January 1947

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January 1, 1947 (Wed)

Happy New Year. Charlie woke me up when he got up - I went back to sleep and he got me up at 7:30. He had to work all day so that was the last I saw of him today. I ate breakfast - then I did the dishes. About 10 Bob came over and I went back with him over to their house. Mom, Dad, Margaret, Jess and kids came about 10:30. I still felt pretty bad so I slept awhile. Harriet and Bud came about 12:00 and Mr. and Mrs. Christman and Ray about 12:30. We ate dinner and then did the dishes and talked. It certainly did a lot of snowing today. I came home with Mom and Dad - it was about 5:00 when we got home. This evening I just read the paper, listened to the radio and worked a crosswork puzzle. It was about 10 when I got to bed.

January 2, 1947 (Thurs)

Jess took me to work today. My cold is practically gone. It snowed and sleeted today till by evening everything was covered with ice - beautiful but so dangerous and slippery. We had quite a bit of work to do today. At noon Evie, after we ate lunch in snack bar, went downtown and bought her a pair of boats. Miss O'Rourke wasn't in today but Dorothy was. I typed part of the labor report.I came staright home from work tonight. This evening Betty Jane called and said she heard over the radio where Betty Jean Oliver was killed. We heard it later - she was from Terre Haute, Ind. This evening I crocheted on my stove pad, worked crossword puzzles and listened to radio. Steven was over for awhile. The lights were flickering on and off all weekend. Its just a little after 9 but I think I'll go to bed anyway.

January 3, 1947 (Fri)

January 4, 1947 (Sat)

I got up about 8 this morning. I took care of the kids a little while this morning. I felt terrible by the time Mom and Dad came home. Everytime I stood up I got so dizzy. I couldn't eat anything for lunch. I went to bed and stayed there. I certainly can't imagine what was wrong with me. Dad wasn't feeling good this afternoon either. Howard, Ahleen and kids were over for awhile this afternoon. Ahleen is making me something but I don't know what. I still didn't feel good enough this evening to eat supper. Oh yes, I got a package from England - Betty Morris sent me a pair of earrings and a powder puff. Charlie was supposed to come in, but didn't. I suppose the roads were too slippery - I guess it is still terrible out.

January 5, 1947 (Sun)

I got up about 9 this morning and felt perfectly alright. I ate breakfast too. I washed my hair this morning and I had just finished when Charlie came - I wasn't expecting him at all, but he said he couldn't stay away. It was about noon when he got here. Gosh, but I was glad to see him. He stayed just a little while - left about 2:30. He leaves for Purdue tonight on the 5:30 bus and won't be back till Wednesday. Mother and Dad went over to Holmes for a surprise party on Steve so I just stayed home and played solitaire and listened to the radio. Midge was over about four or five times. Mother and Dad came home about 8:00. I think I'll take a shower now and hit the hay.

January 6, 1947 (Mon)

For the first time since last Thursday I got up and went to work. Jess took me to work - ran out of gas on the way. I was a few minutes late. Gosh, but we were busy - had 9 girls starting etc. I got sick around 11:00, but didn't come home till noon. I took pills the nurse gave me and I certainly felt better than I usually do. I was in bed though and read magazines. Betty Jane called me this afternoon. I got a letter from Penny Steury today. I felt a little worse this evening than I did this afternoon, but still not as bad as I usually do. I finished reading my catechism. I think it was about 10:30 when I finally got to sleep for the night.

January 7, 1947 (Tues)

Jess took me to work again this morning. We were very busy again today - just rush, rush, rush. At noon Evie and I ate lunch in the snack bar and then downtown. I bought 3 sheets at Wolf and D's very nice - $2.98 apiece. Evie and I went to Grand Leader and looked at curtains. We got weighed this afternoon and I only weighed 101 3/4 lbs. After work Evie, Margie and I went to Sengirs, then to a new Bridal Shop - its darling and prices seem reasonable too, then to Grand Leader - I put 2 pair of Ivory marquisette curtains for the dining room and 2 pair of white dotted swiss in layaway - $3.88 a pair. I got a postcard from Charlie today. I called Lucile and Betty Jane this evening. Its only 9:30 but I'm sleepy - I did a little ironing so night.

January 8, 1947 (Wed)

Jess took me to work again. The ice is beginning to melt away a little. We were very busy again today - had some more new employees starting. At noon Evie and I met Betty Jane and Lucile at the YMCA for lunch. It seemed good to see them. We stopped in at the Bridal Shop and they had a beautiful gown, but it was $79.98 - too much for me. I came straight home from work. I got a letter and folder from Charlie today. I washed out nylons and got cleaned up. Charlie came about 8. We have decided to go to the Smoky Mountains on our honeymoon - sounds wonderful to me. We looked at maps etc. Charlie and I played a couple games of 500 rum - he beat me both games. It was about 11:30 when he left.

January 9, 1947 (Thurs)

Jess took me to work again today. We were very busy again all day today - had some more new employees. At noon Evie and I ate lunch in snack bar with Helen and Kathleen. We just talked after we finished eating. Rush, rush all afternoon. Evie, Margie and I went downtown after work. Grand Leader's have some beautiful pink with black, gray and white figured crepe which I think I'll buy for my going away dress. Got some shoulder pads. This evening I washed my hair and finished making the aqua blouse I started Saturday. I listened to the radio and just finished my shower. It is 10:30 now so good-night.

January 10, 1947 (Fri)

Jess took me to work this morning. It is beginning to get a little warmer. We were very busy again all day today. At noon Evie, Helen, Kathleen and I ate lunch in snack bar. We went downtown and I put three yards of that material at Grand Leader in layaway. Miss McCrory dictated quite a few letters this afternoon. Kept me busy right up to 4:30. Came straight home from work. I got cleaned up, packed my suitcase, and did a little sewing. I went over and took care of the kids for a little while. Charlie came about 9:30. Jimmie woke up and Charlie held him for quite awhile. We got to Christmans about 11:30. Talked to Mrs. Christman awhile and then went to bed.

January 11, 1947 (Sat)

I got up about 8 - Mrs. Christman had to call me. After we ate breakfast, I did dishes and then Charlie, Ray and I went over to Dot and Bob's. I helped Dot with her dishes, peeled potatoes and made peach pudding for dinner. After dinner Dot and I did dishes, went to the store at Brackens and then over to Christmans where we cleaned eggs for Mrs. Christman. Uncle Leoke and Aunt Ruth and kids were there for supper. Right after supper Charlie and I got cleaned up and we left about 8:30 for Wabash. We went to Sears where Harriet worked and picked Bud and Harriet up. We went to her apartment and then went bowling. I did terrible but we had fun. We had hamburgers and malts afterwards and then back to Christmans. It was about 1:30 or 2:00 when we went to bed.

January 12, 1947 (Sun)

I heard the alarm clock go off at 6:00, but Harriet and I went back to sleep till about 8:00. We ate breakfast and got ready for church - Charlie and I picked Bob and Dot up - we went to 10:15 church at St. Mary's in Huntington. We got dinner after we came back, ate, and Harriet and I did the dishes. Charlie slept most of the afternoon. After Dot and Bob left, Charlie and Bud got the bright idea that Harriet and I should help with chores so we put on some of Charlie's coverall - kinda big. We had lots of fun - pitched hay, straw and a little woo. We finished around 6:00, ate supper and then did dishes. Charlie and I left there about a quarter of 9 - got home about 9:30. Charlie and I talked for awhile etc. Charlie left around 11:30.

January 13, 1947 (Mon)

Back to work again after a hectic weekend. Jess took me to work this morning. We were swamped with applicants for night work all day. At noon Evie, Kathleen, Helen, and I ate lunch in the snack bar. We were very very busy with applicants all afternoon - didn't have time to do a bit of clerical work. I came straight home after work, ate supper, and then baked chocolate chip cookies and did dishes. Betty, Steve and Karen were here for a little while. I got cleaned up and Charlie came about a quarter of 8. We got down to the room where the instructions were to be given just at 8. There were between 35 and 40 there and Father Manoski is giving the instructions - I certainly enjoyed him. Charlie and I talked to him a little while afterwards. Charlie and I went to see "Blue Skies" afterwards. Got home about midnight and Charlie left about 1.

January 14, 1947 (Tues)

It was pretty warm today. Snow and ice is all gone, but oh! what a lot of mud! Jess took me to work this morning. We were busy with applicants today again. At noon Evie, Kathleen, Helen, Pamela Roynold and I ate lunch in snack bar. Evie and I went downtown and took a pair of her shoes back. Busy all afternoon too. After work Evie and I went to Wolf and D's and looked at dresses for her and then I looked at patterns and I think I found the one I want for my going away dress. I got home about 6. This evening after I ate and we did dishes I washed out hose, cleaned my bedroom and sewed a button on a blouse. It is 9:30 now and I do want to get some sleep tonight so bye now.

January 15, 1947 (Wed)

Jess took me to work this morning. Just a teeny bit colder today. We worked fairly hard today - payday! At noon Evie, Helen, Kathleen and I ate lunch in snack bar. Evie and I went downtown and I got my dress material out of layaway, bought the pattern I looked at yesterday and picked up pictures at Howards. Miss McCrory and Miss O'Rourke had a little tiff this afternoon. After work I went and paid $30.00 on my living room suite. Since I ruined a pair of nylons Sunday and a pair today I bought 2 new pair of nylons. I also got a pair of pajamas. I got home about 5:30. After I ate, I baked some cupcakes - both white and chocolate. We did dishes, I washed out my new nylons, cut out my dress material and just finished taking a shower and its a little after 10.

January 16, 1947 (Thurs)

A little chilly today. I had to ride the bus this morning. We were fairly busy today or rather just this morning. At noon Evie, Helen, and I ate lunch in snack bar. Evie and I went downtown and I got some thread. This afternoon Miss O'Rourke told Evie she may get the chance to be a Private Secretary - they're transferring her to Agency Monday. One of the buildings downtown on Washington had a big fire - it started about 1:00 and was still burning when I got out of work at 4:30. We saw Donna Lou at noon. This evening after I ate and we did dishes I got cleaned up and Charlie didn't pick me up till 8 - we were late getting to the class. Our wedding day is definitely April 26th and I think 9:00 in the morning. Charlie left about 11:30.

January 17, 1947 (Fri)

Pretty chilly today. We weren't very busy today, but had enough work so that we couldn't loaf. At noon Helen, Evie and I ate lunch together in the snack bar. Evie and I went down cleaned out her old desk then. After work I left my brown casuals at the shoe shop to be repaired and Evie and I looked at some things for her. It was about six when I got home from work. I got an invitation to a baby shower on June Winebrenner Butler - Marilyn Long, Betty Lou Sowers and Oddra are giving her the shower. This evening I washed my hair and washed out some nylons. I went over and took care of the kids till about 12:30 - made another $1.00.

January 18, 1947 (Sat)

Mother called me about 8. I built a fire in the utility room and took a shower. Mother and I went downtown - met Betty Jane at Wolf and D's at 9:45. No wedding gowns at W and D's - outside of an $85 one. I ordered a gown at the Bridal Shop (I had a larger size just like it on) - it is beautiful! All white satin with marquisette yoke and seed pearls - tiny buttons down the back ($49.50) I just love it - Mother and Betty did too. W and D's gave me a nice bride book. Home again and cleaned up - we (Mother, Margaret and I) went to a wedding of some relation of Mother's. Home again. Dorothy, Bob and Charlie got here about 7. We went over to the reception and Dot and Bob brought Charlie and I home about 9. They went to another reception - came back about 10:00 and we went over to Howard and Ahleen's - Ahleen's brother and his wife were there too. It was 2:30 when we got home - Dot is going to stay till Monday night.

January 19, 1947 (Sun)

I have had my diamond 3 months today. I got up about 9:30. We ate breakfast - Dorothy and I got cleaned up and went to 11:00 church at St. Jude's. It was high mass so it was after 12:00 when we got home. After dinner, we did dishes. Then Mother and Dad went away with Roy and Alma, and Dot and I played cribbage - she beat me 6 out of 8 games. I also shined my saddle shoes and cleaned my boots. Mother and Dad came home about 5:30. After we ate a lunch, Dorothy and I put our pajamas on and played some more cards - I beat her 2 out of 3 games of cribbage and a game of rummy. We listened to the radio till about ten and then to bed.

January 20, 1947 (Mon)

Getting pretty chilly again. Jess took me down to busline. We were very busy today. We had eleven girls starting this morning, six in the afternoon and got ready for 16 this evening. At noon I asked Evie to be my Maid of Honor and Anna May as one of the bridesmaids - they were both excited. Dottie said she didn't think she could be my Matron of Honor. At noon I drew money out of the bank and paid on my dress. I came straight home from work. Charlie and Bob came about 20 till 8. Charlie and I took Bob and Dot over to Wanda's - then we went to instruction class. Afterward stopped at Wanda's awhile - then we went and got hot dogs at Coney Island. Its very cold now. We got home a little after ten - I was in bed by 11.

January 21, 1947 (Tues)

I've been at Lincoln Life a year today. Very, very cold now - almost zero. Jess took me down to the busline. We were busy today typing employment cards on all the people who started yesterday. At noon, Evie, Helen, Kathleen and I ate lunch in the snack bar. Evie and I went down to drugstore and then sat in my office and talked till time to go back to work. Busy all afternoon doing the attendance. I came straight home from work. I started sewing on my pink going-away dress. Howard and Ahleen were over for awhile. Margaret brought some wallpapers books over and we looked through them. I sewed some more and now it is almost 11 so good-night.

January 22, 1947 (Wed)

3 degrees above zero this morning. Jess took me down to the busline. We were busy all day again, but I do believe I begin to see the light now. At noon, Kathleen, Helen, Evie and I ate lunch in snack bar (Anna May has been absent for 2 days - can't imagine what is wrong with her.) Evie and I went down to a bookstore and dry cleaners at noon and back in time to play a pencil game. I went downtown with Evie for a few minutes after work. Mother and Dad went over to Ray and Alma's for supper so I ate all by myself. I ironed a couple dresses, blouses etc. and then I sewed on my dress - beginning to look like something now. I washed out nylons. Donna Lou called - she is an Aunt - I asked her to serve at my reception - its almost 11.

January 23, 1947 (Thurs)

Chilly again this morning. I could stand some warm weather for a change. We were busy all day today. At noon Evie, Anna May and I ate lunch in snack bar and then we went to Worlf and D's and Bridal Shop and look for bridesmaids' dresses - didn't have anything. After work this evening we went to Vogue Patterns - Fletcher, Graibs and Franks and Paris - at Paris we found some darling dresses ($19.98) - yellow and aqua - we may get those. It was after 6 when I got home. Charlie came about 7:30. We went down to take instructions - afterwards he took me to Marilyn Long's house for the shower on Jane - all the kids were there. Charlie came after me about 10:30. We took Anna May, Kathleen M. and Donna Lou home. Charlie left about 11:30.

January 24, 1947 (Fri)

Mother took me down to busline - muddy this morning. I didn't work too hard today. Evelyn wasn't here - she has a pretty bad cold. At noon Anna May, Kathleen, Helen and I ate lunch in snack bar. Anna May and I went to Wolf and D's again and found same dresses just like the ones at Paris for $16.98. After work this evening Margie and I went downtown - I saw the darlingest hat at Groths - $7.50. Margie walked to the bus station with me and I caught the 6:00 bus for N. Manchester. Charlie met me and we went to basketball game at Manchester College between Chester and Manchester (they won). It was 11 when we got home - almost 12 when we got to bed.

January 25, 1947 (Sat)

I got up about 7:30 this morning. Right after breakfast Charlie and I went over to Dot and Bob's. I helped Dot do breakfast dishes and get dinner. I told Dot about the cute hat - she thinks I should make myself a black coat - I might try it. The four of us ate dinner there. It was about 6:00 when we got back to Christmans. Charlie and Mr. Christman did chores and finished about 7:30. We went over Medskers (neighbors of Christmans) for supper. Dot and Bob were there too. Dot had given the 2 girls home permanents. It was late before we left there. Back to Christmans, talked a little and went to bed aobut midnight.

January 26, 1947 (Sun)

It was 8:30 before I got up this morning. After we ate breakfast and did dishes, I got cleaned up and we went to church at Huntington - 10:15 - Dot and Bob went too. They came over to Christmans for dinner too. After dinner and dishes, we put on old clothes and went over to Charlie and my farm and cleaned it up a little - swept it out and pulled paper off walls. We got back to Christmans about 5:00. I slept a little while Charlie was doing chores. Mrs. Christman had supper ready when I woke up. Right after supper and dishes Charlie and I came back to Ft. Wayne. I washed my hair. We got a bunch of maps, booklets etc from Gulf about our honeymoon trip to Smoky Mts. - Charlie left about 11:30.

January 27, 1947 (Mon)

Monday morning again. I was a little late getting to work this morning. The weather wasn't too bad. We were pretty busy today. I did find time to write 3 letters for Mom and Dad and copied a speech for Harriet. At noon Evie, Anna May, Helen, Kathleen and I ate lunch in snack bar. I went down to Groths to get that hat, but it had been sold - I was so disappointed. I came straight home from work this evening. I took a shower right after I ate supper. Charlie came about 7:30. We went to take instructions, and afterwards, we went to Palace and saw "I've Always Loved You". We got home about 11:30 and Charlie left about 12.

January 28, 1947 (Tues)

A little chillier today again. We were pretty busy all day, but I did write a letter to Betty Morris in England. At noon Evie, Anna May, Kathleen, Helen, and I ate lunch in snack bar. We went downtown and I bought a coat pattern - shortie. This evening after work I went to Wolf and D's and got black wool material for my coat and then went to Groths and got material for the lining. It was after 6:00 when I got home. After I ate supper, and we did dishes. I cut my coat material out. I washed out nylons, put my hair up, listened to radio and went to bed at 9:30. First night I've been to bed early for a long time.

January 29, 1947 (Wed)

Its beginning to get icy again - had a very hard time walking down to the busline. The bus took forever going to town - I was about ten minutes late to work. We were pretty busy this morning. At noon Evie, Anna May, Helen, Kathleen and I ate in snack bar. This afternoon I wrote a letter to Dottie and one to Betty Jane. I came straight home from work this evening. Dad came down to busline after me. This evening I did a lttle sewing on my pink dress, looked at wall paper and listened to radio. Gosh, but the weather is getting awful again - ice hanging on the trees - I thought we had enough ice for one winter. Well, it is just about then so good-night, diary.

January 30, 1947 (Thurs)

Jess took me down to the busline this morning. We didn't have much to do today so first I wrote a letter asking for a Spry cookbook and then I typed recipes all day. Evelyn wasn't here today - I talked to her Mother at noon. Anna May met her mother at noon so just Helen and I ate lunch together. I talked to Mother at noon. I came straight home from work. I ate supper and then made some cream puffs. We did dishes and I got cleaned up. Charlie still hadn't come by a quarter till 8 so Mom and Dad took me down to instruction class. Charlie met me afterwards - we stopped at Wanda's and Dales for a few minutes. It was about 12 when Charlie left - we decided on our bedroom and dining room papers.

January 31, 1947 (Fri)

Jess was going to take me down to busline, but his car wouldn't start so I was late getting started and late getting to work. Evie still isn't at work. I was pretty busy all morning. At noon Anna May and I ate lunch in my office. Payday so we went downtown - I banked $10.00, paid $1.00 on my curtains and paid $1.00 on my charge account. Didn't have anything to do this afternoon - just worked on crossword puzzles and talked. I came straight home from work. Mother and Dad went away and I sewed on my pink dress- I have the top all done now. I stopped and washed my hair. I listened to the radio and read the paper and went to bed at 10.

End the Month Entry

My goodness just think a whole month of 1947 has gone already - just doesn't seem possible, but then I hope the next two months and twenty-six days go just as fast. Day and night all I think about is Charlie and our wedding. I never would have believed that I could ever love anyone as I do him.