MARRIAGE TO SOLOMON (SAM) HAMMERSLAND
- Diary entries by Olava Lommen Hammersland -
4:00 o’clock ~ We are still here at Elgin waiting for that wreck to be cleared off. I will miss connections at Cedar Rapids, but suppose there will be some way anyhow.
Friday morning, April 5th, 6:00 o’clock ~ We are just pulling out of Cedar Rapids. I go there about 9:00 o’clock. Bought my ticket clear thru. Have to change only at St. Louis. I checked my suitcase. I stayed at Hotel Montrose. Had to pay $2.00 as there were no others left. I had them call me at 3:00 o’clock as train was to leave at 4:00. I walked a few blocks out of the way when looking for the depot because I was turned around on directions but went back and found it. I felt weak and faint while waiting there so went to the lunchroom and got a sandwich and glass of milk. The train is two hours late. The train is due in St. Louis at 3:45 so will probably get there at about 6:00. The ticket cost $19.68 from Cedar Rapids. There is a bunch of young boys on this train that I think must be on their way to a camp. They are a jolly bunch. They have candy boxes and different things that they have probably gotten on leaving. I heard them speak of 2 weeks quarantine now.
We are quite a ways south of Des Moines. The last station we passed was Nichols. The country here is almost perfectly level. The windmills are so low. Next is Columbus Junction. I hear those prospective soldiers are going to Jefferson Barracks.
We are south of the Junction now and the hills on the west side are about like over by Decorah. I think the Mississippi River must be quite close on the east side although I can’t see it yet. It is low and level on that side. I see a field of grain that is green already. It is the first one I have seen yet. The grass has not seemed any greener here than at home so far.
9:30 ~ We are now at Burlington. They have a large union depot here. I noticed many manufacturing plants here. As we came in from the north it looked to me just like McGregor Heights where houses on top overlook the river. At Ft. Madison I saw more trains and freight cars than I have ever seen in a place before. I saw a whole train of oil cars. Near Montrose were some large stone quarries.
Those boys are from Minnesota, most of them from Minneapolis, I believe.
11:25 ~ We just crossed the river so now we must be in Missouri I think. We got to St. Louis about 6:00 o’clock. I parcel checked my bag and went a little ways up town. I did not dare go far. There were so many saloons, such a lot of darkies and I don’t like to cross the streets where there is so much traffic. I bought myself a cup of coffee to get a stimulant. I feel much better tonight than last. I was near fainting a couple of times then. I went into a couple of stores, bought camisoles for the girls, a waist for Agnes and a hot water bottle for either Ma or Laura. Will see what I can get for the other at Little Rock.
They have such a nice large union depot at St. Louis. We are just pulling out of the city. The lights of the city look so pretty. A gent in the city asked my advice in buying a skirt for his wife.
We just passed through Jefferson Barracks. Saw the lights. I wish it had been daylight so I could have seen the buildings.
4:00 o’clock ~ I haven’t slept more than a little bit. Probably half an hour or so. When I finally had fallen asleep a new conductor came around to collect tickets so he woke us up. This is the jerkiest train I have ever been on. There was a very inquisitive stranger sitting with the girl behind us.
Sunday evening, April 7th ~ I got into Little Rock at about 8:00 o’clock in the morn. The lady I sat with was going to Camp P. to see her son. He was a sergeant. I telephoned from the depot for her. Her boy came there and met her. I tried to telephone to Sam but did not get to speak to him as they did not have a telephone in his Co. I spoke to the police matron and she said she would try to find me a place and work. I went out to C.P. on the 9:00 train. On the way out I talked with an Arkansas girl. She said the chief crop here was cotton, also much corn, a little grain.
When I got out to camp, a regiment was marching up and getting on the train. I asked a soldier standing there which regiment it was. He said it was the 345th Inf. I then thought there would be no hopes for me of meeting Sam till he came back. I was going to go over to his barrack and leave word for him where to meet me. While I was standing there, Sam came. He had been granted a 10-day furlough with permission to go to Little Rock and Hot Springs. We then went to Little Rock and first talked with the police matron about what to do about getting license and minister. We called up the Lutheran Camp minister place while out there and he was not at home and they did not know where he was. So now we tried to get another Lutheran and we got Rev. F_____, a German. The police matron and Sargeant Smith went with us to the courthouse to help us get a license and witness the ceremony. The minister met us there. We were married at 3:00 o’clock, Saturday, April 6th. Our lady witness lives here and is a Baptist. Sergeant Smith is from Louisiana and is a Presbyterian. The minister gave a very short speech before he performed the ceremony. Another couple had been married just before we were and I think five other couples got licenses while we were in there. Two of them were officers and three were negroes. The license cost $3.00 in this state. Smith said they cost $7.00 in Louisiana.
We took room at a hotel near the depot. We are going to get a room with a private family when we get back from Hot Springs.
This afternoon we visited Puloski Heights. It is sort of a park on top of the hills. This is a very picturesque country. It seems queer to find the trees all green and violets and other flowers blossoming when at home the grass was barely peeping out of the ground. I have noticed a few kinds of trees that I had not seen before.
They have a beautiful state capitol building. It is white. We walked over to it but could not get in today. No theaters run here on Sunday. We did not get our cards printed yet so will have to do that tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 10 ~ Monday we had our announcement cards printed, bought my wedding ring and had our pictures taken. The cards cost $4.80, the pictures $10. I got so tired from walking that I had to go back to the hotel right after supper and Sam went to the ministers to get the marriage certificate. We wrote on the cards that evening and mailed them Tuesday morning. Tuesday forenoon Sam wrote a letter and I went to the YWCA to inquire about work. We intended to leave for Hot Springs on the 1:20 train so went there in time. We understood the agent to say the train was 20 minutes late so we stepped outside for a few minutes. Meanwhile the train had gone. Then we went over to the capitol and looked it through. There was a museum. One thing that took my notice was that their pictures of Civil War generals were of the Confederates, the statues outside also in their honor. The building is all white marble.
We left for Hot Springs on the 8:30 train. Got here at about 11:00 and found a hotel. We have board and room at the same place.
This afternoon we climbed the West Iron Mountain. This afternoon we visited the Ostrich Farm and the alligator farm. There were great numbers of both kinds. I found the alligators especially interesting. There were also a whole lot of guinea pigs, three tiny ones were only a few hours old, but were as spry as any to run around. We saw crocodile eggs. They hatch in 60 days. On our way back we walked passed the bath houses and drank of the hot water in the fountains.
Thursday PM ~ We went to the top of the Hot Springs Mountains this forenoon and had a view of the city from the top of the tower. It is said that one can see Little Rock from there on a clear day thru field glasses.
We have seen all the important places here now I think. We are going to walk around downtown this p.m. Sam is taking a nap now. We get good board here. Pay $3.50 a day for board and room. Last night we went to the movies. Saw Charlie Chaplin. Had a drink from magnesia and iron springs, also hot water from Mt. Spring.
Sunday PM ~ We came back to Little Rock Friday forenoon. Thru the YWCA we got room with Simmons at 2310 Schiller Ave. We find the rooms pleasant and the people perfectly lovely. They seem to do everything for us. Mrs. S. has been trying to help me get work of the kind that would suit me. We make some of our own meals. Sam always helps me both making the meals and wiping the dishes.
Yesterday we watched a man climb two tall buildings downtown. Also took in a show.
Thursday, April 18 ~ We went out to Camp Pike Monday forenoon. It rained off and on all day so we could not walk around much. I stayed at the Hostess House while he went over to his barrack. When he got there he learned that 100 from his company had left the day before. Among them Frank Kipp and Elmer Lien. They will leave for France very soon. Sam’s name had been on the list too I am glad he is still here.
I saw some boys drilling with gas masks. We went into the YMCA auditorium to get out of the rain. I left on the 5:45 train.
Monday, April 22 ~ Sam came Saturday evening about 9:00 o’clock. He had been room orderly so did not get away till evening. It seemed so nice to see him again. He brought some fruit and ham. I made him some supper as he was hungry. For breakfast Sunday we had pancakes, scrambled eggs, strawberries, crackers and cookies. For dinner we had potatoes fried in butter, wieners, ham, jelly, buns (beans and cake we got from Mrs. S) coffee and corn starch pudding with strawberries. I had pains in my side so was not able to go to church. Sam slept in the afternoon. I wrote letters. He had to be back at camp by 7:00 o’clock. Mrs. S. called up for us to find out train time. He had to leave on the 5:15 train and there was so little time left when we found out that he did not have time to eat, but had to go at once. He told me I had made good things to eat.
I got two letters from home today. Mrs. J. Nesvik was buried last Wed. and Mrs. Hendrickson on Thurs. Mrs. Anna Knudsvig was also dead.
I was over to the nearest store to buy stamps and some crackers today. I felt too weak to go downtown. Will maybe go tomorrow.
Mrs. S. told me that my husband was very handsome. Mrs. Baker said the day we were married that he was the picture of health and said we both had such lovely complexions. She asked if all up North had such good complexions.
There was Bible class meeting here Friday p.m. Some of them seem very much in earnest. They think the end of the world is coming very soon.
Friday, May 17th ~ I have been helping Mrs. S. with her work this week. We are making her a black silk suit now.
Yesterday Mrs. S. and I were to town. I cashed the money order I had. Also sent a money order for Sam. He paid what was left on his second liberty bond. When I got back from town I went with Mrs. Wier to the county hospital. The inmates seemed glad to have visitors. Mrs. Crawford and Miss Eva S. were there and had Bible reading. Last night a peculiar red light on Wier’s house caused much excitement. It was found to be the reflection of a torch down on another street.
I got a letter from Mama and Barbra today. Also a big box of nice things to eat.
Sam was over a little while Wed. evening. Came after supper because he had to wait for pay. And he went back on the 10:00 o’clock. Tuesday night Mrs. S. and I attended a very good Red Cross lecture. Three soldiers from over there spoke. One young American who had been gassed; one British flyer who had fought on every front; and one Scottish Mr. Vipers. He was very eloquent. Tuesday p.m. we attended Mrs. Street’s Bible class.
Tuesday forenoon I ironed, Monday I washed.
Sam came over Saturday evening, but his pass was good only till 7:00 so he had to go back on the 6:00 0’clock train. He came back after dinner and stayed until the 10:00 o’clock train.
Some time ago Mrs. Crawford, Mrs Miller and I visited Camp Pike one Saturday afternoon. Met Joe Kipp then. He and Sam went with us to the Base hospital.
Friday, June 14 ~ My dear boy left last Tuesday. I had a letter from him today from Illinois. They were going thru St. Louis, but he did not know where to.
He was out here Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and stayed all night. Monday afternoon I went out to camp. He met me in the depot and took me to their YMCA building. We talked till supper time. He hoped to get a pass to go back with me, but right after supper he came over and said they were marked quarters so could not leave. He just stayed about 5 minutes. It was hard to part, but we tried to be cheerful. We have agreed to pray that God may take care of us and we believe He will do everything for the best.
Sam told me several times to pray for him and to pray that we might always love each other and be true. I do hope he will return well and strong before very long. That is my constant prayer.
I am attending Harwell’s Business College. Like it very much. I have attended three weeks and am ready for the second test in shorthand. I am not quite up in typewriting, but the teacher says I am practicing in the right way and speed will come later. Mrs. Higgins, my shorthand teacher, is a soldier’s wife. He works in the canteen near base hospital.
Tuesday, June 18 ~ I received a letter and a card from him sent from Ohio. They were out and marched in Cleveland. I also got a letter from New York and one from New Jersey where they were in Camp Perritt. I enjoy his letters so much.
Mrs. Scull took Mrs. Simmons, Mrs. Snyder and me for a ride thru part of town this evening. The city seems to have been built right in the forest. On the outskirts it is thick woods.
Sunday June 23 ~ I had two letters from Sam Friday from Camp Perritt. He wrote that they had to come and get their share of clothes at 3:00 o’clock one night. The government is working day and night to get them ready. Had a letter from him yesterday. He said they had gotten orders to pack their things and he supposed they would leave that day or the next. That was the 18th. I wish he could have gotten my letters before he had to go. We are both praying for his safe return.
Prof. Talbot, the typewriting teacher, said I was far above the average. He asked one day if I had a typewriter at home and if I had had any lessons before he came and I said no. And he said I was doing remarkably well. I have just started dictation in shorthand. One little girl one day said you certainly are going fast. You are going faster than anyone else up here. I am on the 13th lesson now.
I bought some white oxfords yesterday. Today I went to Presbyterian Church together with Simmons. Last Sunday I went with them also and in the evening Mrs. S. and I went to the Lutheran Church.
July 8 ~ I received a card announcing the arrival overseas of the ship Sam sailed on. Mrs. S. called me up and told me about it. I felt like crying from happiness. I feel that I cannot thank the Lord enough. Now I trust and pray that He will guard him over there and bring him safe home again. While I constantly pray that he may be strengthened in faith so that he may be ready to meet death if that be the Lord’s will.
Sunday, July 14 ~ Mr. & Mrs. Simmons and I visited the state prison. Saw the electrical chair where 13 had been electrocuted within the last four years. Two were now there who are sentenced to die, one the 26th of this month and one the 23rd of July. I attend First M.E. Church together with the Lawrence’s.
Tuesday, July 16 ~ Had letter from Harold yesterday with postal picture of him and Kristen. My kidneys still trouble a little. I am going to have test again tomorrow. I drink only distilled water.
Tuesday, August 6 ~ Today I received a card from my darling Boy. I feel so happy to have had even a few words directly from him. Last night I breathed a prayer for a letter today. It seemed to me like a direct answer and seemed to come as an assurance that He who can grant the small wish has power to grant the larger things which we ask for. I feel more and more that everything all our troubles and cares can be left with Him.
Mrs. Buther telephoned me that there was a letter from France and said they would have lunch ready for me if I wanted to come home. I received a letter two days later. All was well and I am so thankful.
Tuesday, August 27 ~ I have not heard from Sam for three weeks. It seems so long, but I trust that all is well.
I get so many compliments from the teachers at school, especially Mrs. Mitchell.
Yesterday I washed clothes in the forenoon and went to school in the p.m. In dictation class Mrs. M said, “We had these letters this forenoon, so I guess the rest of you will run off and leave Mrs. H”, then she laughed and said “I’d like to see you do it.” One time she said we have some pretty good material in this school and here is some of it, she said patting me on the shoulder. “Mrs. H is going to be worth money some day to some man if that husband of hers does not come back and take her.” Another time she told Mrs. Harwell that “Mrs. H. is going to be a stenographer” and Mrs. H said “I have known that a long time.” Even though they do not mean so much bit it, it gives me encouragement to be spoken well of once in a while.
We wrote 103 words in 55 seconds last week. Have not timed ourselves this week. I am intending to stay another month and am going to work hard on typewriting.
September 10 ~ We have now written as high as 117 words a minute. I had such a dear letter from Henriette H. Mikkelsen Saturday.
Mrs. Burrows sits in front of me in school now. She is from Joplin, Missouri. Her husband is attending officers’ training school at Camp Pike. Another girl is from N,Y. I think her husband is an officer at Camp P.
I got so many nice birthday presents this year. Mother sent me a pretty box of stationery, some flowers and a card. Barbra sent me a fruit cake and Thora & Barbra, embroidered lunch cloth and napkins. Agnes embroidered nightgown. Mrs. Simmons gave me a silk handkerchief and card. Mrs. Lawrence also silk handkerchief and card and Mrs. Lawrence had me over there for supper the evening before. We picked apples and afterwards we sat on the porch. Mr. L. played guitar and sang. I got a lot of apples from them and made jelly and preserves. Also got some beans and cucumbers when they returned from their trip.
Joe Scull is here now. He is so cute. He salutes every soldier he sees.
Little Rock, December 8, 1918 ~
Picked these violets (they are still dried in the diary) in the yard today. Roses and chrysanthemums are also in bloom. This afternoon I have the window open, no fire and feel comfortable. Anna Hempfling visited me this p.m. Mr. Secell is here. Dr. King was here for dinner.