February Memoranda

February Memoranda 

Well, this ends the month of February. I really do think I've done more this month than in January. However, the month of March is going to be even more exciting. Lets see I've had a couple of dates even if they were with Mooney. I've gone to a dance, been up to Hartford a couple of times, almost went to the Bronz - And oh yes I mustn't forget I rode on the bus with Dave. I even bought myself some new clothes and thats something quite unusual in itself. I'll see if I can't make next month just abide (what a word) with doings. I've got to meet someone new because the way things now stand I'm sure I won't be seeing Marr and longer more and theres the dance coming up in April. I want to go to that dance because everybody in the office will be there. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could meet a boy without any of the girls fixing my up with a blind date. I'm so sick of them. I wish I could ask Dave and I wish even more that he would go - but of course thats out of the question seeing as he has a steady girlfriend. Seems as if all the boys that are cute have steadys. Well I guess this is about all for this month. Lets see if I do all right during March!

These are questions I want to have answered "Yes"

"Will I have any dates in March?"

"Will I meet any one nice and new?"

Well, there are in fact quite a few things I want known. For one thing I want to lose a few pounds so that my Easter clothes will fit nicely. There really isn't use just wishing for things to happen I'll have to get to work and make them happen. I'm really not bad looking so I can't see why I should have to wonder about dates. Life gets so complicated at times. I guess I don't know my own mind.

"Just Thinking"

February 29, 1939 Just Thinking

I started this diary with such good intentions. I was going to write in my very best handwriting and I was going to make it so very interesting that many years from now my grandchildren would read this and think their Gran Maw was a pretty nice person when she was a young thing of Twenty. Now look at the mess this is! Just scribble scribble and I'm afraid nothing of special interest to anyone but me so my Grandchildren will just have to get along without reading this masterpiece??????

February 28, 1939, Tuesday

February 28, 1939, Tuesday

It's been raining all day but I feel very bright and cheery. Went up to have my skirts fitted again. I can get them tomorrow night if I want them but methinks I won't be able to afford them until Friday. After supper Ruthie and I played Ping and Pong over the kitchen table. I caught my shoe on the corner of the rug and fell. I nearly went through to the cellar - well almost - Listened to the radio for awhile but now I've got to get busy and wash up some things and get my clothes ready for tomorrow. I also want to get to bed reasonably early-

February 27, 1939, Monday

February 27, 1939, Monday

I wore my mulberry sweater to work today and I got heaps of compliments on it. Took my aqua skirt and my green suit skirt up to Mrs. Vose to have her fix them. The aqua needs to be taken in at the waist and the green to be let out. Darn it! Wish I could lose some weight! Seems funny with Marit not home - she's gone up to the farm in Burlington to stay with Betty for the week as the kids don't have any school this week. Wish they had vacations like that in my day. I listened to the Lux Radio Theatre  "Ceiling Zero", James Cagney and Ralph Bellamy*. Very good but then they always are - well I've got to wash and do my nails so I better get started before its too late -

February 26, 1939, Sunday

February 26, 1939, Sunday

Ev and I woke up to find it was pouring - so of course we couldn't go to N.Y. - Seems as if we'll never get there. Ev took a bath while I read the funnies in bed. We had breakfast then after the dishes were done we conversed until dinner. Ginny called up and said Karin wanted to go to the movies and asked if we didn't want to go. We didn't so Ev invited Karin and Ginny over - up - ? When they came up, played cards - told our fortune with the cards, I'm going to have the nicest and wealthiest husband - That makes it nice - Something to look forward to - I'm also going to have the most interesting thing happen to me during the next month. Art came down after supper took us for a ride and then took us home -

February 25, 1939, Saturday

February 25, 1939, Saturday

Ev asked me Friday nite if I wouldn't go home with her after the movies today (Strand - Yes, My Darling Daughter with Jeffrey Lynn and Priscilla Lane and Fay Bainter) and stay overnight and if the weather was nice Sunday we would go to the Bronx Zoo in New York. Of course I agreed. Karin went to the movies with us and we talked over the dance. Ev and I went to her house, had supper and went to bed about 8:30 listened to radio until 10:00 and dropped off to sleep. Oh yes I bought a mullberry sweater and aquamarine skirt in Birnbaums today. Gee they are adorable - it's about time I got some clothes!*

February 24, 1939, Friday

February 24, 1939, Friday

Mother had some sad news, Mr. Anderson died today. He's been sick for quite some time now so I suppose he's really better off but its a pity because he wanted so much to live to see his boys grow up and get work so that Esther would have someone to support her. He didn't want to leave her destitute - Well thats life I guess - You don't ask if you can come and you're not asked if you want to leave.

And so came the Dance! I thought I had plenty of time so I didn't hurry so very much. Took my bath, put on my bath powder and rubbed my legs and hands with my hand cream. Put on my house coat and ironed my gown. Mom went down to see Mrs. Anderson. Time started to fly so I had to hurry. Still I didn't expect him until about 8:15 although Noa called yesterday and said he would be here between 8:00 and 8:30. I hurried and got ready - my hair did look nice and my gown was a lot better than I expected it would. I was just doing my nails when the bell rang and there he was at 8:00. I was surprised! I put on my black wrap and angora mittens and took the nail polish with me. Dick drove us up and went back after Noa. I introduced Mooney to Dot and the boys Art, Henry, and Bud. The girls were in the bedroom where I went to finish my nails. They looked so cute! The girls not my nails! We went in and I introduced them, Dick and Noa came and we had our buffet supper. Hot creamed lobster, muffins, delicious salad, coffee, cupcakes after which we went to the dance. Mooney and I rode with Karin and Bud. M. started to get affectionate but I held him off pretty well. Craig Lock wasn't such an awfully nice place and the music was terrible. We danced about two dances upstairs then K & B & M & I went downstairs and played the nicelodean and there we danced - It was a lot more fun there than upstairs. The rest of the gang came down and then later on they left. K, B, and I had a Tom Collins - I didn't drink more than a little of it. The gang went to the Yankee clipper and we followed later. I still wouldn't let Mooney kiss me and he said "Well you can't blame a man for trying" I smoked incessantly so that he wouldn't get a chance. We danced at the Clipper and didn't have a bad time. Noa and Dick went home early. I played the machine at the Clipper and it registered "cold" and M. said he thought as much - If he only knew! Driving home we talked about marriage and I said before I get married I'm going to think a long time about it and M. said "Well start thinking". What a line he has! Wonder if he thinks I fell for it? I don't think so. Got home about 1:30 and didn't kiss him goodnite. I don't think I'll see him again, I'm afraid I didn't encourage him any and I'm glad - terribly glad I didn't all in all have a bad time.

February 23, 1939, Thursday

February 23, 1939, Thursday

Downtown after work - broke down and bought some Revlon Polish for my nails (.60 cents) more than I can really afford but I've wanted some for so long. I also got some silver paint for my evening sandals and a pair of stockings. I painted my sandals when I got home. They look just like new. I'm so glad.

February 22, 1939, Wednesday

February 22, 1939, Wednesday

I intended to wash my hair immediately after work but there wasn't any hot water so I had to wait until after supper. I thought it was best to wash it tonight because then by Friday it will look the nicest - I hope - Not that I care to look especially nice for "Mooney" because he just doesn't appeal to me or have I said that before, but there will be other people there who might be nice - boys preferably - but I doubt it. I don't think I'm very optimistic - guess I'm not the type. If I don't hope for the best I'm not so terribly disappointed when nothing nice happens which isn't really such a bad policy.

February 21, 1939, Tuesday

February 21, 1939, Tuesday

Marit had her Sub Deb Club here tonight. The house was practically bursting with girls. Nine of them. There are twelve altogether but the others couldn't come. Thanks Heavens! Not, of course, that they wouldn't be welcome. The rest of the family was marooned in the kitchen. I read "Jalna" and "Mademoiselle". That is I tried to read them. About 10:00 Pop started to grumble about the girls not going home - I'm certainly glad I have meeting on Friday when he's in a good mood. The girls left shortly after and I turned on the radio to listen to Ginny Berlin Choral Society broadcast. That got him mad and we had quite an argument but I heard it. Ginny borrowed my black hat so I had to listen!!*

February 20, 1939, Monday

February 20, 1939, Monday

We had our club luncheon today - Dot didn't come but Ginny and I sat together. The luncheon was very good. I am trying to write this and listen to the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of "Stage Door". It was marvelous- Ginger Rogers, Rosalind Russell and Adolph Menjou?? Its so teary. It makes me want to be an actress or someone who is somebody- Guess I'll never amount to anything if I only hope. Well I've got to take my bath and get to bed early so I won't be a complete wreck at the dance - I hope -*

February 19, 1939, Sunday

February 19, 1939, Sunday

Helped clean up the house before dinner - read the funnies and then Karl drove me up to Ev's (after dinner) Ev and Ginny and I seem to be getting together practically every Sunday. We didn't do much - talked a little and listened to the radio. We had supper there and went back into the bedroom and listened to the radio and gabbed until Art came - Mr. and Mrs. Seibert came home and we had ice cream. Art drove me home and Ginny went along for the ride. This has been a rather boring day - Raining and glooming - and etc. I haven't been in the best of moods today - maybe thats whats wrong -

February 18, 1939, Saturday

February 18, 1939, Saturday

Oh I wished and wished I didn't have to get up and go to work this A.M. but it didn't do any good I had to go anyway. As I'd seen Honolulu I didn't go to the movies - Took out my black net gown - Its alright nothing startling but I guess I better wear it anyway. Got my wrap from the cleaners. It looks lovely. Called up Ev and talked with her for awhile. She's still got her cold. From what she said I guess I'll either go out riding with them tomorrow or go up there to visit. Mom and Pop have gone up to Jensens. Karl and Marit are our so just Lawrence and I are up. Ruthie's asleep. The Hit Parade* is on and I'm getting sleepier and sleepier. Wish I were going to the dance with Dave.

February 17, 1939, Friday

February 17, 1939, Friday

Oh Joy!! Oh thrill Oh! Oh! Dot, Ginny, and I went to Hartford after work as we planned. On the bus going up we got good and catty and discussed Karin thoroughly - I'll bet her ears were burning! D and G were disgusted with her because she always has so much to say about other people and then she doesn't stick to plans herself. I said Karin has the idea she can make any fellow and she hopes she doesn't make Marr and I said it would serve her right if she did!! We certainly didn't leave anything unsaid!! We went to the Sea Food for supper. Dot and I had Broiled Spring Chicken, peas and J.J. Potatoes. Ginny wanted something to drink so she and I had a Manhattan before dinner and was it awful Ugh! Of course for dessert we had Pie A La Mode - The service was terrible but the food wasn't bad. Then we went straight to the state and saw Hal Kemp and Orchestra. Judy Starr was adorable. In fact the whole show was good - took the bus home and I got off at Stanley St. and I went downtown to take Oak St. bus and was I glad! I noticed this boy standing beside me while I waiting for the bus. I looked at him and he at me and then I turned away then something made me look again and it was Dave! I smiled and said "hello" he said "I didn't think you knew me" and I said, "I didn't at first" and he said "I was afraid I'd scare you if I spoke" and I agreed he probably would. We laughed and then the bus came and he sat with me and was talked about bands and plays in New York until we reached my st. Gee he is nice!*

February 16, 1939, Thursday

February 16, 1939, Thursday

Dot and Ginny walked up for me about 7:45 and we three walked out to Karins. It was sooo cold but once we got started it wasn't as bad as I thought. Ev didn't come as she is sick in bed with a cold. Noa was there when we got there Karin was just bubbling over with news and we no sooner got in there before she got started about her trip over the weekend. Already she's had a letter from the boy she met up there. Says shes in love again and etc. We talked a little about the dance. Noa has a new pink net gown - Karin informed me that as things were getting dull she would make Mar's. I told her she was welcome to the drip(?)!! and she is. She also said she couldn't go up to the Bond with us tomorrow as she couldn't afford it - That made me mad after all the planning we did - Dot, Ginny, and I are going.

February 15, 1939, Wednesday

February 15, 1939, Wednesday

Stayed home again tonight, I took a bath - when things get dull Ingrid takes a bath - Gee I must bathe often!! I suppose I really shouldn't complain as they say you make your own fun and I guess I'm not very adept at fun making. Oh for some good clean fun - something to knock a bit of life into me and get me going! Heavens the dance is nearly here! I'm not the least bit thrilled about it - in fact I dread it I'm that sure I'm going to have an awful time. Just a little ray of sunshine thats me. Oh well I suppose I better forget about it until I can't put it off any longer -

February 14, 1939, Tuesday

February 14, 1939, Tuesday

Valentines Day and I got 3 Valentines - One from Art, one from Eunice and one from Ruth. Eunice didn't sign her name but I know it was from her. Noa called and wanted to know if I'd had a good time on Sat. Of course I didn't dare say anything but "yes". She'd be furious if she thought I didn't like him! Karin just called and from what she said I guess she must have had a marvelous time in Keene Valley. She said she'd like to have to have a special meeting Thurs. so she could tell all. She said she'd see if she could arrange it and call me back.
Karin hasn't called yet so I don't imagine she will. I'll hear about it from the girls tomorrow. Have to wash my hair.

February 13, 1939, Monday

February 13, 1939, Monday

I started something today I've been wanting to start for a long time - ... my photo album - I started about seven and at 11:00 I was only half through so I'll have to finish tomorrow I hope - Gee we certainly had fun when some of those pictures were being taken! We'll never have fun in that way again I'm afraid. We all had our vacations together then and didn't go with any "certain" boy and every thing we did we enjoyed. Mom says we'll have more good times but never in that way I'm afraid. Oh well maybe she's right. I've really got to get to bed now --

February 12, 1939, Sunday

February 12, 1939, Sunday

Ev as usual got me out of bed by calling up but I told her I'd been up for 1/2 hour - huh - Ev asked me up in the afternoon and Karl drove me up after dinner - about 4:00 - much after dinner - Ginny was there and I "chopped" their ears off about my date - I don't think they're going to like him either if I keep on this way - but I don't like him so there! I told them I'd never met a man I could stand any length of time and love was just a state of mind and you could easily kid yourself into thinking your in love as not - I went to town - We had a swell argument! Art came down later and then he drove me home. Oh yes Ginny and I had supper there with Ev.

February 11, 1939, Saturday

February 11, 1939, Saturday

Ev, Ginny and I went to the Strand in the afternoon and saw "Wings of the Navy" with John Payne (and is he nice!!) George Brent and Olivia De Haviland - It was so good. We sat in front of a gang of boys who kept trying to attract my attention. I heard them betting on something and finally gathered some were betting I was "Jean" and some said I wasn't. Finally I had to turn around and tell them I wasn't "Jean" whoever she was. I got home around 6:30 got dressed, had supper, and sat around and waited. He was late and it made me very mad. We went to the Palace in Hartford and saw "Honolulu" with Robert Young and Eleanor Powell - very funny, I held hands - after movies went right home as he had to pick up his folks at 12:00. Got home at 12:00, he didn't kiss me - good - I do not care much for him he's so conceited and hasn't any manners. I told him I'd rather have him call me so I guess I won't see him again until the dance. I hope!*

February 10, 1939, Friday

February 10, 1939, Friday

Karl drove Karin, Noa and I to Dotty's house for meeting tonight. It was raining out and so slippery. We walked into Dottie's house, no one was home and Dot was in the bath tub! After she dressed we sat and gabbed and Ginny and Ev came. We had a regular gab session about Catholics and Protestants and really had a heated discussion about religion. It all came about because the Pope died and he's been so much in the news lately. After the gab we relaxed and ate. Hazel certainly can fix up good things to eat. We left early because Karin is leaving tomorrow and she wanted to get on an early bus. As we walked down Dottie's street Karin lost her balance and pulled me down with her - we got soaked but it was funny- Gee it was very icy walking home.

February 9, 1939, Thursday

February 9, 1939, Thursday

Well I'm going out with "Mooney" again Saturday. Noa called and told me - I don't like that - having my dates made through Noa. I mean - I wish he'd call me himself - guess he's too tight to spend a dime calling me - I don't think I like him very much- Karl drove me up to Karin's and borrowed five dollars on the way- I wish I could refuse but oh well he'll pay it back - I hope - Karin and I didn't have much to say- she's still excited about going to Keene Valley and I don't blame her. It was on the whole a rather dull evening - I had hoped Dave would be there but he was out with his girl and it's just as well. Took the bus home - Met Helena waiting for bus too.

February 8, 1939, Wednesday

February 8, 1939, Wednesday

Eunice came up for supper tonight and we had fun. Played jacks after supper and then listened to Fred Allen's program. She left about 10:30 which is very early for Eunice the dear thing. She doesn't believe in getting home early. Now that she and Charlie are definitely broken up she has been going out with Pete and Al something. She manages to keep in circulation. I like Eunice no matter what happens I guess I always will. The kids all like her. It must be because she treats them as equals and doesn't patronize them - this is all -

February 7, 1939, Tuesday

February 7, 1939, Tuesday

We've been teasing poor Betty Apelgren all day because she didn't go last night. At the last minute her boyfriend asked her to go to a basketball game with him so of course she would rather go with him - so she did- I washed my hair and a few other things and have yet to take my bath. Marit has gone to a dance at the Masonic Temple with some boy and is pop burned up! He doesn't say too much but he acts indignant. Eunice is coming tomorrow. Thursday I'm going up to Karin's and now I better hurry up and get to bed -

February 6, 1939, Monday

February 6, 1939, Monday

Tonite was Dot Lithes party for our Dept. or should I say Dot Holmes. Helen Scanlon O'Brien came after me and we drove down there. Helen came in and met mom - Betty Apelgren and Betty Miller didn't go. Dot has the sweetest little house. We played Chinese Checkers and Jacks. Dot's husband came home and played while Dot got the refreshments ready. Oh yes we bought a bottle of Muscatel Wine. I had 3 glasses and didn't feel them at all. Well maybe my eyes did get a little blurry - very little. We ate and Donald took our pictures around the table. Helen and I left first. It was snowing hard when we came out. I called Bill up for Helen and told him she was on her way, Helen asked me to. Washed and got to bed.

February 5, 1939, Sunday

February 5, 1939, Sunday

Ev called up this noon and asked me to go riding with them in the new car. Having nothing else to do I readily agreed, Ginny went too. We drove down to the shore - stopped at the chocolate place (Halmark I think its called) and bought some chocolates. Went home with Ev for supper and sat in her bedroom and listened to radio. Art came down and we fooled around a bit more and then he took me home. Read the funnies and Sunday paper and got to bed late! Somehow I can't seem to get to bed early - Gee this pen is terrible, course it couldn't be my handwriting no?

February 4, 1939, Saturday

Ginny and I took the bus to Hartford this noon and met Karin. Went to the Strand for Lunch and ate. Then went shopping. I wanted to get a sweater but I couldn't find what I wanted so I didn't get one. Went up to the Fox and saw Karin's Aunt, as usual she was glad to see us. Shes wonderful. Dave's girl Dot works up there too and so we talked to her too for awhile. She's cute darn it!!! Went to the State and saw Benny Goodman. After the Stage show we went and had supper in the Spaghetti Palace. I had chicken A La King! We took the bus home and got home fairly early and now I've got to hurry and get to bed, it's almost eleven and I'm terribly tired - So much for today.

February 3, 1939, Friday

February 3, 1939, Friday

Dragged myself to work this morning and that's not exaggerating or is it? Payday- of course it rained- Took a bath and then Karl drove me up to Karin's for meeting. He can be so nice when he wants to be. Meeting wasn't much fun everyone acted so tired. I told their fortunes in tea leaves. Its a good thing I've got a good imagination! Noa and I got into a conference and she told me Dick told her Mooney likes me and had a good time Saturday but - this is good - he was slightly disappointed when he kissed me! He should talk!! What does he expect???? Sky came after Noa and we drove down with them- he left me off in front of my house- nice boy- We got a letter and pictures from Koer our cousin in Norway - Gee hes cute and looks full of the devil.

February 2, 1939, Thursday

February 2, 1939, Thursday

Ginny came up for supper tonight and then we walked up to Kay's house on Lincoln Street. Marion and Edith came a little later and we all played "Jacks" and other games. When we get together in that gang we laugh continuously. More fun. At 10:00 Olive took Baby Janet up to feed her and I held the darling. She's the most adorable baby and so good. I can hardly wait to have one of my own! (I'd better wait). We had sandwiches and then maple sugar on snow and inbetweentimes pickles sounds awful but so good. The syrup is boiled and put on top of snow where it hardens then you eat it. I love it! We made some maple sugar and the George-Kay's future mister took us all home. Got in about quarter to twelve.

February 1, 1939, Wednesday

February 1, 1939, Wednesday

I was all set to take a bath and get to bed very early but Karin called and said she had gotten two passes for the Arnold vs. Teacher's College Basketball game from Dave and would I go. So of course I said I'd love to - anything if only I'd see Dave again - of course I didn't tell her that! I think she feels the same way. The game was very exciting and the score 35-32 - Arnold won. Dave played some but I didn't see much of him because he sat on the same side as we did. After the game I went home with Karin and we sat and listened to the radio and smoked. Dave came home but we didn't see him - I really don't know if I like him or not???????