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 –