Wordless Wednesday ~ "Daddy"

Grandma's daddy who she talks about quite often in her diary.

Sun Apr 1, 1945

Lyn's birthday & Easter. Went to S.S. Rained. Daddy gave me box of candy. Lyn home. Came home with me for a while. Did some sewing. We took Judy to show with us this eve. Saw "Here Come the Waves". Swell. Duane liked my dress but didn't say anything about hat. Have gone "steady" 22 mo. today. Got home early but Duane left about 11:00. Didn't get along so good. I just can't seem to believe that he really loves me.

Sat Mar 31, 1945

What a day! Really busy but had good luck. Got out about 4:00. Duane picked me up in town about 7:30. Rode around & went out to lake. He was talking to me about figure. Kinda made me feel good. Had fun. Went to dance at Illini about 9:00. Sure lots of kids we knew. Took Johnny R. & "Jackie" Mc to eat afterwards. Didn't get along so good after got home.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Beautiful Young Grandma

For Wordless Wednesday, more photos of grandma as a little girl. Do you ever wonder what colors people are wearing in old photos? I always picture grandma in pink dresses because that was her favorite color. :)

There is no way I can go absolute "wordless" with photos that speak as much as these do. I can't help but notice little things like in the photo above . . . the brick road, the huge metal basket on the front of the big bike . . .
And then look at this one . . . the car in background . . . are they on a picnic, at the lake, beach? And the man standing in front of that car, that is her "Daddy". Makes me smile. She loved him so much.

Fri Mar 30, 1945

Good Friday. Bank closed but worked from 8:00-9:30. Dorothy, Evelyn & I went to Springfield on bus. Rained. Went to show. Saw "Roughly Speaking". Really swell. Didn't find much of anything. Got pr. pants. Stayed all night at Mother's. Washed hair.

Thurs Mar 29, 1945

Duane & I took Charles & June with us tonight. Went to show. Saw "Three is a Family". Fair. Ate at Park Inn & sat in front of June's house till 12:25. Pretty late. Had a pretty good time. Charles doesn't seem to have changed a bit.

Wed Mar 28, 1945

Didn't feel so good today. Ordered corsage for Mother. Don got his draft call the other day. We kids are going to miss him. Golly, it's really swell today - so warm. Girls at bank having party for Janice Butt & Mary Vee B. Harris but didn't go.

Tues Mar 27, 1945

Had another round with Virginia this aft. Duane came about 8:00. Stayed home awhile (folks gone). Then went to town. Took a walk by the lake, ate and then back home. Starter (?) stuck and car had to be pushed & had flat tired when Duane got ready to leave here. Left about 1:30. Golly, tonight was really wonderful! Had such a swell time & Duane was so sweet.

Mon Mar 26, 1945

Warm but windy. Herb told me my vacation to be July 6-22 but may be changed. Wrote to Duane at noon & Evelyn to Jack. Called Duane this eve. Over talking to Edna awhile. Charles Amacher home. Would sure like to see him.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Bathing Beauty

grandma looking fabulous in her bathing suit . . . I am guessing this was taken at Decatur Lake in the middle 40's

{Wordless Wednesday is something I participate in at my blog, Purple Valley, and thought since I've got some fabulous pictures of grandma & grandpa, that this would be a great way to share with all. You can see more WW photos at 5 Minutes for Mom. Check out my friend, Amanda, as she always showcases old photos of her family's from around the same time as Grandma's Diary.}

Sun Mar 25, 1945

Got letter from Duane. He really wants to go into Service. Rained part of day. Helped Daddy mow yard this aft. Had late dinner. Duane and John Rucker here a while in morn. Duane came about 6:00 & we saw "Till We Meet Again." Real good. Ate at Park Inn. Had sorta bad eve. Was mostly my fault, I guess. Cried & really felt awful.

Sat Mar 24, 1945

Evelyn got letter from Jack yesterday. Virginia really threw us off in about an hour she was here this morn. Out to Mother's in aft. She pinned up my Easter dress. We took Carl Riley & Mary with us tonight. Saw "Together Again". Not so good. Had pretty good time. Willard here about 1:00. Wanted me to meet his girl but wouldn't do it. Had on pajamas.

FYI . . .

"Who's Who" has been updated again :c)

(Thanks, Susan!)

Fri Mar 23, 1945

"Herb" said something would be done about Virginia. "Gen" talked to him again today. So warm - just spring weather. Swell. Sure tired - bet Duane is too. He's working in the fields. Washed hair this eve.

Thurs Mar 22, 1945

Had big mix-up at bank with Virginia, of course. Something has to be done. Went to Hard Times bank party at Decatur Club. Swell food & more fun! Sat beside Don & we laughed most of the time. Really had fun! Duane came after Dorothy, Evelyn, & I about 9:00. Went to Illini - Don Reid's orchestra. Good but not as good as last one. Really love to dance with Duane. We both acted like silly little morons. Really had so much fun. Took girls home from dance. To bed at 1:30.

Wed Mar 21, 1945

Really having mix-up at bank - (not us) - people getting moved around. Got letter from Bill Parr. He's at sea. "Gen" & I had pictures taken at dime store. Pretty good. Johnny L. got hurt this eve. Bought Easter cards. Evelyn hasn't heard from Jack yet. She's been so darn grouchy.

Grandma and two of her friends: Delores Ferrill & June Ater.

Tues Mar 20, 1945

Rainy, windy & cool today. Duane came about 7:30. Took his folks with us. Saw "Ladies Courageous" and "Gangs, Inc." Good. Had more fun!! Ate at Fletcher's. Leaving there Duane put his arm around me and his dad said, "Oh-oh, I see where I should have driven home." They're swell!

Mon Mar 19, 1945

Rained so don't suppose Duane worked. Was going to work in fields. Got Judy's Easter dress: really felt good. We girls acted so darn silly but was fun. Willard & Marguerite have separated & Ruth said this eve. that he has got some girl he's been going with into trouble. Supposed to have only gone with her 3 wks. Really makes me feel terrible!

Sun Mar 18, 1945

Duane came after me about 12:30. At his house all day. Golly, but I love it there. I just enjoy myself so much. I know that Duane is most wonderful person in the world! Didn't go anywhere this eve. Came home pretty early. Girls were gone this eve. & just talked with his folks & played with baby (Jack). Gee, but it was wonderful!

Sat Mar 17, 1945

Went out to Mother's after work. Washed hair. Luetta in hospital & Mother is keeping Diane. Lyn home this week-end. Came down this eve. & went to Argenta with her. Then to her house for supper. Listened to games. Decatur played Champaign in State Finals & won 62-54. Is really wonderful!! What a time for them!

Fri Mar 16, 1945

Decatur beat Galesburg tonight in a very exciting game. Won 73-72. Got Easter dress outfit & hat today. Really a swell letter. Duane came home unexpectedly this eve. Is going to Champaign tomorrow & won't be down. Had a fuss to begin with - as usual. Had a wonderful time the rest of the eve. Just went riding but was really swell. Decided we're pretty darn dumb for quarreling so much. That won't stop us though.

Grandpa (middle), grandma (right) and Helen Crabtree. {thank you, Tisha, for letting me know!}

Thurs Mar 15, 1945

"Nean", "Barb", John Rucker, Duane & I went to St. Tournament at Champaign today. Was really thrilling & wonderful. We girls saw "Meet Me In St. Louis" in aft. Super! Decatur won. Bob Doster & D.H.S. broke records. Won $50 from D on Champaign's game. Called Lyn. Really had argument on way home. As a whole today was really super swell.

Wed Mar 14, 1945

Just got home & Mrs. Wallace stopped to take me out home with her. Really had a swell time tonight. Went with Duane to do chores. Have 8 little calves & little tiny pigs which are Duane's. At his house for supper & all eve. - then home. Gee, it was swell!

An award????

Wow, this is sooooo exciting!!

One of my very best friends, Alexis, an avid reader with a strong love for Grandma's Diary, has nominated it for a huge award, "The Best Blog of All Time"! This contest is a real thing and the winners will be announced in Orlando, FL at the Blogger's Choice Awards. What a huge honor this is to even be nominated. But what a tribute it would be to grandma if her blog WON!

To vote, all you have to do is go to this link ----> here or you can click on the Blogger's Choice Award badge in the sidebar, which will also direct you to it. Then once you arrive, just vote! You can only vote one time. So, once you do, if you feel this blog deserves it, pass the word along! It will only get votes if the blog is noticed and liked. So let's work hard to make grandma a winner, I think it would be really "swell"! (As grandma would have put it.) :c)

Added later *Anissa plugged me, so I'm plugging her (and thanking her!) for plugging me!*

Things that make you smile

I just discovered that Grandma's Diary has been linked yet again! It makes me grin from ear-to-ear. How exciting!! Thank you, Genealogue! See the article here <---- click on me.

Grandma, Nean & Barb

This is a neat picture because of the cars you see in the background, but mostly because it's grandma (on the left) with grandpa's sisters, Norma Jean ("Nean") & Barb.

Barb is in the hospital right now in Chicago as she suffered a brain aneurysm April 6th. She had surgery the following day (survived!) and is now in the ICU at Northwestern hospital. Cousin, Lori, has been posting updates on her condition at the blog she developed for Barb here.

I have a feeling Barb will come through this. I know these days right now are the most critical for her, and that the biggest fear is a stroke, but she is strong . . . she is a Wallace.

I mentioned in Barb's blog, in the comments section, that my dad (also a Wallace) suffered a brain aneurysm when I was in 7th grade. Reading it made a lot of memories come back for myself and for mom and I know even more so for dad. I am sure he can relate to what Barb is going through and I hope one day they can share their experiences. Dad was in ICU for 2 weeks and in the hospital total for 31 days. It's difficult to go back and remember this time, but at the same time I see it as encouraging because, as I said, Dad is a Wallace and he pulled through like most Wallaces seem to do! He has that diligence that Barb has along with a strong relationship with God, which I think (no, I know) is proof that she will get through this also.

Tues Mar 13, 1945

Warm again today. Supposed to have date but Duane called this aft. & said hadn't got brakes fixed on car so couldn't drive it. Of all nights - darn it! Really lonely this eve. Ruth & kids in town & Daddy working. Sat. got post card from Chicago saying "Guess who?" Duane said was John Rucker's writing.

Mon Mar 12, 1945

Oh, this spring weather! Gee, all I can think about is Duane. Oh, I hope he loves me, but he's just got to believe that he's the one for me. He just has to. Dale's name in draft list in paper today. Gee, I'm tired. Didn't get to bed till 1:30 this morn. Duane broke window in car. Wrote to him.

Sun Mar 11, 1945

Warm out. Got to see daddy. Duane came out at 5:40. Saw "Hollywood Canteen". Very good! Saw Dale, Edythe, & Gene T. there. Gene really looked good! Had quite a time tonight. Duane thinks he doesn't treat me right & that he's not the one for me . . . & that just won't work. I cried - said he couldn't stand it - said that his mother & I were 2 women he loved most in the world. Said lots of sweet things. But, golly, I don't know what to do.

{Dale is grandpa Duane's brother and Edythe is his girlfriend. Edythe and Dale will one day be married.}

Sat Mar 10, 1945

Really like spring yesterday & today. Went to Mother's after work. Laid down & slept till 5:45. Duane came after me about 8:45. Went to Illini. Dorothy & Evelyn there. Had fun but not as much as Tues. Felt that something was wrong.

Fri Mar 9, 1945

Evelyn sure talks about Jack a lot. She really seems to like him. Evelyn & I worked this eve. Had fun. She, Dorothy, & I danced a while downstairs after work in aft. Went to Mother's & stayed all night. Washed hair & to bed. Kinda tired.

Thurs Mar 8, 1945

Duane came down this eve. & we went to see "The Very Thought of You". Was really swell!! Reeally had a wonderful time! Ate at Park Inn. Sang songs & acted rather silly for a while, but, golly. Duane is wonderful!!!!!

Wed Mar 7, 1945

"Gen" talking about Jim & her wedding experiences. Wish I had some to tell. Evelyn saw Bob off this morn. She & I got pinafores alike this eve. Jeepers, wish Duane would call or would get a letter tomorrow. Had bank meeting this aft. about Red Cross. Washed some clothes, put up hair, and to bed. Stayed up till Daddy got home this morn.

{It's Just Me}

I just wanted to stop by really quick and tell you all that I am here, but incredibly busy, so I'm having a hard time trying to post entries each day like I wish to. A little update here with me . . .

We are selling our house ourselves - a huge chore, but hopefully we can do it and save us some realtor fees - sorry to my great-aunt, great-uncle and cousins who work in the realty biz, but we need that extra 6% to go towards our house that we are building (or 2nd big chore at the time being)! On top of that, my business (VWC Photography) is booming (a blessing!) because it's that time of year again - people antsy to have spring portraits and couples getting married. So, needless to say, my spare time is getting away from me. Of course I can't forget my kiddos who keep me the busiest as a full-time stay-at-home mommy - they are ages 3-1/2 and 17-1/2 months - they are probably the ones keeping me from posting entries on most days!

Anyhow, tonight I hope to post a few entries and then I will try my best to come back next week and post more often. Sorry to those of you who are my loyal readers. Some of you come back and come back more than once a day and I just love that about you! Don't give up on me!!

Happy Easter! :c)

Tues Mar 6, 1945

"Gen" back to work. It was swell!! Duane and I went to Illini. - 1st time. Really had a wonderful time!!! Billy Bishop there. Duane really enjoyed it, too. Is getting to be a good dancer. Was really swell! Before we left Duane came in bedroom & saw me in slip. Acted kinda mad but wasn't so much. Duane wanted me to write something cute, but kinda crazy that he said that this eve. - "I'm going to wash my hands and comb my hair." Gee, I hope he loves me as much as I do him.

Growing!

We've been linked over and over! How exciting that Grandma's Diary is growing so. I'm thrilled!

Mon Mar 5, 1945

All Evelyn could talk about was Jack. He leave Tues. morn. "Gen" at bank - starts work tomorrow. Daddy started in nights this eve. Called Duane to see how he was. O.k. - he said. Rained & hailed. Read this eve. Really warm last few days.

Sun. Mar 4, 1945

At Edna's this aft. Edna, H.M., & I went walking. Like old times. Lyn here this morn., went with G. Malone last night. Must have been wonderful. D. & I went with Jack & Evelyn. Saw "Woman In the Window". Real good. Duane was sick. He didn't feel good at all. Laid with head in my lap & slept most of eve. He's so sweet. Had fun. To bed at 1:00. J. & E. swell.

Sat Mar 3, 1945

All Evelyn talked about today was Jack. I know he liked her a lot too. Don't know what she's going to do about Bob. Went to Mother's in aft. Washed hair. Edna here a while in eve. Grandma here for week-end. Wrote letter to Duane.

Fri Mar 2, 1945

Really had fun tonight. Evelyn & Jack went together on a "blind date" with us. Saw "Kismet". Loads of fun. They really seemed to like each other. Have a date for Sun. night. Went out to rock garden but couldn't go through. [At Nelson park perhaps?] Ate at The Five Hundred. Nice. Got to bed about 12:45.

Thurs Mar 1, 1945

Gone "steady" 21 mo. today. Evelyn & I bought cross for Dorothy for birthday. It's really pretty. Really nice out today. "Gertie" Elston here for supper & all eve. Edna Mae over for a while too.

FYI . . .

Some facts were corrected in "Who's Who".

(Thanks!)

Cyndi's List

We made it onto Cyndi's List, a genealogical online resource.
Check it out!
(Scroll down and Grandma's Diary is under March 20, 2007)

Wed Feb 28, 1945

Marguerite & Willard have split up again. Duane came down about 8:15. Got car fixed - took a little ride but were home most of eve. We both cut-up and acted kinda silly at first. Tonight was really wonderful!! Duane acted & talked like he used to. Talked about getting married & our children. Duane said his grandpa likes me. He said I were nice & darn cute. Really made me feel good. Didn't get to bed until 2:00. Marguerite gave me crocheted dutch cap.

Tues Feb 27, 1945

Argenta played Bloomington in Regional at Clinton today. Rather dull day - not much happening. Lorene's birthday. Liked friendship bracelet. Wrote letter to "Zombie". Daddy got put on nights. Won't get to see much of him now. Not going to like that. Starts Mon. Lonesome -- plenty.

Mon Feb 26, 1945

Gee, I'm lonesome & have been all day. Evelyn & I went to sleep at noon. Duane was going to take car to garage to be worked on. Wonder how he came out. Daddy went to town. Got letter & picture from Zombie. Really good. Washed some things, put up hair, listened to radio, & to bed.

1940's photo booth pictures

Here are more photo booth pictures. I just love them. I am not really sure of the time frame of any of them except for the ones of grandpa are from August of 1945. The girl is grandma. The one at the bottom left is grandma's little brother, Bud. Isn't he a cutie? Down in the "Who's Who?" post, I mention him.

Who's Who?

I have had a lot of people questioning who certain people are. And so since we have so many people reading this blog now who are not related, I thought I would explain the names of the people mentioned (with any and all other information I feel could be pertinent) so you can grasp the "story" and get to know my Wallace-Duncan-Pope family better.

(If anyone has anything I can add, please email me. And if I have any facts wrong, please feel free to correct me!)

• Grandma's first name is "Shirley"
  
• Duane: grandma's boyfriend in the diary, who will later become my grandpa, or I guess I should say, I will later become his granddaughter!
  
• Grandpa is a "Wallace", and the Wallace family are spoken of quite often. Grandpa had 7 other siblings with a very wide age range: Dale, Grandpa (Duane), Norma Jean, Barb, Mary Louise, Richard, Edwin, and Jack. Grandpa was the 2nd oldest, at around 18 yrs old, in the diary, and the youngest was Jack, who was born in December of '44 so he would be 2 months old.
• Both grandma and grandpa went to Argenta High School
• Grandma's mother (Nellie) and father divorced when my grandma was 5. She lived with her father (Mr. Duncan) in neighboring Oreana. Her dad was married to Ruth. Her mom will marry later (a great man I will get to know later as "grandpa Pope")
  
• Grandma talks a lot of her friends: "Gen", Dorothy, Evelyn, and so on . . .
• Grandma worked at Millikin Bank in Decatur
• When this diary began, grandpa was working at a coal mine. Right now, in the diary, he is no longer working there. He will soon begin as a full-time farmer just like his father.
  
• Grandma had two 1/2 siblings, Judy and Bud (will later have more)
• Edythe is Dale's girlfriend in the diary and they will later marry
  

I am going to "sticky" this list in the side bar and update it as I need to. So check back!

Class of 1944 . . . and the legacy continues . . .

I've metioned before that grandma and grandpa went to the same high school. This is their senior class picture. I circled them. What I personally find really neat is that I went to the same school and graduated in 1994, exactly 50 years after they did. I walked the same halls, sat in the same class rooms and sat in the same gym. (My husband also went to this school - he and I were "high school sweethearts" like my grandparents were.) Unfortunately, the school is no longer there, but I'm so proud to say I helped carry on the Wallace legacy for many years in that school. Of course there were lots of us Wallace's between grandma & grandpa and myself . . . and there will continue to be more Wallace's in the new school with my cousin, Andy, living in the area and putting his own children through school there as well.

1945 Dealer's Warranty

Remember the Ford Deluxe car that grandpa bought in Feb 1945 that grandma talked about? Here is the dealer warranty for that car. Check out the price grandpa purchased it for!