1945

January 1945

            1 – Was at Plant from 8:30 to 12:00. Mr. Gulick out too. Had dinner at Wayne's. Took some pictures. Cold wind blowing. Temp about 3 above dropping to near zero in evening.

            2 – Coldest day of year or winter, 7.4 at night. Stayed below all day. Took tree down today.

            3 – Went to Church Meeting on Finance & Crusade. Donna went to show with Connie.

            4 – Went to Wayne's for supper. Still cold, about 1 below in morning, raising at night.

            5 – Cold, about 20 above dropping to 10. More snow.

            6 – Went to Church. Home for lunch. Went to Mary & Bob's for supper. Wayne's over in evening. Showed pictures. Snowing & cold.

            7 – Bought seat covers $10.95. Went to locker for meat. Home in evening. Done some work. Cold.

            8 – Nancy's birthday. Had them & Harbert's here for supper. Cold & snowing again. Over 20 inches of snow so far. Betty & Muriel in in evening.

            9 – Zero most all day. 8 below in night. Froze line in car & towed in to Trowes. Walked home about 2 above.

            10 – Snowed in night. Picked up car. Started ok, line thawed out. Temp. about 10 above.

            11 – Exactly zero this morning but warming. Temp about 28 above at 8 p.m. Done home work. Donna to show with Connie. Longest snow on record.

            14 – Went to Church. Home all day. Big snow in night. Took pictures of trees with snow on.

            18 – Went to Office Managers Club in Chicago. Weather warmer.

            19 – Went to Foreman's meeting at Phil Smidts. Rode with Johnson. Pretty cold.

            20 – Went shopping & done some work at home. Puttied holes in bookcase.

            21 – Went to Church. Wayne's here for dinner. Not so cold. Went in evening. Meeting of Official Board on Crusade.

            24 – Thawing some, but plenty of snow & ice left.

            25 – Sunday School Board Meeting tonight at Church. Mr. Gulick & Ordille finished Audit today.

            26 – Home tonight. Weather mild.

            27 – Ran all over town to buy a gift for Donna. Got chest of drawers at Minas for $14.95. David, Donna & I went to circus.

            28 – Went to Church. Home for dinner. Connie had shower at our house on Donna. About 10 girls here. It was quite cold.

            29 – 20 yr. Club met at Mess Hall. Stanley Dudek new President. About 33 there. Phil Smidts blew up. 3 killed several injured. Still cold.

            30 – Met with Foreman group at Plant Mess Hall to discuss wage policies. Temp. about 3 above.

            31 – Jan. closed with a 5º below zero temp. Wayne's car gas line froze up. Bo't new pump on it. Was out there for supper. Marj. had shower luncheon on Donna.

February 1945

            1 – Temp. about 4 above today. Had second & last meeting with Foremen at plant. Lydia & Betty over here for supper. Got home later. Showed pictures.

            2 – Temp up to about 12 above. Getting warmer.

            3 – Went to locker. Got meat for us & Wayne's. Ate supper at Wayne's. Donna stayed all night with kids. Ruth Kesler married today in South Bend. Temp up to 30.

            4 – Went to church. Memorial on Les. Cornwell. Sleeting & raining. Temp about 28. Ate dinner at home. T-bone steak. Put filler on book cases.

            6 – Reached the half century mark today. Served ice-cream & cake at Office. Kids over for supper. Had Valentine table settings.

            7 – Shellacked book cases.

            8 – Was at Wayne's for supper. Went out to look at houses.

            9 – Temp. reached 41½ today. Highest point since Dec. 10^th. Thawed quite a bit but still lots of snow & ice. Saw Dragon Seeds at Calumet.

            11 – Went to Church. Home for dinner. Stanley Jones opened Mission at Civic Center. About 3,000 there. Rained & snow.

            12 – Went to hear Jones. Youth night. Kind of raining again. Smaller crowd. Warmer & thawing. Temp. over 40.

            13 – Went to hear Jones. Dyle went with us. Still thawing & slushy. Temp about 50 today.

            14 – Stolte & I went to hear Jones at Hammond Kiwanis. Good lecture. Heard him at night also. Lydia went with us.

            15 – Had dinner for Knox & Steve at McKennas. Fine dinner & meeting. Colder. Temp dropped below freezing.

            16 – Last evening of Mission. Dr. Jones was superb. Great thing for Hammond. Colder & snowing some.

            17 – Temp about 8 above. Went shopping. Dropped in night.

            18 – Temp about 4 above this morning. Went to Church. Marge & Bob over for supper. Marge's Birthday. Had nice supper.

            19 – Still cold, about 10 above. Home this evening. Snow & ice practically all gone. First time ground was free since Dec. 10^th. Longest spell of record.

            21 – Was to Wayne's for supper. First time in weeks. Raining & warmer. Went to look at houses.

            22 – Went to U.B. Church to Sunday School meeting. Snowing pretty hard.

            23 – Went to first show in months, "Since You Went Away" at Vogue. Snow all gone.

            24 – First real good day. Temp 52. Highest since Nov. 15. Washed car & put on seat covers. Hammond won sectional by beating Gary Edison. Beat Tech in p.m. about 5 points. Washington was beat by Edison 1 point.

            25 – Went to Church. Over to Isenagle's for dinner. Had good time. Lovely day. Temp. 53. Sunshiny.

            26 – Went to Chicago. Bought suit at Richmans ($29.50), blue tweed. Connie over this evening. Raw cold above 20º.

            27 – Cold today in 20's. Home tonight. Rex White died today of heart attack. Age 50.

            28 – Henry White, Rex's father, died today 22 hours after Rex.

March 1945

            1 – March came in like a lamb. Very mild.

            3 – Hammond beat Remington 50-38. Michigan City beat Emerson 47-26. Hammond won regional by score of 48-42. Saw game. Very exciting. Warm day & sunny. Trimmed evergreens & fertilized them ($6.00).

            4 – Flora came this morning & we went to Knox on 10:11. Verda got on in Chicago. Rex had large funeral. I marched with Masons. Temp about 50 & bright. Came home with Fronapples. Had nice visit with Chas. & Minnie.

            5 – Temp. reached 60 today. Highest since winter.

            6 – First blizzard of year. Not too cold, but snowing & blowing. About 1½ inches snow.

            7 – Thawing today. Snow nearly gone. Eva has sore throat. Donna & I went to town tonight.

            9 – Nice day today. Chris's came this evening with Eldon home on furlough. Wayne's over. Eldon & Milly went to Vern's. Chris's here alnight.

            10 – Didn't go to work this morning. Fair day, but temps in low 40's. Had big dinner for Eldon. They left about 5 o'clock. Wayne's here for supper. Hammond lost to South Bend Riley 35-27. Riley beat Logansport 43-21 for Semi State.

            11 – Went to Church. Rained some today. Home the rest of the day.

            12 – Nice fair day. Temp about 52. Mother hung out clothes, first time. Went to Council Meeting about rezoning for Swift plant. Got 4 new air filters $7.80.

            13 – Another good day. Temp over or near 60.

            14 – Went over to Marcus tonight to make income tax. Folks out to Wayne's. Came home about 10 o'clock. Donna got sick in night, with stomach pains & nausea.

            15 – Donna called us at 3 a.m. Called Dr. at 4:45, left for hospital at 5, arrived about 5:10 a.m. Carol Lynn was born about 5:40. Weight 6 ¾ lbs. On Donna & Wayne's Birthday. We ate supper at Wayne's tonight.

            16 – Carol Lynn in incubator. She developed a kind of pneumonia from birth. Had fever of 104 & was given penicillin. Temp high.

            17 – Real windy today & kind of cold. We were real worried about baby. She has been kept from Donna.

            18 – Went to Church & to Bake's for dinner & supper. Temp about 70, but it rained some. Mrs. Isenagle went to see Donna.

            19 – The buds are all coming out on trees & shrubs. Eva went to hospital tonight.

            20 – We are getting ready for painter. Cleaning Donna's room. Temp about 78.

            21 – Painters first came to touch up. Went to Office Managers Meeting. Dr. Rowe says baby is considered well now.

            22 – Painters here today. Eva went to hospital, & we went to Sunday School Board Meeting at Evan's, sponsored by Jr. Dept.

            23 – Painters finished today. Kitchen 2 coats gray, bathroom 2 coats white. Our bedroom papered & woodwork painted. Total 32 hours. Material $11.40. Total $92.60. To hospital.

            24 – Eva had permanent. We worked all afternoon & evening putting rooms back in order. Temp about 80 today. Went to hospital & took Donna's things.

            25 – Palm Sunday. Went to Church & Nancy's for dinner. Raining hard when we went for Donna. She & Carol came home about 2:30. They were fine. Carol real cute. Had Vesper Communion & Baptism today.

            26 – Nice day, about 60. Leaves coming out fast. Raked in yard. Took baby's picture.

            27 – Highest Temp 82º recorded in March. Most unseasonal spring on record. Leaves & grass all out. Developed film of baby. High wind all day.

            28 – Temp about 76 today.

            29 – Rained & cooler today. Printed pictures tonight. First of Carol to send to China.

            30 – Good Friday. Closed office at noon. Church crowded for 3 hours, every seat occupied. Temp in 60's. Shined chrome on car.

            31 – Cut lawn today. First time this ever happened in March. Cleaned car. Bought screen door.

April 1945

            1 – Easter Sunday. Bright & sunny. Temp about 60. Went to Sunrise Service. Had over capacity crowd at Church. Kids here for dinner. Millers, Walter, Betty & Griffith called today.

            2 – Temp. dropping. Fear of frost.

            3 – Froze ice today, but didn't freeze buds. Temp about 30.

            4 – Temp up. Danger of frost past.

            6 – Cherry trees are in full bloom.  Very early for blossoms.

            7 – Went up town shopping, etc. Fixed back steps & spaded some in back yard.

            8 – Went to Church. Wayne's here for dinner. They started to move some things.

            9 – Wayne's moved today to Lyons Street. We went over to help straighten up.

            10 – Went to Wayne's in evening. They are not nearly settled.

            11 – Temp. about 81 today. Cut Wayne's lawn & went to East Chicago to get his suit. I bought new brown plaid suit from Fern ($35.00).

            12 – Went to Johnson Wax Offices at Racine with Officer Managers. Pres. Roosevelt died suddenly at Warm Springs, Georgia at age 63. President Truman takes oath as 33^rd President. Fourth Quarter Conference at Church.

            13 – Nation mourns the President's death. Went for check up to Dr. Johns. Heart seems O.K. Cooler tonight in low 40's.

            14 – President Roosevelt's services today at Washington. Stores all closed. Cool & windy. Have sore throat & cold in nose. Went to Wayne's this p.m.

            15 – Felt rotten today with throat. Stayed home from Church. First time in years. Went to Wayne's in evening. Roosevelt buried at Hyde Park this morning. Raining here & cool.

            16 – Raining this morning. Still feel punk. Went to Office at noon. Had first Electrocardiogram of heart at hospital. Took down storm windows & put up screens on bedrooms.

            17 – Miller & I went to Cost Accountants dinner at Gary. Raining & colder.

            18 – Temp. keeps low.

            19 – Helped Eva clean rug & studio couch in front bedroom. Had good speaker at Plant on Soldiers of Production [more than any other war in history, WWII was a war of production]. Wind raw.

            20 – Still got cold in head. Longest time of record. Can't seem to clear it up in my nose. Got report on cardiogram, which was ok.

            21 – Clear but still cool. Temp about 50. Too cool to work outside. Nancy & kids here for lunch. Carol had colic.

            22 – Went to Church, & in most all day. Over to Wayne's for dinner. Chas. & Minnie up to Bake's.

            25 – Lulu up for visit. We went over to Virgene's to see her. Peace conference opened in San Francisco. Eva washed woodwork in living room.

            26 – Light frost last night. Board of Education tonight. A.W. Clark's class will host. Eva washed woodwork & floors in dining room.

            27 – Pretty heavy frost last night. Temp. about 29. Froze some plants. We kept Carol tonight. Donna went to show with Betty. First show.

            28 – Wayne & I hauled trailer load of manure from Calumet Park to garden. Went to West Dyer's tonight with Wayne's. Garden was plowed this week.

            29 – Cold some better. Longest cold I can remember. Went to Church. Kids here for dinner. Mussolini shot today. Russians about to capture Berlin.

            30 – April was colder than March. Everything at a standstill.

           

May 1945

            1 – Cold still improving, still in nose. Hitler reported dead today. May be false rumor.

            4 – Aunt Orah died at 11:20 a.m. today. 5 months after Uncle Dock. Went to Church to hear Kathryn Garten review "Yankee from Olympia." Rained today.

            5 – Got car greased & oil changed 37085 miles. Fixed screen in front.

            6 – Went to Church. Ate at home & left for Home with Virgene & Badelia. Car heated up. Had radiator flushed at Wanatah ($3.45). Chris's & Vana's at Mother's. Hester arrived from Florida.

            7 – Aunt Orah buried today. Was a pall bearer. Rained at cemetery & on way home, nearly a cloud burst. Virgene came home with us. Saw Uncle Mack at service. Germany surrendered at 2:41 p.m. German time.

            8 – Official V.E. day [Victory in Europe]. President Truman gave proclamation. Office remained open.

            9 – Eva & Donna went to Aid. Donna went to Doctor.

            11 – Raining again today, but getting warmer. Donna & Betty went to show. Cut lawn 2^nd time this year.

            12 – Went shopping. Temp about 72. Planted first garden. 2 rows peas, row onions & radishes and row of beets & carrots. Heard Homer Rodenhauer at High School youth meeting.

            13 – Mother's Day. Went to Church. Had overflow crowd on account of V.E. Day services. All at Nancy's for dinner. Temp. over 70. Went to Bill Jens Memorial Service.

            14 – Raining hard today. Couldn't hang up clothes. Alice D. sick, went to hospital.

            15 – Still raining. Went to hospital to see Alice Davis. Mr. Cox's last day at Office. Retired after 18 years of service.

            16 – Raining hard today. Had Farewell Party on Mr. Cox at Lundgrens. 23 present. Mr. Stolte unable to attend.

            17 – Rained again today. Have had rain 14 of 17 days in May, excess several inches. Went to Office Managers Association.

            18 – Clear today, but cool. Went to see Mr. Stolte at home. He was in all week with a cold.

            19 – Planted 1 row of onion seeds, 1 row of cabbage & tomato seeds, 1 row green beans, 45 cabbage plants  & 7 Tomato Early Bathimon, also some spinach & radishes. Warmer today about 70, sunshine. To Wayne's for supper.

            20 – Went to Church. Rained a little. To Wayne's for dinner. Cleared up in p.m. Warm, about 72.

            21 – Planted 2 rows Earligold corn & 1 row cucumbers. Wayne's here for supper. Temp. reached high of 85.4. Wind blowing.

            22 – Went with Miller to NACA at Gary Hotel. Rained some in night.

            23 – Went to hear Preston Bradley Gerhardt Schocker & David Nichols.

            26 – Went shopping. Cut lawn. Bought straw hat at Goldblatts $1.95. Temp reached 85º today. Warmest day.

            27 – Went to Church. Wayne's there too. At our house for dinner. Rained in afternoon & night. Donna & Betty went to show.

            28 – Planted 3 rows muskmelon, 1 row watermelon & 1 row cucumbers. Ground pretty wet. Donna & Betty went to Job's.

            29 – Dug up flower beds.

            30 – Decoration Day. Worked all morning in yard. Nice Day. Planted dahlias, glads & seeds. Went to Isenagle's in p.m. Wayne's went to Harbert's cottage.

            31 – Set out 55 tomato plants & 1 dozen late cabbage. Rained some today. Hester & Ralph over this evening.

June 1945

            1 – Transplanted some Iris tonight. Big rain storm this p.m.

            2 – Had hair cut. Mother got hair set. Rained this p.m. Getting cooler.

            3 – Temp about 40 this morning. Went to Church & had kids here for dinner.

            4 – Temp. dropped in night to 34.7, coldest June day in 50 years. Some frost, but didn't freeze garden. Planted 2 rows golden bantam and re-planted peas. Brought first onions.

            5 – Still cold, 39 in night, no harm from frost. Went to Calumet, saw The Young in Heart. Connie to see Donna.

            6 – Some warmer.

            7 – Went to Chicago to NACA Directors meeting with Mr. Ahmer. Still cool.

            8 – Had fender straightened & door touched up.

            9 – Transplanted 14 tomato plants. Set out more onion sets. Planted acorn squash. Rained hard tonight. Donna & Betty went to Chicago. Weather back to summer normal.

            10 – Went to Church. Took off robes. Had Children's Day program. Good program. Wayne's here for dinner. Temp up to 80º.

            11 – Got porch boxes filled at garden. Transplanted 2 rows Honey rocks & watermelon. Brought radishes (first) & onions.

            12 – Went to Lundgrens to a NACA Directors meeting. Raining but close.

            13 – Went to get flower planter etc. Bought Peonie plant in bud $1.95. Cut lawn & planted porch boxes.

            14 – Temp. over 80º. Planted 1 dozen cabbage & replanted 3^rd row of muskmelons, _______. Went to Calumet. Dr. Lawson called to say goodbye. Rained again.

            15 – Trimmed sidewalk edges. Temp over 80, cloudy & humid. Raining & storming tonight. Radishes fine now.

            16 – Went shopping.

            17 – Went to Church. Eva went out to Mother's with Marj. & Virgene on N.P. [Nickel Plate train]. Dad's day. Was at Wayne's for dinner. Went to see Ice Carnival at Civic Center.

            18 – Went to Chicago.

            19 – Eva came home today with Hester & Ralph. Brought fresh strawberries.

            20 – Went out after S.P. plants. Went to Violet's Recital at High School. Pretty good.

            21 – Set out 45 sweet potato plants & dozen pepper plants. Donna went to rehearsal for Job's.

            22 – Donna went to Job's installation. She was Guide. Cut lawn.

            23 – Temp. up to 89. Diane's birthday. Had party with relatives. Ashers there also. Had good time. Bought wedding gift for John H.

            24 – Went to Church. Ate out & went to Tena's, also Lizzie's. Mildred & Morris family at Tena's. Hottest day 91.7. Showed pictures. Wayne's & Donna went also. Saw John H. & wife.

            25 – Cooler today, dropped to 60. Rain. Mr. Fristoe came in today. Planted 3 rows G.B. corn, one row green & wax beans, also row of beets, carrots & radishes & spinach. First lettuce today.

            27 – Planted row of lima beans.

            29 – Went to hospital to see Hester in Gary. Weather nice.

            30 – Painted porch posts in front.

July 1945

            1 – Went to Church. Ate dinner in our basement. Tena's, Marie's & family came out. Showed pictures & ate lunch in basement. Walter here also. Good time was enjoyed.

            2 – Cut lawn.

            3 – Went to Isenagle's tonight. Painted some.

            4 – Went with Wayne's to Harbert's cottage. Nice day, but quiet 4^th. David stayed.

            5 – Went to see Hester & Ralph this evening. Wayne's came over there too. Beautiful evening & weather.

            6 – Went to garden. Spread some manure, hoed & cultivated. Picked first spinach. Planted popcorn.

            7 – Painted porch screens.

            8 – Went to Church. Ate at home & stayed home. Donna went to see Mary Porter. Wayne's at cottage. Fairly warm, but pleasant. Put 11 pints cherries in locker.

            9 – Wayne & I tried to jack up front porch. Didn't finish. Warm days, but nights remain very cool. Mr. Stolte went to Minnesota to funeral.

            10 – Went to Directors Meeting at Lundgrens. Planned year's program.

            11 – Garden doing fine. Melons & cucumbers in bloom. Have green tomatoes. Picked first green beans & beets, also some spinach.

            12 – Went to see Mr. Fasan with NACA committee. Big thunder shower. First in weeks.

            13 – Big rainstorm tonight. Painted porch ceiling.

            21 – Left about 2 o'clock for Birch Lake. Donna & Carol went too. Lovely day but getting warm. Chris's were there & Wayne's came also for week end. They slept at Estus's.

            22 – All at Chris's for dinner. Went swimming. Wayne's left about 6 o'clock.

Eva's brother Estus had a cottage on the lake with benches on the pier and a diving board. I think this photo of David & Diane is remarkable for 1943 technology and had to include it!

            23 – Starting to get warm. Went to Minnie's. Folks washed. Went swimming.

            24 – Was real warm. 99.3 in Chicago, but 90 at Birch Lake. Was in Lake several times. Big wind & electrical storm at night that cooled everything.

            25 – A very pleasant day. Gentle breeze blew all day with white clouds. Went swimming several times. Went to Tubby's store. Got good bacon.

            26 – Another nice day. Had small fire in morning. Went swimming, hiking, and to Maud Johnson's for supper. Had chicken & noodles. Showed movies. Turned cool in night.

            27 – Donna & I went to see Minnie. Marie had a big pot luck at night with about 36 present. Had lots to eat & good time. Ate watermelon. Had a good fire in morning.

            28 – Chris's came before dinner. Had a real rain storm about 5 in evening. Soaked clear through.

            29 – Last day at Lake. Was a nice day. We left about 5:15 for home. Carol was good all week & we had a fine vacation. Paid Milly $20.00 for cottage.

August 1945

            1 – Had first sweet corn out of garden tonight. Wayne's here for supper. Had 2 fried chickens. Warm today.

            2 – Was to Wayne's for supper. Had sweet corn. Wayne & I got hair cut. Cool again.

            3 – Went to see "Thunderhead" at Vogue. Cool & pleasant.

            4 – Went out to Mother's with Wayne. Carol's first trip. Everyone crazy about her. Joe Kesler & his bride home from England.

            5 – Had Family Reunion at Devoy's with pot luck to meet Joe & Jessie. She is real nice. Rained on way home. Cool all day.

            6 – U.S. dropped first Atomic Bomb on Japan. Great damage done. Painted tonight. Wayne's started on their vacation. Went to Harbert Woods.

            7 – Went to Chicago.

            8 – Russia declared war on Japan. Looks like the end. Painted tonight & went to garden. Brought home first tomatoes, also more corn.

            9 – Went to open house at Agnes's for Joe & Jessie. Donna & I ate at restaurant & stopped at Isenagle's.

            10 – Japan offered to accept Surrender Terms, if they could keep their Emperor.

            11 – Went to Chicago this p.m. Sold saxophone. No particular market for C. Melody. Donna & I went to Isenagle's for supper.

            12 – Presided at Church service. Guest preacher, Rev. McGlasson. Donna & I ate out. Painted in afternoon & went to show, China Sky in evening. Warm day.

            13 – Wayne's here for supper. Quite warm in late 80's. Went to garden, picked last of first corn. Everyone waiting for news of surrender.

            14 – Japan Surrendered. What a glorious day. Was in Gary to NOLA Meeting. Broadway a mass of revelry. Came home early & Donna & Carol & I went thru town to see celebrations.

            15 – Office closed for 2 days on account of Victory over Japan. Went to office & Donna, Carol & I went to Grandma's to bring Mom home. Day was fine. Everyone out there OK.

            16 – Dressed 10 chickens at Tola's & put in locker $1.25 each. Hester & Ralph at home for dinner. Came home early. Rained coming home. Cool.

            17 – Painted kitchen windows.

            18 – Was warm today. Painted front porch & steps.

            19 – Day of Prayer for Victory. Donna & Carol went to Church also. Warm. Ate dinner at home. Wayne's came home in evening from vacation.

            20 – Hot today (91). Brought home first corn, second planting. No worms. Picked quite a few tomatoes & first cabbage. Also first picking from second beans.

            21 – Painted steps & porch second coat. Cooler. Cut lawn also.

            22 – Was at Wayne's for supper. Had more good corn from garden. Real cool today. Had Mother's radio fixed, also GE [General Electric brand] $8.15, Silver Marshall $7.15, Mom's $2.80.

            23 – Ate supper at Goldie's. Bob & Marj. there. Trimmed some windows.

            24 – Brought home bag of sweet corn from garden, also tomatoes, etc.

            25 – Got new muffler put on car. We cut off corn & put 16 pints in locker today.

            26 – Went to Church & to Marj. & Bob's for dinner. Had good dinner. Getting pretty warm.

            27 – Temp. up about 92 again.

            28 – Hot today. Went to garden. Real dry. Corn beginning to fire. Need rain bad.

            29 – Got a thunder shower today. Just in time to save garden.

            30 – Mr. Johnson & I met Mr. Daly in Chicago. Rained in morning.

            31 – Had a good rain tonight. Needed it bad.

September 1945

            1 – Went to Birch Lake. Donna & Carol went also. Weather was cool. Chris's were there. Sent Grandma's radio out home with Marj. & Bob.

            2 – Had good dinner at Lake, fried chicken etc. Wayne & Diane came from Harbert's. David was sick.

            3 – Labor Day. Came home from Lake. Cool all day, didn't go swimming. Traffic wasn't too bad, drove in about 3 hours.

            4 – Temp. nearly 90. New Auditor Mr. Coombs, came today, first time. Picked nearly a bushel of tomatoes & couple melons. Wayne sick with dysentery.

            5 – Temp. nearly 92. Frank Crachen arrived today to audit.

            6 – Temp. about 92 today. Went to Gary to Board Meeting or Committee Meeting on Member Attendance.

            7 – Temp 95 today. Very warm. Rained this evening. Delivered fish Mr. Stolte sent from Minnesota. Kept one for ourselves.

            8 – 20 Year Club had big party at Hess Park or Farm. About 23 came including Mr. Case. Rained but turned out nice. Had plenty to eat.

            9 – Sunday. Our 30^th Anniversary. Went to Church & to Bake's for Dinner. Gave Mom pearl necklace. Picked 10 melons tonight.

            10 – Turned cooler today. Picked bushel of tomatoes and first of the last corn. Cut lawn.

            12 – Board Meeting (NACA) at Gary Hotel.

            13 – Had to turn on a little heat today for first time. Temp in 60s.

            14 – Mr. Stolte came back today. Was in Minnesota 3 weeks.

            15 – Picked bushel of corn & put it in locker, 11 pints. Got about a bushel of tomatoes & 6 melons. Wayne played golf.

            16 – Went to Church & Sunday School. Ate at Stevens. Went to S.S. meeting at Church & to Committee meeting at night. Temp about 50 in morning.

            17 – Painted garage doors. Cooler.

            18 – Painted front garage doors.

            19 – David 4 years old. Gave him long pants & shirt. Went over for ice cream. Temp about 78 degrees.

            20 – Picked tomatoes, also last of sweet corn. Got 100 lbs. sugar by pooling, at AP store.

            21 – About 69 today. Went to Wayne's. Took over 50 lbs. sugar. Eva got new hat & black dress.

            22 – Cool today. Rained all afternoon. Went to see Son of Lassie.

            23 – Went to church alone. Mom didn't feel good. Ate dinner at home. Pretty warm today.

            24 – Calumet Chapter received their Charter in NACA tonight. Was installed as Vice President. Had good program.

            26 – Had Sunday School Board Meeting tonight. Primary Dept. were sponsors.

            27 – Eva got a new garment today $12.50.

            28 – Has been raining nearly every day for two weeks. Predict frost soon, but rain & wind prevented. Delivered Sunday School diplomas tonight.

            29 – Started to take Storeroom inventory. Worked all day. Mr. Coombs & Crehan helped also. Eva & Donna went to Mishawaka to go out to Mother's with them. Picked last of tomatoes.

            30 – Missed Church. Took Storeroom inventory all day. Eva, Donna came home with Wayne's from Mother's. Mother 77 tomorrow.

           

October 1945

            1 – Went to NACA Board Meeting at Gary. Rode with MacDaniel.

            2 – Stayed at Plant to attend White Lead Safety Dinner. It was swell.

            3 – World Series opened today in Detroit. Cubs won 9-0, Borowy winning pitcher, Newhouser loses. Went to hospital with Ralph to see Hester. Had light frost this morning.

            4 – Cubs lost to Tigers 4-1, Wyse loses, Trusks winner. Worked on Sunday School posting. Helped can 7 quarts tomato juice.

            5 – Nice weather today. Temp. over 66. Cubs won 3^rd game of series today, 3-0. Passean pitched a 1 hit game.6 – Cubs lost 4-1. Dizzy Trout pitched against Wyse. Painted garage doors. Bought bushel tomatoes $1.75.

            6 – Cubs lost 4-1. Dizzy Trout pitched against Wype. Painted garage doors. Bought bushel tomatoes $1.75, basket grapes $2.10. Put up grapes tonight. Got bushel muskmelons $2.50.

            7 – Went to Church also Communion in p.m. Went to see Hester. Nice day. Put up tomatoes tonight. Cubs lost 8-4. Newhouse vs. Wyse. Lead 3-2.

            8 – Cubs won record breaking game 8-7 in 12^th. Hock drove in winning run. 13 records broken altogether. Cold.

            9 – Getting colder. Cubs day off.

            10 – First real frost today. Temp. about 30, killed dahlias. Cubs lost series. Borowy loser, Newhouse winner 9-3. Record breaking series. Went seven games.

            11 – Nice day today. Temp about 65, bright & sunny. Went to church. Youth meeting.

            12 – Donna, Marj. & I went to Henrietta Schoon's wedding at Gary. Full dress affair. Took pictures.

            13 – Painted balance of window sash & screens.

            14 – Ate lunch at home, Nancy & kids here. We all went to Church. Wayne out with scouts. We ate supper at Wayne's. I went to Gary Services for Crusade.

            15 – Eva went to Knox to Grandma Brooks funeral. Went to Youth meeting tonight.

            16 – NACA meeting in Gary. Dedelow went with me

            17 – Temp up today. Reached 71.

            18 – Temp. went to 79 today. Warmest day. Indian Summer.

            19 – Went to show. Say "Thrill of Romance" with Van Johnson & Esther Williams.

            20 – Gathered onions. Washed & waxed car today.

            21 – Went to Church & Sunday School. Had to preside for Guest Preacher, Missionary from Philippines. Went to Lockport this p.m. Saw Etta's & Gertie's. Rained on way home.

            22 – Went to Reconversion meeting today. Cool & fair.

            24 – George & Gusta came today. Stayed all night. We enjoyed their visit. Wayne's over this evening.

            25 – Cancelled scheduled Sunday School board meeting. Went shopping tonight. George's left today for Tena's.

            26 – Nice weather. Temp about 50. Getting cooler.

            27 – Nice weather. Wayne & Nancy went to Halloween Party tonight.

            28 – Went to Church. Went to LaGrange. Walter went along. Temp about 75. Saw Lizzie's & Jean's. Donna & Carol along. Ate dinner at Wayne's.

            29 – Nancy had a Halloween party for David. Kids all wore masks. They had a good time.

            31 – We went to Nancy's for Halloween. I went to NACA study group.

November 1945

            3 – Went out to Mother's today. Donna & Carol along. Nice day but getting cooler. Eldon back home & came out with Chris's.

            4 – All ate dinner at Mom's. Went over to Devoy's in afternoon. Saw Joe & Jessie. Came home in evening. Eva stayed at Mother's.

            5 – Painted storm windows on outside. Went to see Diane. She is feeling better.

            6 – Went to NACA Board Meeting. Rode with MacDiarmid. Donna went to Isenagle's.

            7 – Went to Study Group meeting tonight. Temp in 60's.

            8 – Hottest Nov. 8 since 1915. Temp about 73.4. Rained hard this evening. Went to see John Powell at Snyders.

            9 – Washed storm windows. Went to see Hammond High lose to Tech 21-6. Wayne there too. Turned colder in 30's.

            10 – Washed windows & put up all storm windows. Colder, about 35. Eva & Virgene came home on N.P. Went to Turkey Dinner at Temple.

            11 – Went to Church. Ate at home. Nancy had Cocktail & Buffet supper for Linn.

            12 – Went shopping. Wind & rain storm. Blew storm window from dining room window & broke it.

            14 – We believe Farrell left Harashi India on SS Meigs today. First Quarterly Conference. Was elected to Board of Trustees in vacancy of Jesse Wilson.

            15 – Bought new covert colored hot Paragon $6.00 [no idea – maybe he means coverlet?]. Went shopping in town, raining.

            16 – Gordon DeCoudres stopped on way from New London. Leaving service.

            17 – Left for Starved Rock at 2 o'clock, arrived 4:15. Got double bed room $11.00 day. Weather nice. Temp about 45. Had magician show tonight.

            18 – Beautiful day. Sunny & bright. Temp 48, high 53. Went hiking & took pictures.

            19 – Cloudy morning, cleared in p.m. Temp 53. Went to see Christmas in Connecticut at LaSalle.

            20 – Went shopping in LaSalle. Windy & cool. Had movie at Lodge tonight.

            21 – Snow flurries & rain today. Temp in 30's. Left for home about 2 o'clock, arrived 4:15. Donna at Isenagle's. Went to Wayne's for supper.

            22 – Thanksgiving Day. We ate at Wayne's. Harbert's there. Temp around 20 all day & snowing. Dug carrots out of garden. Donna & Carol came home.

            23 – All meat rationing off today after over 2 years. Only sugar & tires on list.

            24 – Indiana beat Purdue 26-0.

            25 – Went to Church. Had pork roast at home.

            27 – Was at Wayne's for supper. Nancy had good meal.

            30 – Got sick in night. Stomach cramps. Had to get up and sit in chair. Donna has been sick too.

December 1945

            1 – Was sick with cramps & nausea. Stayed home from Office. Got turkey today, .47 live, .53 dressed wh. Got lard from locker. Hog in locker. Diane on verge of pneumonia.

            2 – Went to Sunday School & Church. Donna & Carol went too. Mom went out to Mother's with Marj. & Bob. Diane improving today.

            3 – Went shopping this evening awhile. Diane lots better.

            4 – Farrell called at 1:30 a.m. from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Arrived New York 5:30. Monday. Leaving for Atterbury. Went to NACA Dinner meeting in Gary. I had to preside as Chairman, 1^st time.

            5 – Went to Study group meeting of NACA.

            6 – Farrell called tonight from Atterbury. Arrived today. Expects home by Saturday. Had Sunday School Board meeting tonight. Donna rented apartment on Jefferson.

            7 – Nice sunny day & warm.

            8 – Wayne & I divided pork in locker. Hog 200 lbs. cost $54.00 including 35# lard 66# ham & bacon, 63½ chops, roasts etc. Farrell called that he was detained by mix-up.

            9 – Went to Church. Getting colder. Ate home and was to Wayne's for lunch. Worked at apartment all afternoon. Went to Church tonight.

            10 – Eva & Donna & Marge washed at apartment today. We went back again tonight. Finished cleaning & straightening.

            11 – Farrell arrived at 6 o'clock this morning from Atterbury. Was gone 18 months. We had supper at Wayne's & they went to their apartment tonight.

            12 – First snow of year about 1 inch. Was to Wayne's for supper. Eva's birthday. Donna & Farrell at Isenagle's. Temp below 20. Seems lonesome this morning without Carol.

            13 – Snowing & colder. Snow about 4 inches deep. Went to Chicago to OMA. Bought Christmas gifts. Temp about 26.

            14 – Cold today. Temp about 10º tonight. Farrell & Donna here for supper. Bought tree $1.00.

            15 – Went shopping etc. & to locker. Cold.

            16 – Went shopping this p.m. also went to locker. Cold today. Went to Church. Donna, Farrell, Wayne & Nancy here for dinner. Printed pictures.

            17 – Temp hovering around zero. Wayne & I printed pictures for cards.

            18 – Went to NACA meeting at Gary Hotel. Had to preside again. Rode with Hyles. Had nice meeting.

            19 – Delivered packages to Bob's & Virgene's. Still cold. Went shopping.

            20 – Had tree trimming & decorating at Church. Had fine time. Church looks pretty nice.

            21 – Went to Henrietta Schoon Colosimas to house party for Margaret. Had good time. Showed slides. Still cold.

            22 – Went to see kids & to locker. Went shopping also.

            23 – Carol Lynne christened today. I assisted Dr. Smith. She was full of pep & wanted to play with me. Kids all here for dinner.

            24 – More snow & warmer turning to sleet. Went to Office half day. Picked up 3 pairs nylons at Sears. Rain & freeze this evening. Bad night out.

            25 – Roads still icy & bad. Driving hazardous. Donna & Farrell here for Christmas morning. Exchanged gifts. We went to Wayne's for dinner. Harbert's there also. Donna & Farrell at Isenagle's. Gave Eva her ring reset in yellow gold.

            26 – Temp. about 30 today. Snow frozen & icy. We all had a nice Christmas. Mr. Dinger died suddenly today at Pullman Standard.

            28 – Ate fish meal at Donna's & Farrell's. Had good supper.

            29 – Worked today. Went to Mr. Dinger's services today. Very icy & snowing some.

            30 – Went to Church. Ate dinner at home. Kids came over for p.m. Went to Church to hear Craig Affleck preach first sermon.

            31 – Worked all day. Still cold. Home this New Years Eve. Went to bed about 11 o'clock. Fixed stuff for dinner.