Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

The Sibford Temperance Association people gave a free tea to the members of the Band of Hope of Sibford, Epwell and Swalcliffe this afternoon and tea to others at 9d. each.  At halfpast 9 I passed through the field and saw 50 or 60 men and women and youths playing at “Kiss in the ring” and a number of boys and girls wandering about. There appeared to be no one to look after them, and many of the children were from Epwell and Swalcliffe. I was told afterwards that many of them were about at 11 p.m.

A Great Camp Meeting was advertised to be held at Epwell White House today. All comers were notified to bring their meals with them.

On the quarter acre allotments last night I estimated  that 1 man had 120 rows of potatoes on half 1 piece, i.e. 960 rows to the acre. If 6 rows produce one bushel at 2/-, the acre’s crop is worth £16 whilst the rent is only £1. This is a very moderate calculation both as to quality and price.

Mrs Routh sent to borrow my carriage this afternoon to meet a train at Banbury Station, theirs being broken.

President Garfield shot on July 2 at Washington. Died on Monday (19th).

The School was reopened this morning, but last week’s rain delayed harvest operations so much that little or no gleaning having been done, only 9 children presented themselves. Mr. Elley came down and told me the state of matters and I therefore authorised him to close for this week.

Vere and I left for Paris en route for Rome and Naples.