Jervis McEntee Diaries

Friday January 6, 1888

Jervis McEntee Diary Entry, January 6, 1888, from the Jervis McEntee papers, 1850-1905, in the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Friday, Jan 6, 1888 Still very cold. I meant to go home today but telegraphed to Sara this morning I would not come until tomorrow. Have asked Mrs. Custer to share the box with us this evening. I did not paint today. It began to rain in the afternoon which froze as it fell. Mrs. Custer very kindly sent a note to tell me she knew I would be appalled at it but that she was not and could easily walk up to the Academy in comfort, but later the storm was so bad and it was so slippery I went out and got a carriage (costing $4) which in my present depleted condition I could ill afford. I went over early and told Mary and Marion and directly after dinner came to my room. The carriage came at 7.30. I got Mrs. Custer and we drove over for Mary & Marion. Calvert was sick, Bowyer and Downing were engaged and Eastman sent his ticket back so we four went alone and occupied the proscenium box next the stage. The house was packed from floor to ceiling. At the end of the second act I went to Booths dressing room and saw him. Soon Barrett came in. He had seen Mrs. Custer in the box and asked me to bring her in the dressing room, under a mild protest from Booth. When I came in with her Booth said, "Why didnt you bring the other ladies?" I said would you like to see them. He replied "certainly," and I went out and got them. We had a nice little interview which all seemed to enjoy and the evening which had been rather an anxious one turned out very pleasantly.