This, the first day of the new year is one of some pleasant memories, which are perhaps worthy of note. That the incidents of the year ’84 may be referred to in after years. I find it convenient to record some of them in this book, which can be perused at any time and thereby I can see wherein I have improved or retrograded.The year of ’83 has passed, and mentally summing it up. I realize it to have been one of improvement to me. The Fall of ’82 and the Winter and Spring of ’83 I spent in College at Delaware, Ohio.
This being one of the happiest years of my college relations. In September of ’82 I was initiated into the B.T.P. Fraternity where I found myself surrounded by a band of true and worthy brothers. Many a happy time was spent within the walls of Theta Chapter Hall.
My study was devoted to music and painting—my work in this line was quite satisfactory and I improved rapidly.During the summer of ’83 I traveled five weeks with Mason Long as one of a quartet. Saw some fine country and many pleasing scenes meeting many pleasant people.
In Sep of ’83 I accepted a position with the firm of Butler and Bunker with whom I worked for three months and a half—and now I find myself upon the threshold of ’84.
I look out and the morning is cloudy, at noon a heavy snow is falling which continued until evening thus making all things cheerful and joyous.
My time was occupied in attending to some little duties as a business character during the earlier part of the day. We ate our New Years dinner together which all seemed to appreciate. On going to the office I received a letter from my friend Cora which I read with much pleasure.
About 3:30 a number of the boys and I called over to the Y.M.C.A. rooms where the young ladies of the city held a reception.
We were served to refreshments and then enjoyed a social chat interspersed with singing, all of which we enjoyed very much. Spent the evening at home where the true heart is always welcome.”
NOTE: On the reverse of the pages from the diary was the following handwritten comments, written by his son, Eugene:
“His diary also recorded that he joined the Masonic Lodge on Mar 6, 1885 and then passed his Masonic 3rd degree the 25th of 1885. He kept his dues up in this chapter up to his death in 1932 in Los Angeles, Calif. Our family had moved to California in 1901. Under separate cover a picture of his fraternity brothers taken in 1883, also one of Ohio Concert Co. taken in 1887 which shows him wearing his Beta pin.”
Editor’s Note: According to Beta Hq data base, William A. Baldwin was #212 on the roll of Theta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.
William Baldwin Family
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