Scope and Content
This is a daily account ledger kept in the same format as the daily account diary. Two sheets at the front of the book list
total sales by month for 1917-1924. Entries include the customer’s name, their city or address, and the plants purchased.
Frequent customers include W.H. Sallmon, Kate Sessions, Dr. Woodside, J. Morley for Balboa Park, the Scripps family, the Point
Loma Homestead, and multiple city governments in San Diego County. Entries may also note errands, stock received, or accounts
paid (including wages paid to Angelo Stassis). Some entries highlight activities of a more personal nature, including outings
with family and friends, birthdays and anniversaries, or comments on local and national politics.
Entries of interest:
March 3, 1917: Parks of San Diego.
March 16, 1917: Sisters of St. Joseph Sanitarium.
April 6, 1917: “United States severe political relations with Germany – look like declaration of war.”
June 1, 1917: “Rosa Benard and Peter A. Becker were married at 12 noon by Judge Lewis in Superior Court Room No. 2 Court House.
They went to Los Angeles to spend few days.”
June 9, 1917: “I went to the Expo. To protest against removing J. Morley from Park [?] a large gathering in his favor. Apparently
successful.”
November 27, 1917: “Vote for Municipal Ordinance ‘Bone Dry.’ Defeated by only 260 votes majority, 21000 votes cast.”
November 9, 1918: “Peter A. Becker mobilized into the army to embark for Kelly Field nr San Antonio, Texas.”
November 11, 1918: "'Armistice.' Stopping activities between The Allies troops in [conflict?] with Germany… Jubilation in
San Diego. Parade during Day. Peter had not to go to Kelly Field until further notice. Rosa Jubilant."
March 6, 1919: Mrs. Davidson with the Library.
March 24, 1919: Mrs. E. Fletcher at 810 Ash Street.
May 8, 1919: The head cook of the Hotel Del Coronado orders 9 dozen artichokes.
June 30, 1919: “General Prohibition to be in force July 1st. Went to town. ‘Very lively time in the night.’”
September 19, 1919: “President W. Wilson visited San Diego. 3:30 pm to 11. Fine Reception at the stadium, over 50,000 San
Diegans listened to his address on the ‘League of Nations.’”
October 1919: Details a long order for the City of Coronado, divided by sections. (Page 164)
December 2, 1919: “Every Body feasting. 71 boats & Men of War in the Harbor including the New Zealand English. 27,000 tons.
The Harbor busy, illuminating at night, magnificent display of Electric fireworks in the Bay.”
January 27-February 3, 1920: Maman, Lily, and E.B confined to bed with influenza. Entry details costs of physician, nurse,
and help with chickens. During this week the nursery is quarantined: no sales, no delivery.
March 7, 1920: Mr. Benbough at Sheridan Ave.
April 19, 1920: “Reception given to Lily and Frank Colt in the Evening at midnight. Surprised the above by bringing Judge
Lewis to marry them at the House.” Lily and Frank marry more formally the next day and then move to Barker City, Oregon.
February 1, 1921: Mr. Henry Schumann Heink in Grossmont.
May 7, 1921: “Received Telegram from Baker Oregon. Lily has a 8 lb Son – Allan Benard Colt at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Baker
Oregon.”
Pages 294-296 contain a detailed list of stock bought from various companies for the start of 1922.
May 1, 1923: “First Cross Country airplane T. 2. from NY to SD. 2600 miles. 27 hours. (no stop).”
August 24, 1923: Ernest and Margaretha travel to Oregon to visit Lily, leaving Rosa and Peter in charge of the nursery. They
return November 11.
February 18, 1924: “Surprised party on my 65th Birthday. Good time.”
December 23, 1924: An itemized bid for a job at Glenn Abbey Memorial Park.