The collection consists of four personal pocket diaries kept by Theodore Fehlig from the years 1902, 1904, 1912, and 1913. The majority of the entries are written in English, but a few entries in the 1902 diary and an enclosed newspaper clipping are in German. The diaries are arranged chronologically. Most of the entries focus on daily weather conditions, farming activities, and family members. Fehlig used the memoranda and accounts pages at the end of the volumes to track activities related to the farm such as the number of laying hens, cost of feed, or how much produce had been canned. In 1913, he listed the 1912 property assessments, 72 acres total, from the Webster Groves city collector. Fehlig also used the inside cover of the 1913 diary to list the birthdays of all his grandchildren. He recorded everyday activities including where and whom he visited, often with his son, Father Fehlig. Theodore Fehlig mentioned family events in many entries such as the deaths of his young grandson (Jan. 15, 1904), his cousin Emma Ludwig (Jan. 20, 1902), and his aunt Margarethe Ludwig (Apr. 4, 1913). He also recorded the day his son Frank married Miss Miller (Aug. 5, 1913). Fehlig noted his own anniversary in the box business on October 18th (“34 Years ago to day I came to Ludwigs Box Factory,” 1902). In 1904 and 1913, he recorded the anniversary of the Battle of Langensalza, June 27th, which was the impetus for him and his brother to come to St. Louis. Fehlig noted local and national news about politics, notable events, and notable people. He mentioned visiting the 1904 World’s Fair, including a visit on Thanksgiving Day, but did not provide many details about his visits. On January 22, 1904, the family got a telephone at home. On May 17, 1912, Fehlig provided details of a serious horse-riding accident in which he sustained broken ribs but in which daughter Louise and the horse were unhurt. St. Louis news included the day that William Lemp Sr. died (Feb. 13, 1904), a tornado that struck north St. Louis (Aug. 19, 1904), and floods in April 1912 and in March 1913. National and international events included the sinking of the Titanic (Apr. 15, 1912), the attempted assassination of the President Theodore Roosevelt (Oct. 14, 1912), and a large fire in Baltimore, Maryland (Feb. 8, 1904). The following list contains notable diary quotes. 1902 Diary Jan 1 to church at St. Nikolaus to visit Father Schaefers Jan 2 Matt Preis got his foot hurt by Simmons today – on our wagon Jan 10 Received books for Central Train Freight 1.85 Jan 20 Information that Emma Ludwig died yesterday Emma Ludwig – my cousin died Sunday January 19 10-15 P.M. Jan 22 Funeral of Emma Ludwig to day – 7.30 at St. Liborius Jan 27 Professor Deibel at Selma Jan 30 Rev. Jos. Clemens, Theo. Fehlig, Rev. Allberg, Mr. Tansbach at Selma 1902 Feb 5 last night 8 O[‘clock]. Big fire 312 & 314 Chestnut Street 7 Firemen killed Building gave away Feb 7 [$]107.55 money settlement of Spaunhorst Case Feb 10 N. Jersey 26 blocks destroyed by fire – damage $10.000.00 Sunday night Feb 11 Received letter from Annie Hasima. Feb 25 signed to day my testament – with L.V. Bauer and Joe Goecke as Wittness Feb 27 withdrew from boxmakers meeting 1902 Mar 6 Hy. Grone [Henry Grone] died this morning – Pall Bearer – funeral – Saturday Morning 8.30 Mar 7 Mr. Burghoff very sick – Mr. Burghoff died 5.15 P.M. Mar 28 to day funeral of N. Ferrenbach who died Tuesday 3/25th 1.45 P.M. Apr 10 Henry Grewe left without notice – This green horn was the most sassy & sarcastic man – I ever met Apr 25 Tornado all night could not stay in bed Apr 26 last night tornado blowed over – 2 – Big apple Trees – The worst storm – I ever know of – nobody slept last night – was the same in City June 2 Rev. Kain for supper June 20 at Webster – Rev. Kain – talking for 1 hour – choir started Mass – with – Gloria in Excelsis Aug 7 Leo Siesener as office boy – today 1902 Sept 2 Boy got his finger in Match Machine Sept 3 Presid. Rosevelt [Roosevelt] – Car Accident Sept 23 don’t like this Society Buisn. [Business] any more – I believe that the Federation Buis – will kill the Central Society Sept 24 could be President of Central Society but declined Oct 18 34 Years ago today I came to Ludwigs Box Factory Oct 21 Mama & Lulu – got so sassy last night – this it is most intolerable – I like to know what is the matter with these Womans today Nov 3 My 62nd Birthday Nov 4 Election Day – voting place – Glendale paid for gray mare 125.00 to Rev. Urban Stanowski Dec 2 Forest City – Arkansas to see Wheeler – Madison. Ark. Dec 17 paid today Taxes in Clayton – [$]101.17 had to pay 48.00 School Taxes for Webster on my property at Selma did not pay Webster Tax as they charged me $18.00 for Sinking Fund on Water Bonds 1904 Diary Jan 14 Franks little boy very sick Bronchitis Jan 15 Franks little Boy died to night 9 O[‘clock]. P.M. Jan 21 Rev. Father von Brun at office very dull business livery men drivers & Hack drivers on strike Jan 22 Received today Bell Telephone at home No. Webster Groves 175 M. Jan 24 1st message by phone – 2.45 P.M. – from John – Tyler 377 Lulu not at home Jan 25 Entertained at Union Station this morning Jan 29 City full of snow – just like Sand – There has not been as much Snow on the Street for last 10 years in front of factory 6 feet high 1904 Feb 2 Made today application for Citizens Industrial Co. Feb 8 Baltimore burned down 40 blocks – loss about $100.000.000.00 Fire started Sunday 10.45 A.M. Feb 9 Japan-Russian War seems to going on Feb 10 Henry Alt died yesterday – Bought new suit yesterday Feb 12 Wrecking today old office Rev. C. Brockmeier in office Feb 13 Old Mr. Lemp killed himself with Revolver today – 930 A.M. Old office away today finished wrecking Feb 23 Paid today to Mrs. Mary Davidson – 2000 Wash Str up stairs – West room $2.00 & sent to Dr. Tierman for Sick Baby – her husband ran away from her Feb 24 Gave Mary Davidson – 2000 Wash 1 Basket Potatoes & 1 doz Eggs. Her husband left 1 Year ago 1 child 7-Months old 1 [child] 4 Years Old Feb 26 Mary Davidson in bed this morning – sick bad cold Feb 27 paid Mary Davidson $2.00 & brought her 1 doz egg. Her Baby 7 Months old – not baptized 1904 Mar 31 the heaviest Thunderstorm set in that I ever withnessned – saw lightning strike at Big Bend R. Water run over our Plank walk & over R.R. track, so train could not get through to city Apr 2 to Confession St. Nicholaus Apr 19 went to night to meeting of Citizens Industrial Associations home at 11.45 Apr 30 Opening of Exposition went to Worlds Fair 9.37 A.M. Train home 6.24 P.M. Train Spent $4.80 – nothing ready at Worlds Fair May 1 Confirmation at Webster Committee of Reception to Archbishop Glennon May 2 Father Fehlig’s Birthday No Teamster strike today May 6 Johns wedding day – Rev. Father Schilling found dead in Bed June 27 38 Years Since [Battle of] Langensalza – 7 girls for grand children this has to be stopped Johns wife very sick in Evening – convulsions June 30 Johns Baby baptized by Father Fehlig 9.30 a.m. Theodora 1904 July 11 Joseph Ludwig died 1.30 P.M. today 47 years old. July 27 went to orphan Picnic Bloemkers Grove with Lulu 2 O[‘clock] P.M. from there went to Worlds Fair home 12.15 midnight July 30 out at World’s Fair – hottest day for this Summer Frank & myself at Worlds Fair Aug 11 Mama – Lulu – Clemens & myself – Worlds Fair Expenses $10.05 Aug 19 Cyclone North St. Louis & Madison. Some person killed & heavy damage 2.45 P.M. The heaviest Thunderstorm & Lightning ever seen before 8-P.M. Aug 23 Got a girl from Sisters of St. Mary [note: the Fehligs employed girls that needed employment] Oct 22 Went to Worlds Fair at noon- Christ [Christophe] Fehlig & wife & Lulu. Lulu fainted in Government Building Oct 23 Went to Valley Park. Mama – Christ & wife & myself – dedication of new church – Oct 28 Nice Clear Day Worlds Fair Oct 30 Waited at Union Station for Christ Fehlig – from Oskosh [Oshkosh] 1904 Nov 3 My Birthday – today 63 Years old [said he was 62 in 1902].Had to night accident on Train stepping off – at Selma Nov 4 feel stiff in my body from last night accident Nov 8 Election day – Rosevelt [Roosevelt] – Rep – elected farther – at Worlds Fair with Lulu a great Flower show – fine roses & Crysanthemums Nov 14 Meeting Executive Committee of Central Vereins Festival Surplus more than 1600.00 Central Vereins Fest cost each member 8.00 Nov 16 to Worlds Fair today with Lulu Nov 17 Smoke hanging over city Nov 24 Thanksgiving went to Worlds Fair 183.000 people out Nov 25 Lulu & Lina to the Odeon Theatre – there Train run up against freight train – Frisco Dec 10 Received Telephone message at 8-P.M. at home that John Hagemann died at 7.20 P.M. Dec 21 Paid Taxes Clayton $102.78 Webster 51.85 = 154.63 paid less than last year Dec 30 my brother at office today Dec 31 1st time in my life that we did not get Statements out, last day in the year 1912 Diary Jan 1 Had Runabout drive with Clemens – (Father Fehlig) to Maddenville – on North & South Road – looking over the ground for a new parish- Jan 4 got letter from St. Charles Priest Rev. Joseph A. Rielag about Mrs. Hasemanns money – Loretto & Emilie Wangler have their Birthday today January 4 – 13 Years each got Box Candy Jan 8 St. Charles Priest – paid today $80.00 for 6 months - $1000.00 on Capitol of $4000.00. gave new note for $3000.00 for Mrs Hasemann Amsterdam Holl.– Received today Christmas Gift from Amsterdam Jan 10 Gave Fath. Adrian $5.00 for St. Vincent de Paul Society Jan 21 Rev. Clem – Louise & Fred – 7 O [‘clock]. Mass – Loretto Seminary; Mama & myself – 10 O[‘clock]. A.M. Webster; Rev. Clemens & Frank in Runabout to Rock Hill Road Jan 24 fixed up Wine from 1911 on Barrels – 95 Gall – all together & more than 10 gallons to drink at once. Jan 30 got a girl today Mary Anna Angelo 16 Years old 3.50 train – her mother with her from 1810 – Frankl. Av. A big heavy girl – no wage agreement Jan 31 Paid to Joseph Goeke for St. Joseph Society for 6 months – 12.00 1912 Feb 2 Girl went home again 8.11 train – too cold – too lonesome – sick Girls mother wanted me to take the Girl to our house again I declined to do so Feb 8 To Political Meeting last night – 8 P.M. at Christoph Lange Haus [house] on Gray Av Feb 14 Rev. Clemens – assigned to start New Parish – between Clayton – Webster & Kirkwood from Archbishop Glennon Feb 17 Old St. Roses church burned down Feb 21 about 18 in snow on Ground more than 50% - of men missing in factory – Hardly any street car service Feb 28 Margaritha Wangles Birthday 1912 Mar 3 Rev. Clemens – Frank & Myself to 1st Meeting of New Parish at Maddenville St. Louis County about 40 Men & 6 Women Present – Parish meeting organized Mar 31 Several inches water in Cellar Name of New Parish at Maddenville is St. Maria Magdalen Apr 1 Had big meeting Independent Party – in Holy Redeemer Hall – about 50 Niggers in meeting Apr 2 River de Peres overflowing – Election day in Webster Groves Apr 3 Yesterdays election the Independent Party got in Tower (not as much as I expected). Indep. Mayor – B. Biedermann Apr 5 Highest Water in South they ever remembered Apr 15 Last night by 10 P.M. the Biggest Steamer ever built by White Star Line struck Ice Berg – on her 1st trip about 1100 miles from N. York on New Fonnland Coast – from 13 to 1500 People lost. Shipp. 882 ft. long & 90 ft. wid 9 storys high Apr 26 Water in Cellar – Lake overflowing – River de Peres [River des Peres] out of Bank whole country under water clearing in afternoon Apr 28 River des Peres & Meramec out of bank. Meramec River swelled 12 ft in 24 hours 1912 May 6 Got a Girl from Rev. Preuss today. 5 – P.M. – from Shrewsbury in Runabout Emma Carson – 19 Years Wages not settled May 7 Had a negro man at the place – 1.75 per day May 9 Mans name & address is John Adams #2316 in rear of Morgan Street colored. May 17 went with Louise – 3 O[‘clock]. To Webers Nursery in Runabout – Left Webers at about 4.30 By Afton Horse got scared by big storm tried to hold Horse away from Telegraph Pole to the right did not see the big guard wire running into ground wheel of Roundabout run over wire & Big Accident [.] Runabout in splinters Flowers all over the road & People picket both of us from Street – Louise & myself Mr Holenkamp from near by lumber yard brought us home with flowers in Automobile – after doctor in Afton examined us. At home telephoned for St. Louis [?] – in city – when doctor came – he says Louise not hurt – myself broken Ribs & badly bruised in bed up to Thursday May 23 noon – I write this Friday afternoon May 24th. May 19 Horse not hurt in accident 1912 June 10 Bought 10 Tickets for a lot – Marie Magd. Parish from Rev. Clemens – 50 [cents] each - $5.00 for July 24th Picknick [picnic] June 14 Fred Carter to city this morning [.] Theodora Fehlig makes 1st Communion today. June 16 I went to St. Vincent Orphan Home by myself in Heavy Rain June 18 Dr. Tierman & Thompson called at 6.15 P.M. say – overworked the leg. Go easy July 2 Wilson nominated for Presid in Baltimore Convention (Democrats) – Bryans Man July 3 St. Charles Church paid Inter. $60.00 July 31 got the blues – Visited Joe Wangler in evening about Tax Bill – for Sidewalk on Big Bend Road Aug 1 Gave to Curtis (City Attorney) of Webster Groves special Notice for Tax Bill Side Walk on Big Bend Road Aug 14 paid today by check $285.45 to Wilfred Jones Attorney of Maplewood for Sidewalk on Big Bend Road – Webster Groves. Had heavy Nose bleeding by 8-P.M. 1st time in life Aug 17 Had today – Nose Bleeding 3 – times – Went to: Dr. Hugo Summa – Metropolitan Buliding [.] Must not work – nor walk no smoking – no drinking & light eatery – for some days. After looking & examining Water he says – very healthy man. Sept 18 Louise to Minstrel Show Holy Redeemer Hall Sept 19 Bought today for Mrs Anna Haseman 2 St-Louis City Bonds 2026.30 from Wernse & Dieckman 317 – N. 4th 1912 Oct 1 Boxmaker Wm. F. Goessling [William F. Goessling] died today – 10.10 P.M. 52 Years old Oct 4 To Funeral of Wm. F. Goessling [William F. Goessling] Boxmaker Oct 5 Vincents Birthday 1 Year Old Oct 8 All my people went to city in evening to see big parade home by myself – gave contract for painting kitchen & cc to R. M. Stevens for $55.00 1125 Collins Av. Webster will start Monday Oct 9 went to City Hall – Webster about excessive Water Bill Oct 11 Had Big Wreck on Frisco Train 7.45 a.m. (7.16 Train) cut off Piller under Jefferson Av. Bridge – Bridge came down partly on our train – nobody hurt serious Oct 12 Election in Webster for $40.000 School Bonds addition to High school Oct 13 Went to Meramec Highland with Louise & 5 oldest Wangler Children by street car – 3 P.M. home 7-P.M. a very big crowd & a bad mob Oct 14 Teddy Roosevelt got shot in Milwaukee in evening Oct 17 Emma Carron – our girl went home today - to Bloomsdale – She says – left her Umbrella at home - I never did like the girl Oct 18 Today 44 Year in Box Business in St. Louis from Octob 18th 1868. Oct 20 Went with – Lulu – Teddy & Margureta to – New Cathedral Building through Forrest Park Oct 21 went to Funeral of Mathias Baker 2019 Dollman Street [2019 Dolman Street] Oct 30 Vice President Sherman U.S. Died today Nov 5 Election Day – Frank – Fred Carter & myself to election – Voted Progressive Nov 6 Democrats won had a land slide Wilson & Marshall Dec 12 Received 2nd lot 25 Shares 1st National Fire Insurance – Washington D.C. Dec 23 Louise had fainting spell at Wanglers – in afternoon – Accident – Street Car run down our team & Box Wagon 7.45 a.m. 20th & Morgan teamsters in Hospital 1913 Diary p.1 - list of taxes for Webster Groves, Clayton, City of St. Louis p.2 - list of grandchildren’s birthdays (arranged by parent) Jan 1 Pastor 15 Minutes late Said somebody stole Pocketbook last night – the thief may be at 7 – or 9 O[‘clock] Mass Jan 2 Paid Mr. Jos. Goecke for St. Joseph Society up to January 1st 1913 $8.00 Jan 11 Paid Geo. G. Ernst [George G. Ernst] - $12.00 for old Society for 2 years for 1912 & 1913 – check. Jan 13 Attorney called at office for Teamster – hurt by street Car – (Joe) Jan 17 gave this morning to John Ludwig – a check for $218.41 to pay special street Tax Bill for old Mrs Ludwigs Home – Paid also 3rd time to 1st National Fire Ins Co. Washington – D.C. $50.00 check Jan 22 sending letter & check $70.00 to Frau Hasemer[?] in Amsterdam – Holland a very long personal letter Jan 28 Teamster Joe Michan settled with U.R. Co for accident – day before Christ. 12/24 – 1912 – 7.45 A.M. 20th & Morgan Street $30.00 Feb 2 C.C. Behnke for Chas F. Vogel Real Estate Co. called about – my property in Webster. Feb 4 Mr. Behnke in office wants me to sign agreement – nothing doing Feb 15 Fire near Tuxido 7.30 P.M. at midnight Henry Schulz Feed Store Burned Out Feb 23 Madero & Suarez killed in Mexico (Mexico City) 1913 Mar 4 Woodrow Wilson today will take office President of U.S. of America Democrat Mar 5 Got 2 Girls from Bloomsdale by Rev. Joseph Preuss Mable and Grace Druey – both girls at our house tonight Mar 8 went to Independent Party meeting – 8 O[‘clock] Holy Red. Hall [.] Old Man Withmore died last night 11.30 A.M. in Old Orchard. Mar 12 paid today for 2 Tickt. 265-266 Zoological Society – 1.00 Mar 24 Several Hundred dead (200) in Omaha. 1600 houses wrecked in Omaha. Mar 25 Forest Park 20 ft. under water many houses – flooded by River de Peres – from Forest Park to South St. Louis Several Train Wrecks in County – also in Ohio some Dead – by St. Louis Apr 4 Mrs. Henry Ludwig (Margarithe) my mothers Sister found Dead this morning at 2 O[‘clock]. In Bed – Paralitic strock. I went over to the Haus at 2 O[‘clock]. P.M. today Apr 7 Mamma & myself took 7.16 A.M. train – to Mrs. Ludwig Funeral Rev. Clemens & my brother in carriage – 9 O[‘clock]. A.M. St. Liborius Mama home again 11.40 Train – Clemens & myself Lunch at Union Station Apr 9 Joe Preis will not work for us any more he says Apr 15 Sergeant in office about Dixon Str. Yard Apr 25 John Ludwig’s address is 1613 – N. 18th Street up stairs Apr 27 went with Louise 2.15 P.M. to St. Anthonius Church May 24 Went to Dentist Tenem [?] Metropolitan Building Grand Av. & Olive St to file my theet [teeth] & polish some – 1.00 May 25 Some one cut off 20 Pionies [peonies] on driveway – near Big Bend Road – while we were to church May 30 Decoration Day I went to Jefferson Barracks – with Teddy – Loretto & Emilie on from Mount Train 2. P.M. Home 6.15 1913 June 1 Had meeting – 8 A.M. by Station – about Corner Park – near Brookmeier Comitte of Board of Alderman & one Citizen – Burmeier – Copplin – Bach Ward – Mittelberger – Ridgway – Barnes – McCallon – Moore & c. Mama – Louise & myself June 8 Went to St. Boniface – Celebrate Holy Cross church – in Baden – North St. Louis June 15 went to Orphan Home 8.11 A.M. Train home on 1 P.M. Train for afternoon – went to Berthold’s Grove Father Fehlig – Picnick – myself – Louise – Mrs. Wangler & 6 of oldest children home 9.45 P.M. June 27 47th Anniversary of Battle of Langensalza June 27th 1866. Theodora’s Birthday (John’s child) June 30 Received today – certificate # 3764 for 2nd – lat 50 shares 1st National Fire Insurance Co – of Washington D.C. paid in all for 100 shares $1000.00 For Value 5.00 share July 3 Bought from Wernse & Dieckman 1000.00 Bonds St. Louis $996.89 [.] Brought a Girl home today – from Herm. Struckhoff her name is Katherine came from Nevada – Mo 38 Years old 2 Years in America from the Rhine near Strassburg – Germany July 21 The Girl left took Trunk & Everything – along – God bless her! July 25 Paid today to Rev. Adrian $10.00 – I told him to pay the girl 9.00 – the girl that run away from us last Monday & keep the 1.00 for himself July 31 Went to Mussweiler in evening – Mrs Mussweiler died last night – suddenly all German Peoples 1913 Aug 5 Frank Fehlig my Broth. Son got married this morning 6 O[‘clock]. St. Henrys Church Rev. Fehlig – officiating to Miss Miller Aug 8 Rail Road set Pasture on Fire – 4.30 P.M. from train leaves City 3.45 came in on this train ½ of Pasture is gone Aug 12 Orphan Picnic today in Linds Grove North Broadway – did not go. Aug 17 took 1 Basket of Peaches to Jefferson Barrack [.] The Old dog “Sport” got very sick in evening – could not get up laying near North Porch & Arbor. Aug 18 The old dog “Sport” found dead near Arbor this morning about 14 Years old Aug 27 Wappelhorst sold me 2 Tickets 50 cents each 1.00 Raffling his old mare 1913 Sept 29 went to Clayton today made my Returns & got out of Tax Bill for this year Oct 5 Went to Normandy Colored Orphan Home Fred took us to Ferguson Kirkwood Car in Gore Av. Oct 6 Fred went to Normandy 4 – P.M. Colored Orphan Home Oct 9 Went to German Parade 7.7 P.M. train home 12 O[‘clock]. At night Centennial Celebration very nice Oct 18 45 Years in Box Business [.] Octob 18th 100 Years ago Battle of Leipzig Dec 11 Paid Mississippi Valley Fund 10.00 Dec 26 Gave to Grand children each one $10.00 16 $160.00