Elinor Bonney’s Sister Nellie eventually is married to John Harnish shown upper right
The earliest Bonney photo. This is Cordin L. Bonney who would be Elinor’s grandfather circa 1800.
Elinor Bonney’s parents’ marriage certificate (Harvey Bonney and Martha Wheeler)
[Elinor Diary Pages 1912-1915 & gap to 1920 (She was living on Georgia Ave on the Black River in Lorain and her parents (Martha Wheeler Bonney and Harvey Bonney, Ma and Pa) owned the Bonney Boathouse. She lived with her siblings Nellie, Ruby, Gertrude “Gertie” Audrey, Elbert, Fred, and Frank at least part of the time. Her sister Audrey was married a year earlier to George Carlisle and in 1912 they had the first niece to Elinor whose name was Martha Carlisle. Audrey’s marriage was a difficult one and later ended. Her brother Frank married Ruby in 1911 and they had a child Evelyn the next year. The military and the flu and other illnesses brought the family members back together to live at the Georgia Ave homestead during times of personal or community crisis. Not to confuse things, later in the 20’s Elinor was to marry another Frank, Frank Babcock who bought and built the Huron/Hahn Rd homestead but died 10 yrs later. When that happened, her brother Elbert moved in with Elinor at the Huron/Hahn Road homestead that is at the center of most of Elinor’s 3000 page diary. Her brother Fred married Ethyl Noderer. Her sister Nellie was to marry John Mckinley Harnish and they eventually moved from the Georgia Ave home to Vincent, Ohio, and then to West River Rd. in Elyria, Ohio. Nellie and John had Elinor’s nieces and nephews Bonita, Bonney Bell, Ella Jane, and Johny (John Malcolm Harnish) John Mckinley was involved in WWI. John Malcolm was involved in WWII). John Malcolm married Marcella Gremore and they have the children who have been at the center of creating this website. However, it was John Malcolm who collected, labeled and archived all the photos. To do that he also interviewed his mother Nellie about the photos. Its easy to tell when John has labeled the photos which he does in script in black magic marker on the front of the pictures. He did get some argument from others about “defacing” the photos but he kept that trademark and labeled every single picture and placed them in large 3 ring binders by taping them together. Even the earliest ones were well preserved through the years. The transcription of the diary is true to her text including spelling and formatting and punctuation. Names, places or special events are bolded. There are bracketed bolded notes throughout to clarify the content. Entries that are more flowery or poetic are italisized. Pictures have been inserted of people and places mentioned in the diary but the pictures are often from a different year or decade.]
1910, “Bonney hill, 1910, Lorain, O..Black River” [back shows it is a postcard]
1910, “Est 1910, Lorain OH”, On building: “BONNEY’S BOAT HOUSE, GAS LAUNCH, ROW BOATS TO LET, PHONE 438 White, E5525 ?”
1907, “Elinor Bonney, est 1907, Lorain, O”, [by looking on the back you can see it is a postcard] [Page 1-22 all in March 1912 written in a -“Standard Notebook” Then she will restart with page 1-177 Sept 1912-April 1915] [Tue. Mar. 19. 1912.]Tue.19 March 1912 Well, its just two weeks today they brought me home from the hospital. While there I became acquainted with the two nurses and the cook; All three were bright young girls. The day nures was quite a pretty bloond of twenty-two years, whom every one seemed to love. she had an attracktive pleasent little smile and a cheery word for one and all. Something in her appearance call-ed my attention and I desided to study the characters of the three girls. Now my room was the third room from their dining room, but I could hear every word of their conversations when they were at dinner. This would help me to study much better, And I often heard them relating there past [Tue. Mar. 19. 1912.] Page 2 experiences both joys and sorrows and hear them laugh and jest, just as plain, as though they had been in my room, this for two weeks afford-ed some amusement for me. The night nurse had dark hair and little black eyes, an oval shaped face & sallow complection a very nervous little body of twenty-four years. She seemed ever on the alert for the least sound; when alarmed (she crossed out) reminded one of a wild animal, when cornered by hunters. She moved about with a quick noiseless tread, her presence would awaken me from a sound sleep With a feeling of fear. but when I opened my eyes (it was crossed out), she would say its only I, & sometimes ask, why I didn’t sleep more sound. I told her she looked tired and I believed need rest more than I, to which she answered, Oh, I’m [Tue. Mar. 19. 1912.]Page 3 so tired I feel like jumping up and down and yelling or screaming, and everything has went wrong today & I don’t believe anything good will every come my way I’m an orphan & every one seems to be more ready to give me a kick or knock than to help her in anyway, she and the day nurse couldn’t get along for some reason, and there seems to be nothing but trouble and sorrow for me and I just feel cross every day. Now I told her the day nurse never said anything against her to me but often said, she though you were not strong enough for the work & that she felt sorry for you & and I am sure [Tue. Mar. 19. 1912.] Page 4 if you watch and study her you will think better of her. Well I feel sorry for her, She is so nervous, she gave up her work to go to her sister’s home to rest, the day before I came home, she took my address but haven’t heard from her as yet. The Cook was stout & round face rosy cheeked girl of twenty and one years. Who was neither brunette nor blond. She swept & dusted the patients rooms each day a jolly good natured appearing person but two.sided. I gave her an apron pattern for which she was to have given me one of hers, but I never have gotten it yet.) and shirt pattern to be used for a laun-dry bag & a thimble holder crocheted on a chickens wish [Tue. Mar. 19. 1912.]Page 5 bone, they were made of pink silk with white ribbon drawn around the edge & tied in bows with a loop to hang them up by. the nurse phoned to me yesterday & thanked me for hers & reminding me how carefull I must be, not to catch cold and bidding me come back to see her as soon as I were able. She said there were to be three operating cases for this week; that will mean 24 hrs with out sleep three times this week for her al-though she didn’t mention it. [Wed. Mar. 20. 1912] Wed.20th A week ago to night I took a relaps & haven’t been gain-ing as rapidly as before. But God teaches to Ask and receive Trust and believe,
1910 ” Bonney’s Dog, Our dog Shorty”
1900, “Taken about 1900, Martha Wheeler Bonney and daughter Nellie Belle (later Harnish), Dog: “Sport”, First part of home at 760 Georgia Ave. Lorain, O.” labeled by John Malcolm, note written by Nellie B Harnish “Nellie B, dog Sport and Mother Martha Jane Bonney, first part of home built 1899 taken about 1900 “
[Wed. Mar. 20. 1912]Page 6 Mar.Wed.20. and I know He doeth all things well. Received a card from Pa, and one from Audrey today, and wrote five to mail in the morning. Dr. Smith phoned saying he would call tomorrow. Well I’ll be glad to be able to work again. To night the sleet and snow pelt the windows with such terrific force that it seems almost deafening, while only yesterday morning as I dressed before the open west window I could see the woods nearby and hear the birds twitering and larks singing, the sun was shining warm and bright and all the out door world seemed to have awakened to the call of Spring, but today a cold March wind [Wed. Mar. 20. 1912] Page 7. Mar.Wed.20. with sleep and snow causes the earth to groan and shudder. I’m wondering what the poor little birdies will do to keep warm, for I have most all day beside the fire. [Thurs. Mar. 21.1912]Thurs.21. Dr. came this after noon. He said he would have to send me back to the hospital if I didn’t take life more easy. I wonder. Well let me see, all I’ve done today has been a little reading, sewing, crocheting and take pills, Oh yes, I took care of my own room and helped ma do dishes, doesn’t seem as though that ought to hurt me, it is raining tonight [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912] Fri.22. Everything is a glare of ice out of doors this morning. Didn’t get up untill ten [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912]Page 8 oclock, for I sit up with Nellie, and read or write while she does her school work. she doesn’t like to be alone. I crocheted on the pillow top, I have been mak-ing for Audrey and George for there weding present I have croched a pillow top for Frank and Ruby. I crocheted a square with a wreath of roses in it and in the center I put. (Wed July 27th. 1911) For Frank and Ruby & for Audrey and George I put in the center (Wed Oct 6th. 1911.) I made a pillow tick of white muslin & filled it with cattail down, then made a plain pillow cover of old rose poplin, with hem of ruffle
1911, Audrey Carlisle -Elinor’s sister Audrey who married George Carlisle
[Fri. Mar. 22. 1912]Page 9 Mar.Fri.22 brier stitched with No.50 white thread, the same as I use to crochet with, then I fasten with needle and thread the crocheted square to the top of plain cover thus forming a pretty wedding Gift. I have felt stronger today, but had my nerves shook into a volcanic eruption the last thing tonight by accidently answering the phone, Yes, I a fright late this after noon and now I think I’ll go to bed and try to quite my nerves, And may God watch over and take care of me His humble servant girl. The sun has shone all day and everything glitters and sparkles, the branches [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912]Page 10 of the trees, the weeds and bushes look as though they were full of stars. Tonight we have a pale moon, throw- out a flood of shimmering light, making a picture to behold. Fred and Gertie have gone to a St Patricks social given in the Delaware Ave M.E. Church Sun. school
1914 Gertie Bonney with the parrots” Gertie is Elinor’s sister
Fred Bonney, Elinor’s brother
Mar.Sat.23. rooms this evening. Oh, me. Games, Music & Refrishments were enjoyed by
1919 “Ella Jane Harnish 1919 Aug. (held by) Elinor Bonney E.J.H. 4 mths old ” labeled by Nellie Bonney (Harnish) and son John Harnish. Ella Jane is Elinor’s niece, daughter of sister Nellie.
the young folks last night, Miss Marry Snyder’s Art Gallery (of crossed out) being of great interest, having placed a Blarny Stone at the en- trance, to which
1915 Nellie Bonney” at 760 Georgia home tending roses covering front of house, Note house numbers above roses.
each person must kneel, make a wish and kiss before entering the gallery. First glance one beheld, The Horse Fair not a picture but a dish of shell-ed corn. Next. Cast Up By The [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912]Page 11 Sea. A pretty sea shell ans-wered this. After a bath, this inscription, written on a slip of paper was laid on A Bath towel, as were all others. The Swimming Match, represented by a glass of water, where up on a match was swim-ming. A Bit of
1910 Grandmother Bonney (Martha Wheeler Bonney) and Elbert Bonney” Elbert is Elinor’s brother with whom she lived after her husband Frank Babcock died.
Old Ruin in China, was an amusing sight. An old china plate with the decoration partly worn off and a crack china cup with out a handle. The Aurora A Bronzed Loin Penny Bank, Tax on Tea. Tax laying on dry tea in a saucer. The charge of a light brigade, A little heap of powder a match near by. Washington’s Bust, shown on a two cent stamp. The Seasons . A little salt and pepper. The [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912] Page 12 Trapper. A Mouse Trap. Sweet Hearts. Two heart shaped cookies hid together. The bust of a Great Commentator. Was a large potatoes broke half into. The Last chord, A Book. Pleasant Reflections. A Looking Glass. The Acrobat. A glass tumbler. Deer in Winter. Straw Berry. This was a more elaborate Art Gallery than the young folk expected to see, or at least one that proved very fasinating. And I believe I have enjoyed it as well as the most of them. Well I done my duties today but have felt any thing but well. Didn’t get to sleep until three oclock this morning, and have been having nervous chills all day, Ma and Nellie have gone to town to meet Pa. Gertie took [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912] Page 13 cold and is ill today. Fred has a boil on his neck. Frank came home this morning and he and Elbert went duck hunting up the river. Frank shot and brought home three ducks. Snow and ice have been thaw-ing fast today. A bit of news from our evening paper: Mr Green was seeing his lady friend home from church last night, when a dog bit him on the Public Square, and that Mr. Jones, While harnesing his horse was kicked just south of his corn crib. A boy threw a tin can and cut Mr. Pike in the alley. Mr Jelly fell from the roof of his house and bruised him on his piazza. Great is it not. Eight oclock Fred and Gertie have gone to bed, and I’m [Fri. Mar. 22. 1912]Page 14 waiting for the folks, ten oclock, the folks have come, I have a lunch with hot coffee and tea ready for them,
1910, “Bonney hill, 1910, Lorain, O..Black River” [back shows it is a postcard]
[Sun. Mar. 24. 1912] 2012.March.Sun.24 they brought sausages for lunch. and fruit, twelve oclock, Fred went over to Frank’s for dinner. Ma, Elbert, Gertie Nellie and I were home to visit with pa, it has snowed hard all day and a cold wind blows tonight. Pa tells us Uncle Jack’s folks all have the gripp. and the horses have the distemper the little lambs arriving by one’s two’s and three’s and no one to care for them, neighbor all around are having cold’s and gripp. Aunt Cornealia and Aunt Marinda have gotten all moved to town at last. Fred and Elbert
1910, “Bonney Hill, Georgia Ave, Lorain, Ohio”
[Mon. Mar. 25. 1912Page 15] 1912 Mar.Mon.25. have gone to church. Gertie doesn’t feel is well tonight Gertie doesn’t feel any better Pa and the boys have been to town, pa hired a dray to bring his trunk and bagage home from the Electric package. Will Coals and His father were here to tell us Uncle Mort Mastin died yesterday and Aunt Hat is quite ill. Rosie Coals is dead, Mercy me, I dread to think of tomorrow [Tue. Mar. 26. 1912] Tue.26. Frank called Pa and Ma over there this morning at three oclock, Ruby had been ill since twelve oclock, pa came home for breakfast, I done part of the work and got dinner A letter came to ma. from Audrey this morning, say-ing, George has been in bed [Tue. Mar. 26. 1912]Page 16 1912 Mar. for a week and she has been up day and night with him and wished some on could come and help her, pa went back to gilmore’s and told ma about Geo. Ruby has a nice baby girl Ma and pa came home, pa packed his suit case and has left for Ashtabula to help Audrey and take care of Geo. Gertie is terriblily ill today; I hope every one feel [Wed. Mar. 27. 1912] Wed. 27. better tomorrow. Im weary. I have been on my feet to much today trying to help ma for she is almost tired out, she washed to day and I have done the house work and took care of Gertie, she feels a little better but is in bed, she [Wed. Mar. 27. 1912]Page 17 1912 Mar. has the gripp and has it bad, she coughs untill she is sore and lame all over, Nellie took dinner with Gilmore’s today, Ruby and the baby are doing nicely. As Ruby is the only child her baby will more than likely be spoiled, Ruby was eighteen last June. Didn’t hear anything from Audrey today. It is raining. Oh, ho. [Thurs. Mar. 28. 1912] Thurs.28. Gertie and Ruby are better, but George, poor boy has the typhoid fever, so pa wrote in this letter he sent to ma this morning, and that Audrey and Geo. were both happy when he walked in, Audrey has been up day and night & hasn’t had her cloths off for a week, Poor Audrey this is [Thurs. Mar. 28. 1912]Page 181912.Mar.Thurs.28. the first real expierence she is only nineteen and Geo. is twenty. Elbert work for Spadman today, Frank was home today, Fred went to prayermeeting. Ma, poor dear ma has gone to bed tired out. It’s been raining a little alday, but it’s coming down hard and steady tonight. I sent a card to Georgia Rosencrane. and one to Hazel Dupont. today. Nellie is going to bed, so am I.
1912, “Martha Jane Wheeler Bonney, wife of Harvey; mother of Gertie, Nellie Harnish, Elenor Babcock, Audrey Carlisle, Elbert Bonney
[Fri. Mar. 29. 1912] Fri.29. Nellie didn’t go to school.for its been pouring rain alday. Ma and pa are tired, I ironed part of the starched pieces. Gertie doesn’t seem any better. George is better. [Sat. Mar. 30. 1912] Sat.30. 1912. Well we have been trying to get straightened up
1911 ~ “Nellie Bonney Est. 1911” standing in front of a brick pile in front of wooden walkway
[Sat. Mar. 30. 1912] Page 19. today; Nellie and I have been ironing but didn’t get it all done. Sun has been shining warm and bright today Elizabeth Thomas called on me this after noon and brought me two books to read. Ma Nd I are ever so worried about Gertie. Geo. and Ruby are better. I am going to bed for it’s 11-55 Oh. Mercy me. [Sun. Mar. 31. 1912] Sun.31. We think Gertie is a little better, How glad I’ll be when summer comes and we all get well again. It looked pleasent out of doors untill noon, then shortly after it begin to rain. Well this has been a long day to me. [ note: this is the last entry in this “Standard Notebook E” Elinore switches to single paper 8.5X10? , the first page is labeled Page 13. ][Sun. Mar. 31. 1912] Page 13. Sun.31. Well Gertie is some better we think today. Looked pleasant out of the door untill noon when short-ly after it began to rain it’s been a long day. Oh how glad I’ll be when summer comes. If I am only get strong. [Mon. Apr. 1. 1912] Mon.April 1. Gertie seems no better & no worse ma says but Oh how dreadful her cough is it frightens me so each time that I hold my breath & dread to think. I made for Nellie a blue silk hat today but haven’t trimmed it yet. ripped Gertie’s brown braid had prepartory to making over & Nellie & I finished the ironing. To day is the beginning of Nellies week vacation. She & I read alternately the Book, David Copperfield. evenings, about which she is to write a theme.