March 1945

In March of 1945, Betty is 16 years old. She attended school in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Any comments in this color, explain who people or places are. They are not part of the entry.

March 1, 1945 (Thurs)

We got our Regional tickets in homeroom. They are reserve seats and our room got the worst seats in the whole gym. You can't see a thing except the backs of the people in front of you and the railing. Miss Furst and I got into an argument 1st period today. I think that's the first teacher I have ever had who I really disliked. I took 3 more typing tests 4th in C.P. I had 54 gross words on one. Gloria, Jackie and I went to Dramatics 5th period. We stayed for SPC after school. We didn't have any plays at this meeting. This evening I studied my Shorthand, answered my questions for Cl. Practice and finished reading "Wuthering Heights". I'm reading "Journey For Margaret". Dwight and I saw that movie when he was home on furlough a year ago last Nov.

March 2, 1945 (Fri)

We had a Shorthand test 1st period. We are working on the calculators in Cl. Practice 4th period. I typed 48.6 wpm and 91% accuracy today 6th in Typing. Maybe I'll make the 50 word award yet, I hope, hope. We had a pep session from a quarter of 3 to a quarter after 3. It was fairly good. Representatives from Central, South Side and CC were there. It has just been raining cats and dogs most of the day. I received some kind of chain letter from Ila Cooper, Dennis, Texas. This evening Dot and I mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. I also washed some blouses and silk hose out. Also my dark brown sweater. Mother is sick, she didn't go to work.

March 3, 1945 (Sat)

Mother is still home today. This morning I cleaned the bedrooms and living room. And then what do I do but get sick and can't go to the Regionals. Yes, I cried. I wanted to go so badly. I listened to the games over the radio though. North Side lost to Syracuse in an overtime game 37 - 33. Yes, then I cried some more. I thought sure we would beat them. Today is Margaret's birthday. She is 26. I felt better this evening so I went over to Margaret's and took care of Marjorie and David. I finished reading "Journey For Margaret" and wrote a long letter to Dwight. Midge woke up once and so did David. I came home about 2. Made a dollar

March 4, 1945 (Sun)

Feel pretty good today. I didn't put my hair up last night so I had to do that this morning. We had a birthday dinner for Margaret today so they were all over. Howard, Ahleen and girls were supposed to come over, but Kay has the mumps. Aunt Elma, Millie, and Jim were in for awhile this afternoon. I did some Typing for Miss Shroyer and studied my Shorthand. Dot and I went to the show and saw Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in "Here Come the Co-Eds". It was really funny. That's what we need to lift our morale. We got home about 9:30. I studied my Shorthand some more, and read my Civics. Its about 11 now so good-night, Diary.

Aunt Elma was Grandpa Frank's sister. Jim McCrea is one of her sons, Don the other son. We used to enjoy going to Aunt Elma's and Uncle Mac's as kids. After Uncle Mac died, Aunt Elma married Lester Rosswurm. Millie was Jim's wife. —said my Ruth Carpenter

March 5, 1945 (Mon)

We got our test back in Shorthand. I made 94. I have a dandy of a cold today. We worked on the calculators again today in Cl. Practice 4th. We will be on those for 2 weeks, I guess. Jackie, Gloria and I went outdoors this noon and it was so warm. We didn't have our coats on and we weren't a bit chilly. We changed typewriters in Typing 6th. After school Gloria and I went downtown and just messed around. A carpenter was at our house when I got home and I guess he is going to start building built-in cupboards in our kitchen. I hope, anyway. Mother and Dad finally decided to let me go the the Harvester Saturday and apply for a job after school. Its raining, thunder, and lightning too now. Its about 9:30.

March 6, 1945 (Tues)

This week is Courtesy Week at North Side. Miss Shroyer said that she almost didn't come today and that if she hadn't she would have had me take charge of the library. Jackie, Gloria and I helped Pat write a letter to Don in the cafeteria. The poor guy, I'm sure, will think there is something wrong with us when he gets the letter. I did terrible in Typing - 11 errors. Mr. Sinks got mad at us in Civics - he really blew up. Now we're going to have a test tomorrow. We are definitely going to have our built-in cupboards now. I took care of Marjorie and David again. Another $1.00. I wrote a letter to Dwight and one to Betty Morris and studied my Civics, Shhd. and Cl. Practice.

March 7, 1945 (Wed)

Worked in the library this morning during homeroom. It was really beautiful outdoors. It snowed very hard again yesterday. We are using miniature letters and files in Cl. Practice now. They're so cute. We got to see a movie in Civics 7th so we didn't have to take the test today. Betty got another letter from Al Zwickl today, he's not with Dwight anymore. Al is in England now. Jackie and I worked in the library after school today. This evening I spent quite a bit of time on my Shorthand, wrote a letter to Dwight, washed my pink sweater and ironed a blouse. Mrs. Christman came out and stayed all night. Mr. Christman had another operation on his arm.

The Mrs. Christman referred to above is Grandpa Charlie's mom.

March 8, 1945 (Thurs)

It was a little warmer today. The snow is melting again. Mrs. Chapman wasn't here 3rd and 4th so we didn't work very hard those periods. Gloria, Jackie and I went to Dramatics 5th. We had just 15 minutes to eat our lunch in. Mr. Sinks gave a very hard 100 question test in Civics 7th. I'll bet a dollar that I failed it. If not, I came darn close to it. I worked in the library after school for Millie Hattendorf so I didn't get home till 4:30. This evening I built a fire in the utility room, washed my hair and studied my Shorthand. Mrs. Christman came out this evening again. I haven't heard from Dwight for over a week.

March 9, 1945 (Fri)

I did a quite deal of loafing in school today. I did do a little work in Shorthand 1st, then 2nd I wrote a note to Jackie, 3rd I wrote a letter to Dwight and 4th Pat, Betty and I just had a wonderful time. Mrs. Chapman wasn't here again today. I did do a little typing 6th and then 7th Mr. Sinks didn't come to class so we were by ourselves all period. Oh yes, we had an assembly today for Courtesy Week. We got to see a movie which the class of 1947 made. It was good. This evening Jackie and I went to the State. Saw "The Cowboy and the Senorita" and "Big Noise". Didn't care for either one very much. Gene and Doug came home with us. Gosh, if they hadn't, Ted and Pete would have. Darn it, and I think Pete is so cute too.

March 10, 1945 (Sat)

I got up at 8. I cleaned the bedrooms and started the living room this morning. Margaret washed today so the kids were over too. Jackie called and she and Gene broke up last night. I thought they would one of these days. This afternoon I finished cleaning the living room and then cleaned the kitchen and bathroom. Dot went down to Christmans today. This evening Ray, Lavon, Raymie and Elaine came over but I went over to Bruicks where Jackie was taking care of the kids. I stayed over there till 10:30 and then came home and talked to Elaine till they left at 12. I didn't even bother to put my hair up, but just went to bed.

March 11, 1945 (Sun)

Mother called me at a quarter of ten. I went to 11 o'clock church with Zimmerman's at Forest Park Methodist. Dad cut down the backs of the kitchen chairs. They look a lot better. Now all they have to do is be painted. Mother and I got the kitchen ready so the carpenter can start working there tomorrow. I'll have to admit it. I was a sleepy-head today and slept this afternoon. I then studied my Shorthand for a couple of hours. (I have a test tomorrow in there) I also finished writing a letter to Dwight. I got my magazine "Seventeen" yesterday. It's really a nice magazine for teenagers. I didn't do much of anything today except loaf and listen to the radio. I've got to shine my shoes now. Bye, dear Diary.

March 12, 1945 (Mon)

We had our test in Shorthand today. It wasn't bad. I would have had a perfect transcription if I hadn't misspelled authentic. Mrs. Chapman wasn't here again. I wish she would come back. We don't have anything to do 3rd period. I typed a letter to Dwight and 4th Pat, Oddra and I just sat there and talked. 5th period Gloria, Jackie, Oddra, and I all wrote Lucile a letter. We graded our Civics test and I made 69. Gosh, I haven't had such a low grade for a long time. I'm going to have to study harder in there. Gloria and I went downtown after school. I got 2 new blouses, 1 white and 1 yellow. I took care of Bruicks kids from 7 - 9. I got a letter from Dwight today dated Feb. 4th. He says he is pretty near England and isn't in very much danger. Thank Heaven! Night, Diary.

March 13, 1945 (Tues)

I made 94 on my shorthand test. Mrs. Chapman came back today so at last we had class 3rd and 4th. Oddra, Jackie, and I went to the club room after we finished eating 5th. No test in Civics. I thought sure we would have one. Gloria and I went right down to the Jefferson after school tonight and saw "Janie" with Joyce Reynolds and Bob Hutton. It was wonderful! I think Bob Hutton looks a lot like Dwight. Pauline was here when I got home at a quarter of 8. She leaves for the Nurses Cadet Monday. She was here till 10 and then I studied my Shorthand. The carpenter is coming right along with the cupboards. Its about a quarter of 11 now.

Pauline is a friend of hers. Dwight was a young man that she knew who was away fighting in World War II.

March 14, 1945 (Wed)

Jackie and I walked to school yesterday and today — it was so nice out. We worked in the library during homeroom. I only typed 41 wpm in Typing 6th, and I made 100 on a small Civics quiz. Purely accidental. Barbara Willis' mother died last night unexpectedly. Jackie and I worked in the library at school after school. We walked home from school and stopped at Buschbaums and had a soda. I received a super picture of Bud Gremaun (?) today which I didn't even know he was sending. He is stationed at Miami Beach, Fla. Lucky guy! I took care of David for awhile this evening. It's a wonderful day. I wrote letters to Dwight and Bud.

March 15, 1945 (Thurs)

Jackie and I walked to school again this morning. It makes me feel so good to walk in the morning. We had our Shorthand test today. On the transcription I had only 2 errors which was the best in the class. Uncle Leon came into our 3rd period class. I was so surprised; he wanted to see Mr. Reeves. Jackie and I skipped Dramatics 5th. Gloria had a Capela (??). Charles Patterson is beginning to bore me in Civics. To think I used to like him. Jackie and I walked home from school tonight even though it was sprinkling a little bit. The carpenter finished the cupboards today. Obie came over this evening; its been so long since I've seen him, and I had just finished washing my hair too and had an old housedress on. But I was glad to see him. Naturally we talked a lot about Dwight.

March 16, 1945 (Fri)

I made 98 on my Shorthand test. That's the best I've done this semester. We had an assembly second period. A Mr. Jones talked on electrons. It was pretty good. We've been having tests on the calculators in Cl. Practice 4th. Betty got her 50 word award in typing. We had a small surprise test in Civics. I didn't do very good on it. Jackie and I went over to the State show and saw "Dangerous Journey" — absolutely terrible and "Make Your Own Bed" with Jack Carson and Jane Wyman. We had to stand up quite awhile in the show. We got home a little after eleven. I'm reading "They Came to a River" now.

March 17, 1945 (Sat)

I got up at 5:30 this morning and went to the Harvester with Mother and Dad. I applied for a job, got it too. Now all I have to do is wait until I'm 17 before starting to work. I'll be a typist then. I got home about 9:30 and cleaned the bedrooms in the morning and the living room, kitchen and bathroom in the afternoon. I went down to Jackie's for a little while and then I met Dot downtown at 4. We looked all over for a new coat for me, but they were all too large. Dot bought 2 new plastic purses though. We went to the show then and saw "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn". It was good, but awfully sad. We got home a little after 9. I went to bed right away too.

March 18, 1945 (Sun)

I slept till about 9 this morning. After breakfast, Dad and I painted the new built-in cupboards. Then we started on the table and chairs. We painted them light blue and they really look nice. I had paint all over me and practically took a bath in turpentine. Ugh! Jackie called this afternoon and we went over to the State and saw "Faces in the Fog" with Jane Withers and "Lady in the Dark" with Ginger Rogers and Ray Milliand. They were both pretty good. It was pouring cats and dogs when we came out so Mother and Dad came after us. I didn't get too much of my Shhd. studies and none of my Civics.

Shhd means Shorthand.

March 19, 1945 (Mon)

It was raining this morning so Mrs. Zimmerman took Jackie and I to school. We had another test in Shhd. I had 4 errors on my transcription. Gosh, but I'm sore from painting yesterday and then I had Phys. Fit today. Oh man! I had 49.4 wpm in typing. Just 6 more and I would have had my 50 wpm award. Barb Willis walked home from school with Jackie and I. Gosh, but she looks unhappy. I got a letter from Dwight today dated Feb. 16th. It was a nice long letter. Mother, Dad and I went downtown. I got an aqua coat (it's pretty) and the most beautiful brown hat that I have ever seen. Its out of the world! I studied my Shhd. and read some more of "They Came to a River" this evening.

March 20, 1945 (Tues)

Today is the first day of Spring and it rained all day. I guess thats what you can expect for March though. I made 98 on my Shhd. test. The grades are improving in there. I worked on the Bookkeeping machine for a little while in Cl. Practice 4th. Pat, Oddra, Jackie, Gloria and I were all here today for lunch 5th for a change. It was still raining when we got out of school so we took the bus home. Betty, Jackie and I went to Jobs Daughters. We had a taffy pull after the meeting. My taffy never did get hard. Betty couldn't eat hers it was so hard. I got home from there about 10:10. Dad and Dot put the 2nd coat on the cupboards and kitchen chairs. Golly, I haven't written to Dwight since last Wednesday.

March 21, 1945 (Wed)

We worked in the library during homeroom. We've been having short assignments lately for Shhd. That, naturally, makes me very happy. Betty and I studied our Civics in Cl. Practice 3rd. I finally got my 50 work award in Typing. I had 50.8 wpm and 91% accuracy. I still had 5 errors. I knew my Civics for a change today. Gloria and Pat had a Cappella again today and so didn't get to eat with us 5th. Jackie and I worked in library after school and then walked home. I''m on the Chaperon Committee for the Junior Prom. Janet is chairman. This evening Dad, Dot and I painted the cupboards again. I wrote a long letter to Dwight and studied my Shorthand. Sort of a mild day, or little colder.

March 22, 1945 (Thurs)

It's still a little chilly, but getting warmer again. The war news is pretty good these last few weeks. Jackie, Gloria and I had Dramatics 5th period. We really have to eat lunch fast on Thursdays. This was really a quiet day in school. Nothing unusual happened, at all. Jackie, Oddra and I walked home from school. That is, Oddra walked as far as the Kroger - that's where she works. I got a bottle of perfume from Dwight today. The bottle is shaped like a gold crown - it's beautiful and smells so good - it was in a pink and gold box with pink silk inside. I'm reading "They Came to a River" now. I studied my Shhd as usual. Goodnight, dear Diary.

March 23, 1945 (Fri)

It's a nice day today. We had a test in Clerical Practice. I made 100 on it. Betty, Oddra, Pat and I got to grade the papers. Gloria and Pat had A Capella again 5th. I did terrible in Typing - 42 wpm. Charlie Patterson and I made a dime bet in Civics 7th. He says we don't have to go to school at all next Friday and I say we have to go in the morning. Jackie and I walked home from school again and stopped at Buschbaum's and had a cone. I got a letter from Dwight today dated March 9th. He says he is stationed where those pictures he sent me were taken. Jackie and I went to the State this evening and saw "Black Buster" and "Heavenly Days." Neither one was too good. We got home about 11:30.

March 24, 1945 (Sat)

Margaret called at 8 this morning. I cleaned the bedrooms and started the living room this morning. This afternoon I cleaned the kitchen, bathroom and finished the living room. I received a letter from Bud Gremeux. He's stationed in West Virginia now. Dot and I painted blue buds on the chairbacks and on the cannister set. They look nice if I must say so myself. Jackie wanted me to come down to Ralstons where she was taking care of kids but instead I took care of Marjorie and David. Over there I started a letter to Dwight (then I ran out of ink) and read some more of "They Came To a River." Marg and Jess came home about 1. They brought me a couple hot dogs and gave me $1.50. Not bad.

March 25, 1945 (Sun)

Mother called me at 8:30. They cleaned the utility room out today and we got the kitchen ready for the carpenter again tomorrow. I went to eleven o'clock church at Forest Park Methodist with Mrs. Zimmerman, Doug and Jackie. This afternoon Jackie, Dot and I went bowling. We bowled 3 games. My scores were 81, 57, and 47. Terrible, I'm afraid. I'll never make a bowler. We went to the Emboyd then and saw "Rainbow Island." Very very good. We went to Walgreen's and had a sundae and then came home. Roy and Alma were here when we got home. I didn't get my Shorthand studied for tomorrow. Awful, isn't it. Night, diary.

March 26, 1945 (Mon)

It was a little cooler today, but still not bad. Jackie and I were both limping and groaning all day today. And then I had Phys. Fitness 2nd. Ohhhh! I'm still doing terrible in Typing. I only had 43 wpm today. We had a Current Events test in Civics 7th. I made 55 (Terrible isn't it?) Right after I got home from school Mother, Dad, Dot and I went downtown. I took my glasses down to Rogers and I won't get them back until tomorrow. I received a letter from Dwight today dated March 15th. He's going to send me a picture taken in their PX. I wrote a letter to Dwight this evening and studied my Shorthand.

March 27, 1945 (Tues)

Another grand day! We had a nice in Shorthand 1st. I had 3 errors on my transcription. I'm making a stencil on the Typewriter in Cl. Practice 4th. That is something I've never done before. We went outside 5th period. Gosh, but it was wonderful outside. We had a reveiw in Civics for our test tomorrow. Jackie, Jeanie Laugenslagher and I walked home from school. I put a pair of shorts on this evening. The 1st time this year. I got a letter from Pauline. She really likes being a Cadet Nurse. I washed and ironed my Gymsuit for inspection tomorrow and studied my Civics. There were a lot of rumors going around today about Germany asking for Peace, but untrue of course.

The line — We had a nice in Shorthand 1st — is taken directly out of the diary. Had a nice test??? Had a nice time???

March 28, 1945 (Wed)

Jackie and I worked in Library this morning! I was sore all day today from Phys. Fit. Monday. We're taking Exercise tests in there now. We're going to have a test in Cl. Practice tomorrow 3rd. Fourth period I cut a stencil on the typewriter. Gosh, but its fun. I only had 43.5 wpm. I'm getting worse all the time. We didn't have our test after all in Civics today. We'll have it tomorrow. Jackie and I worked in the library after school and then we walked home. Gloria got my glasses for me downtown last night. The carpenter started the snack bar today. I got another Seventeen magazine. Mother started shortening my new coat. I studied my Cl. Practice, Shorthand and Civics thes evening. It was another warm day.

Grandma Betty was only about 4'11" tall.

March 29, 1945 (Thurs)

I made 86 on my Shorthand test. That's the first time that I've gotten below 90. On our Cl. Practice test 3rd we had half of our test and I got those all right. I ran the stencil on the mimeograph machine 4th. That's fun, too. Jackie and I went to Dramatics 5th. We had another test in Typing. I made 45 wpm. Its getting a little better - I only had 85% accuracy though. We had our test in Civics. It wasn't so terribly hard - I don't think I did too bad on it. Jackie and I had to take the bus home from school since it rained most of the day and got a little chillier. This evening I helped Dad paint the snack bar, and I washed my hair. Mother finished shortening my coat this evening. I have to press a dress now. bye, Diary

March 30, 1945 (Fri)

It was a pretty nice day today again. We got our April Fool issue of the Northerner today. We finished our tests in Clerical Practice and I think I made my 20 period certifcate. I hope so. We got out of school at 11:30. Jackie and I went downtown met Mrs. Zimmerman ate lunch at YMCA and then (it's Good Friday) we went to First Presbyterian Church. I got a letter from Dwight today dated February 22nd. I really didn't know what to think of it. He's getting pretty serious now. This evening we started out Spring housecleaning. Mother, Dot and I washed the kitchen walls. Gosh, was I tired when we finished. I don't know what to write to Dwight now.

March 31, 1945 (Sat)

Margaret called me at eight. I was still sound asleep. I cleaned the bedrooms this morning. I received 2 more letters from Dwight dated February 21 and March 5th. The one dated Feb. 21st made me pretty mad. I went downtown then and put some money in the bank for Dad and bought myself material (aqua with black and white ribbons in it) and pattern for a dress. I went over to Margaret's about 6:30 to take care of the kids. I put Dave to bed about 7 and Midge about 7:30. After that I wrote a pretty awful letter to Dwight and then wrote letters to Bud Gremaux and Pauline. I got home about 12 and made $1.50 and a hamburger.