Journal of Francis Kelsey (December 25, 1926)
Journals - 1926, Box 4, Francis W. Kelsey Papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan
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Kelsey wrote this journal entry at Kom Aushim on December 25, 1926 - Christmas day. In observation of the holiday, work at the site was halted so that the staff could rest. Although most of the local Egyptian laborers probably did not celebrate Christmas, the crew from Michigan enjoyed a relaxing day of feasting, gift-giving, and listening to holiday music on the camp's sole record player. Kelsey's entry for the day is short, and he describes the evening's festivities as follows:
"Evening: Fine Christmas dinner, with gifts & much good cheer. At the beginning a splendid Xmas record on the phonograph. A happy and memorable Xmas - unlike any such Xmas before in my life." It would also be the last Christmas of Kelsey's life. Less than five months later, just before his birthday in May 1927, Francis Kelsey had passed away.
"Evening: Fine Christmas dinner, with gifts & much good cheer. At the beginning a splendid Xmas record on the phonograph. A happy and memorable Xmas - unlike any such Xmas before in my life." It would also be the last Christmas of Kelsey's life. Less than five months later, just before his birthday in May 1927, Francis Kelsey had passed away.