Life of Mary Caroline Findley (from Her Diary Entries for 1941)

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

See the diary entries for 1940.

Note: The 1941 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.

Wednesday, January 1, 1941 (age 53): John didn't get home this past Xmas but sent his picture & this calendar. The New Year's Day was pleasant but it stormed after that, and the weather was really unseasonable-- too warm. I had a bad cold so didn't go in on Tues. morning. The Press closed for a while for Jack Davis's wife's funeral.

Thursday, January 2, 1941 (age 53): Handkerchief & letter from Minnie. I was late ½Sven hr today, but I laid to the cold, for I did sleep very well.

Friday, January 3, 1941 (age 53): Worked till 4. Got letters from John, Allan, Jerry!! Aunt Fannie who has moved to 84 Trumbull St. Another from John today & one from E. Ramsdell Tucker this week too. So sent $12.06 to bank by mail.

Saturday, January 4, 1941 (age 53): No entry for this day.

Sunday, January 5, 1941 (age 53): Wet snow on trees pretty. Stayed in except to go over to Dantos for jar of cream. Beautiful morning but clouding up some. Colder.

Monday, January 6, 1941 (age 53): Went to movies & saw Pastor Hall, a German propaganda picture. [Really!? It portrayed Pastor Martin Niemöller, who preached against the Nazi party in his small village and was sent to Dachau concentration camp. The film was certainly not German propaganda!] Good acting but it depressed me.

Tuesday, January 7, 1941 (age 53): Working on Index & Technique. Letter from Anne Coleman Melrose saying Ethel had a son Dec. 9.

Wednesday, January 8, 1941 (age 53): Went over to Carters. George Carney getting through this week to go to camp. Gave a dollar towards a watch for him.

Thursday, January 9, 1941 (age 53): Got our yearly notice about wages & I was cut another dollar a week.

Friday, January 10, 1941 (age 53): Letter from Allan & Christine.

Saturday, January 11, 1941 (age 53): Had hair shampooed-- Went to Lawrence &am; got nightgown, pillow. Letter from Jean.

Sunday, January 12, 1941 (age 53): Went to church.

Monday, January 13, 1941 (age 53): Had Annie Buchan up for dinner. Went to movies & saw N. Eddy & J. MacDonald in Bittersweet.

Tuesday, January 14, 1941 (age 53): Not such good weather during week-- snow & then thawing.

Wednesday, January 15, 1941 (age 53): Letter from Jean with more pictures of Christine which I sent to Roland to look at.

Thursday, January 16, 1941 (age 53): Mrs Flint came in to see pictures of baby some time this week.

Friday, January 17, 1941 (age 53): Bill Daly died.

Saturday, January 18, 1941 (age 53): Roland came up. Visited E. Hitchcock & I. Williams who were sick. Geo. & Nellie came over in even.

Sunday, January 19, 1941 (age 53): Didn't go to church-- Cleared off in p.m. R. & I went in to Margaret's for dinner. Went over to Carters after a walk where N. & I visited Miss Farmer & L. Gibson.

Monday, January 20, 1941 (age 53): Nice out today.

Tuesday, January 21, 1941 (age 53): Letter from Jean and Mrs Johnstone out in Calif.

Wednesday, January 22, 1941 (age 53): Went over to Carters & Roland came in.

Thursday, January 23, 1941 (age 53): Up about the Social Security but didn't get any satisfaction out of it.

Friday, January 24, 1941 (age 53): Didn't work this p.m. but went to movies & saw Thief of Baghdad. Snow when I came out & snowed during night.

Saturday, January 25, 1941 (age 53): Had hair washed. Didn't go to Barbara's wedding. Had supper at Carters. Made lemon pie. Mr. Cheever died.

Sunday, January 26, 1941 (age 53): No letter from John for 3 weeks. Didn't go to church as I still cough. Ethel in & we had soup & cup of tea. Nellie in for a few minutes.

Monday, January 27, 1941 (age 53): Fire at Free church-- Burnt out pulpit & organ-- $30,000 damage. Saw Escape at movies.

Tuesday, January 28, 1941 (age 53): Town report in. Letters from Jean & Allan on Monday.

Wednesday, January 29, 1941 (age 53): Letters from Mrs. Locke from Beverly Hills, John & Jean. John has been sick with cold but passed exams. Mrs. Locke had heart attack & has to be carried up stairs. Lexie in. Sonny came in.

Thursday, January 30, 1941 (age 53): Ruth out sick with tonsillitis.

Friday, January 31, 1941 (age 53): Sonny came in again & stayed to supper. He's working for a plumbing firm in Stoneham & they are working on Statford Road.

Saturday, February 1, 1941 (age 53): Went to Boston. Bought slip & stockings.

Sunday, February 2, 1941 (age 53): Didn't go to church. Made rice custard pudding & lemon tarts. Also cooked a piece of ham for dinner. Ethel came in. Snowed.

Monday, February 3, 1941 (age 53): Worked today. Dot came in to work. Lexie took over Ruth's job on Wheaton catalog. Letters from Jean & John. 2 stripes.

Tuesday, February 4, 1941 (age 53): Got it done before Ruth came back. She generally gets out of the hard things.

Wednesday, February 5, 1941 (age 53): No entry for this day.

Thursday, February 6, 1941 (age 53): Letter from John. Thinks we could get along on Ensign's pay.

Friday, February 7, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Saturday, February 8, 1941 (age 53): Supper at Carters.

Sunday, February 9, 1941 (age 53): Went to church. Up at Carters for popcorn.

Monday, February 10, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Tuesday, February 11, 1941 (age 53): Got letter from Allan with picture of the four at St. Pete.

Wednesday, February 12, 1941 (age 53): Supper of Woman's Aux at church but I didn't go because I told Mrs Kimball I hated cigarettes.

Thursday, February 13, 1941 (age 53): Farragher paid dues a month ahead of time. Letter from Jean. Said she saw Bill Shaw, the former cop of St. Pete.

Friday, February 14, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Saturday, February 15, 1941 (age 53): Had hair washed & went to Law. & met Nellie. Went there for supper.

Sunday, February 16, 1941 (age 53): Church. Ethel came in in p.m., after I'd come from walk. Pretty cold.

Monday, February 17, 1941 (age 53): Had a letter from Doris Arnold, a roommate of Jean's in St. Pete, that Jean was sick & in Mound Park hospital. Sent telegram, letter, card with dollar and flowers after I'd heard from Jean herself.

Tuesday, February 18, 1941 (age 53): No entry for this day.

Wednesday, February 19, 1941 (age 53): No entry for this day.

Thursday, February 20, 1941 (age 53): Mr. Hamblin saw about Allan's transfer to the U.S.S. Astoria so sent it to me with a note & I sent on to Allan. Put in paper about Allan. Wrote to John & Jean.

Friday, February 21, 1941 (age 53): No entry for this day.

Saturday, February 22, 1941 (age 53): Had dinner at Fieldstones.

Sunday, February 23, 1941 (age 53): Bad fire at one of the old Smith & Dove mills in Abbott Village. Help from Law. & Reading.

Monday, February 24, 1941 (age 53): Went to movies. Jean wrote saying she was back at hotel.

Tuesday, February 25, 1941 (age 53): Got another letter saying she got flowers & that the guests were going to pay her hospital bill. Letter from Allan with 2 pictures of Chris & the dog Blackie in it. May come up here about March 10 on way to West Coast.

Wednesday, February 26, 1941 (age 53): Ash Wednesday.

Thursday, February 27, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Friday, February 28, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Saturday, March 1, 1941 (age 53): Lawrence & had hair washed at Donovan Sisters.

Sunday, March 2, 1941 (age 53): Went to church & Carters to supper.

Monday, March 3, 1941 (age 53): Voted. Letter from Jean saying she is better and one from John saying he had a fine time with Helen Hardy.

Tuesday, March 4, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Wednesday, March 5, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Thursday, March 6, 1941 (age 53): No entry for today.

Friday, March 7, 1941 (age 53): Allan got here tonight about 1.30 in the a.m.

Saturday, March 8, 1941 (age 53): Snowstorm worst of winter. Went to Law. with Mary & bought Chris new snow suit. Dog along & got lost from away down at H. Abbotts.

Sunday, March 9, 1941 (age 53): Minerva & John, Roland-- Fat Meadowcraft Ethel in for p.m. & got lunch for them.

Monday, March 10, 1941 (age 53): Allan, Mary, Chris & I went to Punchard & saw Mr. Hamblin Lovely, Mrs Carter-- They went to Boston in p.m. Roland too. [See top two pictures here.]

Tuesday, March 11, 1941 (age 53): [They l]eft about 10.30 for their drive west. Left box of candy & carnations for me. I felt terrible to have them go. Started to snow again Tues even.

Wednesday, March 12, 1941 (age 53): No entry for this day.

Thursday, March 13, 1941 (age 53): [They g]ot to Indianapolis at 6 pm according to card received Friday.

Friday, March 14, 1941 (age 53): [I] left for Annapolis on the Federal Express from Boston.

Saturday, March 15, 1941 (age 53): Got in about 9 oclock. Got a room across from Carvell Hall. Saw John. Went to Carvell Hall for dinner.

Sunday, March 16, 1941 (age 54): Telegram from Allan from Idaho Springs, Colo. [See bottom 2 pictures here.] Went to chapel & ushered in by John. Visited Montgomerys in p.m. organ recital. Left at 6.15 for Baltimore. Got Fed. Express up to Boston.

Monday, March 17, 1941 (age 54): Snow squall all morning but cleared in pm. Awfully cold. Movies: Johnson's I Married Adventure.

Tuesday, March 18, 1941 (age 54): Card from Svensons, Ethel & box of powder-- telegram from Jean & Allan-- Card from Aunt Fannie with check in it for $5.

Wednesday, March 19, 1941 (age 54): Went to church & greeted the Henrys. Mr. Henry preached.

Thursday, March 20, 1941 (age 54): Weather getting better.

Friday, March 21, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, March 22, 1941 (age 54): Allan left Centralia for trip down the coast.

Sunday, March 23, 1941 (age 54): Went to church. Eleanor & Janet were there.

Monday, March 24, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, March 25, 1941 (age 54): Allan & family got to Long Beach & are staying for a while with Mary's brother.

Wednesday, March 26, 1941 (age 54): Allan reported for duty at Terminal Island but ship not in so they went down to San Diego for some of their things.

Thursday, March 27, 1941 (age 54): No entry for this day.

Friday, March 28, 1941 (age 54): Got teeth from Dr. Kyle. Whist party at Bertha Cuthills. Sent John picture of Louise Childbrick being married in [illegible].

Saturday, March 29, 1941 (age 54): Worked in a.m. Hair washed-- Lawrence & borrowed some more money.

Sunday, March 30, 1941 (age 54): Went down to Minerva's on bus. Cold again in head & throat.

Monday, March 31, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Allan saying he got to Long Beach ok. Letter from Jean. Got bill for Buddie's dog license & paid it & asked Jean to reimburse me. Also Roland's poll tax. Wrote to him for that.

Tuesday, April 1, 1941 (age 54): No entry for this day.

Wednesday, April 2, 1941 (age 54): No entry for this day.

Thursday, April 3, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, April 4, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, April 5, 1941 (age 54): Worked in a.m. but had a bad headache so came home & lay on couch all day. Threw up what little I ate. Margaret got me some tea at night.

Sunday, April 6, 1941 (age 54): Had a terrible headache all day. Margaret got my breakfast. Ethel came in in evening.

Monday, April 7, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Allan saying they had a house at Belmont Shores & Mary's brother's wife is going to stay with them & help pay the rent.

Tuesday, April 8, 1941 (age 54): No entry for this day.

Wednesday, April 9, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Jean.

Thursday, April 10, 1941 (age 54): Bessie came in to see me, wondering when she would be called in Press.

Friday, April 11, 1941 (age 54): Had hair washed after work. Easter card from Jean. Letter on Saturday.

Saturday, April 12, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Mrs. Johnstone. She's seen Allan. Went to Boston in pm & got new dress, stockings & gloves. Worked in a.m.

Sunday, April 13, 1941 (age 54): Easter telegram from Allan. Went to Free church as I didn't feel able to sit through the long service at the Episcopal.

Monday, April 14, 1941 (age 54): Bessie came in to work. The largest books are being done-- Technique, Index, Hub, and am reading pages on others.

Tuesday, April 15, 1941 (age 54): No entry for this day.

Wednesday, April 16, 1941 (age 54): Mr. Carter is out of work for 6 weeks with stomach ulcers. Was up there Tues night. Had xray taken today.

Thursday, April 17, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, April 18, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, April 19, 1941 (age 54): Had to work but Bessie didn't.

Sunday, April 20, 1941 (age 54): Went to church & then was alone all day. It sure was hot.

Monday, April 21, 1941 (age 54): Going in at 9 & 8.30 to get early start as I don't have to work so late yet.

Tuesday, April 22, 1941 (age 54): Jean started yesterday from Florida & is driving Mr. Cobb. Stayed in Jacksonville Monday night.

Wednesday, April 23, 1941 (age 54): [She g]ot to Raleigh on Wednesday & called Eleanor Flint Rhodes up but she & children were sick with colds.

Thursday, April 24, 1941 (age 54): [She e]xpected to get to Washington by today & see John at Annapolis over weekend.

Friday, April 25, 1941 (age 54): Carters at Russells over weekend.

Saturday, April 26, 1941 (age 54): Cold.

Sunday, April 27, 1941 (age 54): Didn't go to church. Rained in morning. Took walk in p.m.

Monday, April 28, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Jean & card from Raleigh, N.C. also letter from Mrs Johnstone who has been visiting Allan's.

Tuesday, April 29, 1941 (age 54): Bad fire around Westford & Groton. Andover apparatus called.

Wednesday, April 30, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Jean from New York. Was with John over weekend.

Thursday, May 1, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Mrs Johnstone from Long Beach. Jean got here about 4.30 & had supper with me & then went down to beach with Mr. Cobb's things. She drove the car back to Boston & then came back here.

Friday, May 2, 1941 (age 54): Letter from John.

Saturday, May 3, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Dorothy. Got her baby a diaper bag & baby book. Saw the insurance man about Mr. Armstrong not coming.

Sunday, May 4, 1941 (age 54): Jean & I went to church. Mrs Carter over in p.m. & I walked back with her.

Monday, May 5, 1941 (age 54): Have been going in at 9 or 9.30 every morning to see if the forms have any mistakes on them. Some of them do.

Tuesday, May 6, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, May 7, 1941 (age 54): Sent a box of toys to Christine for her birthday--a ball, some crayons & books to mark in, some washcloths Jean put in and also a $ in a birthday card.

Thursday, May 8, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, May 9, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, May 10, 1941 (age 54): Roland came up for overnight. Brought a box of candy.

Sunday, May 11, 1941 (age 54): Mother's Day but I didn't go to curch. Roland went back to beach. Got stockings for Jean & Eleanor, a funny telegram from John & a gold wings pin from Allan.

Monday, May 12, 1941 (age 54): Still going in early but we aren't quite so busy as we were last year.

Tuesday, May 13, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, May 14, 1941 (age 54): Went up to Carters.

Thursday, May 15, 1941 (age 54): Had Annie Buchan in for lunch. She & E. Hitch. went for a ride at night & I was invited but couldn't go.

Friday, May 16, 1941 (age 54): Jean went to Red Sox–Cleve. ballgame.

Saturday, May 17, 1941 (age 54): Had hair waved at the Donovans & Helen rubbed my neck good.

Sunday, May 18, 1941 (age 54): Mr. & Mrs Norris have a son born early this morning. Saw her sister at early ch. to which Jean & I went.

Monday, May 19, 1941 (age 54): Jean went back with Roland to the beach. He came up Sunday. Had a bad cold so they have stayed at Freeman's this week. He went up to Dr. Sandberg while he was here & had an osteopathic treatment.

Tuesday, May 20, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, May 21, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, May 22, 1941 (age 54): This week was been a hectic one besides being hot. Several mistakes caught in time & others not. Cooled off toward the end of the week.

Friday, May 23, 1941 (age 54): Letter from John saying exams most over. Beginning of June Week down there. Dot left today.

Saturday, May 24, 1941 (age 54): Girls didn't work.

Sunday, May 25, 1941 (age 54): Went to Free church Virginia sent money for flowers for Sue so got calla lilies for the church.

Monday, May 26, 1941 (age 54): No one got money.

Tuesday, May 27, 1941 (age 54): Started to work more overtime. Found when correcting Pocuntuck Dunc had made XIV XIX. Had to print pages over.

Wednesday, May 28, 1941 (age 54): Thank goodness it's cooler. Rained. Letter from Jean saying she fell into a hole & hurt her leg. Ordered basket & wreath for cemetery. Eva took them down.

Thursday, May 29, 1941 (age 54): Pocuntuck being rushed. Harold going out there & the boy coming here.

Friday, May 30, 1941 (age 54): Walked down to cemetery & back in the morning. Eva had taken some flowers down the day before.

Saturday, May 31, 1941 (age 54): Worked in yesterday afternoon & all day today.

Sunday, June 1, 1941 (age 54): Went to Abbot Baccalaureate. Nellie came over & took us up to West Andover cemetery & put flowers on Mama's grave.

Monday, June 2, 1941 (age 54): Worked till 9 oclock.

Tuesday, June 3, 1941 (age 54): Jean's leg still bothering her. John got home about 11 oclock. We went to restaurant for dinner & he slept a good part of the afternoon & night.

Wednesday, June 4, 1941 (age 54): Started to rain at night & John got up at 3 oclock & went around Glennie's milk route. Saw a lot of changes.

Thursday, June 5, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, June 6, 1941 (age 54): Have come in every day early this week & worked late. The Pean-Exeter book is full of trouble this year. Men got through upstairs. Worked till 2 oclock.

Saturday, June 7, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Sunday, June 8, 1941 (age 54): John & I went to church-- Trinity Sunday so it's communion. John Elder sat with us. David Nonie had been down so he & John went to Boston to get some of his things.

Monday, June 9, 1941 (age 54): David & John together now and John went down to Charley Lovely's graduation at Bates over Sunday.

Tuesday, June 10, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, June 11, 1941 (age 54): Ethel got bumped into by army truck in convoy at corner of Chestnut & Main. Car fender dented. She was good & mad but not hurt any. This may have been last week [written July 5].

Thursday, June 12, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, June 13, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, June 14, 1941 (age 54): Bought couch $18.00. Paid $3 on it.

Sunday, June 15, 1941 (age 54): Hot. hot. hot. What weather!

Monday, June 16, 1941 (age 54): Cools off so we can go to work.

Tuesday, June 17, 1941 (age 54): Getting finished on Transit but some job. I really edited it.

Wednesday, June 18, 1941 (age 54): Punchard Alumni banquet. Jean & John & I went. they had a great time. Presentation to Mr. Hamblin of money from townspeople.

Thursday, June 19, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, June 20, 1941 (age 54): Paid on couch $3.

Saturday, June 21, 1941 (age 54): Jean, John & I went down to beach. John stayed week. Took Buddie from Eleanor's.

Sunday, June 22, 1941 (age 54): Awful hot. Stayed on piazza at Richmond Court all day. Jean brought up sandwiches & tonic. Cooler at night.

Monday, June 23, 1941 (age 54): Sent Mary tablecloth for birthday. John drove me to Portsmouth & I got a bus to Lawrence.

Tuesday, June 24, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, June 25, 1941 (age 54): Buddie lost down at Portsmouth. Jean is heartbroken. Her birthday too.

Thursday, June 26, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Mary thanking me for cloth. Chris getting freckles.

Friday, June 27, 1941 (age 54): Paid on couch $3. Hotter than hades in Lawrence.

Saturday, June 28, 1941 (age 54): Cleaned up for guests & almost died of heat.

Sunday, June 29, 1941 (age 54): Too hot for church or anything else. John came home from beach with Lovelys.

Monday, June 30, 1941 (age 54): Had a permanent. Nice breeze in beauty parlor.

Tuesday, July 1, 1941 (age 54): Announcement of Raynor Blaisdell wedding. Read last form of P.A. Bulletin so it's on the Press.

Wednesday, July 2, 1941 (age 54): Awfully hot but cooled off some at night.

Thursday, July 3, 1941 (age 54): John Leffin of Joplin Mo., Cally Carter of N.J. & Peggy Bailey of Silver Sp. Md. arrived at 1:30 a.m. Went to Luther Withams to supper.

Friday, July 4, 1941 (age 54): John & Peggy, John Leffin & Calley went to Scituate to see some midship. friend. Made icecream but Margaret & I had to eat it.

Saturday, July 5, 1941 (age 54): John & Peggy went to Vermont to see Uncle Ellis. Paid on couch $3.

Sunday, July 6, 1941 (age 54): Went to church, but home all day.

Monday, July 7, 1941 (age 54): John & Peggy didn't come as I expected & I got nervous & telephoned Ellis in Vermont & went over to police station wondering if there had been any accidents. They came Wednesday pm at 2 & got ready & went right away again so I had no chance to see John. I had a nervous crying spell over it.

Tuesday, July 8, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, July 9, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, July 10, 1941 (age 54): They got back all right to Annapolis visiting Peggy's relatives in Chestertown on the way.

Friday, July 11, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, July 12, 1941 (age 54): Hot again.

Sunday, July 13, 1941 (age 54): Didn't go to church as I slipped in bathtub Sat. & hurt my back.

Monday, July 14, 1941 (age 54): Went down to Washington to visit Johnstones. They met me in station & we went out to supper as we did every night. Went down shopping & then to the Gardners in evening.

Tuesday, July 15, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, July 16, 1941 (age 54): Over to Annapolis & saw John but Mrs. J. did most of the talking.

Thursday, July 17, 1941 (age 54): Getting hotter & very muggy. Couldn't sleep so decided to come home. They & the Gardners took me to a swell fish eating place Hogates & drove me around the basin & I started for home at 10 oclock.

Friday, July 18, 1941 (age 54): Rather hot on train but an east wind in Boston made it comfortable.

Saturday, July 19, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Sunday, July 20, 1941 (age 54): Mr. Morris Baptized baby & told about going away for year. Margaret & I went to cemetery in evening.

Monday, July 21, 1941 (age 54): Had hair waved. Went to movies but only stayed about 15 minutes-- fight pictures. Carters at night after aluminum [?] parade.

Tuesday, July 22, 1941 (age 54): Back to work but nothing much to do. Doing over a sample of the Bostonian.

Wednesday, July 23, 1941 (age 54): The men are painting at the Press.

Thursday, July 24, 1941 (age 54): Terribly hot weather.

Friday, July 25, 1941 (age 54): Ruth Saunders goes on vacation with pomp & ceremony as usual. Bad thundershower at night but didn't cool off much.

Saturday, July 26, 1941 (age 54): Got letter from Allan saying Mary & Chris left July 21 for Honolulu. [See picture 1 & picture 2.] He's on Astoria & doesn't know where he's going.

Sunday, July 27, 1941 (age 54): Margaret gone to Berkshires with her family.

Monday, July 28, 1941 (age 54): Nellie came in & I walked back with her. Card from Jean. She's very busy & hasn't much time to write.

Tuesday, July 29, 1941 (age 54): Letter from John saying he's studying well in spite of heat.

Wednesday, July 30, 1941 (age 54): Am broke this week so haven't been anywhere.

Thursday, July 31, 1941 (age 54): Nothing much doing at Press but have to be there.

Friday, August 1, 1941 (age 54): Paid up Sutherlands bill & laundry.

Saturday, August 2, 1941 (age 54): Made bread & doughnuts. Letter from Jean. Mrs. Herbert Lewis died.

Sunday, August 3, 1941 (age 54): Beautiful day.

Monday, August 4, 1941 (age 54): This whole week has been a lazy one at Press, as Hap & Ruth are out.

Tuesday, August 5, 1941 (age 54): Got three letters from Jean during week & wrote her that the Carters would be down on the 16th. She said maybe she could finance me down there, but I told her not to.

Wednesday, August 6, 1941 (age 54): Mrs Hannah Duncan died, nurse at Abbot Acad. Mrs Walker died.

Thursday, August 7, 1941 (age 54): Got one letter from John & wrote him 2. Got his report for term & he passed in everything.

Friday, August 8, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, August 9, 1941 (age 54): Had treatment at Dr. Sandberg for my knee.

Sunday, August 10, 1941 (age 54): Wrote to Jerry saying I supposed he was pretty near through at the Post Office and got one back saying he got through on Tuesday the 12th & was having 2 weeks vacation before his retirement. He's going up to Jackson the 2nd week in Sept as usual.

Monday, August 11, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, August 12, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, August 13, 1941 (age 54): Ne letters from Jean or John this week. Was up at Carters to supper and also Mon., Tues. & Wed evens playing croquet & rummy.

Thursday, August 14, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, August 15, 1941 (age 54): Baked 2 pies & fried fish today & drymopped & dusted also washed kitchen floor.

Saturday, August 16, 1941 (age 54): Carters went to York Beach.

Sunday, August 17, 1941 (age 54): Went to church. Mr. Grimby of Marblehead preached.

Monday, August 18, 1941 (age 54): Jerry didn't care much for my letter but I wrote him another one & said I'd probably be at York Beach this next weekend but I didn't go.

Tuesday, August 19, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, August 20, 1941 (age 54): Got letter from Jean. Went up to see Clarence O'Connell & stayed longer than I intended to & found Dorothy & baby & Wilfred when I got home.

Thursday, August 21, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, August 22, 1941 (age 54): Had hair washed at Donovans & paid $2 on permanent.

Saturday, August 23, 1941 (age 54): Got a piece of ham & cooked it & had brown betty. Invited Margaret to supper.

Sunday, August 24, 1941 (age 54): Margaret & I went to Salem Willows & had fish dinner, then to Marblehead to Lynn & Nahant back to Lynn to Clintondale where we walked down to see where Allan was born. Quite a change on the street. Then to Malden, to Lowell, to Lawrence & home. Roland came up for a few minutes as he was driving someone to Malden.

Monday, August 25, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, August 26, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, August 27, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, August 28, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, August 29, 1941 (age 54): Paid $5 to bank rather than $11.76 as I needed the money for vacation.

Saturday, August 30, 1941 (age 54): Went down to York Beach & Jean got me a room in Mrs. Talpey's house near Short Sands. She's Mrs. Wagner's mother.

Sunday, August 31, 1941 (age 54): Miserable day for a holiday weekend but lots of cars just the same. Rained all night.

Monday, September 1, 1941 (age 54): Cleared in afternoon & I had a good soak in the morning. Saw Jerry & Esther passing through York.

Tuesday, September 2, 1941 (age 54): Jean drove me up to Dover & I got up some little verses for jokes for goldenrod party.

Wednesday, September 3, 1941 (age 54): Got to Jackson in time for dinner. Heard Jerry was going to be married but kind of quieted that down.

Thursday, September 4, 1941 (age 54): Prestons drove me & Meachams to shop in Woods & around on Wednesday. Beautiful weather 2 days.

Friday, September 5, 1941 (age 54): Friday cloudy & hot. Had headache & face ache Tues & Wed nights. Played rummy with Mrs Reston & Scholbreds, later with Mr MacNair. Got booby prize but gave it to him.

Saturday, September 6, 1941 (age 54): Came home & got here at 7. Letters from Mary & John.

Sunday, September 7, 1941 (age 54): Beautiful day after a hot Saturday. Wrote to Jerry about what I had heard about his getting married.

Monday, September 8, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, September 9, 1941 (age 54): John wrote. Got letter from Jerry after a while saying he didn't go up to Jackson until the 15th and didn't think the letter was for him, but after a while he read it and had a great laugh. Says there's nothing to it that he's going to be married.

Wednesday, September 10, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, September 11, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, September 12, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, September 13, 1941 (age 54): Hair washed.

Sunday, September 14, 1941 (age 54): Went to church to meet Mr. Moses.

Monday, September 15, 1941 (age 54): Worked part of day.

Tuesday, September 16, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Allan from Honolulu. Likes apartment. On ship most of time.

Wednesday, September 17, 1941 (age 54): David Brown killed by aeroplane propeller in Texas. He was in Navy. Class of 1936 Punchard.

Thursday, September 18, 1941 (age 54): Jean writes Roland has job in Navy Yard and she will probably stay at beach this winter. Ethel Hitch. for supper with Annie B.

Friday, September 19, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, September 20, 1941 (age 54): Went down to Brockton to see Minerva.

Sunday, September 21, 1941 (age 54): Went to church with Minerva & John.

Monday, September 22, 1941 (age 54): Working on H.A.A. Philllips Bulletin & Treasurers Report.

Tuesday, September 23, 1941 (age 54): At Carters.

Wednesday, September 24, 1941 (age 54): George Carney in one day this week with little girl.

Thursday, September 25, 1941 (age 54): At Carters. Invitation to Coles for Oct. 5 at Annisquam.

Friday, September 26, 1941 (age 54): Washed hair myself.

Saturday, September 27, 1941 (age 54): Had Carters over for supper. Jean wrote she may be up soon to get things.

Sunday, September 28, 1941 (age 54): Went to church. Eleanor & Fred were there.

Monday, September 29, 1941 (age 54): Worked only 3 hours so made a stew & invited Annie Buchan for dinner. Nellie also came in.

Tuesday, September 30, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Jean. John's birthday. Sent him candy, card & $1. Went up to Carters & Lucy Gibson was there.

Wednesday, October 1, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Mrs. Johnstone.

Thursday, October 2, 1941 (age 54): Letter from John. He fell in bay instead of upsetting dinghy. Was commander of youngsters cruise. Also Peggy got her nose broken running into a store door.

Friday, October 3, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, October 4, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Sunday, October 5, 1941 (age 54): Picnic for Press at Cole's house at Annisquam but I didn't go because it rained in morning & I was afraid of slippery roads.

Monday, October 6, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, October 7, 1941 (age 54): Nellie & Goerge's wedding anniversary so I went to movies to see Here Comes Mr. Jordan. Pretty good.

Wednesday, October 8, 1941 (age 54): Went to Carters & Lucy Gibson was there & we played cards.

Thursday, October 9, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, October 10, 1941 (age 54): 1 form of Dartmouth's H.A.A. down today. Had supper at Carters.

Saturday, October 11, 1941 (age 54): Up at Carters for supper & helped Nellie change beds for roomers over night. Sent Tribune to John for another month. Navy 41 Lafayette 2.

Sunday, October 12, 1941 (age 54): Went to church & to walk in pm with Nellie. Got telephone about letting her room again so helped her change beds.

Monday, October 13, 1941 (age 54): Helped Nellie clean up & then went to movies. Saw Navy Blues. Margaret & Etta Cashan went up to mountains for weekend with Kitty.

Tuesday, October 14, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, October 15, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, October 16, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, October 17, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, October 18, 1941 (age 54): Navy beat Cornell 14-0.

Sunday, October 19, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Monday, October 20, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, October 21, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, October 22, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, October 23, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, October 24, 1941 (age 54): Worked in p.m.

Saturday, October 25, 1941 (age 54): Navy & Harvard tie 0-0. John Russell & young Minerva & Jack & Joan were guests at game. John took us to supper at Hidaway.

Sunday, October 26, 1941 (age 54): Went to church & walking with Nellie.

Monday, October 27, 1941 (age 54): Did up my bedroom curtains with new stretcher & hurt both thumbs.

Tuesday, October 28, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, October 29, 1941 (age 54): Went to Century Inn with Ethel Hitchcock & Annie Buchan. Great feed.

Thursday, October 30, 1941 (age 54): Went to movies to see Fred Astaire & You'll Never Get Rich.

Friday, October 31, 1941 (age 54): William H. Foster died. Was in my class at school.

Saturday, November 1, 1941 (age 54): Navy beat Penn. Army tied Notre Dame. Rained hard all day. Had supper at Carters. John fainted away in bathroom at Annapolis as he got cold at Penn game. Struck head & had 3 stitches.

Sunday, November 2, 1941 (age 54): Church-- Eleanor said Fred had cold.

Monday, November 3, 1941 (age 54): Movies & up at Carters at night.

Tuesday, November 4, 1941 (age 54): Went in & talked with Margaret.

Wednesday, November 5, 1941 (age 54): Carters again.

Thursday, November 6, 1941 (age 54): Went to West church supper with Annie Buchan.

Friday, November 7, 1941 (age 54): Helped Nellie stretch her curtains & stayed to supper. Ruth thinks I'm self-centered.

Saturday, November 8, 1941 (age 54): Notre Dame beat Navy 20-13 Eleanor told me.

Sunday, November 9, 1941 (age 54): Church. Eleanor had been sick but better. Had dinner with Margaret.

Monday, November 10, 1941 (age 54): Mary Harris' mother Mrs Caldwell got burned with matches so she died on the holiday.

Tuesday, November 11, 1941 (age 54): Fred Svenson came up & washed windows & I did up all the curtains.

Wednesday, November 12, 1941 (age 54): Went up to Nellie's in evening & Lucy Gibson was there.

Thursday, November 13, 1941 (age 54): Tried Carters again but they were out. Jean got into her house at the beach.

Friday, November 14, 1941 (age 54): Worked till 4 oclock.

Saturday, November 15, 1941 (age 54): Went to Lawrence with Annie Buchan, did some errands. Borrowed $25 from bank.

Sunday, November 16, 1941 (age 54): Nelson & Wilfred came up & we went to Withams to eat & then drove down to York Beach & saw Jean & Roland.

Monday, November 17, 1941 (age 54): Letters from Dorothy & Mary. She hasn't been well. [Possibly feeling another baby on the way?]

Tuesday, November 18, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, November 19, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, November 20, 1941 (age 54): Jean & Roland came up for Thanksgiving & Nelson didn't show up till 3 oclock. Wilfred didn't come at all.

Friday, November 21, 1941 (age 54): I went back to the beach with J. & R.. Took curtain stretcher & washed & stretched 12 prs of curtains.

Saturday, November 22, 1941 (age 54): Went to Portsmouth with Jean & got stuff to tie up Allan's & Mary's presents & sent them off.

Sunday, November 23, 1941 (age 54): Went to church at York Beach. Only 14 there. Miserable day-- cloudy, rainy.

Monday, November 24, 1941 (age 54): Came home through Law. Jean drove me over to Cape Neddick.

Tuesday, November 25, 1941 (age 54): Very little work at Press. The men in the composing room want me to join the typographical union but I don't care about it. Will though to get them in. Won't get any more pay though. Men from Lawrence came over to talk about it.

Wednesday, November 26, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, November 27, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Friday, November 28, 1941 (age 54): Left Frid. 3 oclock for Philly for Army-Navy game. Stayed at Hotel Penn Friday & Breslin Sat. Took spec to the game from NY. Navy 14 Army 6.

Saturday, November 29, 1941 (age 54): Saw John & Peggy. John's head is ok now but he got a bad cut.

Sunday, November 30, 1941 (age 54): No one got money at movies. Have sent off some cards.

Monday, December 1, 1941 (age 54): Decorated living room door with paper & set up Christmas crib. Got a sheep & angel to add to it.

Tuesday, December 2, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, December 3, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Thursday, December 4, 1941 (age 54): Went down to Dot Black's for supper. Little Stephen fell out of bed, hurt his head. Nothing serious.

Friday, December 5, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, December 6, 1941 (age 54): Went to Boston & Brockton & took down little things for Minerva. She just had miscarriage. Came home & got dress in Harborn shop & shoes at Millers.

Sunday, December 7, 1941 (age 54): Went to church but didn't stay to communion. Went up to Carters & heard about Honolulu being bombed by Japs. Came home & listened to radio until 12.

Monday, December 8, 1941 (age 54): War on Japan. Sent airmail letter to Allan. Got one from him written Dec. 2.

Tuesday, December 9, 1941 (age 54): Plenty of work. Letter from Jean & John. John doesn't know about graduation.

Wednesday, December 10, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Virginia. Got postal telegraph from Mary saying all safe. Wrote to Nelson to see if he'd heard from Sonny.

Thursday, December 11, 1941 (age 54): Nothing but war news now. Working on Davis & Furber catalog. Telegram from John that exercises would be as usual & for us to come down. Ethel Hitchcock & Mr. Harrington married. 5 yrs ago left for California.

Friday, December 12, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Saturday, December 13, 1941 (age 54): Met Jean in South Station. Went into station theatre while waiting for train. Left at 3 p.m. Got to Baltimore 11 & telephoned Miss Martin who said it was ok to come out. Got to Annapolis at 1 oclock.

Sunday, December 14, 1941 (age 54): Went to Baccalaureate. Saw John.

Monday, December 15, 1941 (age 54): Not much doing today so we sat around.

Tuesday, December 16, 1941 (age 54): Supt. & Commandants recept. to parents. John went with me. Dance afterwards.

Wednesday, December 17, 1941 (age 54): Went up to Montgomerys in the evening. John took Peggy to hop.

Thursday, December 18, 1941 (age 54): Farewell ball. Also carol singing on Chapel steps. Jean went with 2nd classman A. J. Cronin.

Friday, December 19, 1941 (age 54): John graduated. Sect. of Navy Knox gave out diplomas & made address. Left right afterwards for home. Jean going up with John & Peggy. Stayed in Boston Frid. night.

Saturday, December 20, 1941 (age 54): Got home Sat. morn. at 11.25. Lots of cards.

Sunday, December 21, 1941 (age 54): Weather clear & cold so didn't go to church. Did some work & cooking today.

Monday, December 22, 1941 (age 54): Made some bread at night while Dave & John & Peggy & I went to movies. Ate hot rolls at midnight.

Tuesday, December 23, 1941 (age 54): Took Carters up to see lights at Seminary in West And.

Wednesday, December 24, 1941 (age 54): Rain. Went down to Jean's at York Beach after work. Rain & fog. Stopped by army guard but John had uniform on so all ok.

Thursday, December 25, 1941 (age 54): Fine day. Got lots of presents & had swell dinner. Then we started back & got here at 9.30 & John & Peggy started off for Springfield & home.

Friday, December 26, 1941 (age 54): Letter from Mary from Hawaii says not to worry.

Saturday, December 27, 1941 (age 54): Didn't get paid for that week so had to pay 2 weeks rent out of my pay.

Sunday, December 28, 1941 (age 54): Didn't go to church. Mr. Rankin came about my church pledge, & I didn't want to pledge again, but I did.

Monday, December 29, 1941 (age 54): Had a sample income tax blank uo in Press. Will probably have to pay over $50 income taxes. Phil Cole found about the date I put on my time card as if it made any difference.

Tuesday, December 30, 1941 (age 54): No entry for today.

Wednesday, December 31, 1941 (age 54): Stayed home & read. Didn't feel very much like happy New Year but I got a letter from Allan, written Dec 12 & says he's ok. Bless & keep him safe.

See the diary entries for 1942.

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

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