A Diary of Innocence: Packing And Preparing
"I gathered all the flowers that were blooming in my garden. Then I made them into a bautiful bunch. I took the flowers to lay on Rene's grave...'' Despite being seriously ill, 13-year-old Mary Hutchinson was an unselfish girl, ever mindful of the needs of others.
Thursday, May 12th. Arose 9 a.m. It is fair but not bright. I have finished the little basket I was making for Lady Turton. On Saturday she sent me two lovely books about birds. Mostly pictures. I have started to make an old-fashioned sun bonnet. I like them. I never got the diaries out for the last few days. The weather has been beautiful and everything so lovely. Retired 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 26th. Arose 8 a.m. I have not written anything for a fortnight. How dreadful! I had my hair bobbed on the 19th. I took myself to Thirsk on Monday 16th to give Lady Turton it. [the raffia basket] She gave me 2s/6d for it. I went to see Mrs. Bendelow and Mrs. Wardman. Mrs. Wardman had a daughter, Rene, who was in the hospital three weeks when I was there 15 weeks. Poor Rene died last August from a consumptive illness. I went to see her several times during the last illness. They are very nice people. Their family now consists of Mr. and Mrs. Wardman and their son. I am going on Saturday. All these days we have been packing our household goods to leave this house which has sheltered us for many long years. In all eight years. Oh it is sad to be leaving.
On Wednesday I went for the day to Mrs. Clayden’s. I had a very happy day there. At night she came back with me for a while. On Thursday I went to Thirsk. I stayed at Mrs. Bendelow’s for my tea. On Friday Mrs. Bendelow’s Doris and Tom came to see us at night. All this [week] we are packing and preparing. I am going to Aunty Aggie’s at Maunby till we are settled. On Thursday I went to Rainton with Father. He was taking some furniture. I like our new home. It is very nice. There is a cosy private nook where I can sit. I shall have to make a pet of my hen, Jemima 2nd.
On Saturday I gathered all the flowers that were blooming in my garden. Then I made them into a beautiful bunch. I went to see Mrs. Wardman. I took the flowers to lay on Rene’s grave. We stood a few minutes and gazed on the grave under which lay the last loved earthly remains of Rene. But her soul is marching on in Heaven and to my mind comes Longfellow’s “Resignation”. I had tea with Mrs. Wardman. Then we went out shopping. Later she set me for home and we parted.
Saturday 21st was the last night in the old home. On Sunday Arthur Metcalf came to know how I was going. I went with Mr. Rooke.
Today is Monday, 30th May. I am having a very, very happy time. Uncle and Auntie are lovely and cousin John is a nice affectionate boy. He is 10. He goes to Northallerton Grammar School. Uncle is a joiner. He has two young men, Jeff and Arthur. Arthur is nice. I have lots of fun with them.
On Sunday we went in Uncle’s motorcycle combination to Auntie Cissie’s at Flawith. Uncle Willie had been preaching at Alne so he was there. We had a very nice time there. We arrived back about 9.30 p.m. I am having a very nice time here.
Thursday, June 2nd. On Thursday we -- Auntie and I -- went to see the Clarkes. Miss Clarke was in the hospital when I was. We are great friends. I am very, very fond of her. The Clarkes live a little way out of Maunby. We stayed an hour or two. Miss Clarke -- otherwise Ruth, invited me to go picnicking with her on Thursday. On Wednesday Auntie went to Northallerton. I kept house. It is Northallerton market day. I have been in Northallerton for the first time on Uncle’s motorcycle. It is a nice town.
