and I went up in a hack. In the evening, the “kids” all came up. It was quite exciting. They pushed back the clock, threw paper etc. I collected most of the autographs of the clerks and Mr. G[illegible] wrote a piece of poetry. Did not bid goodbye to anyone as I never like that business. Got home about two and almost upset in the hack.
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Thurs. Mar. 4, 1897 Wea. lovely

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As it was a nice day there were a great many visitors up to the Cap. There were some hot discussions on the Penalty Clause and the Sargent at Arms was commanded to make order.

Mrs. Veeder stayed with us over night. Had to go up and work in the evening. [illegible] Martin Holton was up and spent the evening. Played games etc. Did not feel much like entertaining as I felt cross and tired. McKinley is President.

NOTES
1. The Penalty Clause may have referred to (alchohol) prohibition law.
2. Hilda wrote "Sargent" instead of "sergeant."
3. From Wikipedia:

William McKinley, 25th President of the United States
In office March 4, 1897 – September 14, 1901
Vice President	Garret A. Hobart (1897-1899) None (1899-1901) Theodore Roosevelt (1901)
Preceded by	Grover Cleveland
Succeeded by	Theodore Roosevelt

McKinley would be assassinated in 1901.
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NON

Wed. Mar. 3, 1897 Wea. cold

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As usual, cold. Went to the Cap. and got a ride home with Mr. Casselman to-night. Brought home two letters for Papa. One was from Prof. Moore about Florence. I hope the scolding she got will do her good.

Cleveland does not have long to stay in office now.

Mrs. Veeder and Mel came over to-day and visited the Capitol.
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Tues. Mar. 2, 1897 Wea. mild

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I did not intend to go to-night but Roy got a comp. and so went. It was fun but rather long. Cinderella was excellent for a pack of little tots. Did not stay for the dance as it got so late.
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Mon. Mar. 1, 1897 Wea. mild

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It is not as cold to-day. Papa did not go to the Cap. to-day. He is going to try and get me another job. Only another week left of this one. The kids are going to Mr. Hughes ent. to-morrow night but guess I will stay home.

NOTE
ent. = entertainment
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