Edith Roller – August 23, 1978 – Wednesday

Transcript  |  Annotation  |Source:89-4286-C-3-A-1 (####) | Month Index


Had breakfast. Worked on the African map on the floor of the cottage. I cut out the separate countries. Some portions of the map are not completed yet and I do not have all the countries. Made a list of problem areas.

Had lunch.

The members of both countries met together. We spread the sheet on two tables put together. I gave one or two of the cut-out patterns to each person. We started at the top of the map and called out the names of the countries and had the possessor pin the pattern on the sheet. The group got a good deal of fun out of the experience and it was a good learning experience. They were deeply impressed with the size of Africa. Lu Ester Lewis wrote the names of the country on the board and some copied them.

Took my shower.

Worked again on the map after 4.00 trying to complete the areas left unfinished.

Had dinner.

In the evening there was a fashion show and a skit with Don Freed as the guest of honor. A table was set up so that dinner could be served to Freed and the people assigned to meet with him. Various products such as preserves and herbal remedies were displayed on the table. The young women who served the table were dressed in long gowns made by our seamstresses. On the stage in front of the table were various products made by our people in Jonestown: a cradle, chair, toys, for instance.

After Freed and his companions entered and sat down Dick Tropp asked me to come over and meet Freed. I did so. I had suggested to Dick Tropp that he visit my adult class to see the game we played with the patterns of the countries, but he had apparently not got up early enough to visit any classes.

Freed was very interested in our project of teaching seniors to read and was touched when Jim told him how much it meant to the self-esteem of a person who had reached an advanced age to learn to read.

Clothes made in Jonestown were modeled by all ages, from toddlers to seniors, males and females, many made by the wearers. They were all quite stylish and well made. Clothing manufacture is likely to be one of our most profitable enterprises. Many toys were displayed. I was just back of Freed and Jim and they were engaged in conversation most of the time. Freed seemed charmed and excited by Jim. The play consisted of episodes about poor people around the world. Frances Johnson directed it.

After the show I had to go with others to the rice pavilion to write a letter under the direction of Carolyn Looman, to the DA of LA with regard to a charge of the Medlocks charging that Jim McElvane with assault and fraud

Got home at 12.00. Lights out, stepped in puddle on the path to the bathroom.