iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Friday, October 9, 1936: I stayed indoors all day today. We did a little house cleaning in the upstairs. I didn't go to choir practice but went to bed instead. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 9, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Thursday, October 8, 1936: This morning I washed my hair and painted the last storm windows. This aft, Wilfred & I picked up 41 bu of spuds. Bob & I went to church to hear the Negroes sing #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 8, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Wednesday, October 7, 1936: We picked up 90 bu. of spuds today. Pa, I & Will. It was a lovely day. I'm stiff as a board tonight. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 7, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Tuesday, October 6, 1936: Ma went to town along again. I painted storm windows and darned stockings today. Retired at 9:20 this evening. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 6, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Monday, October 5, 1936: It was a muggy day today. It took us all day to wash. Folded clothes and patched the day away. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 5, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Sunday, October 4, 1936: Went to church today. This afternoon Marg & Erwin & Ernie Johnson's came out. Stayed home as usual this evening. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 4, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

After replacing a tube, grinding off rusted bolts and installing SSTL hardware and new shitty Menards handles that required drilling different holes, I finally have a functional wheelbarrow once again. A smart person would have just bought a new one.

A large wheelbarrow with a gray plastic tray. It is sitting on a paved walkway, surrounded by a green "lawn" (mostly creeping Charlie)

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Saturday, October 3, 1936: I had to do all the cleaning. Mother went up town with Pa. I had to work hard all day. Retired at nine bells. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 3, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Let me know if you need a deep dive in all the special features

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Friday, October 2, 1936: I went up town with Ted Volkert's milk truck. Marg & I went down town. I got a skirt. Came home with Pa & Uncle Adolph. Christina & I went to W. L. meeting. Back at 10:30 #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 2, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Thursday, October 1, 1936: This morning Mother & I went to Gores. We sold him onions, cabbage & tomatoes. Marv. is taking up meat carving for Geraghty's meat market. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from October 1, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Memorandum for September 1936: First frost Sept. 29. Mothers Birthday - 28th #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Wednesday, September 30, 1936: I painted windows all day again today. Pa & Uncle Adolph are working on the house up town. I had to make supper tonight. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 30, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Tuesday, September 29, 1936: Mother & Dad went to town with Uncle Adolph & Aunt Bertha. Mother bought 2 dresses & a skirt but they are all too small. I didn't paint today. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 29, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Monday, September 28, 1936: Mother's Birthday today (54th). I painted all day today. Mother picked the tomatoes because frost is expected. Retired at 8:45. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 28, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Sunday, September 27, 1936: I didn't go to church today. Marg & Erwin & Bob & I gave Mother a necklace for her birthday tomorrow & Marv gave her 2 lbs. of peanuts. Uncle Charlie & Aunt Mabel & Hartland were here tonight. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 27, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Saturday, September 26, 1936: Cleaned today & baked a cake. Mr. & Mrs. Paul Walter of St. Paul were out this aft. I made pop corn tonight. Retired at 8:45. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 26, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Friday, September 25, 1936: Cleaned the upstairs. I didn't paint today because we had a dirt storm. It was awful. Retired at 9:00. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 25, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

So the Walnut Street Stairway is so dangerous that it is closed indefinitely, but it's going to be open for a fancy home tour this weekend?? www.stpaul.gov/projects/pub...

From the (Highland) Villager, Sep 16, 2026 edition: The historic Walnut Street Stairs adjacent to the James J. Hill House will be on view for tour attendees after being closed to the public for over three year.

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Thursday, September 24, 1936: I painted all day today, storm windows & screens. This evening I cross-stitched for a while #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 24, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Wednesday, September 23, 1936: This morning I embroidered. This afternoon I painted once more. I'll be glad when we are finished. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 23, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Tuesday, September 22, 1936: This morning we ironed & also cut off onions. Bob helped me. We got 12 bu. of onions from one lb. of seed. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 22, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Monday, September 21, 1936: We washed today. I darned all the stockings. Bob came home from school because of sores on his face. He can't go back for a while. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 21, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Sunday, September 20, 1936: St. John's Silver Jubilee today. I went to all three services. Ethel & I went through the day together. Marg & Erwin came out this afternoon. Retired at 10:00 #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 20, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Saturday, September 19, 1936: Mother & I went to Marg & then us three went to town. I got a coat, hat, dress, & gloves. Mother got a suit and hat. Retired at 8:45 after a hard day. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 19, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Friday, September 18, 1936: We did the Friday's & Saturday's cleaning today. This aft I herded cows. This evening we had a wiener roast for a social meeting (Oct 10) #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 18, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Thursday, September 17, 1936: We actually threshed this morning. Brummonds, Ohmanns, Doehling, & Lambert Englert helped. This afternoon I herded cows for once. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 17, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Wednesday, September 16, 1936: We couldn't thresh today because it was too windy. This aft I embroidered some. We picked the beans & pickles. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 16, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Tuesday, September 15, 1936: I made a brown underskirt out of an old silk dress today. This afternoon I embroidered & ironed. Retired at 9 bells. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 15, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Monday, September 14, 1936: This morning I dyed my dress Brown & herded the cows. I ironed Bob's pants and my dress this afternoon. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 14, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Sunday, September 13, 1936: We went to church this morning. This afternoon Marg, Erwin, Bob, & I went riding. Didn't do anything as usual this evening. Retired about 9:30. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 13, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Saturday, September 12, 1936: Did the usual Saturday cleaning and also baked a cake. I embroidered on my sampler. This evening I took a bath. Retired at 9:00 #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 12, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Friday, September 11, 1936: Mother and dad went to town. I cleaned upstairs. This evening Helen & Hugo took us to choir practice. Home at 10 bells. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 11, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Thursday, September 10, 1936: We did the mending this morning. This afternoon I ironed some clothes I washed & we picked the pickles. This evening the boys & I caught pullets #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 10, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Wednesday, September 9, 1936: Mother & I ironed this morning. I was sick all day today. I didn't eat any dinner or supper. Helen stopped in a minute. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 9, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Regarding the fruits, vegetables and flowers judging that year: "William Lindeman of New Ulm, superintendent of this division, said that the entries of fruits and vegetables are of a fine grade and variety."

Front page of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Volume 83, Number 249, 5 September 1936

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The 1936 fair ran September 5-12, delayed by a week due to the historically-awful weather that summer.

Clipping from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Volume 83, Number 247, 3 September 1936:
State Fair Week.
Minnesota’s State Fair opens a week later than usual this year and by the same token it should attract a larger attendance. The seven days of delay have been packed full of good reasons for the success of an institution which must pay its own way and depends so largely upon its gate receipts. Late rains are reviving pastures and helping late crops and the net results of a dry year are proving better than expected when the drouth was at its height.
This state has been favored in having a fair throughout most of its agricultural history as a powerful stimulant to efficient farming. It has become not only an indicator of what has been accomplished but also an insurer of continued progress. The premiums paid to exhibitors are rewards for good attainment and sharpen the interest in a neverending competition for excellence. This year there is a considerable increase in the entries of beef animals, indicating that feeding is coming up in a state which has heretofore concentrated its herd operations upon dairying. The State Fair has been one of the factors which has encouraged this development.
As an exhibition of what Minnesotans have accomplished on the farms, in the homes, schools and in other activities, the fair appeals strongly to both rural and urban interests. While it is in progress it is Minnesota in miniature with its achievements, resources, ambitions and its people all represented. Among one-week fairs it is preeminent.

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I bet there were crop art-like lines for this in the horticulture building at the 1936 MN State Fair:

Clipping from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Volume 83, Number 247, 3 September 1936: "Housewives will be shown the correct and incorrect methods of preparing meats for the family table in a display shipped from Chicago by the National Livestock and Meat board. The highlight of the exhibit will be a Republican elephant and a Democratic donkey moulded from lard. It will also show methods of reducing with diets including meat. Proper cooking of inexpensive meat cuts will be stressed."

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Tuesday, September 8, 1936: We washed today. Wilfred & Bob went to the State Fair. In the afternoon I herded the cows. Retired at 8:30. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 8, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Monday, September 7, 1936: Will & I picked 2 pail full of plums in the woods. Marg & Erwin were out today. Marv went to the state fair. Retired at 9:00. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 7, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Sunday, September 6, 1936: I didn't go to church but did a few odd jobs that should have been done yesterday. Zechmeisters were here. This evening us kids went to the consecrational service. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 6, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Saturday, September 5, 1936: I cleaned the downstairs, scrubbed the kitchen and back porch, baked a cake & some cupcakes and also helped pull some onions. Retired at 9:30 #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 5, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Friday, September 4, 1936: Mother, Bob, & Will went to Ohmanns to fill silo. I cleaned the upstairs and picked the pickles. In the evening Marv & I went to W.L. meeting. Home at 10:30 #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 4, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

She's a foster fail. This is how she looked the day she arrived after weaning her 6 babies

The same cat with a very sparse coat. Her bones are showing and her belly is very saggy

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Thursday, September 3, 1936: Today we started to pull onions. We won't get very many. Didn't do anything else. Retired at 9 bells. #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 3, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Wednesday, September 2, 1936: I got a pr of stockings from Mother, a dollar from Pa, some embroidery & polish from Marg & Erwin & a new piece from Marv. We went to Frieda's wedding & chavari. Home at 11:30. Also drove Mother to Mrs. Hoff's bunco party #1936diary

Image of diary entry from September 2, 1936. Text is written in black fountain pen ink

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Kari Coad @pinecone99.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Looks like Mancini's at the Fair is still flying the old MN flag. Definitely a deliberate decision in 2026

Pic taken from the other place showing the Mancini's exterior flying two trios of flags: Italy, USA, old racist MN

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