August 1946

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August 1, 1946 (Thurs)

A nice day today. This morning Miss McCrory asked Evelyn and I so serve at the Board of Directors luncheon Aug. 6th. That is quite a privilege - we are going too. Evelyn and I ate lunch in snack bar. I went to Kings' and got a brown makeup kit instead of green. Didn't work very hard this afternoon. Miss McCrory and Miss O'Rourke went to a picnic at 3:30 so naturally Dorothy and I didn't kill ourselves working. I came straight home from work. After I ate supper and did dishes, I tried a little more crochet and then did more embroidering and listened to the radio. I was taking my shower when Bob called and asked Mom and Dad to come down after Georgia, Kay and Ruthann tomorrow - Dot's sick. And that's all we know - I certainly hope its nothing serious. Its getting late so night now.

August 2, 1946 (Fri)

Pretty nice day today. We worked just fairly hard today. Evelyn and I ate lunch in the company cafeteria - our first time. The food was good, but we had to wait in line too long. This afternoon I went down to Veseys after an orchid corsage for one of the girls getting married. Mother called me - Dorothy had a miscarriage - pregnant 2 months. That certainly is too bad. After work I got David some cars and things for his birthday and knitting needles and yarn. Mom and Dad went to Michigan for the weekend so I ate supper over to Margarets. After we did dishes I came home and tried to knit - not much success. Marjorie was going to stay all night with me, but changed her mind and went home. I went to bed about 9 and read Seventeen magazine till about 10 then to sleep.

August 3, 1946 (Sat)

I got up about 8. I built a fire right away. Ate breakfast and then washed my hair. I took care of the kids then while Margaret and Jess went to the grocery store. After they came home I just ate a lunch then swept the kitchen, straightened my bedroom up, dusted the living room and ran the sweeper. Jess made a couple of the nicest swings for the kids - more fun. I pushed them for quite awhile. I ate supper over to Margarets and we did dishes. I came home and got cleaned up. I embroidered then till Charlie came about a quarter after 9. We just played cards - I beat him every game and then we sat and talked and pitched a little woo. Charlie left about 12:30 and I got to bed about a quarter of 1.

"Pitched a little woo" means to make out, neck, etc.

August 4, 1946 (Sun)

I got up at 8 again today. I didn't feel very good and about 10 came sick. I really felt rotten after that. The doctor came about 12:30 and I felt better then. I slept till Charlie came - about 3:30. I got up then and got cleaned up. Charlie and I took Midge to see "Pinnochio" at the Palace. We liked it. We went to Carroll's and had sundaes then Charlie brought Midge some popcorn and we came home. Mom and Dad were home. We ate supper then did the dishes. Charlie and I vs. Mom and Dad played 3 games of euchre. Then Uncle Leon, Aunt Blanche, Aunt Effie and Aunt Dessie came. Uncle Leon took Mom's place and we played 3 more games of euchre. Finally Uncle Leon and Aunt Blanche left. Aunt Dessie and Aunt Effie stayed all night. I had to walk Charlie to the car so he could kiss me goodnight. I got to bed (on the davenport) about 11:30.

August 5, 1946 (Mon)

Always back to work on Monday mornings - too bad. We started 2 new girls so had plenty of work to do. Evelyn and I ate lunch in the snack bar and then down to Howards to pick up my pictures. Those pictures of Charlie and I that Harriet took certainly turned out good. I came straight home from work. Margaret, Jess and kids were over for supper, and we all ate in the backyard on the picnic table. I really enjoyed that. Dad was kidding me about the pictures - said he was going to tell Charlie that called for a shotgun wedding. Steve and Betty were down for awhile. I pushed the kids in the swing. Then put my hair up, sewed some buttons on my white dress, shined 2 pair of shoes, caught up on my diary, polished my nails and went to bed.

August 6, 1946 (Tues)

Certainly was a nice working day. I worked fairly hard this morning. About 11:30 Evelyn and I and 5 other girls (they are all private secretarys) went to cafeteria, ate our lunch, then served for the Board of Directors' Luncheon. We finished that about 1 - then ate some pie - got back to work about 1:30. I then ran around a lot this afternoon. After work Evelyn and I went downtown and got her some things. I got home about 5:30. Ate supper and did dishes. This evening I ironed a dress, sewed a button on it. Dad and Steve went to midget auto races. Ray, Lavon and Raymie were over. Mother and I went to Baschbaum's and got some ice cream. Margaret came over and the 3 of us ate ice cream and peanuts. I helped Mother dampen clothes. Aunt Elma gave me 2 pictures for my graduation present. Its after 10 now.

Before permanent press, almost all clothes needed ironing. So we had to use a bottle of water with a special top and slightly wet the clothes before ironing. Didn't have steam irons for awhile, either. Consequently "dampen the clothes". --Georgia Hudson

And as I remember it - we sprayed them with water, rolled them up and put them in plastic bags in the refrigerator, then took them out and ironed them. --Ruth Carpenter

And as I remember it-after we sprayed them, we rolled them up and put them in a clothes basket and covered it with a towel. We only put them in the refrigerator if we didn't get them ironed soon. That was to keep them from getting mildew on them! --Kay Bazin

August 7, 1946 (Wed)

Another nice working day. We had just one girl starting this morning. At noon Evie and I ate lunch in the snack bar. Then we went down to the drugstore. I bought a book called "Whiteoaks of Jolna." We came back to office and read till a quarter of 1. After work I went downtown with Evelyn. I got home about 6. After I ate supper and I helped Mom and Margaret picked and snap beans and pick pickles. We did dishes and I got cleaned up. I read some more till Charlie got here about a quarter after 7. We talked to Mom and Dad till they went to bed, then Charlie and I played a game of rummy. I beat him. We sat on the davenport and talked mostly. He liked those pictures of us - I certainly hope I get to go along to Cincinnati with the Rural Youth Club Sat. and Sun.

August 8, 1946 (Thurs)

August 9, 1946 (Fri)

Gosh, it was dark when I went to work - it rained for a couple of hours - just poured. I went to Pennsy Station this morning and got a ticket for Miss McCrory to Chicago. At noon Evelyn and I ate lunch at YMCA. We were suppose to meet Donna Lou, but she didn't come. This afternoon Dorothy and I spent practically all afternoon figuring up Miss O'Rourke's grocery bill. I came straight home from work. Bob was here. Oh yes, Charlie called me at 7 this morning and said Bob would be to Ft. Wayne so I could go back with him. I washed my hair, took my bath, and packed my suitcase. We got there about 8. I pressed a dress there. Dot and Bob are still at Christmans - Dot is feeling better. I went to bed about 10. Charlie and I hollered back and forth at each other, but finally went to sleep. I slept with Harriet.

August 10, 1946 (Sat)

We got up at 5. Left Christman's about 6 and got to Wabash about 6:30. Our bus left at 7. There were 13 boys and 13 girls. We had a lot of fun going - played euchre etc. We got to our hotel in Cincinnati at 12. I had a room with Harriet - a cute room with bath. Charlie was just down the hall with Doyle Hupert. The 4 of us ate lunch together. At 2 the bus driver (very nice guy - Mac McFarland) picked us all up and took us to Union Terminal Station - gosh, that's a mammoth place and beautiful. We went back to our hotels, got cleaned up and at 5 went down to catch ferry "Island Queen" for Coney Island amusement park. The trip on ferry was very nice - we had so much fun. It took an hr. to go down. Coney Island was so big - we had loads of fun. Came back on 9:30 ferry - that trip was something you dream about. We got back to hotel about 11. About 12 Doyle and Charlie came to our toom - we ordered cokes and we played euchre till 2:30. The boys were locked out of their room and had to go down to lobby to get key. I got to bed about 3.

August 11, 1946 (Sun)

Harriet got me up at 7. We called everybody else - then got cleaned up and Doyle, Charlie, Harriet, and I ate breakfast in the Florentine Room of Hotel - just beautiful. At 9 Mac picked us up and we went to zoo. We left there about a quarter of 12. Back to hotel - then Doyle, Charlie, Harriet and I went to dinner. Afterwards we four went up to the top of Carew Tower (48 stories). We spent about 45 minutes up there - didn't want to come down then, but had to. Got back to hotel about 2. Packed our bags and checked out. Mac picked up up at 2:30. We got lost in Cincinnati and didn't get out of there till after 4. Played more euchre, sang etc. on bus. Stopped at Rushville for supper. Mac ate with us 4 kids. Got into Wabash at 10. Talked to Dot and Bob quite awhile at Christmans. Then Charlie brought me home - I slept all the way. Talked to Mom and Dad after we got home. Charlie left right away. It was 12 when I got to bed.

August 12, 1946 (Mon)

Man, it was tough to get up after such a tiring but wonderful weekend. I could hardly keep my eyes open all day. Gosh, but it was cold. And to top it all off we were so busy. We started 3 girls and the work just kept coming in all day. At noon Evelyn, Janet and I ate lunch in cafeteria. Then went downtown and met 2 of Evelyn's friends and helped one pick out dress. More work this afternoon and I do mean work. After work I went downtown and helped Evie buy a blouse and took some film down to Howard's - also colored negatives Fern (Ray's girl) took of us. I got home about 5:30. Sent some clothes to dry-cleaners. Ate supper, tried to catch up on some of the newspapers. I went to sleep on davenport - finally got up enough energy to put my hair up and to write in my diary. Its not even 9:30 but I am dead and I am going to hit the hay.

August 13, 1946 (Tues)

August 14, 1946 (Wed)

August 15, 1946 (Thurs)

August 16, 1946 (Fri)

August 17, 1946 (Sat)

We got up at 5:30. Got down to Dot and Bob's about 8. They had just gotten up. Dad was shooting pidgeons off the barn so I was helping (?) him. We also went in the woods hunting for squirrels but didn't see any. After dinner we did dishes and Mother, Dot and I went to N. Manchester. We drove past Charlie's farm and it looks nice from what I could see of it (9 room house.) I bought 2 purses - a fuschia one and a yellow one. We stopped at Christmans. Stayed there for supper. Charlie said I looked cute in my jeans and t-shirt. Back over to Dorothys. Charlie came over and he, Dot, Bob and I played euchre till 11. Charlie get possession of the farm buildings in February. He wants to get married then. I never thought of getting married so soon. He said I should think it over till tomorrow night. Gosh, but I love him. I got to sleep about 12:30.

August 18, 1946 (Sun)

I got up about 8. We ate breakfast, got cleaned up and Charlie, the rest of the Christman's, Dot, Bob and I went to church in Huntington. Stopped at some of their relation. I ate dinner over to Christmans and Charlie and I went to a meeting he had to go to. Then we stopped at our farm. Nobody was there so didn't see inside of house. I certainly liked the looks of the outside though and 9 rooms. Charlie is so excited about it. He has everything planned already. It seemed so wonderful - just the 2 of us talking about our house. We were over to Dot's for supper and Charlie and I did the dishes. We left for Ft. Wayne about 8. Got here about 9. Mother and Dad were in bed. Charlie and I set the date of the wedding for May 3rd, but we'll have to change it. He still wants it in April or even sooner. I still can't believe its possible that we are talking about our wedding. It was after 12 when I got to bed.

August 19, 1946 (Mon)

I was still so excited. I didn't sleep very well. I told Mother this morning and she just grinned and said they sort of expected it. Nobody seemed to surprised when I told them - I only told my close friends - Anna May, Dorothy and Evie Lou. I couldn't work too well. At noon I met Dot, Harriet, Mrs. Christman and one of Charlie's aunts for lunch at YMCA. Went down to Howard's and picked up some pictures and saw Pudge and Pat. Told them and were they ever excited. I was late getting back to work. Came straight home from work. Mother had told practically everybody she knew, I guess. Dot was as excited as me. They talked me into telling Mrs. Christman and Harriet. They were all here for supper. I got a beautiful pair of pearls from Aunt Elma for my Graduation present. I got Betty's large wedding picture yesterday. Tried to call her, but couldn't get a hold of her. Dot cut my hair a little. Its 9:30 and I'm tired, but I'm afraid to excited to sleep.

August 20, 1946 (Tues)

Still feel pretty happy. Everybody said it was cool outside, but it seems warm to me. Miss McCrory is on vacation till after Labor Day. Betty Jane called me at work - she is all excited too! Wanted to know if she could be one of the bridesmaids and wanted to plan the dresses already. Nothing like rushing the thing. Evie, Janet, another girl Helen Bolabug and I ate lunch together. Evie and I went downtown. We worked pretty hard again today. The work just seems to pour in. I came straight home from work. Mother gave me 2 darling hotpads she made. One a pair of panties and a pair of shorts - to put in my hope chest. We were down to Steve and Betty Holmes for awhile - all they talked about was me, the wedding and my learning to cook. This evening I fixed my white dress, embroidered a little and took my bath. Mother and Dad went to see Daisie's play. Its almost 10 now. Night!

August 21, 1946 (Wed)

A little chilly this morning, but warmed up during the day. Still very busy in the office. Kay Huntz at Info Desk said there was a boy in asking about me yesterday. It doesn't interest me at all now. Mom cut her thumb last night and had to have 2 stitches taken in it. Evie and I ate lunch in snack bar and went downtown at noon. After work I cleaned up a little and met Charlie's Aunt Letty about 5 at Greyhound Terminal. We ate supper in the cafeteria there and caught the 5:30 bus to Wabash. I slept most of the way. Charlie met us at bus stop in Wabash and we went out to the Wabash Fair. I rather enjoyed it - even looking at the livestock. Had some exciting rides. Dot, Bob, Mr. and Mrs. Christman and Harriet were also there. We left about 9:30, got to Ft. Wayne about 10:30. Charlie and I set the wedding for April 26, 1947. Just a little over 8 mos, but seems like years. I never knew love could be so wonderful.

August 22, 1946 (Thurs)

A little sleepy this morning, but very happy. Rather chilly all day. I got a new Electomatic typewriter at work so they can have their new Woodstock back. Gosh, but I like the electromatics. I got a letter from Betty Jane. I've got to write her now. I want to talk to her so badly. Evie Lou and I ate lunch in snack bar and downtown for awhile. Boy, I certainly can speed along on my new typewriter. Came straight home from work. Right after I finished eating we started pulling peeling peaches for canning. Margaret and the kids were over most of the time. Howard, Ahleen, and girls were over for awhile too. Dad is talking about buying a farm near N. Manchester too and let Bob and Charlie farm it. I don't know whether he means it or not - I only wish he would. I shined shoes, read magazines and took my shower. Ten now.

August 23, 1946 (Fri)

A little warmer today. Dorothy and I worked pretty hard this morning, but finally got our work caught up. Evie Lou and I ate lunch in snack bar and went to Carl Rose's at noon and got my class ring. I didn't have much to do this afternoon so I finished typing a letter to Jackie and I typed one to Betty Jane. I came straight home from work. Ray, Lavon, Raymie and Elaine were here for supper. Marilyn Long called me and wants me to come over Monday evening. A bunch of the girls are going over. I called Betty Jane and she said she could go too. This evening I embroidered a little and then took care of Midge, Dave and Jimmy. I finished reading, "The Whiteoaks of Jalna." Fairly good. It was about one when I got home.

August 24, 1946 (Sat)

Mother called me at 8. It was a nice day outdoors. I certainly was a busy girl. First, I helped Mother and Dad can a bushel of peaches and some tomatoes. I mowed the yard - both back and front. We ate lunch and Mother and I did the dishes. I cleaned my bedroom up and cleaned 3 of my drawers in my chest-of-drawers out. I baked a chocolate cake and made frosting. Very good. Went over and talked to Margaret for awhile and pushed Midge and Dave in the swings. Steve Holmes was down for awhile. We ate supper, and I washed my hair. Mother and Dad went over to Alma's and Roy's. I listened to radio and embroidered. It seemed so funny to be home on Sat. night - the first time in a long time. I took my shower and its about 10:30 now so night.

August 25, 1946 (Sun)

Mother got me about 8 again. Right after I finished breakfast I started embroidering again. I did that most of the morning and afternoon too. I made the dressing for dinner. Good too. Dad said I would have to start cooking on weekends so I would know how by next April. I got cleaned up this afternoon - listened to radio and embroider. Mother and Dad went away. Dot, Bob, and Charlie came in about 8. I didn't know Dottie and Bob were coming, but I was still glad to see them. We went to the Palace and saw "Rebecca." Its an old picture brought back, but still pretty good. Afterwards I made toasted cheese sandwiches and we also had chocolate cake and peaches. It was after one before they left.

August 26, 1946 (Mon)

A little chilly today. I wasn't sleepy despite my lack of sleep this morning. Not too busy today. Evelyn and I ate lunch in snack bar then went up to see museum - very interesting. I came straight home from work. I got cleaned up right away and met Donna Lou downtown at 7. We went out to Marilyn Long's then. Gloria Heaton, Evelyn, Betty Jane, Pudge and Pat were there too. We played bunco and did an awful lot of talking - especially Betty and I. I was never so surprised in all my life as when Marilyn announced her engagement. I didn't even know she had a boyfriend. He came a little later and he is the stupidest looking person I have seen in a long time. Marilyn can certainly do better then that. Betty and Erv brought me home. I got to bed about 11:30.

August 27, 1946 (Tues)

A little warmer today. Just average as far as being busy is concerned. Evie and I ate lunch in snack bar - bought Ruth Ann a storybook doll for her birthday at Wolf and D's. After work Anna May and I went down and got her another one. Ruth Ann, Georgia and Kay were over for supper and are going to spend the night. Ruthie certainly liked her dolls. Anna May and Barbara Widdifield came over on their bikes - took me for a ride. We decided to go to the State then so I got cleaned up while they went after the car. A double feature and both rather boring. They got the reels all mixed up and everything so we didn't stay for all. It was about 10:30 when I got home and almost 11 now so night.

August 28, 1946 (Wed)

A little chilly again today. Not very busy today. Just one girl started to work. Evie and I ate lunch in the snack bar at noon and then went to dry cleaners and saw Kathleen Brenizer. She is going to be married October 5, 1946 - not very far off. I came straight home from work. The girls were still here. They had me on the floor playing paper dolls with them. I finally got cleaned up. Howard and Ahleen came over after the kids. Charlie came about 8. We sat and talked to Mother and Dad awhile and then we went over to Howard and Ahleens. They are going to give us their living room suite and we are going to have it reupholstered. I certainly like that idea. We got home about 10 and Charlie left about 12. I was in bed by 5 after.

August 29, 1946 (Thurs)

Very chilly today. I just about froze all day. We started two new girls this morning. Evie ate lunch with one of her beaus so I ate with Helen Bolubaz. Didn't have much work this afternoon. I've been trying to figure my money and it looks like I'm just not going to have enough to go around. I came straight home from work. Nobody was home when I got home. Mother, Dad and Midge had gone to store. I built a fire in the backroom to warm the house up a little. Steve was over for quite awhile - just talking. I put my hair up, washed some nylons out and took my shower. Its about 10 now so I'll hit the hay for today.

August 30, 1946 (Fri)

Quite a bit warmer today. We didn't have too much to do today, but enough to keep us busy. I got paid today. Evie and I ate lunch in snack bar and Evie and I went downtown. I banked $10 more ($60 now in bank), got my brown make-up kit out of layaway, and paid some on my charge at W and D's. I went downtown after work with Evie again to see the new suit she bought. This evening Mother and Dad went to a baseball game so I just listened to the radio and embroidered. Doesn't sound very exciting, but I enjoy it for a change. I think a lot about Charlie and I, our house and how I want the house arranged, what kind of furniture, color scheme etc. It was after ten when I went to bed.

August 31, 1946 (Sat)

Got a letter from Betty Jane and she is going to have a baby around May 1st so she won't be able to be a bridesmaid. Mother called me at 8. I helped Mom and Dad can some tomatoes and then I helped Dad wash the car. Mother and I did dishes. I also washed my hair this morning. This afternoon I embroidered a little - Dad and I went after the dry-cleaning. Mother and Dad went to the lake with Esther and Carl for the evening. I got cleaned up and listened to radio and embroidered till Charlie came at 9. We went to the Palace and saw "The Searching Wind." Pretty good. We couldn't find any place to eat so just came home. It was about 11:30 when we got home. Charlie left about 1:30. Mother and Dad got home about 2. A pretty nice day - wonderful weather too.