July Memoranda

Lets see what shall my resume of the month be. I guess I'll write about the girls first. Dotty's been to California and back. What a wonderful time she had! Ginny has a new man John Hartman by name and he's about 30, 8-10 years older than she. I haven't met him yet but Ginny likes him and I believe she'd marry him if asked and I do believe he'll ask! Noa almost got married! I'm glad she decided to wait I felt so blue when she told me even though I do like Dick. Karin and Ray aren't going steady anymore and thats all I know about that! Ev and Art are still constant companions and Ev is now a working girl. Marit still down the shore and I've got a vacation coming!!

July 31, 1939 Monday

July 31, 1939 Monday

Vacation is over for anther year, at least, for half the office. Dotty got in at 6:30 this morning but she claims she isn't tired. I haven't had much of a chance to talk to her but I hope we'll get all the dope Thursday at meeting. Olga and Betty seem to have had a good time. Bud came over and told me a bit of news. Karin and Ray aren't going steady anymore! Seems Ray's too jealous and self-centered! Hummm.. Ginny and I met Noa and Ev in the Embassy. Noa whispered to me that it was all off with her marriage to Dick - at least for awhile. They talked it over and decided to wait until they could afford to get married! She even had a blood test taken in Millerton, NY! She certainly was close to being Mrs. Blackburn!

July 30, 1939 Sunday

July 30, 1939 Sunday

Ginny's boyfriend was over there but we didn't meet him. Noa and Dick drove over to see us and stayed and talked for awhile. Noa, Ev, and I decided to go to the movies tomorrow and see, "Daughters Courageous" with the Lane sisters, Fay Bainter, John Garfield, Jeffrey Lynn, Claude Rains, and etc oh and Mae Robson too. I'm going to ask Ginny if she'd like to go. It's been a dull rainy day and not much doing. We put on our suits and lay on the beach. We thought Ginny would be down with John but it wasn't until we had gone up that they went down. Art came down and took us home. Well I think that's all --

July 29, 1939 Saturday

July 29, 1939 Saturday

We took Mrs. Seibert to Clinton this morning and stopped and bought our tickets for "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" They cost 1.10 apiece. Mercy to Heavens! I can't afford things as expensive as that!! Certainly not before my vacation! Ginny came down. Her boyfriend is coming down tonight and staying the weekend. We went swimming this afternoon and then Ev and I washed our hair under the hose in the backyard. We got dressed after supper and went off to see the play. Wow! What a play. Never before have I seen such a risque play and snappy conversation! I enjoyed it of course and so did everybody else I presume. At least the theatre was crowded!

July 28, 1939 Friday

July 28, 1939 Friday

Got paid as usual and have some money left over so that I can use it for some clothes to go to New York in. Ev called this noon and said we were going down the shore immediately after I got home from work. Well I packed and got ready and off we went. We had supper down there and then we went over to see Jessie. Her boyfriend was there and he told us about some of his adventures abroad. They seem almost unbelievable. I suppose I shouldn't be so skeptical but well I wonder? Later Ev and I walked down to the beach then we went home and to bed.

July 27, 1939 Thursday

"Red Letter Day, Noa's News, Ev's Job"

July 27, 1939 Thursday

I really didn't think I was going to have much of a meeting tonight. In the first place, Ginny said she couldn't come and I was so disappointed but then she found out she could so I asked her up for supper (she had to work until 6:00). Later Ev called and said she couldn't come because right after graduation she was going down to a lake with some girl who has a cottage there. I was so disappointed but glad Noa and Ginny were still showing up. Noa, Ginny, and I were talking and Noa unable to keep things to herself any longer told us she wouldn't be going back to work after her vacation in September. She wouldn't say for sure but I believe she's going to get married or else she's already married and going to announce it in September, she told us not to mention it to anyone else. She will be the first of F.Y.P. married if she does (or is). I nearly cried when she was talking about it. I'm afraid the F.Y.P. won't be the same ever again! Ginny is, I think, falling in love with this John Hartman. Ev called and said she was coming up and she did. She looked lovely in her white dress. She told us more big news! She's got a job! In Travelers! She starts Tuesday so now we're all working girls and maybe one wife (Noa said she would tell all in September and surprise us all very much).

July 26, 1939 Wednesday

July 26, 1939 Wednesday

Ruthy, Ann Marie, and I cleaned the whole house today or might I say, tonight. The girls are coming here for meeting tomorrow so I called Noa up to let her know. I told her I'd been thinking of her all week and asked her if there was anything the matter. She acted rather queer I thought or maybe it was just my imagination. I washed a couple of my dresses and a couple of my slips and ironed some too. It's been a dreadfully hot day. I wanted to wash my hair but by the time I got around to it it was rather late so I just took a bath. I've got a horrible cold sore on my lip darn it! Hope it disappears soon.

July 25, 1939 Tuesday

July 25, 1939 Tuesday

Today has been so hot and I'm really quite disappointed. Ginny and I decided to go to the movies tonight. Ginny had to work until six so I decided I would do a little shopping downtown - get my shoes and a white bag etc. And that's why I'm disappointed, I couldn't get either of the things I wanted so I went into Contaris and ordered a coke and waited for Ginny to show up. We went to the Embassy and saw Robert Donat and Greer Garson in "Goodbye Mr. Chips". It was marvelous! When I see acting like that I can do nothing but marvel at the genius of the actors. The co-feature was "Parents on Trial" with Jean Parker, Johnny Downs, Noah Berry Jr., and others. It was rather cute. Home and much too hot to eat. Ginny and I ate 3 doughnuts a piece in the movies. No wonder I couldn't eat supper.

July 24, 1939 Monday

July 24, 1939 Monday

It's been warm today but of course we got a terrible rainstorm just before we left the office tonight. Martha said today that her sister Betty would like to go with us and of course the more the merrier. I wrote to the Barbizon Hotel to find out about rates there. I've got a letter to Marit to write not so I'll finish this later.

Well I finished the letter and ran out of blue ink so I'll have to write the rest of this in red. It's been so funny but I've had Noa on my mind all this week. I really should call her and find out if she's alright.

July 23, 1939 Sunday

July 23, 1939 Sunday

We got up quite a bit later then usual and Mrs. Seibert had pancakes and bacon ready for us when we finally got downstairs. We went swimming after dinner today. The water was cold but it was rather warm today. Franny had his sailboat out and Ev and I got in and spent the rest of the afternoon sailing around. It was fun but as time went on it got colder and we finally got Franny to take us in to shore where we found Marcel, Jessie's boyfriend. He said Jess is coming home either tomorrow or Tuesday. The doctors say it isn't asthma and they're puzzled because they're not sure what it is. I certainly hope she never has another spell like that no matter what it is she has!

July 22, 1939 Saturday

July 22, 1939 Saturday

Here it is Saturday again. Ev and I sleep until the radio wakes us up. It's been rather cloudy today and much too cold to go swimming. Jessie is still in the Hospital but she's quite a bit better. I'm so glad. We went down to the beach today and dug out some big rocks that mar the beach. Of course it didn't help much but anyway it was something to do. We went back to the house and got dressed to go to the movies.To the Clinton Theatre where we saw Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power, Rudy Vallee in "Second Fiddle" Very Good.

July 21, 1939 Friday

July 21, 1939 Friday

Well another pay day and I actually believe I'm going to have enough left over to buy a pair of shoes and a white bag! Ev called up this noon and asked me down to the shore. "We're going tonight!" says she, "All Right" says I. Well anyway she thought it  would be a good idea if I took my things with me to work and walked up there after work. I however didn't think it was such a good idea and I guess I wasn't too enthusiastic about it so she said she'd pick me up at home and she did. We didn't get down until rather late so we went straight to bed. I certainly need the sleep as the weekends are the only nights I go to bed early.

July 20, 1939 Thursday

July 20, 1939 Thursday

Things have been considerably brighter today. Ginny asked me to supper but she had to work so I came home instead. I took a bath and got all dressed up for meeting. Walked up to Noa's house but she wasn't ready as yet. Finally she was finished and we walked up. She said she was very tired and she looked tired but in a very becoming way. That girl is getting more and more stunning. If I were a sculptor I'd want to model her face. Ginny had meeting and we had a rather nice time. Left about 10:00 Mr. Guite drove me home. When I came home Mom had gone to play Bingo. It started to rain and Lawrence went to meet her. She was so triumphant. She won $25.00! I'm so glad she has been rewarded for her faith in Bingo!!

July 19, 1939 Wednesday

July 19, 1939 Wednesday

It's getting a little bit warmer and I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Dotty and Hazel must be in California by now. I hope they have a wonderful time! I'm sure they will! Well I cleaned the house again and as usual got cranky and cross. Housework affects me that way I guess. I washed my hair and set it (after a fashion). I'm about to do my nails and then I believe I shall take a bath. I really need my vacation to get me back into my naturally cheerful self?! Bud called up and asked it I'd like to visit Karin tomorrow. Of course as we have meeting I refused. Called Noa and told her about meeting.

July 18, 1939 Tuesday

July 18, 1939 Tuesday

Not much to say for this day. Of course after office hrs it brightened up a bit. Eunice came up for supper and she helped me write to different hotels for information about rates. I'm going to be Eunice's Maid-of-Honor at her wedding. Of course it won't be until next year sometime in September. Well I can't wait - doesn't seem as if I have anything else to do! Eunice helped me quite a bit about the fair. If only the weather keeps nice and cool the way it's been so far. I really think thats all I can think of.

July 17, 1939 Monday

July 17, 1939 Monday

At least I can start making plans for my vacation. Martha Kuchn in the office said she thought she would like to go with me to New York. We will probably stay from 4-5 days and at the most a week. It certainly will be fun and we can visit the fair and do so many things. Ev and I went to the movies tonight. I met her in the Strand right after work. We saw "Maisie" with Ann Southern and Robert Young also Ruth Hussey. It was a good show as was the co-feature "Five Came Back" with Chester Morris and Lucille Ball, Wendy Barrie and Kent Taylor. Home, had supper, cleaned parlor and dining room. Eunice coming for supper tomorrow. Got a letter from Marit today - She's having a good time - I'm so glad.

July 16, 1939 Sunday

July 16, 1939 Sunday

Ev woke me up! She just can't bear to see me peacefully asleep when she's fully awake! We breakfasted and then went over to see how Jessie was. They had the doctors for her again last night and Mrs. Markham said she finally got some sleep. She didn't seem very good but we thought it would be better if we went downstairs. We were there when we heard her call. Ev ran upstairs and then called Mrs. Markham. I ran up too and we found Jess gasping for breath. It was terrible! Ev went to call the doctors and I stayed and rubbed Jessie's back as that seemed to relieve her. Marcel came and his presence helped her too.When the doctor came in he gave her a shot in the arm and told Mrs. Markham that the best place for her would be  under an oxygen tent in a hospital and Mrs. M agreed so the Dr made arrangements and Ev and I got her dressed and Marcel got her downstairs and into the car. Ev and I were so upset we couldn't eat very much and the pleasure went out of our day. I hope she gets better soon.

July 15, 1939 Saturday

July 15, 1939 Saturday

After breakfast Ev and I drove Mrs. Seibert to town. We looked for sandals for Ev but didn't find any. Back to cottage where we changed into our bathing suits and put a blanket on the lawn. We wanted to go over to see Jessie who is pretty sick with asthma but we rather imagined she was asleep and we didn't want to disturb her. Mrs. Markham came over and asked if we would stay with Jess while they went to Clinton. Jess couldn't talk very much to us the doctor had her doped up so that she could sleep. She seemed better when we left. We had dinner and later went swimming. The air was cool but the water was delicious. Franny had his sailboat out and was going to give us a ride when he lost a bolt on it and we had to help get it to shore. Ev and I went to Clinton Theatre and saw "Man About Town" with Jack Benny, Dorothy Lamour, Rochester and etc. Amusing.

July 14, 1939 Friday

July 14, 1939 Friday

To the bank today to collect my pin money - ahem! Met Voila Jobert and stopped to talk to her. She wanted to know if I'd heard anything from Karin and seemed surprised when I replied in the negative. She wants to go down to the lake with Beed and I if we ever go. Met Eunice on the way out of the bank and asked us up to supper Tuesday night. After work tonight I went to Bunbaums and paid my last bill and decided I'd like to look at bathing suits. Couldn't decide between two models of the same make. One in chartreuse and the other in shocking red- Took both home to try on. Liked red best but the other fit better, took red back and kept first. Ev called and said we were going to the shore. Got ready and Ev came for me. It was so good to get down there. It's been so hot today.

July 13, 1939 Thursday

July 13, 1939 Thursday

Ev Finally had meeting - that is half a meeting as it consisted of only three of the F.Y.P.'s. Ginny had a date with her John Hartman. The same boy she went out with before coming up here last Saturday night. Karin, heavens only knows where she was probably down the lake and Dotty is so busy getting ready for her California vacation that she couldn't come. Karl drove me to Noa's and then we walked to Ev's. Noa got started talking about the simple things in life and we got so silly and continued being silly at Ev's. We had so much fun and laughed until we ached. Ev made gingerbread for us and we made fun of it (called it soggy) Ev didn't mind of course. Noa's father took us home.

July 12, 1939 Wednesday

I'm such a busy house cleaner these days. I come home from work and immediately I make a grab for the mop and dust cloth. I cleaned all the rooms for Mom as she's busy washing and ironing. Ev was supposed to have meeting tonight, at least that was the way I understood it. However, something went wrong somewhere because when I called her I was told she had gone out with Art. I called Ginny and we decided we'd better call Noa and Dot and let them know about it and tell them not to come to meeting unless we called. Well I spent a pleasant evening at home. Finished "All this and Heaven Too"--

July 11, 1939 Tuesday

July 11, 1939 Tuesday

Oh what a cranky person I've been today. Don't know what came over me. Everything seemed to get on my nerves and make me mad. I cleaned the house for Mom and bawled Lawrence out for not keeping his room clean and guess I managed to be pretty disagreeable to everyone. I ended up by almost crying but I bawled myself out for feeling sorry for myself and so prevented that. Guess I'm just in a rotten mood today and I better go to sleep and forget about it. I don't want to be so darn nasty but I just can't seem to help it at times.

July 10, 1939 Monday

July 10, 1939 Monday

Well practically all the married women were back in the office today to help out during vacations. It was nice to see them again. Helen is back in our dept. slightly plumper and still as full of pep and snappy answers as ever. It's been too hot today and I'm beginning to wonder if I should go to New York for a week of my vacation (as I would like to do) or not. If I could only make up my mind but somehow I'm not the type of person who makes quick decisions. Oh well we shall see. I envy Dot and Hazel. Next week they will be going to California for 2 weeks. I hope they have a wonderful time and I'm sure they will.

July 9, 1939 Sunday

July 9, 1939 Sunday

I got up about 10:00 this AM and to my great surprise Karl got up shortly after. Together we got breakfast on the table and Ginny joined us. By mistake I put salt in the sugar bowl and Ginny put it on her cereal. The face she made! Karl said he wanted dinner ready at 12:30 but when he came home at 12:30 we hadn't even started. However we flew around the kitchen and managed to throw together a meal. It was darn good even if I say so myself. Cube steak with onions, cooked potatoes, potato salad, Lettuce, pickle and tomato salad, green peas, cucumber and fruit cocktail for dessert. Ginny and I decided we could get married anytime. There wasn't anything to do in the afternoon so we just read the Sunday papers and etc. until I got the bright idea of making waffles. They didn't look so hot but they tasted good. All in all it was fun.

July 8, 1939 Saturday

July 8, 1939 Saturday

"Ginny's First Date with John!!"

I've certainly had a busy day. I cleaned the house thoroughly this morning as Mom was busy getting ready to go. I met Ginny downtown at 2:00 and we went to the Embassy and saw Shirley Temple in "Susannah of the Mounties". Also "6,000 Enemies" with Walter Pidgeon and Rita Johnson who is incidentally very likable and pretty. We went in the "Star" for a coke after the movies then Ginny went home to keep her date and I went home to make supper for Karl. I then ironed clothes and cleaned house some more and even washed a pile of clothes in the washing machine. It was around 10:00 then. It rained so I couldn't hang them out. I washed my hair and did my nails and sat down to read until Ginny came. Karl came first about quarter to 2:00 and Ginny came at 2:15. Was I relieved! We had something to eat and the three of us sat talking until almost three then finally to bed.

They went to the Waverly. He kissed her and kissed her goodnight - hmm.

July 7, 1939 Friday

Mother's Birthday, 49 yrs

July 7, 1939 Friday

Mother's birthday is practically over now. Karl and I put our funds together and as usual I had to get the presents. I got her a white pocketbook, a batiste nightgown, pair of panties (extra size)(our usual joke), and a card with 2 dollars in it. Rachel baked her a chocolate cake and Mr. and Mrs. Christopherson came up tonight and gave her an apron and a towel, I've been so busy tonight. All of a sudden I've been bitten by an urge to work. Must be the condition I'm in! I asked Ginny if she would come up and stay with me this weekend because the folks were going down to Sound View. She has a date Saturday night but she's going to have him bring her here. Noa called and wanted me to join them there but of course I couldn't. Bought my white beads today first start of my new wardrobe. Mrs. Jensen called Mom up and Mom told her just what she thinks of G.B. and the way they were treated down there!

July 6, 1939 Thursday

July 6, 1939 Thursday

Ev should have had meeting tonight but seeing as Dot and I were the only ones besides Ev not busy we decided to call it off until next week. When Noa woke me  this morning it seemed as if I'd just fallen asleep. What a life! I've been washing and ironing and cleaning for hours or so it seems. I wondered why I was so ambitious also cranky now I know. I just discovered I'm sick. I repeat "What a Life!" I miss Marit I wish she were home. I imagine she's having a good time down the shore though. I feel so triumphant I washed my new polkadot dress and it looks lovely. I was afraid it would shrink! Mom's birthday tomorrow and I don't know what to give her. Gee she's wonderful and I do love her so very much.

July 5, 1939 Wednesday

July 5, 1939 Wednesday

When I came home this noon mother said Noa had called just after I had left the house this AM and asked me down for supper and to stay overnight with her. I promised her last Thursday at meeting that I'd stay with her some night this week but I didn't know then how I'd feel! I was so tired and besides that today had been so hot and to top it all I had to work until six! I decided I'd call her and postpone it if I could without making her angry. However, she immediately started to tell me what she'd bought for our supper and etc so I gave in and went straight up from work. We had supper then Sky came and Noa and I did the dishes, I did my nails and Noa's. We took a bath before we went to bed. We lay in bed and worked out a wardrobe for me. I can hardly wait to get it started!!! Didn't get to sleep until late.

June 4, 1939 Tuesday

Independence Day

June 4, 1939 Tuesday

Ev woke me by throwing a quilt at me. After making our bed we went downstairs and had breakfast. We took a blanket and went down to the beach and lay there for a couple hours. When we went up we met Ginny who had just come. After dinner I put on Ev's bathing suit (I didn't bring mine). Art came, we picked up Ginny and went down to the beach again. We were soon joined by Marcel and Jessie who had firecrackers and cameras. Ginny didn't have her swimsuit and Ev couldn't go in so Art, Marcel, Jess, and I went swimming. First swim of the year for me. Franny was out in his sailboat so we got in and sailed for about an hour. Then back up, got dressed, and had something to eat. Art drove us home, we stopped for hot dogs. Went up to "the hill" in Middletown and watched the fireworks. It's been fun today.

July 3, 1939 Monday

July 3, 1939 Monday

Rachel woke me (I can't write straight) this morning and I got washed and dressed up there and went downstairs for breakfast. Dragged myself to work and forced myself to get some work done. Ev called me during noon hour and asked if I'd like to go down the shore again tonight. Of course I jumped at the mere thought of going down. Ev said we wouldn't go down until 8:30 or 9:00 and we didn't. It was nice riding down in the dark though. It was rather late when we got there so we washed and went straight to bed. Took a cupcake and a banana to eat in bed. Wish I could eat as much and still stay as slim as Ev does!

July 2, 1939 Sunday

July 2, 1939 Sunday

This Sunday isn't different from other Sundays at the shore. Ginny, Ev, and I went down to the beach and were there most of the time. Later on we went for a drive and came back in time to go home. Ginny rode home with us. When I got home everybody was out and Ann Marie informed me that Damskars were visiting us and that I had to sleep in her house tonight because they had my room. I picked things up around the house and had it nice and tidy by the time they got back. I went up to Rachel's to find out how things stood and we got talking until it got so late I had to go down get washed and get my pajamas. Oh yes I dropped my watch darn it so now I have another expense!

July 1, 1939 Saturday

July 1, 1939 Saturday

Ginny and I have a new dream man and we're driving Ev quite mad. It's all in fun of course. We saw Douglas Montgomery in "High Tor". Need I say more. He's very good looking. We went down the shore about 12:00 I should say. Went before Marit left. In the afternoon we drove to town and purchased the tickets in the town hall. They cost us 83 cents but they were really 1.10 seats. The play was supposed to start at 8:30 but it didn't start until 9:00. It was rather good but all Ginny and I did was sigh over "Douglas". Some fun. He's got a darling grin and well he's darn nice. Ev and I lay and talked for hours.