Thursday, December 27, 1928

Went to Isabelle Hawkins to tea & bridge. Got a score of twelve hundred in two rubbers. Wish I were going out. Wonder if Phil will be here on New Year’s Eve. I hope so.

Jane's Notes: This was her last entry for 1928. Next entry is January 1, 1929.

Wednesday, December 26, 1928

Went to Mr. Sarano’s party. It was a party in honor of the Christening of his kid. Dick went with me. We had an interesting time there and later we went to the Hotel. I like Dick.

Tuesday, December 25, 1928

Christmas Day. I got lovely presents from Helen, Moorn, Gwen. Got some from Mom that I didn’t expect. We went to the U. Club about ten. Had lunch there. June and I went to the movies. Last few days we’ve spent in mad shopping.

Friday, December 21, 1928

Last day of school thank heaven! I’ve been having all kinds of test all this week because the grades went in today.

On This Day In History: NBC sets up a permanent, coast-to-coast radio network

Diary Interruption

I'm sorry but I've not been able to keep up with the diary this week. Ann's husband, George Lovictor Hibbard passed away today at at age 99. They met at Crater Lake, we think the summer after my mother's Sophomore year at U of O. She was a Chamber Maid and he was a Garbage Man. I'll take a few days off and get back into the rhythm of the diary again soon. Thank you for your understanding.

Tuesday, December 18, 1928

The day of the wedding. Mr. Sarano invited the whole class to a party at his house Dec. 26 and we must bring partners Everybody said it was a lovely wedding. The bridesmaids dresses were plain and I guess that added to it. The preacher left out quiet a bit of the ceremony. After the reception the bridge and groom went to the bride’s house to dress and we (the bride’s maids and groom’s men) went to the Hotel. About eleven we went down to the boat to see them off the aft at twelve amid a shower of rice.

Monday, December 17, 1928

Nothing at school. Slept in afternoon. Tonight I entertained the bridal party. There was supposed to be 16 but only 14 were able to be there. It was pretty successful I guess. We didn’t do anything but talk after dinner.

From The Scrap Book: Here is the newspaper account of the dinner: “Bride and Bridegroom Feted At Delightful Dinner. “Miss Annabelle Powell is entertaining with a dinner Monday evening at her home in honor of the bridal party of Miss Francess Boomer and Mr. David Innis, whose wedding is to take place at the Union Church next Wednesday evening. Miss Powell’s guests will be Miss Boomer, Miss Margaret Ostrand, Miss Helen Miller, Miss Lucile Howell, Miss Lois thomas, Miss Elizabeth Cochran, Miss May Whitacre, Mr. David Innis, Mr. traunson, Mr. Robert Cadwallader, Mr. Merton Best, Mr. Charles Naronha, Mr. Harold Keatley, Mr. Haldean, and Mr. George Smith.”

Sunday, December 16, 1928

Stayed to church after Sunday School for the first time in weeks. After lunch went to see William Haines in “Telling the World”. It was a good picture. Different from the usual line of his pictures. At about quarter to six Alex came for me to take me down to Connie’s party at the Polo Club Tea Dance. I had a wonderful time. I met three people I’ve been hoping I would meet, Shorty Hall, Lucian Tate and Purcie Escotts.

Saturday, December 15, 1928

Went downtown again. After much discussion chose a Spanish shawl for my Xmas present. A perfectly beautiful one. Black with soft colored flowers in it. We got a set of crystals for my birthday present because I saw them and liked them and couldn’t wait. A beautiful set, chocker, bracelet, and earrings. In the afternoon went to tea party shower for Frances at Marney’s. Lovely party, played bridge and won for a prize exactly what I gave Fran for a present. A bunch of us decided to go to see the Elks show and sit in nigger heaven. There were nine of us and we found some other people there too. Who’s going to pay six pesos to see an Amateur Review. Not us. But it was very very good.

Jane’s Notes: “Nigger heaven” is an interesting expression. I wonder if it means the balcony.

Friday, December 14, 1928

Sorry for the break, but Mom took a break a well. She seems preoccupied with her social life and not able to sit down to write every day. Here's the entry:

Went down and got my brides maid dress. It isn’t half in back. I like it. I got a new silver compact and had my AEP put on it and silver slippers the first pair I’ve had in my life. We got our rings at school. Swell.

Jane's Notes: to my siblings - have any of you ever seen the compact or her class ring? I don't remember them.

Tuesday, December 11, 1928

Steve left this morning at W. T. Helen, Mom, June and I went down to see him off. I hated to see him go. He said he would be down to the boat to meet us when we come in May. He gave us his address. As soon as I got home from school today I opened the package. It was a desk fountain pen and pencil, the most beautiful set. I just love it. Went swimming in afternoon.

Jane's Notes: Steve’s ship was the USS MacLeish. There is a black ribbon with the name of the ship in gold letters in the scrap book. According to Wikipedia the USS MacLeish (DD-220/AG-87) was a Clemson-class destroyer, commissioned in 1919. She was with the Asiatic Fleet, arriving at Shanghai in June, 1925. Operating between ports in China and the Philippines, the destroyer patrolled and trained while protecting American interests. In 1925, while on this station, members of her crew joined a force which landed at Shanghai during the civil disorder following shooting of Chinese students by municipal police. MacLeish remained in Asiatic and Pacific waters until 1938, when she was decommissioned and entered the Reserve Fleet.

On This Day In History: The clip-on tie is designed and George Gershwin’s “An American In Paris” premieres in New York City.

Monday, December 10, 1928

Helen and I worked it so we got out twenty-five minutes early from Spanish. I went down with Helen to see “The Divorce Woman” at the Ideal. Steve came for me at five and brought me a package that he said was my Xmas present and not to open it until he was gone. We went swimming at the Army & Navy Club. Then had dinner at the Polo Club and later to the Hotel.

Sunday, December 9, 1928

I didn’t go to Sunday School or church. Steve came to lunch and then we went to the show. Bebe Daniels. Then we went to see “Retreat” at Bilidid. Steve stayed to dinner and until eleven PM.

Saturday, December 8, 1928

Steve’s been up Olongapo since last Tuesday. Tuesday he was down and had tea out here. He brought me a box of candy. He came back today. This afternoon I went to Hope’s shower for Francis. I was asked to pour and it was in the paper. It was beautiful. We played bridge afterwards and I won the prize. Tonight we went down to see the “Best People”. It was an awfully good play and Pop did himself proud. Afterward Steve and I went to the Hotel. Last Tuesday we all went out to the Palonce wedding reception including Steve. Later Steve and I went to the Hotel and then down after Pop who was rehearsing.

Jane’s Notes: Wikipedia says: “Unlike the rest of the Philippines which gained independence from the United States after World War II in 1946, Olongapo was governed as a part of the United States naval reservation. After the efforts of James Leonard T. Gordon, the area was relinquished to the Philippine Government and converted into a municipality on December 7, 1959.” I assume that Steve was there because it must have been a US Navel base at the time.

Monday, December 3, 1928

Steve’s been up Olongapo since last Tuesday. Tuesday he was down and had tea out here. He brought me a box of candy. He came back today. This afternoon I went to Hope’s shower for Francis. I was asked to pour and it was in the paper. It was beautiful. We played bridge afterwards and I won the prize. Tonight we went down to see the “Best People”. It was an awfully good play and Pop did himself proud. Afterward Steve and I went to the Hotel. Last Tuesday we all went out to the Palonce wedding reception including Steve. Later Steve and I went to the Hotel and then down after Pop who was rehearsing.

Jane’s Notes: Wikipedia says: “Unlike the rest of the Philippines which gained independence from the United States after World War II in 1946, Olongapo was governed as a part of the United States naval reservation. After the efforts of James Leonard T. Gordon, the area was relinquished to the Philippine Government and converted into a municipality on December 7, 1959.” I assume that Steve was there because it must have been a US Navel base at the time.

Mom took a break. No new posts until December 8th. Probably too busy socializing to write in her diary.

Sunday, December 2, 1928

Didn’t stay to church today. Went to show at one thirty. Saw “Romana” Deloros del Rio. I didn’t like the picture. I don’t like her. I don’t see how people can. Went for a ride later. Cards after supper.

Jane’s Notes: Ramona is a 1928 silent drama film directed by Edwin Carewe,[1] based on Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 novel Ramona. It starred Dolores del Rio and Warner Baxter.

Saturday, December 1, 1928

A day in bed and read all morning. Didn’t get dressed until twelve. Phil called up. He got in town yesterday. Wanted me to go out with him. I stayed home all afternoon. Phil came at 7:30. We had dinner with Fred and Myrabelle. Went to the Hotel. Saw Lucille and her boyfriend there so we joined them. There was an awful crowd there. Three big parties. Came home about two.

Friday, November 30, 1928

No school to day either. Went swimming again this AM. Wrote a letter this afternoon. Lt. Teller came after me at seven fifteen. We went after Helen and then to the Army Navy Club and got Lt. Taylor. We had dinner there and were joined by a dumb friend of theirs. After dinner were hurried out to St. Andrews. We missed the first reel but we saw the rest. I had a pretty good time. It was a huge ball. More than five hundred people, one of the biggest dance floors in the world St Anna. The Scotch do things well. the Scotch men looked good in their kilts. Not funny either. I like Scotch men.

Jane's Notes: Here are pictures of the dance card from the St. Andrew's Society Ball.

Thursday, November 29, 1928

Thanksgiving. Went swimming in the morning. In the afternoon went to see Borg, the champion swimmer. Coming home I almost wrecked the car. I ran over a ditch and hit my head on the top of the car an awful whack.

Wednesday, November 28, 1928

No test in Physics as yet but he promised it to us a week from today. This afternoon June and I went down to see “The Cossacks” with John Gilbert and Rene Adone at the Ideal. It was a swell picture.

Jane’s Notes: The Cossacks is a 1928 silent film produced and distributed by MGM and directed by George Hill and Clarence Brown, with much reshot footage by Brown. The picture starred John Gilbert and Renee Adoree. It is an extant film.

Tuesday, November 27, 1928

First lesson in Civics today. Simple! Boy! Mrs. Stagg called me up after lunch and I was put in charge of some red cross work. Went downtown in P.M. and went to Dr. He said my spots were nothing. Hope and I went to the Hotel to sell Red Cross subscriptions at seven thirty. Went to the C. Club at 8 thirty and watched part of Pop’s rehearsal.

Monday, November 26, 1928

Still no test in Physics (?). I slept most of the P.M. Got two letters and rode out to McKinley to get June.

Sunday, November 25, 1928

After Sunday School came home and Steve and Henry Brian came after me and then we got Helen and went swimming. I got home at twelve and went to the show at twelve thirty with family. Good show. Home - Reading - Dinner - Cards - and so to bed.

Saturday, November 24, 1928

Went down town this a.m. At four thirty went to a shower for Francis. Its been stormy all day. When we got out to Loas there weren’t any lights so we played bridge by candle light. Helen and I went out to dinner with Steve and a Lt. Henry Brian at eight. We went to the Polo club, after that to the Hotel.

Friday, November 23, 1928

I thought sure we would have a test in Physics today but we didn’t. About four thirty Steve came over to get me and we went and had tea with the Holbrooks at the Army & Navy Club. Jack and Steve brought me home. I gave Jack his xmas present. They said they would come for us at quarter to seven. They arrived at seven thirty but then Jack had to pack. We had dinner at A.N.Club with Helen and Holbrooks. Jack left the landing to go out to his boat at ten thirty. He kissed us all good bye and then left in the little boat. We went over to the club again to wait for Steve and Frank to come back then went out to the boat with him. Gee I”m sorry to see him go. Will I ever see him again?

Thursday, November 22, 1928

Helen Miller had a tea dance at the Manila Club today. A Scotch man that I didn’t even know escorted me. All the men but Bob C were either Scotch or English. It was quite a success despite the fact. I like Britishers very much. Came home and studied.

Wednesday, November 21, 1928

Helen didn’t come to school today. I was worried so I called up as soon as I got home but she was all right, just took a vacation. In the afternoon at five I went after Helen and we went to the landing. Three of our friends were on the landing and the other was driving one of the boats. We went out to the Java for tea. But the only four officers we knew were on duty. Some officer took us on a tour of inspection. Then we had one dance and we spied Hope and her boyfriend of the “Garfield”. We stuck with them for the rest of the time. Pretty soon two of our friends got off duty but the cutest ones were still on duty. One of the two that were off duty asked me for a dance then it was six thirty so we had to leave. We rode to shore in the boat that one of the cute ones was driving and we were met at the dock by the other. After we had said good bye and told them we would meet them in Holand sometime we hurried home. All my dinner guests didn’t arrive until 8:15. Then we sat down to dinner. I think it was a fairly successful dinner. There were ten. It was a fair well for Jack, then he couldn’t come. After dinner we went to the Hotel. Lt. Keller and Lt. Taylor were invited. They seem like very nice men.

Tuesday, November 20, 1928

It was as sleepy day at school. This afternoon after doing my lessons I went to sleep. At eight I went to Hope’s for dinner. She had four boys that composed the orchestra of the “Garfield”. They were real American college boys and how. We went to the Hotel after dinner but I had to come home at eleven fifteen as a result of a row with the family about being out so much.

Jane's Notes: Wish I could have shown this passage from Mom's diary to her the summer after my freshman year in college. I remember getting the same lecture about being out so much and not rested for return to school.

Monday, November 19, 1928

I have a party on everyday this week, feature that, and sometimes two. We got home from school today my mother told me that I was invited out to the Balwines to a tea dance given for the officers of the Dutch Cruiser “Java”. I had a pretty good time at the party. They spoke fairly decent English. Afterwards three of them wanted to go to the Hotel. They asked me if I had a girl friend we could get so we went around after Helen. They were awful cute even if they were Dutch. Their conversation wasn’t any different from an Americans.

Jane's Notes: There is a place card in the scrap book in Dutch with a penciled note in Mom's handwriting that says "Dutch Navy".

On This Day In History: Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse debuts in New York in "Steamboat Willie". 1st issue of Time magazine, Japanese Emperor Hirohito on cover.

Sunday, November 18, 1928

Sunday morning Steve and I went riding. We had a lovely ride. Got back about eleven. Had some ginger ale and cookies then went over to see Fran and Vis. established in their new house. We had lunch at one. After lunch I went up and changed. About three we went to see a negreto village. Then we started for Angels to have Steve’s tire fixed. All four of us in Jack’s. The top was down and Helen and I sat on the back of the seat. It was heaps of fun but people looked at us as if we were crazy. When we got to Angels we found we had lost Steve’s tire. We got back and didn’t find the tire. We went swimming. The water was heavenly. After we got back Helen and I changed. We then had tea. Dinner was at seven. We started to go at eight but because of some changes that had to be made on the car we didn’t actually get started until nine. We came down in Jack’s car, Steve and Helen and I because Steve’s didn’t have a spare. Jack’s going to bring Steve down when he comes on Tuesday. We got home about one thirty.

Saturday, November 17, 1928

I got up at about ten to eight this morning. and leisurely got dressed and puttered around and packed. We were to have lunch at eleven thirty so we could start at twelve. Helen was here at eleven thirty but Steve didn’t arrive until twelve thirty. Jack couldn’t come to lunch. After lunch Jack arrived. We finely got started at two. It was a long drive out there because of the detour. I drove most of the way. We scraped a truck and had a flat. We finely got out there at about six. We had tea and then went up to dress for dinner. Mrs. Holbrook had a Col. and his wife to dinner too. We didn’t do anything in particular but we didn’t get to bed until after one.

Friday, November 16, 1928

We had our last lesson in History today. Three cheers. I am glad to finish it. I sent all my Xmas Cards that are going to the US this afternoon! Jack and Steve came around about four thirty and we went out to the Polo Club for tea. Got home about six thirty. At eight they came after me and we went and got Helen. Then we went to the garage for Jack’s car. We went to the Army-Navy Club for dinner. Then to the Hotel and then to Toms. I invited them to lunch here tomorrow before we start for Stotsenburg.

Thursday, November 15, 1928

We had first experiment with electricity at Physics today. It wasn’t so hard. Went downtown after lunch to buy Christmas Cards. I got some lovely ones. I went swimming alone this afternoon. Nobody I knew was out.

Wednesday, November 14, 1928

The Algebra is getting more complicated. Went Swimming this afternoon. Met Hope and Steve out there. Pop accepted Lt. Kinney on Monday. He went to his third rehearsal tonight. I’m glad he did.

Tuesday, November 13, 1928

I spoke to Don for the first time in ages. I took June swimming in the afternoon.

Monday, November 12, 1928

We got up at four this am and left Stotsenburg about fifteen minutes later. Mrs. Holbrook came down with us. I got to school just before the tardy bell rang. I didn’t have any of my books out. I got along all right. This afternoon Helen and I went down to see “The Cat’s Pajamas” with Betty Bronson. Eddie came to see June and Steve came to see me later in the afternoon.

Sunday, November 11, 1928

After Sunday School just as I got home Jack called up and asked if I wanted to go to Stotsenburg right away. Of course I said I did. I packed in a jiffy and was ready when Jack came. We went over to the church and I sent a note in by the usher that I was going to Stotsenburg with Jack and that I would be home in time for school Monday. We left the city about eleven thirty. After a long dusty ride we got out there about two thirty. We made time. After we had had lunch we went riding. I had an adorable horse. We got back about six. It was a beautiful ride thru the hills. We had a lovely dinner and went to bed about nine thirty. I got a lovely (?) sunburn going up because we had the top down.

On This Day In History: KXO-AM in El Centro, CA, WGL-AM in Ft. Wayne IN, WMT-AM in Cedar Rapids, IA, and WOL-AM in Washington D.C. begin radio transmissions.

Saturday, November 10, 1928

I went swimming in the AM. At noon Pop told us that Lt. Kinney had offered him an important part in the next play. I’m thrilled to death. He can’t decide whether to take it or not. Went swimming agin in the afternoon with Steve. When we came home Steve gave me a little heart to put on my bracelet. The car had gone so after I was dressed Steve took me out to the CGF party. Had a fun time.

Friday, November 9, 1928

This afternoon Steve came after me and we went and picked up Myrabelle. At the Polo Club we met Jack and Helen. Fred joined us at tea and we took them home. At eight thirty, Steve came after me. We went over to the Hotel and peeked in on June’s party. June, thirteen, going out to a party at the hotel with an escort in again. Then we went down to see “Tommy”. Just as we looked in the door we met Jack and Helen. We had seats together. The play was good. After words we went to Tom’s. Got home about two thirty.

Thursday, November 8, 1928

Pop’s Birthday. For lunch we had angel food and ice cream. In afternoon I got Pop a present, ash tray, and then went swimming after dinner I gave Pop the present.

Wednesday, November 7, 1928

I recited beautifully in Algebra today thanks to Jack. Mom had another tea today so I stayed home to help. She had about seventy people.

Tuesday, November 6, 1928

After Jack’s helping me with my home work we didn’t have to hand it in today. About three we (June & I) went down to see the “Street Angle” with Hope. It was a lovely picture. I just loved it. Janet Gaynor & Charles Farrell! (drawing of a hear with an arrow through it)

Jane's Notes: Street Angel is a 1928 silent film about a spirited young woman (Janet Gaynor) who finds herself destitute and on the streets before joining a traveling carnival, where she meets a vagabond painter (Charles Farrell). Directed by Frank Borzage, the movie was adapted by H.H. Caldwell (titles), Katherine Hilliker (titles), Philip Klein, Marion Orth and Henry Roberts Symonds from the play Lady Cristilinda by Monckton Hoffe.
Janet Gaynor won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of "Angela" in the film. This was one of three movies for which Gaynor received an Academy Award in 1929; the others were F. W. Murnau's Sunrise and Borzage's Seventh Heaven. Street Angel was also nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.[1] The acting award was given in 1929 and the other two in 1930, which accords the movie the distinction of being the only film to ever receive an Oscar nomination in two different years that was not a foreign language film.

Monday, November 5, 1928

What a day! I was called on in Physics the first in an age and of course I didn’t know the question. Jack was coming for me at three to take me horse back riding but it was raining cats. He called up and said he would call again at 3:30. At 3:30 it was clear again. He called and said he would order the horses for four. He came around for me at about a quarter to four. I had been ready since three. Then we went around to the stables. I had a pretty black horse called Prince. He was pretty hard to manage at first but Jack took him in hand for about ten minutes and then he was all right. We rode out beyond the Polo Club on the beach. When we got back to the stables about six we got into Jack’s cart and went to the Polo Club. We went swimming and then had dinner in our riding trousers out there. I had more fun. After dinner we came home and we had some chocolate pudding here. Then Jack helped me with my Alg. It was heaps of fun!

Jane's Notes: The scrap book has a note about this event. Dinner for two at the Polo Club was $6.

Sunday, November 4, 1928

I taught my class and went to Church. I went to sleep after lunch. Soon after I woke up Phil Sander called up and said he was in town and asked if he could come over. We were just starting out for a ride so we took him along. He had to catch the 6:15 so we left him at his hotel at five thirty. We had strawberries with our ice cream tonight. Hm!


Jane's Notes: Strawberries have always been a family favorite. I remember my grandmother, my Dad's mother, always salivating over "local" strawberries, rather than those imported ones from California. She's be amazed to day to see all the fresh fruit flown in from all over the world and available everyday in the grocery store.

Saturday, November 3, 1928

At nine thirty we went swimming. About eleven we went downtown. Mom ordered some engraved calling cards for me. My first cards. Then I got some stationary at Phil. Ed. Then we went after Pop. We started getting June dressed in Mom’s wedding for the Prom about 5 o’clock but she wasn’t ready to go until six thirty. Elmer Madison came around for her about 5:30 but we had to send him on. Mom and I went out with June when she finely got ready. Out at the prom I met Gen. Lamard’s son. He came out to look on the same as I did. He is a Senior in College. Cute! He brought me my supper.

Jane's Notes: Seems as if June went to the prom in her mother's wedding dress. Do we have a picture of that dress?

Friday, November 2, 1928

At school today it was just like Blue Monday. After lunch June and I went down to see Colleen Moore in the Desert Flower. It was a good picture. We got home at four thirty. A little later Steve came to take me to see the Legislature in session. June was asked to go with us. When we got there it had all ready adjourned. After we left the capital we went for a ride. We drove along the beach as far as we could go. We got home at seven. Steve asked me to go to dinner with him and I asked June to go too. We went to the Polo Club. I got home at eleven.

Thursday, November 1, 1928

Being All Saints we got out of school at Central but had to go to Physics beginning at 10:30. When I woke up this morning I looked at the clock and it said ten thirty! Believe me I did some tall stepping but our clocks were fast and I was only about five minutes late. I slept the afternoon from 2 to 5:30. After supper I slept some more.

Wednesday, October 31, 1928

He gave us another written lesson in Spanish today the big bum. I wish we had a good Spanish teacher. Right after lunch we went downtown to get the decorations and some candy for the dinner. When I got back Jack was waiting for me. I went up and changed while Mom got us some lemonade. Afterwords we went and got Steve and went to the Polo Club for tea. About 6:30 we came home. I hurried around and got dressed and fixed the place cards and decorations. At seven thirty on the dot Jack, Steve and Helen arrived. It was about half an hour before Hope and Dick got here. After everybody had met everybody we went into dinner. They were pretty quite at dinner. After we all went in our car out to the cemetery. All the graves were lighted up and some had tents over them with hair around the graves. Its the night before all Saints and some people sit up all night by the graves. There were refreshment stands around and everything out. Tomorrow night is the big night. Then we went to the Hotel about eleven we went to Tom’s. We left Tom’s about twenty to four. After we left the house after dinner the party became more talkative. It was a pretty good party. Got home at four o’clock AM.

Jane’s Notes: In the Philippines, All Saints Day, called "Undas", "Todos los Santos" (literally "All Saints"), and sometimes "Araw ng mga Patay" (approximately "Day of the dead") is observed as All Souls' Day. This day and the one before and one after it is spent visiting the graves of deceased relatives, where prayers and flowers are offered, candles are lit and the graves themselves are cleaned, repaired and repainted. Obviously "Trick or Treating" and candy were not a tradition in the Philippines.

Tuesday, October 30, 1928

I hope the rest of college Algebra is as easy as the first part. I washed my hair as soon as I got home from school. About two thirty it was dry so I put in my combs. I wore my new dress to Helen Kimble’s this afternoon. There were just eight of us. Played with Helen M. Doris T and a Mrs. Davis. I was about 100 below Doris. She won. Didn’t get home from the tea until 7:30. It was at the Polo Club. Did my lessons and so to bed.

Monday, October 29, 1928

I met the Morton’s friend Willie Harry Chum again today. I’m going to ask Helen to ask him to my dinner on Wed. I hope its a success. This afternoon Mom had the DAR over so I had to help entertain and then sit and listen to a lecture. We start College Algebra tomorrow.

Sunday, October 28, 1928

I got up and taught my Sunday School Class and then went to Church with the family. Right after dinner we went to see Bebe Danials. When we got home we took some pictures. About four thirty Eleanor and I went for a ride. We played cards after supper.

Saturday, October 27, 1928

We have finished our Trig. Hurrah! And how. We didn’t have any Physics today so I got out of school at 10:10. I was waiting for Steve at 10:30 and he didn’t show up until twenty to twelve. We rushed down to see the transport off, but we couldn’t get on the boat as it sailed at twelve. However I saw everybody but two that I knew that were leaving. This afternoon I slept until four then we went shopping (Mom and I). I got a beautiful tea dress and brought home another one on approval. Both of them are adorable. Steve came for me at eight. We went to the Army Navy Club for the dinner dance. We stayed there until about 10:30 than we went to the Polo Club when the Black Birds were to appear. They appeared about twelve. About two we started home but then we decided to have some ham and eggs so we went back and got a table by the sea wall in the moonlight eating ham and eggs at three o’clock in the morning. I finally got home about three thirty.

Jane's Notes: This is getting serious.

Friday, October 26, 1928

He gave us our Physics grades for the term. I got 84. I went up a point. This afternoon about three Steve came after me. We found Jack and went to see a Filapino movie “The Old Church”. The Filapino are poor actors. They have no expression in their faces. After the movie we went home. About 8 Jack and Steve arrived. We went around and got Helen and then went to the Army Navy Club for dinner and Fransport Hop. The floor looked like one of those mob scenes in the movies. It was awful. One could hardly move once you got on the floor. Finally we left there and went to the Hotel. We came home about 12.

Thursday, October 25, 1928

Eleanor’s birthday. They told us at school today that we would have to go to school on Sat. to make up for All Saints a week from today. Right after lunch we went down town to get party decorations for Eleanor’s party. We dashed around until three thirty. The party was at four. By five thirty most of the guests had gone. Steve came around and we went swimming. We didn’t stay late though.

Wednesday, October 24, 1928

I did get 71 in Physics. Mom had a tea this afternoon. She asked me to stay and assist. So I spent the set chatting with ladies that keep telling me how I have grown.

Tuesday, October 23, 1928

Ada told me that I got 71 in the Physics final. That isn’t half bad because the average was 58. This afternoon we went to the Blasclads for tea. Then for a ride and then to the Elks for the first meeting for the Review. I think its going to be good.

Monday, October 22, 1928

We had the mid year and it was awful. Ugh! I stayed home all day except school. I slept most of the afternoon.

On This Day In History: China expels all Russian instructors and civil servants
and President Hoover speaks of "American system of rugged individualism"

Sunday, October 21, 1928

After breakfast about nine we went riding horse back. It was wonderful. Jack gave me instruction . We were out two hours. We went over to St. and Mrs. Lewis after riding. They are the nicest people. We had lunch in our riding clothes. About two thirty we went swimming (Jack and I). About six we went to a tea dance at the Club. After a lovely dinner about nine thirty we started home. We started with the top down. The sky was clear and the moon was bright. Pretty soon it started to rain. We had a puncture but lucky it was during a let up of the rain. We rolled into Manila about quarter after one. When I got to the house I brought Jack and Steve in and gave them some cake.

Jane's Notes: The following notice appeared in the paper on October 26th: "General and Mrs Holbrook Entertain at Stotsenburg with a delightful dinner party on Saturday Evening for their week-end guests, Miss Annabelle Powell, Lieutenant Steven Bedford and Lieutenant Jack Holbrook. Other guests included Lieutenant and Mrs. John L Chamberlain, Jr, Miss Helen T Carey, Miss Libbie Robins, Lieutenant and Mrs Frank C Holbrook, Lieutenant Leslie M Grener and Lieutenant and Mrs Thomas E Lewis. After dinner bridge was played. Prizes were won by Miss Carey and Lieutenant Lewis."

Saturday, October 20, 1928

I came to consciousness at quarter to nine this am and I had to be at Ruth’s party at 9:30 and she lives way out at San Jams. I hurried and arrived on time. I played bridge with Lucy & Helen and Ruth and won the prize. My second prize at Bridge. We had a novelty luncheon after which I hurried home again to pack to go to Stotsenburg. During the morning Mom had gotten me a new bra, some stepins, some slippers a new compact and my pants. About 2:30 they came after me. We rode out in Jack’s car with the top down. It was a wonderful trip. We arrived around 6. After ginger ale and cookies we went up to dress for dinner. I wore my new beaded dress. Mrs. Holbrook had a dinner party for Jack. There were fourteen there. It was a lovely dinner. After dinner we played bridge and I held fairly good hands.

Jane’s Notes: Never heard the term “stepins” before. Wonder what that referred to?

Friday, October 19, 1928

I expected the sun today but it didn’t come. We had an awful test in Trig. At three this afternoon I start out with Jack & Steve on a sights seeing tour. First we went to the cemetery near the house. There we started off to see the church where the wood carvings are but we ran out of gas. Steve went back and after about half an hour we were on our way again. After the church we went to the aquarium. Then we went swimming. We came home about seven. At eight they came after me and we went after Helen and went out to the Polo Club for dinner. After dinner to T.O.G. and then to the hotel. We had a wonderful time. This afternoon Jack asked me to go to Stotsenburg with Steve and himself tomorrow. Wonderful.

Jane’s Notes: Fort Stotsenburg was named after Col. John Stotsenburg, who was the head of the Nebraska Volunteers and was killed in action in 1899, April 23, in Quinga, Bulacan. Following his death, the base was established in Angeles City, specifically at Barrio Sapang Bato. From the early 1900s onwards the fort became the headquarters of American forces stationed in the Philippines. During the second World War, the base functioned as the main HQ of several Philippine Army regiments and units. It later became CLark Air Force Base and was closed in 1991.

Thursday, October 18, 1928

We’ve been having all kinds of poems in English lately and I kind of like it. After lunch June and I went down to see wallace Berry in “Casey at the Bat”. It was really a good picture. At four after we came home I went to basket ball practice. They finely persuaded me to go down.

Jane's Notes: Casey at the Bat is a 1927 silent film starring Wallace Beery, Ford Sterling, Zasu Pitts, and Sterling Holloway. The film was directed by Monte Brice and loosely based on the baseball poem "Casey at the Bat" written by Ernest Thayer.

Wednesday, October 17, 1928

We had plain sailing in Trig today and its terrible. We got out early from Spanish to go to Physics today. This afternoon Helen, Lucy & Alice had a tea. I was asked to serve. I love the Morton’s. They’re so much fun. After the guests had gone except Mirabelle and myself, Mirabelle played the piano. She is wonderful, simply marvelous.

Tuesday, October 16, 1928

They started some crazy new system about marching up the stair at school and it makes the confusion worse than it was. This afternoon Jack came around for me at about 8 o’clock. We went swimming. After swimming we went for a ride then about eight we had dinner out at the Polo Club. When we were about half way thru Steve joined us.

Monday, October 15, 1928

When I came down to breakfast this morning Pop showed me the paper which said that the 220 was due this morning. I didn’t do much in school today. I took Mirabelle swimming in the afternoon. Then afterwards went to have my riding trousers tried on. Just after supper Steve called up and asked if he could take me out. So he and Jack came around for me.

Jane’s Notes: Take note of Steve. He becomes a significant part of Mom’s life.

Sunday, October 14, 1928

After Sunday School I came home and did my lessons. After dinner we went to see “Ben Hur”. It was a wonderful picture and the place was jammed and dusty and I caught a cold. After supper we played cards

Jane's Notes: Ben-Hur is a 1925 silent film directed by Fred Niblo. It was a blockbuster hit for newly merged Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This was the second film based on the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. The first version was released in 1907.
In 1997, Ben-Hur was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Saturday, October 13, 1928

We went down and ordered my riding trousers and got my white felt hat. Then we went around and got Hope and went swimming.

Friday, October 12, 1928

At Physics this morning they told us that we would have our mid-year exam sometime soon. We had the tea for Mirabelle this afternoon. She was very glad to meet some girls because she knew only Fred’s men friends. She is so sweet. She made quite a fit and I think the tea was quite a success. They tho’t the little scent bottle prizes were cute.

Jane’s Notes: Mom’s tea made the society page. She clipped the article and put it in her scrap book. There were 22 guests in addition to Mirabelle and Mom.

Thursday, October 11, 1928

A test in Trig tomorrow. We had an easy experiment in Physics and got thru early for a change. Mom wanted me to go to the at home of the first lady but I went swimming instead. I saw Dick Jr. out there.

Jane’s Notes: The “first lady” is the wife of the governor.

Wednesday, October 10, 1928

June and I presented Mom with our presents. She said she had some present for us too. She gave me three lovely thin black coral bracelets mounted with silver and a ring to go with them. June has a big bracelet that is to be worn on the upper arm. In the afternoon went and got Hope and went swimming. Saw Alex out there. After swimming went to Elks Club for June. Saw Helen Trimble there. She has been up in China.

Jane’s Notes: It’s so fun to read this entry. I have those black coral bracelets, or at least two of them. In the mid to late 70’s a popular costume jewelry accessory was to wear plain plastic bracelets in various colors. Mom thought that I should have the black coral bracelets to go along with my other ones. I still have them and actually wear them often. They are so light weight. Don't know what happened to the ring.

Tuesday, October 9, 1928

Awful Trig problems! I hope Steve does help me when he gets back! When I got home from school I asked Mom if I could have a tea for Marabelle. She said OK so I called up some of the people right then. At two went down with Pop to see “Four Sons”. It was an awful good show. After the show went to get the pictures we took on Sunday and a present for Mom. Her birthday is tomorrow. Then we went after Pop and he gave me a letter from Steve.

Monday, October 8, 1928

The Navy ought to be in sometime this week. Hope so. Had a History test. Miserable!! In the afternoon I went swimming and took Hope and Margaret Eastagen.

Jane's notes: On this day in history Cole Porter and E Ray Goetz' musical "Paris," premieres in New York City

Sunday, October 7, 1928

I didn’t wake up in time for Sunday School so I went to church with the rest of the family. Pop went on a picnic. Stag picnic! Right after lunch I went and took Mom to call on Mrs. Hawthorne. We came home and at about 4:30 went for a ride and took the family.

Saturday, October 6, 1928

I didn’t do a thing in the morning but paste pictures and sweat. I never saw such a hot day. In the afternoon I went to tea at Francis’ for her brides maids. Didn’t I say anything about being bridesmaid? Francis asked me a week ago, Friday, to be her bride’s maid. She is to be married in Dec. We went over to plan the dresses. First they are going to be shades of green and we’re to have silver shoes. The dresses are to be bouffant and taffeta with horse hair hats. At a quarter to nine we went to see “Smilin Thru”. It was a beautiful play and Louise Stewart was wonderful. So was Ted. I’m sure these community play are as good as many professional plays. As we were leaving we saw Fred and Mirabelle. She was introduced to the rest of the family.

Jane's Notes: On this day in history Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek becomes president of China.

Friday, October 5, 1928

We had ‘em. A test in Trig which wasn’t the worst and one in English. This afternoon I went to the Carmen’s ‘Mother and Daughter’ Tea. The Carmen’s certainly have a lovely house when you get out there, but getting out there!!! I came home with Helen. After supper while Mom was at the Star (Eastern Star). I went with June and Charmaine B. to see “Old Ironsides”. It was a gorgeous, glorious picture.

Thursday, October 4, 1928

We are going to have three tests next Friday & Monday, Trig, English, & History. We had a long experiment in Physics today. We had to stay overtime. In the afternoon we went to Aunty Mable’s to tea. The whole family. I enjoyed it.

Jane’s Notes: So I need some help here from our cousins, the keepers of the Powell genealogy and history. I wasn’t aware that Aunt Mable ever lived in the Philippines. Can you two shed light on this? On this day in history: KPD begins petition against Germany building a battle fleet.

Wednesday, October 3, 1928

I have been feeling mighty punk all day long. This afternoon I read. I have finally finished “The Conquer”. I thought I never would.

Tuesday, October 2, 1928

Just before we started down to Physics, Helen said Lucy had been down to the boat yesterday and she saw Fred and his bride. As we were walking down to Physics this car drove up and Fred was in it with his wife. She is a the sweetest thing. She talked to me as if she had always known me. They picked us up and took us down to Normal. After they left us there I was so excited I wanted to skip around in circles. In the afternoon I went to see Lon Chaney in “London After Midnight”. It was very gruesome but good. When I got home everyone was out. I spent the rest of the afternoon by myself.

Jane’s Notes: Fred Hendricks married Mirabelle in Hong Kong. London After Midnight (1927) aka The Hypnotist is a silent mystery film with horror overtones produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film stars Lon Chaney, Marceline Day, Conrad Nagel, Henry B. Walthall, and Polly Moran and was directed by Tod Browning. It is also a lost film, quite possibly the most famous and eagerly-sought of all lost films. The last known copy was destroyed in a fire in an MGM film vault in 1967. It is hoped that eventually a print of this film may be discovered in a foreign archive or a private collection.

Monday, October 1, 1928

The boat came in today. Mom went down to see Mr. Larkin. I asked her if she saw Mr. & Mrs. Hendricks but she said she didn’t. I wonder if they came in? The boat brought in my catalog from U of O. I’m reading it. This afternoon I went swimming all alone and I didn’t see anyone of interest.

Sunday, September 30, 1928

I came home after Sunday School. After dinner we talked for a time then left for the show. I discovered that I had left my hat at the Palace the other day so we went there to see if we could find it. Of course I was lucky enough to find it. We went to see “Knockout Riley” with Richard Dix. “Old Iron Sides” is one next Sunday. It is supposed to be one of the best pictures of the year.

Jane’s Notes: Richard Dix (July 18, 1893 – September 20, 1949) was an American motion picture actor who achieved popularity in both silent and sound film. His standard on-screen image was that of the rugged and stalwart hero. This movie is about Dundee “Knockout” Riley - a boxer, released in 1927. Old Ironsides (1926) is a silent film starring Charles Farrell, Esther Ralston, Wallace Beery, and George Bancroft. [1] The movie was directed by James Cruze in a widescreen process that Paramount promoted as "Magnascope".

Saturday, September 29, 1928

I went swimming this a.m. We took Hope out but we couldn’t go in. I saw Mrs. Salery out there and she said Fred and his girl got married in Hong Kong. She chaperoned the girl over. She said she was a lovely girl. They were married last Monday. In the afternoon we went after Hope and Mrs. Blasdell and took them to tea at the Elks and for a ride.

Friday, September 28, 1928

We did have that test in Physics and It was not easy either. My foot’s lots better. This afternoon I went to Charlotte's to Tea and play bridge. I played with Mrs. Stevens, Charlotte, and Dorothy Burgess. Dorothy won the prize.

Jane's Notes: On this day in history 1st recording session in Nashville (Warmack's Gully Jumpers), and Prussia forbids speech from Adolf Hitler.

Thursday, September 27 1928

We are threatened with a test in Physics tomorrow. I wore a shoe to school today. My foot’s heaps better. I hope I go swimming Saturday. After lunch June and I went to see “The Return of Peter Grinn”. It was a good show. At 5 we went calling with Mom on Mrs. Blasdell and Hope who just came back from the U.S. after being away for about 5 years. I got a letter from Bettee in the mail and also some literature on the U of O. I’m all excited.

Jane’s Notes: This is the first mention of the U of O in the diaries. I’d love to see the “literature”. I wonder if the U of O library has copies of promotional literature from 1928? Maybe someone who lives near the campus could research this (hint, hint). On this day in history: U.S. recognizes Nationalist Chinese government.

Wednesday, September 26, 1928

I went back to school this morning. I got all my make-up work assignments! I wonder if Fred was just going to meet the boat or whether he is married? Will He and his bride come in on the boat tomorrow? This afternoon I soaked my foot and read.

Tuesday, September 25, 1928

No school in the AM either. Went to the Doc. about nine. Went to Physics. I heard that “Wings” was going to be shown at the Elks club this afternoon. So I went over but they showed the “Connecticut Yankee” instead.

Monday, September 24, 1928

I didn’t go to school this morning because of my foot. About eight thirty went down to the doctors. At 10:30 went to Physics. At Physics Helen told me that she had heard that Fred had gone to Hong Kong to meet the boat the big fun. I wanted to be at his wedding. I read all afternoon and soaked my foot.

Sunday, September 23, 1928

I didn’t go to Sunday School or church because of my foot. After church we went on a sightseeing tour. First we went down to the show rooms and saw the silver anniversary Buick. It’s gorgeous. It’s the kind Pop wants to get when we go back. Then we went to see Pop’s new office building that is under construction. Then we went to the factory on a tour of inspection and Pop explained everything to us. Then we took June to see the Legislative Building. Then home. I spent the rest of the day reading.

Saturday, September 22, 1928

About 11 went to the Doctors. He cut the blister open. Then we went to the Hike to look for shoes but couldn’t find anything. Then to the post office and then for Pop. In the afternoon slept until 5:30. Then read until supper time.

Friday, September 21, 1928

I didn’t wear a shoe again today to school. I left it off all day until just before I went to the dance. It was an awfully dull day at school. I spent the afternoon reading. My foot began to swell. When I was getting dressed it was all I could do to button my shoe. I went after Helen about eight thirty and we went down to the dance. I told Fred and Dick to come about nine o’clock and they didn’t arrive until ten. But we certainly enjoyed ourselves after they arrived. They certainly are entertaining. We had heaps of fun even if the orchestra was rotten. After the dance was over we went to the Hotel and stayed until it closed. I got home at 2:10 AM.

Thursday, September 20, 1928

My foot was so sore this morning that I had to wear a slipper to school. The first time it’s ever happened to me. People kept stepping on it and almost tripping me. We got our history test papers back. I got 76. That’s a fairly good grade considering the rest of the grades. This afternoon I read part of the “Conquer”. At 8:30 we went to the doctor’s about my foot. After that to the dentist to get the tartar off my teeth. It felt like he was yanking my teeth out. After 5:30 after we had taken Pop to the Club we went riding until supper time.

Jane’s Notes: As a young person in her mid-twenties Mother had all kinds of problems with her teeth some of it due to gingivitis and ultimately lost the center front teeth. They were replaced with a bridge with gold hooks that attached to the adjacent teeth. When her grandchildren were babies and she’d hold them on her lap, they were always fascinated by the gold sparkle from those hooks. I remember my own children trying to reach for that sparkle.

Wednesday, September 19, 1928

We had an awful test in History. It was terrible. So many of her questions weren’t clear. Mrs. Malonie promised us a test in Trig soon. In the afternoon I went swimming. Mrs. Borrows was out there and gave me a lot of unasked for advice. I hate that kind of advice. I wore my hat that I got yesterday and I liked it better!

Tuesday, September 18, 1928

Helen said she would come. In the afternoon I went and got my hat. Its not so hot! At 5:30 we went to the Elks to a movie. It was Tom Mix. If I had known what it was going to be I certainly would have gone swimming instead. Helen came in too and she was just as disgusted.

Jane's Notes: Thomas Edwin "Tom" Mix (born Thomas Hezikiah Mix;[1] January 6, 1880 – October 12, 1940) was an American film actor and the star of many early Western movies. He made a reported 336 films between 1910 and 1935, all but nine of which were silent features. He was Hollywood’s first Western megastar and is noted as having helped define the genre for all cowboy actors who followed. I wonder why Mom didn't like him. Maybe she just didn't like Westerns.

On This Day In History: Juan de la Cierva makes 1st autogiro flight over English Channel.

Monday, September 17, 1928

This morning I asked Helen to the O.E.S. dance. She didn’t know what to say so she said she would tell me tomorrow. Helen’s going to be good company when she gets used to going out. In the afternoon we went downtown and I got some gorgeous chiffon stockings. Sheer! Afterwards I went swimming.

Sunday, September 16, 1928

This has been a full and wonderful day. First, soon after breakfast, Fred called up and asked if I would go to the show with Dick Jarvis and himself tonight. Of course I was delighted and told him so. Then after June and I had come home from Sunday School Johnny Watkins called up and said he was on the “Gold Star” for the weekend and that we (June & I) were invited aboard for lunch. Our host was a boy about as old as Johnny, Hamilton Cook. Those boys tried to act so old I almost laughed in their faces. I guess it was because I was along. They kept pulling cigarette packages and holder out of their pockets by mistake (?). June had told Mom to come for us at about 1:30 to take us to the show so we invited the boys to come along. But there was some misunderstanding and we waited until 2 o’clock and they didn’t show. We decided they had gone and left us so we went down to the show in a garage car. When we got in the car John and Ham pulled out their cigs and started smoking. I nearly died. June grinned all over, pleased as pie. We got down to the show just as Mom & Pop were leaving. We hailed them. We went home with them then. I drove the car back and we went to the show. It was Bebe Daniels in “Stranded in Paris”. It was a good picture. After we had taken the boys back to the boat and were driving home I noticed June had on Johnny’s Air Service pin. Fred and Dick came after me at 10 to 9. We went to see “The Actress.” I had more fun than a picnic. They acted like a couple of kids. They certainly gave me a happy evening.

Jane’s Notes: Stranded in Paris (1926), which featured Bebe Daniels and Tom Ricketts.

On This Day In History: Hurricane hits West Palm Beach-Lake Okeechobee Florida; 3,000 die.

Saturday, September 15, 1928

We went swimming in the morning. I don’t seem to be improving on my jack knife but I think I’m doing better with my swan than I did. We went downtown about 11 o’clock but we only had time to send a money order before twelve. About 3 we went to see “The Actress”. In the afternoon we went for a ride. Nancy was over so we took her. We went after Pop early so we could get the lunch.

Jane’s Notes: The Actress is a 1928 silent drama film produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film was directed by Sidney Franklin and starred Norma Shearer. This film is based on the Arthur Wing Pinero play Trelawney of the Wells that had been premiered on Broadway in 1898 starring Mary Mannering and revived by Ethel Barrymore in 1911, an aging Laurette Taylor in 1925 and at the time this film was produced (1927) by Helen Gahagan. The story is only distantly related to the 1953 Jean Simmons film The Actress which was updated by actress Ruth Gordon. Judging by several stills that survive and a nice lobby poster, this story was a nice subject to film, but regrettably this film is one of many lost films from the 1920s.

Friday, September 14, 1928

Mrs. Malonie was still absent so we didn’t have any Trig again today. About 4 PM I went downtown to get something. After we had picked up Pop and left him at the Club I went swimming. Alex was out there again, today. He’s fun.

Thursday, September 13, 1928

No Trig today because Mrs. Malonie was absent. Hurrah! In the afternoon I went to tea at Mrs. Hardings. As usual people told me what a big girl I was getting to be! G-r-r-r! Afterwards I went swimming. It was 6 o’clock so I couldn’t stay in long. I saw Lex Tyre out there. Ada, too, talking to three boys. I wonder if she really is popular or whether she forces herself on them. She introduced me to a girl she had out there but I don’t remember her name.

Wednesday, September 12, 1928

I tried to get the law of the tangent into my head this morning. Yesterday Mom invited Fred Hendricks and Dick Jarvis to the O.E.S. dance and this afternoon they accepted. I’m glad they can come. About 5 o’clock I went swimming. The tank was full of little kids. The new rules say that all members’ children under 18 must be out at 5 except on Wednesdays. I’m going tomorrow and I’m not going to get out at five.

Jane’s Notes: At this point Mom is shy of 18 by 4 months. O.E.S. is Order of Eastern Star. Granny Powell was a life long member.

On This Day In History: Hurricane in Florida, kills 6,000

Tuesday, September 11, 1928

I was at Mary Cadwallider’s birthday today. She was nineteen. Several kids brought her presents to school. About 4:30 this afternoon I went down after Pop and at the same time did some shopping. After we had dropped Pop at the Club I took the car and drove around until I had to go after Mom and June.

Jane’s Notes: Mary Cadwallider was a good friend. This drawing by her from the scrap book is pretty funny.

Grandpa Powell seemed to have a daily habit of going from work to “the club” everyday before coming home. I assume this to be the Polo Club.

Monday, September 10, 1928

Nothing of particular interest happened at school and I read all afternoon.

Sunday, September 9, 1928

I came home after Sunday School. I didn’t stay to church. After dinner we went to see “The Garden of Eden” It was pretty good. About 6:00 we went to call on the Hawkins but they weren’t home. After supper we played Donkey.

Jane’s Notes: The Garden of Eden is a 1928 silent movie starring Corinne Griffith. It was adapated from Avery Hopwood's short-lived stage production. Never heard of the game “donkey.” Anyone?

Saturday, September 8, 1928

We went swimming this morning and took the camera. I learned to do the swan!!!! Eleanor wouldn’t get in the water ‘till we decided to get out and then she insisted upon getting in. I developed a beautiful sunburn. I slept in the afternoon. After dinner we went to see “Broad Way” presented by the Community Players. It was very good. Lt. Henry casts his characters so well. I wore my new beaded dress for the first time.

Jane’s Notes: No description of this dress but I wonder if it’s one I have from the camphor wood trunk. Does anyone in the family have pictures from this era? I believe they exist. Emilie, Junie, Edee, Missy - anyone?

Friday, September 7, 1928

I spoke to Don today - first time since Monday. We got our Physics grades today. I got 83. Same as last time. In the afternoon June and I went to see “West Point” starring William Haines. It was a lot like “Dress Parade” but I liked this better.

Jane’s Notes: Charles William "Billy" Haines (January 2, 1900 – December 26, 1973) was an American film actor and interior designer. He was a star of the silent era until the 1930s, when Haines' career was cut short by MGM Studios due to his refusal to deny his homosexuality. Haines never returned to film and instead started a successful interior design business with his life partner and supported by friends in Hollywood. West Point (1928) is a silent feature film starring William Haines and Joan Crawford in a story about an arrogant cadet who finds love and discipline just in time for the big Army-Navy game. The story and screenplay were written by Raymond L. Schrock with titles written by Joseph Farnham. The film was directed by Edward Sedgwick and produced by Maj. Raymond G. Moses.

Thursday, September 6, 1928

I actually got every one of the Trig problems today. Went swimming in the afternoon with June and Nancy.

On This Day In History: U.S.S.R. signs Briand-Kellogg-pact

Wednesday, September 5, 1928

Had a terrible experiment in Physics. We didn’t get the questions finished. Went swimming in the afternoon. Took June and Nancy.

Tuesday, September 4, 1928

Trig is awful! Absolutely! Went swimming this afternoon. Water was a beautiful blue.

Monday, September 3, 1928

I had a terrible fight with Don this morning. I slept this afternoon until 5. I couldn’t get the car to go swimming so I puttered again this afternoon.

Jane's Notes: I just received this wonderful picture of Mom from my sister taken when she was in high school. Since this part of the diary covers her high school years, I decided to change out the older portrait for the younger one.

Sunday, September 2, 1928

Went to Sunday School and church. The sermon was very good, about self control. I wish June could have heard it. About four o’clock we went to see the foot ball game. at five we had to leave and take Mom & Pop to Boomers tea. We went back and saw the end of the game. It was the first time the All Americans had lost. After the game we picked up Johnny and brought him home to supper. After supper we took him to the boat back to Corregidor. About 8:30 Fred called up and asked if he could come over and bring Phil and some one else. They came right over. The other person they brought seemed very nice but I can’t remember his name. Fred’s bride left Frisco the day before yesterday. They’re going to be married here. I’m so glad. They left at 10:30.

Jane’s Notes: Corregidor (Fort Mills) is the largest of the islands that form the harbor defense of Manila Bay was fortified during the American occupation of the country. I believe that’s where the American ships were anchored whenever Mom and her girl friends would go to dinners and teas on the American ships with officers they were dating. More to come later in the diaries.

Saturday, September 1, 1928

We went swimming this morning and I tried to teach Eleanor to swim but she wouldn’t be taught so I had to get out early with her. In the afternoon we went to the Prom. There were two girls there off the Shrine boat. They had their stockings rolled down to the ankle. It looked terrible, I thought. I suppose everybody will be wearing them that way in time but I certainly hope not. I hope it’s just a passing fad. June had John Watkins, Eddie Whitesides and Frances Salmon to dinner after the Prom. Afterwards we went swimming. They were having a big Shrine blow out at the Polo Club.

Jane’s Notes: Mom seems to be quite fashion conscious. The scrape book is full of references to the latest fashions.

Friday, August 31, 1928

We had a test in Physics and as usual it was terrible. I got 80 in my last test. I hope I did as well in this. I went to Ada’s tea for Ruth Carmen this afternoon. Ruth is adorable. I played bridge with Helen, Isabel Hawkins, and Francis Russell. Frances Russell is heaps of fun. Isabel plays a good game. June and Mom went to the Polo Club. A man was nearly electrocuted out there.

Thursday, August 30, 1928

I went to tea at Mrs. Atkins with Mom. Such a house! Maroon, bright red and pink all in one room. Afterwards I went and got Gwen and we went swimming.

Jane's Notes: On this day in history Jawaharlal Nehru requests independence of India.

Wednesday, August 29, 1928

The Shriners came in this morning. I had to get up and teach the English class this morning. We went swimming this afternoon. The pool was only half full and the water was dirty. I didn’t have a very good time.

Tuesday, August 28, 1928

The tank was still empty today so I just puttered around all afternoon.

Monday, August 27, 1928 - The Diary Resumes

I haven’t written in here for more than a week because nothing of particular interest has happened. Early last week I got mad at Don. Result - we walk to Physics. We went swimming almost every day last week. Last Saturday I spent the day with Gwen. Went swimming twice. Went to see “Sally” with Coleen Moore and Lloyd Hughs. He’s so good looking. Yesterday we went to see “Annie Laurie” with Lillian Gish. After the show we drove out to the Dam. The Trig is getting awfully hard and if I don’t find out more about it I’m going to flunk. We were going swimming this afternoon but we found out there is no water in the tank. This last week I have learned to jack knife and started on the flip. I got an envelope this afternoon in the mail. In it were some pictures taken in 1926. There was an address on it but no name. Who sent it? An anonymous letter!!

Jane’s Notes: Colleen Moore (August 19, 1899 – January 25, 1988) was an American film actress, and one of the most fashionable stars of the silent film era. Lloyd Hughes (21 October 1897 - 6 June 1958) was an American silent film actor. “Sally” was released in 1925. Lillian Diana Gish (October 14, 1893 – February 27, 1993[1]) was an American stage, screen and television actress whose film acting career spanned 75 years, from 1912 to 1987. Annie Laurie (1927) is a silent film directed by John S. Robertson, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and starring Lillian Gish and Norman Kerry. This was the third film of Lillian Gish at MGM, and its flop heralded a decline in the star's career. John Wayne makes an early film appearance as a crowd extra.

On this day in history: 16 die in a New York City subway's 2nd worst accident, 42nd U.S. Womens Tennis: Helen W Moody beats Helen Hull Jacobs (62 61) and Kellogg-Briand Pact, where 60 nations agree to outlaw war.

Saturday, August 26, 1928

Continuing with the autobiography:

My Family

In our family there are three girls of which I am the oldest.

My youngest sister is a sweet tempered little mischief. She will smile and wave when the rest of the family go out and she is left behind. She will give you anything you want that she has as long as you don't command her or try to snatch it away. When she is naughty and knows it sometimes she will look up at you with the most mischievous smile that will make you want to hug her instead of reprimanding. But she is stubborn. Wen you want her to do a thing she doesn't want to do she will just stand still and say no. You can't force her to do it because she squirms so much when you try. Then if you start to scold she just looks at you as if she had never seen you before. She is small but beautifully formed. She has the whitest most satinny (sic) smooth skin I have ever seen. the yellow hair and deep blue eyes.

My second sister, June, is quite the opposite in coloring. She has smooth healthy tan skin. Her eyes are large and a soft brown and are shaded by long black lashes. June is thirteen years old, she isn't as tall as most of her thirteen year old friends. She is slender and will be a quite a beautiful woman. June and I quarrel as much as any sisters but June can be very affectionate at times. She values me as a judge of her clothes. She usually accepts my advice as what to wear but as to conduct----well, not always. June is attractive not only in that she's good to look at but in her line of chatter. She usually has something to say that is interesting but she is unconscious of her ability to entertain.

I enjoy being the oldest of the family. When my mother and father are out I like to have the servants come to me for directions or have June come to me for advice. there is on disadvantage in being the oldest. When June and I squabble, I "must not take advantage of her because she is younger", so she gets the best of it. June has one specially good trait. When we have company she is always a kind, obedient sister, willing to do anything I ask instead of telling me to do it myself as she would if we were alone.

Jane's Notes: I love this description of her sisters, especially Eleanor. It's such a nice accounting of her without any reference to her disability.

Friday, August 25, 1928

My First Years at School

My school days began in Kindergarten at Manila Central School. I was taken into a very large room, at least it seemed so at the time. The blackboards had many beautiful pictures on them. There were more children there than I had ever seen before in my life. We all sat around in a large circle in little red chairs. I remember one boy who was always being punished. He was always getting sent to Miss Tormey. I heard dreadful rumors about a spanking that was in her office. There were two ladies in charge, one led us in the games and songs and other played the piano. I remember one game in particular that we played. It taught us to tell the time. There was a large clock face on the wall. One of us would go up to the clock and adjust the hands then he would call on someone to tell him the time. The person who answered right first was it next.

The thing that stands out most clearly in my mind in connection with my first grade was the three months I spent with my teacher. My mother was in Baguio. During that time I lived with Mrs. James, Elizabeth James was my particular friend at the time. Mr. James was Superintendent of Parks and Transportation so they lived in a house in the center of the Botanical Gardens. I was delighted when I heard I was to live with them for then I could see the animals every afternoon. I remember one of the especial haunts of my chum and I. It was a clump of trees near the goldfish pond. that was our playhouse. One afternoon while Elizabeth and I were looking at the animals, we stopped in front of the cage of a wild boar. He was pacing aback and forth behind his bars. Elizabeth turned to me and said, "Do you know what that means? That means he is going to get out." I was certainly frightened. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me to the house where I locked myself in the bathroom where I stayed for hours until Mrs. James came home.

I don't remember learning to spell Elizabeth but I do remember when I first learnt to spell Powell. I had seen it written often but I didn't realize that that was where I learned it. So one day when I wrote it on my school paper I thought I had learned it all by myself. so I was quite proud of myself and told everybody how I had learned to spell my last name all by myself.

Thursday, August 24, 1928

Continuing with the autobiography:

"When she arrived the mountain blew-up,
And for many a life filled misery's cup.
So all her life it will be her true part,
To carry within her a right tender hear."

I came into the world January twenty-eighth, nineteen hundred and eleven at the Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippine Islands. My parents were living on buena Vista, Santa Mesa, at the time. About seventeen hours after my birth, Taal Volcano erupted. Whether it was my arrival that caused all the commotion or not, I don't know, but the fact remains, Tall blew up.

I can't remember what my first toy was but I presume it was a rattle. That is the usual thing. In the back of my baby book is a long list of birthday gifts. Among them, the only toy I can find was a rattle. The rest of the presents were silver spoons, baby rings, beauty pins, lockets, booties, baby blankets, etc., etc.

The first time I went to the States I was two and a half years old. I couldn't talk very well but most of what I did say was in Spanish. So, of course I was of much interest to my relations and afforded them a great deal of amusement.

About my earliest recollection is a happy morning spent with a playmate of mine, Louise Edgar. I was about three and half years. My mother had gone out and Louise and I decided to play barber shop. I was the first customer. Louise was to be the barber. I received a beautiful pineapple bob. I was just about to cut Louise's beautiful curls, when my mother came home and to the rescue. That afternoon I was taken to a real barber shop to have my hair trimmed. When I came home my father wasn't satisfied with the result. He though he could do better. Se he attempted it. When he was clipping the ends of my hair he caught the tip of my ear. The blood was smeared and I made a great deal of racket so it appeared much worse than it proved to be.

The first punishment that I can remember is one I can remember very clearly. As most babies do I sucked my thumb, but I was more easily cured, than the majority. One afternoon about two or three o'clock, I was sitting, sucking my thumb, in the kitchen, listening to the servants chattering and talking. Before I knew what was happening I was pulled off my stool and laid over my father's knee, getting the hardest spanking I ever got in my life. I never sucked my thumb again.

I have often been embarassed (sic)by stories told in my prescence (sic) by my parents about my childhood. One of their favorites is this:

One time I returned from Sunday school and told my mother all about a picture I had seen of Jesus with flys (sic) on him. Of course my mother couldn't understand what I meant. Then she asked me why had flies on him, and I replied, showing how stupid I though her to be, "Why, to fly with, of course." (Wings)

Wednesday, August 23, 1928

The diary doesn't pick up again until August 27th. For the balance of this week I'm going to quote from mother's autobiography which she wrote as a school project in 1929.

My Ancestry

My ancestors are old American stock. My father's ancestors first came over to America from England in 1653 and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. My mother's great great grandfather was a Minute Man in the Battle of Lexington and Concord. My mother's grandparents on her mother's side came over from Scotland in about 1846.

My mother's grandmother on her father's side came west in a covered wagon in 1854. She was indeed a character. She was a little woman and when she was old enough to be a grandmother her teeth were black and she smoked a long stem clay pipe. She would sit at her grandchildren's bedside and tell them bedtime stories of pioneer days.

My grandmother, my mother's mother, and my grandfather were married just after the Civil War. We have two tin-types. One of my grandmother at eighteen. My grandfather carried the tin-type of his beautiful sweetheart through the war and my grandmother carried the one of her handsome lover.

My mother was born and bred in Iowa. My father was born in Michigan, but when he was three his family moved to Kansas where he grew p. In 1901 he came to the Philippines Islands as a teacher. After teaching two years he entered the Internal Revenue Service. On a visit home he met my mother. three months after the introduction they were married and returned to the Philippines. When my grandmother asked how long they planned to stay, my father replied, "Two years at the most." They have been here more than twenty years.

Jane's Notes: The family tale has always been that that our grandparents met, courted and were wed in the space of two weeks. This narrative says it took 3 months. Still a very short period of time.

I also am curious about the term "lover" that Mom uses to describe her grandfather. Probably had a different connotation then.

Tuesday, August 22, 1928

Continuing the story from the narrative: "We needed a chauffeur because of course we only had one car. He had to take us where we needed to go when my father was at work altho’ he drove my father too. For a while Sleepy’s husband was our chauffeur but he proved unreliable so my father had to discharge him. Before we had a car and a chauffeur we traveled about by horse drawn cart. There were three classes of them, the caratella, the carametta and the calaea. The caratella you hailed on the street whether it was occupied or not and were dropped off near your destination. This was an open cart that the driver filled with as many people as he could crowd in and that the poor little pony could pull. It was used by the poorer people.

Then the carametta was also pulled by a pony, but it only carried one fare of one or two people and just went to your destination. You also hailed the Carametta from the street like a taxi. It was enclosed around the sides and back and had an oil cloth curtain to go across the front in case of rain. the Calaesa was a much larger two wheel cart also enclosed and pulled by a horse. When you were going to a party you called the livery stable and ordered it to arrive at a certain time and the driver wore a uniform! then there was the ultimate, a Victoria!, a four wheeled carriage with room for four with the driver on a box in front. It could be covered or have the top down. This could be ordered from the livery stable but the wealthier families had their own!"

Jane's Notes: I'm not certain of the spelling of the names of the carts because Mom's handwriting is so bad. Emilie, you may be able to tell me if I have the correct spelling.

Monday, August 21, 1928

Continuing the story from the narrative. “The nurse maid was our legendary ‘Sleepy.’ Her name was Filepa. She came to us when I was perhaps about two years old. I couldn’t pronounce her name and she became Sleepy because that was as close as I could come to her name. She stayed with our family until after I was married and came back to Minnesota to spend a year because my mother had had a near nervous break down after Eleanor’s birth. Sleepy had been so much help and comfort to her that she agreed to come back and spend the year in the states.

In 1920 Sleepy was a great curiosity and of much interest to the people of LeRoy, Minnesota and you can imagine her experiences of winter in Minnesota with lots fo snow and coal stoves after her life int he orient! Then in 1933 after I graduated my father retired from business and they came back to live in California at Lakeport. They had become her family and she decided to stay with them so she came back and lived with them for several years. She had no children of her own, altho’ she told my mother that she had had two little boys who had died as infants.

Eventually she felt she had to go back to Manila where she lived with a niece who could write English and we kept track of her until the niece wrote us of her death. She could not write but she did read books in Taglogue. We didn’t know her age. When she came to Minnesota she needed a passport. She didn’t know when she was born, date or year. So we gave her a birthday and my father decided what she could remember of her childhood that she must have been about 37 in 1920. the year that she lived in Minnesota my father withheld her salary and then gave it to her ina lump sum when she got back to Manila. It was enough that she could buy a house of her own and she became a woman of substance in the little community where she lived besides a woman of the world with all her traveling! There are pictures of her among my pictures. She was devoted to Eleanor who was a bond between my mother and Sleepy.”

Sunday, August 20, 1928

Continuing the story from the narrative. “One time my mother needed a new cook and she was interviewing applicants. She felt she was indebted at entertaining and was planning a series of dinner parties so she was looking for one who could make good desserts. A man named Manuel applied but he couldn’t make deserts and was turned down. About a week later he applied again in the mean time he had learned to make desserts and he was our cook for many many years. He made wonderful pies and his lemon pie became famous among my mother’s friends.

At the time I was in high school we had six servants. The cook. laundress, two house boys, the nurse maid and the chauffeur. In a country where the clothes were mostly cotton and silk and you changed often and there were no washing machines yet, a laundress was very necessary. The house boys did the house work. We had two because the younger one was the brother of the actual house boy and he was working for nothing so he could learn. Later we learned that actually he was learning to drive the car from the chauffeur because that was a higher paying job of course."

Saturday, August 19, 1928

Jane’s Notes: Mom takes a break from writing in her diary at this point. We’ll pick up the story a week from tomorrow on August 27th. In the meantime I’ll quote from another document I inherited that Mom wrote beginning in 1978, then put it down for four years and picked it up again in 1928. Dad found the narrative, which recounts the story of her land her parents lives in Manila, three years after her death and put it with the other papers. Here she talks about servants.

“When I think of the early years of my parents marriage in Manila I can’t help but imagine what a glamourous life it must have seemed to a girl raised on a farm in Iowa. It was a very cosmopolitan life. Many of her friends were English women (colonials) who observed the manners of high society. Exchanging calls and calling cards (there were strict rules about how many cards you left, your own & your husbands even tho’ he didn’t go with you). They entertained at tea parties. There was an abundance of servants because help was very inexpensive. Many of them lived in, so they were furnished with food and housing and a small salary. They were anxious to work for the Americans and the English because they could learn a skill.”

Friday, August 18, 1928

We got a ride to Physics today, thank heaven. We had a miserable test in History and one almost as bad in Physics. My nose isn’t as sore as it was yesterday and its been oozing all morning. Pop says that’s a good sign. I wish I had a date to go the Polo Club tomorrow night.

I found this picture of a polo match at the Manila Polo Club from 1941. Probably doesn't look too much different than 1928.

Friday, August 17, 1928

Jane's Notes: No diary entry for this day.

Thursday, August 16, 1928

My nose is as sore as can be. The little pimple has become a boil. I got a long letter from Clara today. Its the first one I’ve gotten in ages. I went downtown with Mom about four. I went to the Victor place and got a new record. Mom introduced me to Mr. Smith the manager. The name of the piece is “Get Out” and “Yet Under the Moon”. From there I went to the doctors to see about my nose but there were so many in the waiting room that I decided not to wait. I went to Helen’s from there. First we danced, then had tea, then we played a little bridge and about six we went for a ride.

Wednesday, August 15, 1928

Last night I got a letter from Steve saying that he and Jack were going across the country the same time we were. Frills and heart ruffles. We had to walk to Physics again today. We started a new set of experiments today. The one we had was quiet complicated. This noon I got a letter from Phil S. I stayed home all by myself this afternoon without a thing to do.

Jane’s Notes: She could have studied!

Tuesday, August 14, 1928

Well Miss Flagg presented herself today. We had to walk down to Physics today because Don didn’t have his car. I think I made him angry this morning. Oh! Well! I spent the whole afternoon working with Paintex.

Jane’s Notes: Here’s a cartoon drawing of Miss Flagg from the scrap book.

Monday, August 13, 1929

Mr. Bordner came to see Mom about something and he talked and talked and talked. So June and I were delayed getting downtown. Finally we got downtown and bought the neckerchiefs and came home. We spent the rest of the morning making them. As this was a Holiday the chauffeur was dismissed and I drove the car the rest of the afternoon. I had to take Pop to the club, Mom downtown and June and Mr. Newton to the movie. We saw “Captain Salvation”. I thought it was a very good picture. I had to do my lessons after dinner.

Jane’s Notes: Captain Salvation is a 1927 drama directed by John S. Robertson and released by MGM. It stars Lars Hanson, Pauline Starke and Marceline Day

Sunday, August 12, 1928

After Sunday School and church we brought Mr. Newton home to dinner. About two we took him to the show. Pop couldn’t go because he had a committee meeting. We saw “The Fashions of Women.” It was based on a European comedy. I like American comedies better. After taking Mr. Newton home, taking Mom to Mrs. Bonner’s, and Pop home, June and I went for a ride. At six we went for Mom. After a little more ride we came home. After dinner we played Seven Up and I won most of the games.

Saturday, August 11, 1928

I was supposed to go to a Beach Picnic with Camp Fire Girls this morning at 6:30 but I didn’t wake up until nine. Mom said there was a big mix up as to whether they were going to have it or not. She was misinformed so she didn’t wake me. I guess I didn’t miss much any way. in the afternoon I went to a tea given by Mrs. Duckworth for her sister. Her sister is darling. So is Mrs. Duckworth. I also met Mary Carson. I think she is precious and adorable. After the tea I made a call with Mom. After super I read.

Jane’s Notes: For the uninitiated and the younger generation, a call is a drop in visit, one of the social niceties of the early 20th century where neighbors called on neighbors. Sort of a short visit. You left your card on a silver tray in the hall. Actually a nice custom I think.

Friday, August 10, 1928

Nothing of particular interest happened at school today. This afternoon we went to a party Gwen gave as a farewell to Barbara Murphy. It was a tea. Barbara had an adorable costume on. The tea was given at Maize’s. Someone was using our car so I had to get a ride out with Lura. Coming home in Betty’s car, Mrs. Penn, Lura, and Charlotte and I decided we would like to go swimming after dinner. Mom and Mrs. Penn said they would chaperone us. I drove around and picked up the crowd including Frances Russell and we went out. Eli Penn couldn’t find her suit so she went in in her underwear.

Thursday, August 9, 1928

I think I caught a cold at Physics yesterday. I’ve been sniffling all day. We got our Red Cross Pins today after much delay. In the afternoon I went swimming about five. Helen and Alice came out. After they left I was alone. Quite a few people were out there.

Wednesday, August 8, 1928

I just washed my feet and I can’t do a thing with them - Helen and my pet joke. but yesterday I washed my hair and I can’t do anything with it. It’s a mess. This afternoon I went swimming. My two caps worked like a charm. I only got the edges of my hair wet. Between four and five there wasn’t a soul in the tank except myself so I practiced diving and for the first time in my life I attempted to do a tuck. I think with practice I might get it. There seemed to be an unusual crowd of people there this afternoon for no apparent reason.

Tuesday, August 7, 1929

Don brought us home today because Helen’s car was in the shop. About four-thirty I went swimming. Before five o’clock there were some people I knew out there but later I was alone. I stayed in a long time and took lots of time to dress so just as I got to the pavilion the car drove up and I didn’t have to wait.

Monday, August 6, 1928

Today I wore my hair down over the ears to school for the first time. There were many comments on the length of it. June and I went downtown with Pop to see “The Latest from Paris”. It certainly was a good show. Norma Shearer was precious. I read the rest of the afternoon.

Sunday, August 5, 1928

I went to church and Sunday School but we didn’t rush off to the movies right after lunch as we usually do. About five Johnny Watkins came over to see June. Soon after he got here Mama, June, Johnny, and I went to see the First American football game played in the PI in sixteen years. The All Americans (some school kids) beat the 31st team 12-0. On the way home I bought an ice cream brick.

Jane’s Notes: Here’s the newspaper account of the game I found in the scrap book. “Yesterday afternoon Manila witnessed for the first time in sixteen years, an American football match. A huge crowd turned out to see the All American clash with the 31st Infantry men on Wallace Field. The grandstand was filled, the field was lined with cars and hundreds of people stood around the gridiron. The All American team is composed mostly of Central School students. These youngsters however, proved yesterday afternoon that they knew some football. They defeated the Infantry, 12-0. Bill Young, captain and full back for the winning team, made the two touchdowns that brought victory. He was ably assisted by Clausen, Tremblay, Miller, Cochrane, Kneedler and Dolan. The 31st Infantry entered the field with four men lacking. Four substitutes of the All Americans filled in the empty places and played against their team. Jennings, Gordon and Mars were the star players of the Army team. the Army men, led by Gordon, presented a stiff front to the winning team, but Young, of the All Americans was able to baffle them time and again.” It goes on to name the players on each team.

Saturday, August 4, 1929

June and I went swimming this morning. The sun wasn’t very hot but we got a little sunburned. The waves were terribly high and just standing on the steps of the sea wall we were nearly washed away. The water was terribly dirty so we went back to the tank. I tried to curl my hair this afternoon but it didn’t work. June went to the prom this afternoon. June’s quite the belle. Johnny Watkins gave six lovely handkerchiefs for no reason at all and Eddie Whitesides asked her to wear his scout pin. At 9 PM we went to see the play “So this is London”. The play was the first of the Community plays of the season. The next one is going to be “Broadway”. I’ve read it. It is excellent. I hope we get to see it. When we got out we found our tire was down and we had a lot of trouble.

Friday, August 3, 1928

Don brought Helen and I home as well as taking us to Physics. I guess Don thinks Helen’s pretty nice and I don’t think she hates him. This afternoon June and I went to see the “Merry Widow”. Mom and Pop went to O.E.S. and I read until most 11.

Jane’s Notes: The Merry Widow (German: Die lustige Witwe) is an operetta by the Austro–Hungarian composer Franz Lehár.

Thursday, August 2, 1929

We had our first class meeting this morning in English class. We could only use part of the period so we only had time to elect officers. David Gearhart was elected President. Custom made us choose a boy and I think he was the best possible choice. Ada Green was Vice. I think that choice was good, too. I was nominated for Vice President and was very much surprised when I got second place. Helen MacCarthy was voted Secretary. I think Wilhemina would have been better. Louisa Stevenson was made Treasurer. Mrs. Rothenberger was grade advisor. Yesterday the Sophomores had a meeting but it ended disastrously. The principle broke it up because they had not been authorized to have a meeting. I went to Camp Fire meeting and played baseball. Ugh!

On this day in history Mussolini signs peace treaty with Abyssinia, Ethiopia.

Wednesday, August 1, 1928

Another lift this morning. Pop has decided to have a Regal Commander Studebaker sedan instead of the REO Flying Cloud. Today I took a picture of it to school and Helen was just as thrilled over it as I was. We got our English test paper back today and I got a 91. I expected no more than 70. Hu-rah! This afternoon I went to the “Circus” Charlie Chaplin with Mr. Newton, four Salmons and June & Eleanor. Some mob. Eight of us. After the movie we had pop corn then we walked to the Ice plant to meet Mr. Salmon. I felt like I had been to a circus. I’ll bet we looked like one.

Jane’s Notes: The Circus is a 1928 silent film written and directed by Charlie Chaplin with Joseph Plunkett as an uncredited writer. The film stars Chaplin, Al Ernest Garcia, Merna Kennedy, Harry Crocker, George Davis and Henry Bergman. The story once again follows Chaplin's Little Tramp character. Taken to be part of the circus act, and seeing the profit potential of the Tramp, the ringmaster hires him, but discovers that the Tramp can only be funny unintentionally, not on purpose.The production of the film was the most difficult experience in Chaplin's career. Numerous problems and delays occurred, including a studio fire, the death of Chaplin's mother, as well as Chaplin's bitter divorce from his second wife Lita Grey, and the Internal Revenue Service's claims of Chaplin's owed back taxes, all of which culminated in filming being stalled for eight months. The Circus was the seventh highest grossing silent film in cinema history taking in more than $3.8 million

This is the first reference in the diaries to Mom’s youngest sister Eleanor who was a person with Down Syndrome. We will get glimpses of Eleanor from time to time but learn much more about her as they sail for the US in 1929. Also, don't forget to click the link on the Studebaker to a fully restored 1929 car. It is beautiful.

On this day in history Babe Ruth hit home run number 42 and is 4 weeks ahead of his 1927 pace.

Tuesday, July 31, 1928

Well, we got a lift down to Physics today. I guess we will every day now. Helen went to the show with Don yesterday. That’s about her first date with a boy I think. We had a test in Trig today which I think I made a miserable mess of. Went to Helen’s and gave her a dancing lesson. Later played bridge with Helen, Lucy, and Alice. they brought me home about 7:10. After supper I drove Mom over to the church to some kind of a meeting. I think I’m getting so I drive pretty well.

Monday, July 30, 1928

We got some of our experiment sheets back today. I got mostly B. I got two A and two C. Maybe we’ll get a ride yet. The possibilities are looking favorable this morning. Got ninety four in the History test we had Friday. I went swimming about 4:30. As usual after I got out I had to wait an hour for the car.

Jane's Notes: On this day George Eastman shows 1st color motion pictures.

Sunday, July 29, 1928

I was behind in the Sunday School lessons so I had to teach my class two lessons today. After church we came home had lunch and at one we went to the movies. Pop wanted to see the show at the Lyric so June and I went alone to see “Road Romance” at the Ideal. It was a good picture. Next week Norma Shearer and Ralph Forbes are coming in “The Latest from Paris”. I am anxious to see it. About five June and I went for a ride. At 6:30 we went after Mom at Salmons.

Jane’s Notes: The Road to Romance is a 1927 film directed by John S. Robertson, based upon a Joseph Conrad-Ford Madox Ford novel, Romance. The film is considered lost. “The Latest From Paris” was released in 1928. Also on this day Walt Disney's "Steamboat Willie" was released.

Saturday, July 28, 1928

About nine Mom, June, Louise and I went swimming. I had hoped it would be sunny because I wanted to get sun burned so of course it was cloudy. In the afternoon at 3:20 we went down to see Mrs. Bagry and Jean off. Only eight more months before we will be leaving. There was a college orchestra on board. They were snappy and now Helen, Lucy, and Alice were down just to see the boat out. After we left the boat we went calling with Mom. I haven’t got a date for tonight, I wish I had.

Jane’s Notes: Right after graduation from high school Mom and her family all leave on a boat for the US and an around the country tour by auto. You’ll love reading that part of the diary and all the friends and relations they visit along the way.

Friday, July 27, 1928

We got our marks in Physics and to my joy I got 83. Mrs. Rothenberger was at school today after being absent yesterday. I sewed and read most of the afternoon until about 5:30 when June and I suddenly remembered we were to go to Dora Perkins at 6:00. She was entertaining the Camp Fire Girls. Their house is beautiful. It looks like an old Spanish castle inside as well as out. After we had sung numerous songs we had dinner. Like Tommy Tucker we had to sing for our supper. After dinner we were entertained by slides of the Perkins trip around the world and three comedies (movies). About 9 we had our pictures taken then we went home. We brought Louise Larkin to spend the night. Mom was having a dinner party so we played Mahjong till the guests left and so to bed.

Thursday, July 26, 1928

I think Don thinks we don’t want to ride with him down to Physics because we didn’t get a lift today. Trig is getting me pretty confused. I seem to be about the only one who doesn’t know what it’s all about. I went downtown after lunch and bought two bathing caps and some lace. About four thirty I went swimming and wore the caps and actually kept my hair dry.

Wednesday, July 25, 1928

Helen and I decided we had stayed our welcome so we didn’t ride to Physics today. Mom had tea guests about 4 so June and I spent the afternoon working with Paintex. I made two fairly decent looking handkerchiefs. Pop decided he would see if he could help me with my Trig because I had been having trouble. So after dinner he worked with me at my desk for more than an hour but we didn’t make much headway.

Tuesday, July 24, 1928

Got another ride to Physics today but Don wasn’t any too cheerful about it. After lunch I worked with Paintex until about 3:30. Then I had to hurry to get down to the tea on time. It was the O.E.S. Tea. I had a table. My guests were Helen, Lucy, and Pop. The tea seemed to be a huge success. There were about 300 people there. Just as we got home Fred called up and said Phil S. was in town and that they would like to call in about three quarters of an hour. They came and stayed until about 10:30. So I didn’t get my lessons done.

Jane’s Notes: O.E.S. is an Eastern Star reference. My Grandmother was a life long member and very active when they lived in Manila. The fun part about this entry is the lack of time to do her homework. She complains bitterly throughout about school and especially when she gets less than satisfactory grades. But you’ll see that social events seem to have a higher priority. Studying is lower down on the list.

Monday, June 23, 1928

At last we got our ride down to Physics. We just went and sat in the car until Don came and drove us down to Physics with a boy. Shocking! The old maid. I went with June downtown to buy some Paintex and look for shoes. I found just what I wanted but they wouldn’t let me sign. So I told them to save them for me. When I got home Helen was waiting for me. We came right downtown again with Mom and I got the shoes. By that time it was about 4:30 so we went swimming.