Life of Mary Caroline Findley (from Her Diary Entries for 1944)

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

See the diary entries for 1942. (Unfortunately, the 1943 diary is missing, but there is, following, a 1943 overview before the 1944 overview.)

Note 1: The 1944 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.

Thursday, December 30, 1943 (age 56): Allan and Mary came back with Butchy. Went to supper. Played dominoes at night.

Friday, December 31, 1943 (age 56): Did a big wash. Spec. del. letter from Jean & Roland. Wrote to Jean. Went to movies & saw Old Acquaintance. Played dominoes & stayed up to see old year out.

Saturday, January 1, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Took walk with Allan up to beach & then around town. Played dominoes at night when Emerys came in & then they played whist.

Sunday, January 2, 1944 (age 56): Allan & Mary & Butch left Sun. a.m.

Monday, January 3, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Did some washing. Got Chris off to school. Went up to Long Beach & had lunch & mailed letters & package for Mary. Went to library. Letters from Miss Farmer & Jean. The Cliffords' dog got killed. Townsman & 2 Tribs. Wrote to Lizzie Scott, Nellie & sent Mary's mail to her.

Tuesday, January 4, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Sent Mary's mail to her. Got 3 Tribunes & ck from Allan. Went to L.B. & posted letters.

Wednesday, January 5, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Had hair washed. Went up & cashed check. Took Christine along. No mail. Rain at night.

Thursday, January 6, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Did a little washing & dusting. Mailed coat to Nellie. 2 Townsmans came that I'd seen & letters from Peggy & Milton. Wrote to Milton. Took Christine to library & got book. Chris got a card from Mary.

Friday, January 7, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Went up to L.B. for lunch. Got lamb chops & hamburg, also some butter. Letter from Jean & Dec. 24 Trib. Wrote to Ethel. Washed out Chris's spread & my own. Got 2 birthday cards from Nellie & Roland, also new kind of bandage.

Saturday, January 8, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Baked beans & a meat loaf. Chris went to Ronnie's party & to the movies. Letter from Nellie & Jean. Got income tax blank. Wrote to Ruth, Jean & Allan.

Sunday, January 9, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Took Chris to S.S. [Sunday School] & then up to Long Beach & the Pike where she went on the autos & air planes.

Monday, January 10, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Did some washing & ironed 3 dresses for Chris. Took income tax blank up & mailed $23.38 to Boston. Had lunch at Imperial rest. Don't serve liquor there. Letter from Catherine McMahon about Blue Cross. Townsman of Dec 30. Wrote to Nellie.

Tuesday, January 11, 1944 (age 56): Fair & warmer. Went up town & mailed letters. Got letters from Lexie, Jean & receipt from Mass. Hosp. Service. Wrote to Lexie & Catherine.

Wednesday, January 12, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Insurance man here. Pd 1.40 for month of Jan. Letter from Allan & one for Chris from Mary. Mailed letters in L.B. Gave Chris a bath.

Thursday, January 13, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Took Chris up town for waffles for breakfast. Went up to L.B. while she was in school. She fell & scraped elbow & knees. Did a little washing. Letter from Ethel & 2 Tribs.

Friday, January 14, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Letter from John & 5 Tribs. Same old story. Get up, get Chris to school, get supper & go to bed.

Saturday, January 15, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Allan & family came home. He & I went to movies. Saw Destroyer & I dood [?] it. New Year's card & letter from Miss Ridgway.

Sunday, January 16, 1944 (age 56): Hot. They went off again, taking Chris & leaving Butch. Awful homesick. Cried till my head ached.

Monday, January 17, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Got through day ok. Butchy pretty good. Cards remailed from Andover from Daisy, Mrs. Dee, Heloise Leck & Jean McLeish. Letters from Jean & Mrs. Johnstone, Andover Press record of wages. Wrote to Jean & Peggy. Sent Roland's birthday card.

Tuesday, January 18, 1944 (age 56): Fair & hot. Wrote Mrs. Johnstone & sent it & one to Minerva. Did ironing & then routine stuff! Re-mailed stuff tp Allan. Some Tribs came. Mary's sister-in-law Janey came with some Christmas presents delayed. Mr. Harrington died.

Wednesday, January 19, 1944 (age 56): Fair & hot. Butchy has cold so went only up to little store for outing. Got canned goods with extra [ration] stamps Mary left. Letter from Jean.

Thursday, January 20, 1944 (age 56): Fair & hot. Gets cool at night but it's up to 80 during day. Man worked on house next door for a while putting in piping. O.P.A. rent man came about renting home as Mary had written him. Sent letter to them asking about it.

Friday, January 21, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Just usual routine. No one has come in or spoken to me all week. I sure will be glad to get home.

Saturday, January 22, 1944 (age 56): Cleared off during day. Letters from Ruth, Jean & Lizzie Scott. Notice about Mr. Harrington dying. Wrote to Ethel & Anne McCrone.

Sunday, January 23, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy & rain. Stayed in all day.

Monday, January 24, 1944 (age 56): Windy & cooler. Letters from Allan & Mrs. Carter, also statement from A.P. regarding how much taken out for taxes. Butchy awfully fretty at times. Did washing.

Tuesday, January 25, 1944 (age 56): Fair & cool. Butchy still fussy. Stayed in toilet about an hour. Got the ironing done & place mopped up. Letters from Jean Dundas, Jean & Lizzie Scott.

Wednesday, January 26, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Wrote to Lizzie & sent Jean D. letter, to Nellie, to Jean & Miss Ridgway. No mail for me. Went up town in a.m. Cloudy at night & rained some.

Thursday, January 27, 1944 (age 56): Cleared off in a.m. No mail except 1 Tribune. Butchy's great wheels stick so I can hardly push it. One of them is worn flat. Got up to library for books.

Friday, January 28, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Hot this a.m. Letter from Miss Farmer & notice from Calif. hosp. service. I've sent my money to Mass.

Saturday, January 29, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Letter from Allan saying they wouldn't be up. Letters from Ethel, Annie B. & Jean. Wrote to them. Wheel broke off Butchy's go-cart.

Sunday, January 30, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Sure was a lonesome day. No one here as usual. I wrote a letter to Jean & one to John but tore them up & wrote others.

Monday, January 31, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Did the washing although not a good day. Found clothesline cut by someone. Sent card to Mary telling her about it. No mail.

Tuesday, February 1, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy & clearing. got part of the clothesline & ironed. Made over sleeping bags. Letter from Lexie & one for A. & M. that I sent on. M. tele. Barbara to have go-cart fixed if possible. Says A. is ½ sick with cold.

Wednesday, February 2, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Barbara got another go-cart & I wrote M. & told her. I don't want to use it much for fear it will break again. Letter from E. Hitchcock.

Thursday, February 3, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy--rain at night. No mail except 2 Tribunes. Butchy walked up to library with me. I had quite a coughing spell this a.m. Didn't feel any too good all day.

Friday, February 4, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Cleaned up house. Letter from Jean saying she thought I'd wish I were back here if I left. Gave me a crying spell & I was ugly all day. Butchy had to be fixed half a dozen times at night.

Saturday, February 5, 1944 (age 56): Hot. Letters from Jean & Lizzie. She said Dick Wilkinson's baby girl died 2 days old. Also allotment of $50 from John.

Sunday, February 6, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Allan & M. came home last eve. & brought Chris & took Butchy back. A. went to ch. with me.

Monday, February 7, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Letters from Ruth & Jean, also Townsman. Had hair trimmed at shop up in Belmont Shore & she said I'd better see about my scalp condition, thought I might have psoriasis. Wrote to A. & M. Chris cried at movies at Lassie Come Home.

Tuesday, February 8, 1944 (age 56): Rain. No mail for me. Made an appointment at clinic for Thurs. to see about my head. Had lunch at Mannings at Long Beach & bought some 10¢ stuff.

Wednesday, February 9, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Stayed around about all day except to get groceries. Allan came in as I was getting supper. He had to go to L.A. on business. Had supper here.

Thursday, February 10, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Cool in a.m. Went up to clinic. Dr. said it wasn't psoriasis but a rare form of dandruff. Had to get ointment, olive oil, soap & vitamin tablets. Letter from Jean. Got some valentines for Chris.

Friday, February 11, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Letter from Nellie. Went up to Long B & got my dinner at Sherry's, good for 44¢. Cleaned up house & dyed stockings. Took Christine up to bond rally near bank. Bought $25 bond. Chris sent her father & mother valentines.

Saturday, February 12, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Had lunch at restaurant & then got some books changed. Did reg. housework. Letter from Eleanor Lovely.

Sunday, February 13, 1944 (age 56): Fair & cool. Took Chris with me up to Lizzie Scott's after Chris had gone to Sunday school. Wrote to the Lovelys.

Monday, February 14, 1944 (age 56): Fair & rain at night. Did wash in wash. mach. Letter from P. Cole asking me in if I came home to read proof. Letters from Jean, Lucy Gibson, Annie Buchan & Mrs. Johnstone. Wrote Phil I'd come in if at home.

Tuesday, February 15, 1944 (age 56): Fair & cool. Like October at home. Letter from Jean & Allan with ck for Nuntz [?]. Paid it & sent book back. Went to L.B. to Union Pac. office but didn't get waited on. Dinner at Sherry's. Wrote to Jean, Lexie & Allan.

Wednesday, February 16, 1944 (age 56): Fair. No mail today & as Chris didn't feel any too good, I didn't go up to L.B. again.

Thursday, February 17, 1944 (age 56): Rain a little-- Had terrible dizzy spell when I tried to wash hair. Was sick all day. Letter from Miss Farmer. Arlene happened in & gave Chris lunch. She coughed all the time she was home.

Friday, February 18, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Was dizzy during night & had Chris go to Arlene's & have her telephone dr. & Mary. Dr. didn't get here till evening & Chris was sick then with earache. He said she had bronchitis & had medicine sent down.

Saturday, February 19, 1944 (age 56): Rain. M. teleph. that they might get up & they got here at 5 oclock. I was up but didn't feel like it. Letter from Ethel & Jean.

Sunday, February 20, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Beginning of worst storm of 13 years. Allan had to go back but M. stayed.

Monday, February 21, 1944 (age 56): Rain. It sure has rained. Chris is better but can't go out while this weather lasts. I laid around all day while M. went up town in a.m. but didn't do much all day either.

Tuesday, February 22, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Mary cleaned kitchen & I got the kids lunch & supper. Still feel kind of queer at times. It was 7 years ago I left L.A. for home.

Wednesday, February 23, 1944 (age 56): Clearing. Did the washing & it got dry partly. Letter from Jean. Took care of children while Mary went to Long Beach with Barbara.

Thursday, February 24, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Letters from Mrs. Locke, Nellie & John. Papers from Jean. Went up to Long Beach & got app. for permanent at Skiles.

Friday, February 25, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Had permanent at Skiles in L.B. Went up with Mary & Butch to the bus station where they got the bus for San Diego. Letter from Cole wanting to know when I could come in.

Saturday, February 26, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Washed before the rain but clothes had to stay out all night. No mail. Sent letter to Cole, John, Allan & Mrs. Locke.

Sunday, February 27, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Took Chris to S.S. Real estate man said someone was going to look at house but no one came. Wrote to Miss Farmer, Jean & Nellie.

Monday, February 28, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Cleared off during day. Did most of the ironing. Chris went to school. Did a little shopping for food. Letters from Lexie & Jean.

Tuesday, February 29, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy & clear. Went up to L.B. but couldn't wait for ticket. Letters from B. Sullivan & Lizzie Scott. Wrote to Mary, Lizzie & Bea. She wants me up Sunday. Saw ad in paper about house in San Diego & had Arlene telephone to Mary but she's got a place.

Wednesday, March 1, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Letter from Mary. Went up town & got Chris kite & ring set. Went to movies at night & saw Thank Your Lucky Stars & Paris after Dark. Chris lost her ring & cried but I gave her one the next day that I got here 7 years ago.

Thursday, March 2, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Went up to L.B. & for a wonder the U.P. ticket office wasn't crowded & I got my ticket home. Got back at 2 oclock & had lunch there besides. Letter from Ethel saying she was glad I was coming home. Packed up some stuff in small trunk. Goodwill man came while I was in L.B.

Friday, March 3, 1944 (age 56): Partly cloudy. 2 people came in to look at house. Went over & got Mr. Campbell the plumber to look at the gas furnace. Water in pit. Two Tribunes.

Saturday, March 4, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Washed. Letter from Jean. Allan & Mary came up.

Sunday, March 5, 1944 (age 56): Went up to see B. Sullivan & found house easily enough. Allan went back to San Diego & left car here.

Monday, March 6, 1944 (age 56): Fair. 2 Tribunes came. Plumber fixed gas furnace & got a lot of water out, also fixed bathroom faucets.

Tuesday, March 7, 1944 (age 56): Went up town & told moving man to come Thurs. for stuff for Mary to take to San Diego. No mail. People in to look at house.

Wednesday, March 8, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Card from Mrs. Locke & letter from Nellie. Washed a lot of clothes. Mary cleaning up house. Got 1 Trib.

Thursday, March 9, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Getting things packed. Man came for stuff to take to San Diego. People came in to look at house.

Friday, March 10, 1944 (age 56): Fair. We got things picked up at Long Beach & came down to San Diego. Took about 3 hours. After the Gambacortas moved out we found a dirty house. Washed bedroom floor. It stunk.

Saturday, March 11, 1944 (age 56): Woke up with bad headache so stayed in bed a while. Got up later & helped Mary.

Sunday, March 12, 1944 (age 56): Cloudy. Took Butch for a walk around block.

Monday, March 13, 1944 (age 56): Rain. Helped Mary fix up a little. Washed some pieces but didn't hang out. Fred came in & Janey later. She is staying. Letters from Jean & Ethel.

Tuesday, March 14, 1944 (age 56): Fair & cool. Had hair washed & waved at hairdressers' I found. Letter from Nellie. Took Butch for a walk but couldn't get clock fixed. Janey & Mary changed around furniture & Mary fixed lamp.

Wednesday, March 15, 1944 (age 56): Fair. Did part of ironing. Mary & I went to San Diego shopping center & then home. I picked out 2 dresses at Mod-O-Day shop. Birthday card from Nellie. Letters from Ethel & Annie B.

Thursday, March 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. 57 years old. Mary made cake & I got candles for it. Allan gave me a box of candy & took me to movies. Saw The Desert Song.

Friday, March 17, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Got children up & dressed. Mary did wash. Elsie Doyle [sister of Janey] came later in evening.

Saturday, March 18, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Birthday card & letter from Jean. Did some ironing. Elsie's boyfriend, a Marine, called & had supper.

Sunday, March 19, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Got suitcases packed. Got up early & got children's breakfast. Allan cleaned up yard some & I helped break up branches for fireplace.

Monday, March 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Got up at 6 and Allan & Mary drove me down to station at San Diego. Got to Los Angeles at 10.30 & had bag checked & small suitcase in parcel ck. Found a nice lunch place near post office. Went through Olivera Street with a woman, who is going to [illegible]. Got on train 1st one in car. Old gentleman in upper.

Tuesday, March 21, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Woke up in or near Las Vegas & saw the old moon in the east with morning star. Going through Nevada & into Salt Lake today. Got off at Caliente & bought peanuts. Utah mts. covered with snow.

Wednesday, March 22, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Frost on car windows. Couldn't get any breakfast in car so got box lunch at Cheyenne & some oranges & an apple at No. Platte. No meals served civilians all day. Got another sandwich from old man so made out. Snow all along.

Thursday, March 23, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Got into Chicago only about 20 minutes late. Ate last orange but didn't have breakfast till I got to La Salle St. Station. Information told me that train went into So. Station but porter on 418 said this car went to North. Found the $10 bill A. & M. had put in my pocket at San Diego. Smelled something becoming [?] when I went to bed.

Saturday, March 25, 1944 (age 57): Fair & partly cloudy. Woke up at Rochester, NY. Had breakfast later. We are almost an hour late. An hour & a half late in Albany but the Troy train waited & we were only 20 minutes late in Boston. All servicemen on car got off at Devens so I had car to myself to Boston. Jean & J. [Jerry?] met me. Got to Carters about 8.30. We went to movies Sat. afternoon & saw Madame Curie.

Sunday, March 26, 1944 (age 57): Jean stayed over Sunday. Didn't go to church. Jean went back to Woburn to visit Lillian Smith. Her brother was on the train I think. I wrote to Allan & Mary. My suitcase wasn't at Boston but I had rechecked to Andover.

Monday, March 27, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Called up Louie last night & went to work today. All seemed glad to see me. Rained in p.m. so didn't go to movies. Played cards with Carters. Got big suitcase from station. Received birthday card from Svensons re-sent from San Diego.

Tuesday, March 28, 1944 (age 57): Fair & windy. Kept busy all day. Letter from Miss Farmer re-sent from San Diego. Went to Red Cross. Mrs Hickok went too. Sent buttons & pictures back to Mary that were in suitcase.

Wednesday, March 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies & saw Jane Eyre.

Thursday, March 30, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Letter from Jean from Woburn. Jack Grechow [?] came to work at Press to help out in Archie's place. Wilfred Edmands committed suicide at camp in Delaware.

Friday, March 31, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letter from Jean & pen she wants fixed. Took it to bookstore. Letter from Mary & Allan.

Saturday, April 1, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Boston & bought shoes & 2 prs stock. Went through to Law. & attended a Union meeting. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone re-sent from Cal.

Sunday, April 2, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Heard about Wilfred committing suicide. Saw it in paper. Tried to get Nelson but couldn't. Called up Jean & told her.

Monday, April 3, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went down to see Nelson & Dot at Saugus. Funeral tomorrow. Sent telegram to relatives. Worked in p.m. Mr. Duncan died so the Carters were sad too. Got Navy checks.

Tuesday, April 4, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cloudy in p.m. Worked in a.m. & left on 12.20 bus. Dot met me & Jean was with her. She came up from the beach on 9 oclock bus. Wilfred looked so much like John it made me cry. His wife almost broke down. Harold Edmands & wife came up from Framingham. Wrote to Allan & John.

Wednesday, April 5, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Mr. & Mrs. Carter went to Mr. Duncan's funeral so I got my own supper & warmed up beans. Mrs. Hickok came in in time to eat. Brought blue dress at Harborn shop, also shoes at Thrift Shop.

Thursday, April 6, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cashed Navy checks. Put $75 in my account & got 2 $25 bonds, one made out to me & Allan & one made out to me & John. Also put $10 in John's account & $5 in Allan's. George Dumont's oldest boy drowned in Shawsheen.

Friday, April 7, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Found body this morning. got paid $38.54 after tax taken out. Eleanor sent me up a pot of tulips & I sent her a dollar to get herself something.

Saturday, April 8, 1944 (age 57): Went to Law & got new hat. Lay down in aft. & then went downtown with Nellie.

Sunday, April 9, 1944 (age 57): Went to ch. & stayed till after collection & then down to Saugus. Nat & Edie there. Nat just got back from Calif. David & Eleanor came in.

Monday, April 10, 1944 (age 57): Fair but cloudy in p.m. Went to George Dumont's funeral in St. Aug. Ch. Also to cemetery.

Tuesday, April 11, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Rain at night. Letter from Jean. Went to Red Cross & made 85 dressings. Only 6 of us there.

Wednesday, April 12, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Didn't go home to dinner but had it with A. Buchan. Took home blouse & 2pc dress on approval from Miss Beene's. Played cards.

Thursday, April 13, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cold so wore thick coat in p.m. Paid for dress & blouse I got at Miss Beene's. $9.96. Jimmie Souter has a daughter born today. Mrs. Hickock in Boston. Letter from Jean. Wrote to her.

Friday, April 14, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cold & windy. Took Nellie to show by Margaret Slat. class at Free ch. Letter from Annie & Ellis. Gloomy as usual. Got money from Mr. Farragher.

Saturday, April 15, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Had hair washed at Donovan's. A letter from John written Mar 16 postmarked Apr 6. Worked 1½ hrs.

Sunday, April 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Free ch. & over to Eva's in p.m. & saw Ethel. Wrote to John & Allan later.

Monday, April 17, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Letter from Jean with snaps in it. Also one from Allan & Mary. M. can't find stockings. Letter from Minerva. Getting warmer. Went to movies but picture was crazy. Miracle of Morgan's Creek.

Tuesday, April 18, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Nellie had a bad cold so ate dinner at restaurant & got supper for George. Mrs. H. ate out. Made 100 dressings at Red Cross. Wrote to Allan again.

Wednesday, April 19, 1944 (age 57): Fair. A little cooler so that spring coat was comfortable. Had to work. Got radio from Etta. Wrote to Jean & Minerva.

Thursday, April 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Had to work extra hours.

Friday, April 21, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Didn't have to work extra tonight.

Saturday, April 22, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked in a.m. After I took bath in p.m. went to Law. & got Nellie's corsets, but didn't buy anything for myself.

Sunday, April 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to ch. Mr. Moses seemed glad to see me. Ethel came in in the evening.

Monday, April 24, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Worked from 8–6.30.

Tuesday, April 25, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Went to Red Cross & made 80 bandages. Letter from Jean & wrote to her. Went to work at 8.00 till 6.30.

Wednesday, April 26, 1944 (age 57): Cleared off at night. Worked from 8.30–6.30 today. Collins said to come in at 7.30 tomorrow.

Thursday, April 27, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Went over to J. West's & he is going to take me to the cemetery stone place in Law. Sunday to pick out a stone. Wrote for a clown costume for Chris's birthday. Wrote to Allan. Worked regular time.

Friday, April 28, 1944 (age 57): Clearing. Worked till 5.30. Got dress at Miss Beene's. Didn't pay for it.

Saturday, April 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked in a.m. Washed out clothes & had nap. Bought pearls at Billings & another necklace at 10¢ store. That's me--the sublime & the ridiculous.

Sunday, April 30, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went over to Law. with Jesse West & picked out stone. Paid $50 down. It's to cost $265.

Monday, May 1, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Nellie had doctor for boil on neck.

Tuesday, May 2, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letter from Jean. Nellie had a bad time with boil on neck. Got some sleeping tablets for her when I came home from Red Cross. Made 61 bandages.

Wednesday, May 3, 1944 (age 57): Fair & hot. Got very warm during day. My checks came from Allan & John. Played rummy with Geo. Mrs. Hickok left for room in Danvers.

Thursday, May 4, 1944 (age 57): Fair & hot. Put 75 in bank for me & 25 for John & got bond for Christine. Letter from Jean. May come up. Helped fix Nellie's neck at night with Ethel coming over. John's baby girl born. [Written in later:] Carla.

Friday, May 5, 1944 (age 57): Fair & hot. Nellie went to hospital & was quite relieved when they gave her some pills for the pain. Geo. went over at night in Papparella's car.

Saturday, May 6, 1944 (age 57): Cooler. I went over to hospital & sent some flowers later. Hap took me over in car. Got baby's birth announcement & letter from Virginia.

Sunday, May 7, 1944 (age 57): Cool & cloudy. Cleared up, got dinner & washed out some things. Ethel took Geo & L. Gibson over to hospital. Wrote to Peggy & Virg. & Jean.

Monday, May 8, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked till 4.30. Went to movies. A number of people called up about Nellie. Wrote to John.

Tuesday, May 9, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Red Cross & made 76 dressings. Worked till 5.30. Letter from Jean. Nellie's wound beginning to drain so she will probably feel better.

Wednesday, May 10, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Sent baby set to Peggy of bonnet, sweater & booties--also carriage harness. Letter from Jean saying she had dropped stitch in back & didn't know as she would be up. Wrote to her. Worked till 5.30.

Thursday, May 11, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Christine 6. Got Mother's Day card from Jean & note saying she might be up. Wrote to Ethel Harrington & Lizzie Scott. Nellie feeling better. Worked till 5.30. Christine's 6th birthday.

Friday, May 12, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked till 4.30. Got fish for chowder. Went to Girls Friendly play.

Saturday, May 13, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Jean came up in even. Mr. C. had gone to Legion supper. We went to movies & saw A Guy Named Joe. Thunder shower.

Sunday, May 14, 1944 (age 57): Warm. Went to church & after dinner went to Boston with Jean. Nellie came home & she was sure pleased to get here.

Monday, May 15, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went in at 8.30 but only worked till 5.30. Mother's Day card from Eleanor Svenson. Went to movies. Chip off Old Block & Nine Girls. No one got the money.

Tuesday, May 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cooler. Lexie is through for a while. I came in at 8.30 & worked till 6.30. Made 50 dressings at Red Cross. They were very ravelly. Forgot to put $5 in bank for Christine for her birthday. Got oranges I sent for.

Wednesday, May 17, 1944 (age 57): Cold. Letters from Jean, Peggy & Allan. Allan's was about his court martialSven regarding a letter they accused him of sending the capt. Of course he is innocent but it cost him $600 to prove it. Peggy ok & baby fine.

Thursday, May 18, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Sent letter to Allan with $100 in it. Wrote to Jean & Peggy & sent Jean Allan's letter. Put $5 in bank for Christine.

Friday, May 19, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked till 6.30 & then went to movies. Saw Snow White over again. Had hair washed on Saturday in Law. & did errands for Nellie.

Saturday, May 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letter from John saying he hadn't an letters from me since I came home. Written May 6.

Sunday, May 21, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to ch. Helped dr. dress Nellie's head. Wrote to John & Jean.

Monday, May 22, 1944 (age 57): Went to movies & saw His Butler's Sister. Deanna Durbin & Pat O'Brien.

Tuesday, May 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Made 75 bandages at Red Cross. Ethel came in to see me about Jean wanting her down there as she has to have operation. She wrote to me too.

Wednesday, May 24, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Lucy Gibson over to see Nellie. I telephoned Jean & said I might be down over weekend. Sent money order off on Thurs. for blocks for Butchy.

Thursday, May 25, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Met Barbara Johnson in restaurant & she asked me to go see Harold so I did. He's better & will be home Sat. Met a Mr. Hutton & his wife who has chg. of Davis & J. Printing. He thinks I'm a good proofreader.

Friday, May 26, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Telephoned Roland I wouldn't be down as Jean isn't going to hospital till next Thurs. Got pearls for Jean.

Saturday, May 27, 1944 (age 57): Thunder at night. Worked in a.m. but didn't do anything in p.m. but have a bath.

Sunday, May 28, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to bac. sermon at South Ch. Watched parade in p.m.

Monday, May 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Thought we might have to work tomorrow but found out the binders couldn't touch books for 10 days, so we worked till 6.30 or so. Sent for shoe scraper for Allan's present & wrote him to expect it & Butchy's.

Tuesday, May 30, 1944 (age 57): Pleasant. Didn't have to work so watched parade & walked around with E. Svenson. Ethel took Nellie & me down to the cemetery in p.m. & I put some flowers on graves.

Wednesday, May 31, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Worked till 5.30. Very humid all day & even. Letter from Ethel Hitch. Harrington.

Thursday, June 1, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Jean went to hosp. & had operation. I telephoned about 5.45 & they said she was ok. Would be uncomfortable for a few days. Had spinal injection. Eleanor Svenson came up. A wee bit cooler. Got Navy checks & Fragiartaire. [?]

Friday, June 2, 1944 (age 57): Hot. I won the pool for this week $6.50. Wrote to Minerva & Virg. & told them about Jean. Didn't work but half an hour extra. Got bonds for Allan & Butchy and put $75 in bank.

Saturday, June 3, 1944 (age 57): Hot & then got cooler. Letter from Allan. Went to beach in p.m. by the Greyhound. R. met me & we went to see J. She's as well as can be expected. Got R/s supper.

Sunday, June 4, 1944 (age 57): Cold. Got up & had oatmeal & coffee made & muffins heated up also cooked eggs. Got dinner. Went over & saw Jean before I left. Came home at 8.00 by train.

Monday, June 5, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies & saw Flash & Phantasy. [?] Queer but good. No more overtime work but the books left seem to have the devil in them. Had a bad headache to start off the day. Cooler. Wrote to Jean.

Tuesday, June 6, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Didn't go to Red Cross as my head was still tired. Wrote to Min & asked her if Joan graduates this year. Also to Virg. Sent bonds to Allan & Butchy on Monday.

Wednesday, June 7, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Sprinkle in morning. Played cards. Got a good mystery & read it through.

Thursday, June 8, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Alice Johnson called to see if I'd heard from Jean. Told Ethel on way home. Got another mystery. Wrote to Jean.

Friday, June 9, 1944 (age 57): Butchy 2 years old. Paid for salt & pepper shakers for Mary at Billings. Went to movies & saw Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves. Didn't work this pm after 2.

Saturday, June 10, 1944 (age 57): Allan 33 years old. Got a note from Jean. Has had fever but is a little better. Wrote to her.

Sunday, June 11, 1944 (age 57): Went to childrens's day at Free Ch. J. Souter's baby baptized. Quite a show the kids put on. Went up to Betty's & saw Margaret. Stayed to supper.

Monday, June 12, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Started to print Exeter book today, also Forsyth. One more form of Aegis to print. Got another note from Jean. Minerva wrote to her. She had stitches taken out Sat. Sent 65¢ for postage for Allan's present.

Tuesday, June 13, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Red Cross & made 85 small dressings. Mrs. Cole served icecream & brownies. Shouldn't have as I guess they contributed toward making me sick later on.

Wednesday, June 14, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cloudy later as we went to Punchard banquet. Finally persuaded Nellie to go. Only one of my class there. Had a letter from Allan so told them he sent greetings.

Thursday, June 15, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Worked all day & had supper with Carters & threw it all up about 9.30. Went to bed feeling miserable. Did some washing before I felt sick. Letter from Jean. Sent off Mary's pkg.

Friday, June 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Thundershower at night & a lot of wind. Woke up with terrific headache so they had to get Ruth in as she didn't have to work. But got her week's pay just the same.

Saturday, June 17, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Just got up & did nothing but make my bed & dust.

Sunday, June 18, 1944 (age 57): Cooler. Wrote to Jean.

Monday, June 19, 1944 (age 57): Dad's birthday. ["Dad" refers to her late husband.] I went to work but didn't feel much like it. However not much to do. I went to movies & saw Bridge of San Luis Rey. Weather all week either cloudy or rain.

Tuesday, June 20, 1944 (age 57): Didn't go to Red Cross as I didn't feel like it. Sent off $25 bond to Mary yesterday by registered mail. Jean came home from hospital. She had received almost 50 cards. Eleanor sent one every day she was there.

Wednesday, June 21, 1944 (age 57): No entry for today.

Thursday, June 22, 1944 (age 57): Got birthday card for Jean.

Friday, June 23, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Spurts of rain. Had some fried fish at Carters. The first I've had for some time.

Saturday, June 24, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Came down to beach. Rained hard in Boston. Got here about 3.30. Took bus to Boston from Andover as I had part of a ticket.

Sunday, June 25, 1944 (age 57): Jean 35th birthday. I gave her a string of grey pearls. Bad northeast storm out.

Monday, June 26, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Clearing off some & getting warmer. Letter from Peggy with pictures of the baby. Wrote to her & told her how much we liked them.

Tuesday, June 27, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Beautiful day after the stormy weather but hazy in distance. Letter from John & one from Mrs. Johnstone.

Wednesday, June 28, 1944 (age 57): Clear & hot. J. & R. 12th wedding anniv. Went to Cobbs for dinner. Had a swell steak. Letter from Allan who has been trans. up to Alameda again with a squad of planes. Jean got pkg of body pdr from Mary & Allan, also letter from Peg. with 2 pictures.

Thursday, June 29, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Another letter from John & he'd just got my May 21 letter telling I'd told him about Wilfred. He didn't get the one I sent about how he died. Letter from Mary thanking me for presents. She got pearls & a coffee table from Allan.

Friday, June 30, 1944 (age 57): A little cooler. Went down town twice but didn't get books back in time at that. Hot in sun even though there was a breeze. Sent letters to Allan, Mary, John & Mrs. Johnstone. Helped to finish afghan R. made for Carla.

Saturday, July 1, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Sent afghan to Carla. Bought mag. & book to read. Made some more bread & fish hash for supper with beans.

Sunday, July 2, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Beautiful day. Went to church. Took walk in p.m. around Nubble. Lots of people here. Cooler. L. Smith came in p.m.

Monday, July 3, 1944 (age 57): A little cloudy. Did wash & made some more bread for Jean. L. Smith's boy friend came. Saw the Faulkners at the Bayview.

Tuesday, July 4, 1944 (age 57): Hot but cool breeze at beach. Jean's friends left in p.m. J. had kind of a heat stroke but was better. I did ironing. We had fresh salmon & peas for dinner.

Wednesday, July 5, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cool at beach but warmer as I came home. Left at noon & got to Boston about 3. Went up to Beauty shop in No. Station & had hair washed & waved. Letter from E. Hitchcock & checks from boys. Thunder at night.

Thursday, July 6, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Good breeze but hot. Slept with pillow at foot of bed so as to get air. Like little room. Jean wrote that Mrs. Johnson wrote her that M. Edgar was divorced & married again. Also that Jimmie was divorced.

Friday, July 7, 1944 (age 57): Getting warmer.

Saturday, July 8, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Went down town & sweat just a bucket walking around. Got Carla a bond when I cashed my ck from Press. Got pr overalls for Chris & Butch.

Sunday, July 9, 1944 (age 57): No entry for today.

Monday, July 10, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Went to work at Press as Ruth is on vacation. The weather is hot & sticky & the thundershowers don't help at all. Sent Jean magazines.

Tuesday, July 11, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Sent the overalls to Chris & Butchy. Didn't go to Red Cross or movies it was so hot. Another letter from John & he had received a lot of mail from me & Jean & Peggy.

Wednesday, July 12, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Not much use to write anything as I just come home & lie down it's so hot. Couldn't wear corsets all week I sweat so.

Thursday, July 13, 1944 (age 57): Hot. John told about getting greetings from Brussel [?] & Greenhow & Gladys Greenhow said her brother wrote that they signaled John's ship as it was passing ahead if he was aboard.

Friday, July 14, 1944 (age 57): A little cooler. Letter from Allan with speech he made when squad reformed. He wasn't promoted though, although 1936 was. Went to cemetery & saw stone ok. Didn't work in pm.

Saturday, July 15, 1944 (age 57): Hot in sun but cool breeze. Wrote to J. & Allan. Got letter from Jean.

Sunday, July 16, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Didn't go to church or away from the house. Thunder storm at night set fire to barn at Shattuck farm in W.A.

Monday, July 17, 1944 (age 57): Cool. Beautiful day. Had sick headache in a.m. though. Staved it off. Went to movies at night & saw Watch on the Rhine.

Tuesday, July 18, 1944 (age 57): Cool. Went to Red Cross early & made 61 bandages & came home about 8.30 as my eyes felt tired. Letter from Jean & wrote to her. Nellie had permanent.

Wednesday, July 19, 1944 (age 57): Little warmer.. Spec. del. letter from Peggy saying she was in bed because the tears she had when baby was born hadn't healed. She said Carla has 2 bonds now & thanked me for one I sent.

Thursday, July 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cool. Lovely weather this week although it got a bit warmer & rained during night.

Friday, July 21, 1944 (age 57): Cool. Louie still wants me to work so I might as well. Was going over to see Margaret but she called up that she was going up Chestnut St. to supper. Sent Noah's Ark to Butchy & a sewing game to Chris.

Saturday, July 22, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Boston. Stores were closed but found a few open. Went to movies & saw White Cliffs of Dover. Mrs. Gilbert visiting Nellie.

Sunday, July 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Hot in sun. Didn't go to church but hung around all day.

Monday, July 24, 1944 (age 57): Fair & hot. Letter from John & he may get transferred to P.G. school at Annapolis. Hope so. Sent letter to Jean with Peg's in it also the half ticket to Boston on Greyhound. Went to movies but stayed only through one picture.

Tuesday, July 25, 1944 (age 57): Hot & sticky. Didn't go to Red Cross as I knew I'd stick to the gauze. Busy on Harvard Bus. school stuff lots of tables. Lexie in although she didn't think she would be.

Wednesday, July 26, 1944 (age 57): Still hot. Have been coming here to dinner, but it's pretty tiring when it's so hot. The food is worth it though. Letter from Jean & editorial from Wash Star by Mr. Bailey.

Thursday, July 27, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Still sticky but a little cooler. Another letter from J. & she also got a letter from Peg & one from John. Saw Mrs. Lovely & told her about John.

Friday, July 28, 1944 (age 57): Warm. Got pay & paid board but didn't do much else with it except buy eats.

Saturday, July 29, 1944 (age 57): Warm. Went to Law. with Nellie while she did some shopping. Didn't buy anything.

Sunday, July 30, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Went up to Lovelys in pm & saw David & Eleanor. Thunderstorms around us.

Monday, July 31, 1944 (age 57): Warm. Got application from selectmen to have Allan & John registered here if they wanted to vote. Don't know as they care, but will send cards to Mary & Peggy to see,

Tuesday, August 1, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Made 100 bandages at Red Cross as they wanted to get a lot done. It was pretty hot & sticky up there with a breeze once in a while. Letter from Mary with snaps. Wrote to her & sent card to have Allan registered.

Wednesday, August 2, 1944 (age 57): Hot & sticky. Checks came. Wrote to Jean & sent postal for hairdressers address. Wrote to Peggy & sent postal about John registering.

Thursday, August 3, 1944 (age 57): Getting warmer right along.

Friday, August 4, 1944 (age 57): Still hot. Jean sent back card with hairdressers name but said he didn't take any appointments. Ethel called up & wanted to know if I'd like to go to beach. As Svensons are there, we are going to wait for another week.

Saturday, August 5, 1944 (age 57): Terribly hot. I changed rooms again & the sweat sure ran down my face. Letter from Allan.

Sunday, August 6, 1944 (age 57): No entry for today.

Monday, August 7, 1944 (age 57): Cooler. Peggy wrote that she would attend to John's application to vote.

Tuesday, August 8, 1944 (age 57): Nice & cool but getting warmer. Made 125 dressings at Red Cross. Closed till after Labor Day.

Wednesday, August 9, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Went over to Margaret's for evening.

Thursday, August 10, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Just stayed at home after work.

Friday, August 11, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Just another sizzler. Didn't come up to dinner. Got letter from Ethel H. on Sat. a.m. to come down next Sat. Got card from Mary to get Allan a registration.

Saturday, August 12, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Ethel, Miss K., Nellie, George & I drove down to Jean's It was wickedly hot. Ethel & I went in water.

Sunday, August 13, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Jean had a lobster & steam clam dinner but I had bread & tomatoes. Made clam chowder at night. Slept better.

Monday, August 14, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Terribly hot again even though there was a thunderstorm in pm all afternoon. Got home at noontime before shower. Ethel had to change inner tube in spare. Terribly hot when we stopped.

Tuesday, August 15, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Didn't come home to dinner.

Wednesday, August 16, 1944 (age 57): Hot. It was awful. No relief till Friday the papers say.

Thursday, August 17, 1944 (age 57): Hot but cooled off some at night. Lightning flashes around Boston. Worst heat wave ever I guess.

Friday, August 18, 1944 (age 57): Plenty cooler but still plenty hot.

Saturday, August 19, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Brighton & saw Ethel Harrington. Had a nice visit.

Sunday, August 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to North Reading & visited Haywards. Went over to see old house where we lived. Lester drove me home.

Monday, August 21, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Not much to do at Press. Went to movies but didn't stay through either picture. Note from Jean. Wrote to Mary, Ethel Hitchcock, Aunt Fannie & Jean. Sent J. papers.

Tuesday, August 22, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Warm. Looked a little like rain. Sent clippings about Peters, the Tribune sports edutir's death to Jerry. Also wrote Filene's about dress. Tried to get white belt for Ethel but none to be had. Made app. at Herzogs for permanent.

Wednesday, August 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair--cool. Very little to do at work. No mail. Called up D. Black to see if she would be home but Alex is having some men in, so will go down next Tuesday to supper.

Thursday, August 24, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Cleared in pm. A little warmer. Card from Thelma Beele from New York.

Friday, August 25, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cool. Had permanent at Miss Herzog's in Law. Had a ride home with Miss Helen Tewksbury. Sent for detective books from the club.

Saturday, August 26, 1944 (age 57): Cool. Summer clouds. Saw Ethel down town. She invited me to dinner sun. Walked down in pm to get books. Had a little sudden thundershower.

Sunday, August 27, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Miss Kimball's for dinner. Stayed here all pm.

Monday, August 28, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies but stayed only to one picture.

Tuesday, August 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Hap came in & set the stuff Ruth had set up. I won the baseball pool $4.00. Went to Doris Black's for supper. Got Ethel a pair of earrings for birthday.

Wednesday, August 30, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Nothing special happening but I did get my dress from Filenes. It was 24½ & too short & too long around waist but I fixed it.

Thursday, August 31, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Warmer & clouded up at night. Letter from Jean & postcard from Hap. Did washing. Had some small cavities filled.

Friday, September 1, 1944 (age 57): Rain part of day. Found out I could have the 2 weeks after Labor Day week for my vacation. Have written to Miss Meserve.

Saturday, September 2, 1944 (age 57): Hot & muggy. Helped Nellie a little but didn't go down town till after supper. Got a box of candy for myself.

Sunday, September 3, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went down to Wakefield for a ride & saw house I lived in when first married.

Monday, September 4, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Labor Day. Went to movies in pm. R. Carter & family here for a short time on their way home from Easthampton.

Tuesday, September 5, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Rain part of the time. Got Navy checks & letter from Jean. Wrote to her. Sent $100 to Bellevue Mont works for cemetery stone. Sent Mary some more detective stories.

Wednesday, September 6, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Still rather warm. Sent magazines to Jean. She isn't feeling so good. Got 2 books from Detective Story Club.

Thursday, September 7, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy & clearing at night. Went to see Mr. Skeffington at movies with Bette Davis & Claude Rains. Sent money order to Detective Book Club. Got $25 bond for John. Only owe $65 on stone now. Wrote Mr. Meserve I'd come up Sat.

Friday, September 8, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy part of day. Washed hair, clothes & myself after I came home. Packed bag. Played cards in the evening.

Saturday, September 9, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Jackson. Couldn't get a taxi so walked to station. Old man carried my bag down Essex St. Got here in time for dinner. Shoolbreds came in pm & we walked.

Sunday, September 10, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Beautiful day. Had headache so didn't get up for breakfast. Laid around all day.

Monday, September 11, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Made app. with hairdresser at No. Conway for a wave. Miss Waters, one of the guests, had a bad spell at dentists & had to be brought home. Went around the mile twice.

Tuesday, September 12, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Getting cloudy. Had a ride to No. Conway with McNears. Got app. at hairdressers at 9 oclock. Sat around outside wondering what to do to pass the time when a Miss Richards & Mr Jacobs picked me up & brought me back to Jackson.

Wednesday, September 13, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Wiped dishes in kitchen this a.m. for something to do. Got letter from Jean saying she wasn't feeling good so I wrote I'd be down Sat. Made me feel pretty bad.

Thursday, September 14, 1944 (age 57): Rain & a little wind at night. Hurricane along the coast but we didn't get it here much. Did dishes again. Letters from Nellie & Jerry.

Friday, September 15, 1944 (age 57): Cleared. Some showers. Telephoned Jean & she told me to stay & have my vacation. Said lots of wind down at beach & house shook. Took bath this p.m. & wrote to Jerry & sent card to Nellie.

Saturday, September 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. A number of the guests went home. Letter from Jean. Wrote to her. Had a ride to No. Conway with Mr. Shattuck & the Corrises.

Sunday, September 17, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Didn't have to wash dishes this a.m. Miss Meserve had to serve at supper last night as one of the girls wasn't there. Had a sing with Joe Stott at piano.

Monday, September 18, 1944 (age 57): Very foggy. Laid around most of the day.

Tuesday, September 19, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Had a ride to Gorham with Bieanehis, Mrs. Anderson & Mrs. Adams. Bought a few cards in Sherrys also some more maple sugar. Paid bill to Miss Meserve $41.30. She seemed grateful for dishwashing.

Wednesday, September 20, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Got the early train home & it came right to Andover. Got here at 10.30. Had bath in pm & mailed [ration] stamps to Miss Meserve. Got board paid & left money with Nellie for John's insurance.

Thursday, September 21, 1944 (age 57): Hot. Came down to Jean's by way of Boston. Got her a piece of steak in Feneuil Hall market. Bus to Y.B. taken off so came by taxi. Cost $5.00.

Friday, September 22, 1944 (age 57): Cooler. Cleared off & much cooler. Walked down town but didn't go in any store. Made bread & swept floor. G. Carter's birthday. Left card & maple sugar man for him.

Saturday, September 23, 1944 (age 57): Cool. Helped R. do wash. Made cake in p.m.

Sunday, September 24, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Helped with work. Took a walk around. Beautiful day.

Monday, September 25, 1944 (age 57): Another nice day. Cold wind but felt good. Did ironing & went down town & got some apples & tomatoes. Got mentholatum & Bi-So-Dol tablets & left them with Jean.

Tuesday, September 26, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Woke up with headache. It wore off during day. Helped with work & left at 11 for Portsmouth. Got 1 oc. train for Boston. Looked around stores. Got nightgown in Chandlers. Called up Louie & he said to come to work.

Wednesday, September 27, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Went to work. Have Dartmouth–Notre Dame football program to do. Sent off bond to John at Silver Sp. for his birthday.

Thursday, September 28, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Had hair washed at new place on Barnard St. Wrote to Allan & Jean. Got dress for Christine from Irma Beenes.

Friday, September 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Sent off dress & a suit to Butchy. Wrote to Mary saying they were coming.

Saturday, September 30, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Took Ethel to dinner in Law. & to movies. got daisy ham for Jean & sent it off. John 27 years old. Letters from J. & Lizzie Scott.

Sunday, October 1, 1944 (age 57): Went to Free Ch. & heard Hartwell C. Dolly sp. on Indif. of Church to World Problems. Wrote Jean & told her I'd sent meat.

Monday, October 2, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Getting cooler. Got Navy checks & put $25 in each of Allan's & John's accts. Paid the rest of the cemetery stone $65.

Tuesday, October 3, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cool. Had to wear gloves to work. Got letter & card from Jean saying she had the meat. Also she has been sick with vomiting & diarrhea. Nellie & Geo. went to the Frank Holts' 50th wed. anniv. [written in later:] Daughter to Allan & Mary.

Wednesday, October 4, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Lucy Gibson came over & played rummy.

Thursday, October 5, 1944 (age 57): This would have been Sue's 40th wedding anniv. Went to Free ch fair & bought some eats.

Friday, October 6, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to supper at Free church. Chicken pie. Walked up with Ethel afterwards. (She & I & Marjorie Dea went to ride Sat. & had dinner at Cocke & Kettle. Bought weather forecaster at Hampton Beach on Sat.) Didn't work in pm.

Saturday, October 7, 1944 (age 57): Fair & hot. Letters from Jean & Dot. J's said maybe another grandchild on way. Hope she will be ok. Dot's bought a house in Greenwood. Mit & Nat gave met in Cal. Sonny in Aus.

Sunday, October 8, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy & rain. Had a tele. from John saying he was in San Diego at Allan's. Telephoned Jean & sent tele. back to John. Glad that worry is over for a while.

Monday, October 9, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies & stayed only through one picture.

Tuesday, October 10, 1944 (age 57): Warm. Woke up with headache & went to work but had to come home about 10.30. Stayed in bed most of the day.

Wednesday, October 11, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Went to work about 8 oclock but didn't feel very good. Went to see The Great Mr. Handel & Jeanie at movies--both good. Letters from Allan & Dorothy. A's told of new arrival. Wrote to them.

Thursday, October 12, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went down to Saugus & had a good talk with Dot & Nelson. Walked over from Melrose High. Saw Addie on the way. Wrote to Nellie & told her about leaving her rings behind.

Friday, October 13, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Letter from Nellie. I guess she didn't miss her rings.

Saturday, October 14, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy & hot. Went to Boston & most died with sweat. Stayed at Miss K's all night. Had supper at Sq. & Comp. Got pajamas for Chris & Butchy.

Sunday, October 15, 1944 (age 57): Cooler & cloudy. Fair in a.m. Had dinner at Miss K's.

Monday, October 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked & went to movies but didn't stay long. Stayed here all night. Nellie had missed her rings & was glad I found them. Sent her a card.

Tuesday, October 17, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Woke up with another headache so I called the Dr. &* he gave me some headache pills. Looked in my ears & said eczema again. Stayed in bed all day.

Wednesday, October 18, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to work but didn't feel much like it. Carters came home & I was sure glad to see them. Got napkin rings from Billings for Jean & R.

Thursday, October 19, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Seems to be plenty to do at Press, odd jobs & finishing up etc. Hap said we would get a present tomorrow. Got my ring at Billings & it looks swell--zircon in my engagement ring.

Friday, October 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Hazy in p.m. Got back pay of $56.37 less taxes amt ot 44.54 also reg. pay of 26.08. Put $100 in bank for myself. Went to York Beach as I didn't have to work in pm. 2.12 Boston 3.30 Portsmouth-- bus connected at 5.15.

Saturday, October 21, 1944 (age 57): Another hurricane. Wind & rain. Waves very high. Water came in windows. Took Jean down some grapes & hamburg.

Sunday, October 22, 1944 (age 57): Beautiful day-- walked around Nubble. Had ride home with friends of Tom Ford's.

Monday, October 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Another grand day. Went to movies but not interested. Sent away for some Christmas presents from catalog I got. Also got yarn.

Tuesday, October 24, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Didn't have headache but was almost late so got no breakfast. Got some lunch later. Bought baby blanket, also some aprons for Jean. Made 106 surgical dressings at Red Cross. Letter from John from Silver Spg. Wrote to him & Jean.

Wednesday, October 25, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Not very busy. Some voting on union questions but I didn't understand them so didn't vote. Lucy Gibson came over & we played rummy.

Thursday, October 26, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letter from Jean saying she had a cute pattern for dress needed 3¾ yds of clothe so I'll get it for her if I can.

Friday, October 27, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Didn't work in pm so went to Lawrence & bought some things for Christmas. Navy day so got a bond for Peggy for her Xmas present.

Saturday, October 28, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Mailed cloth to Jean & roller towels. Didn't feel extra well. Packed box for California but haven't anything for M. yet.

Sunday, October 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cold. Mr. Carter started in as janitor at Free church. Wrote to Jean & Allan.

Monday, October 30, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cold. Lovely day. Felt a little better. Wrote to Jerry & Mary. Letters from Allan & Jean. Baby's name is Anna Jane or Jan. Got corduroy bathrobe for Mary.

Tuesday, October 31, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Didn't go home to dinner as Nellie had veal & I don't care for it. Just as well for I still have diarrhea. Letter from John. Wrote to him. Not much Halloween fuss--one false alarm.

Wednesday, November 1, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cloudy in a.m. Nellie went to Town Line House with Mrs. Duncan. Out at night to women's meet at church. Letter from Jean.

Thursday, November 2, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letter from Jerry. Wrote back to him.

Friday, November 3, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Warm. Paid Dr. Kyle 4.00. Put 75 in bank for me--25 each for Allan & John. Letter from Jean. Got bundle ready for California & Nellie sent it off Sat. by express.

Saturday, November 4, 1944 (age 57): Went to Boston & then down to York. Took Jean down a roast of beef. Got cooler toward night.

Sunday, November 5, 1944 (age 57): Rain & snow. Colder so we had a fire in the fireplace. Took a walk down town.

Monday, November 6, 1944 (age 57): Still storming but cleared off at night. Got the 12 oclock bus to Ports. then the 1.10 to Boston. Had dinner at Oyster House. Went to movies as I came home. Stayed to only one picture. Letter from Jerry.

Tuesday, November 7, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cold. Voted early. May have been the first woman--don't know. Told G. Dumont I didn't like that cigarette smoke. I guess he's mad, but I don't care. Got little girl's apron in Thrift Shop to send to Christine. Wrote to Mary & Allan.

Wednesday, November 8, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Nellie not feeling so good. Has the intestinal grip I guess, so I didn't come home to dinner or supper. G. Collins began to blah about a proof that got pied after I'd read it & then apologized.

Thursday, November 9, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Went up to West ch. supper & Jean came while I was there to Carters. She didn't have a very good supper at rest. & felt tired after trip to Boston where she got her fur coat.

Friday, November 10, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Jean thought she had better go home as she didn't feel well, so Eleanor drover her over to Law. Mrs. C. feeling a little better. Paid $10 on Billings bill.

Saturday, November 11, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Washed hair & looked over last year's diary. Washed dishes for Mrs. C.

Sunday, November 12, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Walked over to Eva's & then Ethel & I went to Georgetown. Rebecca was home.

Monday, November 13, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Had to work so will probably get in 40 hours this week. Saw old moon very bright. Letter from Jean.

Tuesday, November 14, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Beautiful morning-- saw old moon a little dimmer than usual. It will be new tomorrow. Sent off another box to Mary. Made 80 bandages at R.C.

Wednesday, November 15, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Brilliant sky but clouds all around.

Thursday, November 16, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Letter from Jean. She's tired washing windows & putting up curtains. Roland stayed out this week too.

Friday, November 17, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Worked 40 hours this week. Got a coat at the Thrift shop for Christine. Stayed there till the Hiltons came to help Ruth out. R. Carter & family came for weekend.

Saturday, November 18, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Went to Law. & got me a nightgown & 2 prs stocks. Had dinner at Pages. The Carters were in Boston. Dot invited me for Thanks.

Sunday, November 19, 1944 (age 57): Fair. The R. Carters went to B. to a game. I went to ch. Claxton Munro preached. At Free ch. to concert by choirs in even.

Monday, November 20, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Mrs. Carter all worked up because George didn't come home in time for dinner. He thought it was 11 instead of 12. I didn't eat half. mine. Movies Waterloo Bridge. Letter from Allan. Wrote to him again. Had written Sunday.

Tuesday, November 21, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Poured in pm. Didn't go to Red Cross. Wrote some cards & did up some Xmas pkgs for John & Peg. Got coat for Chris at Thrift shop. Wrote to Mary & told her. Letter from Jean thinking I was coming down there.

Wednesday, November 22, 1944 (age 57): Rain & snow. Another wet day. Got box with coat in it off to Chris. Wrote to Jean saying it wasn't worth it for only a day. Got some candy to take to Saugus.

Thursday, November 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Thanksgiving. Went to Saugus & bus was crowded to Reading. Dot had Edie there so we didn't have dinner till 4 oclock & I was hungry. Edie had to work. Dot had chicken & all the fixings. She wants to sell her car as she doesn't think she can keep it so I told her about R. wanting one. The Carters went to the Andover Inn for Thanks. John wrote later. He didn't have the day off.

Friday, November 24, 1944 (age 57): No entry for today.

Saturday, November 25, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Boston & found where eye & ear inf. is. Crowds on sts. Didn't stay long. Bought cinnamon rolls.

Sunday, November 26, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to ch. but felt kind of sick. Over to Eva's afterwards.

Monday, November 27, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies but stayed only a short time.

Tuesday, November 28, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Red Cross & made 90 dressings. Letter from Jean. Letter from John thanking for bond. Letter was registered but didn't have anything special in it.

Wednesday, November 29, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Rain at night & wind blew. I don't see why Mary doesn't write about some of the things getting there.

Thursday, November 30, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Bad storm blew & poured. Didn't go home to dinner. Got cracker & milk. Got first Christmas card from Helen yesterday.

Friday, December 1, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Bought books for John & Peggy. It was pretty high tide at beach by Jean's letter. Helped at Thrift Shop for an hour. Got paid full week for Thanks.

Saturday, December 2, 1944 (age 57): Cold & windy. Army beat Navy 23–7 at Baltimore. Sent Jean some baby things & 2 pillows from Sutherlands. Bean sup. at Baptist. Got checks.

Sunday, December 3, 1944 (age 57): Fair & very cold. Nellie & I had dinner at Andover Inn. Geo. at church every member canvass.

Monday, December 4, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies. Got card from Mary saying she got my stuff.

Tuesday, December 5, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went up to Dr. Emmins about my eyes. He examined them & will have glasses made. Didn't go to Red Cross as he said I shouldn't but I'll go later I guess.

Wednesday, December 6, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Nellie went off to lunch with Duncans at Town Line Inn.

Thursday, December 7, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Bought bond at Post office on 3rd anniv. of Pearl Harbor. Made it out to Jean & Roland. Am getting a few Christmas cards.

Friday, December 8, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Not much to do in the afternoon so Ruth took it off. Went to Thrift Shop for an hour. Fish chowder lunch at Free Church.

Saturday, December 9, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Boston & got bathrobe for Jean & sent it off with atlas for Roland. Supper at Clams.

Sunday, December 10, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Had dinner at Miss Kimballs. Went over to Eva's & then walked home.

Monday, December 11, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Letter from Gladys Blake & she would be glad to see me at end of Jan. Notice from Navy. John had stopped his allotment. Bill from Dr Blake. Movies. Andrew Paul died. Started to rain at night & wind blew. Wrote to Jean, Minerva, Virginia & Eleanor about A.P.

Tuesday, December 12, 1944 (age 57): Rain. Didn't get to work till 8.30 as I didn't feel like getting up. Nothing all morning & a lot this pm. Cards from A. Buchan, Mrs. Preston & the MacNairs. Letter from Jean. Went to movies on ticket I got for buying bond & saw Mrs Parkington.

Wednesday, December 13, 1944 (age 57): Fair & cold. Found mistake in Harvard Bus. Sch. books in references & had Cath. telephone to Boston about them.

Thursday, December 14, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Very cold-- went to A. Paul's funeral & to Belle's after. Katheryn's husband brought me home. Jean doesn't think much about John stopping allot. but I guess it's ok.

Friday, December 15, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letter from Eleanor Tucker. Her house burned in April & they are back in it now. Ed is in Camp Campbell Kentucky as an instructor. Pkg from John & Peggy.

Saturday, December 16, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Letters from Allan & Jerry. Bought scarf for M. Hodge for Christmas. Got all my cards off.

Sunday, December 17, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Wrote to Jean & Eleanor. Stayed at home but went to Free ch. in evening to concert.

Monday, December 18, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to movies & stayed only to one picture. Getting more cards every day.

Tuesday, December 19, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Louie said it was ok if I wanted to go to York Beach.

Wednesday, December 20, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Getting Wheaton old cat. done & working on new one. Lots of work in bookstore so Thelma is down there afternoons.

Thursday, December 21, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Worked in a.m. then went down to York Beach in pm. Jean glad to see me. Met R. on the way. Jean has a pretty tree & lights in window. Press had a party at Yankee Doodle on Den Rock Road but I wasn't interested.

Friday, December 22, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Jean at hospital all day. I slipped on stairs & hurt the base of my spine again. Also my shoulder aches. Roland won't have to work Sat & Sun nights.

Saturday, December 23, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Helped J. clean up. She was all in when she got through.

Sunday, December 24, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy. Went to ch. 2 times with J. & R. at York Beach. R. had to open Mrs. Andrews' present.

Monday, December 25, 1944 (age 57): Cloudy, snow & rain. Not cold. got presents on tree & R. & J. tickled with what I gave them-- napkin rings, sewing box & bond, atlas, pajamas, bathrobes etc. I got panties & stockings. Chris gave me a handkerchief she picked out & wrapped up, Got 2 prs of black gloves, one from Peggy & one from Jerry.

Tuesday, December 26, 1944 (age 57): Got home on the 5 oc train from Ports. to Boston which was held up in Chelsea for a while. got 7.50 from Boston. Nellie & G. glad to see me. Played rummy & then looked at my gifts & cards which had come. Wall plaques fro E. Svenson & E. Tucker. Box of note paper from Ruth, hand. from Thelma, scarf from Margaret, earrings from Ethel. Powder & perfume from Mary. Calendar from Lexie. Reader's Digest from Minerva & John.

Wednesday, December 27, 1944 (age 57): Got hair washed. Wrote several thank-you notes. E. Svenson up for a while as Buster & Janet were at the Xmas party.

Thursday, December 28, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cold. Awful slippery as the streets aren't sanded. Quite a storm last night. Letter from John with ck in it & saying had to stop allotments= because he was making too many. Letter from Jean.

Friday, December 29, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Cold & blowy so I didn't come home to dinner. Helped at Thrift Shop for an hour. Joyce & Dickie's Christmas cards came back so I sent them on to Peekskill.

Saturday, December 30, 1944 (age 57): Fair. Went to Law. & got new shoes & coat at Super Store--shoes at Walkover. Fixed over pictures & put Xmas presents away. Took bundles down to P.O. to send to Jean.

Sunday, December 31, 1944 (age 57): Snow. Didn't go to church.

See the diary entries for 1945.

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

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