Sun Aug 19, 1945

At Lyn's for dinner for some of girls from bank. Duane came about 2:30. Really liked bracelet. Could tell he liked the back, too. Went to Maroa. Met Allen & Helen, & to Weldon Springs. Went boat-riding. Then drove around & found the folks. Duane was really surprised, so that made everything perfect. Had a wonderful supper. Everything was just swell. Went to show. This has been such a perfect day. Everybody liked my cake.

Sat Aug 18, 1945

Off about 2:30. Got dress from cleaners & Duane's bracelet. I really like it. Called Mrs. Wallace & Duane answered. Said I would like to know what's going on. Went to Illini. Lots of kids there -- John Rucker & Jackie Mc., Allen J. & Helen Crabtree, Duane & I went to eat & for ride. Finally got around to suggesting a picnic tomorrow & got everything worked out. More fun! Don't think Duane thought anything about it.

Fri Aug 17, 1945

You can sure tell the war's over here at the bank. Herb's really keeping an eye on everyone. Last Fri. night to work. Evelyn, Lorene, & I worked. Daddy met me. Got my clothes & came home. Really tired & ready for bed.

Thurs Aug 16, 1945

Mrs. Wallace called me about Sunday. Had to work but stores were closed. Not much business. Duane came down this eve. Saw "This Man's Navy". Real good. We got into it. Didn't get along at all until after the show. But everything's ok. Duane's so darn sweet.

Wed Aug 15, 1945

Uncle Fred died. Had to work till 11:00. Mother & I took lunch to Fairview. Had big parade -- kids on hay - rack from Argenta. Got on with them. Stopped real suddenly and bunch of us fell. A. Jones came and pushed us back up. Had real nice program. Walked to work to & to park & back. Saw lots of kids I knew. Had a swell time. Wish Duane had been here too. To bed early.

Tues Aug 14, 1945

The war is over! News came through at 6:00 p.m. Duane & John Rucker came down. Went to town. Everyone celebrating. I've never seen anything like it - the crowds & the noise. It's all so wonderful! I get a lump in my throat every time I think about it. Got Jackie's picture for Mrs. Wallace. Talked to Evelyn, Marsh and Helen Crabtree. Mother & Charles' wedding anniversary. Duane didn't feel very good. Went to last show. Saw "It's a Pleasure". Grand. At Mother's till eve.

{ From online:

Emperor Hirohito announces the Japan defeat to his people. Japan accepts an unconditional surrender. The fear of more atomic weapon attacks and the certainty of land defeat by the Soviets have combined to secure the complete surrender. }

Mon Aug 13, 1945

Tired. Got to bed about 1:00 this morn. Went up & got Jackie's picture. Mrs. Wallace came down after it. Edwin's sick. Daddy had bad headache. Folks in town. Ironed. Got card for Mother & Charles.

Sun Aug 12, 1945

Up about 9:00. Played with "Jackie". Am planning surprise party for Duane next Sun. Had lots of fun but didn't do much. Had best fried chicken. They're all so swell to me. I just feel as if I belong. John R. here in aft. Decided to go to show. Had just stopped at home when Duane called. Got home early. Said didn't have much fun. Saw "Dragon Seed". Very good. Tonight was wonderful. It's a beautiful feeling to be in love & to be loved!

Sat Aug 11, 1945

Got off work about 2:30. Went out to Mother's, then home. Wallaces after me at 8:30. Just poured. We girls went to Illini. Had fun but missed Duane. Danced most of time with Nean. Lyn & Marsh girls there. Dance with Frances Traylor (?). Nean & I went to sleep about 1:30. They're all so wonderful!! J. Rucker here for few minutes.

Fri Aug 10, 1945

Well, I guess "my honey" is on his way o Chicago by now. Golly, I'm going to miss him! Evelyn crying. She really likes Jack. Washed hair this eve. Folks in town. Car out of gas this eve. Pushed to station. Japs wanting to surrender. Waiting for news all day.

Thurs Aug 9, 1945

Felt bad this morn. Tummy-ache. Gen & I slept at noon. Felt better. Duane & I to Argenta this eve. Talked to lot of kids. Then had to talk about going to Chicago, of course. Duane and I had quite a talk about John R. He isn't sure he wants to farm. Had a swell eve. Went to sleep in car. In at 12:40.

{ found this online about the war:

A second atomic bomb is dropped, this time on Nagasaki. This one is more sophisticated but has a slightly less damaging impact. Even 50, 40,000 people are killed and the same immediacy of carnage is evident. President Truman announces that more bombs will follow if the Potsdam Declaration is not accepted though, in fact, he hasn't any more to use. The Japanese Supreme Council convenes to agree to the Allies' demands rovided the monarchy can be allowed to survive. Hesitancy, from some of ie military, is personally dispelled by the Emperor. By now the Soviets have followed up their declaration of war by massing to move against the Japanese forces in Manchuria. More air and sea bombardment of Japanese islands and the mainland ikes place. }

Wed Aug 8, 1945

Surprise!! - Dorothy P. has diamond. Is beautiful! Seems so happy. "Gen" & I were looking at rings a Cook's. Saw one I just love. Lot of good it does me though. Can dream though. Got letter from Jack Graves. Met Lorene's brother & sister-in-law. Cute couple. Luther & Hank Duncan's here.

Tues Aug 7, 1945

Kinda disgusted at Dorothy & Evelyn. Don't always do their share. Duane called this eve. & came down. Was surprised - felt lots better. Had fun just acting silly. Let him read some of my diary of 2 yrs ago. Left at 12:00. Oh, I love him!!

Mon Aug 6, 1945

Gee, I'm tired. Didn't get to bed till 1:30 this morn. Went down to pay on Duane's I.D. bracelet at noon. Sure lonesome. Folks in town. Pressed some clothes. Evelyn got letter. Lorene's brother home.

Sun Aug 5, 1945

Went to picnic at Weldon Springs with Allen Jones, Helen Crabtree, Evelyn M., & C. Stoutenborough. Most fun in ages. Went swimming & row-boat riding. Jeepers - more fun!! While eating started raining - really poured. All got soaked. Went to Decatur to show. Saw "Thunderhead". Swell! Had to go clear back to Maroa after car. Golly, we had fun! All the kids swell. Duane sweet.

Sat Aug 4, 1945

Off about 3:00. Picked Grandma up & took Dorothy & Evelyn home. Slept couple hrs. Felt good. Duane & I had a grand time tonight. Went to Illini. Danced some fast pieces & Duane enjoyed it too. Was talking about Mary Louise. Got home about 12:30.

{ Mary Louise was grandpa's sister. Not sure how old she was or if she had passed away yet at this time. She died young. If anyone could clarify this, I would appreciate it! Thanks! }

Fri Aug 3, 1945

Evelyn, Lyn, & I ate supper together. Evelyn, Lorene, & I worked. Really busy. Off at 8:45. Lorene came home with me. Some man backed into car. Broke light & bent bumper. Lorene & I talked till pretty late. Was swell talking to her again.

Thurs Aug 2, 1945

Got letter from Wayne Morgan. Cute. Really felt crazy today. We girls had fun. Duane came about 9:00. Went to Argenta for awhile. Laid out in yd on blanket. Had a little fuss - my fault. Went to sleep with arms around each other. When woke up I thought I was in heaven or something. Was a wonderful feeling.

Wed Aug 1, 1945

26 mo. "steady". "Gen" & I ate lunch with Barb & bunch of other girls from Arg. 4-H Achievement Day. We went down to Masonic Temple to see exhibit. Got pictures of Barb & Darlene Malone. Washed my hair, ironed, took bath. Hank Duncan & Mother here. Lorene home sick - cramps.

July 23-July 31

{ All these pages have been torn out. Interesting... }

Sun July 22, 1945

Grandma here. Collie died. Judy, Lyn, Gen, Lorene, Lorraine & I to S.S. picnic. Came sick this morn. & just felt terrible. Couldn't eat. Broke out in cold sweat -- cried. Laid out on beach. Read hot but only there about 1-1/2 hours. Duane & I saw "Diamond Horseshoe" tonight. Pretty good. Didn't feel so good this eve, either. Rode around, ate and home.

Sat July 21, 1945

Drove car in to garage. Brought grandma & Lynette home. Took Lorene home. Slept from 6:00 til 7:40. Duane didn't get down till 10:15. Went to sleep with his head in my lap. Felt like something wrong this eve. Guess it's just me. A big collie dog lay out by our hedge this eve. It was hurt. Daddy gave it some water.

Fri July 20, 1945

Lorene fixed my hair on top of head. Liked it. Evelyn had toothache this aft. so Dorothy worked with me. Had a nice time. Swell talking to her for a change. Had I.D. bracelet laid back for Aug. 19. Went with Gen at noon to buy her China. Really pretty. Daddy met me after work. Washed hair.

Thurs July 19, 1945

At last - gee, this week has seemed so long. Slept at noon. Everyone was tired. Duane came down about 8:30 - just in from field - took Daddy to town after car & then out to Duane's so he could eat & get cleaned up. Duane is so swell. Gee, it was grand being together. Had a wonderful time. Laid out in yard on blanket - went to sleep.

Wed July 18, 1945

Well, the shower was quite a success. "Gen" & I bought Mother a corsage. Lorene got so many nice things & the girls from Springfield, etc. were so swell. I loved bunco. Had fruit salad, cake, nut cups for refreshments. To bed about 12:00. Glad it's all over.

Tues July 17, 1945

"Gen" & I bought a few last minute details for shower. Stayed with Mother all night. Went to Lorene's, Dorothy's to get card tables, etc. Mother & I read awhile then to bed early. Golly, ~~~~ I'm lonesome.

Mon July 16, 1945

Pretty light day for Mon. Lonesome as would be. Didn't feel so good - kinda droopy. Can't see Duane till Thurs. Gee, that seems a long way off. Party at Bill Parr's tonight but D. didn't think should go out tonight. Sure feel awful about it. Hope he didn't think too much about it. Read Duane's old letters.

Sun July 15, 1945

Went to S.S. Washed & ironed this aft. John Rucker called this morn. Duane came about 6:30. Saw "Without Love". Really swell! Ate & home. I didn't feel so good & felt kinda doubtful but Duane helped me & feel much better. Cried though. Duane said he didn't believe in God. Wish he did. Would make him & me both feel better. He says the sweetest darn things & he can do so much for me. Ah, I love him!!!

Sat July 14, 1945

{The writing is really faded in this entry and her writing really sloppy, so I'm not sure if I'm interpreting correctly.}

Drove Kirby's car in this morn. & I dented a fender. Didn't say anything but I sure felt awful. Lyn & I ate at Park Inn this aft. & went to her Aunt Lennie's & then home. Duane down about 8:30. To Illini. Met J. Ruskin's girl, Joan Longsdorff -- very sweet & cute. Also Alan Jones & Helen Crabtree. Had a little feud but got over it quick. Felt kinda droopy but had a swell time. We were so close!!!! Was beautiful.

Fri July 13, 1945

Pay-day. Bought prizes, etc. for Wed. night. Saw Mrs. Wallace, Edythe, & Barb -- also Jackie. He's the sweetest thing. Bought roll of film for Mrs. Wallace. Washed hair, plucked eyebrows, cleaned shoes, & washed some dresses. Got letter from Carl Riley.

Thurs July 12, 1945

So tired today. Don't know why. Duane came down about 8:30. Went to Garfield playground to see Gley (?) & Mildred. Ate and had another perfectly wonderful eve. He's so darn swell, sweet, wonderful, & do I love him! Some of the conversations we have!! It's swell -- love.

Wed July 11, 1945

Duane called this morn. Went to doctor for physical exam. Have to take douches and pills. Had blood test and everything. Went out to grandma's to see Aunt Jesse. She's really nice. [more about douches...]

Tues July 10, 1945

Girls at bank had picnic for Lorene at Nelson Park. Quite a bit of fun but sure tired. Lorene liked her dishes a lot. Danced at beach house. Spilled orange on Lorene's dress. Gen's swell. Stayed all night with Mother.

Mon July 9, 1945

Tired. Hair so sticky from water. Addressed invitations to shower. Ruth's kids in town. Wrote letter to Duane this morn & to Carl Riley this eve. Got letter from Wayne Morgan & card from Dorothy June. Bill Parr here few min. this eve.

Sun July 8, 1945

"Gen", Lorene, & I to beach at noon. Got sunburn a little. Saw Betty, Duane, Bob F., and Mugs Allsup came about 2:30. Went in water. Duane sure "ducked" me. Had so much fun!!! "Mugs" had to go home at 6:30 so the 3 of us went to show. Saw V. Johnson in "Between Two Women". Swell. Bob called us Mom & Pop & he was Jr. We're crazy little morons but we like it.

Sat July 7, 1945

Grandma here this eve. Daddy met me after work this aft. Took nap. Duane called & came down about 8:45. Went to Illini. Talked to Eddie M. Saw Evelyn & John. Had good time. Duane tired & me, too. Left about 10:30. Ate & to Mother's for night. Duane left about 12:00.

Fri July 6, 1945

My hearts still singing today but gee, I'm lonesome. Gen & I got invitation for Lorene's shower. Evelyn & I worked tonight -- Lorene, too. Went with Wanda after work to see dress she'd picked up. Daddy, Ruth, & kids met me.

Thurs July 5, 1945

Another busy day. Lorene got letter but he still wasn't in Calif. Wanda, "Gen", & I bought Lorene's dishes - gifts from girls of bank. Got letter from Jack Groves. Pressed some clothes. All I've been able to think about today has been Duane & the things he said last night. I'm afraid to be so happy.

July 4, 1945

Ironed all morn. Duane called twice this aft. Dedication of Honor Roll at Arg. this eve. but didn't go. This was the most wonderful eve. we've ever spent together! Went out to the beach, to the carnival, & to Arg later. All Duane talked about was me, us & how much he loves me & that made me so happy. He said some things I've been wanting to hear for a long time. Everything was perfect!!! Wore my new white eyelet. Duane teased me all eve. I'll never forget tonight.

Tues July 3, 1945

Plenty busy today also. Us kids looked for dishes for Lorene at noon. Not much success. Got some make-up, etc., & pr. white pants after work. Washed hair. Ironed most of eve. Duane called. Mary Ida & Bill at work.

Mon July 2, 1945

{Oh my goodness, where has this summer gone?! So sorry that I'm so significantly behind. You can see what I've been up to by going here.}

Lorraine Gilman engaged. Busy day. Tired. Lorene came home with me & stayed all night. We took the kids to the carnival. Had quite a bit of fun. Lorene & I rode on the scariest ride - crazy taxi-cabs. We just screamed. She wrote a letter & to bed rather late. She's swell.

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.