JULY 15

1939 10:30 I just ate a piece of the best pink, cold watermelon… Boy, am I cradle-robber!  Going to Duke Ellington with Leonard Payne – tomorrow is his 18^th birthday! (I thought Ray might call tonight)

1940 10:30 And a year later I write him a letter (happy birthday, L.) Little did I think he would come to mean as much to me, then… Maybe a year from now I will have forgotten him entirely, but I v. much doubt it. He is the type of person that sticks in your memory

1941 Yes, you were right, for once, dopey. Leonard is still very much with us. Wonder what another year will

1942 WED BASIN STREET MADE ME lonesome FOR Leonard… WANTED TO SEND HIM A TELEGRAM; DIDN’T KNOW WHERE TO FIND HIM. HE GOT HIS FIRST NOTICE of INDUCTION TODAY – fine THING!… BUT HE’S STILL ELIGIBLE for ARMY RESERVE, case SAYS. GEE, I HOPE he COMES OUT OK.

1943 THURS I WAS DEFINITELY UNCONSCIOUS. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I BOUGHT A $20 RED GABARDINE SUIT FOR $8! – THINK I DID WELL. SOME ROPE SANDALS. [THE NICE MAN TOLD ME I HAD A PRETTY FIGURE. IMAGINE]. ELEANOR + I ATE AT THE STEW BAR. STAGGERED HOME.

JULY 14

1939 12:30 Eide’s had a party tonight it was a lot of fun – just college kids – we played croquet! – I wore my plaid skirt + white blouse and a black velvet ribbon in my hair.

1940 9:30 My day wasn’t as ruined as it threatened to be last night – rowing upsets me terribly – I had to go outside; prowl around, have a cigarette + be alone about 2:30… This morning told Bill we’d better exclude the activities to the afternoon. – We had a lot of fun biking and drank beer + went swimming… I think I know how to take him

1941 12:45 brr – It is chilly! – Finished dress rehearsal – wrote to Clara + Leonard. Lines R. on the beach this afternoon. Met the new leading man

1942 TUES SWIMMING EMIL WAS HERE, ON FURLOUGH. WE ALL HAD LUNCH TOGETHER DOWN AT THE Chocolate SHOP… [ME + 7 MEN!] HE HAS MADE THE TRANSITION BEAUTIFULLY… I’M PROUD of HIM.

1943 WED I HAD NO IDEA THE EVENING WOULD BE SO INTERESTING [OR LAST SO LONG] “BILL” (DON’T KNOW HIS LAST NAME) AN EX- SWOON SINGER IN THE MERCHANT MARINE! WE HAD DINNER ON THE TERRACE, TALKED MUSIC, BILL SANG, COCKTAILS, CENTRAL PARK

JULY 13

1939 10:30 Painted all day – went swimming – B. Severson wants me to design a trade mark for her radio program – I would like a date.

1940 2:45 Sat For 8 years I’ve waited for this – to be able to go out + have a little fun – to date – to be attractive – to have fellow like me, to be happy – and Dad + Mother can’t see it – have to spoil it all by treating me like an adolescent. Because I came in at 1:30!

1941 MON WENT OUT WITH HIM…MIGOSH, I DIDN’T DREAM HE’D ACTUALLY LOOK ME OOP! – HE CAME OVER + I DRAGGED HIM IN TO TALK TO MOTHER – JUST TO MAKE IT LEGAL! – WE DANCED for HALF HR. or SO OUT TO THE DYNAMITE AND CAME HOME. HE’S VERY INTELLIGENT.

1943 TUES And we were going to eat out + early + accomplish much: ate at Schrafts and it took ages. Pearl didn’t [get] our message + felt neglected! oh hell.

 

JULY 12

1939 10:10 Worked 6 hrs today, walked 3 times (6 miles) + went swimming We go almost every noon – tonight, Mother + I have been talking about fixing over Wilmer’s old room for me- I hope I can do it

1940 Friday 10:30 – I was seriously unhappy this afternoon – mostly because I was tired, I guess. Bill + I went out to his folks house (to feed the dog!) – He wants an “all day” date for Sunday. I agreed, but I don’t know.

1941 2:15 Thank God that show’s over. – insects are buzzing in my ear. – a skunk lurks around our door-sill – we had a wild time getting home – I feel in character for my next part!

1942 SUN “MET” DAVID… (THAT WAS RILLY A SMOOTH PICK-UP, IF EVER I SAW ONE) – SHIRLEY, PEG + I WENT SWIMMING – MAYBE IT WAS MY RED SUIT. WE HAD SUPPER OVER AT PEG’S, THE CAME OVER + SAT IN OUR BACK YARD; JOHN K + J. de R. CAME OVER + STAYED and TALKED TO ME…

1943 MON Leonard wrote a dark, resentful letter, I hate his having to feel that way. Oh God, please let him have a chance… Had to come home this noon I felt so bad. Better, as the day wore on. We had steak.

JULY 11

1939 Marg is going back to the Hills in the morning – she wanted me to go back with them – But I guess I’d better stick to my job – Nessa + Sara + Marg + I ate hamburgers, potato salad – cantoloupe, sundaes in back yard and tonight Saw R. over swimming today

1940 This is killling me (but I love it) they all 3 called tonight! – Bill, the rat, about 8:30 – expecting me to go out with him then – Hunk came in during the conversation – I told Bill to call up his girlfriend of Monday.

1941 (Gee, the moon is perfect tonight… I wonder if Leonard misses me at all? - ) Slept until 10:30 this morning – Washed my hair (at last) Mike + I scrubbed our floor + rehearsed this aft. – broadcast a play tonight – “What a Life”, indeed!

1942 SAT PICNIC… WITH BOB BERG and JOHN and WILBER and BETTY Hervig + D.J. + BILL + Shirlee… WE WENT ON TOP of CACTUS – IT WAS CLEAR and BEAUTIFUL – and MADE ME ACHE FOR LEONARD. D.J. and I PLAYED TENNIS w/ JOHN + WILBER. IT WAS HORRIBLY hot!

1943 SUN There is a vague unrest, an uneasiness within me…! I’m restless, resentfull. What is the matter? – Got up + made French Toast this morning. Went to the Museum. Wore my dress. It’s tight.

JULY 10

1939 Mon. This morning I had $75 in my purse. Now it holds a quarter… I paid $50 out at school (I get awfully depressed about my tuition) – tonight Peg + Nessa + I saw Lawrence Olivier – In the L. Shop we were sure 3 men had some dark plans! – I got Iver to walk with us down the alley where the care was pkd.

1940 Wed. Worked all day – Bob + Del + I walked out (in a deluge of rain) to see Leonard – Blossom was “entertaining” him – I wouldn’t be at all surprised she’d land him – What determination.

1941 Gee, Harwich isn’t nearly as much fun – old opera house – fire trap. – Going back in station wagon was fun – radio. – breeze + stuff

1942 FRI WENT TO LEMARS WITH BETTY JOHNSON… SAW MRS. REEVES… I HOPE BETTY STAYS THERE, IF SHE GETS the JOB… TALKED W KLUCKHOHN. (HE THINKS I SHOULD GO TO Graduate SCHOOL!) WE SAW LEE off FOR MLPS… GUS LENT US HIS CONVERTIBLE… WE WENT OUT TO Billy’s AND DANCED… LEONARD STAYED – HE’S GOING TO MINNEAPOLIS TOMORROW… THERE WAS music!

1943 SAT A darling letter form Leonard I love. Ruth Bach + Agnes Hyde coming. Cleaned the apartment. Read + napped. Didn’t mail my package until tonight. And saw, George Krikorian with anozzer woman!

 

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.

JULY 8

1939 11:30 Just as I was beginning to wonder if something had happened Mr. S. brought me my $75 check – I still can hardly believe it –

1940 11:45 Mon There I go asking for trouble, again. – Bill called up – we were going for a “30 min” ride – turned out to be a 2 hr one… We talked about hypnosis + mental stuff most of the time I must “crystallize” my ideas a little,  I guess

1941 Tues First experience trooping – well, it is an experience! – We played to a packed house at C. … Charming Cape-Codish town.. Tryouts tomorrow. Wish I’d hear from Leonard. Looks like I’ll have to rely on Cole

1942 WED DON’T KNOW WHY I SHOULD BE SO OWLY – WAS THO! BUT NOT WHEN WE WERE DANCING TO THOSE KEEN Basin Street RECORDS of course JOHN + WILBER DID COME OVER SO WE COULDN’T BE ALONE… OH WELL, OH HELL.

1943 THURS Ah yi, I nearly knocked myself out shopping. Ugh. Too many peepul. Bought gifts for Clara + Shirley + a cotton slip. A gruesome dinner in Macy’s basement

JULY 7

1939 Fri 12:45 Virginia had a shower for Jeanne Perry tonight. Lovely We saw Cathrine Craig at Pay’s. I felt like shaking hands w/ her

1940 11:15 Beginning to get decently (indecently acc. to Mother) tan… Did absolutely nothing constructive – Went over to Janie’s – V. Faragher’s leaving for Washington + and F.B.I. job Thursday

1941 Mon Gee, now my name’s down for Wed + I don’t know the Waltz – yet. tsk, tsk. very typical. Slept this aft. Letter from Mother, thank goodness

1942 TUES Leonard’s GETTING PRETTY POSSESSIVE, again. HE + BILL PICKED US UP (Shirley + me) AFTER WE (+ D.J.) SAW “REAP THE WILD WIND’' [LOUSY] IT WAS HOT. WE LAY OUT IN BACK ON BLANKETS… Leonard WANTED TO STAY. QUITE BADLY. I WOULDN’T LET HIM… HA.

1943 WED (I wish I had now)

Sully went to Connecticut. I fixed scalloped potatoes! – A success. Mr. Krikorian hasn’t called!

 

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.