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 18

1939 1:30 The folks came home in time for dinner… I took the ad over + sold it - $3.50 ! (I’ll buy the pink sweater!) Marguerite + I have been talking – I found out some things I’m not sure I want to know.

1940 10:30 I ate outrageously today + did little else but that. Finished the Brothers Karamazov. Did not get my letters written. Marg + Sara came over. Mr. C. did not call!

1941 Mon 9:00 And I’m going to bed feel vaguely awful. Drew. Hunk didn’t call again about the dance (thank goodness) Neither did anyone else.

1942 TUES I HAD A DATE WITH Stan MCCORMICK… WE CERTAINLY TALK EASILY TOGETHER… HE always GETS SO CONFIDENTIAL! – I’M sorry “AS MUCH” HAPPENED AS DID… damn. I GUESS I’D BETTER join  A CONVENT…

1943 WED

AUGUST 17

1939 Ah, the irony of it all! Eleanor + I have supposedly “reducing” all wk. – Every day we eat excessively for some reason or other – to-night Ed was over for dinner – Steak + potatoes – Egad!

1940 2:00 Hunk is so sweet; but so inept at times – broke the key off in the door of the Packard out to the dance – We came home with Hank + Betty and got the Ford which is I love for such a gallant creature. Had fun.

1941 Sun (Still no Leonard!) Saw Virginia tonight… she is amazingly thin. Didn’t get any sketching done, again. It rained. I tried to sleep this aft.

1942 MON LEONARD TOOK ME TO dinner… WE DIDN’T TALK… HE WAS TO MEET Harold + BILL OUT AT SCHOOL. BOB BERG CAME HOME WITH ME AND WE TALKED. I’M PRACTICALLY unconscious I’M SO TIRED…

1943 TUES.

AUGUST 16

1939 12:00 Lazy day – wrote about 3 words of my “ad” – (God, - I’ve got to finish that!) Went with Eleanor to Grace’s for a handkerchief shower for J.C.  We had onion soup this noon!

1940 I am just furious – I thought I had a date with Bill tonight… He did not call.. And I could have gone to the circus w/ Hunk – Wilmer got me up at 5:30 to watch it unload I cooked dinner tonight!

1941 Sat Eleanor + I smoothed up the house, started to play badminton with D.J., but we listed to records onaccounta rain. E + I were alone

1942 SUN [THANK God, I DIDN’T RELENT AND LET THAT soldier KISS ME]… I WAS NUMBED ALL DAY.. I COULDN’T SPEAK TO DAD. I’M SURE IT’S BEST if WE NEVER discuss IT… I WALKED OUT TO SCHOOL and STARTED TO WRITE A LETTER; MR. EIDE came OUT, SO WE TALKED… HE’S SWELL… VIRGINIA ASKED ME OVER TO HELP ENTERTAIN THE army.

1943 MON

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 14

1939 10:30 The folks went to the lake for the week – I was a Lady – I wanted to go too – tried to get started on my “advertising” career this aft. no go – Sari + I went to “Daughters Courageous” – John Garfield is practically as good as a date (L.P.) Aren’t movies marvelous?

1940 I wish I liked Bill more… Maybe my actions would be more justified… I’m a fool; but what is there to save myself for? – A will 'o the wisp?

1941 Thurs Got a pair of red shoes – a long desire, finally fulfilled… Talked with Ren + Hugo out at school. – Saw Clara, Carp… Was over at Marg’s tonight w/ Sara + Marguerite – dull.

1942 FRI hm, GUESS I MUST HAVE STAYED home TONIGHT. Whaddya KNOW…

1943 SAT

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 11

1939 12:00 Started on the dummy of the yearbook today – I’m not as scared as I was. Mr. Bailin asked me to write the ad for the newspaper another element of the new shop! I’m glad… We played bridge at Terry’s

1940 1:15 Perhaps it would have been less dangerous to have gone out w/ Bill tonight (or Hunk) Howard took pictures this morning + we ran them tonight… He said he wished the 1940 Edda were to do over! My God.

1941 12- I hope I’ve done the right thing. I’ve decided to stay at Auggie. Talked w/ Mr. Eide + Granskau. They were so swell. I have a lot to live up to… Leonard’s brother was killed in Chicago. I feel so bad… He is away..

1942 11:00 GEE, Baby, WE DIDN’T DO MUCH with TODAY * WENT SWIMMING with DAVID… (date for thurs.) GOT BURNED – VAMPED A 4 yr OLD BOY… WENT out TO SCHOOL; DIDN’T see MISTER PAYNE

1943 WED

AUGUST 10

1939 1:00  I had my fortune told to night – Queer woman… crazy house… She saw some very nice things about me in the cards – success – happiness – love – money. – She said I would never be content with just domestic tranquility… Saw 2 marriages!

1940 Had a very super time at the dance with Hunk. My friend Bill didn’t call on a Sat night again (His car was in though) I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye to Emil.

1941 Sun At home! – quiet (too quiet, no Leonard) fried chicken, white tablecloth, ice in the glasses! – ah. People kept coming over all morning. Saw Sari tonight – a few people.

1942 MON 2:15 WENT TO Sonny Durham. GEE IT WAS A SWELL BAND; I WAS UNACCOUNTABLY DEPRESSED, however * LEONARD IS so young – GEE, I’LL NEVER FIND ANYONE I ENJOY DANCING WITH more… HE’S INTENSE + … I GOT MY HAIR DONE. WAS LAZY all DAY.

1943

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

 

AUGUST 7

1939 Well, B. Barron got along without me to-night! (And I thought I really might go) – Mother + I went down town to-day saw the circus parade. She bought a rose wool skirt + material for a dress! I worry about the yearbook – I wish I’d get going on it!

1940 Merely muddled around today – I’ve got about 5 letters to write – keep procrastinating – Leonard identified my cologne today. I’m surprised he remembered it – I hope it doesn’t rain for the picnic…

1941 Thurs Do tell, I really got here! Eleanor had been worried about me, of course! – We ate at the Town House. Sat up on the roof + talked tonight

1942 FRI Oh BABY, WE’RE crazy… WENT HUNTING FROGS WITH AL NORLIN, R.H.#, S.J.M. and MISTER Payne. WE COULDN’T FIND A SINGLE one! – I GOT CAUGHT ON A BARBED WIRE FENCE and GOT MY FEET all MUDDY… WENT with PEGGY FOR HER MUSIC LESSON AND LISTENED TO sharp ECSTASY of Walkyrie… ALWAYS THINK of LEONARD. WENT SWIMMING W. DAVID…

1943 SAT.

AUGUST 6

1939 11:30 I’ve finally found out the best way to escape responsibilities is to face them! Finally settled down + made a few sketches for G. – However I don’t want to be a comic strip artist. (Whoever it was called last night did not call tonight!)

1940 11:45 Hunk + I went up to Del Rapids to the dance… I can’t understand the boy – he is so nice. I don’t know why he dates someone as quiet + dopey as I was tonight – Guess I’m getting on in years…

1941 Wed Saw Mus. of M.A.A. – Met Igor P – Migosh whata night. – I was deluged with attention (must have been lack of competition) John M. promised to write me – wonder if he will? ?

1942 THURS WOW… BUT I’M tired… COULDN’T EVEN DO THOSE BLAME DISHES… HAD GELS over FOR DINNER… NESSA, SHIRLEE, PEGGY and D.J… IT WAS A DARN GOOD MEAL… WORE  my WHITE PINAFORE and FELT DOMESTIC… STITCHED A SEAM or TWO… PINKED ‘EM tonight… EXPECTED THE FELLAS TO come OVER; DIDN’T…

1943 FRI.

AUGUST 5

1939 11:30 Wouldn’t you know? Just because Eleanor + I go to a movie a man calls me! – oh well, we had a swell time – saw Mickey Rooney – and came home + ate our heads off (after we (the whole family it was Dad’s birthday) had a chicken dinner down town). I AM THROUGH WITH MY JOB – HURRAY!

1940 Got a letter from Mlle – want a picture in the suit for Oct issue I hope I get in – Bette Edwards, Bette H., D.J. + I crashed Emil’s, Bob’s, Al’s + Leonard’s dinner tonight – Got something to eat, Did the dishes!

1941 Tues DOING SOME THINKING – DANGEROUS. – ADMITTED, FINALLY, NOTHING MUCH THRILLS ME ANYMORE! – OR DOES IT – MAYBE I’VE JUST GROWN UP – SAW MLLE – S DIDN’T CALL – PARTED WITH $3 to A CHARMING FELLA FOR MAGS. – W/ WHOM I MISSED A DATE – HE CALLED AT 6:30 + I WAS OUT COCKTAILING WITH L.Z.A. – SAW W on the Rhine – Lucilla’s husband was up to see me tonight! – I refused!

1942 WED WELL, I COULD WORK AT THE Argus, I GUESS – BUT I’M WAITING TO HEAR FROM MR. WITMER – [WHOM I WROTE today]… MET JEAN Gibson FOR LUNCH. BOB AND I HAD COKES WITH PEGGY BLATHERWICK… BILL + TRESS and I ATE AT THE PALACE… (hm – I GUESS I MUST HAVE STAYED HOME tonight!)

1943 THURS

 

AUGUST 4

1939 I no sooner finish one job than I walk in to another, of sorts, down at radio station, publicity, layouts – I cut my hair tonight – I wish I had a date to B. Barron I wish I had a date – (Ray had such blue eyes)

1940 Well I don’t know exactly how, or if, I succeeded, but I rather think he won’t be able to ignore me – I gave him no indication whatsoever that I knew about Hazel – (He must know that I know) – He still thinks that I’m a corporation. He’s one of the stock holders

1941 Mon Well – believe it or not, we’re at the Barbizon Plaza – west 58 N.Y. City! – We left this morning at 5:30 – Never forget Mr. Cisney at station. Kissing Frank Wagner goodbye – horrible ride – New York skyline – faint half glow of sunset – g’night.

1942 TUES DARLING, WE’RE such DOPES… SO VERY QUIET WHEN WE’RE alone… I WORE MY NEW BLACK DRESS TO Abe Lyman… BAND WAS SUPER… (“AMEN” – good NUMBER) – REN TOOK ME DOWN TO THE ARGUS… I ASKED Leonard… I THINK HE’D LIKE ME TO STAY… BOUGHT A SLINKY BLACK SLIP… LEONARD WAS certainly ON THE BEAM

 1943 WED

AUGUST 3

1939 11:05 B-Little sister booklet got down to the printers today (among other things) Ray has left – I’m rather relieved He was rather nice + he had very blue eyes – Marg + Nessa, Peg + M + I went on a picnic out at Gitchenee tonight. We had a portable radio. (Full moon)

1940 11:30 I am just a little fed up with this non-love life of mine… I am just a bit more than a little mad at Bill dating every body but me (Hazel twice this week) I think I’ll carry on from where I left off at the 1^st date I had with him – He has it coming… I don’t know exactly how I’ll do it all I want is a chance

1941 Sun – Gee, I really wish this were next week at this time and all this hub-bub were over! Mike left this morning. Quite appalling exodus.

1942 MON CUT OUT MY GREEN DRESS TONIGHT… Then BILL + R.H #  + MISTER Payne CAME. I WASHED BOB’S HAIR FOR HIM. I SEWED, WHILE THEY contentedly READ MAGAZINES… THEY’RE CRAZY… THE SHAMPOO MADE Leonard A LITTLE JEALOUS, I THINK… REN SAYS THAT DAYTON’S IS STILL AVAILABLE. ALSO ARGUS. N.Y?

1943 Tuesday

AUGUST 2

1939 11:25 Managed to accomplish quite a bit today + not mind it!) In fact, I enjoyed myself! I’ve got to finish out at school, this wk. (Leonard was out today)

1940 (ditto – very much so – acutely so in fact) Well darn Bill – Clara saw him today. He has been out with Hazel! Got some borders fixed for Fosters finally – Bob, Dick H. + I talked, sang, rounds – listened to D. play Boogie Woogie He is brilliant. Too bad Leonard missed out. Spence was out again.

1941 Sat Wow – what a day. Helped strike 3:00 set tonight – talked with Barney – put on my formal + went to the party – sleeping with Lois tonight. Steven has our room

1942 SUN WE HAD 2 awfully SWEET SOLDIERS TO DINNER…MOTHER “PICKED THEM UP” AT CHURCH… WORE MY NOO PINAFORE… WENT UP TO DELL RAPIDS WITH David… PLEASANT enuff AFTERNOON; BUT I SHOULD HAVE LET WELL ENOUGH ALONE… WE GOT BORED BEFORE THE EVENING WAS over. I WAS sad.

1943 MON

AUGUST 1

1939 Another day + nothing accomplished – Sam’s birthday – picnic at her house (it rained) I ate too much – I found out Ray took Daisy to the dance – No more am I caring!

1940 10:30 Sometimes I loathe myself so that I can barely stand it. – I have wasted this summer so far – and how, I cannot figure out – I hoped Bill would call – He did not – probably just as well as I did a coupla borders – (Marg + I met Sara for lunch – gave her a spoon)

1941 Fri Milli’s English friend is here so I sacrificed my bed (with secret loathing!) – Mr. Cisney dared us to go in swimming with our clothes on. Spike did. I didn’t, but after dinner –

1942 SAT WE WENT TO THE DANCE WITH Shirley + Bill I HAD MY HAIR UP – FOR WHICH Leonard TOOK ME TO TASK – “TOO DAMN SUPERIOR” – BAND WAS awful… FLOOR W. crowded. LEONARD WAS TIRED… BUT I ENJOYED MYSELF IN A RATHER INEPT WAY… HE TOLD ME ABOUT MISS Bernie… HE WAS BAFFLED TO KNOW HOW I KNEW – ha – MET D.J. for LUNCH.

1943 SUN

JULY 31

1939 Mon 9:45 My ambition reached its height this morning. Its depth this eve. I washed hair + clothes in back yd + ironed. K + D met Mr. Eide – Tonight it was another “Blue Evening”

1940 9:45 Heard Flagsted’s Lebistod – the aching beauty of the prelude + the morning desire of the accompaniment to Love’s Death – I felt silly – tired all day – washed my face + wrote to Eleanor – Such accomplishments – Oh God –

1941 Went to Boston this morning – very impressive experience (15 of us in Station Wagon!) – Saw Cambridge, Freedom Hall – Shaw was fun tonight. Latest news from Eleanor is her vac. Is next week – I hope that’s official –

1942 FRI I WAS CLEANING MY RED SHOES, WHEN THE PHONE Rang… “SURE, I’D LOVE TO”… GEE, I SHOULDN’T BE SO READILY ACQUIESCENT. LEONARD WAS CERTAINLY BEAUTIFUL… BEIGE + BROWN… I INHIBITED HIM – FOR A WHILE… WE MET John K. + LEE + THE LARSONS AT SOOKS. I HAD 3 GLASSES of BEER + SAW DAVID!

1943 SAT RATHER NGHA. PEARL + I PLANNED TO GO TO A MATINEE. SHE GOT STARTED ON AN ALL DAY PARTY; I TRIED TO SLEEP THIS AFT; AND COULDN’T. ELEANOR + I WENT TO Mr. Lucky AT RADIO CITY – A VULGAR PLACE. DON COSSACKS WERE RUINED BY ORCHESTRA. WE ATE hamburgers at H. Heaven by ST. PAT’S, WALKED HOME.