DIY History | Transcribe | Iowa Women’s Lives: Letters and Diaries | Robert Walker Byington diary, April 3, 1883 - August 2, 1884 and Iowa Byington Reed diary, September 20, 1886 -December 31, 1892: Part 1

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Robert Walker Byington diary, April 3, 1883 - August 2, 1884 and Iowa Byington Reed diary, September 20, 1886 -December 31, 1892: Part 1

Page 106

Mon. April 21st 1884- continued. We walked with him down to the St Charles Hotel. Lunched on strawberries and lemonade at 1 P.M. Walked over to the levee through the old French town. Stench and filth horrible. Dined at Mrs Davis at 5 o'clock. Engaged a week's board- two meals a day-Paid $10 for same. At 7 P.M. Walked to  Canal St. and back. A beautiful avenue. Tues. April 22d. Weather still cool, cloudy and gloomy. with raw wind in the N. Spent forenoon walking about. Afternoon we visited the levee.In eve got Chicago Times and spent the time reading. Wed. April 23d. A fine bright warm day. At noon attended the Davis reception at the St Charles Hotel. Was presented to Jefferson Davis and had a few moments conversation with him. He is a feeble old man, with snow white hair and beard, but stands erect with shoulder squared. Brought Mr Norwood Clark down to lunch. Rode our to exposition Buildings- Main building covers 32 acres. After dinner took a walk up town. Thurs. April 24th A lovely summer day. Spent the forenoon walking about, and took a nap. After lunch we crossed the river on the ferry. Upon our return saw the grand procession start. Wrote letters home. Had fine view of the Knights Procession from our front door. After dinner walked up town and got Chicago paper. Saw interior of St Charles Hotel by gas and electric light-very fine- Got letter from Ott this eve. Iowa not very well today.

Saving...

Mon. April 21st 1884- continued. We walked with him down to the St Charles Hotel. Lunched on strawberries and lemonade at 1 P.M. Walked over to the levee through the old French town. Stench and filth horrible. Dined at Mrs Davis at 5 o'clock. Engaged a week's board- two meals a day-Paid $10 for same. At 7 P.M. Walked to Canal St. and back. A beautiful avenue. Tues. April 22d. Weather still cool, cloudy and gloomy. with raw wind in the N. Spent forenoon walking about. Afternoon we visited the levee.In eve got Chicago Times and spent the time reading. Wed. April 23d. A fine bright warm day. At noon attended the Davis reception at the St Charles Hotel. Was presented to Jefferson Davis and had a few moments conversation with him. He is a feeble old man, with snow white hair and beard, but stands erect with shoulder squared. Brought Mr Norwood Clark down to lunch. Rode our to exposition Buildings- Main building covers 32 acres. After dinner took a walk up town. Thurs. April 24th A lovely summer day. Spent the forenoon walking about, and took a nap. After lunch we crossed the river on the ferry. Upon our return saw the grand procession start. Wrote letters home. Had fine view of the Knights Procession from our front door. After dinner walked up town and got Chicago paper. Saw interior of St Charles Hotel by gas and electric light-very fine- Got letter from Ott this eve. Iowa not very well today.