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.