April 1947

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April 1, 1947 (Tues)

April Fool's Day and I April fooled Mother the first thing. A rainy day - a fine way to start April out - April Showers though bring May flowers. We kids ate lunch in the snack bar and at noon I met Mother - we got yellow net for Anna May and Harriet's veils. We asked about the flowergirl dresses and we can only get yellow - that's rather disappointing. I came straight home after work. This evening I got cleaned up and Charlie and Dot came about a quarter after 8. It was pouring down rain. We went to the Cathredral and Father Manoski baptized me and I am now a Catholic. Dottie gave me a leather bound missal. They left about 11:30 - Charlie took quite a few of my things with him.

April 2, 1947 (Wed)

We got the wedding invitations from Uncle Horace - very nice except they have Jr. instead of Sr. after Dad's name. No rain, but a little chillier today. We haven't been too busy this week. At noon Kathleen, Anna May, Evie and I ate lunch in snack bar. I went downtown and bought some tiny candle stick holders and napkins for shower for Betty Jane. I came straight home from work. This evening I got cleaned up - Erv was supposed to pick me up at 8, but overslept and didn't come till after 9. He took me over to Betty's and lo and behold she had a surprise personal shower for me. I got some nice things - satin-quilted hankie from Lucy, a matching hose and jewelry box from Betty Jane, a white silk nightie from Pudge, Pat, Betty Lou, Marilyn and June Ann, white nylon panties from Donna Lou, a white slip trimmed in blue from Anna May and Kathleen M., a pair of nylons from Evie and a tafetta apron from Kathleen Edwards. Bill and Anna May brought me home about 12.

April 3, 1947 (Thurs)

It was a beautiful day - just a little chill in the air. However, I got sick this morning and had to come home at noon. I stopped a Wolf and D's and got me a couple pair of nylons first though. This afternoon I called Lucy to tell her I couldn't meet her. We talked for quite awhile. I didn't eat anything all day except for a little ice cream - didn't feel so hot. Erv called about 6 to make sure about tomorrow night. I called Betty Jane and asked her to come over tomorrow evening to see my gifts - I hope she doesn't suspect! I also talked to Pudge and Lucile. I did get up a little while this evening. Am going to sleep now - its almost 9.

April 4, 1947 (Fri)

I went to work today, but didn't feel so hot. Rather dampish out. Mom took me to busline. We weren't too terribly busy today. Good Friday but I felt so rotten I didn't go to church. I only took a half hour off for lunch so I could get off at 4 this afternoon. I went downtown and did some shopping for Margaret and for the shower. I met Evie about 5 and we got Betty Jane a pair of baby scales. It was 5:30 when I got home. We had to hurry like everything to get ready. Donna Lou came about 7 - we went after Lucy and the rest of the kids came. Betty Jane didn't come till about 9 and I really believe she was surprised. I think everyone enjoyed themselves a lot. Mother and Dad took most of them home. It was one when I got to bed.

April 5, 1947 (Sat)

'm not sure, but I think it was about 8 when I got up. It was a beautiful morning - very warm and the sun ashining. Mom and Dad went to town and I finished my black coat. Finally! Even got it pressed. We had the kids here all afternoon. It rained all afternoon, but still wasn't cold. I didn't seem to get too much done, but was busy all day. Mother and I (after the kids went home) dyed Easter eggs and fixed baskets for the kids. This evening I washed out hose, washed my hair and pressed a dress. It was after ten when I finally got to bed. Not bad for Saturday night.

April 6, 1947 (Sun)

Happy Easter! Not so cold, but oh! so windy. We got up about 7. I couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight till I take communion and it certainly was hard to do. Charlie, Dot, Bob, Mr. and Mrs. Christman came about 9. They, Mom and I went to 10:00 mass at the Cathedral. Very nice - I took communion. They were all here for dinner. This afternoon we went to ex-neighbor's of ours greenhouse and ordered flower for the wedding. I'm going to have yellow roses on white prayer book. The attendants bright pale jonquils, the flowergirls snapdragons and lily of the valley and mathers-talisman roses. Howard, Ahleen and girls were over. They all left around 6. Dottie stayed. She, Mom, Dad and I talked till eleven.

April 7, 1947 (Mon)

A little warmer today. We were fairly busy at work. At noon Evie, Anna May, Helen and I ate lunch in snack bar. I went down to the bank and drew out my $54.00. Then stopped at Jefferson Studio and made an appointment for our wedding pictures. I came straight home from work. Dot, Mom and I went downtown this evening. I was going to pick up my picture at Cron-Leone Studio, but now they have me a peroxide blonde. I wouldn't accept it. Then for my fitting Bridal Shop. they haven't done a thing to my dress since I took it off Feb. 20th . Oh, I was so mad - am suppose to go back Friday. We looked at hats, but couldn't find any. The jewelry store were closed and I couldn't buy attendants' gifts. It was after 9 when we got home - I went to bed about 10.

April 8, 1947 (Tues)

Weather - not bad. Just fairly busy. Wrote for our reservations at Mammoth Cave Hotel. At noon Evie, Helen, Anna May and I ate lunch in snack bar. At noon I went to Wolf and D's to see about the flowergirl dresses - still haven't come. I got a couple bath towels for Pauline. I stopped at Koerbers after work and got tiny gold identification bracelets for Midge and Ruthie and pearl bracelets ($6.00 apiece) for Harriet, Evie and Anna May. They're beautiful. I also got some extra wallpaper for our one bedroom. This evening Dot and I got cleaned up. Bob and Charlie came. We went over to the wedding reception for a few minutes. We got back about 11 and then Charlie told me Bob and Dottie's house burned down this morning at 2:00 am. We got Mom and Dad up and told Dot - she practically had hysterics. It was terrible. They saved most of the stuff in the living room and bedroom, but lost everything in the kitchen and most of their clothes. They left about 2.

April 9, 1947 (Wed)

Nice day today - not very busy again today - thank heavens. I was still tired and nervous from last night. It just doesn't seem possible that Dot and Bob's house burned down. At noon Evie, Anna May, Helen, Kathleen and I ate lunch in snack bar. Evie and I went downtown and ran into one of her boyfriends. They gabbed all noon hour. I came straight home after work. Mom and Dad were raking the backyard. Mom called Dot at Christmans - she is feeling pretty good. Betty Jane called me - we talked quite awhile. I was so tired this evening so didn't do very much. I washed out nylons, put my hair and ironed a blouse. It was around 9:30 when I went to bed.

April 10, 1947 (Thurs)

It was raining this morning so Jess took me down to the busline. We were pretty busy all day. Gosh, it was so warm at noon. We ate lunch in snack bar - then went to Wolf and D's to see about having a belt made, to look for aqua net (no luck) and stopped and talked to Wanda. After work Evie and I went downtown and I'm having a belt made for my pink dress at Singer's. I also got Charlie's wedding band - it is all gold with just a little carving on - $17.00. When I came home, Mom and Dad were cleaning the front yard up. This evening I washed my hair, hemmed a dress and washed it. Then I addressed more invitations (Charlie's list). I got through about 10 - took a bath and now it is after 10:30. Night

April 11, 1947 (Fri)

Only one more Friday to get up to go to work. We weren't so terribly busy today. We ate lunch in the snack bar. After work I went to the Bridal Shop - - Mother met me there and had my fitting for my wedding gown - it is still pretty. I'll get it next Wenesday. This evening Ray and Alma were over. I packed my suitcase, got cleaned up and licked all my wedding invitations shut. It was after 9 when Charlie, Bob and Dot came. And it was 2 when we left. We got to Christmans about 3 - we stayed there all night.

April 12, 1947 (Sat)

I got up about 7:30. Ate breakfast. We did dishes and then Dot, Mrs. Christman and I went past their house - there certainly isn't a thing left. Then over to Charlie and my house. Mrs. Christman finished papering the one bedroom while I washed the woodwork and the bed. This morning Charlie and I went to N. Manchester for awhile. This afternoon Mother, Dad, Roy and Alma came down. I painted the floor in my living room. Dottie and I made custard and got supper while Charlie and Bob did the chores. We ate supper, then did dishes. Dot and Bob stayed here all night. We actually all went to bed around 10.

April 13, 1947 (Sun)

Dot and Bob got up about 6:30 and left to do chores and go to Ft. Wayne with Harriet and Bud. Charlie did chores and then got me up about 8:00. I got breakfast for the two of us then we got cleaned up and went to Huntington to church. Afterwards, we went to Christman's for dinner. Just Mr. and Mrs. Christman and Charlie and I. We did dishes and then Charlie and I went over to our house. I burned my arm on the stove. Howard, Ahleen and then girls came and brought their darn dog for Charlie to keep. After they left Charlie and I made beds, straightened living room up, did chores, washed dishes, cleaned eggs and then went over to Dot's and Bob's and did chores. It was almost 11 when we got to Ft. Wayne.

April 14, 1947 (Mon)

Kind of chilly today. We were fairly busy. At noon we kids ate lunch in snack bar. I took Charlie's ring back to Carl Rose's to be made a little larger. I picked it up after work. I came home then - ate supper, did dishes and I got cleaned up. Charlie came about 8. We were going to buy shoes for him, but shoe stores were closed. We finally gave up and went to Dr. Conley's office and had our blood tests. We saw Ray and Alma at the doctor's office. Charlie didn't stay very late this evening.

April 15, 1947 (Tues)

Still chilly. Payday today. We were fairly busy. At noon we kids ate lunch together. Then I met Mom, Ahleen, Midge and Ruthie at Wolf and D's where we got the little flowergirl dresses - darling. After work this evening Evie and I got the aqua net for the veils (just the same shade as her dress). We looked all over for it. I stopped at Koerbers to see about Ruthie and Midge's bracelets - weren't done - they will send them out tomorrow. I picked my pink belt up at Singer's. I got a birthday card from Anna May and a beautiful electric clock (wood one) from Miss McCrory and Miss O'Rouke for a wedding present. Charlie and my reservations came at Mammoth Cave.

April 16, 1947 (Wed)

I got a birthday card from Betty Jane. Today is my birthday and now I am nineteen. And its a horrible day - even snowed! I didn't work too hard today. At noon we kids ate lunch together and then downtown. I got Mrs. Christman a set of towels for her birthday yesterday. Anna May and Evie gave me a couple hankies. After work I went down to the Bridal Shop and picked my wedding gown up. Jim and Millie picked - we got Mom and Dad and went out to Aunt Elma's for supper. She gave me an apron. Tom and Jim were there too. Got home about 8:30. Charlie was here. He took me to see "The Jolson Story" and gave me a beautiful pair of pearls for my birthday. Margaret gave me some hotpads and Mom and Dad houseslippers which I'll pick out Saturday.

April 17, 1947 (Thurs)

A little nicer, but still chilly. Dorothy and I are checking all our records before we leave so we have enough work to keep us busy. Evie, Kathleen, Helen and I ate lunch together. At noon I exchanged a pair of nylons which Evie had gotten for me - they were too long. After work I went to the dentist - Dr. Tully. I saw Lucile on the bus. The nurse cleaned my teeth and Dr. Tully had to fix one cavity. My jaw ached all evening. I tried my wedding gown on for Midge this morning. My arm where I burned it last Sunday, has been awfully tender too. It was only a little after nine when I went to bed.

April 18, 1947 (Fri)

Lucile called. A beautiful day. We still don't seem to have any spare time at work lately. At noon Evie, Helen, and I ate lunch together. Evie and I went downtown and I bought some Pacquins cold cream, deodorants, and fingernail polish remover. I went down to the bank for Miss McCrory this afternoon. After work this evening I went to Boston Furniture Co. and paid off my living room suite - it belongs to us now. I shopped around a little then home. This evening I washed my hair. Roy was over for awhile and then La Von and Elaine were over for awhile too. It was only around 9:30 when I got to bed.

April 19, 1947 (Sat)

It rained all day and is getting colder. Betty Jane called me. I got up about 8. We ate and got cleaned up and Mom, Dad and I ordered the wedding cake and mints. Dad took Mom and I downtown. We both bought hats - mine's black and white, Mom - a pair of shoes, me - for my birthday from Mom and Dad a pair of houseslippers and a blue and white garter belt. We ate lunch downtown - then home. Charlie had come and wanted to get our marriage license, but couldn't find me till after the courthouse was closed. He was here this afternoon and then got our refrigerator and went home about 3:30. Mom, Dad and I sat and talked and I tried on my wedding gown. Did pack a few of my things. I took care of the kids this evening. Took a bath in the tub over there. Ray, LaVon, Esther and Carl were here. I got to bed about 11:30.

April 20, 1947 (Sun)

Still raining and cold when I got up at a quarter after nine. I hurried and got cleaned up. Dot, Bob, and Charlie came about a quarter of 10 and we went to Cathedral. Came home, talked, ate dinner and did dishes. Charlie and I took Dot and Bob downtown and we went over to Howard and Ahleen's. They gave us our wedding present - a beautiful blue chenille bedspread - just what I've been wanting. We were there about an hour and then came back home. Mom and Dad came back about 6. Charlie left to pick Dot and Bob up and then go on home. This evening I pinned the hems in my new nightie and in my 2 slips. Its almost 9 so good-night.

April 21, 1947 (Mon)

Still raining. It has rained 16 out of 21 days so far in April - chilly too. I was busy today - still teaching Bette Joss the attendance. At noon we kids ate lunch in the snack bar. Went downtown afterwards and I bought some elastic and hook and eyes to mend my brassieres. I came straight home from work this evening. I got a wedding present from Aunt Ida and Martha Adam - 4 lovely placemats. Charlie came about 8:30 - he had left Dot and Bob at the show. We went to see Father Manoski - had to fill out some forms. We invited him to the wedding breakfast. He recommended us to see Dr. Berghoff about rhythm control. Afterwards we went to Howard and Ahleen's for a little while. Then home - Dot and Bob came. Charlie and Bob left about 11:30. Dot stayed all night.

April 22, 1947 (Tues)

Another rainy and cold day - I wish it would warm up before next Saturday. I didn't have too much to do - in fact, all morning I typed up articles on our wedding for in next Sat. evening and Sunday mornings paper. At noon Helen, Evie, and I ate lunch in snack bar. Evie and I went downtown and I bought some wrapping paper and ribbon for Dorothy M. I came straight home from work this evening. Dorothy is going to stay here till after the wedding. This evening I took care of Midge, Dave and Jimmie over there. I put the hem in my white dress, put my hair up and polished my nails. I came home about a quarter of 10 - took a bath and went to bed.

April 23, 1947 (Wed)

Surprise - it was a beautiful day - so warm and the sun shining. I dressed all up since it was my last day at work. I did very little work all day. I got a beautiful orchid from the company. Margie Dornte gave me a beautiful white towel set with hand-painted roses. Dorothy Murphy gave me a guest book, Miss McCrory - a set of peach towels and Miss O'Rourke - a set of green towels - all so nice. I drew my last check - $10.00. We ate lunch in snack bar - then downtown at noon - I got a t-shirt and a box of candy to pass out this afternoon. Everybody seemed sad to see me leave. Lucy called me. some woman took my picture. Dad came after me. I got a coffee dispenser from Uncle Earl and Aunt Tracy and a french-frier from Bob, Virginia and David. Anna May came over and gave me a sheet and pair of pillowcases. I did some sewing and now it is almost 10 so good-night.

April 24, 1947 (Thurs)

It was about 7 when I got up. Was raining a little then, but cleared up and the sun shone. This morning after Dottie and I ate breakfast, I packed a lot of my things so Charlie could take them back with him. Aunt Elma was here awhile. I got cleaned up then and mended my slips. I got a package from Marilyn Long and Betty Lou - a lovely large crystal sandwich plate. We took care of the kids all morning. Charlie came about one - we stopped at Dr. Berghoff's, went and got our marriage license, then shopped around for awhile, then out to the florist to take my white prayer book out. We got home about 5 - ate supper, then Charlie went home. Dot and I did dishes. Pat and Pudge both called me. I washed my hair, washed out hose and other things and now it is almost ten so good-night.

That is the last entry for 1947. At this point she stopped writing in it two days before her wedding! She starts writing again in September of 1948 - - 17 months later! -- Sandy Buckley

Picture of Betty at her wedding 4/26/1947


Charlie and Betty's wedding 4/26/1947