April 1, 1944

The fool’s day – when at last we went sunbathing again, baking ourselves in the backyard. I became impatient after awhile and smeared myself with vinegar – so that now my face is a cross between an overripe tomato and a gleaming beacon light of friend-ship!


This evening Cary and I went to the playground in back of Matthew Whaley and swung on swings and seesawed. It was the first I’d done that in ages and felt about 12.

April 2, 1944

Palm Sunday and a nice one it was too! Beth, Midge, Jan and I went to Bruton and then Kay, Lou, Dotty, Jan and I went to the Inn for a delicious roast beef dinner.

We sunbathed on the garage roof for an hour—climbed up a telephone pole to get there—and I was stuck getting down.


We worked on scrapbooks on the front porch and sipped iced tea.


I phoned home!

April 3, 1944

What a day! At Convocation we beamed and bowed down to Dill Marshall, Arnold and Leaky—with newspaper-men and microphones all around the place. It was tremendously impressive to see all that gold braid and all those wonderful leaders together on the stage at Phi Beta. It was something never to forget!

I got mail from home, Glory and Bill—and then this afternoon at 3:30 Bill phoned long distance from San Antonio. I was so surprised but pleased. He hadn’t heard from me sinse he told me he’d washed out—and was worried. He doesn’t expect a furlough and I fear he’ll be sent overseas before he gets one. Lowsy!

April 4, 1944

On a five dollar cut day, I slept through Money and Banking unintentionally—and so went to converse with Dean Landrum to have the cut excused. We outstared each other and she finally did excuse me which makes me happier about the whole thing.

Instead of archery, we walked to the Capital for gym. Pleasant!

This evening we packed, washed hair and the like, with an eye to tomorrow and vacation.

April 5, 1944

I tore out of Marketing class and caught the twelve o’clock bus to Richmond with Kay and Louise—and started on the way home. We managed to have seats all the way and then fooled around in Richmond eating at White’s till time to take the 4:30 to New York. We were lucky to have seats again and enjoy a painless trip all the way—it was a pleasant change. The train was only about half an hour late. Mother, Dad and Liz met me at Penn Station—we came on home. It’s good to be here!!

April 6, 1944

I took up my spoiled brat existence again with a lazy day around the house. It was a wonderful change!

I spoke to people on the phone and then dressed to go into New York where Mother, Dad and I saw the Air Corps show, “Winged Victory.” It was really sensational and I loved it—Mom and I stopped at Riker’s for griddle cakes and coffee and then back to Hollis.

A really perkolator letter from Bill Boyd written after he’d phoned me Monday—mebbe he won’t be sent overseas soon—all the time different plans!

April 7, 1944

A busy day! Mother and I went into the city and bought me a lush cocoa brown gabardine suit and hat to wear with my gold coat. After shopping a little we met Glory for a bite to eat at Longchamps, and then went to Brooklyn to the Albee where we saw “The Sullivans.” It was quite good—another war melodrama!

We met Dad for supper at the St. George after which we went to the Good Friday service at the Presby. church. The choir sang “The Crucifixion”—beautifully too!

A letter—postcard—and Easter card from Bill—in La, being reassigned.

April 8, 1944

Except for a trip to Jamaica, I just moseyed around the house all day, till time for Mother and me to go into Cary and CB’s apartment for supper. At quarter to seven Cary and I hopped a subway for the Astor where we met Midge Ed Seth and Bill. After hasty introductions we took a taxi to the Waldorf where Davis & Geck was having a cocktail party prior to the Army Day banquet. We were surrounded by gold braid and got a kick out of it. We went to Howard Johnson’s for hamburgers—saw “Miracle of Morgan’s Creek” at the Trans Lux—went to the broadcast of Bob Hawk’s “Thanks to the Yanks”—had rum cokes at Topps—and so on home with Bill (last name?)

April 9, 1944

HAPPY EASTER!


And a lovely Easter it was too! Besides my Easter outfit, I got two war bonds, slips, a set of glasses from Nana, gloves, pocketbook, 40 in nickles books, records, apron and the usual baskets of candy and Easter eggs. A lucky gal!!


Bill Brennen hit town last night and I was s’posed to go out with him, but had made the other plans before, and so saw him today instead. He took me over to his house—Dave was there along with Keith (a guy from Hamilton) and his whole family. We had a good time singing around the piano and fooling. They’re all nice people—and I like ‘em good. Stan drove us into Grand Central where we saw Bill & Keith off. I don’t expect to see Bill for awhile. This is quite a war.

April 10, 1944

I slept late and then read one of my new books, “Low Man on a Totem Pole.” It’s a darling! The rest of the day was a lazy one.


Mother and I met Nana for a meal at the Chinese restaurant in Jamaica, and then we went over to Hettler’s for the evening. They’re such wonderful people!

Bill Boyd sent me a telegram yesterday from Louisiana, cause he couldn’t send me flowers. He’s so considerate!

Dad’s been with Davis & Geck 35 years. His associates gave him a honey of a Longine wristwatch and he’s pleased as Punch with it.

April 11, 1944

Up early and into the Paramount to see Ginger Rogers in “Lady in the Dark”—it was tremendously clever—and I loved it. –Mother and I met Dad for lunch at the Cafe Loyale—rather smooth—and then hopped a subway for the 34th St. Shopping district where we bought a white dress, blouse, brown pocketbook and gloves and stockings for me. –and so on home to fix dinner for Glory, Cary and her Mom. We were stuffed and couldn’t even maintain a decent game of bridge. We gave up and drooped at each other.

I had a long talk with Mrs. Potts on the phone—my first. She seems very charming

April 12, 1944

Up at the crack of dawn to go to Radio City for the 8:13 a.m. show. Mother, Lizzie, Cary and I were amazed at ourselves, but were afterwards pleased as we saw the line wound double around the block. The Easter show was as spectacular as ever—and the movie “Cover Girl” was quite good.—We went across the street and really opened up the Stockholm. We gorged ourselves with Smorgasbörd but enjoyed it!

We came home for awhile and then Mother and I went back to the City to meet Dad at the Edison for dinner. Art Kassle and Orchestra were there. Nice!

April 13, 1944

I dressed in my Easter outfit and pounded the pavements in search of a summer job. Every place I went—the prospects seemed optimistic, even along the lines of my Marketing Research and Advertising preferences.—And I made several contacts for June fifteenth or thereabouts when I come home for the summer.—In between times I met Glory for lunch—and then came home to go to the beauty parlor and have my hair professionally shampooed and set.

Glory, Irene and Myrtie came for dinner. We waxed hysterical over a bridge game. They’re good gals.

April 14, 1944

This morning, I did the unusual by combing my hair several times and taking special pains with my lipstick in order to have my picture “tooken” out in Queens Village. The proofs won’t be ready for several weeks—I hope I don’t have my usual sickening grin shining on my face.


I went down to Davis & Geck this afternoon—chatted with people—and OKed a file for
—a blessing since they cost at best $50 now, and this one is free! Dad and I met Mother and had a wonderful dinner at the Candlelight Restaurant.

A sweet letter from Bill—he still hasn’t heard from me and fears I’m not writing. Complications!

April 15, 1944

Today was cold and rainy—but I dressed and went up to Buchanan’s to meet Bill Boley for lunch, anyhoo. He’s a nice guy—has been promoted to quite a high executive office and seems real happy with that, his family and brand new home. We had a spaghetti lunch at the Famous Kitchen and then met Mother at the Astor. After chatting for a few minutes Mother and I went to the Wintergarden to see the Cole Porter show “Mexican Hayride” starring Bobby Clark. It was good but not up to the usual standards.

We fooled around a little and then met Dad for dinner at the Hotel Pennsylvania.

April 16, 1944

The last day home, and a rainy end to a lovely vacation. Dad came out at 10:30, and we stayed around the house all day. Joanie, Glory and Mrs. Potts phoned, and Aud come over. I stopped at Glory’s for a few minutes with Aud and Irene. They’re indeed good gals.

I’m not too fond of the idea of going back to W&M tomorrow, but I’ve cut as it is and can’t put it off any more. As always, it’ll be good to be back too.

April 17, 1944

Back to Billsburg, after another unexciting trip. Most of the way down I talked with two sailors—we shared my lunch and their cigarettes.

I walked into the house in the middle of sorority meeting. Afterwards, I saw everybody and caught up on news and stray bits of information. It’s good to see everyone. They’re all so beautifully crazy!

Two letters were waiting for me from Bill in Camp Livingston La. He’s gotten one from me at last, and he seems real happy. We’re straightened out at last. I also got a letter from Floyd—and one from Dossie.

April 18, 1944

Back in the groove—it doesn’t seem as though I’ve been away at all. This morning, I cut gym and had my saddles fixed—and got the vic out of the Radio store. It finally works, and we glory in it—play it all the time.

We had our sorority picture taken—and a man came to sell the sorority stationery.

April 19, 1944

I went to classes this morning and fooled around this afternoon—nothing new or exciting with either; but then tonight Cary and I doubledated; mine: blind, and Dick Burbank, an ensign from Peary. We went down to the officer’s Club at the Inn and danced and drank rum cokes all evening. It was fun and a good time was had by all. Dick expects to ship out any day, but it is fun while it lasts.

April 20, 1944

It was a beautiful day….and for archery class we took bow and arrow and leaped like gazelles through the woods, shouting at stray trees. It was so Robin Hood-ish—and quite an experience.

I had Accounting this afternoon and then wrote some letters and the like till Beth and I went to the Coffee Shoppe for supper. Initiation was tonight. Beth did beautifully as Prexy—and all ran smoothly.

Wayne called and asked me to go out several times—but I said I couldn’t. Ray called too, to say G’bye—he’s shipping out in a day or two.

April 21, 1944

One of those days! It turned cotton dress weather and we sat at open windows as breezes drifted in. This afternoon, I did some Accounting and Psych and was surprised to realize that Reading period starts four weeks from today.

After cup service and supper, a gang of us went to the movies on the spur of the moment, though Cary and I had already seen “Cover Girl.” It was good enough to fit in with our receptively corny moods.

Mother wrote a letter to me—the disappointed-in-my-carelessness type thing.

April 22, 1944

An unexciting day! We’d planned to sunbathe but as luck would have it, the day was cloudy and we didn’t—This afternoon we went to the swimming meet; and this evening there was an Accounting Club meeting at the Tri-Delt house planning the entertainment for tomorrow’s party.

I hit the jack pot with packages today: my suit case, laundry box and A&S package all arrived.

We pinned the ribbons on Joan Kelly tonight.

April 23, 1944

A busy day! We slept late, and then went to the cafeteria for dinner. After awhile, we went out to Mr. Tibbs’ house for the Accounting Club tea and had a lovely though formalish, time. At five I went to Phi Bete and helped hostess at the Scarab Club’s reception in honor of Jose De Creeft, the famous sculptor. He’s a fascinating person and his works are remarkable.

April 24, 1944

It’s poured all day and we’re ducked inbetween showers. This afternoon I wrote a fourteen page termpaper on transportation. (Id read the 855 page book yesterday) and felt as though I’d accomplished a tremendous amount since it used to be a year course.

At five, Elaine and I sold war stamps for an hour and I knit two afghan squares. We had a sorority meeting tonight.

I got a potent letter from Bill Boyd, and quite a passable one from Bill Brennan. The future looks very bright.

April 25, 1944

An uneventful day with classes from eight to four-thirty. We didn’t arch - took another long walk through the woods instead.


This evening we all went to the Psych. open house. It was fascinating - like a thirteen-ring circus, with myriads of Experiments and movies.

April 26, 1944

This afternoon, I rang doorbells - for the postwar marketing survey. I had some interesting encounters but gritted my teeth, flashed a big ole smile, and won my points - it was an experience.


We went to a discussion in Phi Bete, led by a Reverend Pickin on Missionaries. I was practically ready to go into darkest Africa then and there. He’s a fascinating person. Such adventure! He went to supper with us and then we went to Chapel (Beth was the Student Leader).


Janet and I went to see the play: Shaw’s Candids”. It was very cleverly done and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

April 27, 1944

Classes from eight till five-thirty with Dr. Southworth speaking on Monetary Policy at Marshall-Wythe Seminar.


We had pledging tonight for Joan Kelly, it ended unfortunately however. --We studied Psych all evening, and a good part of the night.


I got a real sweet letter from Bill!

April 28, 1944

The Psych. Test wasn’t as bad as we’d expected. And the rest of the day passed well too, as we managed to accomplish some stray things.


This evening, we had our formal reception for the remaining men on campus. We marvel at the fact that it seemed as if they all came. The house was really crowded, without there being an extra square inch of floor space. A good time was had by all too.

April 29, 1944

It was a beautifully spring-like day! The KΔs played the Gamma Phis at baseball this afternoon and lost. It was a good game though. Afterwards we all had to take our Cultural Program test. That was discouraging! On a Saturday too!


This evening a gang of us went to see “Passage to Marseilles”. It was just another one of those pictures!


I got a telegram from Bill. His dad passed away suddenly Wednesday and he went home yesterday. The funeral was today. He’s had such tough breaks recently. I wish I could be with him.

April 30, 1944

It was a beautiful springlike day and we walked around town and sat on the porch most of the day. We sipped lemonade as we worked on scrapbooks.


I got up a form letter to send to all the KD parents with the monthly statement as a gesture before closing the books. And did some more accounting.


Becky got an engagement ring from Loren and is glowing.