May 1945

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May 1, 1945 (Tues)

I made 88 on my Shorthand test. I guess it was a little harder than I thought it was. We are back on the typewriters in Cl. Practice 4th — typing telegrams. (Ugh!) There was a circus in town today, but I didn't get to go. Mr. Sinh wasn't at class 7th. I suppose he went to the circus. Got to work at 3:59 — Just made it. Betty and I quit at 6 and came home so we could clean up for Jobs Daughters. It was Mother's Night so Mother and I went down with Jackie and Mrs. Zimmerman. Betty and Mrs. Greenwood were there and they came home with us. It was a nice meeting except that we didn't get home till after 11. I received a letter from Betty Morris dated April 19th. Went to bed at 12.

May 2, 1945 (Wed)

Today's Jackie's birthday. She is 17. We worked in the library this morning. Pat, Oddra, Jackie, Betty, Janet, and I are planning to go roller-skating 2 weeks from today. Gloria gave me a hankie and a belated birthday card today. I typed 51.8 wpm and 94% accuracy today. We saw three movies in Civics this week. Betty and I were at work at 3:55 today. On the way home I got off at the wrong stop and had to call Mother and Dad to come after me. Berlin fell to the Russians and the Germans in Italy surrendered to the Americans. War news really sounds good. I studied my Shorthand this evening and caught up on some of my newspaper reading. No mail today.

May 3, 1945 (Thurs)

We had an assembly this morning right after second period - a National Honor Society assembly - I was one of the 13 Junior (although I'm really a senior B, I'm considered a Junior A quite a bit) the only senior B to be elected to the Society. Oh golly, I'm still so awfully excited. I thought I would never make it to the stage when they called my name. We have the nicest pins. Everybody wascongratulating me today. I didn't do very much work the rest of the day. We had dramatics 5th and SPC after school today so Betty and I were a half hour late for work. I drew $12.47 today. Not bad, eh? I washed my hair this evening. Nothing much new in war news except Hitler is dead (probably committed suicide)

May 4, 1945 (Fri)

We had a substitute for Shorthand this morning and she didn't know anything about Shorthand. Miss Shroyer called me over to her desk and congratulated me 2nd period. I got a note 3rd period to call Jackie (she was sick today) but she just wanted me to bring home some things for her. We had the substitute again 6th period. I got sick during 6th period so I went up to study hall and got an excuse to come home. The Doctor didn't come until about 5 and I was pretty sick by then. But I feel pretty good now, of course, I didn't go to work this evening. I wrote letters to Dwight, Bud Gremaux, and Pauline. I still haven't heard from Dwight this week. The National Honor Society list was in last nights paper and this morning.

May 5, 1945 (Sat)

I didn't sleep too well last night so I didn't wake up till about 8:30. Mother cleaned most of the house yesterday evening so I didn't have much to do. I just finished straightening the living room and bedrooms. I did a little Typing this morning. This afternoon I went downtown and bought Jackie another blouse (a pretty 3 quarter length sleeves yellow one) and Lucile a cookie jar in the shape of a bunny (Thumper). I went to work and gave my things to Mother to bring home. I worked from four till ten this evening, but the time went fast. I mailed my picture to Bud Gremaux today. After work I met Dot downtown and we came home in a taxi.

May 6, 1945 (Sun)

I got up about eight and Dad had breakfast all ready for us. After doing the dishes I went down to Jackies for a few minutes to give her her present. I got cleaned up then and went down to Jackies about one. Evelyn, Betty and Janet came and then later Gloria and Lucile. I don't think Lucile was too terribly surprised. After Mrs. Zimmerman, Doug (he drove), Jackie and I took the girls home. Jackie and I went over to see Pauline who was home for the weekend. Jackie went home then, and I shut myself in the bedroom and studied my Civics and Shorthand for tests tomorrow. All the German armies have surrendered except the one in Norway.

May 7, 1945 (Mon)

I went to school as usual, but this has been so different from most school days. At first we heard rumors and more rumors about the war in Europe being over and now at last we're almost positive tomorrow will be proclaimed V-E day for Truman, Churchill, and Stalin are all going to make announcements at 8 our time. I received a letter from Dwight dated April 22nd. He sent me 3 negatives too. I think they are of him, but I'm not sure. We had a test in Shorthand and one in Civics (80 on it). I received an invitation to be Miss Shroyer's guest at the National Honor Banquet. I met Mother and Dad downtown after work and they brought me home. I couldn't find a new dress. Just 3 1/2 years ago today Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

May 8, 1945 (Tues)

At 8 this morning Pres. Truman made the proclamation of the end of the war in Europe. Although the stores, theaters, most factories etc., the schools stayed open. There was really very little celebrating, but I suppose that is as it should be. We had an assembly this morning. It was rather sad; everybody was on the verge of crying all day and some did break down. We did get out of school at 3 (15 minutes early) so Betty and I were at work pretty early. Everybody came to work, but did very little. There was so much to talk about and you can't talk and type at the same time so we as a rule talked. Mother and Dad didn't work today, but Dot did. Just 3 1/2 years ago today we declared war on Germany.

May 8, 1945 (V-E Day)

V-E Day. Something we've been waiting and hoping for for years and wondering if it would ever come. At times it seemed doubtful especially the early months of '42, but now, years, but now its here. All the time it has been a dream to us and now that it is actually here it still seems a dream. Its so hard to believe that the killing in Europe is over. It seems as if these 3 1/2 years have been a lifetime and all I ever saw in the morning paper at the breakfast table was about the killing and fighting in Europe. And now its over and many, many of the boys will be coming home soon. Some to stay and others after a furlough will once more turn their faces toward fighting ~ this time the Pacific. This V-E Day has given us renewed energy, lifted our morale and once more we will give the agressors everything we got and once more we will come out the victors. After all we are Americans fighting for the American way of life — so how can we lose?? V-J Day is around the corner! Look out Japan - Americans are on their way!

May 9, 1945 (Wed)

Jackie and I worked in the library again this morning. It rained quite a bit today again. I made 94 on that Shorthand test we had Monday. I took Phys. Fit today and took the tape off my rib this evening. It is still a little sore yet. Today was Junior High at N.S. I believe the Freshman to be get smaller every year. I only typed 49.6 wpm today and 88% accuracy. Betty didn't go to work this evening so I had to go by myself. I saw Aunt Elma on the bus going out. I cracked one lense of my glasses the other day. I don't know how I did it. I received a letter from Dwight dated April 29th and one from Pauline. I wrote a letter to Dwight this evening.

May 10, 1945 (Thurs)

It snowed this morning — great big snowflakes. Snow in May! What next? Miss Furst felt good today and gave us the period (1st) to study our Shorthand. I had to hurry and get my filing done for C. Practice 3rd in 2nd period. We are still typing telegrams in Cl. Practice 4th. Gloria, Jackie and I went to Dramatics 5th period. We are acting out a play in there now. Its interesting. I typed 50.7 wpm and 89% accuracy in Typing 6th. We had current events in Civics 7th. Betty and I were a minute late to work today. Today was payday - I drew $10.62. Ervin brought Betty and I part way home today. This evening I washed my hair and studied my Shorthand. Must go take my shower now. Night, diary.

May 11, 1945 (Fri)

Nothing much happened today. Just another school day. Oh yes, except for the fact that we had a track meet so we got out of school at a quarter of three. Betty and I stopped downtown on our way to work and tried to find her mother a billfold, but we didn't. We got to work about 3:30. I saw Mother and Dad. I gave them my school books to bring home. I typed 52 cards at work this evening. See, I'm improving? Jim and Millie were here when I got home from work. Gen. Eisenhower made an announcement that all men who had fought in Africa and Europe would be sent home and would not be sent to the Pacific. So we think Bob will probably come home. Dot is all excited anyway. I can't say that I blame her any.

May 12, 1945 (Sat)

I got up about a quarter of eight! I went downtown early and Betty got on the same bus. I got a new dress. Its old rose and very pretty. I wanted some black and white spectators but couldn't find any. I got home about 12 and picked things up and dusted. By that time I had to get ready to go downtown and meet Betty at 3. We got to work about 3:30. Most of us forgot our lunches so about 6 Ervin and Betty went down to a restaurant and brought back some hamburgers. After work I rode downtown with Helen Dennis and Helen Soles. I met Pat, Oddra and Jackie and we went to see "I'll Be Seeing You". It was very good. Jackie and Oddra just sat there and cried. I got home about midnight.

May 13, 1945 (Sun)

This morning Dot and I went to Forest Park Methodist with Zimmermans. Today is Mother's Day. Dot and I got Mother a dress and two nightgowns. We had Dot's birthday dinner today since I won't be home tomorrow evening. Howard, Ahleen and the girls were here awhile this morning. I shortened my dress and slip Jackie gave me for my birthday today. This afternoon I studied my Shorthand, Civics, Filing and did some Typing. Jackie came down twice this afternoon. Roy and Alma Gross were over this evening. I wrote a letter to Dwight. Dot bought me a pair of 51 guage hose yesterday. They are very pretty and hard to find now.

May 14, 1945 (Mon)

It rained again today. How's come Sundays are nice and the rest of the week terrible? Miss Waterson made us go outside and play softball 2nd period, and I almost froze. Gosh, but it was cold. We had a substitute (a Mrs. Zimmerman) for Mrs. Chapman 3rd and 4th so 4th period I typed a letter to Betty Morris. I typed 50.8 wpm, but had only 86% accuracy. Betty and I were 5 minutes late for work. Everybody was grouchy at work - I suppose it was the weather. I met Dot and Mom downtown after work and I got me a new pair of brown and white spectators and a pair of 51 gauge hose. I also got Dwight's pictures from Howards. They are good of him; I like them very much. Today is Dot's birthday. She is 24.

May 15, 1945 (Tues)

Another rainy day. Mrs. Chapman is still ill and Mrs. Zimmerman (not Jackie's mother) was our substitute so we didn't do too much 3rd and 4th. I typed 61.4 gross words and 54.4 net words today, but had only 89% accuracy. We had a movie in Civics on the State Department. It seemed strange not to go to work right after school, but to come home instead. Mother took me down to the busline and I met Miss Shroyer at a little after six downtown. I sat between Miss Shroyer and Miss Bush. I had a very good time. Mr. Northrup, our principal, announced the valedictorian, Bob Northrup (his son) and Barbara Ann White, salutatorian. I got home about quarter of ten.

May 16, 1945 (Wed)

Rain, rain and more rain. Jackie and I worked in the library today during homeroom. We received our grade cards today. I made all A's. Mrs. Chapman came back today and we started our typing tests in Cl. Practice 4th. I did terrible in that and in Typing too. Betty and I were 6 minutes late to work. After work we went over to Betty's house. Oddra and Pat got on the same bus we did, and then Jackie and Anna May Hultz were already there. Mrs. Greenwood took us out to Bell's Rink, and we kids went roller-skating. We had a lot of fun. Mrs. Greenwood came after us and brought us home. I received Lucile's wedding invitation. She is going to be married Sat. at 6 pm. She is 18 today.

May 17, 1945 (Thurs)

If it doesn't stop raining one of these days, we are going to have a nice (?) flood. Mrs. Chapman doesn't look too good today and she can hardly talk. Third and fourth periods I worked for Mr. Reeves in his office typing the list of graduates for Mr. Northrup, answering the phone etc. I did terrible today in Typing again. We had a Current Event test in Civics today. I don't know what I made on it. We were 5 minutes late to work. I drew $12.47 today. I received two letters, one from Dwight dated May 4th and one from Bud Gremaux dated May 14th. Dwight said then they were expecting V-E Day at any time. He sounds as if he thnks he'll stay there. I received a "Calling All Girls" today too. Night now.

May 18, 1945 (Fri)

The announcement for Lucile's wedding was in this morning's paper. It rained again today, but warmed up a little bit toward evening. Mrs. Chapman still has laryngitis pretty bad. I did terrible in Cl. Practice 4th on a typing test and in Typing 6th. Jackie went home for lunch so only Pat, Oddra, Gloria and I were in the cafeteria. I made 68 on the test in Civics, and 92 on a test we had today. My rib has been pretty sore all day today. I don't think the roller skating Wed. helped it any. Betty and I were on time at work today. Hurrah for us! The days are getting longer now. It wasn't nearly as dark out coming home from work as it usually is. I washed my hair this evening. Mr. Herendean said Betty and I could work from 12 to 4 tomorrow.

May 19, 1945 (Sat)

I got up about 8. Dot and Mother cleaned the house last night so I just made the beds. Then I hurried and finished that black, white and green dress I started. About 10:30 I went downtown and bought a $10.00 tablecloth and napkins for Lucile from Betty, Jackie, Evelyn and I. Betty gave me her picture today. Its really good of her. I met Betty and we got to work just a minute before 12. I worked in a different part of the office today typing change letters. I quit at 3:30 so I could come home with Mother and Dad. Jackie and I met Pat, Oddra, Betty, Evelyn, and Gloria in front of St. Paul's Luthern. A description of the wedding etc. is in the book under "Important Events." It and the reception was wonderful!

Lucile's Wedding May 19, 1945 (Sat)

Our Lucile is married now. Mrs. William J. Hall. It was a beautiful wedding. (a candlelight ceremony) Lucile has a beautiful white dress, satin top and lace skirt and a seetheart hat and veil. Esther (her sister) was the maid of honor and wore yellow. The bridesmaid, Ruth (Lucile's other sister) wore light blue organdy. Robert Schofenaker was the best man and Edward (Eddie - Lucile's brother) and Harold Brockhoff were the ushers. Afterwards, Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks took Pat, Oddra, Jackie and I to the reception. Everybody was so happy and had a wonderful time. I think H. Brockhoff is darling. Of course, I have a piece of Lucy's wedding cake and am going to make a wish and sleep on it tonight. All of us kids cried at the wedding. After all she is the first of our gang to be married. Oh, gosh, I'm so happy for them both.

May 20, 1945 (Sun)

I got up about 8 this morning. I had the wedding cake under my pillow, but didn't dream a darn bit so I'll have to try it again tonight, I guess. I didn't do much of anything today except study my Shorthand, and Cl. Practice. I wrote a letter to Dwight this evening. Dot gave our bedroom a good cleaning and painted the ceiling and closet pale rose - very pretty. Howard, Ahleen, and the girls were over for awhile this morning. Oddra (Pudgie sounds more natural) called and wanted me to go to the show, but I didn't. I talked to Jackie this evening. Gosh, I think Midge and David get cuter everyday. Its about a quarter of 11, so by now.

May 21, 1945 (Mon)

It was a beautiful day and so warm! I guess it was pretty close to 90. We had a very, very hard test in Shorthand today. Anyway I thought it was hard. We had a chapel assembly this morning. Rev. somebody or other gave a talk. I did terrible on typing tests in Typing 6th. I can't seem to type at all anymore. We had a test in Civics. I made 91 on it. Grade school kids had a track meet at North Side today. We were 3 minutes late to work. I worked back in ODM again until. Tonight I typed letters to be sent out for them. Ervin Knott knows Obie - they both go to Indiana Tech. This evening I just studied my Shorthand and ate raw carrots. Night now, its about 11.

May 22, 1945 (Tues)

A little chillier today. That was our last test in Shhd. (the one we had yesterday) and I made 80 on it. That's the lowest I have every made on a Shhd. test. My average is still 92 though. We are still reviewing filing methods etc. in Cl. Practice for our 40-period test. 4th we are still taking typing and comptometer tests. Betty and I were eight minutes early to work. Very unusual isn't it? I worked in ODM again until six. I like typing letters for a change. I received a card from Pauline about joining the Book of the Month club. I think I will because I would like to have quite a few more books. I spent from 9 to 10:30 working on my Civics. 50 questions, we had to answer. It seems I can't get to bed before 11.

May 23, 1945 (Wed)

A little warmer again today. Jackie and I worked in the library before homeroom just as we do every Wednesday. We probably won't have anymore Shorthand tests for the rest of the semester. Hurrah! I only had 3 errors on one Typing test 4th period - - 49.8 wpm - 94% accuracy. Betty and I were 2 minutes early to work. I made a complaint to the Indiana Service because 2 buses passed us up and we had to run about 6 blocks to catch this one. Dot was over to Howard and Ahleen's last night and tonight. I haven't seen her since Monday. I finished the neck of my checked dress this evening. After work our bus went off without us and we were a half hour late in getting home. Its 11 again.

May 24, 1945 (Thurs)

Its another nice day. If only the weather would stay like this, but I'm afraid thats only wishful thinking. We took dictation in Shhd. today at 80 wpm. I wrote a letter to Dwight 2nd period and then I forgot to bring it home. I worked for Mr. Reeves 3rd and 4th periods typing the seating for the graduates at Commencement. We didn't go to Dramatics again today, then 5th 10 girls went for a ride in a car. Charlie Patterson is getting to be the biggest tease in Civics 7th - - he sits next to me. National Honor had a meeting right after school to elect officers so I was a half hour late to work. I got paid tonight - - drew $10.62. I didn't do anything after I got home except talk. Dorothy had her hair cut and got a permanent. Its only 10:30. I'm getting good.

May 25, 1945 (Fri)

Another wonderful day - - not too warm and not too cool. Just right. We had our pre-40 period certificate test today 3rd in Cl. Practice and I didn't think it was very hard. Miss Furst and I got into an argument 6th. She makes me so mad sometimes. After 6th the Military Drill classes gave a review on the football field. It was pretty good. We only had 15 minutes of Civics 7th. I was 2 minutes early to work. I typed 55 cards. It was nice walking home from the busline this evening. Jim and Millie were over when I got home and then later on Roy and Alma came over. I washed my hair and read some short stories from the book "Under Twenty." Its 11 now and my bedtime.

May 26, 1945 (Sat)

Mother didn't go to work yesterday or today - her hand is pretty sore. She called me about 8. We straightened the house up a little bit and then went downtown. I finally bought Dad another shirt and I got myself some stationery - white with Betty written in the corner in blue. We came home about noon and then about 3 I left for work. I was there 9 minutes early. Ervin when out and got us some hamburgers this evening. It was another nice day. After I got home at a quarter of 9, I went over to Margaret and Jess' where Jackie was taking care of Midge and David. I stayed with her until 1 when they came home. One of Dot's girlfriends from Ohio (Florice Rhode) stayed all night.

May 27, 1945 (Sun)

Got up about 9. Didn't do much of anything this morning. Florice had to leave this afternoon on the 3:10 train. After she left Jackie and I met Dot and another girl (Wanda somebody) and we went to the Paramount to see "National Velvet" with Mickey Rooney. It was really good. Afterwards, we went bowling at Court's Alley. I did terrible - as usual - 49 and 72. I guess I'll have to leave all the bowling honors in our family to Dot. I got home about 7:30 - studied my filing a little bit - address envelopes for letters to Dwight and Betty Morris and wrote a letter to Bud Gremaux. Now, I just have Paulines to answer.

May 28, 1945 (Mon)

We are still taking dictation in Shorthand - between 60 and 80 wpm. We had shortened periods today so we didn't have to take Physical Fitness. We started our 40 period filing certificate test today in Cl. Practice 3rd. On the comptometers in Cl Practice 4th. I have an average of 99 3/8. Too bad I couldn't have made it 100. We had our Memorial Day assembly today. It was dedicated to the boys killed in this war and it was very bad. Practically everybody was crying even the principal, Mr. Northrup. We got to work 9 minutes early. I worked in O and D till 6 typing letters. I like that kind of work. I did a little work on my Civics, but spent most of the time before going to bed teasing Dot. Mom and Dad brought some ice cream and we ate that about 10.

May 29, 1945 (Tues)

A little chillier today. During homeroom I studied my filing, but it didn't help. We finished taking our 40 period Cl. Practice tests. I'm almost positive I didn't get it. I know of 10 I missed and you can't miss more than 10 out of a hundred. Oddra hurt her back the other day in swimming - she has a fractured vertebrae. I can't seem to do anything in Typing anymore. I wish I could get 55 wpm anyway so I could get my A this semester. I have only 3 more chances. Mr. Sinks gave us a list of 88 words etc. to look up for Civics. Its due next Monday. I worked in O and D from 4 till 6. We got a new ditto boy. He's 18 and goes to Concordia, but isn't too nice looking. Seems nice though. I'm reading "Deep Summer" now.

May 30, 1945 (Wed)

A little bit warmer, but not much. Today is Memorial Day so naturally, I didn't go to school. I straightened the house up and Margaret did a washing so I watched Marjorie and David this morning. I also did my Civics. This afternoon I washed the dishes, took a shower and read "Deep Summer". I left for work about 3 and got there at 3:51. The bus driver really took his good old time in going out there. I typed 60 cards tonight which is the most I've typed yet. Some of the girls had to do checking this evening because we ran out of work except for the issue I was working on. I studied my Shorthand after work, finished reading "Deep Summer" and ironed a cotton summer skirt to wear tomorrow.

May 31, 1945 (Thurs)

It's getting cold again. Our first period only lasted till 9. Then we had our Recognition Day Asembly. I was recognized for Business and working in the library. I received a red ribbon with "Recognition Day - 1945" written on it. Thats my 3rd one now. Most of the kids I know were recognized too. The assembly lasted till 10:30. Nobody got their 40 period filing certificate. I only missed it by 3. I had 87 - - I missed 13. I typed 53 wpm with 93% accuracy today in Typing. I went to SPC after school but only stayed for the business meeting. We got to work at 4:35. I drew $12.34. I worked in O and D till 6 but did typing for them till 8. I studied my Shorthand and Civics. I received a postcard from Pauline and a graduation announcement form Helen Soles.