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.