Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County, NY. In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Mabel, as she was known, kept a diary which New York Almanack is publishing each week. In these entries, her family leaves the summer cottage on Henderson Harbor and returns to Adams.
Monday, August 31
Sarah came over before we had finished breakfast. Mother went home, taking some of the camp truck with her. Wrote up receipts, read White Fang. Mr. Waite and father pitched quoits, father winning. Mr. Waite won in the P.M., however. All but Della went in bathing.
After dinner we played bridge whist, Russell, Della, Edna [her sister] and I. Della and I got supper over here and then we went across [Henderson Harbor] with the two boats. Father read his paper and the rest of us went down on the dock. Post card from Edith to Russell and me.
Tuesday, September 1
Ate breakfast out on the porch. Father went fishing with Russell and Mr. Fairchilds. I made custard. Small John Fairchilds spent most of the morning here asking questions. Made a custard. Shampooed my hair and went in swimming. Dinner was late and it was very warm — meaning the day. Read in White Fang and played Bridge. Russell shook the Stillman apple tree, bringing down some beauties. Edna and Clara cooked a perch supper over at Dunmores. Father came over to read White Fang and the rest of us sang and talked.
Wednesday, September 2
Took down the draperies in all the rooms while Edna ironed and mopped the kitchen floor. After dinner as I was tired, I lay in the hammock and read White Fang. Sarah came over and also the Dunmores, Della bringing a plate of fudge. Finished White Fang and felt that it had been much more than worth while. 
Father also read it and enjoyed it. Della, Russell and I got supper, making tomato soup and baked potatoes. Played cards after supper. Came home and wrote post cards. Our last night here.
Thursday, September 3
Swept the cottage while Edna did the kitchen work. Father phoned and found Mr. Cooper would drive down. Went across for a farewell visit with Russell to the Harbor. After dinner we finished packing and actually had time to sit with folded hands. It was very hard leaving. For the place grows dearer every year. We were on the road for hours, driving Mr. Burlingame’s horse. Found a note from Georgia Bell Bickley awaiting me. Jessie Legg called and also Nellie Dodge.
Friday, September 4
Cooked the breakfast. Tried Grace Huson’s receipt for maple sugar cake and also maple frosting. Edna and I did a combination washing which proved quite a task. Mother was busy preparing a boiled dinner. After dinner I made a salad dressing. Read Youth’s Companion a short time. Dressed in my green and went downstreet with Edna to buy some shoes. Went automobiling with Alma after supper; went downstreet with Edith and Helen and then asked the Ouija board at Alma’s.
Saturday, September 5
Ironed most of the morning except when I went down to the cemetery with mother. [The horse] Jenn’s lameness is much better. Letter from Dora [her sister in California] to father saying their coming was still uncertain. Cut out corset cover after dinner. Went down with Edna to get a check cashed and went into Clark’s for something to drink. Mother and I got supper. In the evening Edna and I went down to see Jessie. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder called also. We then went to see Lillian and her husband. I liked him very much.
Sunday, September 6
Edna and I went down and got in bed with mother on the porch. Made gems for breakfast. Studied my Sunday school lesson and started a letter to Jo. At church a memorial service for Joseph Michael was held. Made tomato soup for dinner. Read Ladies’ Home Journal. Edna drove with father and I. Went over to see Louise and to C.E. Few were there and I played. Louise and I went down to see Jessie off for Stony Brook; also Florence Cooper. Walked home with Clara.
Photos: top, Mabel Allen; bottom, Jack London, author of White Fang.
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