“Every time I come home there is something new in the house. Oh, yes we are getting along nicely now, and I hope we will never have to save again as we used to. Our house is getting nicer each month for we are always making something new for it or else buying something. But this fall we have bought most of all. Indeed there are so many things I have done quite a little to beautify our home. I have sewed out 2 pairs almost 3 pairs pillow-shams. I have sewed out 5 pictures. I have bought a $9 chair. I helped fill up over [?] the album with pictures and bought 4 books to make our home look intellectual.

This reminds me that I bought a new book only last Saturday … One book is Nicholas Nickelby and I nearly jumped for joy when I saw it. And then too, just think, it only cost 25 cents. Great Scott! When did you ever hear the like. I would have bought $1 worth of books on the spot but Ma scolds me so every time I buy one. … Oh, I do think a book beautifies a room more than a carpet or a costly chair. I would rather go without my new muffler and buy books with it. … But I must have patience. Three or four a year will be quite enough for a while until Ma gets more reconciled to my passion. Oh, our home is getting so much more beautiful than before that it is positively a pleasure to work and help along.

When John comes home he will open his eyes and oh! I do so hope he is a nice gentleman and no rough rowdy. I figure he will be pleased when he hears how we have worked to improve our mind, manners and morals since he has been gone. really, those 3 years have worked almost a miracle.”

Source:
Emma Eberlein Kriewaldt’s diaries, extract from entry for 8 December 1889, on pages 7-8 of the typed transcript produced by Ernie Kriewaldt.