Some way I was very late in starting though I am taking my b’fast upstairs now – they have so few to help. Helped F. with her ears – syringing them out. It was 11.30 before I got out. Mrs. Addison, the one who knows Mrs. Blaney – came and said she had heard of an extra berth – she wants to travel with us to Naples. Said she knew of a pension with a view for 6 ½ lire.
I went to the Duomo and saw the last part of the funeral service for the Pope. – It was very grand mummery. Met Mrs. Addison there by accident. Maria and her husband, the former porter. – She looked so thin and sad. I gave her $2.00 and 2 lire to Italia who goes on a week’s vacation. Maria takes her place.
After lunch, went out about my money to the consulate. Did not see the consul, but a gentleman who advised me to get it and take it out. He thought French Lemon’s conduct was suspicious.
Went to tailor’s to say that F.T.H. was sick and could not go to be fitted. Took my veil to be dyed. Met a Mrs. Nevins and went with her in search of an Eng. Newspaper for Florence – later than Aug. 17th – could not get it. We went in to Santa Maria Novella to see the frescoes.
Bought an Italian paper. The news is terrible. Mr. Lang, the young Eng. who has just returned from Vallombrosa,* says the French and English are beaten badly, that Germany is committing every outrage, killing young boys and even babies. They are using not only dum-dum bullets,** but an even more deadly kind. I hope that God will punish that man, Emperor William, as he deserves – for he is the cause of this terrible, inhuman war. I can read a little of the Italian papers, but not much.
After much work finished my boudoir cap. I went into my room and was reading one of Phillip Oppenheim’s*** stories when I fell asleep and did not awaken until 12.40. After that, I washed out my crepe nightgown which has been soaking all day.
The dressmaker brought my dress but there were lots of mistakes which have to be altered. Florence looked after it. Then the milliner brought my hat which was very good. That is the one with the blue feathers that I had last summer and my felt for the boat.
Mrs. Nevins said, “the war was inconvenient coming at the time – that it had inconvenienced a good many people.”
*Vallombrosa is a Benedictine abbey in the comune of Reggello (Tuscany, Italy), c. 30 km south-east of Florence.
**Expanding bullets which were outlawed, but Germany was accused by Belgium of using them during World War 1.
***Phillip Oppenheim (1866-1846) was a very popular and prolific British novelist who wrote genre fiction and thrillers.
Saturday, August 29
Friday, August 28
War News, Money Difficulties, Shopping,
Bought 8 postals and wrote to all the family saying we were to sail on White Star Line “Canopic” Sept. 10th and mailed them. Hope they will go out on the Re d’Italia Aug. 31st.
Did not leave house until 11.15, then with my feather over to the little milliner. Then met Mrs. [blank] on the Ponte Vecchio. We waited a while for Helen and while waiting she introduced me to an Italian who has a jewelry store in Boston. He hates the climate and wants to return. He says times are terribly hard in the U.S. on account of politics.
Then we went to see the lace. She said she would bring it to show Florence at one. Met Helen and went to the Pia sisters and looked at waists. Brought one back to show Florence – afterwards went back and ordered two for 12 fr. each. Mrs. [blank] came and I bought the collar and ordered cuffs to match. F.T.H. brought one home and letters from home. It was such a treat. She had one from Marion.* She had sent her $500.
Hazel and Percy had cabled me $250 – July 31st and I had never been notified. I went right around to French Lemon & Co. – the clerk said it had not been sent to them but to a bank and they had sent to F.L. and Co. for my address and it had been given in Milan – but I never heard of the money. He did not remember what bank it was in. Went to Banca Commerciale – They did not know of the money – said if I did not need it to let it alone and it would be returned to the sender. Helen got her steamer reservation and paid deposit. Saw Mrs. Addison – she has her bank and is all right for money.
Went to tailor’s for samples was measured for suit. Met Helen going back and I took F’s prescriptions over to the druggists. They cost $1.00 – went into 48 centime store. Coming back looked into Cook’s and saw Helen. Waited 15 minutes for her to come out. Florence felt so badly she did not go to dinner. Her face all swollen from the toothache.
After dinner sat with her till 10.30. She and Helen read the paper while I sewed on the boudoir cap. Mrs. Addison said she heard that perhaps neither the Canopic not the French boat – Sant’Anna – for the 14th would sail. They say the Germans have sown the ocean with fire mines. It is dangerous to go or stay. Bought 2 N.Y. Heralds.
There was a great ringing of the Duomo bell. The signora said it was on account of the Pope’s death. Big service tomorrow. Everything is very cheap and there are wonderful bargains but no money. Big demonstrations somewhere tonight. We were too tired to go. A note from Penelope. She goes home steerage.
Did not leave house until 11.15, then with my feather over to the little milliner. Then met Mrs. [blank] on the Ponte Vecchio. We waited a while for Helen and while waiting she introduced me to an Italian who has a jewelry store in Boston. He hates the climate and wants to return. He says times are terribly hard in the U.S. on account of politics.
Then we went to see the lace. She said she would bring it to show Florence at one. Met Helen and went to the Pia sisters and looked at waists. Brought one back to show Florence – afterwards went back and ordered two for 12 fr. each. Mrs. [blank] came and I bought the collar and ordered cuffs to match. F.T.H. brought one home and letters from home. It was such a treat. She had one from Marion.* She had sent her $500.
Hazel and Percy had cabled me $250 – July 31st and I had never been notified. I went right around to French Lemon & Co. – the clerk said it had not been sent to them but to a bank and they had sent to F.L. and Co. for my address and it had been given in Milan – but I never heard of the money. He did not remember what bank it was in. Went to Banca Commerciale – They did not know of the money – said if I did not need it to let it alone and it would be returned to the sender. Helen got her steamer reservation and paid deposit. Saw Mrs. Addison – she has her bank and is all right for money.
Went to tailor’s for samples was measured for suit. Met Helen going back and I took F’s prescriptions over to the druggists. They cost $1.00 – went into 48 centime store. Coming back looked into Cook’s and saw Helen. Waited 15 minutes for her to come out. Florence felt so badly she did not go to dinner. Her face all swollen from the toothache.
After dinner sat with her till 10.30. She and Helen read the paper while I sewed on the boudoir cap. Mrs. Addison said she heard that perhaps neither the Canopic not the French boat – Sant’Anna – for the 14th would sail. They say the Germans have sown the ocean with fire mines. It is dangerous to go or stay. Bought 2 N.Y. Heralds.
There was a great ringing of the Duomo bell. The signora said it was on account of the Pope’s death. Big service tomorrow. Everything is very cheap and there are wonderful bargains but no money. Big demonstrations somewhere tonight. We were too tired to go. A note from Penelope. She goes home steerage.
Thursday, August 27
Money, Tickets Home, Dressmakers, and Visiting
Dr. Giglioli was coming at 8.30 to see Florence and Helen but he did not come. Florence had to leave as she had an engagement to meet the lady and get the tickets so she went – got the tickets which they found were an upper and lower in an inside state room on the 4th deck for which we pay $105 in gold. In the meantime the dressmaker had come with my dress and Dr. Giglioli came. He was thunder struck when he found we were going home. Florence came in in time to see him and also to see my dress. Then we went to Cateria’s* and Helen ordered a very striking suit. Then I bought the silk for my girdle – the same stuff exactly as we could not match the color. F.B.H. also bought the lace for my sleeves.
After lunch we lay down and then we got dressed and went to Mrs. Zupponi’s, the one who is going to let Florence have 300 lire and get her pay out of the money in the bank. We had a lovely tea party in the little apartment, delicious peaches and bread and butter and cake. It was very nice and pleasant. Helen had to go back about her ticket but F. and I stayed till 6 – looking at the postals of the different places where she had been – it was most interesting. We stopped at a couple of stores on the way back and looked at waists. An eccentric American, a Mrs. Echardt, came to call on Helen and stayed almost all the evening. She was very bright and very funny.
Poor Florence had an ulcerated back. I sat up till after twelve heating hot water for a bottle and reading aloud the news from an old American newspaper. Did not sleep well.
*Possibly spelled “Catana’s” or “Caterina’s”. See September 2nd.
After lunch we lay down and then we got dressed and went to Mrs. Zupponi’s, the one who is going to let Florence have 300 lire and get her pay out of the money in the bank. We had a lovely tea party in the little apartment, delicious peaches and bread and butter and cake. It was very nice and pleasant. Helen had to go back about her ticket but F. and I stayed till 6 – looking at the postals of the different places where she had been – it was most interesting. We stopped at a couple of stores on the way back and looked at waists. An eccentric American, a Mrs. Echardt, came to call on Helen and stayed almost all the evening. She was very bright and very funny.
Poor Florence had an ulcerated back. I sat up till after twelve heating hot water for a bottle and reading aloud the news from an old American newspaper. Did not sleep well.
*Possibly spelled “Catana’s” or “Caterina’s”. See September 2nd.
Wednesday, August 26
Money, Shopping, and Tickets Home
Woke up at 6. Florence has adjoining room and we talked till time to dress. Went up to b’fast at 8. Then started off for Am. Consul’s to learn news – see if Am. Express checks were good and to buy my dress. Found that Bryan advised all Americans to return as soon as possible for fear of naval battles where the seas might not be safe. Looked up the Re d’Italia. She was such a small boat – did not like her. Am. Express checks are good.
We bought a lovely lace and net and emb. collar for 22 francs. Went to two stores, bought a cashmere silk for 11 fr. a yd., 2 extra yds. for alterations. Took my hat to have feathers extended and recurled and F. took a piece of silk there and they will dye them to match. Then we met Mrs. Zeppone and Helen and Mrs. Z. went to the bank with me and found I could get my S.F. check cashed for 823 fr. and 83 centimes which I received. Hurried home and found the little dressmaker here. Going up in the elevator saw Mr. McLaughlan of San Grinignane in the boat. Spoke to him and he thought I was Florence. I said she would be back soon as she had an appointment. She soon came in and I went down and had my dress fitted. She comes tomorrow to fit it. Went up to see the McLaughlans. Found they had come to offer Florence 2 berths in the Canopic given up by a lady who wishes to sail on the Fabre liner, the Sant’Anna.* We said we could go down at 4.30 to see her.
Lay down after lunch and got up at 3. Helen came in She came in and said she would do what we said but I said she much decide for herself. Went to Cook’s, found they expected more berths on Canopic. We put our names down, first choice. Then Mrs. McL. came in and the one who had two Canopic tickets to sell. She had half promised them to someone else and she was frantic when she found we had taken them. Got talking to her afterwards and found she was a Mrs. Addison who knew Alice Blaney when she was a little girl. She felt very bitterly, but was more reconciled when she found that Florence was really sick. Was talking to her at Am. Consuls when F. came alone. The Consul had sent for her. Someone had cabled her money, but the consulate was closed. We went home. I washed out some things and F. lay in my bed. Then dinner and we came downstairs again. F. and Helen very tired and went to bed.
The news in the papers is very bad. Germany is defeating the Allied armies. It is said she has taken the low countries.
*In 1914, the SS Sant’Anna was one of 11 ships, including eight liners owned by Fabre Line. It was commissioned for the transport of troops, and later torpedoed in 1918 near Bizerte (Tunisia) with 2,000 passengers.
We bought a lovely lace and net and emb. collar for 22 francs. Went to two stores, bought a cashmere silk for 11 fr. a yd., 2 extra yds. for alterations. Took my hat to have feathers extended and recurled and F. took a piece of silk there and they will dye them to match. Then we met Mrs. Zeppone and Helen and Mrs. Z. went to the bank with me and found I could get my S.F. check cashed for 823 fr. and 83 centimes which I received. Hurried home and found the little dressmaker here. Going up in the elevator saw Mr. McLaughlan of San Grinignane in the boat. Spoke to him and he thought I was Florence. I said she would be back soon as she had an appointment. She soon came in and I went down and had my dress fitted. She comes tomorrow to fit it. Went up to see the McLaughlans. Found they had come to offer Florence 2 berths in the Canopic given up by a lady who wishes to sail on the Fabre liner, the Sant’Anna.* We said we could go down at 4.30 to see her.
Lay down after lunch and got up at 3. Helen came in She came in and said she would do what we said but I said she much decide for herself. Went to Cook’s, found they expected more berths on Canopic. We put our names down, first choice. Then Mrs. McL. came in and the one who had two Canopic tickets to sell. She had half promised them to someone else and she was frantic when she found we had taken them. Got talking to her afterwards and found she was a Mrs. Addison who knew Alice Blaney when she was a little girl. She felt very bitterly, but was more reconciled when she found that Florence was really sick. Was talking to her at Am. Consuls when F. came alone. The Consul had sent for her. Someone had cabled her money, but the consulate was closed. We went home. I washed out some things and F. lay in my bed. Then dinner and we came downstairs again. F. and Helen very tired and went to bed.
The news in the papers is very bad. Germany is defeating the Allied armies. It is said she has taken the low countries.
*In 1914, the SS Sant’Anna was one of 11 ships, including eight liners owned by Fabre Line. It was commissioned for the transport of troops, and later torpedoed in 1918 near Bizerte (Tunisia) with 2,000 passengers.
Tuesday, August 25
Train Trip: Milan to Florence
Got up at 5.10, dressed, had b’fast and started off in the carriage for the station. Had the window seats, 2nd class and we had a most comfortable trip. The first part of the journey was through level agricultural land – most interesting. After Boulogna [sic] we went into the mountains and through many tunnels – 372 was told – what scenery we saw was beautiful. Reached Florence about two. The man wheeled the things home and we walked – cost a franc apiece. Found our porter – the house locked up and we had to ring. I have my old room and Helen the one above. Florence was at lunch and we took her by surprise. Then we sat and talked. Florence thinks we ought to sail on the Re d’Italian* [sic] on Aug. 31st – a ship of 7500 tons – a very small Italian boat. Everyone says go home, so I think we shall go. I felt terribly about it. I am afraid of the small boat. We went to Am. Consul – no satisfaction. Then to agent of boat who wants $110 for second class passage. Came back to think it over. Decided to get new silk dress so we went way over to Florence’s dressmaker and were late to dinner. She will make my dress and have it finished by Friday night. Had a nice dinner. Then talked and talked about it for hours afterwards.
The great battle is in between the French and English and Germans. It is feared the Germans will win.
*SS Re d'Italia was an Italian ocean liner for Lloyd Sabaudo named for the King of Italy (Italian: Re d'Italia). Launched in 1906, she sailed between Italy and New York and South America for most of her career. During World War I she was employed as a troopship carrying United States troops to France as part of the United States Navy Cruiser and Transport Force. She was scrapped in 1929.
The great battle is in between the French and English and Germans. It is feared the Germans will win.
*SS Re d'Italia was an Italian ocean liner for Lloyd Sabaudo named for the King of Italy (Italian: Re d'Italia). Launched in 1906, she sailed between Italy and New York and South America for most of her career. During World War I she was employed as a troopship carrying United States troops to France as part of the United States Navy Cruiser and Transport Force. She was scrapped in 1929.
Monday, August 24
Getting Ready to Leave Milan
Helen went off early to see Dr. Giglioli but missed him. Then she went to Am. Consul’s who advised her to go to America, said he would go tomorrow with his family if his duty did not require him to remain here. Said he thought Italy would go to war after the election of the Pope and that there would be riots re. Helen was there when the telegram was received which telegram I have copied on another page and then she went to the bank and drew some money.
I got started about 10.30 and went up on the roof of the Duomo. It was most wonderful. I did not go up to the highest part because it was not clear and I knew I could not see far off. I actually got lost wandering about the roofs. Saw the statues of Adam and Eve.
Came home and had lunch. Then Helen and I started right off for Cooks to get our tickets and to see about our trunks. On the way I stopped at the Bank Commerciale, but they would not cash my check. Said they would write to Florence and see if it were all right. So of course I wouldn’t leave. We bought 2nd class tickets - 29.75 almost $6. Went to the station and registered the trunks, then went to P.O. and sent them express to F.B.H. Went up to Duomo and I bought some fruit for tomorrow and some post-cards and a paper. The Germans are advancing on the French frontier. Came back and began to pack. It is 7.15 P.M. now. Bought a piece of water melon. FINE. Dr. Giglioli came while we were at dinner. He was very jolly and said it was being around with me that gave Helen hot flashes. Spent the evening packing. All packed before I went to bed.
I got started about 10.30 and went up on the roof of the Duomo. It was most wonderful. I did not go up to the highest part because it was not clear and I knew I could not see far off. I actually got lost wandering about the roofs. Saw the statues of Adam and Eve.
Came home and had lunch. Then Helen and I started right off for Cooks to get our tickets and to see about our trunks. On the way I stopped at the Bank Commerciale, but they would not cash my check. Said they would write to Florence and see if it were all right. So of course I wouldn’t leave. We bought 2nd class tickets - 29.75 almost $6. Went to the station and registered the trunks, then went to P.O. and sent them express to F.B.H. Went up to Duomo and I bought some fruit for tomorrow and some post-cards and a paper. The Germans are advancing on the French frontier. Came back and began to pack. It is 7.15 P.M. now. Bought a piece of water melon. FINE. Dr. Giglioli came while we were at dinner. He was very jolly and said it was being around with me that gave Helen hot flashes. Spent the evening packing. All packed before I went to bed.
Sunday, August 23
Milan: Church, Sightseeing, and Ice Cream at Biffi's
I went to the English church where we had the lay service as we did last Sunday. It was a pleasant – helpful service. Coming home, I saw them throwing their dogs into the canal to wash them and to see them swim. Then I went into San Marco where the columns were covered with red brocade. Got twisted about direction and had to inquire.
Helen stayed at home to write letters. She went out and bought the materials for our simple lunch. Afterwards I lay down an hour or so and had a nap. Then Helen and I walked out to the Castello and walked through the courts re.- We were going to the church of San Ambrosio, but I wanted to go home.
About six we started out to go up on the roof – but it was too late, so then we took No. 10 car and went to the Arena and saw the Torres , but we could not go up because there was no one in charge. So we walked home which took us longer than we had expected so we were late to dinner, but they were very nice about it. We had a nice dinner. About 8.30 Helen and I went to the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle where we walked up and down and finally went to Biffi’s* where we had some ice cream. Came back about 10.30.
Received a telegram from Florence with the one word “come”. Also two postals today from her and one from F.T.S. who was just starting off with Tommy, Alfred and the Harris’ into the Cascade Mts. – and a postal from Margaret who was on a four day walking trip with Margie and Katherine, Will and Margaret and Billie Irins**. She said Baby Florence was all right and that Duncan’s arm was doing well.
*See entry for August 11th.
** F.T.S. – Florence Thurston Sanford, Jennie’s daughter; Tommy -Tommy Sanford; Alfred-her son; Margie and Katherine - sisters of Will [William Northrup Morse]; Florence and Duncan are Margaret and Will’s children, 1 and 4 years old.
Helen stayed at home to write letters. She went out and bought the materials for our simple lunch. Afterwards I lay down an hour or so and had a nap. Then Helen and I walked out to the Castello and walked through the courts re.- We were going to the church of San Ambrosio, but I wanted to go home.
About six we started out to go up on the roof – but it was too late, so then we took No. 10 car and went to the Arena and saw the Torres , but we could not go up because there was no one in charge. So we walked home which took us longer than we had expected so we were late to dinner, but they were very nice about it. We had a nice dinner. About 8.30 Helen and I went to the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle where we walked up and down and finally went to Biffi’s* where we had some ice cream. Came back about 10.30.
Received a telegram from Florence with the one word “come”. Also two postals today from her and one from F.T.S. who was just starting off with Tommy, Alfred and the Harris’ into the Cascade Mts. – and a postal from Margaret who was on a four day walking trip with Margie and Katherine, Will and Margaret and Billie Irins**. She said Baby Florence was all right and that Duncan’s arm was doing well.
*See entry for August 11th.
** F.T.S. – Florence Thurston Sanford, Jennie’s daughter; Tommy -Tommy Sanford; Alfred-her son; Margie and Katherine - sisters of Will [William Northrup Morse]; Florence and Duncan are Margaret and Will’s children, 1 and 4 years old.
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