Such a miserable uncomfortable day, not at all inspiring but few are going out Emma and Eugene [Sears] went may-walking, they were about the only ones from our family. [p. 141] {p. 70}

This is the birthday of little Robert Cushing Hillard my great grandson I gave him a present all I could afford a gold ring he had his picture taken & they all started home to Idaho– I went to the depot with them, and parted from them not knowing if I should ever see them again, as the distance is great & money scarce as well as life uncertain– It is too bad that the visit should have been lessened in its pleasure by any thing disagreeable, but it could not be avoided [p. 143] {p. 71}

This is the regular fast day but I could not go much as I desired to do so– I was a little late in coming to the Office tho’ I have tried to be punctual during all this hurrying time, Mrs. Caine has been so busy with silk exhibits and the work being brought here makes me more trouble– [p. 144] {p. 72}

Such days with preparations for exhibits especially the silk & books and so many people who expect to be told everything and how to do it & the temple preparations and the worriment over Pres. Woodruffs illness¹ by many– there never was a time when such a train of events seemed to follow rapidly one upon the other or crowd upon each other [p. 145] {p. 73}

This was the day of the regular ladies’ meeting in the 14th, Ward but I could not make time to go much as I wished to Aunt Zina and Sister Horne both made time to go and there was a very full attendance. I stayed working trying to arrange manuscript to leave– I ran away so to speak and went to the office of the President on business and saw Pres Jos. F. Smith– but not Bishop [John R.] Winder, Aunt Zina and I found him in the Temple & he promised the money for the Hospital part of it. Went down to Annie’s had supper late & spent the evening and slept there with Louise [B. Cannon] & Margaret [Cannon]– [p. 146] {p. 74}

On this day I determined to go to the cemetery as I would have no other opportunity I had slept at Annie’s and brought Louise up with me and took her with me to the graves of the family– Eleanor [A. Cannon], Mell’s children² and our own dear Em. [Emeline W. Wells] & Louie [Louise Wells Cannon] & her grandpa [Daniel H.] Wells– let her go home on the car and went to see Lydia Ann and staid to supper and part of the evening– Then wrote some letters and went down to Belle’s on the last car at 12– all in bed and left supper for me– [p. 147] {p. 75}

I have worked so hard today to get ready especially to prepare copy for my paper and the books we are publishing– I could not accomplish all I desired because of the many hindrances. Ort [Orson F. Whitney] blessed me very lovely People coming and going and I am so nervous Mrs. Bambarger [Bertha Greenwald Bamberger] gave me the check for 50 dollars from the Salt Lake Co. Association– went to Annie’s and had supper felt so sorry I could not help her any More than I did but it is impossible Went down to Belle’s spent my last night and had breakfast early said good bye [p. 148] {p. 76}

Such a day of hurry & bustle it seemed more than one could do to get through it all, came up ever so early and have worked hard all day long– Belle came and bought one or two things for me, and Lucile came to stay all night. I paid lots of bills and did more work than one would imagine possible and it was very very late when I lay down a few minutes in the office to take a few winks. I have never felt so queer in leaving home before. Everything seems so different from former journeys At six I went up to Orts according to promise and he shut out all the children & family and gave me a blessing the best I ever had, he called me a high priestess and made me many promises of future fame [p. 149] {p. 77}

<memorable anniversary> This morning we left Salt Lake for Chicago on board a Pullman <Alturas> car– a privlege of b[e]ing with others in the same car too crowded however for much ease or comfort– berth with Minna◊ [Sarah Ephramina Jensen] Snow and am in section also Della [Adella Woolley] Eardley– all very nice with me, but felt lonely and uncomfortable and my feet were much swollen, I had been very wretched all night and no sleep scarcely and now it looked as though I should have no rest, the day was fine, but the ladies were ill and it made me uncomfortable and low-spirited, at night I could not go to bed and in the morning I knew I would feel most wretched so I tried to accommodate myself to circumstances and see if I could sleep at all [p. 150] {p. 78}

This morning I felt very miserable I had a horrid night, and weary beyond compare– besides having left so much undone at home I feel so anxious to see to a few things here before reaching Chicago where I know there will be so much to be done– All day it has been dull and dreary and cloudy just before we reached Omaha a thunder bolt exploded that created quite a sensation in the train it was the most terrific noise and lightning and many screamed with affright, the lightning was terrific, it was the most pronounced thunderbolt I ever heard, the lightning was very vivid, and yet there was no succession of the electric shocks. We reached the Missouri soon after and all was calm as the storm had passed or we had passed from it– I felt better that evening and slept earlier but stupidly– [p. 151] {p. 79}

This morning rose at day break as we were near the Mississippi River and it gave me the most peculiar sensations imaginable, the remembrances of the past came over me affectingly. The thoughts of reaching the great city of the World’s Fair was in itself exhilarating We reached there at 11 o’clock and then the excitement of bundles and valises etc. began; the rain too also began to pour down and we were delayed waiting for trains, but finally reached the Family Dormitory and were warmed & had lunch and began to ascertain our moorings somewhat. I felt miserable indeed and after awhile laid down and fell asleep, got up later and went down to see where the ladies of our party were. My room is 597– very small & poor indeed [p. 152] {p. 80}

This morning felt gloomy and all was dreary my feet were terribly swollen we had quite a little party of us but some went here and some there in the afternoon [Annie] Laura Hyde and her brother came and we went to the City together. As we had not yet received our trunks I purchased a pair of gloves some lace for my neck and two party books. That evening we were trying to keep warm first in one place and then in another and finally succeeded in whiling away the evening and– some of the folks are tolerably well and others are sick Mary Romney was quite ill and Mrs. Kimball very ill– the brethren administered to her but she feels she must get away from here Hattie [Harriet Hooper] Young is very ill too and threatened with a miscarriage– [p. 153] {p. 81}

This morning was very miserable and we all felt gloomy After breakfast Zina decided to go up town and get some more suitable place for us. She went and found George [D.] Pyper who advised her to go to the Palmer House and she engaged for her [his] mother³ & myself herself and Hattie Young We came the same night or before night Bishop [Hiram B.] Clawson and wife⁴ came along we went to Winters Restaurant with him and had supper before coming to the Palmer– Zina & I were alone in the room that night– Mrs. Kimball and Lizzie [Kimball], Mrs. [Jane Snyder] Richards and Josie [Josephine Richards West]– were all in the house–

Called on Mrs. Salisbury and gave her a little remembrance [p. 154] {p. 82}

This morning we went to the opening of the Congress⁵ Aunt Zina arrived in time and we were on hand early– the dedication proper began at 10 o’clock Mr. [Charles C.] Bonney President presiding officer, Prof. [David] Swing made the prayer Mr. Bonney made the address, other distinguished men Mrs. Palmer & Mrs. Hanrotin following them the Congress of Women opened with Speech by Mrs. Palmer & Mrs. [Ellen Martin] Henrotin⁶ opened the Congress of Women– May Wright Sewall Chairman– Ode Columbia’s Emblem by Mrs. Albert Barker England Address by the Chairman May Wright Sewall then introduction of foreign representatives and responses.⁷

Monday evening Mrs. Salisbury brought me up a box of exquisite roses– [p. 155] {p. 83}

Tuesday was an important one in the Congress Went to the Reception given at the West End Club at the Illinois Club House, everything was very rich and beautiful– bands of music playing– lovely flowers & decorations, was introduced to several notable people the President of the Club– Madame Isabel Bogelot⁸ Charlotte Emerson Browne [Brown] President of the Federation⁹ Madame Mojdeska¹⁰ [Helena Modjeska] Henrietta Russell– Madame [Marie] Marshall¹¹ This is an anniversary day for me sad and solemn I know how my folks at home will feel it¹²

Made arrangements for printing cards for our meetings [p. 156] {p. 84}

Today is full of work and of memories– but had promised to go with Mrs. Salisbury to the Fair & see the Woman’s Building. Enjoyed it all very much she took the utmost pains with me– we dined together at the Horticultural Building and passed the day quite happily. We came home together and dined at the Palmer, she ordered and paid for our At evening went to the dinner and it was very delicious and delightful when we were at table Mrs. Sewall who sat near asked me to preside that evening as some one had failed to come forward that had been on the programme– but I did not think it would be right when I was Mrs. Salisbury’s guest [p. 157] {p. 85}

Thursday May morning went to the meeting in the Hall of Columbus and heard the Hebrew women–

In the afternoon went to the Reception given by the Chicago Woman’s Club at the Auditorium took Mattie Paul [Martha Hughes Cannon] on one of my tickets as I had two Zina [Young] Card we were introduced to many notable people, Mrs. Florence Fenwick Miller¹³ a notable English woman– Refreshments were served as we stood Claret punch in cups– etc. [p. 158] {p. 86}

This was the morning of our own meeting and of course it was natural that we should feel the greatest anxiety, we had secured an organ for our singers & we seemed to be prepared– we had three Bishops present and John Henry Smith an Apostle–

Went to a reception given in honor of the Women of the Congress by invitation.

In the evening the Young Ladies’ meeting was held and while we were in the Hall a reporter sent to me¹⁴ [p. 159] {p. 87}

This morning I presided over one of the General Congress in the Hall of Columbus– an honor never before accorded to a Mormon woman– if one of our brethren had such a distinguished honor conferred upon them it would have been heralded the country over and thought a great achievement. I succeeded very well and had some very good papers read beside me on the platform was Mrs. Jennie Lozier President of Sorosis– That afternoon we went to the reception given by the Officers of the National Council of Women– at the Richelieu.¹⁵ In the evening the Council closed– some of us sat upon the platform– Mrs. Taylor & Mattie [Martha Hughes Cannon] were in the Hall with me– Columbus and Mrs. [Zina D. H.] Young and Mrs. [Jane S.] Richards in the hall of Washington. [p. 160] {p. 88}

We went to the meeting where Anna [Howard] Shaw preached Aunt Zina went upon the platform. That evening we went to hear the colored people¹⁶ Fred Douglas¹⁷ was on the platform–

Went to Isabella Beecher Hooker’s¹⁸ meeting at 4. p.m. She spoke up for our people and mentioned what Mrs. Salisbury had said about our women–

Went to the colored people’s meeting– one of the colored Women was really very eloquent and made a stirring speech, It was an interesting affair very indeed.

Concert in the evening Mrs. [Lydia Avery] Coonley¹⁹ had charge 12 harpists young ladies and many other exercises had reserved seat in the gallery near Mrs. Avery and several noted people [p. 161] {p. 89}

Went to the opening of the Congress in the morning but before that went to the business meeting of the National and International Council and heard many of the appointments that were made– it was very edifying reminded them of Hawaii. In the afternoon we went to the Reception at the residence of Mrs. Palmer in a carriage with Aunt Zina and Sister Richards had a delightful time Her house is like an old famous castle full of treasures. It is however elegantly furnished in modern style and every part seems harmonious In the evening attended the business meeting of the National Council and heard the financial side of the questions discussed. Spoke of selling more books and the flag for our Society– some ladies were very generous in giving– [p. 162] {p. 90}

This morning went out and bought books of poems gave one to Miss Nicolas Shaw²⁰ Mrs. Avery’s Sec. called Word Blooms and one to Miss Ethel R. Mrs. Sewall’s Sec. called Thistles saved one Daffodils for Belle one Pansies for Mell Quiet Hours for Daisie and Golden Treasury for Verona Mrs. Sewall left for home today and Mrs. Avery goes to Edgewater and soon from there to Philadelphia– went to Press Congress heard the papers read of both men and women In the evening heard Eliza Archer Conner²¹ a very eloquent speaker, must be a foreigner by her accent– she was very vigorous and much exasperated as she talked of sensational reporters– and called them liars out right– some she said were women who did these things for money [p. 163] {p. 91}

<Morning session women speakers> This morning Minna Snow called to say Good Bye going on to St. Louis– Mattie Hughes came with her– Mrs. Young and Zina have gone out for the day to see Huntingtons and the Fair. I went to Press Congress and dined in Art Palace restaurant– met several ladies notably Mrs. Zerelda G. Wallace²² who promised me a book she had written. was introduced to Mr. Bryce the Pres. of the Nat. Ed. Ass’n. He was extremely cordial and wished he had known I was present would have called upon me in the morning. I attended that afternoon and also the evening [p. 164] {p. 92}

Today we had a meeting of Press women in the morning and afterwards I met Dora Dartmoor [Darmoor] formerly Mrs. Boyer, who published The Golden Dawn in San Francisco– I brought Dr. [Rosetta Luce] Gilchrist of Ashtabula home with me and we had dinner together in the Palmer and visited all the afternoon– Mrs. Boehm <Dr. Beiber>²³ a German Delegate had called on me and asked me to give her information concerning Salt Lake and I wrote out some notes gave her a letter of introduction to John Q. and the Book of Chamber of Commerce by Sep. W. Sears– and the Deseret News of Jan. 1. Mrs. Gilchrist and myself had supper up here and then I went to the evening meeting of the Press alone [p. 165] {p. 93}

Went to Press meeting in the morning and to the unveiling of the Statue in the Afternoon of Harriet Beecher Stowe remarks by Mrs. [Isabella Beecher] Hooker recitations by Georgie Cavain [Georgia Cayvan]²⁴ reading of Mrs. [Julia Ward] Howe’s Hymm of the Republic–²⁵ Remarks by Mrs. [Candace] Wheeler²⁶ Mrs. [blank space] presided

Emma Thursley sang “Away down on the Swanee River”

After leaving the room of Library in the tea room Mrs. Albert Balker [Barker] sang and whistled²⁷

Friday night Kate Field spoke upon her own paper– Florence Fenwick Miller made a fine address– Mrs. Albert Ba[r]ker recited two poems [p. 166] {p. 94}

This morning closed the Congress of Press women Mrs. Boehrs’ was to have presented a paper on Pioneer Women in Journalism in the West but was refused, she was to have mentioned our paper– the Chairman cut off two or three who wished to speak. At 3 o’clock the exercises began in the Woman’s Building. It was quite informal and there was a little opportunity during the intervals of music to hear what speak to Mrs. Palmer and her aids– tea was served and candies and cakes and the ladies walked through the building and spent the time very enjoyably. Zina [Young Card] left for home tonight Hattie came and invited me to dine with her in the Palmer Restaurant We went down to see them off both Aunt Zina and myself [p. 167] {p. 95}

Stayed in bed late, went out to breakfast with Aunt Zina who felt very lonely because Zina Card had gone away– then called at the Saratoga and took with me besides Aunt Zina Mrs. Talmage, Mrs. Eardley and M. Hughes Cannon M.D. and we all went to call upon Lucinda B. Chandler at the West Side– found she had gone to Ohio so came back and dined together at the Palmer– Aunt Zina Mrs. Eardley, Mrs. Talmage Dr. Cannon and myself. Afterwards had a pleasant time in the room did not attempt to go anywhere. Aunt Zina felt a little more reconciled and I sat up writing as usual and when I had quite exhausted myself went to bed. [p. 168] {p. 96}

Wasted the whole day on Aunt Zina’s account– Oliver Huntington arrived at ten o’clock– her cousin W. S. Huntington came at 4. she and her brother went to Milwaukee Wis. at 8 in the evening. and I was left alone– Sat up late writing and had a quiet sort of time. Felt so much to regret that I had not gone to the Fair. Most of our people who were here with me have gone home– I do not know that there is so much more that I can do now except to take in as much as possible of the World’s Fair exhibits. I have rested my body a little perhaps but worried some over not getting anything done. Resolved to do more tomorrow– [p. 169] {p. 97}

Decoration day– big processions, military parades, and all sorts of public entertainments & shows, called on the Horne’s etc– did not find the other folks in but when I called the second time I met Laura Hyde who told me of a good place to get a cheap dinner and off I went it was late when I came in and I felt queerly to get in bed with a strange woman in a strange bed, and to accommodate myself sleeping at the back– which I am not accustomed to– but pride must bear pain and so I put up with it for the sake of being here at the Palmer. It seems more as if I was doing some good than being in an out– of the way place. Had a letter from Dot and felt somewhat relieved [p. 170] {p. 98}

Went to the Fair grounds– and while in the Puck building came across Mrs. Amelia [Folsom] Young and we spent most of the day together in the Liberal Arts Building. Went in the Lunch Room and had a bite to eat and back to the exhibit– so much to see I was quite pleased with the French and German showing and O, so many others– laces, curtains rugs, fine jewelry, fine porcelain, Sevres, Dresden and every kind of delicate vases, and glass ware of all rare kinds I saw few books, hardly think the showing can be ready yet there were so very few– came home very much fatigued Went to the Saratoga & bade the folks good bye some were going to New York and some starting home, saw Apostle [Anthon H.] Lund on his way to Liverpool Sister Taylor & Minna <went home> [p. 171] {p. 99}