January 1939 Memoranda

This month has been pretty well filled with fun. There has been quite a bit going on so I really can't complain about this month. I am going to try to make February even more exciting - There's the dance to look forward to and perhaps more dates with Mooney?? And our dinner at the Bond. Then of course I must remember there's Dave to wonder about. Am I or am I not in love? I think not - there must be some way a person could tell if she were in love really and truly - I guess I'm trying to live up to my New Years Resolutions and therefore I'm imagining things.

January 31, 1939, Tuesday

January 31, 1939, Tuesday

It's been snowing all afternoon and do I love it! Walked downtown again but my magazine still hadn't come in. Karin came down for supper just brimming over with news as usual. That girl certainly enjoys life. Seems shes been invited to some place in N.Y. by a girl in her office to spend the weekend - not this week but next. She does manage to get places. As I thought , we sat and gabbed about clothes and men and why we're living and etc. We decided to go to Hartford Saturday and go to the Woman's club for dancing (maybe). Wonder when I'll have another date - Not that I care, just curious-

January 30, 1939, Monday

January 30, 1939, Monday

It's been sleeting all day and raining some too but I love this weather. I went down town with Dottie to see if I could get the "Mademoiselle"* but it won't be in until tomorrow. Came home, had supper and washed my hair, listened to Lux Radio Theatre*. Karin called, wanted me to go to the movies tomorrow night but instead she's coming up here for supper and I suppose we'll talk all evening. As usual haven't much to write about. It's a typical home evening. Marit and I in pajamas sitting at the Dining Room table - Laurence with a magazine - Pop by the radio, Mom putting Ruthie to bed and I guess I better go too.

January 29, 1939, Sunday

January 29, 1939, Sunday

I called up the girls and let them know I asked him and he said he would go to the dance. Well I guess that ought to satisfy them! Ginny and Ev stopped for me and we walked up to Karin's house - I told them about my date as they wanted to know all. I didn't tell them how F.M. just doesn't interest me, nice as he is! I can just hears their groans and etc if I should. He wants me to go out with him again. I suppose I might as well try and get interested. I'll have to look around and see if I can't spot someone who will make my heart throb every time I see him. I don't suppose I ever will - Karin had a date and we stayed up there until Art came. He drove us around a little then took us home.

January 28, 1939, Saturday

January 28, 1939, Saturday

This afternoon we went to the movies and saw "Son of Frankenstein" and "The Mad Miss Manton" with Barbara Stanwych and Henry Fonda*. It was a good show and the girls and I enjoyed every bit of it. Went to the Contaris and then we all rushed home to get ready for our dates- my how unusual - Ingrid with a date! He came about 7:20 and I introduced him to Karl and Mom. He looked nice - We went up to the Polis in Hartford and saw "Idiot's Delight" with Clark Gable and Norma Shearer*, also a Mr. Moto Picture*. I had to sit on the stairs at first on account of no seats. After the movies we drove around looking for a place not too crowded so we could have something to eat. We couldn't find a place so we headed home. Sat in front of my house for awhile and he kissed me and I let him on account of I wanted to get in and go to bed -

January 27, 1939, Friday

January 27, 1939, Friday

Well payday and I bought an Ivory Vase and flowers for the Dining Room. They look so nice. Makes the whole room look lovely. We had a meeting at Noa's. The girls all insisted that I ask Marr [Francis] to the dance (Ev's dance - rather Moody's Dance). If I ask him Karin will ask Bud Hoyle and Ginny ask Charlie Beverage. I don't know - I hate to ask him as tomorrow will be the second time only that I've been out with him. But they insist. perhaps I will. Dot is going to have us all up first to a buffet supper and to get acquainted. We really have such a good time it's been such a long time too, since the whole FY Event to a dance together.

January 26, 1939, Thursday

January 26, 1939, Thursday

I stayed home tonight and finished "Rebecca". Oh how that book facinates me! It's so very interesting and the author so describes everything in a way so -- well anyway you can almost see everything she describes. I listened to the radio in between times - "Snooks" was cute tonight as usual, I've been thinking it over and I guess I really can't care much for Dave. Just my imagination building him up I presume. I don't know whats the matter with me. There isn't one boy I really could get serious about! Why? I wonder - Other girls get excited about dates and boys and all but not me - why? I've just about given up trying to figure me out -

January 25, 1939, Wednesday

January 25, 1939, Wednesday

It's so cold today brrrr- I went up to Eunice's house for supper. After supper we listened to "One Man's Family"* and then played Chinese Checkers oh yes we also made Pop Corn. We looked through her magazines but I didn't get any ideas for home decorations. Eunice walked me part of the way home- when I got home I listened to the Joe Louis and John Henry Lewis fight* - It was over almost before it started 2 minutes and 29 seconds. There really isn't much to write about tonite - I guess Eunice and Charlie are really broken up. Well I guess it won't be long before she finds someone else - nothing else I guess -

January 24, 1939, Tuesday

January 24, 1939, Tuesday

Well I got to work five minutes earlier and surprised everyone, even me! I went to the dentist after work and that finishes that for another six months! I went shopping when that ordeal was over and bought a lace table cloth for the dining room in Bernbaums. I should have bought myself saddle shoes with the money but we did so need a new tablecloth. Eunice called this noon and wants me to come up there for supper tomorrow night. She has lots of books on house decorations and stuff so I'll see if I can't get some pointers - Well I've got to wash stockings and etc so I better get started -

January 23, 1939, Monday

January 23, 1939, Monday

I rushed home from work today and washed my hair but before I left Miss Bancroft offered to call me in the morning so I "wouldn't lose my breath running up the stairs at the last minute" I laughed (joke - ha ha) and said "never mind I'll be here!" We've been talking a lot about moving, that is we (the kids and I) have been trying to convince Mom and Pap that we ought to move - It could be heavenly if we could! I read a little of Rebecca- looked for decoration ideas in the magazines and listened to the radio, Genge Arlins was on in Cardinal Richeleu if that's the way its spelt - Can't seem to write tonite. Not that I can anyway -

January 22, 1939, Sunday

January 22, 1939, Sunday

Karin and I woke up rather late and we just lay in bed and lazed! (if that's a word??) We put on some records and lay listening to them. I love staying with Karin when things run smoothly. We put on house coats and had dinner. Just as we were starting, the phone rang. It was Noa and she wanted to talk to me. Seems I have a date Saturday with Francis. He's calling for me about 7 and we're going to the movies or something - Just the two of us - Some fun - yes? The Jensen's drove us up to Ginny's. We and Ev stayed there for supper. Had fun the way we usually do when we're together. Art came up and he drove us home and were we glad. It is so cold out - Well I suppose I should hurry and get ready for bed now, it's almost 11--

January 21, 1939, Saturday

January 21, 1939, Saturday

This has been a particularly pleasant day. Went to the movies with Ev and Ginny and later walked up to Karin's. We had supper there and then went to the Teachers College Basketball game against Farmington, Maine J. C. We went into the lounge and then met two of Karin's friends. We sat with them at the game - nice boys - K. and I certainly got the eye from the boys there, I guess we did look rather nice too - conceited huh? After the game which our J.C. won we went to the Drug store, had cigarettes and soda - Home to Karin's house as I was staying over night. We washed and got Karin's pajamas and robes on then went downstairs- put on the radio, cuddled up on the sofa, smoked and drank wine- Perfect orchestra and it was so cozy and nice - Then we had tea and toasted sandwiches about 1:30, Ivar joined us. Then up to bed and was it good to get into bed and go to sleep. Oh yes! I saw Dave, he was in the game- I don't know ---

January 20, 1939, Friday

January 20, 1939, Friday

This is really funny - Betty Apelgre had her birthday in August and she never treated as she is supposed to do so this morning I said 'Betty this noon you're going into Mohican's and buy a cake and bring it to work. She said all right and she did! The girls nearly fainted when they saw it after all these months. Went to meeting- Karin called up and said she wasn't going to Ginny's - I took a bath and sprayed Jasmine all over me - Phone rang I answered, came back and Laurence had dropped my beautiful cologne! I had to cry I felt so horrible, so did Laurence poor kid. Went up to Noa's and her Father drove us and took us home. We talked about marriage the way things stand now I predict - Noa and Dick - Dot and Irving - Ev and Art will be married some day, we drew slips on who would marry first- I got it- big joke!!

January 19, 1939, Thursday

January 19, 1939, Thursday

This is my lucky day! Yippee! Mom asked me to ask Miss Bancroft if she had a job for Bobby Anderson so after work tonight I sort of lingered on so I could talk to her alone. Olga asked me why I wanted to see her alone so said I very humorously (understand) "Oh I'm going to ask her for a raise- I'm going to say- 'Miss Bancroft, I have been offered a job at blank blank and unless I get a raise - ??' Olga laughed and wished me Good Luck and then as I headed for Miss B's office she then said- "Ingrid, the Co. is making changes in salaries so hereater your salary will be 15.00!" She just about took my breath away! So after thanking her profusely I showed her my picture from Lounges and asked her about Bobby she was so nice she's going to see him and etc. So I thanked her and then I said with laughter in my voice, Thank you for everything! - Noa called up, wants me to go to the movies but I didn't.

January 18, 1939 Wednesday

January 18, 1939 Wednesday

Well I've had my blind date- This is the way everything went about - Karl drove me down to Noa's and I brushed the jacket (with Sky's help) and got ready. I really looked rather nice- Sky said I honestly had the most beautiful hair he had ever seen! Noa said she hadn't seen me look so nice for ages. So I gather I must have looked Okay. Wore my green sweater and socks, navy blue she pants and green bow in my hair. Dick and Francis Mars (that's his name) finally came and after sitting around and getting ready and etc we finally went. Francis and I had to ride in the Rumble Seat* and was it cold! We had a couple blankets over us. He's so amusing and rather nice too. Not bad looking- we couldn't find any other place to skate but Walnut Hill Park. We had fun and after went up to Noa's and fooled around. Dick and Francis drove me home and Francis walked me to the door and he didn't even kiss me and was I surprised!

January 17, 1939 Tuesday

January 17, 1939 Tuesday

After supper I walked downtown and met Karin and we went up to Noa's. Noa greeted us looking perfectly stunning in her new house coat that Dick gave her for Christmas. Dot was there too and we told the news about my blind date and they all were so excited and I got a lecture on how to act and how I should neck blah blah as everybody did it etc. I agreed and yes yes'd myself sick. Noa showed and tried on her new clothes - a darling ski suit, a blue silk dress pleated all around and did she look cute- what a figure the girl has. I'm green with envy! Of course we ate but I tried to take it easy and eat very little. Noa got out her blue jacket and black angora gloves for me to take tomorrow. I walked down the street with Dot and Karin and forgot the jacket and gloves - darnit.

January 16, 1939 Monday

January 16, 1939 Monday

Well after work I went to the dentist's. He couldn't find any cavities and was I glad! However he took an ex ray of them and it showed that one of my fillings had a small cavity underneath, so I'll have to go next week and have it fixed. I'm so glad there weren't anymore. Noa called me up just as I was finishing supper. She asked me what I was doing tomorrow night and I told her I was coming up there. Karin told me Sunday that we were invited - well anyhoo she said if all goes well I'm going to have a date Wednesday with Francis somebody. As I remember Karin was supposed to go out with him sometime and I asked Noa- she agreed but said Karin was doing so much running around she thought it would be better if she asked me- I wonder.

January 15, 1939 Sunday

January 15, 1939 Sunday

I got up rather early around 10:30 (hem!) Cleaned our room- washed and got dressed to go up to Karin's. Ev and Ginny called for me and we walked up. I wanted to see Dave and then I was afraid I would see him but I needn't have worried, I didn't darn it! We played records, had supper and had a usual get-to-gether. Bud called up and asked Karin out and Art was going to call for Ev and he was going to take Ginny and I home and he did etc. Well when I got home Mrs. Sandberg was here and I got her to tell my fortune in the coffee cup. She said I was downhearted at the moment and I was going to cry bitter tears. She saw an accident- the letter C, a big place with towers- 2 letters for me - lots of money- a large gathering- Guess thats all.

January 14, 1939 Saturday

January 14, 1939 Saturday

Woke with a cold - the result of wet feet last nite I'm afraid. Ann, Betty Miller and I went over to the Club room after work to set the table and buy decorations and stuff for our luncheon Monday. Went to the movies after it was all over (First went home and had dinner). Couldn't find Ginny and Ev in the show ("Sweethearts" with Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy and "Nancy Drew Detective" with Bonita Granville* - very very good). Went to Contaris and met Karin and Ev had dates later on so we couldn't do anything so I went home and washed my hair and had a lovely time, blah! Oh for a date - oh for a man oh oh. Well thats all --

P.S. Karin asked us up tomorrow

January 13, 1939 Friday

January 13, 1939 Friday

Well this may have been an unlucky day for some people but I had a marvelous time. Got all dressed up in my black dress with pearls- black hat with veil and black pumps and etc (got loads of nice compliments). Dot, Ginny, and I met Ev down by the bus stop. Took a bus to Hartford, where we met Karin. Then we went to the Bond for supper (or do they call it dinner?) It was wonderful and such service! Of course we all behaved our very best and all went smoothly. I had = menu for future reference: Fruit Cup, Creamed Tomato Soup - Breaded Veal Cutlet - French Fries and Lettuce Salad, Apple Pie a La Mode and Coffee - So good. Then we went to the State. Oh yes when we came out it was snowing - lots of snow!! Tommy Dorsey* was marvelous and we saw Jane Withers* too, shes cute. We had to leave before T.D. was over. He was on for 2 hours!! He broadcasted. Karin and I took the bus through Belvidere, got home a little after 12:00. What a day!

January 12, 1939 Thursday

January 12, 1939 Thursday

Here it is January 12 as you can see and my career as a play girl(??) hasn't gotten very far! I guess New Years Resolutions never really pan out do they? I'm just as far from being a gay young thing as ever - I'm not quite sure just what it is or why it is but I just don't attract men - anyway not the ones I want to attract. I'm fearfully afraid I'll end up as an old maid, oh well, at any rate Ruthie and I went to the Strand and saw Shirley Temple with Charles Farrell in "Just Around the Corner, also Connie Bennett and Vincent Price (hes nice) in "Service De Luxe"*. Rather goof show. Home and took a bath and finally got to bed late -

January 11, 1939 Wednesday

January 11, 1939 Wednesday

I have just finished calling up all of the F.Y.P. I could get ahold of. Karin was first and I told her what I read in the paper tonite. It seems the car in which four of the Jitney players were riding in after leaving this city last nite turned over and they were injured. Only one was seriously hurt. (Bettina Cerf* was one of them). Karin wanted me to call up all the girls and find out about Friday, if all the gals as planned were going to the Bond for supper and to the State to see Tommy Dorsey* after we eat. Noa isn't going but the rest of us are - I hope! I called the Dentist for an appointment Monday nite at 4:30 - ooo how I dread it. Well I guess I can't think of anything else to write about.

January 10, 1939 Tuesday

January 10, 1939 Tuesday

I decided the moment I saw the article in the paper yesterday concerning the Jitney Players* that I wanted to see them and I did! The real reason I wanted to go was because I thought I probably would see Dave and seeing as this was supposed to be my lucky day I hoped for good results. I was disappointed - I didn't even see him. I called Karin and asked her if she wanted to go to the Teachers College to see Ethel Barrymore Colt* in "End of Summer" E. Colt is Ethel Barrymore's daughter! Karin said she had been thinking of going too. So I grabbed the bus and met Karin in front of her house. She said Ivar was holding seats for us. She didn't even mention Dave - darn it - I'll never believe a Chain Luck Letter again. The play was good and the leading lady Bettina Cerf* very good -

January 9, 1939 Monday

January 9, 1939 Monday

After work tonight I went up to Noa’s for supper. I got there before Noa and Sky came home so Mrs. Giute and I talked quite awhile. Mrs. G is worried about Noa. She’s losing weight, doesn’t eat anything, and all in all shes not well. Noa and Sky came and after warm greetings – Noa tried on her different housecoats for me and then we had supper. Sky is just the way he always used to be (well almost). He hugged me and flattered me and teased me just the way he used to. Noa and I didn’t get much of a chance to talk because Sky was always with us. He sat in front of Noa’s mirror and tried out crazy hairstyles. Hes so funny when he wants to be. I did El’s nails for her and then I left. Sky drove me home and was I glad – I washed my hair and got to bed about 11:45 –

January 8, 1939 Sunday

January 8, 1939 Sunday

​Because I didn’t get to sleep until so late last night I thought I would sleep late this morning but Ev called up about nine and asked if I’d like to go riding with them so of course I said I’d love to and they came for me about 10:15. At first we didn’t know where we were going and I got sort of car sick but that passed over as we headed towards N.Y! Was I thrilled – the road was perfect and so was the day. We got into N.Y., drove along Riverside Drive, saw the Empire State Building, drove through the Holland Tunnel over to N.J. over Pulaski Skyway and over to the Newark Airport where we had dinner then back over the Geo. Washington Bridge. We stopped in Stamford on our way home and saw some of Ev’s cousins. They were nice, had a son Bob about our age –

January 7, 1939 Saturday

January 7, 1939 Saturday

​We worked this morning and didn’t hate it! Went down and got weighed on the factory scales, 138 lbs. I’ve got it all figured out, that if I lose 2 lbs a week by March I should have a rather slim figure. Went to the movies this afternoon and saw Loretta Young and Richard Greene in “Kentucky”*. It was about what I expected, good but not outstanding. I met Karin, Ginny and Ev in the movies as prearranged and after the show (incidentally we saw pictures of the N.B.H.S. game and Manuel H.S. game) we went to Contaris and had sodas and later I went shopping for gloves and knickknacks?? Now Ruthie and I are home alone and I’ve got so many things I want to do. I better get started. Mom and Pop went to Lante Mayas house to a party – Marit went to a dance and Laurence and Karl went to a basketball game and here I am – much later – Mom and Pop came home – Mom says they picked Dave up in Bristol and he drove the car the rest of the way home – now he’s met the folks.

January 6, 1939 Friday

January 6, 1939 Friday

I had F.Y.P meeting tonite and all the girls came except Elinor. She called me up and let me know – seems she had a chance to see Chick Webb* up at the State. However she asked me up for supper Monday so that’s something to look forward to. Karin came down for supper. She talked constantly of Dave – I think she’s falling for him, I hope not or rather I hope he doesn’t fall for her. Heavens knows I’ve only seen him about 3 times and I’m sure he’s conceited and well I don’t know what else but still I rather like him myself. I guess that’s silly and I better snap out of it because I don’t want to fall in love until I’m sure my love is returned. It’s not that I’m afraid of love – I’m just cautious. Oh yeah, I sent my Good Luck letters out today, so that means I should have good luck in 4 days. I’m waiting –

January 5, 1939 Thursday

January 5, 1939 Thursday
 
​So far this has been another unusual day. I’ve done a lot of thinking about things and stuff and I’ve decided I’m not getting anywhere, which is right back where I started. I wish I had an all-consuming ambition that would drive me on – like the stage or radio or art etc. But I haven’t. I’m just waiting around for someone to “discover” me, which is a joke on me because of course no one will. I think I have a talent for love at any rate. I’m terribly romantic. Now all I need is a man and I’m horribly afraid I’ll never find him! – Just talked to Karin on the phone. There is the kind of person I would like to be if there wasn’t so much energy involved! She usually gets what she wants because she goes after it.

January 4, 1939 Wednesday

January 4, 1939 Wednesday

​Today has been an uneventful day. There has not been much doing. I took a bath and washed my hair. Did my hair a new way with curls on top and I’m going to wear my black velvet bow in back of them. I hope it looks as nice as I think it will. As usual I didn’t get to bed until late. I’ve got to try getting more sleep but somehow I never can. Not that I ever do anything special – wish I did. Four days have passed in the New Year and I still haven’t done anything to write about. Wish I could hurry up and get a raise. It certainly would come in handy, I need so many new clothes. They say clothes do not make the woman but they certainly help!

January 3, 1939 Tuesday

January 3, 1939 Tuesday

I thought I would get so much done to my clothes and get to bed early but I was wrong. Eunice dropped in after working overtime at her office. She was playing a game with Ruthie when the phone rang. It was for me and was I surprised to hear a male voice! He wouldn’t say who he was but he mentioned the name “Frankie”. Still I didn’t recognize the voice. He said he would be by in 20 minutes and bring Karin and a friend to chaperon. I couldn’t imagine who it was but I thought it would be fun to find out so I rushed in and got dressed. Was putting on my face when the doorbell rang. Eunice answered and who was it but Art and Ev. I might have known! I was disappointed but mad too – Eunice roared, she thought it was so funny. Well I guess it was but somehow my hopes rose and fell so fast I hadn’t quite recovered. I think I managed pretty well and tried to laugh along with the rest. After all I’ve got to be able to take a joke. Wish I weren’t so sensitive but I hate to make a fool out of myself!

January 2, 1939 Monday

January 2, 1939 Monday

Ev got me out of bed by phoning about 12:30. I certainly was tired! She asked me up but I was still so sleepy I couldn’t decide what to do so I said I’d call her later. Karin called and asked us both up (Ev and I). Ev came up here after dinner and we walked up there. We sat in Karin’s room and played records then Ivar came home with two boy friends Henry and Frank. They joined us and we played more records and in between times we tuned in on the Rose Bowl Game – Duke vs. South Calif. Karin had $2.00 bet on S. Cal. I thought Duke would win and so did Frank (Incidentally N.B.H.S. lost the game in La. 20-28). Mrs. Jenson made supper and we went downstairs and helped her and ate (of course). S. Cal. Won the game at the last moment 7-3 and was Karin excited. Ivar and Frank washed the dishes, Karin and Henry wiped, Ev and I supervised?? We had such fun! Laughed ourselves silly. Later we put Ev on the bus and the rest walked me home. Frank and I leading, in front of my house all sang “Goodnite Ingrid” me too. Haven’t had such fun for ages.

January 1, 1939 Sunday

January 1, 1939 Sunday

The New Year is starting and with it comes a new chance for me to try to get more fun out of life then I’ve had in the last year. This is the second year in succession that Ginny and I have welcomed in the New Year together while the rest of the girls have been out celebrating. I am determined that next year I too will be out dancing and enjoying myself along with the rest. I hope Ginny will too. – After the movies yesterday Ginny, Ev and I went up to Ginny’s for supper. Ev got dressed first as she was expecting Art. After supper he came and they went out riding. Noa, Dick, Sky and Ada went to New York on an excursion. Dot went with Irving to a dance and Karin to another dance with Bud. Karin came up to Ginny’s today as did Ev. We went over to Ev’s for supper and later she drove us home. So ends my first day.