OCTOBER 18

1939 We didn’t have class to-day night so I didn’t read my “story” – Carp took me to the show + then Bob + Donna J + Leonard + I went on a “picnic” on a vacant lot.

1940 Got to go to the game tonight after all – Unfortunately, it was not the Eilers number but a completely blind number – I’m sure I won’t go out with him again Even if he’s 6’3”, has a Lincoln Zephyr + would take me around plenty. He has a fat, mean face and also a wife whom I’m not even sure is divorced!

1941 Sat Gee, swell… Went to G.W.S. H. rehearsals, talked w/ Eve, saw Landey – who’s swell. – Saw Betty she makes me ill – Sleeping in “front bedroom”

1942 SUN BOB R. + I WENT TO the MAJOR + the MINOR. HE IS HIGHLY INTELLIGENT; AND NICE – CERTAINLY DOESN’T STIMULATE ME OTHERWISE THAN intellectually, THOUGH…

1943

OCTOBER 17

1939 Tues – “Observed” all day course at the high school I start teaching Monday! – I have to start something for Cr. Writing

1940 11:30 Well, I really didn’t dream I’d be “in it”. If I had, I might have been more really “observant” … Dear Heaven, what a day! Don’t think I can stand many more like it… Got mad for the first time!… Larry suddenly infuriated me… Thank goodness I didn’t say or do anything I’d be sorry for… quit teaching – Skit tonight… Bought Bob Rees a round again.

1941 Fri – I’m so glad I came – really a reception. – I was thrilled – (for a change) – parade – coronation – marvelous game – Dance – Blanche is upset again

1942 SAT 1:45 A PICNIC WITH LARRY + DONNA… MORE BEER AND CONVIVIALITY… A HUGE FIRE… WE WENT TO THE ORPHEUM FIRST; WE ENJOY BEING ALONE together… I HAD 3 OTHER CHANCES FOR DATES TONIGHT – BUT NONE COMPARE WITH Leonard.

1943

OCTOBER 16

1939 7:50 – And back to school again! – The week-end seems a million years ago – I did a lay out and put my scratch coat on m' fresco panel to-day. – Want to write to Eleanor + Nessa – But I must start to write something for creative writing Wed.

1940 11:30 Gee, I wanted to make it before this. – But we had a B. party for Janet out to the DelMar – We also had cocktails served to us up at the apartment! I hope my surprise didn’t show all over my face… I felt pretty swell today. Hope Brenda + Cabin go off all right tomorrow!

1941 Thurs – I guess maybe I’ll go to LeMars tomorrow – I washed my clothes out. – I told D.J. about everything. I think she likes Leonard, too

1942 FRI 2:00 I WAS PRACTICALLY IN A COMA, I WAS SO TIRED – BUT BOB + VIRGINIA WANTED A PICNIC, SO WE WENT ON ONE – out TO Sherman. I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO skip THE NIGHT CLUBS.

1943

OCTOBER 15

1939 1:30 Inevitably tomorrow brings reality + its immediate problems – Managed to make the Philo-Web alumnae breakfast. Came home + slept till time for tea. – Wore my formal for last time for awhile – I hope. Went out for a picnic – Donna + I talked till 1:30. I like her so much!

1940 11:00 Well, I lasted. Went pretty good… Is this all going to be “clawing up a cliff” like this? – God, I hope not. – I feel like it would be a good deal if they would let me snooker out between semesters if that job works out in Minneapolis – Gee, I wish it would! – Grades recorded tonight – What a mess!

1941 Wed Creative Wr. – Krause got off on a tangent. Wilber + Emil insisted on walking all the home w/ me.

1942 THURS

1943 FRI I WENT TO THE PROM ON THE Prairie State WITH VIC… IT RILLY NICE… GEE, THOSE BOYS LOOKED SO CLEAN, SO YOUNG, SO good. I FEEL POOHED OUR… VIC GOT OUT OF WEEK-END WATCH BY TELLING THE C.O. THAT “HIS GIRL WAS COMING FROM SOUTH DAKOTA!” IMAGINE… AND, WHAT’S MORE, I WAS INTRODUCED TO HIM IN THAT CAPACITY! MY FEET ARE A MESS. HEARD FROM KRIK.

OCTOBER 12

1939 11:30 We went down and tried few coats on at Wermuth’s afterwards, we went out to school + coked ate the huddle – Helped Bob + Leonard + Ruth on the stage till 5:00 B + L wanted to go to show Eleanor leaves day after tomorrow

1940 2:30 Gee, this seems normal, now. – (I wish I could sleep about 14 hrs) I am sick I’m so tired… My day was a trifle unsuccessful… Gee, I don’t know what was the matter. I guess it’s another case of over-anticipation… We lost our H. game… Hugo gave speech at the banquet tonight I had 2 chances for dates – But not with L.

1941 Sun – Serene – I know it isn’t all worn out – Leonard + Emil + D.J. + I went on a picnic –

1942 MON

1943 TUES FINISHED UP THE DAMN’ MARKET CALLS; DOROTHY STARTED ME RIGHT OUT WRITING CAPTIONS… I GET SO MAD and I SHOULDN’T, I KNOW…

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 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 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!

AUGUST 22

1939 10:30 – Worked on lay-outs – It’s cool as October – Was over to Bailin’s to cut “ad”. I’m eating too much!

1940 Managed to “escape” myself a little today – Went to a show w/ Blossom this aft the Fair w/ Donna + Hunk (Bill called + wanted to go to the FAIR!- ha)

1941 Fri Gee, to have Leonard come, and I should meet him with inadequacy. If only I could just forget myself – I felt I had not helped him at all. Bought a coat, went to a picnic up to Feeneys

1942 SAT DARLING, YOU WERE SO TERRIBLY TIRED; WE CERTAINLY DIDN’T GETanything SAID TO EACH OTHER… I WAS A LITTLE strained, I’M AFRAID… AND sorry FOR THE WAY I ACTED yesterday… I’M IN NEED of REASSURANCE

1943 SUN

AUGUST 20

1939 11:30 I feel marvlous – I have for about 4 days – It’s crisp, cool practically fall. After “Wizard of Oz” Sari +  I caught up with each other – She certainly thinks a great deal of Tony I hope they get married – getting so I’m 1/2 way fond of the idea of putting out a year-book

1940 11:30 Well, maybe things have started “breaking” I got a phone call from LeMars today. Going up for a personal tomorrow. The money would be swell, but maybe it would be a rut. Wrote letters tonight – Felt awful.

1941 Well – at least I was busy all day! – Got sketches done up + sent. Met Eleanor + Mother for lunch, washed my hair, went on a picnic and over to Dot’s tonight –

1942 THURS WENT TO THE DANCE with STAN… WE TALKED some MORE… HE’S SUCH A solid CITIZEN… DAD came HOME. I  THOUGHT I BETTER SPEAK TO HIM… I CAN’T BEAR A GRUDGE, I guess. MR. SPITZNAGEL APPROVES of HANSON COLOR scheme

1943 FRI

AUGUST 19

1939 Sat Very disgusting – I planned to spend my money this aft. + the pink sweater had been sold – the corduroy slacks are still $5.95. I fixed over my red sw. into a cardigan tonight. I’m so tired of being a bachelor!

1940 1:00 Marg, Sara + I went to Our Town. – it affected us – It makes you realize the importance of appreciating every moment. Makes me realize I’ll remember days like today – Bob asked Leonard + me over to lunch – They are so swell to me. Maybe I’m going to Minneapolis.

1941 Tues Feel slut-ish – Thank God, for tomorrow. Drew all day again. Mom + E. + I ate lunch at the Milk Bar + we had a steak fry. Virginia + I went on a picnic –

1942 WED. WORKED our FOOL PLACECARDS FOR A MRS. Ray ALL AFTERNOON (Well, I did spend some time with Bob H. + Leonard… bought them ice cream cones! Leonard has no inhibitions about kissing me in the ART DEPARTMENT)

1943 THURS.

AUGUST 15

1939 Worked on ad all day – no go – Eleanor + I had started on a diet – But tonight we went on a picnic – T bone steaks – Georgia came over to talk “yearbooks” and talked “Glenn” instead I’m afraid she’s skirting a loss

1940 Mrs. Foster likes the drawings okay – Gee, I’d like to get started out there… Howard took me to a show tonight – We talked Francais afterward La vie est brave (I can’t stand the way he kisses me!)

1941 Fri Went out to Doris Iverson’s tonight… 12 of us… ate too much, again… Good seeing people. I was rather quiet

1942 SAT A NIGHT I DON’T WANT TO REMBER, BUT WILL NEVER FORGET; I CRIED UNTIL 4:00… I DIDN’T THINK DAD could BE SO STUPID and INSENSITIVE – HE WAS LIKE A CHARACTER out OF A SECOND RATE NOVEL… I WAS SO ASHAMED + HUMILIATED… I WOULDN’T HAVE MINDED IF HE HAD BLAMED me; BUT HE DIDN’T say  WORD TO ME… Leonard WAS PERFECT. I’LL NEVER forgive DAD if THIS HAS BROKEN US UP.

1943 SUN

AUGUST 13

1939 Sun Went swimming this morning cold! – perfect! – But I was tired the rest of the day. Marg + I had planned a picnic for Virg. And Minnie. It was rather successful – I feel quite awful –

1940 11:15 I feel like I had a ruptured appendix – however I’m sure its because I ate too much for dinner. Bob + Leonard + I lay out on the campus this morning.

1941 Wed My throat is sore… Started on some sketches, finally. Takes me too long… trotted downtown after a paint brush. – saw Donna

1942 THURS I had a wisdom tooth pulled; didn’t phase me as I expected it to… Went out to school… Leonard was verbally demonstrative… Went to the dance w/ David… Was bored and stupid…

1943 FRI

AUGUST 12

1939 1:15 Went to the dance tonight – Fun… I was dying to do something – Janice got me the date – My 2^nd experience in a bar – a coke for me!

1940 2:00 Tonight I went to the dance with Hunk – Too many people, muddy floor – Hot – But Hunk always has a good time! – My feet hurt + I’m tired – But not deliciously tired like I was about 20 minutes ago.

1941 Tues Ardis came from Chicago to see Eleanor. Poor gal, she can’t have any time to herself. We had a picnic this afternoon + went to Escape

1942 WED “DO YOU LOVE ME?” – Darling, I was glad you asked me, I might not have said it, otherwise. MIGOSH, how we torture ourselves… I doubt that anyone else will ever make love to me – quoting the SONG of SONGS… I’m afraid no-one can make me feel the way he does

1943 THURS 

AUGUST 9

1939 11:00 I earned a few shikkels today (about $3.00) helping Bernice – I think I will have little “jobs” all winter if her show goes – I’ve been letting up so much recently its nearer 10 than 5 pounds I’ve got to lose, now

1940 12:15 Very Nil today. Sketched this afternoon… Quite encouraging. Absolutely nauseated with myself about dinner time Went out to sch. Virginia came out

1941 Sat At long last – traipsed down on the L. by myself – Met Eleanor – lunch at the “Circle” – very fun – Got the Hiawatha (it was full of sailors) and here we are. I’m much too excited to sleep

1942 SUN 11:45 A.M. OUT IN THE BACK YARD – GOING TO try ON A PICNIC TONIGHT.. I hope IT DOESN’T RAIN…

1:30 * … “I LIKE YOU VERY MUCH… I SUPPOSE I LOVE YOU YOU’VE KNOWN THAT, HAVEN’T YOU? – YOU MUST HAVE FELT IT”… GEE, I NEVER EXPECTED him TO SAY IT… HE WAS SO TERRIBLY SWEET ABOUT IT… WE WERE ON 2^nd ISLAND – IT WAS A MAGIC NIGHT… AWAY FROM Everything…

1943

AUGUST 8

1939 I only have $19 left on back tuition! (Paid $75 this morning) I’m relieved. Job is progressing at K.S. 00. Mr. Eide thought I should ask .75 an hour, but I’m starting at .50

Georgia + I talked yearbooks tonight. She’s going to be an awfully big help.

1940 1:15 I suppose it was over-anticipation anyhow, something missed fire – I didn’t exactly enjoy myself on the picnic! It wasn’t a definite flop – just rather mediocre… Jo wasn’t there to jazz it up. Leonard seems determined to miss every opportunity

1941 Fri I am tired… Was practically unconscious all morning. Saw Mr. Elsom at Milwaukee. Not horribly impressed. Not enough money! Saw Mr. Franks! some storm

1942 Sat I WAS RILLY BUSHED all DAY… MY BACK WAS BAD FROM TOO “many” HIGH HEELS… FINISHED MY GREEN CORDUROY DRESS; SLAVED over THEM… MET Shirlee + PEGGY DOWNTOWN… WE PLANNED THE PICNIC… LISTENED TO Mozart’s G-MINOR PIANO Concerto. – LEONARD CAME over ABOUT 10:00 w/ BILL + SHIRLEY

1943 SUN

 

JULY 9

1939 Sunday 11:00 – Eleanor + I went swimming about 1:00 – (I seem to be making no impression on D.Richards) tonight Nessa + Terry + I went to D.R.

1940 10:00 Well Mr. Clements explain your way out of this one! – I saw you out with another woman! – And I’m so heart-broken – Don’t you wish I were… I’d like a date w/ Hans. Played tennis w/ Donna

1941 Wed. Gee, I’m a heel – Didn’t even send Wilmer a wire – Well, I’m a pregnant menial in Geo. W. slept Here... tsk, tsk, hope I’m not typed! Our show went perfectly tonight – wonderful audience. I’m just as glad I’m not in Stage Door – Wish I could have one good part before I go home. – Gee, the moon’s perfect.

1942 THURS 12:30 WILBER and JOHN, DJ + I just BRUSHED off A PICNIC of BEER… I SHOULD DO THIS MORE OFTEN! Wonderful! – WILBER IS A SWEET KEED… IT WAS Bill’s BIRTHDAY… FRIED chicken + ANGEL-FOOD cake. I PUT MY HAIR OOP + BOUGHT THE Blue SHOES.

JUNE 17

1939 SAT. Eleanor went to Chicago – I literally got her ready – she was certainly a scatter-brained – I wanted to go too – But she should be away from all of us – again no date!

1940 11:30 Mon God… hot… confused… What should I do?… Should I keep on w/ Bill?… Is it right?… Blah. Leonard was at Hal Kemp tonight with some little babe. I saw him this afternoon… He is young.

1941 D.J., Iver, Clara + I had a picnic… went to Symphony enjoyed myself.

1942 Wed Society of Lower Basin Street… Virginia is back. She + Peggy were over tonight for a while. She’s thin + brown.

1943 THURS First Fashion Group Luncheon I’ve enjoyed… Mrs. Stote took Miss Prinzing from McCreey’s. We had martinis first. (I was blind for the first half of the program) Mrs. Stote showed me her new apartment

JUNE 15

1939 Thursday – After almost a week – a date – it wasn’t the same – Felt awful all day – no ambition – “Dodge City”

1940 2:00 Saturday – Played tennis – hot swell (I won’t wear that new pantie girdle to play in anymore!) Ate lunch with Jean V. talked with Emil + Leonard… Emil wanted me to break my date w/ Bill to go on a picnic tomorrow… Date w/ Spence

1941 June 16 – Oh hell – 2 days left – talked w/ Mr. Eide – I guess I’ll have to go to M! – Will I be at Auggie? – I’m getting a little more nerve about Plymouth

1942 Mon 12:45 – I had a date with Joe Johnson tonight. He is swell, but slightly alien to my nature, I’m afraid. In a way, I hope you called Leonard. In a way – not.

1943 TUES GEE, I’M TIRED… N-H-H-H-G. [PEARL GETS ALL THE PHONE calls!] … JARV DIDN’T call… HOPE HE HASN’T BEEN SHIPPED, yet. I HAVEN’T GOT STRENGTH FOR ANYTHING BUT BED. WROTE Leonard  LETTER ABOUT July Fourth… I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THAT.

 

JUNE 12

1939 (10th) Saturday 11:20 It’s odd how long I can take to do something when I know I’ve plenty of time – I feel sort of lost without some pressure on me. I’ve been reading “The Prophet” It never fails to help me.

1940 11:30 Marg, Sari, Helen + I went on a picnic… We got on the war – inevitably – I’m so terribly afraid we will be dragged into it… We decided it would be better to be widows than old maids, however! I still don’t see any excuse for war!

1941 11:30 Gee, I hate to think of leaving this contentment. I’m so happy now just being home, getting up when I feel like it – having Bill + Olga for dinner – writing letters… I suppose it would wear off in a few weeks though -

1942 Fri 11:45 I’m a wreck – after another picnic. It was really too cold for one, but we went anyhow. Too many of us – too much food

1943 SAT Feel quite noble… washed out all my clothes and ironed them. pressed everything, too. Had dinner ready for Sully when she came home – Shopped for groceries, fun. Read tonight – Bed, early!