Tuesday, April 30, 1929

As usual it was after ten when I got up this morning. I went out on deck for a little while but I read until noon. After lunch I read until two thirty and then we played bridge until after tea time. I read again until about six o’clock. I’ve been reading “The Woman Thou Gavest Me” by Hall Caine. It is a long book, fine print and thick. It’s taken me quite a time to finish it. today was the Princess of Holland’s birthday so the flags were flying and we had a special dinner tonight. Everything that could be was orange. The men had champaign cocktails before dinner, champaign during dinner and liquors after dinner. I’m still the only woman at the table. I came to bed early tonight twenty to ten but I finished my book before going to bed. It is now twenty to eleven. Last night we heard L.A. on the radio. Some station in Hollywood. KMX.

Jane's Notes: FM Station KMX still exists.

Monday, April 29, 1929 #2

There are two posts today - you may want to read the previous post first to find out why.

Another Monday. I tho’t it was early when I woke up this morning but after I got dressed I found it was after ten, way after. I walked the deck awhile with Eleanor and then read until lunch. After lunch I read a while then played bridge until twenty to five. Until six I was on deck part of the time on the bridge, part at bow of boat, rest of time paced the deck. Dinner, cards, read and breath of air before bed.

Jane's Notes: It seems the routine is getting a bid boring. They've been at sea 15 days.

Monday, April 29, 1929

Again I was too late for breakfast. But I didn’t mind. I read until lunch time. And after lunch, too, until about three fifteen. Then Henry came in and told us that the chief had his collection of butterflies to show me. I enjoyed the galley and cookies until four. Then we came in and played bridge until about six fifteen. After dinner I read awhile then played double solitaire with Henry. Before going to bed I took a breath of air. This is really Sunday night because we crossed the 186 degree time this Noon. tomorrow will be Monday, too.

Sunday, April 28, 1929

Again it was after ten before I got up. But I didn’t have any breakfast this morning. June didn’t wake up until after eleven. I washed three pairs of stockings before lunch. We had a huge lunch and it wasn’t until then that I realized this was Sunday. Mom got up on deck this morning. It’s the first time in quite a few days. It was a lovely morning. After lunch I took a picture of June, one of Eleanor and one of the Chief. He is quite a character and a friend of our family. He cooks wonderful meals and usually has a cookie or a piece of cake handy if you visit the kitchen. I mean galley. It’s the warmest place on the ship. Eleanor and I took sponge baths. Later in the afternoon I fed the tiger again. I did everything today. A huge dinner with coffee ice cream (Sunday). to bed at eleven o’clock again.

Saturday, April 27, 1929

It was after ten when I got up this morning and June was even later than I was. Biddle saved me some ham and eggs so I had some breakfast. After breakfast I straightened the state room and washed six of my good hankies. By that time it was almost dinner time. Pop had a headache so we didn’t play our usual bridge. I spent most of the afternoon out side. We took some pictures during the afternoon. A whole roll. About five I fed the tiger again this afternoon. Tonight after dinner and the usual games Harry and I had our game of double solitaire. It was eleven before I got to bed. I liked the third member of the trio, Bart Sewell, much better than I did. He’s quiet and very polite. Henry has been divorced but he has a second wife. He’s only twenty seven! This wife is evidently the right pairing. I think I’d like her. I hope I meet her.

Jane's Notes: There is a paper with sealing wax in the scrapbook that is a mystery. It is dated this date and says Sweepstake at the top. Then a numbered list of names: Biddle, ABP, Henry, Skow, Bart, Skow, Bart, Henry ABP, Biddle. ABP would be Mom's Dad.

Friday, April 26, 1929

This morning was the latest yet. I didn’t come out of the state room until ten fifteen and June was even later. I felt fine so June and I took a walk round. It was just as cold out as ever but not as windy. After lunch I had a game of dominos with Biddle. About two thirty the engine of the boat stopped. We went to see what it was and they told us it would take about an hour to fix. We came back and told them a vital part was missing and that we would just drift for weeks. Mr. Skow got quite excited. About three we started our bridge game. Pop, June, Eleanor and I started for a walk around at five. We got aft just before Henry fed the tigers and he let me do it. I watered it and fed it the beef thru the bars. After dinner the usual games & music. Yesterday afternoon it was so cold that I brought out my big coat and today we could see our breath. Brrrrr. Lat. 39 3/4, Lon. 160W.

Jane's Notes: Those coordinates puts them east of Japan.

Thursday, April 25, 1929

I didn’t have any breakfast this morning because I got up too late. I paced the deck part of the morning with Eleanor and Pop. The rest of the morning I read. After lunch I read until bridge time. After bridge I went out to see the animals and birds feed. I had to feed Eleanor tonight and between her meal and ours I had barely time to change for dinner. After dinner we played the usual round of games. Henry and I played double solitaire until quarter after eleven. It was eight bells before I finally got to sleep. June’s made friends with all the officers. I’ve met some of them. The first and second mate and the Chief Engineer are especially nice. June calls them Billy, Peter and Chief. June also has an apprentice friend called Harry. A nice looking boy about nineteen. All the officers teas her about him.

Jane's Notes: The scrapbook contains a dinner menu from this day. They served tapioca soep, rundergehakt, bloemkool, gek.aardappelen, rijst m/kerry, gebak, fruit, koffie. I get the fruit and coffee and maybe "soep" is soup. Can someone translate the rest?

Wednesday, April 24, 1929

During the night it got quite calm compared to what it has been the last few days. I wasn’t feeling any too chipper. I didn’t get up until eight and after I had been up about an hour I lay down and read the rest of the morning. After lunch I read for awhile then had a new game of nosey poker with Pop, Biddle & Henry. Then we played bridge. But we walked all over them today. Our final score was twenty four hundred something. After that June, Eleanor & I went out to see the tiger fed and to see the birds. At five forty five I had to feed Eleanor and I didn’t have a chance to change for dinner. After dinner the usual round of games etc. The first officer is rather fat and white skinned but he’s younger than the Capt. and nicer. He’s jolly and pleasant. June calls him Billy.

Jane's Notes: This is the first time I realized that Eleanor was unable to feed herself and had to be fed. She apparently never ate in the ward room with the rest of the passengers and crew but was fed her meals in the stateroom.

Tuesday, April 23, 1929

It was still rough this morning and cold. After breakfast I tried the deck for awhile but I was too cold. So I cam down into the ward room and tried to read with out much success. After lunch we played the portable. About three the cry “ship ahoy” went around so Biddle Staal and I dashed up to the bridge and looked at it thru the big glass. They said it was a President boat but it looked small to me. Later we played bridge but Henry and I didn’t seem to improve any in our luck. After dinner Henry and I played double solitaire then Biddle tried to teach me chess. Then we all started in on a cross word puzzle. Just before dinner it calmed down quite a bit, altho’ a few crashes were still heard in the kitchen at times.

Monday, April 22, 1929

I didn’t sleep much last night because the ship rolled too much. I slid from one end of the bed to the other all night long. It was rough all day, worse than yesterday. In the morning part of the time we spent running around trying to get warm. I read part of the morning but my eyes got tired. After lunch we played games, read and played the portable. After supper Henry and I took a run up to the bridge but I was so cold we came rushing down. We played bridge this afternoon. From the beginning H.S. and I have been partners and B.S. & Pop. We’re pretty evenly matched altho we haven’t done any remarkable winning. After dinner we played bridge again and we’re way down. The second officer is in his late thirties. I would say and is quite handsome in his way. He is tall and rugged. I like him very much. June calls him Peter.

Sunday, April 21, 1929

It has been very rough all day today and cold. Being Sunday I put on my new tan dress with long sleeves but for more reasons than one. After breakfast I paced the deck for awhile trying to keep warm. Later June and I went out to see the animals and the aft port of the ship. We stayed there quite a while. I spent the rest of the morning trying to read the “post”. After lunch I played two games of dominos and won them both. I paced the deck for a while then came down and played the Staal’s gramophone. Later we played bridge again. After dinner we played games and the portable until bed time.

Saturday, April 20, 1929

This morning I tried to read a silly mystery story. I read snatches of it when I wasn’t chasing Eleanor. I’m still the only lady down to meals. After lunch I took some exercise and at four I served tea to those assembled for tea on deck. After tea the two Staals and Pop and I went down to the ward room and played bridge. We played three rubbers. H.S. and I won two of them. We’re going to play again tomorrow. Late in the afternoon it began to get quite rough. After supper we all went up on deck after I had put Eleanor to bed. Mom and Pop went down about nine thirty H.S. took me up to the bridge. Way up two decks. He showed me the compass and all kinds of things. It was very interesting. To bed about ten fifteen.

Friday, April 19, 1929

I’ve been feeling pretty chipper al day today. I haven’t missed a meal yet altho’ I’ve lost one and a half. For the last two days I’ve been the only lady at the table. This morning I finished the Wodehouse book that I started yesterday. After lunch I had a fine time. I feel alright. I did some exercise by jumping rope and I did some knot tying with Henry Staal (the nicest one) and he taught me some new knots and how to spin a rope. But I didn’t get to see the animals today. About five I went down and changed for dinner. It got cool enough to wear my red coat. After dinner we sat on deck and sang old songs from the club songster until about nine. Then everybody went below except H.S. and myself. We sat and talked until ten. He said something about being divorced. I wonder if he was joking.

Jane's Notes: Mom sure was a flirt. Pinning away for boys she left behind and now setting her eyes on the only boy available.

Thursday, April 18, 1929

Well, I haven’t been feeling so hot today after breakfast. I got into my chair and tried to read but I kept going to sleep. I slept on and off most of the morning. When lunch came around I was not going down but they told me that I would be the only lady there if I came so I decided to stand up for myself. All would have been well if I hadn’t taken that sausage. Nothing happened until about four o’clock then I lost part of my lunch, but I felt the better for it. I found out today that the most interesting of the two brothers of the three boys in fact is married. That’s the way it was. I had dinner tonight and I feel much better. The whole family stayed on deck until about nine thirty then we all popped off to bed.

Wednesday, April 17, 1929

I was up at six this morning. My bunk was h-o-t. The unseen passenger put in his appearance this morning at breakfast. He’s not so hot. The other two young men are brothers. One is better looking than the other but the other is by far the most interesting and likable. After breakfast I fooled around. I had to take care of Eleanor most of the morning. It kept me busy. After lunch I tried to read without much success. At five we went out to see the birds and animals that the three are taking back to the Zoo. While I was dressing for dinner I got slightly dizzy. I didn’t eat much for supper but I lost it in about twenty minutes. But I didn’t feel the least bit sick after that. After my mishap I went back on deck and enjoyed a lovely evening of music from the portable gramophone. All my family was abed. There were the three boys and the Capt. He is a jolly fun old Dutch man.

Jane's Notes: The ship is the Rotterdamsche Lloyd line out of Rotterdam.

Tuesday, April 16, 1929

Well we finally got under way this morning. We were up and packing early. We had breakfast about six thirty and down to the boat at seven fifteen. There were about ten people down to see us off. Dick told me over the phone last night that he tho’t he would be down to the boat to see us off but he didn’t come. I’ll bet he never intended to come down. We left the pier soon after eight and soon left Manila behind us. There are six other passengers aboard but we’ve only seen five. They are Mr. Skon and his sister, a funny couple, old rich, an elderly Dutch lady from Geneva, and three young men taking animals to a zoo in Hollywood. One of them is sick. Just before lunch we left the bay but we’re still following the coast. After lunch I had read then I went out to watch them feed the tiger (a beautiful thing). I stayed out there until six watching the animals and playing with the monkey. After dinner the two young men that we met played ukeleles and sang till 9:30. Sometimes Capt., June and I joined in.

Jane's Notes: In the scrap book there is a place card that says Miss Powell. Mom has written "My place card first day out." There is also a radio telegram that is addressed to Miss Elizabeth Powell SS Siantar Manila KAA. "Pleasant voyage and good luck. cheerio, Alex" They sailed on the S/S Siantar. I found a picture of the ship on the internet.

Monday, April 15, 1929

After breakfast we fooled around the hotel until about ten. Then we took most of the things down to the boat. We unpacked our things in the cabin so the empty trunks could be put down the hold. From there we went downtown. Pop had to go to the office and Mom to the doctors so I had to do the last minute shopping for the family and there was quite a bit. We didn’t get home until twelve thirty. After we had rested after lunch Mom and I went to the China Drawn Work and got a few things and then we went for a last look at the house. When we got home there were some people waiting to see us. Before dinner I called up a few people. After dinner Mr. Kane came to see us. About nine Phil Sanders came to say good-bye. And so to bed at ten thirty.

Sunday, April 14, 1929

This morning in desperation for something to do we decided to go to the movies. We left the Hotel about nine. We went to the Ideal to see Lillian Gish in “Wired”. Wonderful acting, etc. But too dramatic for enjoyment I thought. We got out at eleven and then went after Mom who was at the house finishing up. Charlie Jarman was there to say good-bye and he had a gift for each of us. Mine was a beautiful Phil. hat. After lunch we rested until late in the afternoon. Then we went for a ride. About seven we went out to Crosby’s for dinner. Besides us they had the Griffiths. We four kids had dinner together. It was ten thirty before we got home.

Saturday, April 13, 1929

This morning as our stove was gone we had to go out for breakfast. We went to the La Japan Garden. We each had a platter full of cold scrambled eggs and hard ham. The only thing decent was the toast. It certainly is a tough joint. We went home and wandered around until lunch. Mrs. Hall sent us over a meat pie. After lunch until about five we rested as best we could in the remaining furniture. At five we moved over to the Lunneta Hotel. After dinner we went to see the English Musical Comedy Company that opened tonight at the Opera House. They were quite good for Manila. There were a few quite pretty girls and one very handsome song and dance man. After the show I saw Charlie Morton and he came over and said good-bye to me. We got home about twelve thirty.

Jane's Notes: I love the suspense of this. It's like you can hardly wait to get on the trip yourself.

Friday, April 12, 1929

Another morning spent in idleness. I wish there was something to do. I’m so tired of doing nothing that I don’t know what to do. I hate just wandering around watching the painters and carpenters. We had a cold lunch of what was left from dinner last night. The gas people took our stove this morning so Mom had to get her hot tea from Mrs. Hall next door. After lunch per usual I flopped down on the bed and read some. At four the Crosbys came and took us swimming at the Army Navy Club. After we got out we had drinks and some chicken sandwiches. When we got home there wasn’t anything but some cake to eat. This noon Pop came home and told us we positively won’t sail until Sunday and tonight its Monday night. I’ve been hoping that Dick would call all day be he hasn’t! [Here there is a drawing of a broke heart]. How does he know we haven’t left?

Thursday, April 11, 1929

This morning I finished up my packing. Everything’s in. I puttered around but didn’t do anything until lunch. Mom, June and Eleanor went downtown. After lunch I slept as usual. It’s getting to be a habit whether I need it or not. At least it’s something to pass the time. Pop announced that it would be Saturday before we left and possibly Sunday. About four Pop suggested we go out to the Golf Club for tea. So about four thirty we started out there. We didn’t see many people we knew and it was hot. But it’s a lovely place out there, beautiful greens. It was quite a bit cooler when we were on the way home but we were hot again as soon as we got into the city. Soon after we got home Alex Tyre called up and asked for a date. He called for me at seven and we went out to the Polo Club for dinner. It was heavenly cool out there and a wonderful dinner. After dinner we went to see “Venice of Venice”. Then we went to the Hotel about eleven. Dick and Bob M. came on stage. Dick wasn’t very cordial. Alex said he was jealous! I wonder? Home about one.

Jane's Notes: In the scrapbook there is a letter dated April 11, 1929 from the American Red Cross with her Senior Life Saving card and an application to complete and send to Red Cross headquarters. Apparently she never did that. The letter of recommendation says that she completed Senior and Junior Life Saving and “was appointed a LIfe Saving Examiner in December, 1928. She was also a member of the Life Saving Committee of the Philippines.”

Wednesday, April 10, 1929

After breakfast I did some changes in my packing and about nine thirty we went downtown. It was mostly for Eleanor this morning. We brought her home about ten fifteen and then went over to the Reptile Store to get a present for mary Brasted who had left on the transport. Then we went to the flower market and got some roses for Mrs. Brasted and Mary. We got Pop at about ten after eleven, then dashed down to the transport. There was an awful mob down there as usual and Mary was surrounded by friends. I had hoped I might see Gen. & Mrs. Holbrook but I guess they weren’t down there. We got home just at twelve. After lunch I slept. After Noon, about five o’clock went out to the Polo club and June and I went for probably our last swim and I didn’t see anybody I knew. After swimming we had something to drink and came home. After dinner Dick called around for me at eight thirty. We went to see “Cave Man”. It was an awful picture but I didn’t mind. We met Peggy & Eric at the show and later at the Hotel, Bill Murray & Helen B. too. Home about 1:30.

Tuesday, April 9, 1929

I certainly did a lot of running around this afternoon and this morning. As soon as I woke up this morning Mom informed me that I was to do some errands for her. I had some to do myself and June had some too. So as soon as the car came after breakfast June and I went downtown and stayed until eleven thirty. After lunch at two we went down again to finish up. We found out today that the boat is delayed again so we won’t go until Friday evening or possibly Saturday morning but I hope not. In the afternoon just as we were starting home we met Charlie Jarman and he treated us to a soda and it certainly tasted good. We got home about three o’clock. I went to bed and slept until five. About five thirty Helen Miller and Jean Eldrige called. This morning Alex Tyice called and asked when we were going and they asked for a date for tonight but I told him I had one because I tho’t Sunday Dick asked for Tues. About eight fifteen Dick called and suggested we change it to Wed. So I missed a date. O! Well!

Monday, April 8, 1929

I was going to get up at about fifteen to five so I could go down to the station and meet June. Pop didn’t wake up in time so he didn’t wake me up. But I woke up myself about five thirty. I heard a car stop out in front. It was June. She came down with Jean Eldrige. I let her in and then went back to bed and she crawled in with me. I couldn’t go to sleep until she crawled out after about half an hour. I woke up again about eight thirty. The day was well started in this house hold already. After breakfast I packed and cleaned up my room until lunch. After lunch I slept until three thirty. At five we went shopping which lasted until time to go after Pop at seven. We’re all going to bed early tonight. Latest reports are that the boat leaves about six PM day after tomorrow.

Sunday, April 7, 1929

Today hasn’t seemed like Sunday at all. In the morning I went to SS and taught my class and said good bye to the rest of the teachers, etc., but I came right home after that and packed and did things until lunch time. After lunch I packed some more and did some more things. From about five to six I rested. After dinner I dressed to go out. About eight ten Dick called up and said he would be around in about ten minutes. While I was waiting for him to come I watched Mom and Pop destroy their love letters of twenty one years. Dick came for me and we went to the Ideal. We saw “Across to Singapore.” The comedy was a scream. After the show we went to the Hotel. I had a wonderful evening. We only danced about two dances but we talked a lot. Dick’s a peach. I think, he’s so nice. I got home just at one o’clock.

Jane's Notes: Oh how I wish we still had those love letters. Letters and diaries are such a wonderful window on the past. I've learned so much about my parents while exploring this diary and other letters that I'll share with you later.

Saturday, April 6, 1929

This morning we actually started packing. Up to now we have just been putting things away and getting rid of things but this morning we packed the things that are going direct to Eugene. About eleven Mrs. Olsen came over and visited about an hour. I had to empty my wardrobe this morning, too. After lunch I did some reading and painted some signs and then about three thirty I called up Myra Belle and asked her if she wanted to go swimming. I went after her about four. We got home about 5:40. I got dressed in about five minutes because the Shoemakers had asked to come out there to dinner and they wanted us to be there at six. The children had dinner then and we at about 7. It was a wonderful dinner. Some chops, and corn, tomatoes and some fancy desert with creamed strawberries that was gorgeous. We got home about ten fifteen.

Friday, April 5, 1929

Helen called up yesterday and suggested golf so she came for me at about nine fifteen this morning. On the way to the links we stopped while I had my dresses tried on. My golf score dropped twenty points today, I got 72. After lunch I read, rested and washed cloths. About four I went shopping again. At five we went after Pop. After we left Pop at the Club I went swimming. There wasn’t anybody out there that I knew but I enjoyed the exercise. We got home soon after seven, then dressed for dinner. Eleanor’s getting used to our leaving for dinner. We got there just at seven thirty. Fred welcomed us and who should be there but Dick. I was pleasantly surprised. Myra Belle got the dinner tonight. It was a lovely dinner and some of the best desert. Except for the fact that much of my childhood history was related by my fond parents, I spent a very enjoyable evening. Myra Belle played us some very beautiful music. Home about 11:30.

Thursday, April 4, 1929

I didn’t do much until about the middle of the morning, then I went out with Mom to do some errands. After lunch I read until later in the afternoon. I went with Mom to do some more errands. We went after Pop and had an early dinner. After dinner I read. About eight thirty Dick called up. I have a date for Sunday. He asked for Friday but we go to the Hendricks. He said that he had called up the last three days and hadn’t been able to catch me. Well I’m glad that he got me tonight. Whoopee!! This afternoon we went to the “China Drawn Work” and I got some lovely under cloths and night cloths and handkerchiefs. I washed three pairs of stockings and some stepins after lunch.

Wednesday, April 3, 1929

I didn’t get up until about ten this morning. After I had had breakfast the serving girl told me that Mom was out but that she was coming back to get me and for me to be ready. I dressed and then read my book until she came. We went to look at some coats that were advertised in the paper. One was a seal skin jacket with minx collar and cuff. Beautiful and she only wanted 250 pesos. She said it cost her 500 dollars. She had another coat that Mom is considering that’s 50 Pesos and it cost her $125. We got home about twelve and sent the car for Pop. After lunch I finished my book, darned and washed three pairs of stockings. At about four thirty Mom and I went shopping. We ended up having tea at the University Club. We were invited to the Townsends for dinner. They are the sweetest old couple and very interesting. She makes a darling grandmother. Home at 10:45. The boy said that a man with a big voice asked for Annabelle Powell on the phone while we were shopping(?).

Tuesday, April 2, 1929

Last night Helen Morton called me up and invited me to lunch and to play golf. She came for me this morning at about nine fifteen. Lucy was in the car too. We went and got Peggy Tuigle and then played just ahead of us. I got quite a few pointers from Helen and the caddy and developed an interest in the game. After the game just as we were getting into the car Dick drove past and waved. He told me he would call up Sunday night but he didn’t and hasn’t. We stopped by and dropped the clubs and then went to Helen’s for lunch which was very good. Helen suggested we go to the movie. We went at two and saw “London”, an English picture but we didn’t like it as much as any American film and that’s no patriotism. After the show we went swimming at the “Army Navy Club”. I saw Dick again because he was swimming but he got out soon after we got in. Morton brought me home about six thirty. At eight we were due at the Crosby’s for dinner. I played Bridge, got second high.

April 1, 1929

This morning I went shopping. I was delayed in starting because at the last moment Mom said she wanted to go too. We went with Mom first and then to see about my dress. Then we took Mom home. Then I went down and got my bike fixed and went to the “Persian Carpet House”. I didn’t see much there. After lunch I went to sleep. I’m sleeping so much lately. I sleep late in the morning and then again in the afternoon. About five thirty I went to the Elks Club to change my book. After supper Mom & Pop went out and June went to bed and read. At nine thirty June got up and got dressed and went to the station to Magees. They’re going to Baguio to camp for about five days. About ten o’clock the Blaisdell’s came and I went to the station with them. The train left at eleven. I saw quite a few people for the last time. Mom and Pop appeared on the scene about ten thirty. I came home with them.