Sun July 1, 1945

25 months "steady". Cleaned room, ironed, & fixed some clothes. Duane & I spent eve. just riding around & out at Nelson Park. Had such a perfectly wonderful eve. & so much fun! Duane's so darn sweet & I love him so darn much. We acted so silly & talked just about us. Gee whiz . . .

Sat June 30, 1945

Got off about 3:30. Stormed. Power off & book-keepers couldn't work. Had more fun! Out to Mother's & Grandma's. Duane came about 7:15. Saw "Practically Yours". Swell. Then to Illini. Had a grand time. Duane was pretty tired though.

Fri June 29, 1945

Could think of nothing but Duane today. He's so darn sweet. Thinking about confessions he made last night. Hes just super swell. Pay-day. Got new white sandals, brassiere, & eyelet dress. Folks in town, washed dishes, did some sewing.

Thurs June 28, 1945

"Gen", Lorene & I had pictures taken at noon. Not good - have to take over. Got letter from Carl Riley. Wrote to Jack Groves & sent card to Mac (Wayne Morgan). Duane came about 9:15. Jeepers it was swell - we were so glad to be together again. Can almost say most perfect night we've had. Went to (??) show at Arg., came home, laid on blanket in yard. Talked a long time. Pay-day.

Wed June 27, 1945

Really a "light" week. No strike at Caterpillar. Lenny left Great Lakes yesterday. Helped Lorene this aft & after work. Stayed all night with her. Her dad took us to Steak N Shake for a drink. She washed my hair. Had quite a talk. Had such a grand time. She's really swell. Planned bank picnic for her.

Tues June 26, 1945

Finished letter to Duane this noon. Bill Parr at bank this aft. Really looks swell. Seems about the same. Dot & Zombie leaving this aft. Caterpillar workers voted on strike today. Don't know answer yet. Ruth canning peas. Ironed.

Mon June 25, 1945

Saw Priscella S. yesterday. Said Mary is coming home next month. Can hardly wait. "Zombie" & "Dot" here this eve. to say good-bye. Leaving tomorrow. Cried - just couldn't help it. Called Duane. Said wouldn't be down till Thurs. night. Said would tell me why later. Gee, I'm lonesome.

Sun June 24, 1945

At Mother's last night. Girls at beach again today from 12:00 till 4:00. Really got a sun-tan. Had Judy in aft. Saw Mrs. Wallace. Went to Evelyn's house this eve. to wait. Duane & Johnny came at 8:15. Sat on blanket out in park. Got along swell!!! Duane's been so tired. He's been working awfully late & hard. Lennie got home last night. He & Lorene at beach to see us this aft. They're such a wonderful couple. Gen & I cried when left.

Sat June 23, 1945

Light day for Sat. Got through about 1:50. Bunch of girls to beach. Didn't tan much. Took Dorothy & Paul with us to Illini. Left early. Dot, Zombie, Joe & Donna there just before we left. Ate at Steak n Shake. Had quite a feud. Duane really told me off & I deserved it! Cried & things were better when he left.

June 19 - June 22, 1945

{ All these entries have been torn out. }

Sun June 17, 1945

Went to S.S. Judy in program. Really was sweet. Gave Daddy $8.00 for Father's Day. Duane down in aft. Sat in car and talked quite a while. Saw "National Velvet" in the eve. Was very good! A super wonderful eve!! I know Duane loves me. That always makes me happy. To bed after 1:00.

Sat June 16, 1945

Jeepers! What a day! Off about 3:45. To Mother's. Got Evelyn very pretty necklace. Gave Charles $5.00 for Father's Day. Duane came about 8:00. Went to Illini. Had a swell time! John & Evelyn there. Duane sure liked it, too. Came sick. He didn't feel so good. Really got along swell dancing together anymore.

Dealer's warranty and a WWII letter.

I still am in disbelief when I find the things I find that grandpa himself kept, like this dealer warranty from his first car. Hard to comprehend for those of us who today pay $15,000 plus for vehicles! Do you see the selling price? I bet he paid cash for it, too. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling they didn't do too many car loans.

Grandma actually talks of him getting this car back in her February entries.

And I love this picture of grandpa, standing in front of, what I believe is (maybe?), the same car. Fascinating, huh?
Then I came across these letters written to grandpa from Lazarre during WWII. Lazarre must have been a friend of grandma and grandpa's? Any family members know? I swear I remember them talking about him in the past. Even though the letter is from 1944, it's still so near this same time period. You can read them yourselves if you click on the actual photo of each page. Clicking on the image will make it larger and more readable.

The letters are quite funny. Lazarre must have been a man full of humor. No wonder grandpa liked him. He was always taken by people who could make him laugh :c) Read them . . . talk about fascinating . . .







Have a great weekend. I'm off to Chicago for my 32nd birthday!

Fri June 15, 1945

Daddy liked his present - shirt. We looked for Evelyn's present this eve. but didn't decide for sure. "Gen" & I worked. She was feeling kinda "blue" & cried but felt better then. Not so busy. Daddy & Judy met me. Sure tired. Have been reading book from show at Avon.

{more about the Avon theater's history - and hauntings - here and here!}

Thurs June 14, 1945

Didn't get to give Daddy his present today. Left work at 3:30. Wedding at 4:00 at Dot's house. Very nice. She looked so sweet. Joe, Donna, the newlyweds, & Duane & I ate supper at Greider's. Really had cars decorated up. Duane & I saw "Bring On the Girls" later in eve. Really had a swell time. At Mother's a while this eve. Called home.

Wed June 13, 1945

Zombie & John R. at Wallace's a while in eve. Got card from Jack Groves. Duane came up to to bank at noon. Told him about Pete. Got kinda mad but got over it & called me back. Met me after work & I went home with him for the eve. Had such a perfect time. He is so wonderful!! And so are his family! Had quite a talk. Was telling me about his "dark" past. Very interesting . . .

Tues June 12, 1945

Called Evelyn. Sure got tired sitting today. Talked to Geneva Reed at noon. Saw Dot & Zombie at noon. Getting married Thurs. Duane called this eve. to say he couldn't come down. Then called later to talk. Pete Westerman came down and asked me for date. That beats all!! Rained. Our car broke down last night. Having new motor put in.

Mon June 11, 1945

Evelyn on vacation this wk. Don in Proof. What a day - really busy!! Lorene called this afternoon. She's swell. Folks in town this eve. Ironed & pressed clothes. Bill Parr is supposed to be home the 20th.

{Pieces of our past}

I have not posted anything in a long long time. I wanted to be able to post new pictures and memorabilia before I added entries since it's been so long since I've had any new pictures to share. So finally I sat down, reconnected my scanner and made time. Enjoy all these amazing pieces of our history. I still can't believe how grandma, and then grandpa, held onto these things, but I am so so so thankful they did.

First of all, in lieu of Valentine's Day which I am about 3 weeks late for (!), here are some old Valentines that I came across. How precious are these?!

And also in lieu of Valentine's Day, here is a love letter I found from grandma to grandpa. I am assuming it is from their senior year of high school as she says at the end of the letter that she was writing it during trig. (Please click on it to view it more clearly.)

I found this pay stub of grandpa's when he worked for the coal company. He worked 78 hours for very little pay. Wow, I can't believe how hard he worked for so little money. Now I see even more why he was always such a hard worker. (Please click on it to see it in full detail.)

And here is that hard-working very handsome man. I am guessing this may be his high school graduation picture??

{More posts with more pictures in the coming days!}

Sun June 10, 1945

Daddy & Ruth's anniversary. Got up at 10:00. Ruth's folks & Doris here most of day. Duane came about 5:45. Took Dot & Zombie with us. They're getting married next week. Just rode around most of eve. Saw Don Ferrill -- just got home. Had a little talk and I feel much better. Parked near Oreana and Duane & I walked down the road. Was really dark. He's so sweet.

Sat June 9, 1945

Lorene & Lennie's wedding at 6:15. Was wonderful. Lorene really made a beautiful bride. I was kinda nervous but felt so happy. Had lots of fun riding over town. Reception at Gurner's (??). Duane came after me there. Leon & Barb with him. My bouquet was really pretty - roses. That's the kind of wedding I want.

Friday June 8, 1945

"Lennie" & Lorene at bank this morn. Are getting married tomorrow. Really made a darling couple. They took Gen & I out to Gen's house & then to Lennie's aunt's for lunch. Was really swell. Gen's dress really fits me swell. Had more fun. Called Duane this eve. to ask him to wedding. Don't know whether he can go or not.

Thurs June 7, 1945

Lennie getting home this aft. Car out of gas this eve. & Daddy had to come in. I didn't know what was happening. Lorene called this morn. Saw bunch of kids from Argenta at noon. G. Trummel home & in to see me at noon but was gone. J. Rucker called me to get suggestion for Evelyn's birthday present. Duane & I saw "A Song To Remember". Really good but I just couldn't stay awake. Saw Joe & Donna & Dot & Zombie. Dot told me that she thought they were going to get married next wk.

Wed June 6, 1945

Lyn started at bank - filing checks. We kids looked for gown & negligee for Lorene this eve. No luck. Went to sleep at noon. Still driving. Washed hair this eve. Lynette called. Rained.

Tues June 5, 1945

Lorene's last day - going on vacation. Lyn at bank seeing about job. Will probably get it. Duane down about 8:30. Went to the Lincoln & I went to sleep after about 20 min. Was so tired & sleepy this eve. Stayed for only part of show. Ate at Steak N Shake. Really got along swell!! Was in bed by 12:00.

Mon June 4, 1945

Mr. Spooner in hospital so I drove our car. Mother & Charles got troubles straightened out. Am sure glad! Lorene stayed all night with me. Sure had a lot of fun! Thinks maybe I may be her bridesmaid. Sure hope so.

Sun June 3, 1945

Duane called me twice today. Oh, happy day!! Grandma here. Talked to Lyn this aft. She just got home from school. Went with "Dot" and "Zombie". Saw " Irish Eyes Are Smiling". Had a swell time but sorta got mixed-up in som deep talk & I cried. Duane is awfully sweet.

Sat June 2, 1945

Got telephone put in. Pretty busy day. Mother met me after work. She & Charles are having trouble and Mother was up to see Judge Miller. When I got home Mrs. Wallace & cousins from Gary, Ind. here to meet me. "Nean", Barb & Theta (cousin) went to dance with us. Really had gobs of fun. I really like Theta. The whole eve. was really super. The way last night should have been. Harriet married today.

Fri June 1, 1945

Two whole years!! My greatest wish is that we'll be together for many more years. Took "Dot" & "Zombie" with us. Went riding & walking around lake & park. Didn't get along too good though. I think we both tried too hard.

Thurs May 31, 1945

Really poured this morn. Evelyn & I got our pinafores at noon. Duane called & said wouldn't be down tonight. Joe Babcock & Donna Bradshaw home. Both look good. Ironed tonight. Free show tonight. Was kinda mad at first when D. called.

Wed May 30, 1945

Went to cemetery with Mother & Charles this morn. Dorothy, "Gen", Evelyn (was all right today), Lorene & I took our lunch & spent day at beach. Had lots of fun!! Really got a sunburn! Walked over to Hubbords from beach. Picture good. Took pictures at beach.

{I wonder if these are some of those pictures?}

Tues May 29, 1945

Got letter from "Dot". Fixed some clothes this eve. while waiting on Duane. He came about 9:00. Didn't go anywhere. Left about 11:00. Didn't get along so good. Evelyn & I "got into it" this morn. & she didn't speak to me all day. Just a bad day for me.

Mon May 28, 1945

Rather a dull day. Tired & this crazy cold's about to get me down. Lorene happy. Went to see Lennie Sun. Folks in town this eve. Washed & ironed. Duane called me about 9:30. Sure made me feel good!

Sun May 27, 1945

Went to cemetery this aft. Duane met me in town in "Zombie"s car. Went out to hospital to see D. Myers. She looks good. "Zombie", Duane & I went out to Duane's house. Ate supper. Went with Duane to get cows. He seems so happy. Went to show this eve. (All of us.) Took Helen Ferrill with us.

Sat May 26, 1945

"Zombie"s home! Really looked swell!! He & Duane came up to bank this aft. Got home late with Louise then went to Illini. Had a perfectly wonderful eve!! So much fun. Duane was so happy. More serious. Still a swell guy. Zombie seemed the same.

Fri May 25, 1945

"Gen", Dorothy, Evelyn & I got pinafores alike this eve. Dorothy & I worked. Had the craziest time. Lorene worked and ---- had fun. Daddy met me after work. Mother came in to see me at noon. Hadn't seen her for so long.

Thurs May 24, 1945

Evelyn & I looked at bathing suits at noon. Didn't get any. Duane came about 9:00. Went to fall show at Arg. Didn't stay long. Seemed funny with all the kids home. Took a walk. We acted so darn crazy. Had a lot of fun.

Wed May 23, 1945

Lorene & I went out together again at noon. Lorene & I took each other's picture. Looked at dresses. "Gen" still home. Late getting home this eve. Washed hair. Evelyn on warpath this aft. Don't know why. Guess mostly out of humor cause hasn't heard from Jack.

Tues May 22, 1945

"Gen" sick. Lorene & I went out together at noon. She's really swell. Wanda took Lorene's & my picture at noon. Ironed awhile. Just Daddy & I for supper. Duane came about 8:00. Got something to eat in Decatur and & then home. Nice day & he worked in fields. Was tired. Swell time.

Mon May 21, 1945

Daddy started to work days. Nice day so know Duane is working. Daddy took Ruth & kids to town. Was ironing when power went off. Wind storm. Put up hair in dark & went to bed early. Busy day. "Gen" still sick.

Sun May 20, 1945

Another nice day. Ironed. Didn't get up till 11:30 this morn. Didn't do much today. I went to birthday supper for Glen. "Nean", Edythe, & I had a little talk. Quite interesting. Very good supper. Nean, Dave, Duane, & I went to show. Saw "Main Street After Dark" "I'll Remember April". Good. Duane sweet to me as usual. Got into a little misunderstanding but is all right. Talked.

Sat May 19, 1945

Lyn here. Saw her after work this aft. She tok me out to Mother's. D.P. got home. "Gen" home. Went out to Luetta's & drove out to park. Nice day. Late getting home. Duane & I went to show. Saw "Ministry of Fear" & then to dance. D.P. & P.H., & J.R. & E.R. there. Talked to "Jackie" all night. Was tired this eve. & had a little quarrel but alas we've been getting along so swell. Keep fingers crossed.

Mon May 17-18, 1945

{These pages have been torn out of the diary. I would so love to know what they said, as do all of us. Unfortunately we will never know. . . }

Mon May 16, 1945

Got dresses from Hecht's. Lorene's mother fell at work & she had to go home. "Gen" got sick & had to go home. Sewed hem in one of dresses & washed my hair. "Zombie" must be in States cause sent telegram to his folks. Home anytime. Edna here a while.

Mon May 15, 1945

Got letter from Bill Par. Busy again & rained as usual. Duane met me after work. He took me home with him. Ate supper - went with him to do chores. Came home about 9:00. Folks in town. This is the most perfect & wonderful eve. we've had together in a long time. Golly, he's super & love is so wonderful & beautiful.

Mon May 14, 1945

What a day! Busy! Stayed all night with Lorene Z. Five of us girls wen to show at Avon - "Mom & Dad". Showed birth of a baby and all about venereal disease. Sure learned a lot of things. Very educational but really "got" me. Rained awfully hard. Lorene & I talked a long time in bed.

Sun May 13, 1945

Celebrated Judy's birthday. She liked her dress & everything. Edna & I went to Baccalaureate this morn. I drove our car. Duane down this aft. & I had on shorts. Ah-oh-. Really a nice day. Went with John & Evelyn. Saw "Winged Victory". Swell! Duane went to sleep with his head in my lap & I slept coming home. He's so darn swell!! Everyone sorta quiet tonight! Got along well.

{I just found another blog diary from the same time period in which the same movie was mentioned -- Winged Victory. What a neat find. Adding this site to the blogroll!}

Sat May 12, 1945

Went with "Gen" after work to buy pr. of shoes. To Mother's this aft. She liked Tabu. Duane came after me about 8:15. Went out & walked around carnival. Went to dance at Illini. Evelyn, John, Dorothy R & Paul Hupp there. It was swell. Ate at Steak n Shake. They were there, too. Really got along well.