Missouri Memories

Ellie Fike (1861- 1950), Diaries, 1879-1892

Ellie Fike was born in Mascoutah, Illinois, on January 14, 1861, to Henry and Lucy Cimbaline Fike. Her family later moved to Warrensburg, Missouri, where she resided for the remainder of her life. She graduated from the Missouri State Normal School at Warrensburg and worked as a teacher and secretary.

December [1891]
Christmas Day- Friday-

Commenced turning cold early in the morning and by evening freezing cold. Had a nice dinner = turkey, cranberries, +c. +c. and pumpkin pie & cake. Had Lena Vollmer here cooking Wednesday. Afternoon Emma Spiess & Mrs. Jessie Spiess were here. I gave ma a nice china wash stand set; pa, one of the late dictionaries with patent index, Brown's three oldest children- Eva, Fred and Ella each a bible and
sent out several Christmas Cards. Ma gave me a white silk muffler and $5.00 and pa nothing. First time he ever failed to remember me.

Saturday. Bitter cold. Hooked all day & tired tonight. I hooked, brushed, sponged and pressed my old gray dress which am going to make over. Then put another in my brown camels hair skirt (so I can use to work in) & put on band, then some mending at night. Pa in Sedalia today.