[Diary of Jenice M. Klee, 1943]

              WOMEN VETERANS HISTORICAL PROJECT
DIARY TRANSCRIPT
CREATOR: Jenice M. Klee
DATE: September 27, 1943 – December 23, 1945
Sept 27, 1943
This is the last day for me as a civilian in Seattle. Heard my program for the last time for many a
day. I really can’t believe I’m really a Spar. This can’t be happening to me. Well it is.
Went downtown and finished shopping. Saw Josie and Arme for the final goodbye. They’re
giving me some stationary with my name on it. I’ll sure miss her. She went skating and her father
drove me to 3rd Ave.
The Hayes and Louise Cramer came over to bid me adieux and I was the proud percipient of a
box of lozenges. Around nine Mildred called and I walked down and met her., she gave me a
beautiful box of blue stationary Airmail weight. Then we walked to the Woodland Creamery and
had a sundae. Walked her home and finished packing.
Tuesday Sept 28
I really dashed this morning. Had to be down at the Alaska building by 9. Dad rode my bags to
the station with Mother while I went to the Alaska Bldg. Lo and behold Thelma Olsen was there.
Virginia Schmidt told me about her. I went on to Cameron and Co. and said goodbye to them.
We left there at 11 and in the market I telephoned Doris. Verna informed me she was still abed
so, knowing she would never be able to make it by traintime.
Mother gave me a gardenia to wear and we stopped by for a hamburger which made me 15 min.
late. We had to wear an arm band with the SPAR on it until she became familiar with our faces.
Our chaperone is Miss Roberts Sec. Class Yeoman. I almost brake down at the station but
managed not to. (Must make a note of it to conductor. This locomotive sways too much.) They
can’t do this to me. We all marched in single file to the train and entered the third coach down.
No one was allowed beyond the gates. A sailor took our picture of the girls on the steps waving
goodbye. Then on the train and away. Left at 12:30. Straight thru to Portland and then to Eastern
Ore.
My partner is Lois McCaw. Her husband is getting a divorce. She told me a lot about herself.
She lost her baby at 2 mo. Worked at the depot for a year. Since her husband worked for Boeing-
Pan American he fell for somebody else. Tough.
Slept in the upper berth and froze. Lois had the blind over the open window but it wasn’t enough.
A grand bunch of girls. Rita and Margaret are very nice.
Wed. Sept. 29
Breakfast at the ungodly hour of 7:30 so I was up by 7. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, fried
potatoes and buns. Also took my orange.
Have passed thru Ontario, Nyssa, and Caldwell, Idaho. Then we skip to Pocatello and thru to
Kansas City and Missouri.
Dinner was at 6:30 yesterday so it was well I had that hamburger.
Nothing but barren brown hills and sagebrush.
No Denver, Colorado. Stopped at Glenn Ferry, Idaho and was able to get off the train for half an
hour. The soldiers were already off and that certain one that had talked to me this morning was
outside my window. He would meet me outside. A horrible little town. We had a cake in the
local grocery store. Barely finished mine. Most of the girls had already gone so out I come and
here was 4 soldiers including that certain one.
He asked me for a bite from my apple and then I dashed off saying we stuck together. They think
Miss Roberts is mean cause we can’t talk to them on the train.
The town is only one street with a crummy theatre. We would walk by the sailors and soldiers
and they shouted “You’ll be sorry.
We sat down in the shade of the trees and then got on the train. As I leaned my head out the
window some sailors and soldiers came up and talked to me. Very amusing. One started a spiel
about going home for 7 days and the soldier gave his name to Thelma.
For dinner we had fried chicken with gravy. (On 2nd that it was stewed) That soldier from
Tennessee eyed the empty chair at our table and sure enough sat down opposite me. Mell later
told me he wanted my name but she didn’t know it.
My name wouldn’t have done him any good to know. We donated some candy to the boys. I
wish this soot would stop coming thru. Wrote letters.
I got to sleep in the lower tonite. We changed to No. 5 opposite Thelma and Irene. I peeked out
at nite at the towns we stopped at.
Had a nice long chat with D.D. in her berth. Her girl friend didn’t have much to say. Her boy
friend came down on the transport from Alaska with the Army nurses who are pregnant. They
would tell the sailors how it happened.
That’s what that sailor meant when he told me not to join."(Now I know why people don’t want to travel if they don’t have to.) About half of the girls
smoke. Luckily we can open the windows. And so to bed.
Thurs Sept 30
Third day on train. Got up later and didn’t have time to comb hair before breakfast. Eat in
bedroom slippers. Went to sleep after breakfast, what with The Curse I feel terrible. Seems nice
to send free mail. The conductor told me I looked lonesome what with no one opposite me.
What’s up, Doc.
Am now in Wyoming. Green River horrible town. Stopped at Cheyenne and just walked around
in the station.
The new girl came on at Dennis Colorado. She is married and goes by Margaret MacDonald.
Lois is in Mell Glenns compartment now as she spends most of her time over there. Margaret
will sleep in the upper.
We were in Denver for over an hour and couldn’t leave the train. Soldiers came up and we talked
to them. Put a blanket around me and looked out the open window for awhile.
Fri Oct 1
We are now in Kansas. Mush for breakfast again, and eggs & potatoes. The porter didn’t make
up No. 5, 7, 9, & 11 bunks. Some of the girls having taken ex-lax didn’t feel so well. Neither did
I but not that reason. Gee men are lucky.
Stopped in Kansas City and their station is much prettier than Seattle’s. Bought some violet
perfume, (we’re stopping) a little tom tom made by Indians and a copper totem pole book mark.
May send them to Joe. Also some hand lotion. A M.P. came up and we marched downstairs in
the station where some tables were set up and had dinner at 4:00! Some soldiers sat opposite.
Very good to have men opposite us again.
Slept a lot today. some U.S.O. women gave us some doughnuts at a stop here. We didn’t get to
see the Miss. River, passed at nite.
Gradually getting rid of the cookies. I could give my life for one of these—(drawing of a
hamburger). Need I rite [sic] more? Happy am I, I’m always happy, happy am I, I’m always
gay—oh yeah.
Sat. Oct. 2
Had breakfast in St. Louis. We stayed all nite here. In the station we ate. The berths on the other
side were left as beds this time Nos. 6, 10, and 12. Went to sleep in Thelma’s upper berth. Lunch
was in Evansville, Ken. Roast beef for lunch at last. Wrote 2 letters. Bought Cecil Brown’s story
“Suez to Singapore” for $1.49.
The negroes live in squalid hovels. Not very far from train tracks either. And white people. At
one particular station some little boys were selling popcorn and sandwiches and I fell for it.
Well- when I opened what was purported to be chicken salad and found that horrible
conglomerate baloney. Was I perturbed. So went the day. Dinner was in Nashville, Tenn after
seven. Roast pork this time. Most of the girls had string beans but I had salad instead. Sherbet
and ice cream imagine.
Then finally we got to walk outside the station. We walked about 3 blocks and I bought two
apples and 2 sacks of chips.
Some soldiers were following us and one soldier told me I was a sucker, in fact he told the others
they were too. That really perturbed. I’d like to have bashed his ignorant head in.
Also bought a candy bar. One soldier walked with his arm around Mariel. She looks tough and
wears ear rings with her slacks. She is rather cute. Her eyebrows are too thin. Not that it makes
any difference. Just commentin’ you know. Back to train. Rita told me I was the quietist girl on
the train. Why couldn’t I be noisy. Bye bye. Colored waiting room.
Sun. Oct. 3
Breakfast on train again. Scrambled eggs. Slept with Irene on her bunk for awhile. Played
checkers with Phyllis. Of all the states I like Georgia the best. Had breakfast after 10. Over two
hours in Atlanta and didn’t get off. Lenora is an odd girl. Doesn’t talk much.
Bought some Orange Blossom perfume in Jacksonville. The Station wasn’t very good. A
drinking fountain had the sign “colored,” printed thereon. A colored waiting room is segregated
from the white.
4 Oct.
Finally arrived in Palm Beach. Had to carry our bags a ways and two Spars put our bags in a
little truck. Then a bus came driven by a sailor and we all piled in.
The palms are wonderful. The hotels and hospitals are the tallest buildings. The hotel is not so
palatial as the gov. took all the furnishing out. But still nice.
One Spar came and gave us a discouraging outlook.
We went to the Ships Service and I bought candy, Fitch shampoo and strawberry soda. A little
soda fountain is in the same room and also has sundais. Run by the ships service girls.
I have bunk No. 3 an upper. Nadine Baker, Mildred Self, Irene Sempson, Dorothy Daniel,
Thelma Olsen are bunk mates. Had breakfast of musk melon, and bread.
Lunch at 11:30 and we had classes from 12:30 to 3:30. Hot sticky heat.
Ens. Williams is our Co. Comm. She is very nice. I’m in Co. 91-6- Room 524.
A Spar from Tacoma came in & gave us the low down. We’re all quite glad we came now.
Bed at 10.
The classes are rather hot and boring. Learning all about the C.G. Organization and how formed.
Lt. Isely, Ens. Murray and Ens. Lewis. One platoon leader No. 1 has a horrible attitude. She yells
attention every time a officer walks in the room. So went the day.
Tues. Oct. 5
Altho I didn’t tell the girls I did hear the bugle. I was so tired I didn’t realize we should get up.
Took my curlers out in bed.
My clothes were hanging on the bed post so I scrambled into them. We were late but I was the
first girl out.
Inspection comes any time of the day from 8:00 to 5:00. The wastebasket has to be empty too.
tests began at 8:00. We filed into the auditorium. Platoons 1, 2, 3, and 6. The first was a
classification sheet. Education and etc. Then a Social Studies Test. “What year did Columbus
discover America? And 3 tests.
The arithmetic test was horrid. Square root and all that sort of stuff. Now in room before lunch.
Tests again in afternoon.
That Kaump looks mean. We are hear [sic] to serve the Coast Guard and not ourselves. Pooey.
The mechanical test was rather difficult. The mathematics were horrible.
Tomorrow our physicals. Oh happy day.
Wed. Oct 6
We are comparatively slow compared to the girls in the other room 523.
This morning we were issued our clothes. First we went into a shoe shop and a girl brought us
our shoes in a box and we tried them on. Then to our hats. I only got a dark blue one as they
didn’t have my size in the others. I got 1 shirt and a purse, scarfs [sic] and 2 cotton uniforms.
Went into the alteration dep. and was fitted. Got a pair of rubbers, sneakers, etc.
Mess was pretty good.
The physical was like the one in Seattle. A sailor took the blood out of my left arm. Agony.
The shots weren’t too bad. My arm aches now (left). The fire drill came at 6:30. It was raining
and we had to dash around the hotel into the drill field. I don’t like the sailor who drills us. The
hat looks like a zombie on me. Well.
Cos. 91-92 are having a try out audition tonite.
Thurs. 7 Oct.
If I don’t feel tired every morning I ain’t natural.
First aid today. O be joyful. The Ensign Kempter is blonde and I am favorably attracted to her.
But not to the class. I finally learned how to tie a square knot.
At first I thought I wouldn’t take my bathing suit but am I glad I did. Mrs. Williams marched us
down in lines of 3’s to the Sun and Surf Club. About 2 long blacks and the cars had to wait for
us. Ha ha.
The patio is beautiful with those palm trees forming a feathery ceiling above the floor. We put on
our suits and then Ens. Nissen sat on a table and we squatted in front. She had a white blouse and
shorts on. Girls in bathing suits were sweeping up. The duty detail and they get a swim
afterwards. They can’t do that to me.
Huh.
We are not allowed in the club room but we are in the dressing rooms. We can even bring our
dates here. She gave us the rules and there we sat with the rain pelting down. Finally stopped and
sat and I dashed to the ocean. A little section of it in front of the club has jettys marking the
boundary we didn’t go much above the knees. The waves were marvelous.
One whistle means clear the area and 2 means find your buddy.
Then Dot and I had a shower and into the pool. Only a short time & then she blew the whistle. I
went directly in and here Dot had waited for me outside. Why doesn’t someone tell me these
things.
Very annoying having the radio and not being able to hear it.
We couldn’t go to our rooms after we got back as it was time for mess so I had to cart my
notebook, towel and suit to the table & back.
Good lunch too. we sat in the room and gabbed and at 12:30 went to Ens. Isely’s class and so on.
Murray gave us a diagram of the insignia of the Navy and its relation to the other services. Lewis
quit ½ hr earlier and we had to sit their [sic] until time for drill.
The drill master this time really knew his stuff. He drilled us on “To the rear march.” He was a
C.P.O. and walked like he was conceited. He swayed his hips in a rather peculiar fashion.
At 6:45 we had a meeting in the library, on our duties. I wanted to go to see “Palm Beach Story”
again but had to go to the meeting at 8:30 again and didn’t get off until 10:45. First the security
watch and then the mates. I’m mate of Second deck north after Merial. From 3:00 to 11:00.
New cadets are on that floor. Think I’ll go see her before I come on. Have to go eat at 11:00 and
5:00. Lois and Greenlee have mate duty too. I was the only one in the room to get it. The rest
have maintenance. Only 3 days of mate duty tho thank god. Orderly would be worse as I don’t
know where everything is.
Got back in time to hit the hay. And good night.
[drawing of a face w/ tongue sticking out]
Fri. 8 Oct.
Wrote a 10 page letter. Feel like I had been up all nite. After mess we cleaned the room. Have to
sit in my room and be on call until 1500. Oh happy day.
Visited Merial &she said it was boring. Relieved her at noon. On at 3. The cadets are very nice.
Mrs. Williams came up after 10. When I said yes she said sir after it. Faux Pas. Twice she came.
Studied my First Aid and C.G. History.
Went to the window & watched the Spars march by.
The End
Sat. Oct. 9
Gee was I tired this morning. But the show must go on.
Today being captains inspection I cleaned the bathroom.
At a quarter to 8 we went to the basement for tests. The testes were easy but I didn’t get all the
questions.
Then we trooped to the library where a picture was showing to some Spars. Then we dashed to
the north mess where we bandaged each other. Being close to mess we had to move again to
Room N. A boring class.
We dashed to the room and scrubbed and cleaned. Sandy and Nadine got down on their hands
and knees with wet cloths and scrubbed the floor.
Ens. Williams and Ens. Keller came to our room first. When Mrs. Williams looked in the closet
and the ironing board fell down. They barely looked around and doubled up when they were in
the hall. Then we had to stand at our bunks until the other rooms were inspected and Erskine
blew the whistle.
We practically collapsed. Williams said ours was the best inspection of a boot company since she
has been inspecting. Which pleased us immensely.
Sewed on some name tags for an hour. Mess was good.
Irene and Sandy and some others sang and played around a piano. Now I wished I had gone,
cause they’re such very good singers. Ahahah.
Some of us went to Ships Service and descended on sodas.
Remind me to buy “Lady Be Good” “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love Baby” and so on far
into the night.
Ascended a tortuous route and clambered on my bunk in the dead of nite after lights out. We do
have fun tho.
10 Sunday
Of all things Self turns on the light to see what time it is. The mate came around and said Turn
off the lites girls its only a quarter after 5. We got to sleep till 6:30. Whoopee.
As time goes by things are better.
Church was at 10:00. Lent my garters to Irene as I put anklets on. Then Bonnie came in and said
I should wear longers so I changed. Wore our civilian clothes. Very boring.
Just stayed in our room the rest of the day. We had turkey today. Mess was at 5:30 instead of 5.
Oh yes ships store(" had the pleasure of my company again.
So ended the day. Read some.
Mon. 11 Oct.
Duty today. Oh goody. Diary I have rather neglectful of late. A new girl named Ada Sturk is in
525 now with Bonnie. Nick name is Mickie. She is married to a Victor Sturk and 6 kids in the
family. If she didn’t feel like working in school she didn’t. Rather independent. Wants to go to
Col. again. Wise girl. Will be 21 on Dec 25. Blonde, blue eyes and rather cute. Writes poetry,
whistles and sings. When to duty at 1 and mapped a corridor with Irene & Stewart. We had
started on another corridor and it was wrong. Supposed to report for our selection interview at
8:00 with Kaump and we didn’t get done & 10 min. late. All the other girls were there & Nadine
had the papers about the schools with her.
So Irene & I trooped downstairs and talked to Miss Carlson who gave us a note. A girl took our
papers into another room where three girls at little tables sat talking to the seamen before Kaump
talked to us. I’m in Yeoman unfortunately. No choice. Then back to duty. Mildred, Nadine &
D.D are in Cooks and Bakers. Irene & Thelma in Stonekeepers.
Irene and I put wastebaskets into the 5th floor rooms that didn’t have any. I had 13 left over.
After mess we are secured until 1300 (1:00 to u)"
Then five of us swept the patio. Stewart was sweeping the stairs and called me over and there lay
an empty liquor bottle. Hmm.
The breeze was dancing merrily and playing havoc with the leaves. Brown came out and took
Stewart and Eileen with her. Stewart hates Eileen and tried to pull her name plate (minds
wandering)"
Gladys and I finished the patio and the rain started pattering. Really was tired after all that
sweeping. [picture of 2 stick women sweeping]
Mickie came over and tried to make an aerial out of hairpins but we did get a station at Miami.
Even with an aerial we can only get two stations. If we pay her a 25¢ she will put up our hair for
us. She read a letter from her husband who is in the South Seas and sent a picture of the native
women. He is very intelligent and writes beautiful letters.
That’s all.
Tues 12 Oct.
That first aid is useless. Makes me wanna go to sleep. “The white corpuscles turn and devour
their red brothers.” The girls think she talks down to us as if she were taching grade school or
there abouts.
Marched to Sun and Surf. Erskine led us. I think she is cute. The exercises Nissen tot [sic] us
were strenuous but perfect for what ails me. Tough. Engsign Isely rather intrigues me. She
laughs like she was forcing it but oh boy.
Ensign Murray has such merry eyes but not the face to go with it. That chief petty officer is the
best one yet. She’s older and says rather funny things.
Ensign Steward is nice too.
Off we go into the wild blue yonder. When day is done & shadows fall I think of you. (This is
my part of my vagaries)"
So went the day. Visited Mickie’s room. Gave me a picture of her. Oh night.
Wed. Oct. 13
At six I leap out of bed onto the carpet heralding the rising sun. [picture of stick woman jumping
off top bunk]
Maint duty again mustard at 8 on 25 deck and stationed in linen room. Then at 8:55 we mustered
on mezz. and was shot [picture of a gun] again.
Then to clothing locker but my suit was not there. Tough! Had to put our blouses and ties on for
our pictures. Mine will be horrible. What can I expect.
First we segregated the linen into bins [drawing of bins labeled ‘shts’ ‘towels’ ‘slips’ with bags
of laundry beside them] and took a sheet & tossed the 24 sheets in it & tied it [drawing of sheet
tied into a bag] thus & so 25 towels into a sheet and 24 slips into a case. Mariel stayed the
afternoon with me but Gladys, Bib, D.D. & Mildred & Nadine rode over to W.P. Beach to work
in the laundry. We had to count the towels and sheets for interview. After study hall Irene & I
went to the Club Biltmore variety show put on by Cos. 81 and 82. Mickie sat near us. The sailor
that was M.C. was very good. A girl sang Ciriciribin and two sang a duet of Indian Loree Call.
Two sailors had two mandolins and sang some corny song. A girl from Boston warbled “Stormy
Weather.” A cute blonde did “You Made Me Love You.”
At 9:30 it finally ended and we trooped back.
G’nite.
Thurs 14 Oct.
Classes today. Oh boy that Sun and Surf is super doper. [drawing of sunshine and waves] Those
exercises are perfect for me. I sat right on the end of the first row in F.A. More interesting this
time.
Study hall tonite. We saw pictures today. on how to salute, the ranks in the Army. George
Montgomery and Richard Cromwell were in it.
Then back to Room “N” again and a specialist passed out pictures of C.G. activities. Dogs, the
life boat, self righting and baling, etc.
That C.P.O. is so nice for drilling. We learned how to turn corners sharply and flank march.
[drawing of stick woman with long feet] (feet rather grew)
Wrote Jean in study hall. Haven’t heard from her for so long. I like her tho.
A hurried scramble into bed as usual. The top bunk still squeaks horribly. And so ended the dayor
didn’t it.
Fri. 15 Oct.
So hard to get up. I think Nadine is cute, so’s Mildred.
Dorothy came in and told us we had Sun and Surf today, and duty on Sat. then. I hope its Maint.
again. We had our dental appointments. Nothing wrong with mine. Yoohoo. Got ") and Arm’s
stationery. Gold printed. Hmm. pretty.
Our tests were in Room “N” with the nice bobbed hair cut specialist and gave us the test. I put
the arc in the wrong place on the rating drawings. I didn’t do too bad in the others. Mickie has
been rather tired lately. She didn’t get the chance to rest up after she left the hospital. Too much
heavy duty. She left the class after the second class. Missed a test then.
As we had the drill at 8:00 we went to our rooms and fooled around. D.D. received 6 letters and
the box of chocolates her grandfather sent. I’ve had about 3 pieces.
Had meeting at 8:30 for watch meeting and Daniel, Huber and I were appointed to Ships Store
from 5:30 to 8:00. We were very mad about it after a full day of duty.
I was in the bathroom after taps and had to ") in the dark.
Sat. 16 Oct.
Of all things the mate came and woke us up at 5:30. I finally arose and we straightened our
drawers and dusted the closets before mess.
We took rags and went over the rug and swept that way. We volunteered for Sun and Surf duty
the 6 of us – Daniel, Sempson, Klee, Huber, Powell and Self. Brown didn’t expect us and told us
we’d miss captains inspection and we were glad. We saluted the quarter deck which was Cap.
Isely and Sempson said “Seaman Sempson and detail requesting permission for Sun and Surf.”
She gave us the command “Hands Salute” which we did and then “Ready to” and we dropped
them. Being boots she told us what to do. Isely is nice kinda cute too. Get going Klee – We
walked down there (what do you expect – a ride). We got buckets of sand and brushes and
scrapped [sic] the walls of the pool. The surfmen were around. Mariel didn’t put on her bathing
suit just swept around the patio. We missed captain’s inspection as we hurried back before 1:00.
I dashed to the alteration room before 12 but they were closed. Darn it! We waited for towels to
take back to the pool with us. The surfman named Ellen was there scrubbing. After awhile she
gave us a rest and we dashed to the ocean and Eileen, I and Irene went dipping. Lots of girls
came down. I carted my bathing hat down but didn’t bother to go back and get it so my hair got
wet.
Then back we went. I took the left wall self had been scrubbing and she & Eileen went to the
deep end. I can’t put my weight behind my scrubbing and she let us quit before 4. The rest of the
girls here in the hotel were relieved after 1:00 and we swimming till almost 4:30. As Self didn’t
want to get her hair wet and Mariel was just wading they didn’t want us to swim. My hair was
sopping wet.
Erskine held a meeting and told us we would have special duty as we weren’t satisfactory and
called it “shore liberty.” A tremendous yell surged upward from our throats. She gave us hits &
etc. The dance was at 8:00 and Sandy, Self and Irene went. As I didn’t have my uniform I
washed my hair and listened to Sinatra. What a wonderful night. Taps.
17 Sun. Oct.
Tonite was so cold. Finally I got up and put my pajama top on. My watch said 2:20 so I took
Sandy’s watch to the light and nearly 6:30. Well I clambered back and the day started.
Bananas for breakfast. Yippee! Sunday we tear our beds apart and we felt so proud in our
uniforms. We lined up in the quarterdeck and the officer lined us up and walked in front and
back and inspected us. Then we saluted her and handed our liberty cards to the quartermaster and
marched out.
We started out and then walked across the bridge. [drawing of stick woman in uniform walking]
We finally found a restaurant and D.D. and I sat in one table and the other 4 sat on the other. Had
meat balls and spaghetti. Yum Yum. Then DD and I went off and visited a curio shop and I
bought O.B. perfume, green & blue earrings and 2 sea horse pins (red-green). Had our pictures
taken (4 - 25¢). Mine I had tinted but they don’t resemble me. We walked to the park and
finished my rall and then to a theatre “Bomber’s Moon.” Annabella and George Montgomery-
“Follow the Band.” Lean Errol, Eddie Quillan. Then for a hamburger and the waitress mistook
our order and brought 3 hamburgers but I kept 2 of them and a double order of french fries.
We walked back and those goons of soldiers pointed their camera at us thru the window. Those
drips. A P.O. stopped his car and asked us for a ride. I declined. We’d be there soon enough.
We got in at 6:29 and I immediately stripped. Went to the seventh floor to Ruby Davis room to
find out the room No. of Norma Mills as I had borrowed her uniform. Ruby was writing letters
and we gabbed awhile and the little girl that was mate asked me to secure(" her while she went
for the flash lite.
An ensign called and I forgot to write the message now as I can’t remember her name. Laugh!
The other girls had gone to the Servicemens Club and danced. Had a strawberry soda at Ships
Store. [drawing of woman with giant belly] (gruesome ain’t I)"
Sat reading the funny papers. Smokey Stover is sure funny. Wore my pajamas tonite as it is
getting colder here.
Lights out, ladies.
18 Monday Oct.
We were so sleepy this morning none of us leaped out of bed.
Had duty too at 8 and the girls were leaving. Designated to tramp over to Sun and Surf Club.
Keyes, Stawe, Stewart and I. First we swept the ladies and mens locker room and then took pails
of water with disinfectant in it and mopped up. Stewart is cute I think. She really was working
hard today. Then we had to sweep out the cabanas (officers beach quarters) and Stewart found a
green cocoanut and darned if she didn’t break it open. Rather tasted like a nut. Wonder what the
officer will think.
We decided to stop for a “coke” on the way back. Demerits if we’re caught. Well we walked into
the drugstore and all got a coke but Stewart got a cup of coffee. It was so hot so I poured some
coke in it. Then we dashed out before the class started back. Some ship company girls were in
the drugstore too. Got my two uniforms today. The girl that ok’d my uniform sed [sic] it was too
short. Tough! Went to 514 and Stawe said the others weren’t back yet from being issued their
clothing. Well I waited and when I came back to the room the girls were gone. I dashed back to
quarter deck and Regan sent me up to 9th floor. When I opened the door there was Williams
talking to some boots. I shut the door and waited and when the girl came out I asked for Brown.
Up on the 10th floor. I trotted. She then told me to go to Sun & Surf anyway.
When I dashed to the quartermaster they hadn’t logged out yet. I sat with Stewart – mentally
unbalanced.
Then I saw Stawe and the others hadn’t been thru the clothing shop yet. Well we finally got the
towels and Stawe, Stewart and I started without Keyes. Then to Sun & Surf.
We scraped the lawn and started sweeping the street outside the club. Stawe told her we had to
leave at 4:15 to get our wool blankets but we already had them but we told her that to get out of
work. Clever you know. [drawing of stick woman with large head] Only 17 towels were there.
Some soldiers from Morrison field put on a show called Sad Sacks Quartette. A fat guy was very
good. When he looked at the dead guy, & said “Jeepers Creepers, where’d you get those peepers.
A tall cadaverous fellow imitated Charlie Chaplin and another one sang. The cute soldier played
good boogie woogie on the [drawing of a piano]. Master of ceremonies tapped. If they only
wouldn’t last so long. Taps.
19 Tuesday Oct.
Classroom routine as usual. At Sun and Surf Intermediates had to play either volleyball or
baseball. The pool happened to be very shallow and we had to wait our turn at the ocean. I didn’t
bat because I’m not very good at baseball.
I never get enough of the ocean.
Learned all about the C.G. organization of districts and saw the picture of “Miss Blackout” and
left for mezzanine to get our $25. Sent $20 home.
Mrs. Williams told us to be careful where we went on liberty. Tough! At a deck meeting. We get
liberty again. She sure is peachy. Erskine is getting married soon.
Bye Bye
20 Wednesday Oct.
Our boot training lasts until Nov. 6. New boots coming next week.
I think that’s the cutest song “Top of the Morning.”
“Be kind to your web-footed friends
For a duck may be somebody’s mother
He lives in the rain and the swamp
And where ever it is damp
Now you may thing that this is the end
Well it is.”
To the time of some marching song.
Bib sure makes everyone peeved at her. Her sore arms she babies them. (Can’t take it."
Eileen, Liefering, Me, Mildred and Bib swept out the patio. Went to clothing at 1:00 and I have
to come back later when my size. Well the others didn’t come back until after 2. I wanted to go
back but Eileen told me not to be a sucker.
We finally went down and Brown told us we were secure until 3:30 when we emptied the
wastebaskets on Mezz, Quarterdeck and first.
We were writing letters in our room and the command was given to go to library and see “This
‘n’ That” given by a Mrs. Strickland. We were hopping mad. Mr. Strickland was M.C. He sand
“Easter Parade”and “You’ll Never Know.” And was slightly off key. His little daughter sang
“Am I Blue” and “Sugar Blues” “I left my sugar in Salt Lake City.” She was cute and made up
like a tough dame. I don’t like to see little kids exploited like that- tough. A Mr. Hayes talked too
fast while being a magician. That snide joke “Jack and Jill went up the hill” To fetch a pail of
water.” Jill came down with two dollars do you think they went up there for water?” and after he
dropped that he went right on.
“My father was a Confederate but he wore a union suit.”
“The wedding cake was heavy but the candles made it light.” Tough! [drawing of a cake with
candles]
He had bells and played a tune to the accompaniment of the piano while we sang. A little boy
Cicero sang too. he rolled his eyes so cute. That magician was rank tho. Two girls toe danced.
Finally ended tho.
Ens. Thompson introduced Mrs. Strickland and she spoke in the microphone. Didng get up until
after 9:30. [drawing of stick woman running]
I must away.
21 Thursday Oct.
Classes again.
Learned artificial respiration in F.A. Just used the floor and rocked. [drawing of stick woman on
the floor]
Marching to Sun and Surf I felt queer and when I disrobed I found out why. I’d gone too far to
turn back so in the ocean I went. Nothing happened. That ocean is so wonderful.
Last but not least, an oil tanker was blown up by some nefarious means and we can’t say
anything about it. [drawing of ship blown apart on the water] In fact our mail will be censored so
we won’t say anything about it. Tough! The ship could be seen from shore and our 200 people
were on it. Whew.
We saw a movie about buoys in color and a miniature harbor had been built for the movie.
Quaint. The movie “Lady Bodyguard” was shown. Watch meeting again.
Well that’s all I guess.
22 Friday Oct.
Mate duty again at second deck north. Secured Lovass at 9:00. Monotonous ain’t it.
Those cadets are so nice. That one cadet sure had it tough. Being quartered with the Waves and
not being able to join the Spar activities.
Had to secure Lovaas at 9:00 for clothing and gone an hour. I missed Regimental Review
anyway.
Daniel and Baker were on duty also. Mildred called me up to tell about the clothesline across the
bunks the blanket sure makes the bunk warm. Tough!And so g’nite.
23 Sat. Oct.
Oo-la-la. Captains Inspection and Sun and Surf. That First Aid is so boring. Let Mildred use my
bathing hat so I didn’t have a dip. You know why.
The girls divided into teams and played baseball in the sand. I was in the cheering section. A
recreational swim followed.
Irene being in sick bay again so she was crying and the girls had been so busy cleaning last night
out our drawers that they sent her back.
Room 525 was the first. We knew Ens. Williams was there as we heard the sound of her voice
before body came into view. In walks this Lt. jg before Williams and directed a course for the
windows. I heard her slam the windows down in the next room and knew we hadn’t dusted it.
She ran her white gloved hand over it turned to Williams with “Hasn’t been touched at all.” She
looked at both. Williams looked in first closet and Lt. looked under Nadine’s bed. “Pretty ragged
looking bed. Dog ears its called. We stood then and Erskine passed by once. Lorraine was mate.
Poor girl.
As soon as the whistle blew we dashed out. Eight rooms were caught not standing at attention
before whistle blew. Erskine posted the notice and lo and behold we were restricted for rest of
day. Lois McCaw came in and a lamp shade was left under a bunk and we were restricted for
that. Very disgusting to say the least.
We had fun tho. Bib went to Ships Store for us and so did Mickie. She brought us five cokes.
Wasn’t that nice of her.
Spilled some coke on my shirt and immediately rinsed it out. Ironed them too. none of us wanted
to go dancing anyway.
Bye Bye
24 Sunday Oct.
Liberty again. Yippee. Church of course first. We dashed around like mad getting ready. Tough.
The chaplain told us a story about some girl, 22 who jumped from a window and smashed her
body to pieces. I looked at Mildred, and she was smiling and it set me off. I laughed inwardly
though. The others in the row looked at me with something akin to disgust but I couldn’t help it.
We were in the last row so it was all right. The booties were in front.
Irene and Mickie went together. Irene’s mouth is covered with fever blisters and she hated to go
out with them. Sandy had a date with the sailor of former week end George. We went to mess
and had chicken. Yum Yum. We missed the 1:00 group as we forgot our liberty cards and had to
dash back for them. Tough. Finally got back at 1:30. Anyhoo Dorothy Lee entrained for Miami.
Nadine, Mildred, Daniel & me traipsed over the bridge but we couldn’t find the U.S.O. Three
soldiers stopped us and asked us to go to this party outside of the city where 200 soldiers were
and only a few Spars. They were waiting for a truck and told us to go to the U.S.O. and wait for
them. We signed in and went below for refreshment. Eileen started dancing but the rest didn’t.
finally the bus came and we piled on. Some spars were already on, and soldiers too.
I and two others put our knees on the bus seat and leaned on the window. The countryside is
rather flat and great stretches are uninhabited. [drawing of her on the bus looking out the
window] The estate is very close to the highway. The grass is dead and no other houses for
blocks. Sir Harry Oakes, who was murdered this summer (I believe in Bahamas) supposedly by
son in law de Marigny and on trial for life. Wife believes in him though. Tough ain’t it. We piled
into a room and soldiers were sitting on floor and standing. A soldier with a replica of Charlie
McCarthy and very good he was tho amused the crowd. He called up one soldier named Nemo
who was rather an odd one. Looked moronic even. I plunked into a chair beside Bonnie and after
the performance repaired to the powder room.
Meandered to patio for sandwich and on the grass stood gazing forlornly around. Two soldiers
came up and remarked on how lonely I looked. One got me a coke and down to the stables we
went. He picked the burrs off my stockings. Told me he appreciated my wearing the nylons for
them.
The ground was like white sand on the beach, and plants growing in it too. don’t see how tho.
Casimir Zielinski and Bud are their names. They wanted me to go [drawing of a horse] riding
with them but my clothes were not appropriate so I declined. Cas told me he ever saw a girl get
so silly on coke. He don’t know me. Off they rode and sat there I on the steps that led nowhere.
[drawing of stick woman on stairs] Suddenly around the corner the horse came and into his stall.
Cas appeared and it seems the horse turned left while Cas expected him to go ahead. Over he
went and I missed it. And I mentioned it before him too. He rode up to the horse and same
soldier dashed beer on the horses flank to show off.
A little negro boy there had a pencil mustache on. The grooms name was John David Lincoln.
Back we went and a lady drove us the rest of way. When Begeo saw my skirt he said a snide
remark. Their sergeant. Dear reader. White from steps.
Another coke on balcony looking toward the ocean and then Mildred appeared. Almost 6 and
time to go. Out we dashed. Gave him my name and looked at the statue of Ponce de Leon with
coke bottle nestled there in arms. Cass poured the coke out. Fountain not running. We girls piled
in and some soldiers got in too. I took my hat off and the wind whistled thru my locks. It was
fun. Arrived at 7:50. The soldier drove up to 1st floor and then around to Quarter deck.
The soldier was D.D. date sitting next to her and made a date for next Sunday. A religious fellow
for me. We gassed back and forth and made our beds. Had a sundae at S.S.
25 Oct. Monday
Beginning our 4th week.
Had to move from library to auditorium for First Aid. Kempter showed us how splints were
applied.
Learned more of the crawl at S and S. I sure can’t breathe properly. Tough. Our teachers told us
we did very well in our tests. Irene’s lips are better now.
Haven’t had Ensign Murray for awhile. Tough. Oh I wish I were home.
Ben Bernie has passed away but don’t know how. I’m a super tomorrow wand wanted a soda but
unfortunately S.S. closed.
Were at watch meeting until 9:15. Am wearing the [drawing of tank top] for nightgown. Handy.
G’nite.
25 October 1943
Being as how today this is five days I won’t be so accurate.
Final in First Aid comes this week. Irene has no duty or Sun and Surf till next Monday.
Same old routine. Still have no white hats.
Guess I’ll send my clothes home next week.
26 October
Our last week of duty. Bonnie, Margaret, Eva, May, Gladys, Bib, Mariel and me were sent to
clothing locker. Gladys and Bib were in the suits room. Me, Eva and May handed the playsuits
and etc. to the new boots. It was rather run. Ruby the specialist on our ") is rather attractive.
From Ships Co. and striking for S.K.
The girls can’t go out every night and haven’t such a good deal after all. The boots were
interesting. The sizes are really deceiving. Regan told us we would go their Thursday too. Tried
to write a letter in Study Hall. That Ships Co. gal spotted me. End of writing. Must stop buying
candy.
27 October
Pictures of swimming instead. Sun and surf is really rather tiresome at times. In the pool again.
The breathing exercises. Practically drown myself.
Stewart is still around. She’s cute anyway.
Eileen pushed Shoe’s hat up in the corridor after turning her around. Mariel dared her after
Eileen voiced the inspiration. Shoe just glared at her. Nary a word.
Rather quick tempered. The specialist in Org. class projected slides on the wall showing how
ships were built from the keel up.
Then the “movie” sailor projected a picture in the shadow box [drawing of shadow box] A ship
plowed thru the surging seas and a voice from the ether designated the different parts of the ship.
We have the diagram of a ship she gave us. Poop and forecastle are eliminated in modern ships.
Very interesting. Drill is still the same. We march for our first regimental Friday. And we ain’t
too good yet.
28 October
Clothing locker again. A chief yeoman was on watch and regaled the girls with accounts of girls
who embraced in front of hotel and their escort asking for name at the g’bye time. Another
drunken trainee accused guard of blinding her with flashlite cause she stumbled on curb. Rather
amusing eh what. Inventory today. we stayed on two hours (about) and helped count the depleted
stock. Size 10 was completely out. Such small girls were in this company.
After study hall Irene, Bib and I hurried to library where “Lady Be Good” was in progress.
Started at 7:30 but could not be excused from S.H. R. Young was playing on piano in scene we
happened along. Lasted till 9:30. A scramble into bunk ensued.
29 October
We’re almost sure we’ll have tests today. but we studied anyway. had bandage tests in F.A. she
paraded around room to see the bandages were right.
A 3-page test followed. Rather easy. Had to go to Room D afterwards. Forgot to give us artificial
respiration. Tired to help Bib who couldn’t remember last question. Nadine prevented me.
Kempton on platform. The (shorthand?) easy. Didn’t realize 60 (words per minute?) slow. Did
48 words in typing but now I think maybe I figured wrong. If dispatch says 140 S.K. 40 Y. some
girls will probably go where they don’t want to.
Tough. No tests after all. Mrs. Williams came in classroom and we marched to library. Ens.
Lewis lectured us on events in Europe and slide pictures of maps were shown. Then Ens. Murray
lectured on our uniform and how to take care of it. A Ships Co. specialist lectured on rest of
Captain of the Port. Drill started at 3:45. We mustered in platoon formation in hall and Erskine
met us in hall and followed to field. Others came out and we marched to the field. Brennen
followed and Mrs. Williams, Erskine led. We saluted twice and some girls were “Ready To” for
the staff commands. We marched in front of the captain okay and the chief gave us the command
“left flank” first 3 rows march. It wasn’t clear enough and we got mixed up.
We marched to the drill field and Mrs. Williams said she was pleased. The chief told her we
were the best company marching down the field Ruby Davis visited us.
Dinner finally at 6:10. Mrs. Williams came on the floor and Mildred ran into the room to get us.
We didn’t hear her voice. She glanced in some of the rooms. [drawing of smiley face with big
eyes]
Our blankets are folded on to our beds now [drawing of folding blanket] If some people would
only make up their minds on rules.
30 October
Halloween party tonite. Breakfast at 7:30. I stayed in bed extra minutes. Our Company pictures
were taken in the patio.
I sat second from right and in first row. Some of us had to go in the north mess and bring out 12
benches I guess.
The camera was panoram. Swung around.
We dashed around upstairs and on to Sun and Surf. The ocean was prevalent with jelly fish and
the waves were not big. Tide out you see. Someone got a stick and we pierced the fish and slug
them on the beach. [drawing of jellyfish] The feelers were pink and the “flower” arrangement
was outlined with pink. Yvonne had great welts on her back. It landed square on her back. Mrs.
Williams inspected with Marino and I had to open my bag for her. I was so nervous she had to
repeat her question.
My wet bathing suit folded on the top made a spot on the clothes cover. Tough!
D.D. and Baker gathered our clothes together and were going to washing machine them. First we
traipsed to S.S. but too long a line so traipsed to men’s store by cafeteria and bought 2 [drawing
of pencil] pencils and 2 news papers.
Anecdote about Flynn there!"
We stood in line at clothing and after 20 min the girl informed us we couldn’t try them on as
clothing locker was closed. Back up there to S.S. Almost an hour in line for sundaes. I had the
delicious concoction of marshmallow, choc sauce, 4 small scoops of vanilla and choc. ice cream.
Then the kids went up stairs and found out that the girls could not wash that time. The hours are
8-10 and 1-3. Irene and Sandy dressed for the Halloween party. I dashed down and looked out on
the patio. The boys and girls were standing around and a spot lite glared on the band. Lights out
at 11:30. Mildred, Nadine, and Daniel went to bed first. Daniel was asleep by the time Sandy,
Irene came in. Washed 2 blouses. So went the day and nite. [drawing of jackolantern]
31 October
We stayed in bed extra minutes longer.
I dozed in church. Daniel and I left at 11:30. Irene and Sandy left at 11:00 & 11:30 respectively.
Well he wasn’t there. Liffring and List were waiting also. So we went in for dinner at 12:10 and
mustered in the auditorium and had to wait for the new booties to eat first. We were rather put
out.
We dashed up and Mildred & Nadine changed for the U.S.O. Well there he was. He had come a
little while after we went in. we came out at 1:30. His friend had to rush to hospital to see
another friend.
Well on to Sun and Surf where the line was too long. On for a walk picked up a [drawing of a
coconut] coconut. Daniel decided for a bike ride and I decided a swim for me. Saw Mickie
writing letter on beach. We chatted awhile and I went into the water. Jelly fish ran rampant.
Luckily I didn’t touch any. Almost ran my face into one. Got hastily to feet and yelped. Girls
laughed. Lawrence sat near me on the beach then I went. I didn’t sign in and the sailor asked me
if I had signed in. Must after this. Only in about ½ hour and tried to find another cocoanut and
two soldiers on bicycles stopped me. Jim and John. Wanted to get another girl and go to a movie.
Knows Violet Askers so must tell her hello for him. Bought Esquire & 2 others. Hair lacquer,
Chen You and black ink and tooth brush.
Sand for grass is widely used here.
We’re lounging around here in dishabille. Had a grilled cheese sandwich with 14 french fried
potatoes and c. milk.
Lights out.
1 Nov.
No more maintenance for us.
Mess at 7:08 now. Made rather a mess of things. Lee went to clothing locker at 8:00 and Platoon
6 followed at 8:45. We stood in line with our slips and Ens. Melom kindly informed us that
Tuesday was our day. Well, Erskine made the announcement that if 91 did not make an honor
company they could blame the girls that went to the clothing locker. And did we feel dumb.
Tough!
A first class boatswain lectured on the Morse code to us in the library. And some girl was dozing
and he informed us that ours was the first class to be that way and he didn’t care if we don’t learn
the codes. Well who does.
In study hall, the boots had to go to the variety show in the library. Compulsory entertainment.
ha! ha!
Drilling is every day now with the 92’s. Ens. Williams stood and watched with Brennen.
MacIntyre drills us too. The pile of letters I have to write.
2 November
Stayed in bed lots longer. Oh how I hate to get up in the morning.
Sun and surf the same as usual. I used to like it but now its rather monotonous.
Missed half of first aid cause clothing locker took so long. Have my two wool suits now. Oh
goody! Needed 2 extra white anklets. Sandy’s cotton suits fit like a sack on her and a goony fitter
she had.
The ship’s company girl was awfully slow in making the receipts. I was talking to the yeoman in
front of me. She owed over her $200 clothing allowance. I hope I don’t spend as much as that.
No one knows as much as whether we have tests or not. Tough!
I waited for Sandy and finally she came. At 10:30 Greenlee, I, Sandy trooped into library. Went
to Kempter and Sandy did a respiration to Gladys and I to Chadwick. I had 25 which means 12
pressures per minute. Chadwick had 35 so she had to do it again.
Talked some on heat & sun exhaustion.
Haven’t had any lectures by Isely. Murray told us about what constituted our uniform.
Then down to Room “N” for a correspondence lecture by a specialist who came from Irene’s
home town. Mandan, North Dakota.
Study hall again. Wrote a letter in Morse code to Nadine.
Wrote 7 pages to Mildred. Took shower and in bed. [drawing of woman lying down with “the
end” on her skirt]
3 November
Regimental meeting tonite. Sun and Surf. How monotonous. The girls wore their sneakers and I
had regulations. That exercise of rocking on my stomach hurts my pelvic bone. Tough!
Pork chop for lunch. [drawing of pork chop] Yum, Yum.
In the library the C.G. Academy at New London was unfolded before our eyes. In color too. very
interesting.
“Safe guarding Military Information was the second. Showed a ship being blown up.
Ens. Stewart talked about landing barges. Int’restin’.
Down to Room N again. Miss Wagner of ship’s company lectured about honors and customs
when dignitaries visit ships or stations.
Drill for 45 minutes. The tall southern sailors drilled first and Faley ended. The drill masters
were there looking us over and Faley coached us. “When we get up there I’m going to give you a
halt.” Pretty good Joe.
Didn’t mess till 5:40. The rivalry is pretty hot and thick now. The drill master likes “92” best.
Erskine came on deck and gave us a few pointers in her white suit. We’ll know Friday.
Just before 7:00 the order came full dress uniform. You can imagine 5 people scurrying around.
Off went my play suit. On came my shirt and skirt. Sandy had gone with Jean for a sody so down
I trotted for her. Hadn’t been served yet luckily.
Lee came in and Daniel told her not to bawl Mildred out and Lee went in huff. Anyway we had
to wait till 92’s were seated in library. 91’s on right side. Lt. jg Moon in the absence of Crowley
spoke to us. Read off the surnames of the girls. All of 524 were placed in their desired school.
Blake, Eva, and May were put in ship’s company and were they perturbed.
Ens. Reddick came upon the dais and led us in song. Then the girls who are shipping out this
weekend were sent to Room N with Miss Berthinger for instruction.
Then the end of meeting and we filed out. I jumped into playsuit and then had to change to
uniform again. The play of Co. 91 was delayed. The girls had benches lined with pillows and
spreads. Sandy sang two ditties, “I’m in the Mood for Love” “You went away.” I personally
know, believe and like her vocal renditions better than Irene’s.
Irene imitated Virginia O’Brien in “I can’t give you anything but love, baby.” “Lady Be Good.”
Lee spoke like she was writing a letter which was rather amusing. Two sailors only, in audience.
Finally at 9:30 it ended. I dashed and bought me and Sandy a freshly mixed coca cola. Then
down again for Irene and Daniel.
And so lite’s out.
4 November
Tomorrow liberty.
Went to First Aid and turned in our F.A. books. Our ") were returned too. Two pictures were
shown us. “Navy men of Medicine” and “Pasture and Exercise.” And then we had to write our
comments about the picture if it is of interest to the Spars and etc.
Ens. Murray lectured us and she told us “a wolf is a wolf in or out of uniform.” She told us not to
go out alone and basically we were the same and so on. Ens. Stewart flashed map on the screen
and lectured about the doings in Europe.
Then we trooped out of the patio and down to Room “N” where a questionnaire was given us.
What did we like or dislike about boot training? What did we like about Personnel, Organization,
Activities, What improvement could be done for the workbook?
Then out to drill and we weren’t so No drill I forgot.
Were then to meetings of school. Yeoman met a t auditorium. SK in library and Cooks & bakers
in galley.
Went to see “The Great American Broadcast” with Sandy, Bib, Irene & me. Alice Faye, John
Payne, Jack Oakie and Caesar Romero were in it too. Lasted till 9:30 and then a scramble.
5 November
Our last day together. We sure felt very bad about leaving. Sandy and Nadine got our linen.
Left the station about 9:30 or was it nine. Mickie and I first went to the dime store. Some
beautiful Florida Christmas cards were on display so I bought a pile. She bot [sic] her husband
some socks and shirts.
At a jewelry store she bought a $5 costume ring for her 29 yr. old professor sister. Its white
palestine mother of pearl with painted flowers around it. I saw this pearl ring and it’s the first
ring I ever wanted. [drawing of ring]
We ate at Nancy-Marie’s. Irene, Mildred and Nadine were there too. Had fried chicken yumyum.
Bought perfume and more pictures of Florida.
Stopped at the drug store for my pictures and had a soda.
Co. 92 is the honor company. Ens. Eagan was presented with an award but what I didn’t know. A
big write up was ") them in the newspaper.
Moved to our new quarters afterwards. I had the girls write in my diary. My new room is 367,
Yeomen 11. Sheldon is Co. Commander. Made my bed first and then brot [sic] the suitcases.
Mrs. Williams and Erskine came on deck. Mrs. Williams was given a $50 bond and Barnhart too.
No more bonds are to be given as it is the same as accepting money. Bib is so excited about
leaving for California. We sang the songs for Mrs. Williams from Co. 91 show.
And so to bed in my new quarters.
6 Nov. Sat.
This morning I had the dusting job. The girls are grand. Also swept the 524 quarters. Met Sandy
there. The girls left their washing there.
The officers said our room looked fine. Bicycling with Mickie from 3:15 to 5. The homes here
are wonderful. Simply out of this world. Lost my I.D. card but too tried to go all the way and
look for it. Dog followed us.
Ate dinner at Palm Beach Plaza. Lt. Kaump stopped us and wanted to know who we were. Still
had our boot hats on. Fried chicken again.
A ships Co. girl was eating all alone so she joined us. In charge of the band instruments and
plays a big horn. Very petite and engaged to major overseas. Been here since June. Lost my I.D.
Mickie and I walked on the drill field and a drunk sailor reeled toward us and told us to
“vamoose.” The [drawing of moon] was shining and dance in progress. We had a very
confidential chat. The sailors started to cluster with their mates so we walked up to 5th and I
heard “Frankie” sing a bit.
Taps til 11. Most of the girls really were polluted with liquor.
7 November Sun.
Liberty for Co. 92 started at 9:00. 3 girls here are Catholics. Margarette, Loretta & Antonia.
Tony sleeps under me.
Expected to write lots of letters but only one & ½. The cookies from J & N are delicious. Wanted
to see “Stage Door Canteen” but I couldn’t see it all before 9:30. Bernice rode over with me and
forgot her wallet. So I loaned her a dime and back she went. Left at 5:30. Borrowed a white hat.
Saw “Ghosts on the Loose” “East Side Kids” and “Hard Guy” Jack La Rue. He sure looks like a
killer. Well he is. The Arcade Theatre is halfway down the arcade and buildings line the walls.
Very queer I must say. Managed to see it all and a sailor wanted to stop and talk to me but I was
past nine so I fled. Oh men- you base(" creatures.
8 November Mon.
At last the start of yeoman school. Had our regular muster on the drill field and held salute until
“Banner” had been played. Blouses too. oh hated accoutrement.
I was first. (shorthand?) was first. And then typing and our professional subject books were
issued in the auditorium. I like Aileen better now.
Got my wool suit in clothing and it doesn’t fit tite [sic] in the waist but I kept It anyway
A boot told me she was supposed to have an operation and she didn’t want it here. Tough! Hereheaven
forbid. One white hat here now.
1:00 started the afternoon off. (shorthand) dictation, English and professional subject. Typed “4”
letters of C.G. letters and then study in auditorium.
Now I’m just waiting for mess, and it is one. Study hall is very late. 8:15-9:15. Twenty minutes
from 7:50 to 8:10 for arithmetic. Bye Bye.
9 Nov. Tuesday
(shorthand) in the morning and study in the same room. Eileen sat next to me. I like her better
now. That Cady is a goon. He lectures like he doesn’t want to. Rather nice looking but slightly
on sissy type. How can they afford to give us a free hour from 11:00 to 12:45. Generous!
Transcribed the 80 (I think) not perfect. The English teacher is rather cute but what a boring
subject. Sun and Surf from 3 to 5. “Cusider” the Ensign teacher is witty and better than Nissen.
Drill again. One time less than Boots. Stillwell drilled us. A nice time of eve to drill but I could
have employed the time better. Eileen and I went to the north mess hall and were released earlier
than the other advanced. Mate caught me out after [drawing of light bulb] out.
10 Nov. Wed.
Same old grind. Kirker and I stay in bed longer than the others. [drawing of bunk with person
asleep on top]. “Oh how I hate to get up in the [drawing of sunrise] morning. Manuel (I know
him so well you know) didn’t see us today. a ships co. gal is our instructress from now on. Has
those [drawing of glasses] horn rims. Eek! Cady is so sarcastic. Not malicious tho.
After English Eileen and I traipsed to auditorium forgetting prof. were in room G. well we were
excused and came to our rooms and noticed no one else was coming up either. Beginners &
advanced were excused from study and we went and dressed. I dressed for the first draft at 4:45.
Stood in line at Morrisons Café & had fried chicken, custard pie, roll, lyonnaise potatoes,
spaghetti and macaroni cheese all for munificent sum of 75¢. Very reasonable.
The “Stage Door Canteen” entertained me. That Cheryl Walker is a stone faced gal. no emotions.
Met Jean and friend and had coke with them before I went in. she is leaving for Cal. presently. A
yeoman took “Oscar” and was sent thru paddling line. Ha! Ha!
11 Nov. Thurs.
Same routine.
Should have had typing instead of study after [shorthand]. Miss Britt came in and took over.
The ocean claimed me but we didn’t get to swim very long. Couldn’t find my sneakers & ran off
with another’s. Sand case!
New driller tonite. From Brooklyn & Coxin Panther goes with me. Very crude fellow. “Stuck in
that belly.” “Don’t look at my kisser.” And he mumbled his commands so we were sadly mixed
up. In our study hall too.
Bernice and Loretta washed their hair before 9:30.
Bye Bye
Friday 12 Nov. 1943
Cant remember. Study as usual for Prof. quiz tomorrow. Somehow it worries me.
Sat. 13 Nov. 1943
Went shopping at 3:00 with Tony. Traipsed over to U.S.O. and mailed two cocoanuts to Josie &
Mildred. 81¢ for hers. Whew. I printed “From a nut to a nut” and the woman asked me if I
wanted to leave it on. Rather shocked she was. I said “yes” and she decided to cover it up with
the card & thumb tacks. Then we shopped. Had eats at Kresses. Left white gloves in there.
dashed back with Tony and 15 minutes late for mess so had chicken sandwich at Palm Beach
Plaza. Showed her the sea shell shop. Proprietor was there & told us about the celebrities Gloria
Baker Topping, Gloria Vanderbilt and Mr. & Mrs. Harry Oakes have been in there too.
Went in then. The quiz was rather hard. Got 75 raised to 85. A little girl said to us “I bet I know
what you want. I bet you want to buy a sergeant” or words to that effect. We were rather
shocked. Peaked in at the dance and Tony danced.
14 Sunday Nov. 1943
Typed my quiz this afternoon. Tony had lunch with some boots. Kirker had a date in Miami with
her brother. Didn’t leave until 2:30. Saw “Devil Bat” and “Siren of the South Seas” at the
Arcade. Saw Nadine with a soldier. Saw a bicycle charm in the jewelry store next to Arcade.
Bought another sea horse. Sounded off for Mariel in watch meeting. Wrote 1 ½ letters and lolled
around.
15 Monday Nov. 1943
Had watch at 3:00 to 5:00.
One of the boots got sick and was vomiting so I took her down to sick bay. The elevator girl
brought her back. When Alma came on the girl got sick again and had to be taken down. The
hours went fast.
Prof. quiz is rather hard. Cady is the most sarcastic thing. Our room hasn’t been ship shave yet
on week days.
Bye Bye
16 Tuesday Nov. 1943
Finished the Prof. quiz. Sun and Surf. We came up here after our classes. Panther told us to
change to swimming suits, sneakers and terry robes. We marched to the new building and doffed
our robes. Open air dressing rooms now. Exercises on beach with Miss Geiser. Cusider there too.
I played volleyball. Others went in pool and obstacle course. Not so tough. Shower must be
taken with suit on.
Dismal day.
Bye Bye
Wednesday 17 November
I didn’t go out tonight. Went to Mickie’s room and had dinner with her. Met in mess line. Wrote
letters just two. Heard Mayor of the town with Barigmare.
She hasn’t very nice roommates. Teachers, rather stuffy. Cook’s and Bakers is nice tho. Easyier
[sic] than SK.
Toodle-oo
Thursday 18 Nov.
Due to inclement weather [drawing of rain] we didn’t have muster in the morning or Sun and
Surf or drill.
Even snow fell. The rain came down in sheets and obscured the township across the lake.
Typed some letters with Eileen in Room F. She left her Parker there and is now writing with a
cheap pen.
That’s all now.
Friday 19 November 1943
Same old grind. That Manuel is a sleeping looking individual. We have a tabulation exercise to
do on our own time.
Just think we see Cady for the last time for a day today. That seems alittle mixed up.
Studied for Prof. & washed my hair.
20 Nov. Sat.
Payday today. had a coke with Tony in the little cubby-hole by the mess rooms. We were acting
so silly and stopped in time as an officer jogged past.
Eileen and I collaborated on the test. I got Exec Officer wrong. I had C.O. instead. Anyway, I got
98. I was sure he saw her take the paper off.
Ensign Kempter and Ensign Nissen were doing inspection for amidships and weren’t thru at
2:00. We had been inspected by Rutledge and the other girls were washing clothes and stuff and
we stood at ease.
At 2, fire drill. Sheldon and others were in robes. Kempter & Nissen finished when we got back
on deck."") went around saying we wouldn’t get liberty. Crowley called up in fact. Then at 3:00 we were
informed we could. Eileen was restricted, the whole room in fact.
Ensign Marino made me get out of line for long hair. Then I pinned it up and still couldn’t go
out. Then I went upstairs rolled it and Williams was then O.D. Then she told me to wear my
wool and my shirt wasn’t fitting me right & I had to tie my tie again. Of course Mariel and
Greenlee hadn’t waited.
I went to the music store and bought $7.50 of sheet music. Got the bicycle charm. Its darling.
$4.40. [drawing of bicycle] Had papaya juice, sweet and orange juice like. Ate at Walgreen’s and
talked with another Spar. Then as I looked into this jewelry store Mariel, Eileen and Gladys were
there. In I went and we went to the Service Men’s Canteen. It was after 6. Eileen got out at 5:00.
We watched them dance and play pong ping. Eileen had to meet Johnny at monkey cage so I left
her and while walking toward the Florida theatre two soldiers accosted me. One said “Haven’t
we met before?” I said “Have we” and went on. I put the dollar down and he sidles up to me and
said “two” with his dollar so that’s how my date began. “Best Foot Forward” with Lucille Ball
and Gaxton. Reallee [sic] good. We stayed and watched them sing the first song over and ‘lo and
behold a quarter to 10 when we left. He wanted to dine somewhere but I had to get back. there
were other Spars abord. As we were watching I heard taps sounding. He let me go as I could
make better time by myself. I said “I’m sorry” and off I dashed. Just barely made it.
Took a shower and then goobye [sic]
21 Nov. Sunday
This was really a dull day. Alma and I didn’t leave till 6:30. The others left before. We typed our
lesson and I slept an hour.
Guida Henderson was late last nite and has her liberties taken now.
We rode over to W.P. on the bus and stepped off by the pier at Worth Avenue. Hedley’s eating
place is there where Toni and Alma ate once. A sailor came out and told us no one is allowed on
pier after a half hour after sun down. So back we walked. A baby shark la on the pier. I kicked a
fish into the sea. The surf was wonderful.
A police car came along and picked us up and we got off by the Casablanca and I sent a cocoanut
to Darlene. A soldier came up between us and startled me. Back to hotel and thence to bed.
22 Nov. Monday
Ah! delicious sleep.
Will I ever get enough! No. No more Cady now. Thurston I can see will be more capable of
explaining things to us. The admiral is coming this Friday and at a meeting this evening Sheldon
informed us we had to have a Review on Thursday and Sat. Rooms ship shape Fri. & Sat.
We didn’t have any study hall and dressed up we marched over to Flagler Park all of us across
the bridge by the little park and then to Flagler Park to seats. On Station WIOD over it came.
Adm. Waesche spoke & so did Stratton. Half an hour. A quarter after 6 it started. Our chorus
sang two songs. After the program we sang with the orchestra. A Navy blimp hovered overhead
and a Spar spoke. The first broadcast from a Navy blimp. At 7 Fred Waring came on. They sang
“You Are Always in My Heart” What Is This Thing Called Love” “White Christmas” and
“Coast Guard Forever.” Then backed we march. A long line across the bridge.
No study hall.
23 Nov. Tuesday
Same as ever. In Eng. We lost half an hour as the electricians fixed the lights. The ocean was
swell today.
Didn’t go to the dance tonight. Cut a birthday cake ") by Lt. Crowley. Loretta, Toni and Benny
attended. I wrote a letter. Dashed up to see Dee Dee.
24 Nov. Wed.
Same old grind.
No study hall. Wrote letters and saw “Oklahoma Kid” with Humphrey Bogart and Toni. We
bought sandwiches and cookies & munched them. We almost saw “Phantom of the Opera” but it
had been changed. We walked to Walgreen’s then and had a hamburger. On onions what a queer
place. Bought Kleenex and Toni left hers.
25 Thurs. Nov. ’43 (Thanksgiving)
Turkey and cranberries, sweet potatoes, nuts, apples, and etc. we ate at a quarter to one and
didn’t get thru till 1:30 so no transcription class. We had as much time to eat as we wanted.
We cleaned our rooms and I and several others cleaned the classroom “J.” Coming up I dashed in
& saw the last of the picture “Quiet, please. Murder” with G. Sanders and Dick Denning.
We gave a review for the captain and marched twice for him. Rutledge didn’t secure us till after
8.
26 Fri. Nov. ‘43
The admiral arrived at 5:30. Going to mess we saw the band and officers waiting for him. But the
line passed on and I couldn’t wait.
Lt. Rutledge and McCabe inspected our rooms today.
We stood by and I washed my hair Thurs. nite.
27 Sat. Nov. ‘43
Marched for the Ad. We waited about ½ hour and heard the motorcycles leading the cars. Of all
the gold braid that marched out. In whites too. About 18 inspected us. Some civilians too and a
truck with a platform on it had a sailor on it taking pictures. Didn’t see any newsreel pictures tho.
Toni and I went to the restaurant in “Testas” at Palm Beach and had spaghetti, I had fried
potatoes and a salad and barely finished it. Toni had a bottle of ale. Then we walked to West
Palm & had a glass of orange juice.
After mess we lolled around and at 8 marched to patio and sat there for 2 hours listening to Adm.
Waesche and Margaret Smith. They were good speeches. Smith stumbled over the word U.S.
Coast Guard * called it Ghost Guard. Some of the girls were rude & littered. Finally they let us
go. Programs were issued but I didn’t get any extra.
Bye Bye
28 Sun. Nov. ‘43
Oh hail blithe Spirit. Well if I would keep up with this diary it wouldn’t be suck a task to write in
it.
Sun and Surf I visited with Ellie (a boot that Toni met while in recruiting office in New York.
We had mess here and I typed and wrote a letter to Gloria and then we went in the 1:30 draft.
The officer with Kempter was playing ball and while we were dozing the ball landed on my
stomach. The waves were not rough. Ellie wouldn’t on the sand cause it would dirty her suit. We
left before 5. I got some film Saturday and took pictures.
We went to the Rialto and saw “So Proudly We Hail” and “West Side Kid.” They were rather
corny in “W.S.K.” Donald Barry was a toughie.
Clandette Colbert and Veronica were good. We left at 9:15 and on the boat we found out liberty
only till 9:30.
We barely slid in at 9:30 but we made it. The O.D. officer was not sitting at her desk.
29 Nov. Mon.
Today we had Battaglio again. What a sissy. We have a new (shorthand) teacher too. Rahter
inexperienced.
So long.
30 Nov. Tuesday
Ah! liberty tomorrow. Our 4th week now.
Sun and Surf was fun Gareis gave us calisthenics. The ocean was rather calm. Tough! Sent my
charm home.
St. Ouge drilled us and we weren’t very good. Graess- for him we do fine.
Thurston is a pretty good egg.
1 Dec. Wed.
The last month. I didn’t go on liberty today. Kocman didn’t either.
When we arrived at our decks again we had to move. I came up during (shorthand) and got my
spelling book. Some of the rooms had to move.
We’re now in 346 amidships. Loretta and Kirker being on liberty I cleaned the head out, and
moved the closet.
Ellie and another boot came down and we talked. Kocman ewnt to the 101-102 “Boot Folly”
Play. I wrote a letter.
She told us about a girl carrying a suitcase across the stage and she said “I’m taking the case to
court.” She came back carrying a ladder. “I’m taking the case to a higher court.
I rolled on the floor at that one. Elwell came in and stared. Some girls got so sick they heaved
downstairs.
Lorretta put on her brown baithing suit. M-mmm
2 Dec. Thurs.
No Sun and Surf again. We had to put on our suits, terry robes and stockings with sneakers. I
stayed in the intermediate class and didn’t go to ocean. Climbed the cargo net. Very interesting.
We’ll never be honor co.
3 Dec. Fri.
Eileen and I studed and she washed her hair before I had answered all the questions. Test again
tomorrow. We made out pay receipts. Oh joy unconfined.
4 Dec. Sat.
At 8:50 we got our pay. (This didn’t happen today but I forgot to write it) When Eileen went to
quarterdeck for no. of pay rec. Moon grabbed us & said “Are there some girls here without
jackets? Eileen gibly talked her out of it. Didn’t have time.
We got by tho. Our passes haven’t come for Miami yet.
5 Dec. Sun.
This morning Lucky brot [sic] our passes up Toni and I left at 10. A taxi drove us over, there
were 5 other Spars in it. Charged a quarter apiece. We got our tickets and the conductor said “all
right” and motioned to me, on I went. The territory is similar to the rest of the land here.
Miami is beautiful. Toni and I ate in Child’s restaurant with Whitney and De Moss.
We walked thru the park and left at 6:00. Sent home some fruit. $7.00.
On the bus we laughed at a Spar sleeping on an Ensign’s shoulder. There was another one that
slept on a soldier’s shoulder. We opened the windows and the wind ruffled our hair.
6 Dec. Monday
Our fifth week. James for professionals. Very few notes on him. Very dark.
7 Dec. Tuesday
Got to go to swimming today. Cusater made us do side stroke. Lots of sand in my hair. Drill was
not too bad.
Sun and Surf ain’t what it used to be.
Tough!
8 Dec. Wed.
Started typing the forms for Prof. Almost go to sleep during (shorthand). Went out for liberty.
Had the pictures taken at Tooley-Myron. Will mail me the prints.
Stood in line at Morrison’s cafeteria and along came Aileen, Mariel & Greenlee. Went to
Booth’s café then. Had fried chicken and was very good.
Went to Patio Grill then and had a Tom Collins. Put so much sugar in it that the girls couldn’t
drink it and I didn’t finish it either. 45¢
Then to Servicemen’s Center. I met John’s Aileen and they all left. I read a comic book and
when I left a sailor accosted me on the street. I told him goodbye & he walks beside me. He
bought me a soda and then we sat in Flagler Park. He was perturbed at the thought of arm rests in
the chairs. A struggle ensued. He gave me his address & vice versa. Then he took my pen and
wouldn’t let me have it. Finally I go.
The girls roared when I told them.
Dec. 9 Thursday
We found out today that we are honor comp. Very surprised we were. Keanney drilled us. Said
“You’d never know it” that we were the Honor Co.
Dec. 10 Friday
We did pretty good in review too. our lines were strate [sic]. We meet James tomorrow for Prof.
questions. Study hall again. Typed a lot anyway.
Dec. 11 Saturday
Didn’t go out today but stayed in and typed. Rather monotonous. Took 3 hrs for James to dictate
the answers to the questions. What a waste of time.
Dec. 12 Sunday
Didn’t go to typing till after 2. Took my music and played for half an hour. Then typed till 5:30.
Alma & I decided to go to “Thank Your Lucky Stars.” Too many in line so went to Rialto. “Let’s
Face It” and “Rubber Racketeers” was on. Saw half of second feature. Second rate. Bob Hope
very good. Little boy hollered out ") at us when we crossed in front of seats. Then some boy
kissed me on the cheek when he went up the aisle. I laughed ant it was so funny.
Then we had a coke and bought sandwiches. She didn’t want to take the ferry and the wrong bus.
She didn’t look to see what it was. Well she recognized the landmarks and we got off and
phoned the taxi at West Palm. Two army officers were there. We waited on corner and then a
man came by and drove us to P.O. He stopped to see if he had some cards and clock said 9:30
then. Well we were late 3 minutes. Moon wrote the time down and up we went. If I had only
taken the ferry. IF!
Toni hadn’t any dinner so she ate rest of sandwiches.
Dec. 13 Monday
Test tomorrow. Studied in the head till 12:00 with Alma, Loretta and Kirker. Just have to pass,
you know. Typed some of my notes. Lots to do yet.
Dec. 14 Tuesday
Went to room B and stayed 3 hours. Didn’t look at any notes and Alma didn’t come to deck till
after mess. Will be told tomorrow about everything. The test wasn’t too hard. Looked at Aileen’s
paper a few times. Good thing I did. Typed some more.
Dec. 15 Wed.
When we were thru at 4:00 couldn’t leave decks. A fire drill ensued. Then we were sent to G and
the results were posted. Aileen got 92 and I- 93. She got her rating and I did not. I just knew I
wouldn’t. Brown, Mekus, Stewart, Kirker, Lawrence, Wolbarst, and 11 of us didn’t all together.
It was hard looking at their happy faces and knowing a few weeks earlier I could be that way too.
Newman finally came down. Kirker, Alma and I drew Wash. D.C. Kirker & I didn’t want it but
now we’re glad. Finally got on liberty. Mailed some fruit to Della and Thelma. Aileen and I ate
at Booths saw Mariel and Gladys.
Dec. 16 Thursday
We had (shorthand) I think and typing. Notes were not handed in today. still not finished.
Preston got her rating after all. A ghoul from the transportation office talked to us. I’m paying
my own way. Reminds me of Frankenstein. Really he does. No reply yet to the S.D. Still mail is
slow now.
Dec. 17 Friday
We were supposed to have an hour free today. instead we had to fill out pay receipts in room C.
Arbour reeled off the amounts. I drew $57.00. Part of clothing allowance.
Then back to deck to dress for pictures. I brought my music and Eileen played it. We got in the
picture just in time. Nice and rainy too. they took 2 of them.
We went in the pay line and I dashed up to the deck & got my coat on, then forgot hat and liberty
card. Went to Personnel office and they told me I should buy my ticket by Sat. and to let her
know.
Went shopping and sent telegram, bought sea shells and then didn’t have time to see movie so
Eileen & I started back.
Reg. Rev. was called off as it was raining.
Had graduation and marched in proud as punch. Isely gave diplomas. They were slightly mixed
up and Loretta got mine. Grade 3.80.
Bought 2 glasses of wine at party. Alma phoned for taxi but gone by time we got out. Finally got
one & Alma left before party was over. Fun tho. Toward end of evening I danced with officer.
Lights out at 1:00.
Saturday 18 Dec.
Had liberty as usual. Alma lucky she stayed in. Rec. $10 from home & letter from Josie and E.F.
again. My hero! Tore down to Comm. Office for telegram and got money in West Palm. $100 if
you please.
Saw Jean Arthur & John Wayne “Lady Takes a Chance.” Wasn’t as good as expected.
19 Sunday Dec.
Went to quarterdeck and bidded [sic] goodbye to Toni, Loretta and Kirker. Douglas chased me
out. At ten I got liberty card and worked checking in liberty cards till 4:00. Wrote and packed the
rest of time. The girls who didn’t have coats had to be in by 5:00. Bartholomew was officer.
Berdelman is Lt. now. Saw Eileen and she gave me a friendship ring. Was I surprised. Yes
indeed!
20 Monday Dec.
Left at 9:30 with Madeline Grey. Had to wait for train. A girl drove us over. Silver Meteor. Met
a nice soldier who wanted me to sleep with him but I declined. Then his buddy was in my seat
with Grey and I was chased out of two seats before I finally settled down. Eddie told me I was
conventional and shouldn’t expect any favors. I told him I wasn’t asking for any.
21 Tuesday Dec.
Eddie talked to me before the train docked. Madeline went on to New York. Bought a little bottle
of liquor for poppy yestiddy [sic]. Cute too. sat in bar a lot too. Food was good. Got the Pittsburg
train with Connie from Florida. A sailor and soldier talked to us and bought dinner. They carried
our bags and a soldier that Connie got acquainted with going to Fort Wayne took mine after that.
Jim was his name. Bob Dalton soldier, Bill Franklin sailor. Couldn’t find seat on train so ended
up in washroom. Put paper on floor and Jim and Connie spread coats over them. I sat on the
ledge but when they turned the heat on it got uncomfortable. Sat on floor with back toward heat
and had to move. Ended on wash sink. Very dirty too. Sailor tent me his P jacket to keep legs
warm. Finally got up and soldier let me have his seat. Toes were numb. The sailor told me to get
up and suddenly there I was on his lap. Oy yai yai. I slept a little bit. Less than an hour. Then had
seat to self. I saw Jimmie kiss her when I looked at them once.
22 Wednesday Dec.
Couldn’t find Connie’s bag so we were in head when train stopped. She got out when train
started again and had to get off at Indiana Harbour. I couldn’t find my bag then. Sailors teased
me and finally I went looking again. Same soldiers were standing in front of it and didn’t see it
before. Mailed it to her at Chicago for 40 cents. Went in restroom & cleaned up. Shirt filthy. Hair
also. Cleaned hand and they were dirty after I finished combing them. Writ in diary & wrote
letters. But didn’t write all I should. Checked my bags. Walked over a bridge over a river in
Chicago. Icy and wintry blasts were blasting. Saw two pictures “Destroyer” with E.G. Robinson
and “Dangerous Blondes” with Evelyn Keyes. Then I walked back. Oh yes a boy annoyed me.
He kept pressing his knee against mine and moved his hand along me but didn’t actually do
anything. I told him “Would you mind keeping to yourself” and he then shifted. And darn if he
doesn’t do it again. I moved 2 seats away and then he moved. I moved again & then he moved
out of the row entirely.
I washed my hands again and left my ring off. I didn’t remember it again till I had a short nap &
while eating dinner I twisted it on my finger. Of course it was gone. She will never know. Got a
Sereen Romance & while reading it a 1st Lt. started talking to me. He is going to Seattle too. he
tried to get me a berth but I would have had to change my ticket. So saw him off on the 10:45
train. He told me I was cute and a screwball. Took my address & said he would see me Xmas
day. I hope not, although I like him.
Finally got my bags and dropped the magazine en route. Sat on the outside with a man. Nice
seats tho. Managed to sleep fitfully.
23 Thursday Dec.
The porter here is very witty. Has a bag especially for wastepaper so the chairs & floors will be
nice & clean for Xmas.
Another one comes thru with hot coffee and cold sanwiches [sic]. Bought my dinner of
fricasseed chicken but didn’t enjoy it much. (Writing this on the train). The girl in front of me is
on the wrong train as she wants to go to Everett and this Milwaukee train doesn’t go thru there.
An ensign was teasing me about sleeping so much but ah cain’t [sic] help it. The man got off and
a girl took his place but she moved again so I slept laying down tonite.
24 Dec. Friday
The porter came thru today and said it was Xmas eve morning. Jolly fellow.
The landscape is mostly bare hills, some trees.
Slept during the day. Reading Cecil Brown’s story “Suez to Singapore.” Veree int’restin [sic].
Got off at Butte for the first time on the train. Bare hills. Mining town.
Got two free candy bars from girls with baskets slug from necks with cigarettes too.
Helped a sick girl dress. Sinus tracable. Changed into a blue shirt. White is down right filthy.
A sailor (drunk) annoyed me. Wanted my name & finally I slapped him when he put his hand on
my knee. He finally left but when he came back I left but he squeezed me as I went by so I gave
him a resounding smack on the head.
A soldier told me he had left. I dashed and washed my hands. A soldier asked me if that what
they taught me in the Spars. He was very obnoxious. Going to Bremerton. Pooh!
A soldier came thru with oranges & walnuts. I took orange. Some sailors talked to me and were
looking for liquor. They wanted some of my little bottle but I wouldn’t give it. They told me I
was rugged.
Sat. Christmas
Went thru Ellensburg and Cle Elum. Monotonous country. Arrived at Seattle 12:30. Weren’t
many people in the station. Phoned at the U.S.O. A soldier was before me. Got some chocolate
éclairs. Yum Yum.
They were happy to see me and Della was there. when Wally came in I surprised them. H e was
overjoyed. Grandma & Darleen came over.
Mandells dropped in when Della was ready to cart us up to Thelma’s. Her cold was too bad.
Wanda is as tall as I. 16 now. Junior doesn’t care for girls in uniform. Tough!
I finally went to bed. Showed them my man tailored pajamas.
Sun. Dec. 26
Saw Josie & Annie today. Their boyfriends were there. Josie is serious with Chuck Matthews.
He is going to send her a ring. Annie’s sailor is nicer looking.
Jennie is home now and working at Boeing’s. Going to have a baby and Larry is the culprit.
Chuck & Josie walked home with me.
Monday Dec. 27
Saw Josie at 1:00. Mom went with me. Errol Flynn in “Northern Pursuit” entertained us.
Chuck made the remark that “he sure goes after them” in the Roosevelt when they were there
before and the preview was flashed on. He sends me. Simply marvelous.
Tuesday Dec. 28
This afternoon we rode over & saw Betty Lou. She has a bum knee. Infection started and she has
to use crutches. Her baby is adorable.
She smiles & laughs. Betty put her in a little swing and she weighs an awful lot. Big for 8
months.
Went to Jose’s and her aunt & uncle were there. chuck gave her a crass with a diamond in the
center.
Annie gave her some records and slips from mater and aunt. Lost wallet "" Saw “Laurel &
Hardy” in Jitterbugs.
Wednesday Dec. 29
Seattle looks the same
Went to town again. Saw Thelma at noon. Bought some red shoes had they dyed at Fredericks.
Helen Carson from Ballard is drawing pictures of people at the Bon. She really went somewhere
with her art. Visited Mrs. Henry.
Saw Josie at Rhodes.
Thursday Dec. 30
Stayed home all day. Mrs. Harding didn’t seem to be home. Very odd. Played piano & records.
Soap operas.
Friday Dec. 31
So many things have happened in 1943 for my 21st year. I shall always remember it as perhaps a
deciding factor on my future life. Of course joining the Spars has everything to do with it. I’ll
never be the same again.
Met Doris at lunch. (Last night betty Lou phoned me and she saw Errol’s picture was in the Star.
Came down from Alaska from entertaining troops. Dashed into the times and was I thrilled.
Soldier gave him a blue fox.
Contacted Mildred to go to show over in Univ. district “Thank Your Lucky Stars.” Very good.
Errol sang a song “That’s What They Jolly Well Get” in a barroom. [drawing of mustache] –
mustache he wore.
Doris took me to see Bev who is running an elevator.
I couldn’t persuade Mildred to ride up to beacon Hill where parents were partying with Bristals.
She was so-o tired from being at Penthouse with Todd’s Thurs. nite. (So accommodating)
Tough!
Got new pen today as mine fell from pocket in train. We had beefburger sauté and I had waffles.
Didn’t wear hat, anklets & tweed coat.
Arrived home 11:30. Phoned mater, got taxi. Phoned back “one when available so I called to
cancel & lo & behold it was on its way.
Driver was rather perturbed to find me going way up there. when I mentioned the Spars he
turned asked me how old. ‘Thot [sic] I was a 14 year old kid. I was flabbergasted. I told him he
didn’t get a good look.
The low shoes did it. Fare was $1.80. Wally poured me a drink but I couldn’t take it. Don almost
called me for a date at the Flamingo Highschool nite club but that I was too old. Heck. We had to
leave before it was over. Bed at 3:00. What a wonderful New Years. She served potato salad &
etc. dad got a cold. Tough!
We rode home & Wally et Margaret came in & left at 3:00.
1 Jan. 1944
Loafed around. Mom rode me up to Thelma’s so they could see me in my uniform. Darlene got
lots of cute soap gadjets [sic]. Then stopped at Dot’s. Nila & Clink were there and he told me
some cute moron jokes.
“Moron walked down street with magician & turned into beer parlor.”
“Moron washed teeth with gun powder so he could shoot his mouth off.”
Then we rode Nila and Clink to their home & continued downtown. First went to Canton
restaurant for chow mein. Out of this world!
Then to Paramount for “As Thousands Cheer.”
Dot is sure swell.
2 Jan 1944
I dashed down to Hays and bid them goodbye. The boys were there wiping dishes. I hadn’t eaten
yet so we sat in the living room and talked. Hays and Finanza’s went out & mom phoned up that
the relatives were there & to come home."") Joe to walk with me & so said goodbye. Thelma, Della, Darlene & Grandma were there with
box of candy. Chatted & they left and we had dinner.
Time moves relentlessly on. Dad asked a soldier at the depot to carry my bag for me. His name
was Dick.
We sat together on the train. Conductor told us to go to left which had better chairs than the right
coach.
He let me straten [sic] out on the chairs later that night. Train left late.
Mon – 3 Jan 1944
Heard the conductor say I had a nice boy friend as the let me have the seat. Ate sandwich for
breakfast.
Montana has rather pretty hills around that certain river.
Dick & I talked quite a bit.
He’s going on leave to Detroit after a 1 ½ yrs in the Army.
A nice sergeant sat near us. Got me a candy bar in Butte.
Had to sit up sleeping the rest of the way. He bought me a gooseberry pie & sandwich in one of
the towns.
Lost my appetite.
Tues – 4 Jan. 1944
Same old grind. Read all the magazines. Dick bought me lunch. Veal. We make cracks about the
food.
People kept getting on & getting off all the time. It was funny. I wore my tie & jacket off.
Wed. 5 Jan. 1944
Arrived here at Wed. morning just like the 22nd of Dec. that fateful week. Dick carried my bag
up. The train left at 11:30 so I took my bags into the washroom and washed while everybody
stared.
Saw Ina Barrows on her way to Seattle in Harveys lunchroom. My waffles were too crisp. The
train was empty to Pittsburg and I dashed into this car & got the next to end seat. A soldier was
in the end one.
He let me use his hankie to wipe the soot off the chair. Rather oldish tho.
Then I put my coat on the back of the chair & then he put his army coat over the other half and
sed [sic], “Do you mind if I sit here?” Of course I did say yes but I really wanted to sleep. It so
developed he is 34 and been in the army for years.
Finally reached Pittsburgh. Gave my bags to the porter who carried them on the train.
Had chair all to myself. A soldiers hat would hit me falling down from the rack up above. I
managed to sleep somewhat. Finally at Baltimore too many people got on so I sat up and slept.
Thurs. 6 Jan 1944
Washed up in Wash. Clean shirt and all.
Took a taxi and the streets are wonderful. Passed the capital.
The C.G. Barracks are just a 5 story building white.
Ens. Said my hair was too long & no gloves. So I changed & walked a block & hailed a taxi to
HQ where I went in as a visitor and to 2nd floor.
Saw a Miss Nichols and she said I didn’t have to report till 10:00 Friday. Signed a paper for my
reimbursement.
Found out Marge lives at Martinique Hotel so I asked for there too.
Took a taxi to the Barracks and then to Martinique where a negro porter took me to the sixth
floor.
I went to the end room on left & walked in. the coxswain took my name and gave me 509. Marge
is in 805. I have the cot and slept for awhile. The girls came in & names are Janet Baker (Ohio)"
Rita Dawgala, Hazelton, Penno. I washed my hair. Visited Marge. She called me on phone.
Fri. 7 Jan 1944
Reported to work on bus. Using Cox’n’s pass. We ride free.
Was sent to Lt. Baine’s office. Pulling seaman cards from 35 drawers & crossing off lists of
names. Made out a paper & he came in while I was there & she sent me down. Very
monotonous.
Ate dinner with Marge. I like her roommates. She has 4 and they have an electric percolator.
Sat. 8 Jan. 1944
Same old grind. We walked to work and eat at the Investment cafeteria. Cafeteria style too.
The girls are nice I work with. I eat with Marge & Kay, another girl from Florida, at 12:15. She
works in the Bond department on 6th floor & does storekeeper work.
Went to Loews Capital and saw Mary Martin in “True to Life” & a stage show with Carlos
Molino and his band. Very good.
Patricia Morrison is coming to town.
Sun. 9 Jan 1944
Slept till 11. We have liberty till 12 every nite, & 2:00 till Sta. Every other month we have a 48
hr. pass, otherwise 36 hrs.
Marge & I tried to find a USO that her roommates were at, but we couldn’t so we went to
Loew’s Palace for Alice Faye’s “The Gang’s All Here.” We knew it wouldn’t be very good but I
didn’t want to see “Thousands Cheer” again.
10 Jan 1944 – Mon.
Two more girls came in tonite to start tomorrow.
Ate at the Pepsi-cola center. Hot dogs & pepsi and went to the Metropolitan for Errol Flynn’s
“Northern Pursuit.”
His picture appeared in the Post and I saw it on Sat. Jan 8, 1944 & we went to see “Gang’s All
Here & when we got out the paper was gone. Monday she went to the Newspaper office with me
but Gen MacArthurs picture was there instead.
Was I perturbed!
Wed Jan 12, 1944
Kirker, Beatrice, Pualine, Lydia, Ann and I went to see “Kiss & Tell” a play with Ernest Fralk
the actor & he had some clever lines to say. Ate at Medicks.
14 Friday Jan
Saw Cry Havoc with Joan Blondell at Loews Palace.
Sun. Jan 15
Saw “What a Woman” at RKO Keiths with Time Herbert. Stage show.
Friday, we saw a radio show of the 10th Anniv. of a Arthur Godfrey. ½ hr. Very good.
Mon. Jan 17
“Flesh & Fantasy” with Charles Boyer. I just happened to mention I wanted to see it & Marge
did too so we went in.
Tuesday Jan 18
Went roller skating with Janet & Rita. Went home with some Marines and Rita’s was very
funny.
23 Jan. Sun.
The girls were up to New York so I left the hotel about seven & ate at the Waffle shop. A block
from Hotel two men were talking to me.
They went into the Mart. too. I was going up & the man told me I could talk to him while his
partner went upstairs. He came down sans girl.
So he told me to come along. I said no not unless the other girl came too.
So on the seventh floor of the hotel I went. Ordered drinks & I drank some. Wine was ordered.
They were Geo. Johnson & Herman (I can’t remember. Anyway he took me to the “Crossroads”
nite club in Maryland. It was very dark. We danced & he bought me a gardenia. A girl took our
picture. We had to wait an awful long time for it. We left after 11. Went back to hotel. Took two
towels with me. He gave ‘em to me.
Anyway I was late. Watch 5 min. slow. Restricted Mon. Saw him the next day.
Mon. 24 Jan.
Saw George after work. Told him sad news. He had that girl Mildred buy me a blue robe. Very
pretty. I was so flustered. He noticed it. Put the bill in his suit case that he gave me Sun.
Shouldn’t have I guess. Took me in a limousine & we rode to the Lincoln Memorial. It’s
wonderful. It ended all too soon. He kissed me. Told me I’d have to grow up. Never met anyone
like me before. Fresh & clean he sed [sic].
Builds houses. Promised to send radio.
Called me later when he found the bill.
I meant to call him the next day but forgot. I couldn’t talk freely with him as the gilrs were here.
I hurt him.
Ah- men – miserable creatures.
Friday Jan. 28
Got to the Palace by 11:30 & at the end of the line. The regular stage show was presented & then
Skelton appeared. Very witty he is too. and that baby act was a scream. Saw Brian Donlevy, Jinx
Falkenburg & Jose Iturbi. Had to leave at 1:20 & was late. Restricted Sat. & Sun. nites. Next
time I’ll stay over nite somewhere. Ran home. Should have taken taxi.
Events of the past 5 months- Pat Surges S1c moved into our room and was discharged in March I
think. Remind me to look that date up.
Remember Mike & the swell spaghetti dinner he made. The sailors came over later & we danced.
Mike has a 4 yr. old son & he is a wonderful painter, the father not the sun. his wife divorced
him and she is mean. Tough! Mike asked me for a date & I wouldn’t too small. Pat was necking
something fierce. Mike didn’t approve either. I don’t see how Pat can do things like that well
anyway we went home in a taxi and Pat didn’t feel good. Drank too much.
Feb. 19 & 20
The trip to Phil. With Janet. Gee what a crummy city. Little narrow streets and dirty blgs. We
took a taxi to the Chateau Crillon. Over 20 stories and us on the 24th. We were so high. Baker &
had twin beds. Wonderful view of the city. We brot [sic] books along. I finished “Lady in the
Morgue.” Very gruesome.
[written in red pen] Ah I’m in the red again.
We walked the streets for awhile then dashing by a theatre we espied old acquaintance which
neither had seen.
Afterwards we dashed to the Independence Hall & peeked thru the window.
We each bought a little bell for a souvenir that tinkles.
The train was so croded that we stayed in the vestibule of the train and was it c-o-o-o-l-d. I sat on
Janet’s little suitcase & thence home.
My trip alone to Phila.
March 26
A sailor on the train gave me a box of Kleenex. I took it out of the box & put it in the grip. He
had 3 other boxes and left them on the train.
I can’t remember what his name is. Anyway he took me with him while he called some where.
He was going to visit his sister in Pa somewhere.
The Chateau Crillon had not reserved me a room at the Warburton but they gave me a room
anyway. we went and ate and I had a spaghetti dinner and he wiped the little bottle that the cream
came in & gave it to me
I went with him to the train and told him I’d see him at 8:00 Sunday nite.
Then I went walking the streets and a nice soldier came up and spoke to me. He was the nicest
guy. We went & saw “The Purple Heart.” As it was after 10 we didn’t get to see it all. The shows
close at 12. Then we had something to eat. He sure liked me.
He escorted me to the hotel and rode up the elevator. I had trouble opening the door so he opened
it for me.
Then the phone rang saying that men were not allowed on the floors. He wanted to kiss me but I
declined.
Ah first we went on a subway ride & he showed me where he lived. Wish I could remember his
name.
I had a cute little room.
Tues. March 7
Today is Janet’s 21st birthday. We went to Kauakos. Of course I have a picture to commemorate
the event. A few dances but I do get so bored.
Sun. April 22 & 23
Trip to New York.
The week before Crandall had told me I could have the afternoon off but I didn’t leave the office
until 2:30. I typed 4 letters for Mr. Shaw and made mistakes so had to do them over. I was so
excited Warren likes New York too. he is Yeoman 2c now.
I caught the train at 3:00. I landed in the Penn station & couldn’t find my way out. I finally got a
taxi and rode to the Women’s Service Center but of course they were sold out.
Oh what tall bldgs NY has. It is wonderful. Then I walked about six blocks to the Allenton
House.
I took a bed in the dormitory room. It was only $1.00. The beds were cots & a washroom was
adjoining. Two small rooms adjoined. Then I called up Florence and she gave me directions on
how to get to Brooklyn.
I went upstairs and cleaned up a bit. Put on a white shirt.
Then I walked a block to the subway. The trains really rush by. I inquired so to directions there
and people were very helpful. But looking thru the windows one can see nothing.
Finally I arrived in Brooklyn. I walked about seven blocks to her home. I thot [sic] she lived in a
house but it is an apartment. 1073 Flatbush Ave.
She is rather plump with dark brown hair.
Inclined to be sarcastic but fun. We walked around the streets awhile. About six shows there,
theatres too. It started to rain. Two civilians came up to us and started to talk. Such jerks.
Oh yes she cooked me a steak with peas. Very good.
As it was after twelve she let me stay. She slept on the couch bed and I slept on her uncle’s bed.
It is all so vividly etched in my memory. Her father and mother are so nice.
The trams rattle by all day right under the window. She showed me her scrap book on Flynn. I
have lots more pictures than she.
We slept till quite late & then ate & to the show.
“Song of Russia” was on. We saw “Woman of the Town.” She didn’t want to see all of “Russia”
so we left. She played some records for me & then I left around seven. It was raining & I took
the underground to Times Square. Oh first I went to the Allerton & picked up my bag. Then as I
walked towards the square a soldier “jined” me. He carried my bag for me. Went to Pepsi Cola
canteen & had a hamburger. The soldier left as he went to a play.
Met a Wave outdoors and we walked together. We went into the Metro ") & to a booth back in
the "" N.Y. is the most marvelous town ever.
Three men in striped suits were plinking away on guitars giving out with song. Two sailors
joined us.
One walked out with my hat. I dashed out to the street to get him & no sailor.
Well he left his sailor hat so out we dashed into the rain. I slunked past the SP’s but wasn’t
stopped. Not having any hat & wet feet. I caught the 12:30 train."
Slept on a sailor’s shoulder. Arrived at work about 10 min. late. Left wallet in phone booth.
So ended my first trip to the fabulous N.Y.
Mon. May 15
Wore white shirts for first time today.
Fri. May 19
At last 64’s in this section. Think I’ll take on in May.
Sat. April 29
Sir(" Knox died today. Spars to march in funeral.
We were issued our seersucker uniforms this merry month of May.
Movies
Sat. April 15 – He (The Virgin Man) S’wonderful.
This is my lucky day.
I just learned how to play
Gee what a dope Isadore was. I howled. Second feature was “The Lady’s Willing”
Kabloona – Buster Crabbe
Dr. Cyclops – Albert Dekker
Sauls at Sea – Cooper
April 14 Fri.
Palace.
Lady in the Dark. Her fabulous wedding gown she wore in the picture was on display in
Woodward and Lothrop’s window. Gorgeous thing too.
Wed. April 19
Day break at the Pix. Foreign French picture with Gabin.
April 24 Mon.
Pix "
Monster Maker with Frank Morgan. The Strangler Judy Campbell (Eng."
May
6 Sun. – Capitol
Andy Hardy’s Double Trouble
12 Fri. – Pix – Son of the Sheik – Valentino Opus – very funny. Saw him in The Eagle before
Algiers.
12 Fri. – Earle
Passage to Marseille – Humphrey Bogart
15 Mon. – Capital – Up in Mabel’s Room – Lee Bowman
5-20 Sun. Metropolitan – Lady Let’s Dance – Belita
27 Sun. – Keith – Chip off the Old Blck
Pix
Shake Hands with Murder – Hey Rookie
28 Sun. – Story of Dr. Wassell with Lillian French.
My hair was shorn for second time this month.
May 28 Sun.
Lillian French a new roommate arrived and we went out & some soldiers with civilian girls took
us to Treasure Island.
We ate, drank & went to the girls apartments. The boys had to leave at 8 & one became very
drunk.
A new roommate came on June 26.
Keep yore [sic] mind at the present S1c ~~~ Pooey!
Rita and Janet are still non-noisy.
By the way it was in May that it began. On a Monday nite. Time out for thinkin."" again.
Can’t remember.
June 22 Thursday
Rita went on lv yesterday for 7 days. And I died [sic] my hair red tonite. Janet put in on for me.
The dye is gray powder and comes in a tin box. Mixed with hot water & applied. Really gives
me glamour.
June 1, Thurs.
Crandall went to the hospital for a while. He was gone by the time I came back from drill.
Elizabeth Haynes went to Sound Motion Picture Technician school.
June 8 Mon.
Took the rating test this morning. Firmly believe I did not pass. Coleman and Felsen gave it.
Felsen will be trans. to West Coast this month. Miss Mendelson is taking Cran. place.
Movies
June 9 Friday
Earle
Uncertain glory with Errol. I ") him much too much.
June 2
Keith
Show Business with Eddie Cantor
June 1 Thurs
Little
Mayerling with Charles Boyer & Danielle Darrieux. French pix.
June 5 Mon.
Palace
Buffalo Bill – McCrea
June 10 Sat
Palace
Pin-Up Girl – Grable
June 12 Mon
Pix
Tanks A Million
When You’re In Love
Grace Moore in old film
June 17 Sat
Capital
Roger Touhy, Gangster with Rita & Preston
June 18 Sun
Earle
Make Your Own Bed with Jack Carson
June 23 Fri
Earle
Mask of Dimitrios with new find Zachary Scott
Yum-yum!
June 22 Thurs
Capital
Two Girls & a Sailor – Van Johnson
June 24 Sat
Columbia
Three Men in White – Van Johnson, saw with Janet
June 24 Sat.
Keith
Days of Glory – Peck
June 25
Stanford
See Here, Private Hargrove
Mon. June 26
New roommate- Barbara Lane. Janet & I barged in and door was unlocked. Cot was on floor &
luggage. Looked in hat & name was Barbara R. Lane.
She is rather cute & Rita still on lv.
When Rita returned she had to look on the door to see if she was still in 509.
July 4
Bobbie & I went to the Wash. Monument grounds to see the stars. We walked past the Statter &
then dashed back to the Street as the stars were going by in jeeps. Saw Aver, Marlene Dietrich &
Eileen Wood. The grounds were packed.
We walked up to the sloping park. Sometimes the crowd was so noisy we couldn’t hear them.
Skelton & wife were there. He pulled the same stunt as on the stage, & the poem “Little Algy”
Lt. Holden read a letter. John Payne sang & so did Marlene & Rosemary Lane."") led an orchestra ""
After the show we saw wonderful fireworks. The noise reminded me of ack ack fire.
June 10
Saw in the paper where Deanna was playing at the Station so I hastily called there to see if it was
on Tues. Nope & my hair was wet. But Janet wanted to go to so we went. Took a taxi there & I
forgot to wear my tie. Deanna was superb & she sang “When You’re Away Dear” Superbly.
July 9
Anyway when I saw in the papers that stars were appearing at the Stage Door Canteen well
Bobbie & I trotted down. I really got a kick out of one guy as the said my hair was naturally red.
Anyway (there I go again) Johnny Johnson sang “Swinging On a Star” rather good looking too.
Joy Hodges gave a rendition of “I love you” but she used such dramatic gestures that I had to
laugh.
Zero Mostel was funny and how. Some jerk by name of Jack Pepper who traveled with Bob
Hope was the emcee. Jack Pearl didn’t come nor Joe Cotton & we were all breathlessly awaing
him.
They appeared at 10:45 p.m.
Time marches on. We are visiting N.Y. the last week end. Yippee. [cutout of newspaper article]
June 29
If I remember right Crandall returned.
June 30
I found out I passed tonite. I am now a yeoman third class.
Stobaeus in the barracks command gave me some rating badges for a $1.00.
Doesn’t mean anything tho.
July 1
We three went out. Janet & Bobbie bought toys at the Treasure Island then we heed over to the
Neptune room.
The Miller trio is very good there. plays the organ & piano. The places close at 12:00.
Aug. 7
Lt. Hutchinson took over today. as he said “Everything for the boys.”
Aug. 3
The Tars & Spars were at the Naval Recruiting bldg. to meet the Spars at Hqtrs. Darn it Vic
wasn’t there. Sally & I went. A yeoman girl told us all about it.
Aug. 5
Janet & I saw “Step Lively” with Swsonatra. Very good.
Aug. 6
Visited Mt. Vernon with Sally. Wonderful place. We caught the 10:00 train down the Potomac.
The boat left at 12:30 but we waited & caught the bus before 3.
Paid $1.50 for lunch & had ham & cam(" fritters. Sally had chicken. Anyway I bot [sic] a
spinning wheel, red pennant & little teeny vase for souvenirs. Took pictures of course.
Came home early and slept.
Aug. 7
Rita & I went to the Spa & no peogies. We were very disappointed.
Aug. 8
Wrote letter. Rita going to party tonite. Will be alone then.
Ironed on name tags tonite. I have duty next Sunday from 7 to 11:15.
Aug. 4
Saw Tars and Spars. It is really wonderful. A sailor & girl sang the song “Arm in Arm and two
others danced.
Get out to sea brother. Get out to sea. Oh yes the Spars came tripping on the stage with duffle
bags. What a change in the ink. Remarkable.
Sat thru the down show twice. The Cantorville ghost with Marg. O’Brien & Bob Young was
entertaining.
O’Brien acts very old for a little girl tho. Muchy much.
Mature was the last act. A photog took his picture & he asked him why he stopped & “no bulbs”
was the answer. Well so Mature threw him one, that he happened to have. What got me was the
letter from a sailor & another kid had appeared since he left home. So then the wondered how
long he had left home. Counted on his fingers. That’s right.
I sat halfway down so could see him very well.
Wed. Aug. 9
Lt. Hutchinson had called up Marc Ballers who brot [sic] over some autygraphs [sic] of Vic
Mature. Six of em.
I shall hoard them. Gave Janet one of them.
Oh happy day. Was really thrilled.
Time marches on.
Fri. Aug. 11
Saw “Home in Indiana” with Lon McAllister & Jean Crain. Cute kids. Capitol.
Sat. Aug 12
Mr. Shaw let me borrow “Strange Fruit” until Monday morn.
Its about the negroes & whites in a town called Maxwell, Georgia.
I had it on the seat beside me & an old soldier would have to sit beside me. So I dropped it
picking it up and tore the wrapper.
I was at Pix “Under Two Flags” & “Danger – Women at Work.” The soldier started making
advances by poking his finer in my side & then surreptitiously sliding my dress up. When he
touched my leg I withdrew his hand. Twice he held my hand & I gave him back his.
Ah’m so cruel I leads em on. He left before I did so he didn’t see all the picture. Silly fool.
Anyway I bot [sic] some of Henna. San today & washed hair tonite. Was alone too. Bobbie came
in after twelve. Kinda cute.
Read half of book.
Sun. Aug. 13
Read rest of book in bed. Bobbie on Janet’s bed. No dinner until 4:30. Ate at the Bluebell Shopwaffles,
shoestrings & 2 eggs with toast.
Bot [sic] 4 cheeseburgers as Bobbie had called Lt. Curt Kelly & made a date to take him to
dinner. Doesn’t do bad- not her.
Watch duty from 7:00 to 11:15. Very boring. Read “Ruins of Glory” anyway.
Mon. Aug 14
What a man that Hutchinson is. We gagged about Maxwell, Ga all day & Dessie with Nonnie.
WE call Mr. Shaw Casanova now.
And M.K. told me of the time he was 17 & took a girl to the saddle room & did it. He didn’t
know what the scare was & got scared & told mother. Well when pappy found out he got
“caning.”
And the negroes aren’t called Mr. down souf [sic].
Wed. Aug 16
Tonite Bobbie & Rita slept on the roof until 3:00. Went after bed check. Grew too windy up
there for them.
Thurs. Aug. 17
Only 2 days till pay day. Yippee.
Well anyway Janet came into see me. Returned from leave. Girl friend Rita Breen was home
from Cal.
Friday Aug 18
Decided to find out about singing lessons. Went to the Capitol City Conservatory of Music.
Went up the first flite [sic] of stairs & someone was talking to a woman in the office. I hesitated
& started up the next flite [sic] then down again over to Murphy’s. Bought a mag then back
again. Went on to the second floor & stopped in this room. A desk & chair were there so I sat
there & waited.
Then I peeked into a small room & an old man sat by a window. I rapped on the door jamb & he
arose. Name is Albert Meehan & charges $4.00 a lesson.
He talked to me & said I was interesting. Imagine! He put a belt around me & I sang some notes
while he struck the piano.
For the first two weeks I shall take two lessons a week. Then if I don’t measure up to
expectations I will find another teacher. Still I want to live in N.Y.
Sat. Aug. 19
Had to go to Barracks Command get copy of pay time for new Spars.
At noon on the Treasury steps the Curtis Bay band was playing. The girl to represent “Miss
America at the Atlantic City was chosen.
Venus Ramey was chosen again. She was chosen before for “Cover Girl.” I saw the last two. A
pretty brunette could sing very well.
Around 4:00 Rose Justice came to the office & told me about the unrationed shoes all the girls
were buying. Only $3.99 too. so I hotfoots it over there to Thom McArm’s & there were Rose,
Dot Davis & Dot LeTourneau. So I bot [sic] a pair, slippers & 2 pr. hose.
We three, Bobbie & Janet Came up after me, ate at Mayflower. She went home & Janet & I
repaired to the Keith theatre for Abbott & Costello in “In Society.”
Then we went home & Janet & I were alone after Bobbie & Rita were out.
And so g’night.
Sun. July 29
Well I never if I didn’t forget about my N.Y. trip.
Janet & I left at 3:30 & arrived in N.Y. at 8:00. So we dashed over to hotel & after 10:00 went
out. Ate at a delicatessen and then to Broadway. We saw “Mr. Skeffington. The civilians have to
pay $1.40. then we went walking down “The Great White Way. Some soldier started talkin to us
& then the other two were in the car. So they took us for a little jaunt.
I left Janet in bed the next morn at 12:00 & went for pictures. Here’s the Varga girl "
[newspaper cutout of billboard] I took a closeup of her head. I just love that town.
Called up Florence too.
So after I returned Bobbie was there. then we dressed & waited for her girl friend Pat Keller to
come. Then we went out on the subway to see Columbia U. & Freddie, who brot [sic] along 3
cadet friends.
We went in a cathedral there- Riverside Church & on up to the tower. Bells were up there & they
are huge. Made in Croydon, England if you please. They had to return at 5:30 so we bade them
goodbye and returned for luggage & then ate some Italian food & so on the train at 8:25.
What a wonderful day.
-------------------
Aug. 19, 1944
That’s the girl that became Miss Washington. She was “Cover Girl” too. [newspaper cutout of
article]
Sun. Aug 20
Stayed in. forgot to wake Janet for breakfast so went out & ate at the Blue Bell waffle shop and
brot [sic] back some hamburgers. Wrote 4 letters. What a waste. Tough!
Mon. Aug. 21
Lt. Hutchinson read “Unforbidden Fruit” over the weekend and made cracks about it all day.
Gave it to Mr. Shaw to read. Tells me I’m a noble gal as I bring candy & peanuts to work.
What a man.
Had a singing lesson. Told me my hair was just the right shade. Thinks I’m interesting. Am a
good student. I said no then he told me they did not know how to teach me.
Tues. Aug. 22
Made up my 64 pass today. Oo-la-la.
He asked me “Didn’t you want to leave at 2:30. I said “I wasn’t supposed to but could I leave
anyway.” and he said yes. He’s really wonderful. Makes me laff haha! Florence is having party
on Sept. 9.
Aug 23
My pictures of N.Y. are good. The two I took of Rita in bed are funny.
Fri. Aug 25
Hutchinson gave me a slip today that said [slip of paper with with typing and “Soldiers by M.K.
Hutchinson”]
They were joking about the coal miner and I mite [sic] not return an X. of course I will. Rita and
I left at 2:30 caught a taxi, three marines were in back. We had a seat together & I slept awhile.
We transferred at Phila. at the Reading Station. Then again at Bethlehem & Lehighton. We went
to the Loughton Hotel & only paid $1.50 for a room. It was very cold there too.
Then we dashed up to the apartment where her folks are now & she met her brother Victor &
wife.
We had something to eat. The bologna was very hot and her father gave me a shot of whisky.
Then we went past Sacco’s & took a taxi to the Eskimo Inn.
We were at the bar sitting & we both had ginger ale. Then an Italian next to me wanted to come
up to the room and bring his bottle. Harrars.
Then Johnny took us to the Eagles room where he had a key & we went to the bar. I had wine
but Rita never. A skinny looking guy with glasses showed us out of there at 2:00. Then back to
the hotel.
Sat. Aug. 26
We slept til about 11 the next day. Then we dressed & out shopping we went. Of course “the
curse” had to visit me. Then we went to The Teader store & Rita bot [sic] Pat a butcher bay style
pajamas with red polka dots. Very cute.
She told everyone she liked the service but she doesn’t. Ha! Ha!
She knew a lot of people & they stared an awful lot. Then to Sears where a lot were out to lunch.
Met a girl there named Germaine. Quite a small town but nice. Too small for me. We went to the
apartment & ate & out again. I get a kick out of Bobby- Irene’s son. The apartment has a small
living room with 2 bedrooms & a kitchen. Cute place but too small.
Elsie is nice but what a dopey Italian guy likes her. Then Victor gave Rita $20 & Rita & I went
to Chic Sacco’s & we had a table. So many girls dance together. Terrible. Their USO is sure a
dinky place. Finally met Albert Noz better known as Tudor.
Well Victor, Eleanor and Elsie came in. they didn’t like it there so we left with them to another
place. Well- Vic took us to a bar but we girls went to the booths in back. Well there’s that word
again.
A funny looking old guy with white hair came over and leered at us. He couldn’t talk too plain
but we just howled at him. They didn’t seem to know what bourbon was so Eleanor didn’t have
anything.
Vic finally came up & he was well on the way to getting drunk. Rita & I wanted to go to the
Eskimo so we all went. Vic got us a drink and we sat on the stairs. A soldier came over &
introduced himself. He had been to the Univ. of Wash too. What a surprise to meet someone
from there. Vic & Eleanor left there with Elsie & Rita & I stayed. She told the taxi to come back
but finally had to call another one. Then we went to Bobbie’s.
It has two rooms a log covered one with booths- sort of rustic like. The other is a bar & went to
the back. I got a ham sandwich & then Rita had coke. Before we left the place Rita talked to
some friends & then we went out.
Jackamo, an Italian friend, rode us down to the hotel.
Sun. Aug. 27
Today we slept rather late. Arose & took a bath. Then walked up to the apartment. We visited
some of Rita’s friends during Sat. afternoon. Saw Mike’s house and mother. His sister was
married on Aug. 14. Understand she had a baby by someone but married a boy friend that came
back from overseas.
Mike has a step-father, brother & a little one five yrs old.
I met Sally, Irene Doris Marino, her husband and baby.
He is Italian but she is not. Elsie gave me a little doll and Rita got a baby doll that Vic had won
on the punch bord [sic].
She kissed everyone goodbye & down to the hotel we went. Got our bags & walked to the
station. Johnny came by in his car & drove us to a place. We went in the back way & it was a
bar. We had 7-Up & Rita was so worried we’d miss the train. But we didn’t. Johnny put us on
the train and we didn’t get off until Phil. She met a jerk from Hazleton that pestered us. T hen a
sailor Joe Chapela came by she knew. He had us transferred 2 cars up where the soldier & he sat
with us. Rita had the boys admire the doll. Named Beauty.
In Phila we got on the train & sat in the aisle.
In Baltimore we got a seat. Oh what a ride. Then we rode to the hotel. She got a swell box of
candy too.
G’nite.
Mon. Aug 28
Hutchinson really kidded me today about the miners leaving their jobs. He is really swell.
Tues. Aug. 29
Saw Dragon Seed.
Wed. Aug. 30
I think I took today off, I mean afternoon. Went up to the depository. Eddie was up there too.
We saw the show “Bride By Mistake” with Loraine Day at the Earle and then sojourned to the
Capital for “Sweet and Low Down” with Benny Goodman. Corny too. Horace Hiedt was very
good. He had a blind guy that whistled by the name of Fred Lowery. Very good he was too.
Thurs Aug. 31
Drill today. More of a military duty now than before. We are honor platoon today. Curses too. So
goes life.
Saturday Sept. 2
Janet & I went to the movies tonite. Saw Casanova Brown at the Keith. Very good. Handy called
her up & told her to have her hair cut. Miss Mehl saw it when we left the elevator.
Sun Sept 3
Today being Sun. I barely ate. Rode out with Janet & had two burgers.
Then saw “Janie” & stood in line for half hour. Very funny too. “Earle.”
Mon. Aug. [sic] 4
Being labor day Janet couldn’t get her hair cut so Miss Mehl let her wait until Tues.
Tues. Sept 5
Good old pay day. Hutch. Is letting me leave at noon Sat. Would let me leave at Fri but
impossible.
Wed. Sept. 6
That DuCourtenay (Red) dame is really a trial. She didn’t come to work until noon & Coovette
called her up. Barracks Command asked to see the temp. duty girls.
Lois Quick left as a telephone operator. Saw movie – Cap. Double Indemnity.
Thurs Aug 7
Put our shoes on top of bed today. wrote letters. Dad sent me $5. Now I can have a good time in
N.Y. Yippee!
Fri. Sept 8
That Hutch is really funny. Felsen was in arguing with Smith & Schnell about 2599’s. No where
past Main. trains we are in the war for five yrs. Tough! We can’t be.
Wrote 3 letters to Mrs. Henry, Florence & Grace. Must rite [sic] Penny too. Dot & Burb are still
ever in Bremerton. Nila has baby boy Gary born in March- I think.
Hutch. is always talking about pulling people’s arms off.
Spars are moving into the barracks now.
Sat Sept. 9
It’s been a year since I enlisted now. Hutch. said I could leave anytime. Cleared up the did folks
first and then shoved off at 11:15. Got a taxi and ate a malt at station.
Had a seat on train and slept. Reached N.Y. at 4. The streets were so crowded. Walked into Saks
at 34th and Macy’s.
Went to two subways and then finally caught one to Brooklyn. Got off at end of line and landed
at 21st & Flatbush. Asked someone if 1073 was very far. It is so took the trolley. Florence’s
mother let me in and we talked. Flors rushed a few minutes later and then we went out to shop.
Walked over to Sears & I picked up a swell sweater- roser pink for $3.98. Sloppy Joe style.
We were gone 20 min. almost 6 then. Then back & we ate. Luscious chicken and then out to
shop again the stores are open until 9:00. What did I do but buy another pair of shoes like my
gabardine black ones. Also a red checkered bra- cotton.
Couldn’t find any black chiffon pants.
Also some lipstick for just my shade of hair. Did I ever laff then.
Flo has a soldiers name to send a gift to. Bot [sic] paper & shaving set. We got back finally & the
bed was up. I slept in her uncle’s room again. She is leaving Wed. for Cadet Nursing.
I slept till 9:30 & then arose. Mrs. Johansson gave me a robe to parade around in- on account of
the men.
Sun. Sept. 10
We read the papers in bed. Flo wore a white middy with long sleeves and blue skirt- for biking. I
had my shorts tho. I wore her raincoat.
We rented them for 2 hrs. Then we went. Once I went down one block & she another & I lost
track of her. Rode all around the cemetery and then riding towards Flatbush I met her. She had
ridden home and left her coat as it was greasy. She is rather shaky on a bike. Took some pictures
on some peoples lawn we didna kno [sic].
Boy she is too fat.
It was almost two when we got home. As her folks were out and she had forgotten the key we
went into Weingast’s home. The younger daughter Selma does not look jewish but Charlotte
does. Flo tried climbing out the window but the windows above were locked.
Her mother returned from shopping but it was too late for show. We had a sandwich & then
dressed. Flo has a black, white dotted dress that is cute.
She put on her red coat & we walked over to Ocean Ave. & took more pictures I didn’t wear my
hat squared at all. Then the girls started arriving about 5:00. There were 9 of us. Rita Jacobs
didn’t come. Doris Eskeland, Grace Murchie and Flo are all going to the Prospect Heights
Hospital. A Jew named Ellen is in a jewish hosp. already. Virginia Buffington, Selma Wiengast,
Muriel Champa, Johanna Wolfangel were also there.
Johanna left first & the rest shoved off around ten. So did i. Ellen walked me down to the
subway & I caught the train for Times Square only it said Manhattan. So when it reached 34 St. I
stopped & I was right by the Penn. Hotel. So it being 11 I went to station.
Couldn’t find any pennants. Caught the 11:30 train & was on the tracks before it got there. Had a
seat & slept soundly.
Mon Sept. 11
Reached D.C. at 4:00 & took till 4:30 for a cab. Arrived at hotel finally & had a letter from Pat
and Florence in Penn. So went to bed. No more spread but have a blanket now. Saw on bulletin
board about a house meeting on Tues. at 9:00. Had a little sleep. Told them at office & could
have had morning off but took afternoon instead. Bot [sic] 3 mags & headed for home & bed.
Rita woke me up on telephone & I really came awake at 7:30. So Janet & I adorned ourselves in
slacks & rode to Silver Springs for hamburgers. Then back again. Couldn’t take bath as Bobbie
had cloes [sic] soaking.
Bye----
Tues, Sept 12
Andy sure sprung a choice one. Told Warren & I we looked an ideal couple, why not get
married.
Ha-Ha. Had eggs at the Mayfair. The Miller trio is no more at the Neptune. Sure liked ‘em.
Had a lesson today. Did okay. Dorothy didn’t come. And Mr. Meehan asked me if I ever had any
trouble with my monthly sickness. I was surprised.
Had house meeting tonite. Coovette and Esther was not there. She was late.
Wed. Sept. 13
What a bore working gets to be.
The barracks command called up and wanted to know the temporary girls that worked there.
I gave them about six names. Guess they don’t know.
We had a picnic lunch in the room. Cole slaw, buns, tator salad and bologna. Real good. The
girls had put those Catholic books about “Sex Instruction” and “Facts on Marriage” on my
pillow so to satisfy them I read them. Too much about the virgin Mary in them.
The girls washed their clothes out. I wrote a letter home.
Thurs. Sept 14
Walked to the drill field but no one there so assumed no drill. Am now reading “Congo Song.”
Over sophisticated civilization in counter point with tropic lust and savagery.
What was it Hutch pulled it today- Between 20 & 30- once a nite & morning- 30 to 40 once a
night, 40 to 50 now and then or something similar.
Bought a pound of candy today. My dress was soaked yesterday.
That Hutch sure likes candy. Then I had a lesson. Told me it was on him.
He dreamt about me. Wasn’t using enough breath. Now I have more breath.
Played for Dorothy. If I could tell you. Very pretty.
Fri Sept 15
Janet and I went to the Pix theatre to see “The Lady and the Monster” and “Blonde Captive.”
The picture was about a scientist who took a man’s brain out of his dead body. The brain was
kept in a tank and fed by blood. It possessed Richard Arlen to the extent he went to a prison
where a man was supposed to have murdered his step father. Was Donovan’s own son.
Anyway the brain was destroyed by Vera Hruba Ralston and Van Straheim killed by the house
keeper.
“Blond Captive” was a white woman found in the lands of Australia or adjacent islands. She had
been shipwrecked there, her husband drowned and a native had married her. He wore he step-ins.
Very primitive lands.
Sat. Sept 16
Got off at noon today. Warren told me to leave at 1:00 as I was busy dashing around there typing
a lv. paper for Wyman.
Walked down to archives bldg and saw an exhibit there of the Bill of Rights with Wash.
signature & saw Lincoln’s signature.
And to the Capitol. Fell in behind some guided group. Anyway a fat man took us up some
stairways that were 86 yrs old, and to the two houses. Saw Wallace’s Chair. And met Coovette in
the hotel & went up to her room where “Red” DuCourtenay was laying on the bed.
We discussed the office farce. And much to my amazement Connie Harlan has gone with one of
the sailors.
Stopped down at 605 where Baker was on watch. Then down to the room. Bobbie and Rita were
on week-end liberties. Slept in Rita’s bed. Luscious.
Sun. Sept. 17
Ate the cookies Mom sent for breakfast. Painted some pictures and went out after 6:00 for food.
Went & had a hamburger & brot [sic] back 2 for Esther, 2 for Baker & I and chicken for Alice.
Mon. Sept. 18
Hq really curdles me. Poulter is going to see a psychiatris very soon. Coovette & Red don’t do
any work. Got a perm at the National.
Tues. Aug [sic] 19
Borrowed a $1 from Rita to eat tomorrow.
Hutch is so funny. Office starts working from 4:30 to 6:30 extra now. I don’t. Warren will have
to be a supervisor for a while.
Jones is being married. Both Rita and Judy got perms at the National. Coincidence.
Wed. Sept. 20
CGC cutters Jackson and Bedloe have been sunk by hurricane. Some survivors. A few dead. Can
find no record of Bob