December 1945

Any comments in this color, explain who people or places are. They are not part of the entry.

December 1, 1945 (Sat)

I woke up at 5:30 this morning. We got ready then to go to the Church. Dottie really looked beautiful. Harriet stayed all night and Wanda came over about 7. We got to the church about 10 till 9. Gosh, it was cold. The flowers were there and they were beautiful. Mine was pink carnations with beautiful pink and blue ribbons, the two bridesmaids had fuschia carnations with pink ribbon and the flower girls bouquets were all colors. Dot had her white prayer topped with pink roses and streamers hanging down the front with rosebuds in them. Golly, was I ever nervous walking down that aisle. After I took Charlie's arm, I stumbled up the steps, but I don't think anybody noticed. I could hardly hear Dot and Bob when they repeated the vows. They had a double ring ceremony. It lasted for about a half hour, we had to kneel most of the time. We stood in the vestibule while all the people congratulated Dot and Bob. Pudgie, Pat, Lucile and Lucile's sister-in-law decorated the cars in that time. Marceil Derickson was at the wedding. Charlie, I, Dot and Bob were in Charlie's car. We rode around a little while then we went to Jefferson Studios and had our pictures taken. We went out to the Candlelite for the wedding breakfast. We really attracted a lot of attention. We had baked ham, mashed potatoes, peas, cranberry sauce and ice cream. I sat next to Charlie. We came home then. Ahleen took a bunch of pictures. The people started coming right away. Dorothy and Bob certainly got a lot of presents and there were certainly a lot of people here. The fun really began when Pudgie and Lucile came. They, Charlie and I were sitting in our bedroom where all the presents were and we really had a lot of fun. Pat came then a little later. About 8:30 Charlie, I, Fern Martin (Ray's girlfriend), Pat, Oddra, my cousin Doris Jean, and Lucile. We took Lucile to the busline and then went to North Side and picked Betty Lou up. We came back here then and sat and talked. Bob and Dot left while we were gone. I won't see them for a week now. Pat, Betty Lou and Lucile left about 10. Oh yes, before those kids came I kissed Charlie twice in the bedroom. We started to charge the people 25 cents admission, but nobody would pay up. When Christman's left they were kidding Charlie and I and wanted to know if Charlie wasn't going to take me and he started to. I got sick soon after that. Golly, I'm glad I waited till the day was practically over with. It was 2 before everybody left. Oh what a wonderful day and Bob and Dot are so happy.

December 2, 1945 (Sun)

I woke up about 6:30. I didn't feel too good this morning yet. June, Bob, Roger, and Eddie from Ohio came here early this morning. I couldn't get dressed until I cleaned some of the things in my bedroom away from the door. Mother and Dad went down and saw Bob and Dot off and brought Bob's car back and parked it in our back yard. We had a lot of company this afternoon again. About 15 to 20 people were here. A write up was in this morning's paper about the wedding. I tried to do homework this afternoon, but didn't get much done. I was so terribly tired. It was eleven before everybody left again. I slept on the davenport again all night. This is my first night sleeping on the wedding cake. Well nite now.

December 3, 1945 (Mon)

Back to school again. What a weekend! I was so terribly sleepy all day. I had to work in the Library all during homeroom. We had 2 floor talks in Eng. again, and we got our essays back - no grades on them though. I have to see her. Betty and I did some checking in Cl. Practice. We had Phys Fit 3rd period. Pudgie and I wrote notes in Economics 4th. Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria and talked about the wedding. We had a substitute this afternoon during Shhd. and Typing. I worked in the Lib after school, went to see Miss Huffman but she wasn't there - I went downtown, got the proofs for the wedding pictures - they are very good. This evening I went over and took care of the kids for about a half hour - got 50 cents. I read my Seventeen and did Shorthand. Its a quarter of 10 and I am very sleepy.

December 4, 1945 (Tues)

We had 2 more floor talks in English and I thought we were through with that. Betty and I ran a stencil off on the mimeograph 2 period. I worked at desk in Library 3rd. I went up to see Miss Huffman about my essay. She made me leave part of it out. We had a review in Economics. Mr. Young wasn't here again today. Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria and we had a very confidential talk. Betty says she and Erv are going to be married June 29th and I'm going to be her maid of honor. We had a substitute again 6th period and 7th. Mr. Reeves had Joyce Gingel and I go up and take a speech from Mr. Coil. It took all of 7th. I came home right from school. This evening I typed my essay over, studied for an Economics test and did a little Shorthand (very little). I didn't get to bed till about ten-thirty.

December 5, 1945 (Wed)

We had two more floor talks and that is definitely the last. Betty and I ran a stencil off on the mimeograph machine and then I did some typing. We had Phys. Fit 3rd period. Mr. Young still wasn't here, but we had a test anyway. I did terrible on it. Pat and I ate lunch in the cafeteria and then from 1 to 1:15 we went down to the information desk and collected dues for SPC. Attract more attention there. We still had a substitute this afternoon in Shhd. and Typing. Joyce and I went over to the typing room and typed Mr. Coil's speech. After school I went downtown and bought some deodorant, Trushay's hand lotion, and patterns for dolls (Russian, Dutch and French) for the girls and a pattern for a blouse for me. This evening I did Shhd, and studied a little bit on my English. I got to bed about a quarter of 11. I washed my hair.

December 6, 1945 (Thurs)

Miss Huffman told us about all the essays we have to have for Eng. next. I typed a list up for Mrs. Bridges 2nd period. Dramatics 3rd period - Betty and I gave a characterization sketch of two silly girls in the movie. Oh yes, I asked Mother if it were alright if Pat gave me some books which her Dr. gave her to read about the facts of like - intercourse, etc. She said it was alright with her. Mr. Young was back again today. Pat wasn't here today - Pudgie and I ate lunch in cafeteria then we went down to information desk to collect more SPC dues. Mrs. Chapman was back 7th period. I typed an essay for Mr. Reeves. After school we had SPC. The whole club had their pictures taken and then the officers had 2 pictures taken for the Legend. After the meeting I came home . This evening I wrote a letter to Dwight, wrote for a subscription to National Geographic for Dad for a Xmas present. I studied my Shorthand and English, and then went to bed about 10. We got a postcard from Bob and Dot.

December 7, 1945 (Fri)

Just 4 years ago today Japs attacked Pearl Harbor. We had our English test over Poetry and man! what a test! Betty and I worked on calculators most of 2nd period. I worked at the desk in Lib. 3rd. We had Current Events 4th. Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria 5th. We had transcriptions this afternoon in Shhd and Typing. Instead of going to the pep session Betty and I went to the Library and then hurried out and downtown. I bought stamps and ribbon, yarn and unbleached muslin for the dolls for the girls. I got one roll of Dot's pictures. Just 2 pictures were on it were coming out of the church. I went to the basketball game NS versus Concordia with Betty Lou Sowers and Joan Pequinot. It was a pretty good game but we lost 30 - 39. I got home about 10. Read magazines till after 11. Then went to bed. I got a card from Dot and Bob.

December 8, 1945 (Sat)

Mother got me up about 8. I started sewing on the French doll for Georgia about 9. It took me till noon to make the doll and then I spent the rest of the day sewing on the dress. Mother and Dad went downtown this morning and got an electric toaster. That is my Xmas present for Dot and Bob. I sent for a subscription to National Geographic for Dad. I got a Christmas card from Dwight today. Mother and Dad went down to the station and met Dot and Bob at 6. Pauline came out for a little while between 4:30 and 5:30. She really looked nice in her winter uniform. Guess Dot and Bob had a good time on their honeymoon. Natch! Ray and Alma were over this evening. Now I have to sleep on a cot till Bob and Dot find an apartment. I hope that's soon.

December 9, 1945 (Sun)

I got up about 7:30. After breakfast, reading the funnies, and doing the dishes, I worked on the French doll, Cecelia. Gosh, its cute. I'm going to hate to give it away. I finished it this afternoon - shoes, stockings, everything. Marjorie was over for dinner - she wants me to make her a doll. This afternoon I worked on my Shorthand and got caught up on my Economics. Then I cut part of the material out for the other two dolls and their clothes. I really like making them. I think I'll make some for myself after Christmas to put in my bedroom. Well, its 9 and I still have to take my shower and clean up this mess so night now, diary.

December 10, 1945 (Mon)

I worked in the Library during homeroom. We started reading essays in class in English. I worked on the calculators most of 2nd period. We had Phys. Fit today - played volleyball. Mr. Young told us what we made on those Economic tests - I made a B. Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria. We had a test in Shorthand 6th. I made 90 and 100 on it. Then we had transcription 6th and 7th. After shcool I worked in the Lib. This evening I finished cutting out the material for the dolls and started reading essays. Dot, Bob and I had a lot of fun just talking and Bob was trying to teach us some French with little luck of course. It is almost ten o'clock now and I keep going to sleep here so I guess I had better go to bed.

December 11, 1945 (Tues)

We are discussing essays in English now. Betty, Pat and I worked on comptometers today in Clerical Practice. I worked the desk in the library 3rd. Economics as boring as ever 4th. I don't think I would survive that class if it weren't for Pudgie. Pudgie, Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria 5th and then went out to Sandy's. We graded transcription letters 6th period and started working on punctuation 7th. I received a letter from Dwight today dated Nov. 30th. He still thinks he'll be home in Feb. How I wish it were Feb. This evening I wrote a letter to Dwight, read essays and sewed on the other 2 dolls. I went to bed about 10. Dot and Bob got on apartment - are moving next Monday.

December 12, 1945 (Wed)

Still essays in English. Betty and I ran stencils off on the mimeograph machine. We had Physical Fit 3rd period. Pudge wasn't here today so Economics was even dryer than usual. Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria 5th. We had transcription today in Shhd. and typing. I had to go to Legend room after school and I've been appointed business section editor of the Legend. That means I have to write an article about the business department before Jan. 15th. I went downtown then and bought Jackie a billfold and myself a white dickie. I got a box of candy from Dwight today - another Xmas present. I addressed Xmas cards, read essay and took my shower - its 10:30 now so good night, sleep tight.

December 13, 1945 (Thurs)

More essays in English. Pat and I ran stencils off all period. We didn't have Dramatics today 3rd so I worked at the desk in the library. We had a handsome Naval Lieutenant for a substitute for Mr. Young - Economics. I certainly hope Mr. Young is absent a lot. Pudgie was 18 today. We ate lunch in cafeteria and then went outside - it was wonderful - a beautiful snow. We studied Punctuation Shhd. and Typing. I came straight home from school. I got a letter from Jackie. This evening I read essays and washed my hair. I got out my Legends and was looking through them trying to get some ideas as to what I should write. I got to bed about ten-thirty.

December 14, 1945 (Fri)

We had the Christmas plays this morning during 1st period. The first one "Christmas in Her Eyes" was lousy, the 2nd one was pretty good "The Master's Touch." Betty and I counted money for Mr. Reeves 2nd period. I worked at desk in Library 3rd. Mr. Young was back 4th - darn! We had Current Events today. Pat and I went outside again at noon after eating our lunch. We studied punctuation in Shhd. and Typing. I received a Xmas card from Pauline today. I went to the Central - NS basketball game with Oddra, Pat and Betty Lou. We lost 38 - 39. I was so mad - we made a basket 40 - 39 then it wasn't counted. I was so mad I cried and I'm still mad. Its awfully late so I had better go to sleep if I can.

December 15, 1945 (Sat)

I got up about 8. Dot and Bob left for North Manchester about 9. Its very very cold out and slippery too so I don't imagine we will go down tonight. I started making the Russian doll. I sewed on it while Mom and Dad went downtown this morning. I got a Xmas card from Pat and one from Lucy and Bill. Dot and Bob came back. They had trouble with their car so they didn't get started till about 1. This afternoon I worked on doll and then got cleaned up. Dad and I went down after Pudgie at the busline about 6. We ate supper then Pudge and I went to the Emboyd. We saw "Her Highness and the Bellboy" It was very good. We darned near froze on the way home. It was below zero. Darn I wish we could have gone to Christman's. Anyway, we got home about 12 - Pudgie stayed all night.

December 16, 1945 (Sun)

We got up about 9. Had our pajamas on the biggest share of the morning. We just sat around and talked and read funny papers. Pudgie and I worked the Ouija board. According to it I'm going to be married June 4th to Dwight. It said Dwight was coming home in March. If only it were true. Mother and I painted the ends of the pine cones with silver and put red ribbon and bells on them and hung it on the door. Mother and Dad took Oddra home about 4. Dot and Bob got here about 5. They moved all their things to their apartment today. I typed on my economics, outlined an essay, read some more essays and studied for an Economics test. I also did some typing for Dot. Its 10:30 so night.

December 17, 1945 (Mon)

I worked in the library during homeroom. We had a substitute in English so we read all period. Betty and I counted money for Mr. Reeves 3rd period. We had Phys. Fit 3rd. We just looked at stock certificates and such in Economics. Pudgie was absent today. Her sister was operated on. Pat had A Capella so I ate lunch with Evelyn and Kathleen. We had transcription this afternoon. I worked in Lib. after school. Miss Shroyer had candy for us. I received 4 Xmas cards today, one from Betty Morris, Aunt Dessie and Effie, Nancy and Phyllis Hite. I read essays this evening and wrapped the billfold for Jackie. Dot and Bob came over for awhile. Its 11 now so good-bye.

December 18, 1945 (Tues)

Still very cold-below zero yet. We had a Xmas play in English. Betty and I counted money again for Mr. Reeves 2nd. I worked at desk in Library 3rd. We had a test in Economics 4th - it wasn't too bad. Pat, Oddra and I ate lunch in cafeteria. I got 90, 70 and 70 on those letters we had in transcription yesterday. 7th period we saw 2 movies - pretty cute - one "Take a Letter, Please" and "The Boss Didn't Say Good-Morning". I rode downtown with Betty. I did some more Xmas shopping. I bought Betty a slip and a bottle of cologne, David a stuffed washable horse and Jimmie a rattle. I received cards from Marceil Derickson with her picture and Gloria. I read essays and wrapped presents this evening. Pudgie and I had a phosphate when I was downtown. Its quarter of 11.

An effervescent drink of carbonated water with a small amount of phosphoric acid flavored with fruit syrup.

I believe the drugstore used to sell them — they had a counter like a bar counter where you sat and ordered them. I think! —Sandy Buckley

December 19, 1945 (Wed)

Still snowing, but not quite as cold. I was late to homeroom, but so were a lot of other kids. We had another play in English - it wasn't very good. I took typing tests 2nd period - both terrible. We got our grade cards. I got P's in all my subjects. We had Phys. Fit 3rd. I made A on that test yesterday in Economics. I wrote a note to Erv for Betty in Economics. Pat and I ate lunch in cafeteria. We had Shhd. tests - 90 trans, 90, theory and transcription this afternoon. I got 2 more Xmas cards - from Pudgie and Donna Lou. Pudge sent one to Mom and Dad and signed it Your Stepdaughter, Pudgie. This evening I studied my Shorthand and read some more essays. Frankly, I'm getting so sick of essay I could scream. Its 10:30 now.

December 20, 1945 (Thurs)

Below zero again today. We had a music assembly right after homeroom. We sang Xmas carols and such - very nice. Still discussing essays in English. I took a typing test 2nd period - did terrible. I worked at the desk in the lib 3rd. Nothing new in Economics. Betty is working today and tomorrow. Pat, Oddra and I ate lunch in cafeteria. I made 100, 70, 70, 70 on my transcriptions in Shhd. yesterday. We had 5 typing tests today. Didn't do very good on any of them. I went downtown and got Mother a black purse and some bath powder and Jimmie a piggy bank. I received a card from Marge Bill today. This evening I washed my hair, and believe it or not, finished my essays. Boy, am I glad to get those over with. I took my shower and went to bed about 10:30.

December 21, 1945 (Fri)

I got cards from Betty Lou, Betty Jane, Evelyn, and Anna May Hultz. Winter begins today. I was late to school because of the buses being late. We had ice cream bars in homeroom. In English, Miss Huffman gave us a big assignment - darn her anyhow. We handed our essays in today. We really had a good time 2 period. All period we sang Xmas carols and ate 4 pounds of Lady Wayne Chocolates. Even Mr. Reeves and Mrs. Bridge were singing. Mr. Northrop, the principal, came in and listened to us. I worked at desk in Lib 3rd. Current Events in Economics 4th. Pat, I Dolores, Evelyn, Donna Lou and Kathleen and I ate lunch in cafeteria. We sang in there too. 6th we had a Shhd. test and we had transcription. We sang again 7th and we got out at 3. I went to dentist. Had 2 teeth filled. We put the Xmas tree up and I went to bed about 10:30. I got lipstick from Nancy -"Fatal Apple."

December 22, 1945 (Sat)

I got up about 8. I started working on the dolls. I have the Dutch now made, but no clothes for it yet. I sewed all morning - then this afternoon I went to Scottish Rite Temple. We had rehearsal for officer's installation next Thursday. I'm going to be recorder. About a quarter of 4 I got out of there and went downtown. I bought Margaret 3 hankies and a tablecloth. I bought myself some Merle Norman powder base. Bob and Dot were here when I got home. They are going down to Christmans tonight. They may bring Harriet back with them tomorrow. I sewed some more on the dolls and then went over to Margarets and Jess to take care of the kids - I made the Dutch dolls shos and stockings over there. Its getting cute. Betty called me this morning. Bye.

December 23, 1945 (Sun)

I got up about 9. This morning I straightened the house up and put a hem in my blue wool dress. About 1 Erv brought Betty out. I got a short sleeved yellow sweater - very soft and pretty from Betty. I also got a package from Pauline - a blue quilted hankie box. I hadn't sent her anything. After dinner Betty and I worked the ouija board and then about 3 we went to the show and saw "George White Scandals" - very funny. We stopped at Tuttles and had phosphates and then Erv came after Betty at my house. Dot and Bob and Harriet came about 8 and we went to the Harvester Xmas Show at the Shrine. It was good. We went up to Dot and Bobs apartment and then home. Harriet stayed all night with me. We got home about 11:30.

December 24, 1945 (Mon)

I got up at 8 and right after breakfast. I started sewing on the girls dolls. We didn't even eat any dinner. I got cards from Enid Wood, Wanda, Marilyn Long, and Jackie. I also got a package from Jackie - a box of cute stationery. I finally got the card from National Geographic Society about Dad's gift. Margaret, Jess and the kids, Howard, Ahleen and the girls, and Bob and Dot all came over. We sang Xmas carols and made a record of the girls singing. Harriet had a Santa Claus outfit which she put on and came over. Were the kids ever excited. It was worth it all just to see their faces. Harriet or should I say Santa Claus handed the presents. I got a fountain pen, pair of hose, and money for a new skirt from Mom and Dad, a dairy from Dot and Bob, a compact from Margaret and Jess and of course my perfume and chocolates from Dwight. I got to bed about midnight.

December 25, 1945 (Tues)

Merry Christmas! We got up about ten this morning and had to get ready to go over to Howard and Ahleen's for dinner. The dinner was very delicious - turkey and trimmings. Afterwards Mother, Dad and I went over to some old friends of Mother and Dad's. I didn't remember them myself. They have the cutest home. It was terrible out again. There was snow on the ground, but it was raining. After we came home I wrote a letter to Dwight. Jim and Millie came over and I started reading mystery stories in the American magazines. I didn't get to bed till 12. This is the first peace time Christmas we've had since 1940. Bob said this was the happiest Xmas he has had in years. I certainly hope Dwight can say that next year.

December 26, 1945 (Wed)

Mother called me about 8:30. I was so terribly sleepy. This morning we washed and did a little ironing on the new ironer. We blew a fuse out. I guess we had too heavy a load on the electricity - both irons, washer, radio and lights. I got cards from Janet, Irene and Marcia and Pat Baker. I went downtown this afternoon and got a skirt (a black pleated all around) and a blue short sleeved sweater with the money Mother and Dad gave me for Christmas. I got home about four. I didn't do much this evening. I read a couple plays and thats about all. This evening Betty called me and we talked quite awhile. Then, much to my surprise, Penny Steury called. She was waiting for her train to go back to Purdue. Gosh, I was glad to hear from her. Its getting late - night!

December 27, 1945 (Thurs)

Mother called me about 8. I did some ironing this morning, and Mother and I cleaned the house. I got a Christmas card from Esther and Carl Snyder today. Mother and I made the potato salad and put the hot ribs on for supper and then we did dishes. Aunt Elma came in this afternoon. I finished ironing and then took my shower. This morning I washed my hair and washed some hose out. Aunt Elma stayed for supper and she, Mother and I went to Jobs Daughters. I was installed as one of the officers (Recorder). It was formal and very impressive. Doris Jean was one of the escorts. Mary Berles is Honored Queen now and Betty Lou Sowers and Dolores Perry are also officers. We got home about 10 and went to bed soon afterwards.

December 28, 1945 (Fri)

Mother called me about 8:30. As soon as I finished breakfast and redded the table up, I started making a blouse out of patches Aunt Dessie sent. Its yellow and white. I sewed on it all day only stopping to eat lunch. Its all finished except for a hem and I must say I think its pretty cute. It has a jeweled neckline and cap sleeves. I received newspapers from Marietta College today. This evening I read some plays for English and wrote appreciations of a couple. Always something to do for English. I've finally made up my mind to go on a diet. I want to lose about ten pounds before Dwight comes home. Think I can do it? I certainly hope so. Well, its 10:30 now so good-night.

December 29, 1945 (Sat)

Mother called me about nine. Mother and Dad went downtown. I read another play and wrote an appreciation of it. I took sick then. Margaret wanted me to take care of Jimmie, but I couldn't. Mother and Dad finally came home, and Mother called Dr. Conley. He came out about noon and then I felt loads better. I wrote letters to Dwight and Jackie, slept a little, and read magazines "Seventeen, Companion, Colliers, and Life." I ate a little soup for supper. Mother and Dad went away this evening. I read magazines. I thought a lot about Dwight's coming home. Just two more months. I only wish it were here. I can hardly wait till then. I kept reading magazines until about 11 when the lights went out. I went to sleep then.

December 30, 1945 (Sun)

I woke up about then this morning. I didn't feel too good today. I got cleaned up this morning and Mother, Dad and I went over to Margaret's for dinner about one o'clock. Afterwards we did dishes and then we came home. I started working on my back assignments for Economics and started writing a rewiew of the play "Cyranno de Bergerac" from our books. Dot and Bob came over. Dot really likes the blouse I made Friday. Howard was over for a little while today too. After everyone was gone I worked on my homework and then called Betty. Erv is back from New York. Mother called me from Alma and Ray's. I went to bed about 10 and read in bed till the light went out at 11:30.

December 31, 1945 (Mon)

Dear Diary: This is my last day to write in you and tomorrow I'll start my 1946 diary. May the entries in it be as happy as the ones in this have been. I got up about 9 this morning. I hemmed my new black skirt and finished my yellow and white blouse. Joan Kain called me and told me that we have play rehearsal for English this afternoon at her house. So I got cleaned up and Mother and Dad took me over there. We were there a couple hours - we had potato chips and pop and then I rode home on the bus with Marion Vogel. I got home about 4:30. This evening I started reading "The Thin Man". I went over to Margaret's about 8:30 and was there till 12:30. A lot of noise when New Years came in. Ray, Lavon, kids, Carl and Esther, Alma and Roy, Jim and Millie, Don and Nancy, Dot and Bob, Marg and Jess and Mom and Dad and I were up till wee hours in the morning.