Life of Mary Caroline Findley (from Her Diary Entries for 1942)

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

See the diary entries for 1941.

Thursday, January 1, 1942 (age 54): Cleaned house & found that Margaret was home alone too, so we had supper together & then went to movies.

Friday, January 2, 1942 (age 54): Worked all day on Davis & Furber. Went up to Carters to supper.

Saturday, January 3, 1942 (age 54): John came back from Washington & reported at Navy yard but his ship had gone around west coast. Got home on last train & in at 1 oclock Sunday morning. Didn't feel well as I have bad neuralgia & ache all over. David came in to see if he had come.

Sunday, January 4, 1942 (age 54): John & I went to church & David came in later on & ate. Ethel in & had supper & Margaret had dinner & supper. Snow during day.

Monday, January 5, 1942 (age 54): Had hair washed & waved at Donovan's as I didn't have to work. Movies in pm. John reported again but nothing doing.

Tuesday, January 6, 1942 (age 54): Getting colder but I went up to Carters. John went in to Boston & stayed all night with David. Got income tax blank.

Wednesday, January 7, 1942 (age 54): John came home about 6 & said he had orders to go to Norfolk as soon as possible, so left on 7.04 train for Boston, I with him. Had shirts & collars at laundry so called up Arthur Lewis who came down & got 3 shirts & all the collars & took us to station. John called up Dave who came over to see him off. Got 11 pm train for Wash.

Thursday, January 8, 1942 (age 54): John has to go to west coast after all as his ship is there. We all feel pretty bad about it, but that's this devilish war.

Friday, January 9, 1942 (age 54): Worked ½ day. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone saying she saw John's intended wife in the Wash. Star. She thinks Mike's wife is coming home. Letter from Jean. Paid 7.53 to personal finance co., bought $2 worth of bonds stamps.

Saturday, January 10, 1942 (age 54): Would have gone down to York Beach if there was any means of transportation. Nellie over & invited me up to supper so of course I went.

Sunday, January 11, 1942 (age 54): Alone all day. Mrs Carter came over in pm & Ethel later on. Saw Jerry & Esther go by, but too cold to go walking for me.

Monday, January 12, 1942 (age 54): Didn't have to work. Went to movies in p.m. & to Carters to supper. Very cold but getting a bit warmer.

Tuesday, January 13, 1942 (age 54): Sent off four letters to Dorothy, Nelson, Mrs. Preston & Mrs. Johnstone.

Wednesday, January 14, 1942 (age 54): Felt terribly blue. Cold I guess. Got more cough medicine. Phil Cole asked me about union & I said I'd filed an application to join so as the men could have a majority. I don't think he likes it very well. Letter from Eleanor Tucker. Got clippings of John & Peggy's engagement announcement from Wash. Star. 10¢ returned by Peggy's father. The announcement read that John lived in Amherst.

Thursday, January 15, 1942 (age 54): Stayed at home as head ached & I coughed considerably. This p.m. Ross said P. Cole was asking the men if they really wanted to join union & they said yes. Ross said he was trying to get each one individually to say & Ross said that was not according to rules. Jean sent letter with $1 in it for cough medicine. Bathroom light had to be fixed by electrician.

Friday, January 16, 1942 (age 54): Got a bonus of $18.69 less .19 today. Was terribly surprised. Put $10 in the bank. Letter from Jean & one from John from the U.S.S. Idaho. Pictures in Jean's letter of us at Xmas time & some Harvard-Navy game pictures. Roland's awfully funny in the two of him.

Saturday, January 17, 1942 (age 54): A little warmer. Hap Harris came in before I was up & talked about the union & how it wasn't going to do us any good. I don't know what they are going to do. Annie Buchan came in later & I got dressed & we went to Lawrence & got Ethel Hitchcock Harrington a lunch cloth. Mrs. Guy Howe wants me to be an air raid warden but I don't see how I'll have time. Don't feel like it.

Sunday, January 18, 1942 (age 54): Fair. Still coughing so didn't go to church. Went to movies in p.m. as I thought I might go to Minerva's on Monday. Saw F. March in One Foot in Heaven—a Methodist Ch. picture—very good. Didn't stay for other one. Ethel came in for a few minutes & Eleanor stayed later.

Monday, January 19, 1942 (age 54): Rain & fog. Went to Dr. Blake & asked him what he thought about an air raid warden & he said Let them get someone younger. Still cough. Letters from Allan, Jean, Dorothy & Nelson.

Tuesday, January 20, 1942 (age 54): Wrote to Allan & sent him all the news I can think of. Ross not at work. Wonder if he knows anything about the union.

Wednesday, January 21, 1942 (age 54): Picture of Peggy in Boston Daily Globe under Society column. Ross at work but hasn't said anything about union. I wish it was settled one way or another. Phil won't talk to any of us evidently.

Thursday, January 22, 1942 (age 54): Put John's engagement in Townsman, also about Eleanor Tucker's husband's promotion to major. Also put this in Trib. Roland's birthday—sent card & Jean said Tribs are coming.

Friday, January 23, 1942 (age 54): Had hair washed & marcelled [?] at Ande's but wave didn't stay in the way it does when the Donovan girls do it. Letter from Jean. Paid $5 & interest on loan on Allan's insurance.

Saturday, January 24, 1942 (age 54): Went to Boston. Rather expected J. to meet me & have dinner but either I missed him or he didn't show up. Got corset at MacDonells & had dinner at Hi-da-way. Got home by 2 oclock. Letter from Ethel H. Harrington thanking Annie Buchan & me for tablecloth.

Sunday, January 25, 1942 (age 54): Cold—east wind. Didn't go to church. Had dinner with Mar. [?] each cooking our own. Nellie came in in pm & I walked up there & looked over paper, had tea & came home.

Monday, January 26, 1942 (age 54): Got postal from Mary from Pearl City where they had moved. It was written Dec 25 & said ours was the only package they got from home for Christmas.

Tuesday, January 27, 1942 (age 54): Was invited to the Thaxter Eaton's with the Carters & Miss Ryder, for a birthday supper for Nellie. Played rummy after. Letter from Jerry wanting to know where I was. We missed each other somewhere Sat.

Wednesday, January 28, 1942 (age 54): Went up to Carters for supper. Had hash & it was good. Still very cold.

Thursday, January 29, 1942 (age 54): Letter about having a reunion with Jerry, the Havilands & Heloise Leck. Wrote & said I'd go any time.

Friday, January 30, 1942 (age 54): Had hair waved again as it didn't stay in with electric curler. Helen Donovan did it.

Saturday, January 31, 1942 (age 54): Thought I'd go down to see Jean but it looked like snow so didn't, but I could have, for it didn't snow much.

Sunday, February 1, 1942 (age 54): Went down to Minerva's & found they have to move to New Bedford as John is transferred down there. Probably won't go for a while.

Monday, February 2, 1942 (age 54): Movies & at demonstration supper at Christ church on different canned foods. Annie Buchan went with me. Very cold.

Tuesday, February 3, 1942 (age 54): Went to canteen class at church. Made sandwiches & coffee. Mrs. Nunez director & Miss Madeleine Hewes. Letter from Ruth Haviland about reunion.

Wednesday, February 4, 1942 (age 54): Carters in evening & played rummy but didn't win a game. George 6 & N one.

Thursday, February 5, 1942 (age 54): Snowing-- fine but piling up. Card from Ruth Haviland inviting me to stay with her over night & to Sunday dinner this weekend. Felt like cooking so made a pudding, some doughnuts & bread. Gave Margaret 3 doughnuts & a small loaf of bread.

Friday, February 6, 1942 (age 54): Had to work all day. Jean is wondering when I'm ever coming down. It looks too much like a storm to go this weekend.

Saturday, February 7, 1942 (age 54): Slippery. Didn't dare go to Lawrence to have hair done so had it done at Diana's beauty shop but it didn't stay in long. Went to Boston & met Jerry, Ruth & Mrs Haviland & Heloise Leck. Steuben's restaurant floor show. Went to Belmont afterwards.

Sunday, February 8, 1942 (age 54): Stayed till p.m. at Belmont--chicken dinner at Havilands. Saw D. Haviland's baby, a beauty. Got home by 6 oclock.

Monday, February 9, 1942 (age 54): Work. Went to movies afterwards.

Tuesday, February 10, 1942 (age 54): Had a talk with P. Cole about my status in Press. The union is out. He thinks my pet peeve is punching the time clock so he says I needn't do it & can come in at 8 oclock. Pay to be raised to $29.

Wednesday, February 11, 1942 (age 54): Went up to Phil Cole's to meet young John Coles' wife with all the Press. I waited to go up with Etta. Went to hear Mr Beecher at the Baptist church but he is too blah-blah.

Thursday, February 12, 1942 (age 54): Had a meeting to see if we wanted to join a shop union for sociability. Made me president which of course is silly, but they wanted someone they could make fun of.

Friday, February 13, 1942 (age 54): Terribly windy. Worked all day.

Saturday, February 14, 1942 (age 54): Had a permanent at the Donovan beauty shop. Met Miss Ramsey whose nephew is captain of the Hughes, the ship John is on. Still cold & blowy.

Sunday, February 15, 1942 (age 54): Went to church. Uncle Nelson, Dot & her baby were up. Had roast pork & all the fixings. They had their dinner so we had it for supper. Wrote to Eleanor Tucker, Jean & John.

Monday, February 16, 1942 (age 54): Went to movies after work.

Tuesday, February 17, 1942 (age 54): Went to canteen class. Need a college education to know all the big words. Got 95 in the quiz she gave the week before. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone which was rather gloomy. Rained all night.

Wednesday, February 18, 1942 (age 54): Started Ash Wed off with a fight with George Collins. He's the ultimate in meanness & sarcasm. Felt punk all day after it. Wrote to Jean.

Thursday, February 19, 1942 (age 54): Started to snow but cleared off. Put up 15 doz eggs in boxes & got a doz from Geo. Dumont who is selling them wholesale to us. Etta & I are going to have ½ doz apiece each wk. P. Cole came out & said I was to start my new schedule this wk. I felt like telling him about G.C. but didn't. Got a letter from Peggy who had a telephone call from San Francisco Feb 8. Were shoving off somewhere then. Had dinner at Free church.

Friday, February 20, 1942 (age 54): Got letter from Allan saying he had seen John last Sunday so he is out in Hawaii with his ship.

Saturday, February 21, 1942 (age 54): Went down to York Beach. Jean met me in Portsmouth with the Ellises who drove her over so she could do her shopping. Very cold & windy.

Sunday, February 22, 1942 (age 54): Roland working Sundays as well as other days so spends most of his time at home in resting up. Jean made some nice filled cookies & gave me some Avon stuff she gets cheaper.

Monday, February 23, 1942 (age 54): Came home. Still cold. Took 5 hours to get here as I had to wait in Portsmouth 2 hours. Had lunch there.

Tuesday, February 24, 1942 (age 54): Went to canteen class & made sandwiches & took some more notes. Little warmer. Mrs. John Shattuck & her son over on Whittier Court committed suicide by gas. He was a senior at Boston College but wasn't well.

Wednesday, February 25, 1942 (age 54): Went up to Carters.

Thursday, February 26, 1942 (age 54): Got letter from Mary 2 weeks after she sent it. Has been packed for 2 months waiting for transportation home. [She s]ent check for [my] birthday & one from Allan to help me along. Got ½ doz eggs. Wrote & thanked Mary.

Friday, February 27, 1942 (age 54): Got my first new pay today $29. Seemed quite a lot. Hap suggested we each chip in a dollar a week for Defense bonds.

Saturday, February 28, 1942 (age 54): Went to Boston & bought new shoes at Burts. Also panties colored slip & stockings at MacDonnells but stockings weren't long enough so sending them back. Went to Keiths & saw How Green Is My Valley.

Sunday, March 1, 1942 (age 54): Didn't get up till 11. Had break. & dinner together. Took walk in pm & did some odd jobs.

Monday, March 2, 1942 (age 54): Found hole in new stockings so sending them back. Went to movies but didn't like pictures.

Tuesday, March 3, 1942 (age 54): George Collins sick with cold. I don't care much. Made beef stew at Canteen enough for 50. I took home a pint.

Wednesday, March 4, 1942 (age 54): Went to demonstration of air raid warden work at auditorium. Quite realistic.

Thursday, March 5, 1942 (age 54): Went up to Carters. Picture of John's graduation came good but not so much as Allan's as the blue uniforms aren't the contrast Allan's whites were.

Friday, March 6, 1942 (age 54): Made some filled cookies after work. Snowed in big flakes but just made slush.

Saturday, March 7, 1942 (age 54): Cleaned up quite a bit. Had hair waved & paid for permanent at Donovan's. Went up to Carters for supper. Mr. C. still lame. Had teeth out this week & his jaw is black & blue.

Sunday, March 8, 1942 (age 54): Army-Navy day at church-- went & put in $2 besides my regular collection. Good sermon. Went to Fieldstones for dinner. Wrote to John & Allan.

Monday, March 9, 1942 (age 54): No entry for today.

Tuesday, March 10, 1942 (age 54): Went home early from Canteen class. Not especially good. George Carney made a captain. Sent him congratulations.

Wednesday, March 11, 1942 (age 54): Found big run in stockings & showed Ruth Saunders & Lexie. Ruth had nothing to say and didn't speak all week. Mr. Morris told about Chaplain's work in the Army camps, at church. Reception to him & Mrs. Morris afterwards but I didn't go, as I saw him at Canteen class.

Thursday, March 12, 1942 (age 54): Went to Carters & George is still lame.

Friday, March 13, 1942 (age 54): Kenneth Mozeen got the second defense bond. Cleaned up house & after supper sent up to Ed. Lewis's on Pasho Street where Lucy Fessenden was staying with the children & she gave me another fitting for dress.

Saturday, March 14, 1942 (age 54): Went to Boston with Annie Buchan & met Jean at Park Square. Miserable day so after dinner at Hidaway Annie went home. Jean & I went to see Woman of the Year with K. Hepburn & Spencer Tracy & Jean also bought coat. She went back on ¼ of 6 bus & I got a letter on Tues saying she got home safe but bus skidded once. Nice letter from Geo. Carney.

Sunday, March 15, 1942 (age 54): Was at Carters for dinner & stayed most of the afternoon except when I went over to Lucy Fessenden's to have my skirt & blouse tried on. Ethel was here when I got home from Carters & had an apron & pretty card for me.

Monday, March 16, 1942 (age 55): [Birthday] Got a pretty card from Eleanor Svenson. Margaret had me in for dinner & had a cake with candles on it. I blew them all out so hope my wish comes true--that Allan & John will keep safe. Ruth mumbled something about taking papers & I said Sure & that's all for now.

Tuesday, March 17, 1942 (age 55): Still raining. Foggy too. Letter from Jean. Sent $1.00 over to Tribune to pay for another month's subscription to Roland. Pays it up to April 24.

Wednesday, March 18, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Thursday, March 19, 1942 (age 55): Made some pudding from recipe in Good Housekeeping using honey in place of sugar. Tapioca. Wrote to Nelson to come up for Sunday.

Friday, March 20, 1942 (age 55): Went to movies. Man Who Came to Dinner. Talked over the radio for Tom Clayton. He asked me what the Kohinoor was & as I answered correctly--a diamond--he gave me a certificate for silk stockings at Delmars & 2 passes to the movies. Beautiful day.

Saturday, March 21, 1942 (age 55): Cloudy again. Went to Lawrence & had hair done. Also got silk stockings & some tape to fix the hooked rug I had cleaned.

Sunday, March 22, 1942 (age 55): Nelson was up--rode on bicycle--took him 3½ hrs coming up it was so windy-- but only 2 hrs going back.

Monday, March 23, 1942 (age 55): Went to movies but no one got money. Letter from Jean. She got box of oranges & grapefruit from the South. Also letter from Virginia--funny as usual.

Tuesday, March 24, 1942 (age 55): Went up to Carters but Nellie was going down to a cousin's birthday, so came home.

Wednesday, March 25, 1942 (age 55): Letter from Mary and it was sent March 14-- written the 10th-- she said Allan & John were away & she didn't know when she would get back to the States.

Thursday, March 26, 1942 (age 55): Man in Press about our wages. May have to punch time clock again. Harold Johnson back after operation. Went to movies to see Citizen Kane-- didn't care much for it, too grim but good acting.

Friday, March 27, 1942 (age 55): Margaret & I used up the movie passes & saw Bahama Passage which was pretty & good story too. Also an Ellery Queen picture which was also good.

Saturday, March 28, 1942 (age 55): Had to work till 10.30 & then went to Boston. Paid MacDonnells bill, but didn't get coat as I'd planned. Feet ached so soaked them in Epsom salts water.

Sunday, March 29, 1942 (age 55): Took a bus ride around Salem & Boston home. Nice out but cool. Looks like rain. Went to church and put in 3 weeks envelopes.

Monday, March 30, 1942 (age 55): Movies-- The Corsican Brothers.

Tuesday, March 31, 1942 (age 55): Postal card from Allan. Letter from Jean saying she was an air raid warden during the blackout at York Beach.

Wednesday, April 1, 1942 (age 55): Letter from John-- first since he left except the one on board ship while he was going over-- Sent me a check for birthday. Will do for Easter. Letter also from Allan-- sent birthday greetings. He and John see each other so they must be in the same vicinity. Made popovers & distributed them to Margaret & Isabel. Went up to Carters in evening. Sent Easter cards to A. & J.

Thursday, April 2, 1942 (age 55): So busy today I didn't do up any eggs. Technique all done & Hub started. Went to church with Nellie to Free. Got box of penuchi from Jean. Sent Easter cards to Jean & Roland & Eleanor & Fred.

Friday, April 3, 1942 (age 55): Had hair washed & waved after work at the Ande shop. Went to church in evening but my legs bothered me so while we were singing I was miserable. Got an Easter card from Mrs. Johnstone from Wash.

Saturday, April 4, 1942 (age 55): Woke up with bad headache so didn't get up till noon & then didn't feel good-- Went up to Dr. in afternoon & got nose drops-- stomach tablets & headache pills. Got some stuff in to eat but didn't do any cleaning up. Eleanor brought me up some jonquils.

Sunday, April 5, 1942 (age 55): Easter Sunday. Didn't go to church but lay in bed all morning & stayed in all day. Just a year ago I had a spell like this. Margaret had her gang in & invited me in to dinner but I didn't feel like going.

Monday, April 6, 1942 (age 55): Didn't feel too good but went to work. Movies very good. The Vanishing Virginian & Shirley Temple in Kathleen. The report is Mrs Winslow got $125. This is the second time she's got the money.

Tuesday, April 7, 1942 (age 55): Letter from Jean.

Wednesday, April 8, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Thursday, April 9, 1942 (age 55): Fixed up eggs at Press. Broke one so took it out of my half dozen.

Friday, April 10, 1942 (age 55): Men didn't work at Press in pm. Hasn't happened at this time of year for as long as I can remember.

Saturday, April 11, 1942 (age 55): Had hair set at the Donovan sisters & paid on my loan. Bought coat at Sutherlands $16.95 & had it fitted.

Sunday, April 12, 1942 (age 55): Went to Boston to ch at St Paul's. Dinner at Huyler's. Came oout on the 2 oclock train. Wrote to Allan & John & sent them a lot of clippings from the Tribune I thought they would be interested in.

Monday, April 13, 1942 (age 55): Got literature about DuBarry Beauty Culture Course. Cost $21.75. I'd like to take it but think I'm foolish probably. Movies The Bugle Sounds an army picture with Wallace Beery. Was told of mistake in Technique by Collins. Scabbard & Balde [should have been Scabbard & Blade, presumably].

Tuesday, April 14, 1942 (age 55): Betty Cruy Fitzgerald has a little daughter. Letter from Jean so wrote to her. Not very busy when some of the men from down stairs are helping upstairs.

Wednesday, April 15, 1942 (age 55): 3rd ck. Letter from Mary from San Francisco. She arrived there the 11th. Will start for Centralia tomorrow. Was I happy! Christine had a great time with her life belt & wanted to keep it. She couldn't get up when she sat down without going through all sorts of antics. Answered letter.

Thursday, April 16, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Friday, April 17, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Saturday, April 18, 1942 (age 55): Went into Boston & looked up the DuBarry place for getting one thin & took a treatment. Felt pretty good. Had a manicure first. Got one oclock train for New Haven & got there 4.30. Took a taxi to where Aunt Fannie [see picture] lives & she was sure glad to see me. Stayed there to supper & got a room near around the corner on the next street.

Sunday, April 19, 1942 (age 55): Got breakfast a small restaurant & then went to the Episcopal church on green. Saw Hotel Taft so got dinner there, then went back & stayed with Aunt Fannie a while & then came home.

Monday, April 20, 1942 (age 55): Didn't have to work for first time in 10 years I guess. Went to movies in afternoon. Wrote to Jean & told her of my trip.

Tuesday, April 21, 1942 (age 55): Getting the Hub done and starting on some more books. Pot Pourri & Pean. Letter from Jean.

Wednesday, April 22, 1942 (age 55): Nothing much to write about except we are keeping busy.

Thursday, April 23, 1942 (age 55): Fixed eggs this a.m. Bartello broke one all over some proofs which we waiting to be sent out, but he cleaned them up.

Friday, April 24, 1942 (age 55): Betty came home from hospital, Margaret said.

Saturday, April 25, 1942 (age 55): Hot. Had second treatment at Dubarrry Salon. Hope it will help me.

Sunday, April 26, 1942 (age 55): Went to church & put in a month's envelopes. Mr. Fay Elliot said the Men's Cub had heard from Allan & they were much pleased. Took a walk in even. & went over to Carters. Ethel was in for a short time.

Monday, April 27, 1942 (age 55): Microcosm done. Letter from Allan written 3 weeks ago. He had just got 3 letters from me, but didn't know Mary had left. Letter from Jean. Went to movies-- pretty good. Phil Cole talked to Hap & me about our keeping our working time & our wages.

Tuesday, April 28, 1942 (age 55): Pickout done today. Found mistake in last form where 2 paragraphs which should have been in the front of the article were at the end. Got it fixed in time. Another letter from Jean.

Wednesday, April 29, 1942 (age 55): Went down to Boston for my 3rd lesson. Got home by 9.15. Sometimes it seems as though I'd lost weight & at others it doesn't. My knee is loosening up a bit.

Thursday, April 30, 1942 (age 55): Letter from John written Apr 1. He says Com. Ramsay used to live in Andover & went to John Dove School. Must have been during last war. He's capt. of ship John is on. He also wrote to Jean that he had quite a sunburn & it was Autumn where he was so he probably has been in Australia. [The Battle of the Coral Sea will be waged May 4–8 1942, and both Allan and John will be participating.]

Friday, May 1, 1942 (age 55): Getting the Nike & Focus done, all but 2 forms.

Saturday, May 2, 1942 (age 55): Didn't go to May breakfast, although I had a ticket to it. Had to work in a.m. then went to Law. & bought some new curtains for kitchen. Fred came up & washed porch & rest of windows. We put in screens & moved couch out on porch. My feet just sting from being on them so much.

Sunday, May 3, 1942 (age 55): Went to Boston & saw the tulips in the Public Garden-- lovely, pansies too. Had dinner at Memory Lane & then went down to Brockton & found Minerva & family had moved on Saturday. Awfully warm--glad to get home. Went up to Carters when the R. Carters came along in car & took me up. Rusty had a new sailor suit so I gave him one of John's sailor hats.

Monday, May 4, 1942 (age 55): Finished up Nike & Focus & are on Transit & Knoll now. Movie good. The Body Disappears & The Woman Has Plans.

Tuesday, May 5, 1942 (age 55): Went up to Carters. Getting the Transit done this week.

Wednesday, May 6, 1942 (age 55): Worked till 5.30. Wrote to Dubarry Salon that I couldn't come in for a while.

Thursday, May 7, 1942 (age 55): Worked till 5.30. Quite a lot of rain this week.

Friday, May 8, 1942 (age 55): Worked till 5.30 so am getting in 47 hours this week. Got $2 overtime pay. Cards from Mary & Christine for Mother's Day.

Saturday, May 9, 1942 (age 55): Went to Law. & had hair waved. Had to work in morning. Got Transit done. Jean & Roland here when I got back form Law., also Tom Ford who drove them up in his car. Roland went back with him. Went to movies to see Roxie Hart. Mary sent me collar & cuff set.

Sunday, May 10, 1942 (age 55): Jean & I went to church & had dinner at Fieldstones. Walked back-- lovely day. Wrote to Mary, Allan & John. Nrs. Carter came over & I walked back with her and had tea. Eleanor gave me lovely bouquet of flowers. Jean box of powder & Roland stockings.

Monday, May 11, 1942 (age 55): Little Christine 4 years old. Sent her a play suit & 2 books, also $25 bond. Had to work so didn't go to movies but Jean did.

Tuesday, May 12, 1942 (age 55): Was too tired to go up to Carters. Worked till 8. Got another letter from John & he wanted me to send him some stamps. Said he was going to get married if he ever got back to the States. Jean went back to the beach.

Wednesday, May 13, 1942 (age 55): Went up to Carters as I worked only till 7.

Thursday, May 14, 1942 (age 55): Doris came in to work for a while. Getting the Wheel & Regis done. Also on Possum & Epilogue.

Friday, May 15, 1942 (age 55): Got a little extra this week as I had worked 48 hrs last wk. 40 & 8 hrs that I'd had since Feb. Letters from Mary & Jean. Mary thanked me for bond & stuff I sent Chris. Jean all up in arms with moving. Sent Allan a shaving bowl & razor blades for birthday.

Saturday, May 16, 1942 (age 55): Worked in a.m. & then went to Boston for a treatment. Too strenuous I guess for I almost fainted. It was muggy & I guess that helped. got home ok, but felt rather woozy.

Sunday, May 17, 1942 (age 55): Went in to Boston to see I Am an American parade. Army, Navy, Marines, Red Cross, Canteen Workers, Scouts. I didn't stay till it was finished. Got home at 4.30. Raining hard when I got home.

Monday, May 18, 1942 (age 55): Beginning today I am working nights.

Tuesday, May 19, 1942 (age 55): Got letter from Mary with money order in it. Put $20 in bank. Got $5 worth of stamps.

Wednesday, May 20, 1942 (age 55): Doris came up & had lunch with me. Working every night.

Thursday, May 21, 1942 (age 55): We went to restaurant.

Friday, May 22, 1942 (age 55): Frances would have been 23 years old. Wrote to Jean but didn't mention it but got letter from her and she did. Doris through. Only worked a week.

Saturday, May 23, 1942 (age 55): Washed my own hair as I haven't had time to go to hairdresser.

Sunday, May 24, 1942 (age 55): Went up to the Andover Inn. Very good.

Monday, May 25, 1942 (age 55): Working till 9.30 on presses. Always the same every year--a grand rush at the last minute. Went up to Playdons & ordered flowers for Memorial Day for Sue from Virg. & wreaths for me.

Tuesday, May 26, 1942 (age 55): Got letter from Allan written April 23. Lexie through today.

Wednesday, May 27, 1942 (age 55): Virginia's birthday but I forgot to send her a card. Collins sent up 3 proofs at 9 oclock & I stayed till 9.30. I sure was mad. Couldn't half read them I was so tired.

Thursday, May 28, 1942 (age 55): Had to come back for 4 page form that had 2 pictures & the word curtain on it-- A.P. imprint. Adding insult to injury.

Friday, May 29, 1942 (age 55): Getting warmer but not too bad. Getting tired as can be over this extra work.

Saturday, May 30, 1942 (age 55): Paul joined Navy. Let. from Virg with $2. Hot. Went to cemetery as we didn't work. Went up to Lovelys for dinner then came home & Ethel came in during p.m. & stayed to supper. Thunder shower at night-- May have helped caused Miss Goff's death. M. Hodge told me about Commander Ramsay's telephoning from Honolulu.

Sunday, May 31, 1942 (age 55): Miss Goff found dead. Went to church for a dedication service for the men from Christ church in the service. Chart in front of ch. names printed on & chart framed. Nellie came in p.m. & told me about Miss Goff. I told the restaurant people. His father came in bookstore & asked for me & said the boys were all right.

Monday, June 1, 1942 (age 55): Cooler & cloudy tonight. Worked till 9 oclock. The extra men getting through tomorrow. Penn done & the Pot Pourri on the way. Also St. Mark's which had to have some pages done over.

Tuesday, June 2, 1942 (age 55): Blackout tonight. A surprise one, but I felt it in my bones it was coming. I got home from work at 8.30 & was reading when I heard the air raid warden's whistle blow & looked out & the lights were out. From 9 to 9.30. Letter from Jean this a.m. & one from Allan tonight. He's back in Honolulu. [He and John will be participating in the Battle of Midway June 4–7.]

Wednesday, June 3, 1942 (age 55): Finishing up the books at the Press but have to work overtime some. The extra men left his week.

Thursday, June 4, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Friday, June 5, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Saturday, June 6, 1942 (age 55): Went in & had a treatment. Got an electric clock at Stowells & sent it as a 5th anniversary gift to Mary & Allan.

Sunday, June 7, 1942 (age 55): [Crossed out sentences regarding May 31, written here by mistake] I'm a week behind. Didn't go to church.

Monday, June 8, 1942 (age 55): Collins ugly again about proof I hadn't finished reading wanting to know how long it took to read a proof like that. Of course I felt like smashing him one & leaving then & there. Letter from Allan dated May 12.

Tuesday, June 9, 1942 (age 55): Allan Christie Edmands Jr. born 1.10 p.m. 7½ lbs.

Newspaper clipping glued to page: Born On Father's Birthday
A son was born Wednesday to Naval Lieutenant and Mrs Allan C. Admands [sic] in Centralia, Washington, on the anniversary of Lieut. Edmands' 31st birthday. Lieutenant Edmands is on duty with the Pacific fleet.
[Actually, the baby was born on Tuesday, June 9, the day before his father's birthday.]

Wednesday, June 10, 1942 (age 55): Allan 31 years old. Got telegram from Mrs. Hawes of the birth of a son to Allan & Mary. Got it at 5.30 so thought the baby must have been born on Allan's birthday but found out later it was on June 9. Got letter in the a.m. from Mary dated June 5 saying she hoped the baby would be born on Allan's birthday.

Thursday, June 11, 1942 (age 55): Jimmie Souter didn't work--too hot I guess.

Friday, June 12, 1942 (age 55): Went to Lawrence in p.m. & had eyes examined. New glasses of course. Went to Dr. Kannan who knows John & who asked for him. Hot. Letter from Allan dated May 27.

Saturday, June 13, 1942 (age 55): Terribly hot. Got rug from Mrs Fred Morrison & the 2 boys brought it over. Looks nice. David Lovely's & Eleanor Butler's wedding at the South church. Coolest place in town I guess in the vestry where the reception was held. They got away down through the cemetery. Sent bag to Mary for birthday with blanket holders for baby.

Sunday, June 14, 1942 (age 55): Went to Flag Day parade. Quite a day. Sweeneys & Margaret had lots of company but I didn't have anyone except Nellie who came up while I was at the parade. She didn't see me in it. Got cooler in p.m. & rained after parade.

Monday, June 15, 1942 (age 55): Went to Boston for treatment & bought salad dressing & souplets for course in getting thin. Letter from Jean & the baby's birth notice from Mary. June 9.

Tuesday, June 16, 1942 (age 55): Went to Lawrence to get glasses & the man had made one lens too big so had to put back old lenses & I'll go again Thursday. Cold & rainy. Cold in bed & had to put coat over me.

Wednesday, June 17, 1942 (age 55): Made cookies when I got home & gave some to Mrs. Carter who was in & Isabel. Isabel borrowed 2 chairs for company. Mrs. Berry supposed to come for magazines. Read P. A. Bulletin galleys all day. Letter from Jean & David Lovely's bride thanking me for luncheon set, Jean has new furniture.

Thursday, June 18, 1942 (age 55): Rec. letter from John dated June 14. Came pretty quick. Went over to get glasses & the optician was doing some other work & said he'd be about 20 min. When I got back after having a bite to eat he'd gone to supper so I was mad & came home. Went to movies & saw the Andover parade.

Friday, June 19, 1942 (age 55): Got glasses finally after hanging around a while. Went up to Carters in even. Mr. Carter said be'd been retired on a pension but it wasn't enough to live on. $7 a week. Felt pretty blue. Paid Mrs. Fred Morrison $5 on acct of rug. Paid $14 for glasses.

Saturday, June 20, 1942 (age 55): Went to Boston for a treatment & also had hair washed at No. Station Beauty Shop. Went to Carters in even. & found Russell & family there. Played cards a while. They asked me to go to York Beach.

Sunday, June 21, 1942 (age 55): Got my courage up & went down to beach. Rained some so had to stay in car to eat. Met Jean just coming off duty & Roland just going to work. Went over to Nubble & heard guns booming off shore. Went back & sat in garage a while.

Monday, June 22, 1942 (age 55): Went into Boston & had 7th treatment. Movies in p.m.

Tuesday, June 23, 1942 (age 55): Finishing up the Forsyth Dental Yearbook and P. A. Bulletin being looked over.

Wednesday, June 24, 1942 (age 55): Married 34 years & 14 of them have been alone.

Thursday, June 25, 1942 (age 55): Jean's 33rd birthday. Sent her a fountain pen which she says she likes. Got telegram from Allan & John saying they are ok. Scared me at first.

Friday, June 26, 1942 (age 55): Went to Law. & paid for Tribune till Sept. for Roland. Talked to P. Cole about having rest of summer off after next week. He seemed favorable but didn't say definitely. Had glasses looked over but the old ones wouldn't go into other frames.

Saturday, June 27, 1942 (age 55): Went in & had 8th gym. exercise. Don't know as it's doing me any good. Have lost about 3 pounds I guess.

Sunday, June 28, 1942 (age 55): Jean & Roland's 10th wed. anniversary. They came up with Ellis's & we went to Town Line house for dinner. They they took me to Nelson's & they went to Boston to ballgame but came back as it was raining. Wilfred came in from Fort Devins-- his girl, she's jealous, Nelson thinks. Dot there with baby, says they are going to Kansas.

Monday, June 29, 1942 (age 55): Rec. letter from Mary with $25 in it. She got back to home on the 23rd her birthday & had a great reception. Allan called her up from Honolulu. Went to Boston for 9th treatment. Said I'd come in Wed.

Tuesday, June 30, 1942 (age 55): Read Harvard Business School 3 forms. Nothing doing the rest of day. Got supper for Margaret & myself-- lamb chop baked potato & made a pudding out of the rest of jelly roll & left-over peaches.

Wednesday, July 1, 1942 (age 55): Didn't go to Boston as it looked like thundershowers. Did rain in eveniing & night. Went up to Carters. Read last form of P. A. Bulletin.

Thursday, July 2, 1942 (age 55): Put up the few eggs. Read one or two small proofs.

Friday, July 3, 1942 (age 55): John & Peggy's wedding day. Got letter from John saying he might be married today if Tel & Tel worked out ok & transportation facilities were also ok. Written June 24. Good letter. He had saved $500 & paid all his bills. Went down to York Beach by way of Rockingham & Portsmouth on train bus to beach. Went to movies after I'd had lunch.

Saturday, July 4, 1942 (age 55): Hot. Jean worked in p.m. only. Foggy in morning & sultry all day. Quite a crowd at beach. Telegram came about John's wedding & the Sweeneys & Carters were both worried because I was away & they thought it was bad news. Don't know why they called up Carters.

Sunday, July 5, 1942 (age 55): Jean worked at morning & evening. Had dinner at Cobbs with Roland, Jean sat with us but didn't eat as she had had her dinner. Wandered around beach & Jean went to work an hour earlier as they were very busy at GoldenRod. Had an air raid test but no one bothered about it.

Monday, July 6, 1942 (age 55): Hot still but thundershower in p.m. cooled it off. Came home by way of Boston & got Jean a sweater stretcher at R.H. Whites & had it sent to her. Movies after the shower. How it rained!! Saw The Prime Minister, a story about Disraeli in England. Wrote to John.

Tuesday, July 7, 1942 (age 55): Went over to Lawrence & put the piece about John's wedding in Trib. also took John & Peggy's picture. Also took a piece to Townsman. Went up to Carters & they told me about worrying about telegram. Mr. Carter can't work anymore at Inn as it's too hard for him.

Wednesday, July 8, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Thursday, July 9, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Friday, July 10, 1942 (age 55): No entry for today.

Saturday, July 11, 1942 (age 55): Went to Lawrence but forgot Jean's stocking. Paid on Personal Finance.

Sunday, July 12, 1942 (age 55): Sat around all day & Ethel came in in the evening & had supper.

Monday, July 13, 1942 (age 55): Went to Lawrence & took Jean's stocking to Clear Weave to see if it could be mended. Movies in p.m. Great Man's Lady--very good. No one got money. Wish I could get it once.

Tuesday, July 14, 1942 (age 55): Hottest day yet. Had showers around Boston that cooled it off some at night. Went up to Carters.

Wednesday, July 15, 1942 (age 55): Got letter from Mary asking me out there & I wrote to Jean saying I thought I'd go. Got letter from Jean & one from Nelson saying Dorothy was on her way west to Kansas. Card from Ethel who is taking a trip up the Maine coast with Miss Kimball.

Thursday, July 16, 1942 (age 55): Went up to Reeve Chipman's & ordered a ticket for Centralia. Asked Cole if I could have the month of August off. He had to tell Collins or rather ask him the old nosey. Told Carters. Told Barbara Johnson when I met her for she told Harold & he came in Friday a.m. & had a nice talk with me. Wrote to Mary saying I'd come & to Everitt Vannah saying I wouldn't come there.

Friday, July 17, 1942 (age 55): Got bond from Press had it made out to A. C. Edmands, Jr. Went to Law. & drew out $130 from Personal Finance Co. Makes it $160 I owe them. Had hair washed.

Saturday, July 18, 1942 (age 55): Went to Boston & tried to take last treatment but got rather sick again so came out. Getting warm. My first finger on left hand sore. Put on mercurichrome but it didn't help.

Sunday, July 19, 1942 (age 55): Hot. Didn't go to church. Margaret went over to Betty's or Kitty's I guess. Finger had pus at bottom of nail.

Monday, July 20, 1942 (age 55): Went to movies & Eleanor & children came up afterward. Fred got one of the $150 I found out from Jean afterwards as she wrote to me from Eleanor. So hot I stayed out on piazza all night. More pus came out.

Tuesday, July 21, 1942 (age 55): A little cooler. Nothing to do at work except a job for Stoneleigh College. Carters' at night. Wrote to Mrs.. Bailey to see where Peggy is.

Wednesday, July 22, 1942 (age 55): Got things ready to pack & got big suitcase out. Weather better, not so hot. Went down to see if Ethel was home & she was but out for the moment.

Thursday, July 23, 1942 (age 55): Called Ethel up & told her I was going out west & she was pleased. She came up to supper & then took me up to Carters where I delivered the eggs but the Duncans were there so came right home. Had flag raising at Press. Pictures taken. Got John & Peggy's wed. announcement.

Friday, July 24, 1942 (age 55): Went up to Carters & played rummy & croquet. Was invited up for Sat. night supper. Got 3 weeks pay for vacation. Mr. S. says I don't have to pay rent till I get back. Letter from Mary. Glad I'm coming out. Letter from Jean with $1 in it.

Saturday, July 25, 1942 (age 55): Letter from Nelson saying he was glad I was going. Isabelle took my big suitcase down to station. Had lunch with Margaret.

Sunday, July 26, 1942 (age 55): Left for Chicago on the N.E. States train from So. Station, Boston. Very comfortable, but I didn't sleep much. I'm too long even for 2 seats. Rain most of the way. Cool in the train. Ethel & Margaret came down to Andover station & Jerry saw me for a short time in Boston. He doesn't look too well to me. He's working for the absentee voting in Boston.

Monday, July 27, 1942 (age 55): Got to Chicago shortly after 9. Had hair washed & a manicure-lunch & a ride up the Lake Shore Drive in bus. Had supper here in station. Very good food. Sent off cards & wrote airmail letter to Mary.

Tuesday, July 28, 1942 (age 55): Got to Omaha but didn't get out. The train next to mine was hot & some of the people were transferred to 172. Met a Miss Ridgway & her mother, Mrs. Baker. She had been a social church worker and had been to the Philippines and Alaska.

Wednesday, July 29, 1942 (age 55): Got to Pocatello & got out & sent cards to Jean, Nelson, Ethel & Margaret. Car was hot during day & we went through the desert country prairie fire & storms.

Thursday, July 30, 1942 (age 55): Mary met me in Centralia. At Portland they told us to get on another train from the one we were directed to but the passenger agent set us right. Christine was with Mary & a little shy but made up to me in a minute. She sure is cute. [So is little Allan (written July 29, 1955).] Got cold in head from air conditioning I guess. Met Mary's brother Tom.

Friday, July 31, 1942 (age 55): Stoned cherries for Mrs. Hawes & she canned them, Mary made pies & they were swell. Had a nap in p.m. but cold isn't much better.

Saturday, August 1, 1942 (age 55): Got letters from Jean, John & Jerry. John's had been sent to Andover & resent to me. Went down to Centralia & did some shopping, saw the cold storage place where anyone can store stuff. Later in day went with Mr. & Mrs. Hawes & Chris to get some hens. Mailed some more letters.

Sunday, August 2, 1942 (age 55): Wrote to Margaret Hodge & Allan. Went to Sunday school with Mrs. Hawes & Chris. In afternoon went to Chehalis to visit Tom & his wife & family. Took bandage off finger I think on this day. The pus is underneath nail & the nail is coming off.

Monday, August 3, 1942 (age 55): Went to town to see the nurse Mary had when Baby was born & had him weighed. 10 lbs 10 oz. Then we went around the stores, had icecream & bought stuff. In the evening 2 neighbors came over & Tom & Bessie with their children came in.

Tuesday, August 4, 1942 (age 55): Stayed home with Mary & helped with the ironing. She gave me $75 check. Mr. & Mrs. Hawes went to town. Letter from Mrs. Carter saying Bertha Clark had died.

Wednesday, August 5, 1942 (age 55): Went to Mrs. Hawes's Bible class meeting at a friend's. Had coffee, sandwiches & cookies. Stopped & shopped on way home. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone sent on from home. Christine found a little girl to play with her.

Thursday, August 6, 1942 (age 55): Went visiting with Mrs. H., Mary & baby & Chris. Baby was very good. One lady wasn't home. Starts in cloudy & clears in afternoon.

Friday, August 7, 1942 (age 55): Went to town with Mary & bought corset at Proffits dept. store.

Saturday, August 8, 1942 (age 55): Stayed at home & finished The Circular Staircase & got so sleepy I had to take a nap. Mary & Mrs. H. got things ready for picnic. Saw the mountain very clearly (Mt. Rainier). Wrote to Mrs. Johnstone & put in a note to Allan in Mary's letter.

Sunday, August 9, 1942 (age 55): Went to picnic of Spanish War Vets & Aux in Borst Park. Mrs. Hawes & Mary took American chop suey potato salad & cherry pie. Put on table with lots of others & there was ham, roast beef pickles coffee icecream & cake. Chris went to a little friend's birthday party. Baby was very good & slept most of time. Great weather-- cloudy in a.m. & sun out in p.m.

Monday, August 10, 1942 (age 55): Went to town with Mary to have baby weighed again. Also did errands & bought more post cards. Letter from Ethel.

Tuesday, August 11, 1942 (age 55): Went to Olympia & Mrs. H. went to doctor's there for a check-up. Mary & I shopped. Bought some souvenirs. Went around Capitol bldgs. Beautiful grounds. Letters from Nellie & Jean McLeish Allen.

Wednesday, August 12, 1942 (age 55): Mrs. Hawes had a S.S. council meeting at one of the member's houses in Centralia. Met the minister's wife & other members. Letters from Eleanor Svenson & Jean. Cold at night.

Thursday, August 13, 1942 (age 55): Beautiful day. Went to town with Mary & we had our hair washed. In the evening Mrs. H. & I went to the movies. Saw Dr. Kildare's Victory. Mary got a film projector from the drug store & showed the movies she took of Chris's birthday party & of Mary & the baby at the hospital & me holding the baby. [See picture (Note concerning the picture caption: "Mary" refers to Mary Caroline Findley Edmands, the diary writer, "me," not to her daughter-in-law Mary Anna Hawes Edmands, the baby's mother. The baby was known as "Butch" in order not to refer to him as "Junior"; he thought that was his official name until he was 6 years old)]

Friday, August 14, 1942 (age 55): Another nice day. Took back movie projector & curlers Mary had on hair to beauty parlor. Went to a meeting of the 98 Club, Spanish War Vet Aux. Had dessert there & I was asked to say grace. I felt like a fool but did it. Got name in paper as guest from Massachusetts.