SEPTEMBER 30

1939 11:00 Wilma is here to-night. She comes once a year + usually has a new car. We talked to the printers

1940 GEE – DEMORALIZED – TRY TO FINISH PAPERS, NO GO… OH HELL, MIGHT AS WELL GO TO BED! – BOB REES, HARLEY ROLLINGER, BRICK WIDENFELLER MY 3 CUTEST FELLAS HAD THEIR HEADS SHAVED! THEY ARE UTTERLY REVOLTING… ATE DINNER AT NOON… NEVER AGAIN… STUFFED !

1941 Tues Is this going to be a rut? – Kid you’ve got to watch yourself - $11.00 isn’t worth it. – D.J. + I went for a ride. Air-port, hot choc.

1942 WED WORE MY GREY FLANNEL SLACKS TODAY OUT TO school… LEONARD LIKES ‘EM… SAYS I’M ONE OF FEW GALS WHO CAN “MAKE LIKE A BOY” SUCCESSFULLY.

1943 THURS BOUGHT A SLICK NEW WHITE BRA AND A NEW LIPSTICK… AN UPLIFT, BOTH! I STARTED ON THE NOVEMBER COVER. A JEWISH HOLIDAY TODAY… EVERYTHING WAS BENIGNLY, BEAUTIFULLY QUIET!… WORE MY OLD PINK DRESS AND IT WAS LIKED. IMAGINE

SEPTEMBER 29

1939 Seemed like all I did today was eat apple pie – Observed all aft. in H.S. – Forensics scavenger party tonight Quite –

1940 SUN WELL, HERE I AM BACK IN MY DULL, STUPID EXISTENCE OF SCHOOL TEACHING… OF COURSE I GOT NOTHING DONE… BUT WASHED MY HAIR, VISITED VIRGINIA AT THE HOSPITAL… THE POOR KID HAS REALLY BEEN TO HELL + BACK… HORRIBLE!… SHE ALMOST HERSELF AGAIN NOW THOUGH… GOT 2 SWELL LETTERS FROM “MABEL”… THAT KID IS ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS… HEARD CLAIRE DE LUNE ALL BY MYSELF IN THE DARK… THOUGHT ABOUT LEONARD…

1941 Mon There was no “savour” to today. – My fault, I imagine. Was 5 minutes late, this morning! (Never, again, Marion) Wrote to Mrs. R. – Wonder if Eleanor will be married? – Leonard wasn’t in school. – It’s raining – cold.

1942 TUES BOB HAD US ALL UP TO Luverne TO DINNER – BILL, JOHN K, BOB B, SHIRLEY, LEONARD AND I… LEONARD HAD ANOTHER JAG OF IGNORING ME ALL EVENING… HE HAD A HORRIBLE cold… I DIDN’T CARE… BOB’S FOLKS ARE SWELL…

1943 WED MUCH BETTER. MRS. STOTE APOLOGIZED FOR CALLING ME INARTICULATE. I’M GLAD SHE DID FOR I RESENTED IT… WENT OVER TO THE B. CONCERT - LOIS, DONNA + I VIC + GEORGE CAME + SAT with US… IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL EVENING – PINK SKY. STILL NO NEWS FROM PRIVATE PAYNE.

SEPTEMBER 28

1939 Looked at 1939 Monogram – Payne did a nice job – Best high school annual I’ve seen – I might try + get Bill McC to work on the book if I can – I’m really worried about election – I only hope I’m not entirely eliminated –

1940 Sat WELL I CERTAINLY GALLIVANTED AROUND TODAY… PAID OUT ABOUT $50! (WISH I KNEW WHAT TO DO ABOUT BILL AT BUSINESS OFFICE) – SARI AND I HAD A V. NICE LUNCHEON FOR MARG DOWN AT SHRIVERS’… LINEN SHOWER… GOT TO TALK TO MARIE A LITTLE… I COULD SCRATCH ROLF’S EYES OUT… I SAW D.J. TONIGHT… I THINK SHE WILL COME SEE ME NEXT WEEKEND… GOT MY GLASSES AND A SNAZZY NEW SQUEEZER… DIDN’T SEE L TODAY.

1941 Rather quiet Sunday. Marie + I read funnies in bed – breakfast w/ folks – dinner. – M.J. Willging came in from LeMars (so glad to talk to her) Jo stopped in before she left. Looked so swell. – Marie + I ate at Java Rm. – D.J. + I went to “Love Crazy”

1942 MON MR. SPITZNAGEL WANTS ME TO DO SOME DECORATING ON A PRIVATE Club – SHOULD BE FUN…

1943 TUES A NASTY LITTLE DAY… FRAUGHT WITH MAKING CALLS FOR THE UNITED STATES TREASURY! – I WISH THAT REPORT WERE GOING TO LOOK BETTER! – I THINK I SHOULD GO SEE Mlle SOON. FELT PHLEGMATIC TODAY – LOW. READ THOMAS WOLF atop 5TH ave bus.

SEPTEMBER 27

1939 Carp is so swell to me – comes after me + takes me home every Wed creative wr. night – That boy will go places, I think. He + Stan ragged me about being “Queen” all evening – ha!

1940 FRI GEE, HOW SWELL… WENT TO GAME WITH BOB + LEONARD… THEY WERE SO DAMN SWEET TO ME… WE SAW “HAZEL” AT THE PALACE… (I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANYTHING IF IT HAD BEEN BILL SHE WAS WITH!) I FIND THAT PROXIMITY ENDANGERS THE DURABILITY OF THE PATCH ON MY HEART… PROXIMITY OF THE GUY WHAT DONE IT… BOTH OF THEM ARE GETTING SO G. LOOKING

1941 Exhausting Morning – Felt rotten – Cold this aft. – saw Jo + Iver. – Marie is staying with me – D.J. + Bettie Edwards were over + drank tea

1942 SUN I THINK IT WAS TONIGHT I READ ALDOUS HUXLEY’S “After Many a Summer Dies the Swan” – QUITE UPSETTING.. I CAN’T FORGET IT…

1943 MON – LA, BUT I HATED TO GO TO WORK. HERE I WAS BUT RUSHED ALL DAY. SHOULD BEEN BONDING

SEPTEMBER 26

1939 I went down to H.S. + observed today. It was fun. – Ruth Bach was pretty surprised. Went to Big – Little Sister theater party. Saw Sari – Back from her vacation. Def. in love!

1940 THURS THANK GOD TOMORROW IS FRIDAY AND I’M A GOIN’ HOME! – MAYBE I DON’T EXACTLY NEED TO, BUT I’VE GOT SOME PRETTY GOOD EXCUSES SO I THINK I WILL… BLANCHE + I WENT DOWN + HAD SOME COFFEE TONIGHT… I TOLD “AW” ABOUT MY “LOVE LIFE” A BAD HABIT; BUT I SEEM TO GET A VICARIOUS PLEASURE OUT OF IT… I OUGHT TO BE MORE CAGEY!…

1941 Fri Whoops – one class – played records in techniques (Leonard’s were swell) Went to Moosic. Marg + Sara + I saw Mata Hari + ate carameled apples.

1942 SAT WILMA WAS HERE THIS WEEKEND… SHE’S ABSOLUTELY amazing… SHE NEVER SEEMS ANY OLDER AND SHE’S 40! – LOOKS ABOUT 30 – AT THE MOST…

1943 SUN. A QUIET DAY… I WROTE A LETTER. WE ENTERTAINED BOB SNOOK at BREAKFAST. I THOUGHT TOO MUCH, PERHAPS, ABOUT VIC… TSK. TSK… EDITH + I WENT TO MUSEUM OF M. ART… IT WAS SUNSHINY, OCTOBER – COLD. I MUST YET WRITE SOME MORE LETTERS… I LOATHE THE IDEA OF MONDAY IF ONLY IT WOULD BE SUNDAY FOREVER.

SEPTEMBER 25

1939 Monday There were 10 candidates for Homecoming queen nominated by the Ex council. Which is a merry mess – I’ll know Sat if I’m still in the running. It’s snowing out. Marguerite came over + walked to Wyeth – stayed.

1940 Wed Well, I hope I accomplish more tonight than I did last… It is so perfect out – clear, clean, brittle fall… would like to be on a picnic at home – WELL, I GUESS THIS PAST 4 WKS HAS BEEN WORTH THAT $120 CHECK I GOT TODAY! – makes me think I can probably stand it. Got that godawful Spelling class re-arranged thank goodness!

1941 Thurs I think I was a little more coherent in my Hist of Art Lecture – Anyhow they seemed interested! – rode to school on a motorcycle! – Mother had Mrs. V + Eunice + Marg over for dinner – I’m walking to Eide’s. It’s crisp + starry out

1942 FRI

1943 SAT I REALLY HAD A SWELL EVENING with VIC. HE HAS changed, I DO THINK. WE HAD DINNER AT CALLUCI’S… MOVIE AT THE Roxy (a WONDERFUL STAGE SHOW – PAUL DRAPER) THEN DANCED + DRANK A WHILE. HE KISSED ME IN A TAXI – NO SLOUCH, HE… THIS MORNING, WE WATCHED THE MIDSHIPMEN DRILL. WAVED AT AN AUGGIE LAD.

SEPTEMBER 24

1939 Sundays are usually lonely. This was no exception – in fact, it was worse than most. – I loathed myself all day – By evening I wasn’t fit company for anyone – I put on my winter coat – sat out in the moonlight + got over it!

1940 TUES 11:00 HERE I AM TRYING TO CONCENTRATE ON MY LESSON PLANS + NOT SUCCEEDING AT ALL. I DON’T LIKE GRAMMAR! – WELL, I WAS NASTY ALL DAY, AND IT DIDN’T EVEN DEPRESS ME – MAYBE I’LL BECOME INURED TO IT? –

1941 12:50 JUST WROTE A HECK OF A GOOD LETTER TO MLLE – WITH ALL THE EVIDENCE INTACT – HOPE IT NETS ME SOMETHING. – SEEMS LIKE I’M NOT TIRED WHEN I’M ABSORBED IN WHAT I’M DOING – HAD A NICE DAY AT SCHOOL –

1942 THURS

1943 FRI I DON’T THINK I WANT TO SEE Herman AGAIN. HE CAME OVER ABOUT NINE – WE WALKED, WENT TO A MOVIE… THEN UP RIVERSIDE – MY NEMESIS… I LOATHE HAVING HIM KISS ME… I HOPE HE DOESN’T CALL AGAIN. IT WILL BE MUCH SIMPLER… BOB SNOOK CALLED I HAD LUNCH with HIM. WE DON’T HAVE TO WORK Saturdays

SEPTEMBER 23

1939 Sat- (Formal Reception) Glamour Girl sans man! – I wore my hair up - + I looked super – and came home alone! – I guess I didn’t concentrate on one enough!

1940 MON Oh God! – I loath being hateful but I guess I’ll have to deal with it! – I am depressed… Taking bath doing exercises helped, though!

1941 WHICH YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE TONIGHT! – ELEANOR CALLED… PHILLIP STAYED UNTIL MONDAY! TSK, TSK – I’LL BET THEY GET MARRIED – I HOPE SHE LOVES HIM ENOUGH… I LAY IN A STUPOR ON THE DAVENPORT AFTER SUPPER, FINALLY REVIVED ENOUGH TO WRITE TO MIKE L. LEONARD + I SAID “GOOD-MORNING” TO EACH OTHER

1942 WED

1943 THURS GEE, DOPEY, WE’VE BEEN LAX – YOU’LL NEVER CATCH UP IN HERE – TOO MUCH HAS HAPPENED; SO YOU BETTER JUST TAKE IT FROM “NOW” – LEONARD WROTE OF GLAD TIDINGS – OH, GOD, I ONLY HOPE IT WORKS OUT! – AND SO BEAUTIFULLY OF ALL I WISHED TO HEAR… HE IS SO FINE… MOTHER WROTE, too

SEPTEMBER 22

1939 Spent the day looking for people + not finding ‘em. I’ll have to go out to school tomorrow! – long time at my window to-night thinking about home-coming. (If only I were sure of a date!)

1940 Sun 12:30 I’d almost forgotten how it felt to be “bossed” – well I remember now, vividly – Maybe it was my fault – but I don’t think so… E. LEFT ON 5:30 TRAIN. – D.J. TOOK ME for a ride tonight we ate popcorn. I left a note for Bill

1941 11:00? (RUSSIA HAS PRACTICALLY FALLEN… IS AT LEAST WEAKENED TERRIBLY… WHERE IS THIS INSANITY TO END?) – I CERTAINLY DIDN’T CURB MY APPETITE AS I HAD INTENDED TO – TSK, TSK. – DAY DIDN’T GO BADLY AT ALL… BOB + I LISTENED TO BACH’S CONTATA + FUGUE… WROTE ELEANOR

1942 TUES

1943 WED I’M GETTING MORE + MORE organized AGAIN, I THINK… [THANK GOODNESS…] PEG + I WENT FOR A WALK ALONG THE RIVER – SO BEAUTIFUL + SHINY WITH LIGHTS… HIGH SCHOOL BOYS WANTED TO PICK US UP. WE SHYLY DEMURRED… ATE WITH HERMAN. HE WAS VERA CURIOUS ABOUT Leonard.

SEPTEMBER 21

1939 Only one class to-day accomplished a little – I seem to be the only one in Bible who’ll “discuss” Marguerite + I went to “The Rains Came” – We talked about men + techniques – as usual!

1940 SAT I DON”T know. Something is OFF. Oi – I should be kicked – but I guess I didn’t have as much fun as I planned… Virginia is in the hospital. Eleanor, Bob + I went to foot ball game

1941 SUN I’M NOT ALONE, FOR A CHANGE, … HAVE SOME LOVELY GOOD INTENTIONS SLEEPING BESIDE ME TONIGHT… I ONLY HOPE THEY STICK AROUND FOR A WHILE… SPENT THE DAY IRONING, GETTING ORGANIZED… D.J. + I WENT TO MR. JORDON… IT WAS MARVELOUS… MAKES YOU KIND OF STOP + THINK –

1942 MON I THINK IT WAS HERE WE WENT TO Louis Armstrong… I WORE MY BLACK DRESS… [MY SLIP KEPT CREEPING UP ON ME, though]… LEONARD GOT FRIENDLY WITH SOME SOLDIERS, and I WAS PRACTICALLY MOBBED… HE SORT OF NOTICED ME, then –

1943 TUES I’M GLAD I’M HERE… THE PAINTING OF LEONARD’S CAME… I’LL LIKE IT IN MY ROOM. MY LITTLE, SMALL BRIGHT ROOM. AT 609 WEST 115^TH STREET NEW YORK CITY.

SEPTEMBER 20

1939 Went to Creative Writing – I guess I’ll be taking it for another year – B. Funey is in the class – Carp + Bob + I listened to B.L. + I.L. fight afterwards

1940 FRI GEE, home again – sleeping with Eleanor – seems almost as if we’d never been gone, really… Dragged her out to school where she met D.Gregory. Saw Howard, Bob, Mr. E. – it rained – we talked

1941 2:00 I AM A HELLUVA GAL… I REVOLT ME… I AM NEVER HAPPY WITH WHAT I HAVE – MR. S. STOPPED IN THIS MORNING… LOVE HIM… SWELL GUY… HAS A LITTLE JOB UP AT Cole’s FOR ME… CHILS + MARIE WERE OVER FOR DINNER; WE WENT TO THE GAME + TO A MOVIE –

1942 SUN I THINK IT WAS THIS DAY I WAS SO ACUTELY tortured… MY GOD! – IT WAS TERRIBLE. HOW CAN Eleanor DO WHAT SHE DOES… MADE EVERYTHING COMPLETELY miserable FOR ME. –

1943 MON PAIN + DESOLATION. I WAS FULL OF SADNESS + HEARTSICK WHEN I GOT BACK; THEN BARBARA IS GOING BACK TO TEXAS. I MOVED IN with PEG + LOIS + DONNA… I HOPE IT WILL WORK OUT OKAY. I’M SOUL-TIRED.

SEPTEMBER 19

1939 Tues Cole (R) doesn’t seem to think that papier mache will work – but he still is interested however. Worked on foot ball posters…

1940 Thurs Dammit! I knew it. Eleanor didn’t come after all; Dad came back too late… I should have done something instead of just fooling around this evening!

1941 Fri 10:30 “Techniques” had water-colors outside today – even if it was windy – I enjoy it so much. Went to Mr. Lee’s class – Wasted this aft. washed clothes tonight – D.J. + I went riding for a while

1942 SAT MAYBE I’M CRAZY, BUT I TURNED DOWN DAYTON’S… I WAS INSULTED AT $22.50 A WEEK! I MIGHT FIGURE IT WAS WORTH IT, IF I COULD DO WHAT I WAS CRAZY ABOUT IT – CUT out A RED DRESS. BOB B. WAS HERE

1943 SUN. SARA + JANE PUT ME ON THE TRAIN… THIS IS AWFUL. FEEL DESPERATELY INTROVERTED, VERY SAD. SO LONESOME… I WASHED MY HAIR THIS MORNING WHILE S + J WERE AT CHURCH – I FEEL NOTHING. CARE FOR NOTHING. EVERYTHING IS MECHANICAL, AUTOMATIC.

SEPTEMBER 18

1939 First day of real classes – School is going to be fun + exciting All the freshmen are darling – (253 of them) – Mr. Cole sent me a telegram that he couldn’t come down – Wayne King played tonight

1940 Wed – I am in a physical mess… I hope I last through Friday! – I’ll live through tomorrow because I know Eleanor is coming! – And Friday – we go HOME! – (hope I sleep tonight - )

1941 Thurs 12:00 We just saw a big fire – Ross Lumber – Mobs of people in their nightclothes – fire trucks – hose - + red orange smoke + flames… Emil says he thinks I have more poise – Leonard hasn’t talked to him… Faculty picnic talked to Margaret

1942 FIRST LEONARD and I WENT OVER TO Harold’s THIS EVENING… DRANK PORT WINE – H. LAGERSTROM AND I TALKED ART INSTITUTE UNTIL H + L WERE QUITE BORED. Harold SAID LEONARD SAID HE SAW ME LAST NIGHT! EVIDENTLY DIDN’T KNOW I WAS WITH Stan.

1943 SAT HOWARD IS SWEET. A WONDERFUL FELLOW. WE FELT A LITTLE SHY THOUGH. [MY PICTURE IS STILL IN HIS WALLET.] SAW CLARA IN CHICAGO, SHE IS TALLER, THINNER MORE ADULT. FERN WAS GOING TO SEE ROY at ST. LOUIS. I WAS GLAD SOMEONE WAS with ME. GOD, IT WAS TOO SHORT!

SEPTEMBER 17

1939 Sun This morning Marg, Marie + Dot + I had our little sisters over here for breakfast. – Pottery, rolls, scrambled eggs. – Very nice, but no-one ate enough. Rose + I went to our church. – I washed my hair + cut out a blouse.

1940 Tues 1:30 Brittle, beautiful, vivid… Gertrude Lawrence… The play wasn’t nearly good enough for her… Every time I see a play I wonder if really maybe I have something to offer – or is it a dream

1941 12:00 Wed Wonder how Bill + Leonard liked creative writing… if they got in the class. I was at a faculty party – But I shouldn’t sneer; I enjoyed myself + didn’t feel at all out of place. Had both classes out of doors.

1942 THURS I GIVE UP… Stan ASKED ME OUT… HE WOULD HAVE TALKED; HAD WE THE OPPORTUNITY! [DAD, of course, WAS LISTENING TO A BASEBALL Game] I DON’T SEE WHY HAROLD + STAN HAVE IT IN FOR Leonard SO… I FEEL LIKE everybody KNOWS WHAT GOES ON BUT ME!

1943 FRI. [OH, I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK! NEVER NEVER] EVERETT KROEGER USED ME FOR A MODEL… THIS AFT. I WAS LATE FOR SUPPER… MOTHER HAD BILL + OLGA, PUNKIN PIE FOR DESSERT. SHIRLEE, VIRGINIA, JOHN ALL CAME OVER, LATER. I’M TIRED. AND I DON’T WANT TO GO!

SEPTEMBER 16

1939 – Tonight E + I drove for an hr + half hour trying to find a pk. Place to see Carole Lombard in a movie. It was worth it.

1940 Monday – which lived up to its reputation. I thought I was going to go to sleep for sure in faculty meeting – agony – Dorothy’s sister was here who is going to Minn! Seemed nice to converse with a contemporary. MARG IS GETTING MARRIED! ELEANOR IS COMING!

1941 And the plane is over head… Does to me what wild geese do. Like to come home in it Some Day. – Didn’t accompli much today. I’d better step up production; If I’m to get any place – feel fat!

1942 WED WROTE TO HAAKENSON while LISTENING TO BASIN STREET… FINISHED DAMN’ OLE’ RADIO SCRIPTS… PHOOEY… NAUSEATE ME AFTER 3 of EM… GOT ‘EM MAILED… WE SAW Peggy OFF AT 5:20… SHE WASN’T PHASED… GAVE HER SOME CANDY and “NEW YORKER” – SAW MR. P, too.

1943 THURS MOTHER + ELEANOR + I WENT TO DINNER AT the TOWN CLUB… IT WAS NICE. I READ THEM SOME OF LEONARD’S SO BEAUTIFUL Letter. I WISH MOTHER NEW HIM BETTER, REALLY. SHIRLEY + BETTY HANSON, VIRGINIA, D.J. WERE OVER. IT WAS VERY NICE. I CLEANED THE HOUSE.

SEPTEMBER 15

1939 – I’ll always remember the crazy fun I’ve had to-night every time I see a watermelon – remember how we (Donna Jean + I) carried off a couple from the all-school watermelon bust and ended up (after walking all over town with them) eating one over at Broadlawn cemetery with Carp + Spence.

1940 11:00 Nuts, I’m going to bed – a week’s planning is only such a small dent in that junk… I must work all week… I went to church with Mrs. Reeves – she invited me to dinner (boiled, New England) um, it was good… studied a little – Anxious to see Eleanor hope she got home okay –

1941 Mon Even when I’m busy – like today – Art 1 – Art 33 – Art 21 – I can’t keep Leonard out of my mind… If I could only be sensible… But, I can’t. – Couldn’t concentrate on my History of Art for tomorrow.

1942 TUES WORE MY GREEN CORDUROY TO Jack T… IT WAS DREADFULLY hot… LEONARD WAS very QUIET… MAYBE BECAUSE STAN + CO WERE IN THE OUTFIT… WE DIDN’T TRADE A DANCE… THE MOOSIC WAS PERFECT… Even, THEY PLAYED “MY SWEET EMBRACEABLE YOU.”

1943 WED MOTHER + ELEANOR + I WENT TO QUIET PLEASE Murder at the Orpheum. (because Leonard liked it) We won .50 playing Screens! Such fun. I have no cavities. – Just must have them cleaned… We got ice cream cones on the way home.

SEPTEMBER 14

1939 I hope there won’t be many more days as unbearably hot as the last few. – Went to a tea to-day. – And saw “Pygmalion”.

1940 10:30 And I am only beginning to contemplate getting some work done! It’s always so hard to start… I had fun today cleaning up my room, washing my hair, clothes… I really enjoy Mrs. Reeves a lot. I really wonder what “Robert” is like –

1941 Sun Mother + I went to church – Clara + I went to Big-Little Sister tea – Listened to records that Mr. Lee played for us – saw Leonard. Went to Man Power with Marg + Sara + Eunice.

1942 MON SAW Sary – AT LAST… QUITE UNSATISFACTORY. KATHRINE G. WENT WITH US TO THE Pied Piper… (Leonard HAD spoiled IT FOR ME, BY TELLING ME THE ENDING) I WROTE SCRIPT today… I HOPE I GO TO Jack TEAGARDEN… MAYBE LIVING IN CHICAGO WOULD BE FUN FOR A WHILE…

1943 TUES JOHN TOOK ME TO THE TOWN CLUB TO PLAY BINGO… I ALMOST WON THE $75 BOND! – ATE DINNER AT D.J’S. – MARGE SCOTT CONGRATULATED ME… I SAID NOT QUITE. LEONARD HAD WRITTEN HER WHEN THEY WERE MARRIED. HE IS SWEETER. MORE THOUGHTFUL.

SEPTEMBER 13

1939 – gall + wormwood! – Ray had Holly at the dance last night + Leonard had Blossom! – What I need is a man! – I’m exhausted. – Big – Little S. too. We washed dishes to-night – Lime sherbet + gingerale + choc. cookies – I wore my blue B. shoes

1940 Friday 12:00 – Wrote 5 letters… hope I get some returns… Got a swell letter from Eleanor. She will probably be home Sun morning. Got to rationalizing – wanted to be there, but after I talked to Mother, my mind was changed… I’ll probably appreciate it more.

1941 Sat Oh Damn! – Every time I wear that formal I get a frustrated feeling afterward! – Formal Reception – Maybe its that I’m so tired I could spit.

1942 1:00 I WORE IT AGAIN today TO USHER AT PEGGYS RECITAL… SHES SO VERY WONDERFUL… SHE’LL SURELY MAKE THE GRADE! – WISH, IN A WAY, I WERE GOING with HER… WENT TO DINNER WITH BOB REIF… HE’S RILLY AN INTERESTING FELLA. WE SAW A BOB HOPE MOVIE AND HAD COKES IN THE KITCHEN…

1943 MON Oh God, like an amputation without anesthetic…I’m not all me when I’m not with Leonard. He called at 10:00. I cried. Mother said I mussn’t. We went down in the cab alone together. I tried to be good. He hated leaving, I know. I got my reservation. How can I leave?

SEPTEMBER 12

1939 Dammit! Every time the phone rings I think its Ray. – Saw him to-day out at school. – He came up behind me and practically bowled me over! – I thought he had left town. – I was quite nice to him; but apparently not nice enough?

1940 11:00 Not even a boring teachers institute could spoil the wonderful way I feel… Its completely inexplicable… Saw Wyman + Ansel – again I was literally shaking I was so happy to see someone I wish I could have talked to them more… I hope I feel this way all year – Dear Leonard Dear Bob Dear Emil!

1941 Fri Techniques wasn’t nearly as terrifying as I had expected. Its going to be a fun class. Leonard only missed on in the test.

1942 SAT OH ECSTASY! – I’M HAPPY; PHENOMENAL, AFTER BEING absolutely ABYSOMAL THIS MORNING… JOHN and I PICKED OUT BOB PRESINCK for PEGGY… HOPE SHE LIKES IT… WENT OVER TO SEE HER, THEN, later, BOB, LEONARD and BILL CAME OVER… LEONARD and I TALKED * BETTER.

1943 SUN We went to Worthington to see Jeannie. She is more beautiful than ever. Will have her baby in a few weeks. She thinks well of Leonard… John drove us up – back in the rain. Here, afterward, we had coffee, sandwiches, + cake… We had so little time alone together. Oh God.

SEPTEMBER 11

1939 MON – Helped 2 “little” sisters register out at school to-day. I only hope I do as well for myself! – Marie told me that Ray asked about me Sat. night (He was at the dance) – She really emphasized the fact that she’d seen me out at all the dances.

1940 11:30 Yes, thank God, they did come! – After I had given up all hope, they rallied in about 6:00… I was actually shaking I was so happy. It was so good to see them! – We didn’t really do anything. I took them to dinner, we rode around… showed them my room… we ate popcorn (sitting 4 across in C’s car) + etc… Glad!!

1941 Thur Convocation – I almost didn’t sit on the stage with the faculty! Emil played Bach for Bob + me after lunch – He’s a darling.

1942 FRI GEE, WHAT A mixed-up DAY… WE DIDN’T GET STARTED UNTIL 10:30 – my FAULT… MRS. C IS marvelous! – I’LL CERTAINLY LOOK HER UP IF I’M GOING TO BE IN Mlps! … LEONARD CALLED – WE and A PHONEY R. CORBER WENT TO SEE John K.

1943 SAT We are right + perfect for one another, I know… We went to the dance for just a little while… Magic on the porch… Alone together (He could have me any time he wished)… Met Marie this noon for lunch. Then Leonard. We washed our hair. – such intimate pleasure. His back is so beautiful, so brown, so smooth.

SEPTEMBER 10

1939 SUN I went to church this morning (I’m going to go all the time) – Sari + I went bike riding I wore my new slacks – Saw Leonard. – Was over to Marjorie’s to-night.

1940 11:30 B-R-R-R – really turning cold – Gee, no “in between” weather at all… It seems like every minute in the day is filled for me – at school by 8:00 – till 6:00 – study from 8:30 – 11:30 – I bet I’ll get sick of this grind… I wonder if Jo + Bob + L will come tomorrow?

1941 Wed Registration… Emil’s here. Met Wilbur Haare…

1942 THURS (WHO’S AT THE HEAD of HIS CLASS IN MB. CORPS) WELL, I CAN WRITE radio SCRIPT IF I PLEASE MR. Witmer WITH SOME SAMPLE STUFF; (MIGOSH… COULD I TURN OUT one A DAY?) … HE HAD ME RE-WRITE ONE of HIS! – IT WAS A STRAIN… MISSED MY BUS… WILL RIDE HOME WITH A Ms. C… WAS IN A BLACKOUT… LONESOME

1943 FRI Spitznagels took us to dinner… a very fine meal. Then we saw Ren + family. The Eides… it was good. We drove out to Elmwood. There was music in the night… Time did not exist for us. We know one another well.

SEPTEMBER 9

1939 SAT Went out to school – supposedly to work. – ha. – Bob + L both admired my slacks! – Showed Eide the sketchy dummy. –

1940 Mon 11:00 Launched on 2nd week of teaching career – (ugh) But really not so bad. By 7th period today I thought I even might be sort of a good teacher! – I almost got interested in what I was saying… - London is being racked with Bombers. It is hard to believe that those calm British people are living every day in terror of losing their lives.

1941 Tues Saw Mr. Eide for a moment this morning. I respect him infinitely… Still more registration –

1942 WED GOT UP here ABOUT 5:30 (TRIP WASN’T too BAD!)… TOOK HEART AND DECIDED TO GO DOWN TO DINNER and SEE THE STYLE SHOW… DRESSED UP AND PRETENDED I WAS SOMEONE… ha … IT was FUN… GEE, tomorrow?

1943 THURS We lay out in the backyard in the sunshine, and talked. I adore Leonard. There can never be anyone else for me. We went over + looked after Jeannie + Kay for a while. Inga + Stephen came over in their dungarees. We went, for a while, to the dance. To Sherman Hill I think.

SEPTEMBER 8

1939 Went down town – left “Molly” in S’s office. – No sweaters – bought slacks – ($5.95) - + spent $’s – Met Rose Doyle – went to a horrible movie.

1940 Sun I am not going to bed until I get fairly well organized for next week… Today was awful I guess I can blame Leonard for that. I’m sorry I couldn’t act more decent at home. Wilmer + Olga brought me back at about 6:00… I must accomplish.

1941 9:31 If I let Leonard down a week or 2 ago, he certainly let me down tonight. Gee, I needed somebody’s shoulder tonight. Bob + L + I were over to say G’bye. – It hit me a little hard.

1942 TUES Yeah, REPEAT PERFORMANCE… BUT I DIDN’T TELL HIM I WAS GOING TO MLPS TOMORROW, SO I GUESS I COULDN’T EXPECT HIM TO SAY G’BYE tonight… BOB H. IS IN PIERRE on A “CONSTRUCTION” JOB… HE SAID B’BYE TO us – ONE, too… NUTS, I DON’T CRAVE GOING…

1943 WED Another beautiful day. Gee, I could not love him any more. I don’t care if I do anything. I just must be with him.

SEPTEMBER 7

1939 Thurs Well, Kenny G. is going to business manage the year book. I think he’ll be swell. – I’m really relieved. –

1940 11:00 Well, not much different than any other Saturday at home – Washed my hair, clothes, cleaned up the house. Feel awful about Mother not being able to get around better… V. told me she saw L. out with someone. I saw him this aft.

1941 11:00 I have red polish on my toenails + I’m going to start registering freshmen tomorrow. I must be dignified! Mother + I went to church this morning. D.J. went for a ride + had some crazy h.s. kids following us

1942 MON FOOLED AGAIN, DAMMIT. MISTER Payne DIDN’T SAY BOO ABOUT FRANKIE MASTERS AT NEPTUNE… WE-ALL WENT TO the PARADE THIS MORNING… WROTE A FEW LETTERS. D.J. + SHIRLEE AND I WENT FOR A RIDE… ATE POPCORN, WHISTLED AT SOLDIERS… AND WERE FOLLOWED!

1943 TUES I fed my love with tomato + bacon sandwiches + apple pie… We are desperately in love… withall… Played nursemaid to Jeannie + Kay. Asked L. for dinner. I was glad (the orchestra plays Shostakovich + now I can’t remember) – Just beauty – longing – happiness + sadness

SEPTEMBER 6

1939 11:30 Worked on “Molly” – ( I certainly hope she turns out okay) Leonard + friend were out at school – I couldn’t concentrate any too well – Margie + Ness + Marie + I went for a ride + ran out of gas on Phyllis Ave. – (My head aches!)

1940 3:00 Bob + I talked until 1:45… Maybe I said too much; I hope not… He is the best friend I have I think. He thinks as much of L. as I do. We were over to Eides and I met Don Gregory. One good reason I wish I could be at school next year! Seems good to be home…

1941 Sat Went to my first faculty meeting! – I’d do anything for Kranskow… Bob + L + I worked out at school this aft. Ness, Chils + Marie + I went on a picnic… Moonlight –

1942 SUN VIRGINIA + I WENT TO Holiday Inn. – MEDIOCRE IT WAS GREY and RAINY ALL DAY… BUT A BEAUTIFUL, MISTY NIGHT, withall… I READ Cheney, LISTENED TO TSYCHOWSKYS 6th THIS AFTERNOON and GOT MY HAIR WASHED. Gee. I WISH MY FUTURE WERE SETTLED. FOO to LIMBOS.

1943 MON Leonard came over soon after lunch… We went out to school. Oh God, it smells so CLEAN, so GOOD… Mr. Eide is the same, thank goodness… Bob + Shirley went to the dance with us. Leonard said should I stay? – Yes of course!

SEPTEMBER 5

1939 – Well, I wasn’t so lazy to-day. – Collected pay at Fantle’s (spent most of it on mannequin materials!) - + tried to do the same at K.S.O.O. – But “George” is out of town! – I guess Eleanor + Ed have definitely broken up. – He sent her some flowers to-night.

1940 10:55 I just finished re-reading Silas Marner. That I should require these Sophomores to read something that bored even me… Wow, am I tired!… Tomorrow it’s back in my old bed I’ll be…. I wonder if I’ll see L. this week-end… I hope so.

1941 We were over at Eide’s for a spaghetti farewell. It was simply perfect. – We got supplies ordered + stuff a little more organized

1942 SAT ELEANOR and PHILIP and I WENT TO Talk of the Town (POOR TITLE FOR A GOOD MOVIE)… I FINISHED THE Hanson JOB THIS MORNING… FELT ABSOLUTELY BOOSHED ALL AFTERNOON, SO ACCOMPLISHED nil…

1943 SUN I’m complete once more! I live again! Leonard came in at 6:00 this morning. Came over. We had breakfast. Went with Eleanor… saw Eides. It was such a fine beautiful day. I “received” in slacks. The nice people stayed too long. All of them. It was ages till we could be alone. Leonard talked of marriage.

SEPTEMBER 4

1939 9:45 – Sometimes I know I’m just plain lazy – no excuses! – Maybe its too much * fried chicken, I don’t know - *(yesterday + to-day, both - )

1940 10:30 I hope tomorrow goes better than today. Honestly, I couldn’t have lived through one more class. That Spelling + Penmanship with 85 kids is just a little too much… I haven’t anything to wear but fall clothes and the weather is so warm…

1941 Will we ever get stuff going? It seems hopeless. It’s such a mess! I finished my dirndl tonight. I like it, anyhow.

1942 SAT SHIRLEE had US OVER FOR DINNER; I FELT STRANGELY DETACHED… CONFUSED… Leonard’s ANSWER TO IT IS NITCHEVO, WHICH IS NO ANSWER, AT ALL… HE ACTED QUITE AWFUL ALL EVENING…

1943 SAT Finally it has come! – (I thought it never, ever would) Everyone looked so fine… Eleanor + I talked till late, of course. Oh Leonard must come soon! – I’m tired but so very happy.

SEPTEMBER 3

1939 11:00 Sunday Tonight I squashed a centipede on the wall… I wish I had the opportunity to squash Hitler in the same decisive manner. – An English passenger boat was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland tonight. 1400 passengers… The president spoke tonight assuring the people of our neutrality. God grant we may keep it.

1940 I’m afraid there will be nothing very sensational to record these next 9 months… Every thing seems like it will evolve itself into sort of a pleasant, but busy rut… Tonight I went to Ladies’ Auxiliary with Mrs. Reeves –

1941 Leonard came out this aft. – We self-consciously avoided each other. – He is too much in my thoughts –

1942 THURS WE WENT TO "The Kid Grove Killer” – WITH SHIRLEE and BILL… [MIGOSH IF LEONARD TOLD BILL about THAT NOTE S. WROTE I MIGHT AS WELL LEAVE TOWN!]… I WORKED QUITE HARD today. ELEANOR and PHILIP WERE HERE WHEN I GOT home

1943 FRI

SEPTEMBER 2

1939 11:00 Pasted papier mache all morning + worked this afternoon + tonight at Gloria’s. – When I collect what I have coming (Fantle’s + Seven) I’ll have $17 to spend for clothes. – Mentally it’s already spent!! E. went to the dance with Julian

1940 10:30 Surprise! I lived through that awful first day. I think I’m going to get along okay. Every one has been very swell to me. I hope I can make them like me – I’m going to bed sans lesson planning!

1941 Tue Bob is back – he is thin + serious; I think he has grown up more, too. He was over tonight + seemed absolutely dead!

1942 WED 5 FELLAS WERE OVER TONIGHT… RATHER A STRAIN… Mother WAS OWLY… BUT WE GOT THROUGH THE EVENING SANS mishap. MISTER PAYNE, however, LEFT QUITE EARLY. I DON’T KNOW WHY; BUT I HOPE HE WAS ANNOYED.

1943 THURS

SEPTEMBER 1

1939 10:00 To-day there were air-raids over Polish cities. – Hitler seems to be determined to carry out his plans. – Thank God I live in America! – It doesn’t seem like anything can prevent a general European war now- I hope we can stay out of it!

1940 10:35 I hope I live through tomorrow – I feel so ignorant. But I’ve got to build up the ego + grit the teeth and live till the weekend

1941 Mon It was good to be with Marie + Chils – More than ever I want to be clean and wholesome + vital… It is certainly their greatest asset. I am much too self-centered and melancholy. There is no sense to it.

1942 TUES DAVID STOPPED BY TONIGHT TO APOLOGIZE FOR LAST NIGHT… I TOLD him IT WAS QUITE UNNECESSARY… HE WANTED TO FIND OUT IF I REALLY MEANT WHAT I SAID… and WAS SURPRISED WHEN HE FOUND I DID.

1943 WED