100 Objects
Helen Parcell’s Diaries
Helen Louine Gallagher married artist Malcolm Parcell on August 14, 1937. Malcolm was 41, Helen was 40. She had been his favorite model and the subject of dozens of portraits since 1915. Helen retired from teaching in Washington in 1963, and the Parcells moved to Moon Lorn, outside Prosperity, where Malcolm continued to paint. Helen kept detailed diaries from 1964 to 1983. Entries included the weather, visitors, trips “to town” and lunch at the hotel with her sister and friends.
Aug. 10, 1979 – “Humid this morning! We are sitting in the yard getting a little breeze. Flowers are really growing and a stray has appeared in a geranium pot – taking over! What to do?
Mal will be making an omelet we think!
He did – very good!
Baking a peach pie – must call Ella.”
Aug. 14, 1981 – “Anniversary!” Mal and I have been talking things over. I certainly love him and I’m sure he cares for me.”
May 15, 1982 – “Dr. Edwards (W&J professor) gave Mal, Florence (her sister) and me a private viewing of Mal’s exhibition.”
Later at home – “Mr. Olson stopped and played his bagpipes!! He was in full dress to suit the occasion.”
Other entries:
“Nat Youngblood called, wanted to go for a ride with Mal.”
“Mansion House for dinner”
“Mal took Foxie (the dog) to get a shot – Dr. Shapiro – veterinarian.
F. got 2 shots and his nails cut – now seems to be fine.”
“All in the Family was very wild tonight – Edith won!!” (One of Helen’s favorite TV shows along with “The Edge of Night,” “Upstairs Downstairs, “Phil Donahue” and Dan Rather).
Helen made note of the many visitors to Moon Lorn: Paul Edwards and Donald Miller, who both wrote biographies of Malcolm, artists Ray Forquer and Peter West and people who posed for portraits or came to buy paintings.
Helen died at Moon Lorn on July 30, 1984.