JULY 6

1939 This morning Pal awakened me for the last time… He was hit by a car about 7:00 – It was better that he should not have to go through recuperating from a broken paw – he was so old… a part of my life for 15 years – I’m getting pretty bored w/ merely books for company.

1940 2:00 Did some catching up with a phase of my career that I missed when I was young Gee, I had fun… I seem to have made an impression on Hunk… He wants to take me to Lawrence Welk the 8^th – L?) And  - I had fun dancing with Don Forney – attractive brat.

1941 SUN BEACH… BURNED.. BATH; DINNER… REHEARSAL… TALKED WITH DON BUCK… SAID G’B TO MR. WALDRON… MIKE + I WENT WALKING… SANG… CHILLY

1942 11:15 MON LAST WEEK of TEACHING Summer school – (NOW I’LL HAVE TO START THINKING about WHAT I’M GOING TO DO… ) PLAYED 2 SETS of TENNIS w/ WILBER. (HE BEAT ME, of COURSE!) – SHIRLEY HANSON had A PICNIC… NATURALLY, Leonard WOULD WANT TO TAKE ME TO DINNER TONIGHT.

1943 TUES Mrs. Stote, pink + grey, had her purse snatched… I didn’t do much today. No short stories, thank goodness… We couldn’t find Sully’s bag! I was dead + expired on the davenport

 

JULY 5

1939 11:30 I heard Tchaikovsky’s 6^th symphony tonight – Virginia took me for a ride.. It is so hot inside It is an awful feeling to think you are wasting yourself

1940 10 – (Just in hopes I’ll get up early!) Saw Leonard today – Poor kid. He’s so thin – I met his mother… He tries so hard to act about 30 (at least) Blossom’s Grandmother is conveniently located across the hall – Phooey

1941 – SAT – STILL NO LETTER FROM LEONARD, THE LOUSE, WAS “UP” + “DOWN” TODAY – A LITTLE FENCING, FUN W/ MIKE, PARTY WAS DEPRESSING “TOO MANY GIRLS” – FENCING BY SANTELLY! – PLAYWRIGHT – FOO.

1942 10:45 SHIRLEY + I SLEPT till 10:00. DID DISHES, GOT CLEANED UP + HAD DINNER w/ BILL + OLGA…LAY OUT IN BACK YARD FOR A COUPLE hrs. got FAINTLY PINK… VIRGINIA’S Chris IS COMING FOR A DAY or TWO… ANXIOUS TO MEET him… D.J. + IVER + I RODE AROUND – ATE POPCORN – Palaced.

1943 MON Well, I certainly did little but sleep today. Rather disgusted with myself. I rationalize it’s still just lack of blood! – Read more Thomas Wolfe.

JULY 4

1939 10:30 Some 4th! – for excitement, I went swimming with Ed + Eleanor ( I did get to talk with Hunk – And washed my hair + finished the Fountain*) * made me realize the beauty of contemplative thought + alone-ness. But also that youth should not stunt itself with asceticism

1940 I sewed + sewed… a red checked tablecloth skirt, white blouse… (I wonder if I have the nerve to wear it to the dance Sat?) – Went to a lousy show with Bill. Who brought me home early! I had a sore throat!

1941 Honest a real talent scout we had with us today – the fencers arrived tonight, too… Plastered on make up in class again (ruining my face) ironed clothes – talked to Hunk about art … Oh well, he has a cold, too.

1942 3! SHIRLEY + BILL + LEONARD + I went to THE DAWNCE… EXQUISITE… I’VE GOT TO “TAKE IT EASIER” – or LEONARD has OR SOMETHING – HE JUST ABOUT BROKE MY BACK TONIGHT… HE WAS NOT VERY conversational… BUT WE HAD A PERFECT TIME… Shirley’s STAYING with ME TONIGHT.

1943 SUN In which I did little. But I did call home! – And glad I did. Mother was terribly surprised – talked to Dad, but Eleanor wasn’t home. Slept this afternoon. We had dinner rather late. Sent Leonard a night letter + wrote

 

JULY 3

1939 10:00 I’m poohed out. Really swam all morning… I saw Dick for a moment… he smiled… I’m reading the “Fountain”

1940 11? Phooey to Eppley Hotels Inc. – espec. the housekeeper… Leonard is okay – went for a ride w/ Spence – It was darn big of him to tell me to go ahead + do anything if I got a chance to.

1941 ? Had my first fencing lesson today – Wow – muscles I didn’t know I had – stiff – Missed a rehearsal Cisney was mad – Phooey. It’s raining (Wish I were home – won’t admit it)

1942 FRI GOT A NEW swimming SUIT – RED! JANTZEN * WE-ALL (Morgan Haakenson, Ronnie Nelson) WENT SWIMMING ABOUT 5:00… WORKED for WILMER THIS AFTERNOON… VIC WANTED ME TO GOT TO Boo Barn.  I HAVEN’T GOT that DESPERATE, yet… WENT PEGGY’S MUSIC LESSON w/ HER. LEONARD + BILL + R.H.# + I were OVER TO D.J.’S

1943 SAT I was bushed out today… But cleaned apt, baked a cake, had Bill for lunch. Didn’t go down town. (I’ll have to soon.) Rested Bill + I went to Calvin’s for dinner – to R.C.A, bldg and to Café Society. And did have fun. 

JULY 2

1939 Sunday 11:45 We went down to Sioux City today. Took Sara, too – Ate at Bishops + saw Wayne Morris. (I’ll have something to remember Allan by!) ( I died to go swimming all day to show off my new Jantzen)

1940 Well, I’m going to a dance out at Neptune Sat with “Hunk” Anderson… Hope it will be fun… I wonder if Bill will be mad… Took Marie to dinner… Saw Fosters’ home… looked at Carpenter

1941 12:10 I’m getting bored… (there should be more men in this Colony) Mike + I did have fun talking with Mr. Waldron. About his plays No Silver Saints + M. Auc. stops by

1942 THURS HAD M’FORTUNE TOLD BY A STRANGE, AMAZING CREATURE… BEST, MOST ACCURATE, I’VE EVER HAD… SHE SAID I WAS GOING away… WOULD BE successful… THAT I WAS GOING TO GET A PRESENT of JEWELRY… THE PRESENT SHE DESCRIBED PERFECTLY… EVEN A “DARK MAN” - ha… SAID I’D BE MARRIED IN 2 years… Leonard WAS OVER –

1943 FRI It was Bill McCormick who called – He came in at noon. I met him at Penn Station. We had lunch. Talked like crazy… Gave of my blood to R. Cross Bill + I came up to Apt. … Then my cousin Bill took me to dinner.. Over to his apt to hear records then

 

 

JULY 1

1939 10:30 Went down town with E + Mother. E. bought her silver It’s beautiful. Ate dinner with the girls. Marjorie was home.

1940 8:00 Ironed… played tennis all afternoon… Thought about Leonard… I’m dead… I’m going to bed, to sleep, I hope.

1941 Hell, is this what I came for? – I feel uncertain of myself, not exactly happy – Nuts… Sand in my bed, bugs in my room – eating too much – Wish I’d been in opening play tonight!

1942 WED SOCIETY of LOWER Basin STREET… that’s ALL I REMEMBER.

1943 THURS A letter from Pomona, Calif. (oh what a long way off). Which I read on the bus going down to Stotes’ for dinner. A beautiful evening. Chilled rum + Pineapple juice, candle-lit dinner, art talk, Chopin, another drink. Mr. brought me to the bus.

 

JUNE 30

1939 10:30 Still no check! – Eleanor + I went “calling” this Evening – Rosalind + Ward have a charming apt. We told Ella everything we could think of –

1940 12:45 Wrote a short novel of a letter to Eleanor today. Did little else except go to “The Mortal Storm” with Bill and in spite of my determination – worry about Leonard… I am so desperately sorry for him if it is what Virginia + I half way decided last night. I’ll pray for him every night.

1941 Gee, maybe I won’t be at Auggie after all next year – Got a letter from Ren saying I made a good impression on Mr. Witmer – And one from the Boston Store in Milwaukee saying I was “rating” in Mlle’ s Cover Contest – some panic! Wrote a coupla letters – was lazy –

1942 TUES ALL-SCHOOL picnic. SHIRLEY + I WENT; ASSIMILATED D.J. + Peggy. WE WENT TO Jungle BOOK AFTERWARD. Technicolor… OF COURSE RAN INTO Leonard + BILL AFTERWARD. WE CAME HOME WITHOUT THEM, however.

1943 WED Thank God, Herman’s gone for a while. He is too demanding. We did have a nice dinner at Nancy Land’s; nice walk back through the park – someone called from Princeton. I can’t imagine who. Couldn’t get them back.

 

JUNE 29

1939 Thursday 10:00 Eleanor is home! I’m so very glad she didn’t stay in Chicago. I worked out at school most of the day. E + Mother + I went to a show.

1940 1:30 Saturday.. For an ecstatic moment I was really happy this morning – Folks had a party for anniversary – Clara upset me completely again… I no sooner get Leonard off my mind than something happens again! He told her he was going to the Hospital Monday - + not to tell me… I know I must quit worrying!

1941 MIKE + I SLEPT UNTIL 11 THIS MORNING BEST PART OF THE DAY WAS TURKEY FOR DINNER… (THE REHEARSAL OF SORORITY HOUSE HAD AN ORDER VERY SIMILAR) WROTE LETTERS – SAW HENRY! – DAMN.

1942 MON WOULD LIKE TO HAVE KISSED WILBER g’bye. HE’S SO DARN SWEET… I NEVER WANT TO SEE HIM, IF THE ARMY TAKES ANY of THAT away. LEONARD DIDN’T go TO RAPID CITY… THANK GOD. I ACTED LIKE A NIT-WIT ALL DAY TODAY… WENT AROUND ASKING FOOLISH QUESTIONS.

1943 TUES By some mechanism that takes care of those things, I’m adapting myself to the thought of not seeing Leonard – for a while, anyhow. Herman came over + went to the show with Sully + me. It rained, thank God as we came back.

 

 

JUNE 28

1939 Wednesday Drew sketches all day – I feel sort of lonesome tonight – I would like to have a date again. I read a book + listened to the fight tonight. It is the folks 34th anniversary + Dad isn’t even here!

1940 Friday… I talked with Mr. Epply today… My shot at interior decorating seems to be forthcoming – (Spitznagel is so darn marvelous to me) I was dead all day… We all took stuff over + ate at Farragher’s tonight… It is remarkable how the girls have remained together…

1941 Sat 1:30 Damn! – remind me not to be “generous’ with a man again! – I’m afraid someone else is cutting in on me… He looked very nize – Walked this aft to Mike Cisney on the beach + danced with Mr. Waldron tonight. Too bad they’re married!

1942 SUN 3:00 Gee, I FEEL awful. MOTHER DISCOVERED I WASN’T IN, AND CAME DOWN… I WAS ASHAMED OF MYSELF, yet I’D DO IT RIGHT OVER AGAIN… AT LEAST WE GOT SOME TALKING DONE (JUST MORE CONFUSING, rilly). HE + Wilber CAME OVER ABOUT 11:00. I’M PRETTY UPSET, I guess… WROTE TO EMIL.

1943 MON Oh God – I didn’t want it to happen this way! – first a card from New Orleans – saying he was going to West Coast (Embarkation?) – Then from Houston – no “ – Thank Heaven for that, anyhow… Mrs. Stote is sweet.

 

JUNE 27

1939 10:45 Went out to school today to get started. I’m rather floored by the size of the job. Peggy, Nessa, Marguerite + I went on a steak fry. The park was full of 100’s of lightening bugs

1940 1:00 I am so very stupid. If only I had had this damn m – out beforehand… It would have been no trick at all… As it was I didn’t start until nearly 11 this morning – consequently didn’t finish until 12 tonight… (Now I won’t feel I have a right to ask $15) – I have a swollen Jaw – I am a mess and I think about Leonard entirely too much.

1941 – TSK – TSK – BROKE A RULE! NOT QUITE AS MUCH FUN AS I HAD EXPECTED – HENRY IS A NIZE BOY – BUT YOUNG – WENT SWIMMING TODAY – FUN – GOT A BANG OUT OF THE BOYS IN WHATALIFE

1942 SAT Was reasonably energetic… met Donna for lunch… Looked for a bathing skirt. No luck  * DJ + I went over to Shirley’s. Just as we were discussing the “boy” (Leonard specifically) in they walked

1943 SUN AFT – WE ARE DRAPED AROUND THE APT., MELTING… I’M VAGUELY NERVOUS… BUT NOT BADLY… I’M GOING TO TRY + BE more ORGANIZED… * WE HAD DINNER at HAMBURGER HEAVEN. I ENJOYED IT + (fore-got dessert). Sully + I went to Devil + Miss Jones.

 

JUNE 26

1939 Monday 9:35 – Eleanor sent us a telegram this morning she isn’t taking the job + will be home soon – I’ll be glad to see her – I’m tired – walked 6 miles today – Took my sweater down sized my job out at school Met the “Mister Payne”

1940 Wed. Who tonight had his head in my lap. We read the play + had so much fun… After we watched the 12 o’clock plane take off we came back here again (we had had the picnic in the b. yd. too) and wished we were necking but felt ourselves too superior for anything prosaic like that (But I didn’t – Leonard said someday I’d know the story behind the news?

1941 (I don’t know if this is quite worth it – but I’m determined to make the most of it) Gee, people are muttering lines all over the place – in all different accents! Mike + I first compared yrbooks. Glad I brought mine – One of the fellas made a pass at me – made me mad. Phooey – went swimming

1942 Fri Who (L) nicely messed up the date I had with Wilber tonight. By happening to be in the Palace when we came in. W. was very sweet. Very Platonic.

1943 SAT I FELT IT WAS TIME SOMETHING NICE happened. Mr. Krikorian CALLED ABOUT 1:00 WE SAW AN Advertising Art EXHIBIT; SAT ALL AFTERNOON IN THE Gamecock, DRINKING Planter’s Punches – He’s GOING TO London. A LETTER FROM LEONARD. WHO WAS definitely on his way SOMEPLACE. 

JUNE 25

1939 12:15 – to-day – Eleanor telephoned from Chicago – she can have a job there – It would be awful without her – but probably her best bet – Mr. Eide phoned this aft. - + my job is fixed! – I’m so glad. – Talked with H. Richards. So much has happened.

1940 1:00 Tues Well – we finished at 5 this afternoon! – It isn’t so hot either… We plan to read it tomorrow night to Bob, Emil, Leonard + Del in the back yd, after a picnic supper. Now Bob can’t come. I didn’t like his attitude… Too Bad we can’t ask Bill. But that would be messy!

1941 HAD fun today – little leery about things this morning (especially $125!) But I guess its all okay. Went swimming with a very nice fella – sort of a date tonight – Good Night – I have a part

1942 Thurs. Leonard is absolutely WILD. Would not leave until I kissed him goodnight (for about the 5^th time)He + Wilber both were at the door Thought he’d gone! – Talked w/ V.R.N.

1943 FRI Oh God, what a day. One of the worst I’ve ever had… I’ll never do anything in the Art Dept again! – Mrs. Stote was wonderful. I talked to Herman + got just as much understanding as I expected. We saw H.M.S. Pinafore. Had beer + corned beef sandwiches.

JUNE 24

1939 Saturday 11:45 Stayed with Virginia to-night – ate dinner with her. – We drove around after the rain… came home + ate potato salad

1940 Mon Well I’m not going to bed tonight Clara + I are revising our play The Girls – We took Bill for a ride tonight… He then took us to a show… We talked for a long time afterward… He was swell in his own stupid way. He just doesn’t understand.

1941 I don’t believe it – I’m here at last! – Hm. – “Mike" is my room-mate. She is sweet, Mr. Trask met me in a station wagon. I wandered around Boston by myself this aft. Almost got waylaid to New Hampshire.

1942 Wed – Gee, still didn’t get any talking done. He asked me was I happy. We’ll talk “next time”. D.J. + Shirley were over. We’re compatible.

1943 THURS Oh damn. I feel so rotten. Leonard’s letter, written Sunday, came today. He is being shipped “somewhere”. I’d hoped + hoped something would prevent its happening. It was the climax to a hellish day… I’m grim, I know

 

JUNE 22

1939 11:45 Practically wore myself out finishing the last sleeve of my sweater… I really put in a day – washed floors cleaned davenport, etc. – Tonight I played Rhapsody in Blue over about 3 times… It made me lonesome.

1940 Sunday Rainy… dark… windy… cold… lonesome. I was absolutely worthless all day. I tried to sleep – couldn’t… Yet I was glad to be alone… Was out w/ Spence. He made me feel so ashamed… I haven’t been doing a thing; he works 11 hrs a day.

1941 Riding on Challenger – East – Eleanor + I had fun in Chicago. I saw Mills exhibit… walked my feet off… Maybe we’ll go to New York next year –

1942 Tues R.H. #, D.J. + I went bike riding from 8:30 – 12:00 – Could have had a date w/ Wilber. Attended a dwk’s funeral

1943 WED I was owly this morning, querulous. Herman + I ate at Toffeneti’s. Argued. I felt better, strangely enough. We went to Central Park for the Band Concert… I’ll be glad when he goes for a special reason.

JUNE 22

1939 11:45 Ray whistled at me by Sara’s! All I did was read + knit – wrote Marg. a letter – got my knees sun-burned did the dinner dishes – Sara, Nessa + I went to “Wuthering Heights” – Maybe someday I’ll fall in love – hard like those two – I hope so

1940 Sat A blank day because I didn’t see Leonard… My friends must be sick of my talking about him so incessantly. (Jean V. this noon – Nessa + Del tonight) Del is staying with me. Folks at Lake

1941 Mon

1942 Mon Did go to Louis Armstrong Leonard + I were acutely aware of one another all evening. I think we’re getting entangled on a purely (?) physical feeling

1943 TUES Oh, agony. The Buyers Dinner at the New Yorker. I wore my black dress all day was WARM. And also felt very pregnant (!) Made the placecards this afternoon… An ensign followed me off the bus.

 

JUNE 21

1939 11:30 Well, Monday night’s glammer boy has left for Minneapolis – I’ll probably never see him again – But it was perfect – I don’t know if I’ll ever have a date with Ray either, for that matter – I may get another job at school!

1940 12:00 Clara came in today + we rewrote first act… I suppose we must get it revised + sent to Krause… The incredible happened… Jo, Peg + I went swimming + so did Bill ! – He was marvelous… Poised, friendly, assured.

1941 Sun – In Chicago. – uneventful trip – didn’t get “The Waltz” learned. –

1942 Sun God, I’m a bitch. I don’t deserve to have anything nice happen to me – like going to the dance tomorrow. Saw Tortilla Flats.

1943 MON (Evidently a dull day! I can’t remember) I wrote to Leonard again – (heard from him. He’s probably going this week) took it out to mail. Walked down + got us cupcakes.

JUNE 20

1939 9:50 – I laughed to myself intermittently all day. – However, I am wondering just who has the last laugh as my ear caught no faint ring of the telephone this evening. – I wrote Eleanor + told her all about it – She got a bang out of it – I wonder what Ray thought!

1940 1:30 Sketched all afternoon… This evening I introduced Peg + Jo – Egad, those two are absolutely irrepressible! Saw Leonard for a couple moments today – electric as ever. I hope I dream of him

1941 Got home about 8:00 – Hellish ride – Been getting ready all day. Can’t believe I’m going – Leonard called from Brookings – (It would have been horrible if I hadn’t even heard from him) – Butterflies in my stomach

1942 Sat Del’s staying w/ me tonight + I enameled wood-work this morning. I enjoy working like that. We sat out on the porch + talked

1943 SUN Felt restless, vaguely resentful. Wrote home + Leonard as usual. Walked over to Central Park + saw the Bache exhibit. Lois + Sully had company (+ my chocolate cake!) – We had a very swell dinner, w/ a nice roast. 

JUNE 19

1939 1:15 – And I thought I wasn’t going to the dance! – Egad – A 6 ft blond from N. Dakota – Sara’s friend – And I saw Ray! And was he bowled over – I hope he was duly impressed – Everyone was there

1940 12:00 Bob, Leonard, Emil + I went to My S. My Son this afternoon… I went out to school… at last had the opportunity to tell Leonard that what he wrote in my Edda was the nicest thing that has ever happened to me… He bolted before I could say the rest; he was floored, I think – + a little scared… I talked to Kenny

1941 Minneapolis – Bob. Mr. Witmer – swell – okay Joe – told me to go to New York! – said I could do anything I wanted to! Still think I want to be at Auggie n. yr.

1942 Fri * Made Kay ok posters all day. La- de-da. While I was at Bernie H’s recital, Mother entertained R.H.#, L + B. I brought John + D.J. back for coke + ice cream

1943 SAT Wow! Jarv certainly hasn’t changed! He was over this afternoon… He now weighs 210!… Baked a cake, cleaned the apartment very well (+ was duly appreciated) Stayed up late washing my hair + ironing.

JUNE 18

1939 (16th) 10:45 Went down to knit at Fantles all day. – Jean V. + I always find so much to talk about! Peggy + Marguerite + I went for a ride in Peggy’s “new” car. – A 1930 Plymouth – I feel much better –

1940 11:30 told Bill I had to work tonight – it wasn’t even hard to turn down a date with him – there is a bright full moon tonight… Bob + I went out to school – neither one of us did a thing… I sat out on the lawn and hoped – futilely that Leonard would come – He didn’t –

1941 Wed – I really wish I weren’t going tomorrow; but I can’t back out now – I’m not ready

1942 Thurs Mr. Eide’s tempera is exquisite. Was over there a while (Spitznagel too) Went over to D.J.’s – Neither of us referred to the other night.

1943 FRI We ate at an Italian Sidewalk café on 52nd St which was fun. And thence to “Janie" which was rather amusing. The seats in Central Park are so sweet… We had our usual battle. I made Herman disgusted. Poo. I don’t care.

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 16

1939 Sunday – 7 of us went up to Hell Rapids about 9:00 this morning went swimming ate dinner – I had the sense not to get sunburned – Tomorrow is Will Osborne + no date!

1940 2:00 Sun… “My Day” was devoted to Bill… he is just the same. We went swimming at the Lake + at Drake, both… Show ate tonight… Moonlight… breeze… maybe I’m a fool to start this again, but I’m so restless tomorrow is Hal Kemp + no date!

1941 (15^th) 10:30 (After thinking about it, I’m afraid I was a little cheap last night – next time I’m w/ Leonard, I’m going to hold down more – I was in a confusion of indecision all day – tired. Minneapolis – going Thurs! –

1942 Tues We went to the Dance, but several things conspired to prevent my enjoying it. D.J. + I had a slight difference of opinion… it rained. Leonard was very tired. Hall’s depressed me. But.

1943 WED We had lunch at Toffenetti’s. Shrimp Salad Sandwiches… A lovely day making slews of market calls. .. Wrote an “afterthought” to Leonard so he wouldn’t think me too impulsive

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 14

1939 (13th) Monday I guess it must have been a little farewell party I attended Friday – but I didn’t know it! – This is the 3rd day I haven’t even heard from Ray. It’s certainly a good thing I’m not crazy about him, or I’d go wild (not just mad!)

1940 11:15 – Well I guess I’m letting myself in for it but I’ve got a swimming date with Bill Sunday! – He probably just wants to tell me off… what the hell – I’m tired of sitting around waiting for Leonard to do something

1941 You had to wait awhile, kid, but this is what you were asking for, wasn’t it? – It’s terrible to stay out so late (3:45? Anyhow, its getting light!) – But gee, maybe I won’t see him for a coupla months – oh hell –

1942 11:15 Sun “Lonely Evening” personified. Is it that I’m crazy about Leonard or is it I can’t take being by myself? I’m sun-burned. Out in back all morning. Went bike-riding w/ D.J.

1943 MON WE HAD A NICE DINNER; SULLY + I WENT TO Air Force… GEE, I’D LIKE TO BE OVER-SEAS. MAKES ME WANT TO BE in this! WE DID EXERCISES…LA… FEEL FAT… BUT I WAS QUITE happy + extroverted TODAY… BUT A HORRIBLE MAN LEERED AT ME IN THE BUS – FOLLOWED I got groceries, etc. letter from Leonard. 

JUNE 13

1939 (11th) Sunday 11:30 I hope I never see another piece of cake or pie, etc. – for a long, long time – I ate all day – girls had a buffet supper at Margeurite’s – Margaret leaves for the hills Saturday. Wants me to come out

1940 12:30 Well, I hope Leonard had a good time at the dance tonight! – (Like hell) He doesn’t seem to realize I’m hooman and enjoy prosaic things like dates + dances and being kissed – I’m going to push him out of my mind. He’s evidently had no trouble [doing] the same with me –

1941 As Tracy Land said last night “I’m such an unholy mess of a girl” – Gee, I spend all my time getting myself into things I have to get out of.

1942 Sat Woke up + felt awful this morning. Not improved enough to be ambitious, got a few things done. Del came! – had her over for dinner. We talked until now.

1943 SUN of course, I had to wake up early. Wrote a long letter to Mother. (To Leonard, too)… We had a big fat breakfast… ate + ate… And dinner at a little French restaurant. Sully + I did exercises. That’s all – 

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!

JUNE 11

1939 (9th) Friday Felt awful this morning. – Later Mother + I went down-town… new dress – very “grown-up” – Met Eleanor+ Rosalind at bank… lunch down town… shopped… erased pencil lines from Mr.E’s stars + put my name on the wall, which Mr. S. supervised  - Ray + I saw “Dark Victory”

1940 11:30 I think maybe I better talk to Emil tomorrow – otherwise I’ll soon be ripe for a psychopathic ward I was just about back to normal today and then tonight I had to tell Nessa the whole thing + I’m again a mental mess! - … Early this morning I had the most perfect dream. Everything was perfect!

1941 Well, my room is all clean + so are most of my clothes. I have about a week, now, to get ready – How can I do it?) Mother + I went up + saw Bob + Mrs. Feeney

1942 Thurs D.J. + John came over to talk about picnic. So did Peggy… Decided Nothing. John + I lay out on the grass this aft. and took turns saying Hell.

1943 FRI Gee, Sometimes I can hardly hear Herman.. I feel a million miles away. I resent him, really – feel terribly hypocritical…Sometime, I’m going to get angry with him + show it. We went to dinner – saw Action in N.W. 

JUNE 10

1939 (8^th) Thurs Went on a breakfast with Dot + Marg, Nessa, Marg A., Harriet H. - + then to work till 6 o’clock – Mr. Eide didn’t show up – called tonight. He put stars on the ceiling – thank goodness – Ray came over after work about 10:00 I was glad

1940 11:15 – Clara let herself in for a lot of trouble – again. She renewed an argument with Bill… He told her off completely and blames her for breaking up our “beautiful friendship”… Evidently he doesn’t credit me with having a mind of my own… If something doesn’t break pretty soon

1941 12:00 Still on rehabilitation project! – What a mess – D.J. + Dot came over w/ Jennifer + we got popcorn + cokes – talked to D.J. – she is a sweet kid – I bored (?) her with my gorey experiences –

1942 11:30 (Gee, you were tired tonight, honey) Better, we should have stayed home! Brown, hard – I hope you wiped off that lipstick!

1943 THURS We went to the Fashion Group luncheon at the Marraybell… I felt mean because I broke my date with Herman (he had postponed ours from yesterday) Wished, sort of, I hadn’t gone. – Dinner with Dorothy.

JUNE 9

1939 (14th) 10:45 – If there are many more gloomy, cold, rainy days – Haggled around on details of store-window – I’m sick

1940 Sunday… It’s all crazy and clear out of proportion… all I think about is Leonard.. its gotten to the stage where I can’t even work anymore… Della + I talked this afternoon about men etc… I was upholding – sort of – she insisting they were all ratty… I was inclined to agree with her when Rosie informed us Leonard had been walking with Blossom.

1941 Well kid, we didn’t get to hear Russ Morgan – except over the radio – Pressed clothes, decided I would not go to Plymouth; called up Jean Park, met her for a coke, talked, decided I should go - ? ! ! – Chils, Nessa, Marie + Margeurite were over –

1942 1:00 Felt awful most of the day – not physically, either… Bob + D.J. + John + I went to the Carnival – Bob’s going to work at Morrell. Too late

1943 WED Got 4 seams sewn over at Barbara’s. But we had fun anyhow… Ate until we were stuffed She is going to be married in August.