Kenneth and his brother caused trouble in the neighborhood, including starting fires and building things in the trees, which caused his family to have to move often. He tells about how he put a girl named Martha's hair in a ink well.
Kenneth tells how at age 4, mad at his father and his brother for often siding against his mother, he ran away and was captured by and old man at whose house he spent the night and eventually was taken back home the next morning. This was the first…
Kenneth tells how at age 4 he would often go sledding down the hill on Main Street with the help of college students, and how his mother lived in terror as a result. He explains that though there were dangers, nothing bad actually happened.
Kenneth recalls the time when, at age 2, his baby buggy took off down the hill at full speed, his mother rushing down and sweeping him up, and how later on they both enjoyed reading a book about a baby riding in a baby buggy.
Kenneth tells about his infancy, how his Irish nurse would put whiskey in his milk to help him digest what he believes he could not disgest otherwise, and how his mother, on learning this, promptly fired the nurse.
Kenneth explains how, from his earliest childhood, he had a free pass for any train ride South of the Mississipi, and he travelled often, as soon as he was old enough to use it.
Margaret shares thoughts about the 1918 flu epidemic which killed 23,000,000 people around the world and 550.000 in the US. She recalls her whole family (except her father) getting the flu, and the steady procession of funerals in her town.
Like many women during World War I, Margaret learned to knit socks, and learned to do it fast. She then learn to knit dresses, coats, and sweater coats. She quickly became an expert in knitting.
Margaret recalls attending an eight week summer camp for girls. She tells about life at the camp and the things they were doing there. It was one of the best memorable experience she ever had growing up
Margaret tells about a little essay she wrote in French in High School in Evanston. She had excellent French instructors there but lost her French when she went to Wheaton.
Margaret was very good at English. In her junior year her English teacher, Miss Effie Wambaugh, told her that she had the gift of words and that she should do something with it. This compliment stayed with Margaret for the rest of her life.
Margaret recalls her time in high school. She was taking the train to and from school. She talks about life at school, lunch time, and describes some of her teachers.
Margaret tells about her eighth grade graduation and her receiving of a medal from dad and mom. She describes other stuff she received from other people. She tells about her time after the graduation ceremony.
Margaret tells about a male neighbor that was held up by a man with a pistol in Evanston. The man struck him on the head and he was bleeding. This shows that crime was in their neighborhood.
Margaret and her sisters decided to put on Cinderella for their father's birthday. The kids made their costumes. Family members were invited so that they could have an audience.
Margaret tells about her turn to put on a program for the children. It took a lot of preparation, but the children in those days had a great deal of initiative. They were always putting on programs of entertainment.
Margaret wasn't allowed to go to plays, movies, and dances. All the kids at her school went to dance lessons, but she wasn't allowed to, although she was the best dancer of her class. Her father was so strict
By the time she was fourteen Margaret was endlessly busy. She was in the church choir, practiced two musical instruments, went to school, played sports, participated in a club, spent time with special friends, and participated in various family…
Margaret recalls being addicted to reading, going frequently to the library to hunt for books. At home she would go into the living room where there was a library table and perch on the chair arm to read. An hour later she would still be perched…
Margaret continues reading from her diary about the club of twelve boys and twelve girls, skating, getting angry at a tall boy who threw ice cream to Evangeline, and other things that happened at school.