A Diary of Innocence: Total Eclipse Of The Sun
"It was the total Eclipse of the Sun on Wednesday, June 29th. I was up in record time for it began at about 5.30 a.m.. I saw but little of it. However I did see it...'' Thirteen -year-old diarist Mary Hutchinson records an event in 1927 which did not come around again in England until 1999.
Sunday, June 12th. On Thursday Ruth came and spent the day with me at Auntie’s. We had a very pleasant day. Ruth has lent me two poetry books by Longfellow. On Saturday Uncle brought me back home again in his sidecar. I have had a very happy three weeks holiday. A holiday which I shall not easily forget. This morning Father took me a walk. I like Rainton very much indeed.
Monday, June 20th. On Saturday Mother and I walked to Thirsk. We were invited to stay the weekend as I was to recite. We called at Mrs. Kilding’s. She was very pleased to see us. Mary Miriam is a very beautiful baby. With eyes of the deepest blue which I have never seen equalled. We both stayed at Mrs. Scott’s on Saturday. I recited at Sowerby School Anniversary. My recitation was “Only a Tear”.
On Sunday night I went to stay at Mrs. Wardman’s. She gave a few of Rene’s things to me. Six handkerchiefs. A little silk scarf. Her hair slide and a tiny yet beautiful photo of her mother which she had in a little album. Oh! how I prize these little remembrances of Rene who has passed the winning post. I have made a little frame for the photo. I painted pansies for thoughts and forget-me-nots on it. Every night I give it two kisses.
Today we came home in the bus. I had a quiet, happy weekend. In the afternoon of today Mrs. Wardman and I went to see Rene’s grave, and we went to see Thirsk Church. I have never been in before. It is a beautiful old church. I signed my name in the visitors’ book.
June 29th. On Sunday it was Rainton Anniversary. I recited morning and evening. There was a good congregation.
July 1st. Arose 9 a.m. It was the total Eclipse of the Sun on Wednesday, June 29th. I was up in record time for it began at about 5.30 a.m. and finished at 7.30 a.m. I saw but little of it. However I did see it. There has not been one in England for 200 years. There will not be another till 1999.
Today is dull. I am making a black wool mat from opened out stockings. Mrs. Lancaster, who lives in the next yard, showed us how to make it. She is a very nice woman. She has two daughters, but one is blind, poor girl. She is at a blind school now. She is the same age as me. Alice is at Mrs. Pick’s at present. The summer term at Cliff is ended. Harold is on Trek. Retired 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 2nd. Arose 9 a.m. Mother went to Thirsk.
For when the last Great Scorer comes
To write against your name,
He’ll ask not if you lost or won
But how you played the game.
Sunday, July 3rd. Arose 9.15 a.m. It was a nice day. I went to Sunday School in the morning. The Sunday School is only a small one here. I went again in the afternoon. I went to Chapel in the afternoon with Dad. We all went to Chapel at night. Then we went for a long walk. Retired 9 p.m.
