See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.
See the diary entries for 1938.
| 1939 Overview (age 52 from March 16): Boss at Andover Press, Phil Cole, docked Mary's pay $1 per week for the year because she had been paid for more time than she had been there in 1938. Difficulties continued at work: [1 June] "Half sick from worry over books. Wish I could quit. Hectic day about getting a fellow's name wrong..." Moved back to Carters on Wolcott Avenue. Broke up with Jerry Sullivan; he started dating Esther Batchelder. Lots of problems with teeth. | 1939 |
Note: The 1939 diary is a small tablet, with very little room for each day's events. Many of the events are written in after two or three (or more) days' reflection, and sometimes events are recorded on days other than than when they occurred.
Sunday, January 1, 1939 (age 51): John came back from beach & then left for Annapolis.
Monday, January 2, 1939 (age 51): John got back all right. Went to movies in p.m. No one got the money.
Tuesday, January 3, 1939 (age 51): Letter from Virginia and photos of Allan & Mary.
Wednesday, January 4, 1939 (age 51): Allan sailed from San Diego at midnight for East Coast. Letter from John with the $5 I lent him in it.
Thursday, January 5, 1939 (age 51): Phil Cole came out & said I owed the Press over $100 on acct of being paid for more time than I was there so I got a cut of $1 a week for this year.
Friday, January 6, 1939 (age 51): No entry for this day.
Saturday, January 7, 1939 (age 51): Went out to Virginia's. They met me at the train at Montrose & we went to Peekskill & did the Saturday night shopping.
Sunday, January 8, 1939 (age 51): Went to West Point on Sunday & saw some cadets. Over Bear Mt. bridge and Storm King Highway. Over the Hudson by ferry.
Monday, January 9, 1939 (age 51): Went by Shoreline & home by Springfield. Bought some stockings in NY.
Tuesday, January 10, 1939 (age 51): Letter from John. He got on the tree for Bull. Hope he gets off all right.
Wednesday, January 11, 1939 (age 51): * Heard Bertha had committed suicide last Friday night. Florence MacCreadie died on Saturday last.
Thursday, January 12, 1939 (age 51): Letter from Frances LeVerne and she says they like the silver sugar & creamer I sent.
Friday, January 13, 1939 (age 51): Letter from Eleanor Tucker saying Minerva was going to move to Brockton.
Saturday, January 14, 1939 (age 51): Flint's radio almost drove us crazy it hummed so. I had to go over to Carters' Thursday night & movies Friday. Roland took his little one down for them.
Sunday, January 15, 1939 (age 51): Terrible headache today so didn't go out. Roland & Jean went over to Johnsons to take care of Richard & Russell.
Monday, January 16, 1939 (age 51): Went to movies in p.m. & to church supper at night.
Tuesday, January 17, 1939 (age 51): Got notice I owed the town $29.40 on a sewer bill that I'm sure I paid.
Wednesday, January 18, 1939 (age 51): Was going up to the Choral society but it was too cold.
Thursday, January 19, 1939 (age 51): We all went over to Carters and played dominoes. Letter from Dot wanting us to come down Sunday.
Friday, January 20, 1939 (age 51): Letter from John. He's doing better. He sent a birthday card to Roland and says a shirt is on the way.
Saturday, January 21, 1939 (age 51): I got R. a card table.
Sunday, January 22, 1939 (age 51): We had a little party for Roland and the Svensons came up and Irvin Ormsby & his girl.
Monday, January 23, 1939 (age 51): Very cold today but Mrs Carter & I went to Boston. Movies. J. Stewart. Allen Dea's to [illegible] but not 16.
Tuesday, January 24, 1939 (age 51): Letter from John saying he was doing better and that exams were coming.
Wednesday, January 25, 1939 (age 51): Can't find the old sewer bill receipt so I suppose I've got to pay it. Very cold but went up to P.A. church for singing.
Thursday, January 26, 1939 (age 51): So cold I almost froze face. Letter from Jerry.
Friday, January 27, 1939 (age 51): Same this morning but warmed up during day. Went to movies and saw The Great Waltz -- Fine picture.
Saturday, January 28, 1939 (age 51): Went to Lawrence & bought slip, stockings & bloomers.
Sunday, January 29, 1939 (age 51): Went to church & Ethel & I went to Cochran church this pm. Mr. Overstreet of the Baptist church preached.
Monday, January 30, 1939 (age 51): Blizzard quite a lot snow. Letters from Allan, Mary & Mrs. Johnstone. Wrote to all of them.
Tuesday, January 31, 1939 (age 51): Went down to bank but Mr. Holland sick so couldn't get my income tax fixed. Letter from John saying he had passed but went down in English.
Wednesday, February 1, 1939 (age 51): Awfully cold but went up to choral society. Ethel Hitchcock drove me home & gave me a ticket for symphony but I gave it to Jean. She got a ride up on the hill with the Howard Johnsons.
Thursday, February 2, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Friday, February 3, 1939 (age 51): Got a letter from Dot saying she'd been sick. Wilfred home for 30 day leave.
Saturday, February 4, 1939 (age 51): Went to Lawrence. Bought corsets & some underwear. Pants aren't big enough.
Sunday, February 5, 1939 (age 51): Ordered groceries. Went over to Carters Sat evening. Didn't go to church this morning. Ethel came up to supper.
Monday, February 6, 1939 (age 51): Was called in to work at nine o'clock. Just got to movies before 4.
Tuesday, February 7, 1939 (age 51): Went in to see about income tax blank and it was all made out.
Wednesday, February 8, 1939 (age 51): Nellie Carter called up & wanted me for supper but I had to go to choral society.
Thursday, February 9, 1939 (age 51): So went over there on thurs. & took back The Cidadel. Miss Farmer & Mrs. Gibson came later & we played games.
Friday, February 10, 1939 (age 51): Letter from Virginia this week saying kids sick & Paul badly hurt in accident. Called her up & she said they were getting along ok. Sent flowers & Jean sent cookies & candy.
Saturday, February 11, 1939 (age 51): Terrible walking. Another letter from Allan with returned check in it for me.
Sunday, February 12, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Monday, February 13, 1939 (age 51): All this week it's been miserable walking and cold.
Tuesday, February 14, 1939 (age 51): Letter from John came Tuesday. I sent him a box of candy. Haven't got his report card yet but as I know his marks, it's not so bad.
Wednesday, February 15, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Thursday, February 16, 1939 (age 51): * Mr. Bantwell died suddenly. What will all old ladies do?
Friday, February 17, 1939 (age 51): Got letter from Jerry & a chain letter from Annie Lindsay.
Saturday, February 18, 1939 (age 51): Got letter from Mary with snaps of the baby in it. They are adorable. Went to Boston & saw Jesse James with Jerry.
Sunday, February 19, 1939 (age 51): Jean & I went to church. A lot warmer & nice when we started out but cloudy at noon. Looks like rain.
Monday, February 20, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Tuesday, February 21, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Wednesday, February 22, 1939 (age 51): Ash Wednesday. Went to church at night.
Thursday, February 23, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Friday, February 24, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Saturday, February 25, 1939 (age 51): Went to Lawrence & had hair washed.
Sunday, February 26, 1939 (age 51): Awfully slippery so didn't go to church or out of house all day. Ethel came up to supper.
Monday, February 27, 1939 (age 51): Mrs. Etta Hall got money at movies.
Tuesday, February 28, 1939 (age 51): Roland got letter saying his uncle was sick so he went down to Lynn.
Wednesday, March 1, 1939 (age 51): Went to church rather than up to singing class.
Thursday, March 2, 1939 (age 51): Was asked to Bessie's to supper. Went over to Carters' afterward. George out to Pythians meeting.
Friday, March 3, 1939 (age 51): * Flint Symonds & Mrs. Merrick died. Letter from John.
Saturday, March 4, 1939 (age 51): Had supper at Carters'. Jean at Brannons. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone. Heard Mrs. Christie had a shock at Law. Gen. Hosp. Had hair waved.
Sunday, March 5, 1939 (age 51): Roland came home last night but went back to Lynn this morning.
Monday, March 6, 1939 (age 51): Letter from Allan. No one got the money at movies.
Tuesday, March 7, 1939 (age 51): Jean still working for Mrs. Brannon. She wants her there all the time. The letter from Allan was sent from Washington D.C. so I thought maybe he was near but a friend mailed it after he had flown to the States from Cuba. Went to church.
Wednesday, March 8, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Thursday, March 9, 1939 (age 51): No entry for today.
Friday, March 10, 1939 (age 51): Went to movies & saw Sweethearts. Roland came home-- Father better.
Saturday, March 11, 1939 (age 51): Lawrence for wash & wave but it came out after the storm. Started to snow again & snowed all day-- Regular blizzard. Worst storm since 1888.
Sunday, March 12, 1939 (age 51): Went to chapel-- Mr & Mrs Morris drove me home. Ethel to supper.
Monday, March 13, 1939 (age 51): Mr. Farragher paid his dues on my mortgage, $25 prin & $18 int. I put $40 in the bank. Storm made walking bad & drifted up at back door of Press. J. Davis got bawled out for not shoveling.
Tuesday, March 14, 1939 (age 51): Got letter from John today.
Wednesday, March 15, 1939 (age 51): Bought chicken for birthday supper. I have invited Ethel & the Carters up. * Mrs. Christie died.
Thursday, March 16, 1939 (age 52): We had a nice time although Jean couldn't get off for the afternoon & evening both. She had to go back & get Brannons supper. But we waited for her. She made me a cake & we had chicken pie, peas, potato salad & cream pie. Everything was good.
Friday, March 17, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, March 18, 1939 (age 52): Mrs. Christie buried. I sent John $2 for to help pay for a "drag" to a show the first of April.
Sunday, March 19, 1939 (age 52): Went to church. * Mrs. Albert Lowe died.
Monday, March 20, 1939 (age 52): Saw Wings of the Navy at movies.
Tuesday, March 21, 1939 (age 52): Pretty winterish out doors.
Wednesday, March 22, 1939 (age 52): Went to church & ordered 2 religious books.
Thursday, March 23, 1939 (age 52): Got letter from Mary. She's helping her mother paint kitchen. Baby has a walker & gets around swell.
Friday, March 24, 1939 (age 52): Got letter from John who says he's not on any trees yet, but all the marks aren't posted.
Saturday, March 25, 1939 (age 52): Went to Boston. Got shoes at Burts & ordered coat at MacDowells. Worked ½ hour at Press.
Sunday, March 26, 1939 (age 52): Felt dead as I'd taken some aspirin for toothache so didn't go to church. Jean went early. Ethel up to supper. J. & R. went to ride with Johnsons.
Monday, March 27, 1939 (age 52): Lexie came in to work. Lots of it now, but presses haven't much yet. Trade Winds & The Girl Down Stairs at movies.
Tuesday, March 28, 1939 (age 52): David Lovely was here when I got home & he stayed till 11.30. Filling is loose in my tooth again. Wrote to Jerry & John.
Wednesday, March 29, 1939 (age 52): Jean went to church but I didn't. It rained.
Thursday, March 30, 1939 (age 52): Jean had a sick spell with asthma & indigestion. Had the doctor.
Friday, March 31, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, April 1, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Sunday, April 2, 1939 (age 52): Went to church but Jean didn't feel well.
Monday, April 3, 1939 (age 52): Movies-- Allen Chadwick got the money.
Tuesday, April 4, 1939 (age 52): Went over to Carters.
Wednesday, April 5, 1939 (age 52): Went to church with Jean.
Thursday, April 6, 1939 (age 52): Rained so stayed in & tried to do jigsaw puzzle. Got it started.
Friday, April 7, 1939 (age 52): Got John's marks. Worked till 5.30. Didn't go to church as I was tired.
Saturday, April 8, 1939 (age 52): Had hair washed and waved. Worked till 11.30. Saw Bessie & she asked when she was coming in.
Sunday, April 9, 1939 (age 52): Went to church-- Snowed & rained & cleared off during aft. Went to Saugus. Got Easter tel. from Allan & Mary.
Monday, April 10, 1939 (age 52): Milton has joined the Naval Reserves. No one got the money at movies. Got lumbago at church and it hurts my back.
Tuesday, April 11, 1939 (age 52): Rained so didn't go to Carters. Letter from John.
Wednesday, April 12, 1939 (age 52): Bessie came in to work in the afternoon. We've got lots of books in but not much press work. Started to print Technique.
Thursday, April 13, 1939 (age 52): Got ring from Billings. Went over to Carters & played contact rummy. As usual Mr. Carter won.
Friday, April 14, 1939 (age 52): Got letter from Mrs. Johnstone the 12th.
Saturday, April 15, 1939 (age 52): Had hair waved. Saw in the Tribune that the Fleet has been ordered back.
Sunday, April 16, 1939 (age 52): Beautiful day. Took some pictures after church & then went over to see Rev & Mrs Henry in Chelmsford.
Monday, April 17, 1939 (age 52): Got letter from Allan saying he was coming between the 5th & 15th of May but it was written before the orders to go back.
Tuesday, April 18, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Mary. Saw Idiot's Delight at movies.
Wednesday, April 19, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Allan saying they were ordered back so I guess I won't see him this year.
Thursday, April 20, 1939 (age 52): Card from Ruth Haviland from Philadelphia where she is this week.
Friday, April 21, 1939 (age 52): Went over to Carters & Mrs C invited us all over for Sat night supper, but Roland was going down to Beach so we put it off till he could come. He went down & helped Mrs A. move back.
Saturday, April 22, 1939 (age 52): Had a permanent wave Sat. in Law. Letter from John.
Sunday, April 23, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Monday, April 24, 1939 (age 52): Went to movies-- Helen Higgins of Chestnut got the money.
Tuesday, April 25, 1939 (age 52): It has rained and been cold practically all this week. Sent letter to Mary with snaps of Jean & me in it.
Wednesday, April 26, 1939 (age 52): Went over to Carters after work. She had a woman roomer for two or three days.
Thursday, April 27, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Jerry & I wrote to him telling him I didn't know when I'd be down but I thought to myself I'd go down Saturday.
Friday, April 28, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, April 29, 1939 (age 52): Went to Boston & saw Jerry. We went to Keithis [?] & saw Irene & Vernon Castle & The Spirit of Culver.
Sunday, April 30, 1939 (age 52): Went to church. Learned Mr. Morris had the shingles, but he preached. This was the day I hoped to see Allan in New York.
Monday, May 1, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Tuesday, May 2, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, May 3, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, May 4, 1939 (age 52): Sent a little dress & bib out to San Diego for baby's birthday.
Friday, May 5, 1939 (age 52): Mary left Centralia to go back to San Diego.
Saturday, May 6, 1939 (age 52): Went to circus in Boston with Jerry. Jean went along too.
Sunday, May 7, 1939 (age 52): Went to church. 2 hours long communion. We were all invited to Carters to dinner & then we gave them a ride to Wilmington & around.
Monday, May 8, 1939 (age 52): Mary got back to San Diego but the fleet hadn't got in. She got back the same apartment as they had before. 2976 Fir St. She wrote so I got it the 15th but she sent it the 12th. [and the entry was on the 8th]
Tuesday, May 9, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Wednesday, May 10, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Thursday, May 11, 1939 (age 52): Little Mary Christine's birthday. One year old. She had a birthday cake, but Allan wasn't there.
Friday, May 12, 1939 (age 52): He didn't get in until today, Mary thought. Went to a conference at church.
Saturday, May 13, 1939 (age 52): Had hair washed & waved. Ate icecream in Lawrence.
Sunday, May 14, 1939 (age 52): Mother's Day. Had some more indigestion & lumbago so didn't go to church. Got telegrams from Allan & John & perfume from Jean.
Monday, May 15, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Mary I already spoke about. One from John telling about exams. Hope he passes all right. Saw Dodge City at movies.
Tuesday, May 16, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Wednesday, May 17, 1939 (age 52): Bessie said it was a year ago we had trouble about the Legenda. Then Barbara came out & found a mistake she let go in this year's.
Thursday, May 18, 1939 (age 52): Worked every night so far this week.
Friday, May 19, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Saturday, May 20, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Sunday, May 21, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Monday, May 22, 1939 (age 52): My baby's 20th birthday. Went to movies & felt all right, but woke up on Tuesday morning with awful headache so Jean got Dr. He gave me some green capsules for my liver & I stayed out Tues & Wed. morn.
Tuesday, May 23, 1939 (age 52): Submarine sank. 38 saved, 26 drowned.
Wednesday, May 24, 1939 (age 52): Letter from John. 36th out of 683 [?]. Bessie came up Tues eve & said everything was all right but I found when I got back it wasn't so a page of Pine Manor had to be done over.
Thursday, May 25, 1939 (age 52): Jean went down to beach and I sure will miss her. Roland took her down & came back & then went down to Lynn to take his father down to Alfred Maine to their lot.
Friday, May 26, 1939 (age 52): Washed hair.
Saturday, May 27, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Sunday, May 28, 1939 (age 52): Went to Free church. Virginia sent money for flowers for Sue.
Monday, May 29, 1939 (age 52): Movies. No one got money. I stayed only through one picture. Roland went down to beach but took down wreath to baby's grave.
Tuesday, May 30, 1939 (age 52): Memorial Day. Doris & Alec took me down with big basket. Had some forgetmenots for Ernest.
Wednesday, May 31, 1939 (age 52): Had to work all day. Did ironing & some washing when I got home.
Thursday, June 1, 1939 (age 52): Hectic day about getting a fellow's name wrong in Pean Exeter book. Had to print a couple of pages over. Half sick with worry over books. Wish I could quit.
Friday, June 2, 1939 (age 52): John started on cruise to Halifax, Quebec & down the coast.
Saturday, June 3, 1939 (age 52): British sub sunk. All lost it is believed. Hectic forenoon over Wheelock book. Hope we got it straight. Went to Law. & got slip & nightgown. Went to Abbot baccalaureate.
Sunday, June 4, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Salem Town to eat with Roland & then on to Saugus to see the gang. Went down to Nat's too.
Monday, June 5, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Tuesday, June 6, 1939 (age 52): Roland went down to the beach.
Wednesday, June 7, 1939 (age 52): Busy all week with books but they are getting better now. So we can breathe.
Thursday, June 8, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Friday, June 9, 1939 (age 52): Bessie left this week.
Saturday, June 10, 1939 (age 52): Allan's 28th birthday. Sent card & dollar.
Sunday, June 11, 1939 (age 52): Went to Phillips Baccalaureate & it was hot!
Monday, June 12, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Tuesday, June 13, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Wednesday, June 14, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Thursday, June 15, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Strombegs near Salem Willows with Ethel in her car.
Friday, June 16, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Saturday, June 17, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Sunday, June 18, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Saugus & found Milton had been hurt, car stolen & him banged over the head.
Monday, June 19, 1939 (age 52): Sent card & dime to Joyce for her 6th birthday.
Tuesday, June 20, 1939 (age 52): Minerva came up for a short time. Bought a house in Brockton.
Wednesday, June 21, 1939 (age 52): Letter from John posted 10th by way of New York.
Thursday, June 22, 1939 (age 52): Went to Punchard banquet, 35 years out. Carters went.
Friday, June 23, 1939 (age 52): Went down to York Beach. Rainy so they didn't think I'd come so didn't meet me but came after I telephoned from Dover.
Saturday, June 24, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Sunday, June 25, 1939 (age 52): Church at Ogunquit with Jean & Mrs Andrews. Jean's 30th birthday. Gave her perfume.
Monday, June 26, 1939 (age 52): Came home from beach.
Tuesday, June 27, 1939 (age 52): Carters
Wednesday, June 28, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Jean saying Roland isn't feeling any too well but is up.
Thursday, June 29, 1939 (age 52): Carters for cards.
Friday, June 30, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, July 1, 1939 (age 52): Went out to Virginia's for over the Fourth. She has a little stone house quite cute.
Sunday, July 2, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Monday, July 3, 1939 (age 52): Her Jewish friends Sigmund and Frances Brooke & their son came & stayed over Monday.
Tuesday, July 4, 1939 (age 52): Independence Day. Came home. Noisiest holiday for some time. Began to get hot.
Wednesday, July 5, 1939 (age 52): And it has been hot all this week and no thundershowers to cool off yet.
Thursday, July 6, 1939 (age 52): Nothing much doing except Phillips Bulletin got out at 4 oclock.
Friday, July 7, 1939 (age 52): Mrs Flint got home from camp.
Saturday, July 8, 1939 (age 52): Hottest yet. Been in house all day & sweat like a trooper.
Sunday, July 9, 1939 (age 52): Cooled off a little but still plenty hot. Didn't go to church.
Monday, July 10, 1939 (age 52): Paid bank & got it down to $10.
Tuesday, July 11, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, July 12, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, July 13, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, July 14, 1939 (age 52): Went to Salem Willows with Annie Buchan & Ethel Hitchcock.
Saturday, July 15, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Sunday, July 16, 1939 (age 52): Went to church & Mr. Morris said he hadn't seen me for a long time.
Monday, July 17, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Tuesday, July 18, 1939 (age 52): Was going to Esplanade concert but got the jitters so didn't go. Had a lot of toothache & face ache.
Wednesday, July 19, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, July 20, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, July 21, 1939 (age 52): Ruth Saunders went on vacation to Chautauqua.
Saturday, July 22, 1939 (age 52): Went down to York with Carters as Russell & his family were there. Jerry came & stayed over Sunday. We all roomed at Grovers.
Sunday, July 23, 1939 (age 52): Went in bathing.
Monday, July 24, 1939 (age 52): Roland drove Mrs Carter & me home. He stayed overnight & went to clinic Tuesday. Didn't come back till Wednesday night & then went down to beach.
Tuesday, July 25, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, July 26, 1939 (age 52): Letters from Allan & Mary & card from Allan from San Francisco.
Thursday, July 27, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Annisquam with Phil Cole who showed me all around Gloucester.
Friday, July 28, 1939 (age 52): Got 2 weeks pay for vacation. Went to Lawrence & bought new foundation but took too long to get into it so changed for a corset.
Saturday, July 29, 1939 (age 52): Played cards at Carters.
Sunday, July 30, 1939 (age 52): All this month has been dry. Went down to Gloucester & saw Arkansas come in.
Monday, July 31, 1939 (age 52): Sultry weather. Went on board the Arkansas. Came back home. Just missed a big shower.
Tuesday, August 1, 1939 (age 52): John came up from Gloucester with Paul Durand & family.
Wednesday, August 2, 1939 (age 52): Weather clear, hot still but not that awful fog. I got John & steak dinner & we went to movies in afternoon.
Thursday, August 3, 1939 (age 52): Roland came Tues. night & stayed over. He went to the clinic Wed. & John went down to York Beach & took Jean to dance. David Lovely went along. John came back Thursday & went back to ship.
Friday, August 4, 1939 (age 52): Friday I had my hair washed & went to movies in p.m. Saw Goodbye Mr. Chips.
Saturday, August 5, 1939 (age 52): Sat went down to Gloucester again & after the captain's reception I took John & Paul to supper & we spent evening at the place I was staying.
Sunday, August 6, 1939 (age 52): Jerry came down & David Lovely, M. Dooley, the Thiras girls, E. Deyermond & Esther Batchelder all went aboard ship. Came home Sunday night.
Monday, August 7, 1939 (age 52): Got vegetables Monday & fixed corset & will go to movies in pm. This part of vacation over.
Tuesday, August 8, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Dea's and was introduced to Mrs. Geo. Howell. Invited her to supper Friday but she was over to Henry Dea's so didn't come.'
Wednesday, August 9, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, August 10, 1939 (age 52): Stayed home & read book.
Friday, August 11, 1939 (age 52): Didn't have to work in pm, so went to Lawrence & paid up bank loan. Got satin for slip. Ethel up to supper.
Saturday, August 12, 1939 (age 52): Told Mrs Flint I was going to get out by Oct 1. Too far to walk. Carters'.
Sunday, August 13, 1939 (age 52): Good breeze but awful hot. Went to Free church. Feel terrible from heat.
Monday, August 14, 1939 (age 52): Got new bank loan & paid up Lundgren & $25 to Mrs Lane. Weather all this week has been awful. Cut out slip and was too hot to work on it but did manage to get it done this week. It doesn't pay though for you can buy slips so cheap.
Tuesday, August 15, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, August 16, 1939 (age 52): Got letter from John from Norfolk, Va. He comes up to New York Friday and marches at World's Fair next Monday.
Thursday, August 17, 1939 (age 52): Had to write poem for birthday gift for Phil Cole's father-in-law.
Friday, August 18, 1939 (age 52): Only worked ½Sven day. Had hair washed & waved.
Saturday, August 19, 1939 (age 52): Went down to beach again with Nellie & Geo. They are staying a week. Foggy & hot.
Sunday, August 20, 1939 (age 52): Went to church at the beach. Svensons came down & Irwin Ormsby & we all went in bathing. Even J. & R. Storm of rain all afternoon & even.
Monday, August 21, 1939 (age 52): R. took me to Portsmouth. Nell & George came. Came home from beach. Had to tell Miss Cronin I wouldn't take house. Felt bad too for I liked it.
Tuesday, August 22, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Jerry who wanted to know if I wanted to go to N.Y. I told him I couldn't afford it. Did some washing.
Wednesday, August 23, 1939 (age 52): A little cooler but not much. Sun awfully hot. Went to bed at 9.30 and did get some sleep.
Thursday, August 24, 1939 (age 52): Letter from John from Valley Stream L.I. NY where he's staying for 2 days.
Friday, August 25, 1939 (age 52): The Flints have fixed the water so it comes fine now. Had to write another poem for P.C. for his wife's birthday.
Saturday, August 26, 1939 (age 52): Etta Cashan & Ray Somerville went to NY by bus. Had a manicure at Mrs Addis. Went down to Nantucket with Jerry.
Sunday, August 27, 1939 (age 52): Church.
Monday, August 28, 1939 (age 52): Movies-- Saw On Borrowed Time. Very good. Letter from Mary Dee with films. Took them to Lowes to be printed. Came out good except 2.
Tuesday, August 29, 1939 (age 52): Letter from John saying he'd be home after Labor Day.
Wednesday, August 30, 1939 (age 52): Carters' for games.
Thursday, August 31, 1939 (age 52): * Margaret Hodge's father died. Ruth down in bookstore. Carters for supper.
Friday, September 1, 1939 (age 52): War in Poland. Had hair washed. Flints went to NY. Went over to Carters as they couldn't go to Russells until Sat. as someone wanted to look over Geo. building at P.O.
Saturday, September 2, 1939 (age 52): Had supper with Bessie.
Sunday, September 3, 1939 (age 52): Bad cold or hay fever. Didn't go out but did ironing & mending.
Monday, September 4, 1939 (age 52): Britain & France war on Germany. Stayed in but went to movies in p.m. Ethel came up. She had been to Cape.
Tuesday, September 5, 1939 (age 52): John came home on Sept. leave. David Lovely had been down to World's Fair & they drove home together. Slept all day. I found out his gear dumped on floor when I got home a minute but had to go off.
Wednesday, September 6, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, September 7, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, September 8, 1939 (age 52): Work beginning to come in. Had to work this pm. Had hair washed & manicured.
Saturday, September 9, 1939 (age 52): John & I went to Jackson for a week. Got there 9.30. Paton girls & Shattucks there.
Sunday, September 10, 1939 (age 52): Met some nice new people. Paton girls took us to Glen Ellis Falls. Rained during afternoon & evening.
Monday, September 11, 1939 (age 52): Prestons came. Very jolly. Had ride around Bartlett & Bear Mountain.
Tuesday, September 12, 1939 (age 52): Mr & Mrs Shattuck gave Miss Carter & me ride to Gorham & Glen Ellis Falls.
Wednesday, September 13, 1939 (age 52): John came back home. Tried to make him stay but he wouldn't. Paton girls & Prestons rode down to Intervale to see him off. He went up to Vermont to see Uncle Ellis & Aunt Annie on Thurs.
Thursday, September 14, 1939 (age 52): I went with Paton girls on Skimobile. Fun.
Friday, September 15, 1939 (age 52): Climbed to Lodges. Awfully hot. Thought I'd have a shock my head beat so.
Saturday, September 16, 1939 (age 52): Sat. hot too. Came home. The crowd came to station.
Sunday, September 17, 1939 (age 52): Went to church with John.
Monday, September 18, 1939 (age 52): Started in work on Mondays today. P.A. Bull. & Treas. Report. Art job.
Tuesday, September 19, 1939 (age 52): H.A.A. first form. Busy now & I'm glad of it. Lot cooler weather.
Wednesday, September 20, 1939 (age 52): Second form of H.A.A. & Art job. Letter from Jean not to sell sewing machine.
Thursday, September 21, 1939 (age 52): A year ago was the hurricane.
Friday, September 22, 1939 (age 52): John & I went to Manse to eat. Carters in even. George's birthday. Mays were there.
Saturday, September 23, 1939 (age 52): John & I fixed part of the attic. Letters from Mary Dee & Jean. Went to Law. & had hair waved.
Sunday, September 24, 1939 (age 52): Went to Saugus & had dinner. David took John down to York Beach.
Monday, September 25, 1939 (age 52): John stayed at beach till Wednesday when Jean & he drove back and Buddie came along too.
Tuesday, September 26, 1939 (age 52): I went down to the movies to see The Wizard of Oz & Dorothy & Sonny came up to get the stuff but I wasn't around. However, Uncle Nelson & Oscar & Dorothy came up Wednesday and took back desk & linoleum & some dishes.
Wednesday, September 27, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, September 28, 1939 (age 52): Jean had baked a cake for John & I got some hamburg & potato chips & we had a swell supper. He left for Annapolis, driving down.
Friday, September 29, 1939 (age 52): Saw in the paper 4 middies killed driving in from Texas.
Saturday, September 30, 1939 (age 52): Jean helped me move & got out Sat. morn. Jean went back Sat. p.m. & she was pretty tired. Got letter from Mary saying Allan left for Hawaii the 18th of Sept & she was going the 29th so she's on her way. Left baby with sister & mother.
Sunday, October 1, 1939 (age 52): Went to North Andover & saw Belle & Helen.
Monday, October 2, 1939 (age 52): Worked. Busy too. Bates issue of H.A.A. out today. Letters from Jean & John.
Tuesday, October 3, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, October 4, 1939 (age 52): Got a letter from Jerry wanting to know why I didn't stay another day & say Hello to him up at Jackson. Made me mad so he can wait for an answer.
Thursday, October 5, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, October 6, 1939 (age 52): Saw Esther Batchelder & she said they had a wonderful time. Jerry rode back with her.
Saturday, October 7, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Sunday, October 8, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Brockton to see Minerva. Had a good time.
Monday, October 9, 1939 (age 52): Had to work as there is a holiday this week. Newton Com. Chest is having a 32 page book to send out, a takeoff on Life.
Tuesday, October 10, 1939 (age 52): No H.A.A. this week as Harvard plays Chicago at Chicago.
Wednesday, October 11, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Allan from Pearl Harbor. Sent him one letter from Jean saying she'd been sick. Also from John this week. Wrote to both.
Thursday, October 12, 1939 (age 52): Had bad neuralgia & toothache.
Friday, October 13, 1939 (age 52): Went to movies & saw Little Peppers & Man in Iron Mask.
Saturday, October 14, 1939 (age 52): Went to Lawrence & paid 2nd loan on bank. Ate supper at Carters.
Sunday, October 15, 1939 (age 52): Headache & feel miserable. Dinner at Carters. Went to walk with Nellie over Carmel hill.
Monday, October 16, 1939 (age 52): Rather busy at Press with football programs, Abbot Bulletin, Mass. Dental Bulletin, etc. Played rummy after movies.
Tuesday, October 17, 1939 (age 52): The Duncans were here again. So cold I didn't go to Law. as thought I might. Did some ironing & mending & put some things in Goodwill bag.
Wednesday, October 18, 1939 (age 52): Went to Free church fair & tea in p.m. & bought ½ doz cupcakes, a book & a wall duster.
Thursday, October 19, 1939 (age 52): Eleanor Svenson & Janet in at Press. Carters went up to David Mays for their 35th anniversary.
Friday, October 20, 1939 (age 52): Had turkey supper at Free church. Letters from John & Jean. Wrote to both. Am having a permanent Sat.
Saturday, October 21, 1939 (age 52): Tooth bothering again. Went in and found I had another cavity.
Sunday, October 22, 1939 (age 52): Had a great fortune at fair.
Monday, October 23, 1939 (age 52): Went to movies but no one got money. Had tooth filled but doesn't feel so good.
Tuesday, October 24, 1939 (age 52): Went to South church harvest supper & then over to Christ ch. & sewed for Red Cross.
Wednesday, October 25, 1939 (age 52): Tooth kicked up all night so had it out. My face swelled up quite a lot & I was sore, so I didn't eat much.
Thursday, October 26, 1939 (age 52): Had letter from John wanting me to send money for tickets & he would pay half. So I sent him $10. Will send more later. He wants Jean & Roland & David to come to the game.
Friday, October 27, 1939 (age 52): Letters from Allan & Jean. Mary wrote too. Likes it a lot in Honolulu. I wrote to John.
Saturday, October 28, 1939 (age 52): Rained in morning so the game between Punchard & Lexington cancelled. Went to Law. & got some things at the Sterling.
Sunday, October 29, 1939 (age 52): A beautiful day. Had dinner at Carters' & Nellie & I went to walk in p.m.
Monday, October 30, 1939 (age 52): Movies. Hollinghurst got one $150.
Tuesday, October 31, 1939 (age 52): Rained like anything. Went to supper at Free church.
Wednesday, November 1, 1939 (age 52): Letter from John. He has the trench mouth again.
Thursday, November 2, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Jean.
Friday, November 3, 1939 (age 52): Went to whist party at Bertha Cuthill's for Eastern Star.
Saturday, November 4, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Dot. Went to Boston & got me a new coat at McDonnells. Beautiful day. Carters went over to Shattuck farm with the Thaxter Eatons.
Sunday, November 5, 1939 (age 52): Cloudy & rained in p.m. I went down & saw Wilfred at Saugus. Uncle Oscar is living in the historic house down there.
Monday, November 6, 1939 (age 52): No one got the money as usual. Nice day after the storm.
Tuesday, November 7, 1939 (age 52): Had supper at Bessie's. Letters from John twice this week. He's having trench mouth trouble again but is getting better.
Wednesday, November 8, 1939 (age 52): No entry for this day.
Thursday, November 9, 1939 (age 52): Went up to West church to chicken pie supper with Annie Buchan.
Friday, November 10, 1939 (age 52): Sent money to bank as it wouldn't be open on Armistice Day. Telephoned Helen Hardy about going to the A.N. game & she wants to go.
Saturday, November 11, 1939 (age 52): Armistice Day. Went to Boston & saw the cadets march then back to the Station where I met Annie Buchan & we walked to the Statler & had lunch.
Sunday, November 12, 1939 (age 52): Jean & Roland came up & we went to Saugus where we missed Wilfred as he & Uncle N. went to Sherborn. Ethel came over Sunday eve.
Monday, November 13, 1939 (age 52): No one got money at movies. Wrote to Mr. Morris telling him I'd do the secretary work at ch. but he probably won't think I'll do. Can do it only at night.
Tuesday, November 14, 1939 (age 52): Got the Scotch tape & container I sent for.
Wednesday, November 15, 1939 (age 52): Got out 2 forms of Harvard Yale H.A.A.
Thursday, November 16, 1939 (age 52): Went to fashion show at Punchard. Letter from Jean.
Friday, November 17, 1939 (age 52): Letters from John & Allan. Picture of baby. Mary has been vaccinated. Had supper at Carters.
Saturday, November 18, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Sunday, November 19, 1939 (age 52): Had dinner at Carters & Nellie & I went to walk in p.m.
Monday, November 20, 1939 (age 52): Got tickets for Army-Navy game. The final H.A.A. for this year went to press & Harold said I did a good job. Saw Frank Markey on Friday & he said a fellow from P.A. had bought R.'s fur coat & paid down $40 & would pay $10 more. I sent the check for $40 to them. Hope they can go to the A-N game. David wants to go but has little money. I told him I'd lend him some.
Tuesday, November 21, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, November 22, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, November 23, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, November 24, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, November 25, 1939 (age 52): Yale beat Harvard 20-7 in an upset game. Went to Lawrence & ate with Annie Buchan.
Sunday, November 26, 1939 (age 52): Went to church & had dinner at Carters who had turkey in anticipation of the family who didn't come.
Monday, November 27, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Jean who was tickled over check. I guess they will go to game.
Tuesday, November 28, 1939 (age 52): Letter from Virginia. Both Joyce & Dickie have had whooping cough.
Wednesday, November 29, 1939 (age 52): Jean & Roland came up from beach & stayed over night at Eleanor's.
Thursday, November 30, 1939 (age 52): Thanksgiving. Went down to Nat & Edith's for dinner. Quite a time at night at Carters decided whether David would go to game. He finally weakened.
Friday, December 1, 1939 (age 52): Jean, Roland, David Lovely & Helen Hardy left today for game. Minerva telephoned up from Brockton for Virginia's address.
Saturday, December 2, 1939 (age 52): Army-Navy game. Navy won 10-0. Had hair washed.
Sunday, December 3, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Bessie's Sat. night to supper but threw it up & was sick all night. Stayed in bed all day Sunday. J. & R. got home Sunday night & stayed at Carters over night. Had breakfast & went home Monday. They had a wonderful time at game.
Monday, December 4, 1939 (age 52): Nellie & I went to Boston & did some shopping. I felt better but rather weak. Got green pill prescription filled for liver. No one got money at movies.
Tuesday, December 5, 1939 (age 52): Sent box away to Allan & Mary this week. Suppose they are on their way home.
Wednesday, December 6, 1939 (age 52): Jean writes Roland may have a job at Portsmouth Navy yard so they may not go South this next week.
Thursday, December 7, 1939 (age 52): Church fair. Got letter from John with his marks for term. Down in English again but ok in daily marks.
Friday, December 8, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, December 9, 1939 (age 52): Went to Law. & got a few more Xmas presents & creche for table. Gad gumboil & Ethel told me to press it with cotton & I did & a lot of pus came out.
Sunday, December 10, 1939 (age 52): Went in & called on Miss Farmer & Lucy with Nellie. Rain.
Monday, December 11, 1939 (age 52): Went down to dentists & showed him the gumboil so he pulled out tooth. It was too bad for the tooth was good but loose. Don't feel especially well.
Tuesday, December 12, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Wednesday, December 13, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, December 14, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, December 15, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, December 16, 1939 (age 52): Had hair washed at Harper method shop.
Sunday, December 17, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Boston with Ethel Hitchcock & Annie Buchan to hear Messiah but couldn't get seats. Had supper at Statler.
Monday, December 18, 1939 (age 52): Am beginning to get lots of cards. Have sent all mine except one or two.
Tuesday, December 19, 1939 (age 52): The weather is cold but keeps clear. We have had a little snow but it has gone.
Wednesday, December 20, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Thursday, December 21, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Friday, December 22, 1939 (age 52): Carters went to Easthamton. Finished errands & went up to see George Carney's wife as she was alone. Andover Press party.
Saturday, December 23, 1939 (age 52): John got here about 2 oclock this morning. Waited up for him. Got Pinnochio at A.P. party.
Sunday, December 24, 1939 (age 52): Woke up with splitting headache but went to church & then Dave drove John & me down to York Beach to see Jean & Roland. Had the place to ourselves.
Monday, December 25, 1939 (age 52): Christmas. We had a swell feed at York Beach with Jean & Roland. I came home by train from Dover. Jean & John driving me up there from the beach. Went to movies but no one got the money. there is a petition to stop Bank night. Mrs. Carter didn't feel well all the time she was in Easthampton so went to the doctor Tuesday to see what was the matter & he said she had the grip.
Tuesday, December 26, 1939 (age 52): John & David went down to Portland I suppose to a dance down there at the Eastland hotel.
Wednesday, December 27, 1939 (age 52): Got package from Allan with things for Jean & Roland in it. Sent them along & wrote letters to Minerva, Virginia & Eleanor & Aunt Fannie. Eva & Ethel sent over package.
Thursday, December 28, 1939 (age 52): John went to dance at Shawsheen by Jr. King's Daughters with Doris Maithorn [sp?]. Got a kiddiegram kidding him about it from David & Helen.
Friday, December 29, 1939 (age 52): No entry for today.
Saturday, December 30, 1939 (age 52): Went down to Boston with David & Helen to one of David's friend's house & didn't get back till 3 Sunday. Jean & Roland came up. Had hair washed.
Sunday, December 31, 1939 (age 52): Didn't go to church but took J., R. & John up to Manse for dinner. John left for New Year celebration in Boston with David.
See the diary entries for 1940.
See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.
This page was last modified on 08/13/2025 21:34:05