Thursday, February 8, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Cleaned the upstairs & the back room today. Wrote to Sue. Heard from Ruth Ann. Poor kid has her school troubles."

Wednesday, February 7, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Had the ironing done 'til 10:30 this morning. Read a whole book today & washed diapers tonite."

Tuesday, February 6, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Washed today & finished reading "Papa's Wife." Good story! Wrote to Ruth Ann tonite. Also wrote to Marvin."

Monday, February 5, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Come back over to Grabers about 1:30. Washed dinner dishes, made some beds, washed diapers & got supper. Baby's cute - but not as cute as Devona."

Sunday, February 4, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Went to church this morning. Iva was baptized. Church let out at 2! Went back to Marv's & fried eggs for Harvey, Leroy, Marv & myself. Then we went to Pete's again. Was there 'til 9. Come home talked with Mom & Dad a while then went upstairs. He was sorta quiet all week-end."

Saturday, February 3, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Come home about 9 this morning. Est went to help Ev. Fair was here this aft again. Marv came about 8 & showed the boys how to skate. Alma & Nap. kids picked Est up & told us to come over for Pizza - we did. Then went up to his place. R.A. told me her wedding plans."

Friday, February 2, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Six more weeks of winter. Sun shone today. No school today. Kids were here all day - went faster. I ironed & cleaned house. Filled a lemon pie. Pretty good luck all day.

Thursday, February 1, 1962

"Dear Diary,

Pretty good day - "considering" I washed & ironed a few pieces. Read & listened to radio all afternoon. Called Barb & Judy tonite & am gonna try & write to Mary Lou yet."

Wednesday, January 31, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Went to Dan's this morning to see their baby. Ironed this aft 'til Floyd Graber came to get me. Am here now at Graber's. She isn't gone yet but figures she'll go during the nite. Fell sort of alone. Miss Marv when I feel like this. Would write him & also Vern & Melly a letter if I'd have the paper & envelopes."

Tuesday, January 30, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Mom washed. I washed eggs & washed my head. Made ice cream tonite."

Monday, January 29, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Lazy day. Didn't get up 'til 9:00. Didn't do anything worth mentioning all day 'cept write to Ruth Ann."

Sunday, January 28, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Went to Ed's to church. Saw Mary Jane (Eicher) Hilty. When we got home Nancy & Linda were here. Giggled the afternoon away. Took them & Jim W. home on the cutter this afternoon. Played slap tonite. Elsie & Marvin came 'fore Marv left. After he left I talked with them 'til 1. They stayed 'til 2:30.
(Est was to L.....'s(?) all afternoon.)"

Saturday, January 27, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Fair was here all day. Deannie Vogl was here awhile. I mopped kitchen floor today. Annie came this afternoon. Marv came about 8:30 & we played Rook with Annie & Est. Then him, Est & I played Dirty 2. I won both games. He stayed."

Friday, January 26, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Busy day - went to Sam Eicher's with Bill this forenoon. Dad, Fred & Est too. Come back for dinner & Bill stayed. Fair came down this aft. Mom, Dad & little boys went to Grandma's for supper. Rosy Pen...? stayed here & drove Fair & us gals nuts. Wrote to Melly Lou."

Thursday, January 25, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Made new white cape this forenoon. Ironed all aft. Fixed baby gown & old green dress this P.M. Jake's gals stopped in awhile this aft."

Wednesday, January 24, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Made baby's cap & black apron. Linda F. came down awhile this eve. Had letters from cuz Sue & R.A."

Tuesday, January 23, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Didn't feel good again today! Wrote to Katie Schwartz. Cut caps for Devona, Annie, Mom & us girls. Baked cookies this aft too."

Monday, January 22, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Didn't feel good all day. Sewed over buttons on coat & sweaters. Wrote to Ruth Ann tonite."

Sunday, January 21, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Mom, Dad, & kids went to Sam E's today. Marv & I sat here alone all day. Played cards then rested on the couch. This eve we set home AGAIN. He left about 10 or 10:30."

Saturday, January 20, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Est went to town today & bought a new coat. Alma came over for the week-end. I baked pies this aft. Meade girls were here again. Marv & I went to Nottawa this P.M. Then came & sat here. Marion, Elsie, Est & Alma went goofin off. Made pizza here."

Friday, January 19, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Mopped kitchen & cleaned upstairs. Est came home tonite. I finished ironing & baked a cake. Flopped."

Thursday, January 18, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Ironed this afternoon. Sent letters to R.A. & Est. Wrote to Marv but burned the letter. Sure wish he'd write to me! Mrs. Graber was here for a babysitter. Big Josie was here this eve."

Wednesday, January 17, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Mom & Dad went to Joe H's to butcher. Alma Marie came over for the day. Wrote to Est & Ruth Ann."

Tuesday, January 16, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Slept late this morning. Letter from Alma. Went to town this noon with Hank. Went to Jake's this aft. Bought skirt pattern. Called Est."

Monday,January 15, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Washed for Mom. She's got bursitis. Melly & Vern & Lulu stopped in this aft. Est went to Harmon's again."

Sunday, January 14, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Marv & Harvey picked me up for church. Wasn't ready when they came. After church we went to Si's on cutter. Came home, had supper, he played cards with the kids 'til 9. I was disgusted at him. Finally spent time with me and he was wonderful again. Left about 12."

Saturday, January 13, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Done Saturday work. Est come home this morn. Hemmed yellow dress for church. Melly, Lulu, Levi, Rudy & Ruthie stopped on way to town. Left Arlene here. Ruthie stayed here for the nite. Got ready for Marv but he never showed up. Very beat out & disgusted."

Friday, January 12, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Mom & Dad went to Pete's to butcher. Baby & I stayed here. Mopped & waxed kitchen & cleaned upstairs."

Thursday, January 11, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Letter from Ruth A. Mom went to Amos Willy's to get ready for church. I ironed all aft."

Wednesday, January 10, 1962

"Dear Diary,
S'posed to butcher at Pete's. Too cold. Boys didn't get to school. Linda spent her day here."

Tuesday, January 9, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Washed eggs all forenoon. Read the rest of the day. Devona fell with Mern & Don down 1 step & got 1st goose egg."

Monday, January 8, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Est went to Ed Harmon's to work all week. Got a letter from Alma Marie. She's in Hicksville. Wrote to her & RA this aft."

Sunday, January 7, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Sat home all day & played cards & Marv & I played dot games. He acted more like himself this week-end. Left around 10."

Saturday, January 6, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Sat around mostly today. Old Christmas, Est went to Sarah's. Marv & I just sat home."

Friday, January 5, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Mopped kitchen & ironed a washed eggs. Wrote to Sue tonite."

Thursday, January 4, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Went to Grandma's with Hank. Sent R. A. a letter."

Wednesday, January 3, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Sewed a little, washed eggs. Made ice cream for supper. Letter from Ruth Ann."

Tuesday, January 2, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Kids back to school. Me back to dishes & baby. Est quit school today. Washed my head."

Monday, January 1, 1962

"Dear Diary,
Got up about 9:30 this morn. Set home all day. Mom mopped & waxed. Aim & Mary & Pearl Louise & Mandy were here this aft awhile. Annie went home on 10:30 bus."

Mom listed special dates for the year at the end of her 1961 diary. The dates were:
February 19
April 29
May 21
July 16
August 6
August 19
November 19
November 21

Sunday, December 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had church & singin. Pretty big crowd. Marv went home about 1. He makes me so disgusted & blue I don't know what to do with myself. Hope he straightens out soon. I'm losing my patience."

Saturday, December 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finished up tonite about 11. Finally! Marv didn't come 'cause I told him to stay home on account of church."

Friday, December 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Just worked & worked some more today. Finished black dresses - 'cept hemming."

Thursday, December 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mandy, Pearl Louise & Ruth Ann came to help today. Ruth Ann stayed."

Wednesday, December 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed woodwork in kitchen today. Finished dress tonite & started Est's. Maxine Barenell was here to see Devona today. Meade clan was here all aft."

Tuesday, December 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do more than dishes & eggs today. Sewed tonite. Est went with Elsie, Mary Louise & Marion to Christy's this P.M."

Monday, December 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up early & went with Marv & Vern's to Marge & Leroy's out in Ohio. Had fun but was dead tired tonite. Hit the sack at 6:30 PM."

Sunday, December 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up 10:30 & went to Dave Y's for dinner. Went for cutter ride with Sam & Bessie in AM & with Dennis & Irene this PM. Had exchange tonite. Got 6 glasses, 2 place mats, stationery & Pen from Katie Bontrager. Gave Marv his billfold & cigarettes & he gave me big bouquet of plastic flowers in vase & candy dish with candy."

Saturday, December 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked the usual Saturday work today. Got a Christmas greeting from Marv. Said he wasn't coming. Later him & Dennis came for cutter & he said he was coming after all. Went bobsledding & caroling. Started at Dave Yoder's. Went up to Christ B's. & Virgil's. Picked up gals on the way. Gone 4 hours. I stayed at Marv's for the nite."

Friday, December 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed woodwork upstairs (our room). Est come home from school this noon & ironed this aft. Was s'posed to go to Ruth Ann's Christmas program but Amos couldn't take us so we stayed home."

Thursday, December 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finished washing off kitchen. Went to Christmas program tonite."

Wednesday, December 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed half of kitchen off this forenoon. Went to Colon with Dad & Jake this aft. Wrapped presents & washed eggs tonite."

Tuesday, December 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cut black Christmas dresses & ironed. Sewed on dresses tonite."

Monday, December 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cleaned upstairs & eggs. Got letter from Connie. Ma and Pa went shopping. Fred went caroling."

Sunday, December 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Still icy - went to church. Marv wasn't there. Talked to Ruth Ann. Come home just before Marv come. He seemed so good tonite. Much better than he has been all fall. Went home though before very late 'cause of ice. No shoes on horse. Didn't go to Pete's singin'."

Saturday, December 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked - worked - worked! Est went to Jake's all nite. Icy again tonite. No Marv!"

Friday, December 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Big Josie came this morn & helped paint."

Thursday, December 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Pete's to help get ready for church. Sat around all day - gossip!"

Wednesday, December 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom painted again."

Tuesday, December 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Marv stayed home again. Felt good enough to help me with housework."

Monday, December 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est stayed home from school & Marv was sick too. Mom painted. I caught up the eggs."

Sunday, December 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ma, Dad, & boys went to Joe Hochstettler's for dinner. Devona and I sat home alone. She slept all day. Was looking for Marv but he never showed up 'til 3:30. The boys were with him. Went & got Est, ate supper, then sat upstairs 'til 10:00 or so. Est & Alma went to singin' with Vern & Jr. Wickey."

Saturday, December 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est went to Alma's. I sat home alone again. The roads were icy."

Friday, December 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mopped, etc."

Thursday, December 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed again!"

Wednesday, December 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cooked for shredders again. Finally finished. Ironed tonite."

Tuesday, December 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much of anything. Josie was here a while. I baked pie crusts."

Monday, December 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cooked for shredders but it rained. Couple guys were here anyway. Went to Si's this aft. a few min."

Sunday, December 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Sat home by myself while the rest went to church. Got dinner for Melly, Vern, Est, Ruthie & Alma. Marv didn't come 'til 6:15. Had that goofy, crazy Dennis Y. along. Went to Pete Stauffer's to the singing. Lousy time. Drew names and got Martha Borkholder."

Saturday, December 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
The usual Saturday. Mom canned beef. Marv come 'bout 8:15. I didn't comb 'til he came. Went to Nottawa a few min. Est left with Howard Miller from Nappanee. Marv stayed 'til 12:30."

Friday, December 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had shredders today. Alma & Mandy were here for dinner to help."

Thursday, November 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Heard from Ruth Ann. Mom went to Grama's quilting. I mopped kitchen, washed windows, & cleaned the whole thing. Also baked pies."

Wednesday, November 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Big Josie was here for dinner. Mom went over to Pete Stauffer's to risht(?) for Grandma this aft. I ironed & baby sat."

Tuesday, November 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed my head & ironed."

Monday, November 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing special."

Sunday, November 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Sat home all day, didn't feel like eating or anything. Marv come down this aft & I told him first what I thought of him. He asked me to go along to the singing. I finally decided to go. Sorta wish I wouldn't have. Got teased. Buggy broke on way to singin' so I come home with Ann & Clara Sue & Alma. Est come home with Vern."

Saturday, November 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Felt bad all day - didn't do much. Alma come over for the wk-end. Marv didn't come 'til about 9. Thought it was going to be a good nite but turned out terrible. Marv (did something foolish)! I was just sick. He's done so much to worry me lately. Vern & Levi brought me home."

Friday, November 24, 1961

(Dad's Birthday)
"Dear Diary,
Ma & Dad went to Allen Co. with Levi's & Rudy's. Ruth & Arlene stayed her. Got a private letter from Ruth Ann today & an invite to Jo Fray's wedding."

Thursday, November 23, 1961
Thanksgiving

"Dear Diary,
Went to Sam's for dinner. Saw Marv - he went hunting at Sam's again. Didn't talk to him though. Levi's were here for supper. Est went home with Ruth."

Wednesday, November 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much of anything today. Tonite I started worrying again about Marv. I sure wish I could talk to him."

Tuesday, November 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Sam's for dinner today. Got over there & there was Marv's buggy!! Saw Jake & Barb's new house & boy. Got home & had a letter from Marv! He ask me to take him up again! Was so happy I coulda cried. He stopped in on his way home from hunting & I gave him my answer. Yes - of course."

Monday, November 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up early 'cause I couldn't sleep. I cried quite a lot. Wrote Ruth Annn a 4-page letter. This aft. we went to Levi Y's to paint church benches. Marv was there. I really cried when I got home. Don't know why I had to see him to remind me."

Sunday, November 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church with the folks. After church we went to Pete's - Ruth Ann, Alma, Marv, Harv, Lizbeth, Mary L., Robb., Est, Ruthie, & I were all over there for supper. Vern & some boys were there too. Est went to singin' with them. Marv & I come home - didn't talk. Finally he got mad & then we talked. He told me he didn't want to go steady any more. I was just sick. He said he still loved me & would take me out once in a while. I cried & couldn't sleep good."

Saturday, November 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cleaned house. Annie came at 9:30 AM (bus). Marv didn't show up again. Cried awhile but guess that don't help much."

Friday, November 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much of anything."

Thursday, November 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est stayed home from school today so we could go to the wedding supper. Worked all day on new clothes then it was rainy & windy & didn't expect Marv to show up so Est didn't get ready. I did. He come & Est couldn't go. First wedding supper I ever went to. Talked to Alma & Ruth Ann. Seemed good to see Marvin during the week."

Wednesday, November 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made a light green dress today. Laura (Helmuth) Yoder from Oklahoma was here today. Took Ma & Baby to Mommie's for a while."

Tuesday, November 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to town with Ray today. Went to the hospital to see Barb E. & her new boy. Bought wedding present for Tobe & Treva. Went to Jake's for supper & they brought me home. Barb is going steady with Forrest Troyer."

Monday, November 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Pete Stauffer's & raked leaves all day."

Sunday, November 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up about 9. Had birthday dinner for Est & Donnie. Marv was here. This aft Marv & Dad & boys all went to Sam's. Marv & I went up there to chore. Saw Melvin on way up. Went to Nottawa & come home. Marv went home at 10. He nearly drove me nuts he felt so good after he saw Melvin."

Saturday, November 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done Sat. work. Grandma was here for dinner. Marv stayed all nite."

Friday, November 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est came home again this noon. I cleaned & mopped kitchen this forenoon. Ironed this aft. Big Jo sat here this aft. Tonite Est, Ruthie, Lulu, Jeanie & I all went down to Sue & Rudy's for supper."

Thursday, November 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom took Baby to doc again for 2nd shot. Est came home at noon. I ironed."

Wednesday, November 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Walked down to Dan's in our first snow storm this morn to call the doc. Baby had touch of pneumonia. Ironed this aft."

Tuesday, November 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't get much done again today."

Monday, November 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up & sat around till 9:00 then Dad decided to go to Sam's so I quick got ready & went along."

Sunday, November 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Walked to church this morn with Marv, Harvey & Ernest Schrock. Marv, Alma, & I went to Mary's funeral then to Pete's. Stopped in Nottawa. Come home about 5:30. Decided not to go to singin'. So "Grandpa & Grandma" stayed home. "Gramps" went home about 10."

Saturday, November 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done Saturday work. Marv come down tonite & ask me to go home with him. I was sooooo happy. Had a real good evening."

Friday, November 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cleaned & mopped kitchen today. Ma went to dentist. Est come home from school this noon. Cleaned upstairs."

Thursday, November 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Sewed blouses today. Roman Miller's Mary died today. Age 12. Mom and Mandy went to Barb Chapman's baby shower. Kids stayed here."

Wednesday, November 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ma & Baby got ready to go to Nappanee today but no driver. Felt lousy today. Had gut ache. I get headaches from just dreaming all the time."

Tuesday, October 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done nothing again today, 'cept bake pies. Babysat for Donna again this aft. Today is my sweet heart's 20th birthday. I do nothing but dream about him."

Monday, October 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't get much done again today. Babysat for Donna this aft. No job evenings this week. Est & I went to Mann's & watched Shirley Temple in The Littlest Rebel."

Sunday, October 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Set home all day. Ray & Joe were here this aft. I got ready to go to the singin but Marv didn't want to go so we set here & had supper here. He went home about 9. Gave him his shirt for his birthday."

Saturday, October 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ma & Pa went to Nappanee today. We cleaned house. Ironed. Bathed Baby, etc. Went to Pete St. to a halloween party. I had a lousy time. Marv stayed till 3. We both fell asleep."

Friday, October 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cleaned kitchen & upstairs & made blouse today."

Thursday, October 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Alma & I went to town today. Bought Marv a shirt for his birthday. Come back on 6:15 bus. Last of our tree fell over today."

Wednesday, October 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom, Mern, baby & I went to Grandma's with Ev. Sarah come over all nite."

Tuesday, October 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cut & made 2 blouses today. Mom went to Laurene Party."

Monday, October 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do anything today. Mom, Baby & I set over to Hazel's all aft. Men are cutting down our big shade tree. Wrote to Ruth Ann tonite. Called Alma."

Sunday, October 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church at Schlabach's - miserable day. Marv wanted to talk to me but I was stubborn. He come down & got me for singin. He was kinda ?(base)? at me but we made up & every thing turned out fine. Vern brought us home. He had Est. Alma is gonna tell TB she is tired of going steady. Poor kids. I really pity both of 'em."

Saturday, October 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Pete's for dinner. Ruth Ann brought all kids from school. Set home alone again tonite - bawled like a baby madder than a hornet. Vern's & Levi's & Ray's were here this eve."

Friday, October 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made tan skirt & finished blouse. Ironed tonite."

Thursday, October 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mopped & waxed kitchen floor. Slept an hr this aft. Went babysitting alone tonite. Est went to Linda F's."

Wednesday, October 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Started tan dress today."

Tuesday, October 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est stayed home from school today so we could go to see Marge. She's up home till Thur. Went up this aft. but she had just left with Marv. So we went to Tuffy's a few minutes then over to Wally's & caught up with Marge & Marv there. Just got home when Mommie came for a few minutes."

Monday, October 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cut tan dress today. Went to Lahrkes with Est."

Sunday, October 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Tuffy's came for dinner. Sarah B came over after Marv came about 5:30. Went to Nottawa then to Pete's for supper. Sat there & ate potato chips & drank wine & cider till about 11. Marv stayed a while tonite. He acted more like himself again tonite."

Saturday, October 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made noodles, pies, bread, & doughnuts & cleaned upstairs this forenoon. Worked all afternoon with other stuff. Didn't have dishes done when Marv came. TB & Alma came over this PM. Marv went home."

Friday, October 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Unlucky day - my 17th birthday. Ironed. Went to Nottawa this aft. Ma went to Barb E. baby shower."

Wednesday, October 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Levi's. Mary Lou & Sue were both there. Ruth came home with us all nite."

Thursday, October 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made a blouse while Est & Ruth done dishes. Mom, Dad, Boys, Baby & I went to Sam E's for Lizzie's birthday. Pete E took us. Took ice cream & cake. Sent Ruth Ann a letter."

Tuesday, October 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Marv & Harv come to help Dad cut corn this forenoon. Got dinner for them. This aft Mom washed & I took care of Baby. Got dinner dishes done 5."

Monday, October 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do a darn thing, 'cept dishes. Slept from 2 till 5. Milked 2 cows for Pa. He went to see my Marv."

Sunday, October 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Felt lousy till I ate dinner. Got 2 hrs of sleep. Played volleyball this aft. TB & Alma, Marv & I walked to Dan's for supper. Come home around 11. Dead TIRED!"

Saturday, October 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ruth Ann & I cleaned house & made doughnuts. Went to Nappanee to shop. Hank, Marv & TB come about 9:15. Ate pizza at 2. Went to bed on riggity couch at 2."

Friday, October 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school with Ruth Ann. Helped with 6 weeks tests on Board. Rode to station on bikes. Had birthday party for Mary C. Went to Pound Supper this PM at Dan B's. Come home around 11:30."

Thursday, October 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't get much done today. Alma & Mandy come over this afternoon. Alma & I went to Nappanee tonite. Est & Hank took us down. Went to bed at 12."

Wednesday, October 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked at Sherwood Hall Nursing Home today. I think I'll like it."

Tuesday, October 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Sewed up Wheeler pillows. Ironed, washed hair. Jo Frays stopped to see baby."

Monday, October 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Dad, Marvy & I went to Dentist. Went to Jackson's tonite. Dad bought me a winter coat."

Sunday, October 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church. Set with Ruth Ann. Marv finally talked to me after church. Ask me if I wanted to go along to Nottawa . I come home & changed. Went to Singin' at Christ B's. After Singin' went to see Alma & TB."

Saturday, September 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
The usual Saturday. Marv didn't come again tonite. Cried myself to sleep."

Friday, September 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed diapers. Ironed. Annie came on 6:15 bus."

Thursday, September 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made yellow skirt. Ironed."

Wednesday, September 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom went to mommies with Levi Helmuths. I made yellow blouse. Letters from Ruth Ann & Alma."

Tuesday, September 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to eye doc & then to Jakes. Called Treva."

Monday, September 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Jackson's."

Sunday, September 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Marv come about noon. We laid around & read comics all afternoon. Went to Nottawa and bought ice cream for supper. Amos H's were here this evening."

Saturday, September 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Jo & Sam E's came for dinner. Anna & Pete were here also. Went with Jo to take Pete home. Went to Tuffy's. Ruth Ann & Alma come over. Waited for Marv 'til 9:30 then I went to bed & bawled - he never came - too stormy."

Friday, September 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done nothing but clean upstairs."

Thursday, September 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Canned tomatoes today. Ironed a little this PM. Ervin & Becky stopped on way home from fair."

Wednesday, September 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made blouse today. Sent RR another letter. Mom helped Si Mary this afternoon."

Tuesday, September 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cut a blouse today for Mrs. Wheeler. Est come home this noon. Boys went to the fair."

Monday, September 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed today. Went to Jackson's to babysit. Est went to Sarah's. Wrote to Ruth Ann before breakfast."

Sunday, September 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church with Marv. (Council meeting) Ruth Ann was there. She got glass frame like mine. After church we went to Marv's place & read comics & ate supper. Vern's were there too. Then we went to ice cream supper at Levi & Mary's. Waited on Est then she come home with Vern B. Marv stayed til 1:00. I cried when he left. There's something bothering him. I don't know what."

Saturday, September 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
The usual Saturday. Est went home with Ruthie, Melly & Lulu. I went home with Marv all nite. Annie & Jerry's come tonite. Annie stayed for church."

Friday, September 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed diapers"

Thursday, September 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I ironed all day."

Wednesday, September 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Canned tomatoes. Got letter from RR.

Tuesday, September 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Messed around all day. Sent Ruth Ann (RR) a letter. Made lavender shirt."

Monday, September 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est stayed home from school today. Canned peaches, washed this afternoon."

Sunday, September 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a ball today! Dennis, Anna Y., Sam, Bessie, T.B., Alma, Marv & I went on a picnic in the Sherman Hills. Stopped at Sam's then went swimming in Perrin Lake. Bessie, Alma & I got ourselves all wet & weren't in suits. Went to Pete's for snack & listened to records. Tubby's record player."

Saturday, September 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to town this noon for my glasses. Seems funny to wear them. Marv, Est & I went to Dave Y's for a hot dog roast tonite. Marv stayed all nite."

Friday, September 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed some more & canned peaches."

Thursday, September 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I ironed a little today. Worked all day to get supper for Vern & Melly, Lulu & Ruth. Marv was s'posed to come with them but didn't."

Wednesday, September 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Seemed very funny for all kids to go to school & I stay home today. (Didn't feel well.) I laid around all day."

Tuesday, September 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed & wrote to Ruth Ann. All boys went to school this afternoon."

Monday, September 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Started Est's lavender dress this afternoon. Jo & Vina stopped in this afternoon. Pete's were here tonite."

Sunday, September 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church with Marv & Harv. They were both baptized. Tonite we went to the singing at Treva's. Stormed all during the singing."

Saturday, September 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done Saturday's work. Big Marv & Ray come down to pick me up this evening & take me to their place."

Friday, September 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Vern & Melly & Ruth come for dinner. Mom, Little Marv & I went to town with them in the afternoon."

Thursday, August 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom went to Levi's with Sue today. Est and I just goofed around."

Thursday, August 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to funeral with Dad. Talked to Marv a few minutes at the funeral."

Wednesday, August 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed today. Got a letter from Ruth Ann. Gramma told us Mennos' Christy died."

Tuesday, August 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed & sewed today. Finished dark blue dress. Wrote to Ruth Ann tonite. Got letter from Connie."

Monday, August 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to town today. Run in & out at Jake's all day. Went to dentist - he killed my nerve. Went to eye doc - he said I should have glasses. Jake's brought me home. Est went back with them. Bathed baby tonite."

Sunday, August 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Berne girls left this forenoon. This aft. Boob's, Gramps & Bill's & Ray's were here. Us kids went swimming. Later Marv & I went to Nottawa. Didn't go to singin'."

Saturday, August 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done the usual today. Got a letter from Ruth Ann. Tonite Katie S. from Berne was here. Her & Anna Shetler are here all nite. Went to hot dog roast at Pete's. Marv stayed."

Friday, August 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got home finally! Smooched the new baby all day. Kids went to free show at Mann's tonite. Marcia & Greg were here all day."

Thursday, August 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Called Treva today - cost $2.00. Didn't get my letter from Marv like he promised."

Wednesday, August 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I got up at 7:30 this morning. Ironed. Sent Connie a letter. Got a chicken supper."

Tuesday, August 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Dried clothes today & washed my head."

Monday, August 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Come to work today. Wrote Ruth Ann a letter."

Sunday, August 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Long day. Jake's stopped in on the way home from church. I had dinner ready so Jake's stayed for dinner. The gals stayed & Dad went home with Jake's. They finally named the baby Devona. Marv come down early. We went to Nottawa for some ice cream for supper. He went home at 12:10."

Saturday, August 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Woke up early this morning. Dad was home. He told us we've got a baby sis. Est & Dad went up to the hospital this afternoon. I waited till tonite then I went up. She's such a tiny cute little gal."

Friday, August 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up & washed this morning. Mom went to the hospital this afternoon. I raked the back yard. After supper I ironed. Josie & Bill stayed all nite. Dad stayed at the hospital."

Wednesday, August 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Took Ruth Ann home this morning.
Est & I went to Nancy W's on the bikes. She wasn't home. I ironed this afternoon."

Tuesday, August 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Come home this morning. Mom was sposed to go to the hospital but didn't. Est & I went over & got Ruth Ann. We ate sweet corn at midnite."

Monday, August 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Drug myself to work today & that's that."

Sunday, August 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Marv & I went to Dave Yoder's today. After dinner Marv & I, Dennis & Anna went to the marsh pit & set back there all afternoon. We went to Marv's place to do chores then come home. The folks were at Gramps. Marv stayed till 11:30."

Saturday, August 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Just another one of those days! I washed. Marv, Harvey, & I went to Treva's for a hamburg fry. Got home after 2. I was froze & couldn't sleep.

Mary Lou, Lulu & Ruthie stopped in this aft."

Friday, August 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,

Treva called me today. I called her this aft. Didn't feel good enough to finish my dress. Marv was s'posed to come down tonite to take me up to his place for ice cream, but they were thrashing too late so he didn't come. I was really disappointed."

Thursday, August 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Made my blouse today. Got a letter from Fair & Becky."

Wednesday, August 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mern went home this morning. I ironed & cut my dress.

Sent Ruth Ann, Ruthie & Mary Lou letter cards today."

Tuesday, August 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got a letter from Ruthie & 1 from Connie B.

Mern caught fish today. Took him for a little boat ride.

Treva called me this morning, we talked quite a while."

Monday, August 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got ready to go to work but didn't come till tonite. Rose brought the kids over. Greg cut his leg - to Doc.

Mern come over with me till Wed. morn."

Sunday, August 6, 1961 That wonderful day (nite)

"Dear Diary,
Had a wonderful day! Marv & I went to church, came home, changed, went to Marv's place, ate supper, went to the singin', goofed off, didn't play walk-a-mile, come home, 11 o'clock went in. Marv stayed till 1:20."

Saturday, August 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed today - rained. Tonite us & Pete's girls & T.B. & my Marv went to Sam E's to surprise Becky for her birthday. My Marv & I & T.B. & Alma went in Marv's buggy & Est & Ruth Ann took T.B.'s horse alone. My Marv stayed all nite."

Friday, August 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Wrote a letter to my Marv this morn. Finished my dress today. Tonite Linda F. stayed all nite with us.

Miss Marv sooooo much."

Thursday, August 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked on my dress today. Went to free show tonite with 5 kids."

Wednesday, August 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed & cut pink dress today. Wrote to Connie."

Tuesday, August 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Rained today. Dried clothes in dryer. Washed my head. Wrote circle letter."

Monday, July 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I didn't come to work till tonite cause Rudy, Sue & her Mary, Harold & baby came on 9:30 bus. First time I remember seeing Mary. The rest of the family were there for dinner. Wrote to Ruth Ann tonite."

Sunday, July 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
A full day of fun. Went to Silver Beach (4 loads?). Had so much fun. Marv won me a dog, bought me some souvenirs. We went on the roll-a-coaster & the Bullet. Eli's & us went to Mel's tonite for a swim. Had a ball."

Saturday, July 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked all day. Washed from Mom.

Mary Lou, LUlu & Ruthie stopped in on their way to town & also back. Got ready for Marv at 7. Didn't come till 9. Had his new buggy. A real dilly. Him & I went to Pete's. Set in the yard with Al & Ruth Ann, Alma & T.B. Had fun."

Friday, July 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finally got to go swimming today. Ray & Joe Schlabach were here & we all went swimming. Got circle letter."

Thursday, July 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est went back to the dentist today & had another tooth pulled. I picked beans & made two caps. Got a letter from Connie today."

Wednesday, July 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up at 8 this morning & started ironing (at Josie's). I ironed till 10:30 then Josie & I went to Momies for dinner. First time I saw mommie's new place."

Tuesday, July 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed today. Mom went to the Doc. Tonite Est & I went to the show, "Gone With The Wind." I went with Nancy W. & Est went with Big Jo. I went home with her all nite. Got a letter from Nancy W. today."

Monday, July 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Dad, Est, Mern & I went to Pete's to pick raspberries. Dad helped Pete ring pigs. We ended up staying for dinner. After the dishes Pete & the kids & us all come home & canned beans & raspberries while Dad & Pete rung more pigs. I miss Marv."

Sunday, July 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Dad, Fred, Annie & I went to church. Come home with Ruth Ann, Alma & Ruthie.

Marv come down about 7. Went to Nottawa, then to the singin'. Marv stayed longer tonite than he ever has before on Sun. nite. About 1:30."

Saturday, July 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Annie come this morning. Worked all day. Marv come tonite. We had some ice cream. Sat in the buggy. He went home about 11."

Friday, July 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Couldn't wait to get home but when I finally got here I was disappointed Mom & Dad both think I am too young to go steady. Wrote to Becky & Nancy W."

Thursday, July 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got 2 letters today - 1 from Ruth Ann & 1 from Becky E. Thought 'bout quitting school. Marcia & I stayed home alone tonite."

Wednesday, July 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Wrote to Connie today & ironed & dreamed about Marv as usual."

Tuesday, July 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Felt much better today. Went swimming with the kids."

Monday, July 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to work. Didn't tell Mom I was going steady. Cried this noon 'cause I felt mixed up & lonesome."

Sunday, July 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Marv & I took off for Melvin's 'bout 9:15. Treva & Tobe, Clara & Eli, Dennis & G___ & Jr Y. & Ray S. were all there for dinner & also supper. Amos B., Alvin B., Enos B. & girl were there for supper too. Went out on pontoon swimming. I floated away & Marv come & got me. Ray drove Whiz home so Marv didn't have to drive. When we got home Marv asked me to go steady! I accepted."

Saturday, July 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Picked beans, cleaned house. Est, Linda & I went to see Nancy C but she wasn't home. Didn't know if Marv would come tonite or not but he did. Good ole' Marv."

Friday, July 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
The kids & I went over home today. Est & I went to the dentist. Mom took care of the kids. We were at Jake's for dinner. Spent all my money again. Nancy Chapman's dad died tonite."

Thursday, July 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing special 'cept I got a letter from my good ole' cousin Ruth Ann. She cheered me up."

Wednesday, July 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went swimming again. Ironed."

Tuesday, July 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Felt a little better today. Went out swimming today. Wrote to Bobby. Washed my head."

Monday, July 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to work this morning. I felt pretty blue today. Wrote to Ruth Ann."

Sunday, July 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church at V. Yoder's. After dinner went to Sarah & Mart's place. Also to Levi's. Waited fro Marv again but this time he really didn't come. I am pretty beat out."

Saturday, July 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done the usual Sat. work & ironed a little. Waited for Marv till 9:30. Almost gave up. We went to Pete's & played cards. Est stayed there all nite."

Friday, July 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went swimming bout 10 min. (cold) Came home. Ray's were there a while."

Thursday, July 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finished the ironing. Tonite I went to the free show in Leonidis."

Wednesday, July 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Come back to work this morning. Done some ironing."

Tuesday, July 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a ball today. We went to Pete's & Levi & Mary were there. Laughed our insides out. Mary Lou, Lulu & Ruth & Sue's baby come & we made them go get Vern & Levi for supper. Had ice cream. They went home pretty early. I went to bed early."

Monday, July 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had planned on the kids bein here today. But Mom woke me from my sound sleep to tell me Richard was here to get me. I could have bawled. I slept an hour this afternoon. Tonite Jo Ann & Ann R. come over."

Sunday, July 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up & rushed around to get ready to go to Sam E's. Young folks were all there. I went with Marv & Harvey. Mom & Dad went too. Est stayed home. A load of boys went swimming & didn't get back till about 6:30. Marv was 1 of them. We went from Sam's way over to Dave Y's for ice cream supper & singin'. Marv drove his new horse today. 'Little Whiz'."

Saturday, July 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cleaned upstairs, went to town with Bro Marv. Finished my blue dress, & mopped kitchen floor. Went swimming with Linda F.

Went to hot dog roast with Marv S. Est went along.

Drunks - Jerry - Jack - Chuck, etc. were there. Est & Harvey & Marv & I all come home together. Had fun."

Friday, June 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got a nutty card from Ruth Ann & Est today and a card from Mom.

The folks were home when I got here tonite. They got home last nite. Marv & Ruth Ann were gone already - DARN!"

Thursday, June 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked on my dress today. Finished the ironing. Got a letter today from the 2 nuts at home. I felt like bawling when I read it but it was all one big lie. The whole letter."

Wednesday, June 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't get a darn thing done today. Went swimming in my new suit. First time I was in this year.

Wrote to the 2 nuts (Al & Vern) at home."

Tuesday, June 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got a card from Mom today. Wrote to Mary Lou. Went out on the dock while the kids were swimming. Started my blue cupioni dress today.

Seen some guys in a boat. Looked like Big Marv & Fred."

Monday, June 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Heck of a Monday morning. I didn't come to work till tonite. Marv left this morning after coffee & rolls & come again tonite before I left. Got a card from Mom today. Est babysat at Larhkes."

Sunday, June 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Lazy Sunday morning. This noon Ruth A & the boys went to Pete's to pick up Al - didn't come till about 4:30. Marv come about 3:30. We went to the creek & looked around. After the chores we went to Nottawa & bought stuff for supper.

Marion & Mary Louise were here again. Hank was here & played. Marv told me he was going to buy me something??????

Al left at 12 & Marv went to bed - stayed to help with chores."

Saturday, June 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom & Dad & Ray's left for the North this morn. Ruth Ann is staying here. Marv came down tonite. Elsie & Marion walked over for a minute. Marv went home at about 12. Ruth Ann & I stayed up for Est (babysitting). Went to bed at two o'clock."

Friday, June 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed my dresses. Richard J. is in the hospital so I didn't get home very early. Ruth Ann come over all nite. Elsie & Marion came over & us gals went for a ride to Centreville & Sturgis. Chuck, Jack & a bunch of buddies drove in at 12 & Mom chased them away. Got to bed at 1:00."

Thursday, June 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed two of my dresses today. Otherwise just a usual day. Got a letter from Ruth Ann today."

Wednesday, June 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I ironed today & washed & ironed our capes & aprons."

Tuesday, June 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Just another day. Washed my head. Tonite Rose, Marcia & I went to twon to pick up Greg & some ice cream for the cub scout committee which met here. I layed on my bed & read while they blabbed till 11 o'clock."

Monday, June 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Today when I came back to work I felt like cryin' so I did. I couldn't think of nothing but Marv. I felt better this afternoon. Tonite about 11 Esther & Elsie & Marion Stauffer come over. Est told me Marv had come back to Dan's for part of the week. I felt much better."

Sunday, June 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Pete's & Ervin's & Emil K's were here for dinner. Us & Pete's girls went up to Levi Bontrager's & played ball with some other kids. Tonite we went to Mommies after supper.

Marv never showed up tonite. I feel like bawling."

Saturday, June 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked pretty hard today - cleanin' etc. Ruth Ann & Al & Alma come over tonite. Marv also come down. We played cards. Alma stayed all nite. Marv went home at 1:00."

Friday, June 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finally time to go home. It's been a long week. Judy come down tonite so we walked down the road to Fair's - just to go past Dan's. Vern B stopped & talked to us. He wanted me to go out with Levi tomorrow nite. Told him I couldn't."

Thursday, June 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
This afternoon I sat & listened to the radio & tought about Marv for 2 whole hours. Tonite I went to the free show with my babysitting kids."

Wednesday, Jun 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Very cool today - in the 50's. I ironed today.

Tuesday, June 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Still very hot. Hung out clothes today. Stormed this afternoon - cooled off."

Monday, June 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to work today. Like it fairly good so far. If I could get Marv off the brain it would be easier."

Sunday, June 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church, come home, Est was gone to Buck Lake. Mom & Dad went to Nottawa. Marv & I went to the singin'.

My day was perfect till we found out we had to bring Betty & Sarah home from the singin'. Spoiled my day."

Saturday, June 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to the reunion today at Henry Helmuth's. I went with Verns & come home with Rays.

Marv come down tonite. Went home at about 11."

Friday, June 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I ironed today & mowed lawn. Didn't see Marv all day. He didn't even go by."

Thursday, June 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I started giving the floor another coat of tongseal but Est finished it. Didn't do much else important - cleaned garden. Marv went down & ordered a new buggy tonite."

Wednesday, June 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
I didn't get much done today with Marv across the road plwing. Didn't feel too good. Marv & Marv went fishing tonite. Marv talked awhile when they come back."

Tuesday, June 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom washed today & scrubbed the living room floor.

We went to Petes tonite for supper. Ruth Ann & I walked way down past Londick & back. We had a real good talk. Mostly about Marv & Al."

Monday, June 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked hard today to wash the ceiling & walls in the living room. Worked hard watching for Marvin to go by."

Sunday, June 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Laid around all day today & looked like a slop. Jke's girls were here today & Nancy Wheeler. Marin picked me up tonite & we went to his place for an ice cream supper & singin. T.B. Bothered me tonite again but I told him I was busy."

Saturday, June 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked around here today. Tonite I thought maybe Marv would come but he went to Ind. instead. (DARN HIM!)

I went down & Lahrkes where Est was babysitting."

Friday, June 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Washed Sams car this morning. At 12:45 I went to school for my report card. Stayed 'bout an hour. My exam grades were all B's except A in Geometry & the years final grades the same except A- in Geometry. Done Sat's work, washed my head & come home. Rode Bike to Linda's. Just so I could go past Dan's but I didn't see Marv. DARN!"

Thursday, June 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Again no school. Made my new blue nylon taffeta dress.

Went to graduation tonite. Went to Rays for ice cream & cake. Got back to Sam's at 12 o'clock."

Wednesday, May 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school & I never felt better. I pushed Marv S. to the back of my brain & simply flew thru my exams. We got our annuals today."

Tuesday, May 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
No school today so I washed this morning, laid around - ironed - cut my dress & laid around some more.

Rested up real good & tried to study but mostly I dreamed about Marvin S."

Monday, May 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school & also to Sam's. Didn't do much at Sam's tonite. Had history exam wasn't too bad."

Sunday, Mary 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up early and Ruth Ann, Alma, Al, & I went to sam's. Got stuff all ready for the wedding. Then us table waiters & some others all went to see Jake & Barb get hitched. Est was a side-sitter. Had a hard day. Truman ask me if I was going to the singin. I gladly told him yes.

I got home - got ready & went to the singin with Marvin S. Big singin. Had lotta fun. Specially on long moonlite ride home."

Saturday, May 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
This morn us & Pete's girls went to Sam E's. to help get ready for Wedding. I mopped their kitchen & helped with other stuff. Est stayed all nite. We come home & Dad took us all to Nottawa then to Pete's. Al was there which surprised Ruth Ann. I stayed at Pete's all nite. Didn't get to sleep till about 12:00 or 1 o'clock."

Friday, May 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Today was dress up day. Had a Geometry test. Tonite I done Clara's Saturday's work then they brought me home. Pete's girls come over all nite tonite.

Thursday, May 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finished my dress tonite."

Wednesday, May 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Clara had company tonite so I done my home work & worked on my dress."

Tuesday, May 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Started my dress tonite."

Monday, May 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Tonite I went to Sam Claras from school. Done the washing & cut my new dress. Wrote Ruth Ann a letter."

Sunday, May 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Ruth Ann's ball game today. Went to singin with Truman tonite. Had more fun with Marv S. Got 2 dates with Marv in the future."

Saturday, May 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked around here today. Went to the show with Levi B. tonite. Got home at 1:30."

Friday, May 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Us & Pete's girls went to town to buy dresses for the wedding."

Thursday, May 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing special."

Wednesday, May 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing special."

Tuesday, May 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing special."

Monday, May 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est went to Chicago today. Marv S. & I went to Centreville to pick her up. Bought some ice cream & Dan's came down for ice cream.

Jerry H. talked to me 6th hr today."

Sunday, May 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est & I stayed home from church. Pete's girls were here about ---- that long in the afternoon. Marv S. stopped here on the way down to Dan's to chore. Est went to Deannie Vogl's house all night. Linda come down this eve."

Saturday, May 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up bright & early. Washed, ironed, done Sat. work, took bath & they brought me home. Nancy W. picked us girls up & took us to Three Rivers to her birthday party. Got home at one."

Friday, May 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a gen. Bus. Test today. Washed off front porch & cleaned the upstairs. Sam & Clara picked me up tonite to help her wash tomorrow."

Thursday, May 11, 1961

"Dear Diary
Cleaned garden, mowed more lawn, picked asparagas. Levi pitched first varsity baseball game tonite (1 hitter)."

Wednesday, May 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mowed more lawn tonite & cleaned garden & ironed."

Tuesday, May 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mowed lawn after school tonite."

Monday, May 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Just another school day."

Sunday, May 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ruthie come this morning before I was up. I took Nellie over to Petes today. Al, his sis, Sarah & Lydian Hochstetler were there. Went for a ride in the afternoon. Talked to Treva in Nottawa."

Saturday, May 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Took Marv to the dentist today. Barb brought me home. Not much else."

Saturday, May 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Took Marv to the dentist today. Barb brought me home. Not much else."

Friday, May 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got a perfect Geometry test & a "B" on a history quiz. Went to Dan's tonite."

Thursday, May 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Took a history quiz today but nothing else important. Went to the PTA tonite with Donna."

Wednesday, May 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up early to go on a homec trip. Ruth Ann went with me. We went to Battle Creek. Tonite Hank & Susie was here for supper. Ruthy Y. was here all nite."

Tuesday, May 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Tonite I stayed in Centreville with Nancy W. She had her hair cut & I bought tennis shoes. Shirley Ash come home with us all nite. Jo4., Nancy W, Jim W, Sharon Toviles & Dick K. come over for a ball game tonite & I took them all for a buggy ride. Pete's girls came over & we had a good ball game. Hank & Clara Sue were here later. Ruth Ann stayed all nite. Had a Geometry test today."

Monday, May 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do anything important today."

Sunday, April 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Jake's girls came after their church & stayed all afternoon. Nancy & Jim W. & Larry S. were also here. Barb & I & the boys went to Pete's tonite. Clara Sue & Ann, Est & Judy, & Barb & I went for a ride tonite. Jerrys were here for supper too."

Saturday, April 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Jake's girls brought Annie out this afternoon. Mary Lou & Vern come tonite & Marv come with them!! Marv & I went to Constantine & Centreville & back. Seen TB & Jr. in Centreville."

Friday, April 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Chose the cheerleaders today. Won't find out till Monday who to it."

Thursday, April 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing important happened today."

Wednesday, April 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had C+ on History quiz. Nancy W. & I walked down to Fairview Hospital & applied for a job. Mrs. Wheeler brought us home. Had Gen. Bus. test."

Tuesday, April 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finally heard from Mary Lou today. Washed my noggin tonite. History Quiz."

Monday, April 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school today even though I didn't feel so hot. Started pink dress tonite."

Sunday, April 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Est & Clara Sue went with Ray's to Nappanee today. Sue & Rudy were here a while."

Saturday, April 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much today as I got sorta sick. Ray's come tonite. Clara Sue stayed all nite. Got my order today."

Friday, April 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
A on GB quiz, got a letter from Ruth Ann. Hoe'd onions."

Thursday, April 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had Gen. Bus. quiz."

Wednesday, April 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Nothing important. Oh yeah - report cards. Didn't make the honor roll. Just honorable mention."

Tuesday, April 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school. Got B+ on Geometry test & B on History quiz."

Monday, April 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
No school today. Too bad a storm. Washed eggs & guess that's about it."

Sunday, April 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church. Ruth Ann didn't come home. Had blizzard today."

Saturday, April 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Raked lawn & planted onions today. Tonite Linda & Vern & Levi & I went to M-60 Drive In tonite. Had fun. Got in at 1:30."

Friday, April 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had Geometry test today. Levi ask me to go to the show with him!"

Thursday, April 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Practiced for fashion show today. Nancy picked us & Linda up a & we went to the Fashion Show. I saw Mrs. Wardwell thru the window of the cafeteria, some kind of teachers meeting."

Wednesday, April 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Crazy day today. Linda & I stayed to help decorate the stage for Fashion Show."

Tuesday, April 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Are getting ready for Fashion Show Thur. nite. Got A- on Gen. Bus. Quiz. Guess thats all."

Monday, April 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school - Got C on History Quiz took Thur."

Sunday, April 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to Momie & Daudy for dinner today. They came home from Fla. Thurs. Went to Amos H. to see their new boy tonite. Hank took us."

Saturday, April 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
A busy Sat. but didn't get too much done. Est went to babysit for Elenor Schrader. Gone all day & nite. I ironed, raked, planted, baked, & washed dishes. Guess thats all."

Friday, April 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school as usual. Went to Jr. play tonite with Linda. Had fun."

Thursday, April 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had assembly today at 11: for baseball & track boys. Had History quiz -4. Got Gen. Bus. tests (B+). Went to Lahrkes to babysit for 2 hrs tonite."

Wednesday, April 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do anything important today. Alma Marie & Mandy were here this aft. They went to the dentist. Bobbie, Jake & Anna Mae brought them home. Had a letter from Ruth Ann."

Tuesday, April 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school! Sort of a dull day. Tonite I raked a little. Called Barb from phone booth."

Monday, April 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
No school today. Ruth went home today. Si's were here today. They're gonna rent our house. Wrote to Mary Lou tonite."

Sunday, April 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Another dull Sun. Except for Ruthie & Sue & Rudy came up & Sue & I went to Nottawa for ice cream. Buddy, Jr. & Robt. were at the store. Robt. ask me if I would go out with Bud. I refused. Rudy's & Est, & Ruth, & I went up to Levis but they weren't home so Ruth come back home with us."

Saturday, April 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
It was a beautiful day. Cold & snowy! Est & I took Nellie & went up to Levi's & got Ruthie for the week end."

Good Friday, March 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Mom, Dad & boys went to church today & I sat home alone all day. Est come home tonite."

Thursday, March 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Last day of school for this week. Est went to Rays overnite. Marvin Schlabach went to Arizona yesterday or Tue. He'll be gone 2 weeks."

Wednesday, March 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finished Esther's lavender dress tonite. Guess that's all."

Tuesday, March 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
To school & tonite we went to Augs for ice cream."

Monday, March 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Chapman told me all her crap again. Est & I walked down to Ev's tonite & she took us to Nottawa for can lids - we're canning beef. Got B's on History & Gen. Bus. tests."

Sunday, March 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
What I thought was going to be a dull day turned out fairly well. Ann B. Clara Sue, Sarah B. & Est & I went gaddin around. Went to Centreville then come back past Sherms. Him, Neil, Harley, & Fred Y. & 2 other boys chased us up to Levis. Went to Clara Sue's & I went to the show with her & Ann."

Saturday, March 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Beautiful spring day. I washed windows outside & Est & I raked lawn this aft."

Friday, March 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had two big tests today. History & Gen. Bus. Tonite us kids all went down to Dan's. Had fun as Marv S. was there, naturally."

Thursday, March 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a very exciting day or nite. Sarah, Est, Vern, Levi & I all went to see "Ben Hur." We went to the Steak House for pop afterward. Got to bed at 12:30."

Wednesday, March 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school as usual. Est & I went down to Si's tonite to sell beef. Otherwise nothing important."

Tuesday, March 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Today was dress up day at school. Girls wore dresses & heels or flats & boys wore suits. Everybody looked real "'cool.'"

Monday, March 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a hectic nite. Est was mad cause I finished my blue Cupioni but I didn't get hers done."

Sunday, March 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
We had church today - in Henry's house. Rays picked Clara up tonite."

Saturday, March 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked like crazy. About 5:30 Est & I took Nellie & went after Alma Marie. She stayed all nite."

Friday, March 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed when I come home from school."

Thursday, March 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Just another common day."

Wednesday, March 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Wrote to Ruth Ann & otherwise it was just a usual day."

Tuesday, March 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to our game tonite. We lost to Lawton 67-76 - they cheated like crazy. Ends our basketball season."

Monday, March 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school. Ate popcorn in homec sixth hr. Chuck S & Jack B were down there & I fed Jack popcorn."

Sunday, March 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Set home this forenoon. Amos S's came down this aft. Est & I walked to Dans for a chat this aft. Come home - done chores - & TB come before I was ready. We went to singin at Ezra Bs. Had fun."

Saturday, March 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked at home. Washed woodwork in kitchen & etc. Set home tonite & TB didn't show up like I thought he mite. Played Burr Oak & won. Got district class D trophy."

Friday, March 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Another pep meeting - play Mendon. Went to game. Won for 19th win."

Thursday, March 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much cept tell Hosking off cause he give me a B & I done st. A work. (class altered*)" (*illegible)

Wednesday, March 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had pep assembly today. Got port cards. Made honor roll. Won basketball game 4 18th st. win. Got A on History Quiz."

Tuesday, March 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school. Messed around."

Monday, March 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school. Got an A on Geometry test. Had only A for six weeks out of our class. Ruth Ann's birthday & didn't even send her a card or anything."

Sunday, March 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church at Petes early this morning. Ruth Ann & Al was home. M.S. was in church but didn't come to the singin. I come home from the singin with T.B. Jr. Y. came along. Got in at 12. Had fun."

Saturday, March 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Worked around house today. Tried to make Annie a skirt. Made pizza & ice cream for supper."

Friday, March 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Another week of school gone. End of six weeks. Band kids were gone on trip all day. Made ice cream for supper. Annie came. Had hot dogs also."

Thursday, March 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had Geom. test today. Pretty hard. Sewed on my blue dress."

Wednesday, March 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done nothing again. Had a whole cake for 5 girls on the bus. Joan brought it. Had a History test got 100%. Heard from Ruth Ann."

Tuesday, February 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much of anything today. Mom went to the doc's."

Monday, February 27, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do much today. Worked on my blue dress 5th hour. I made Esther a skirt tonite."

Sunday, February 26, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Us kids piled on the cutter this morn and went over to Petes. Ruth Ann was supposed to be home but guess the weather was too bad. Mom & Dad also came for dinner. Tonite Levi's, Bills, & Rays were here for ice cream. Sue & Rudy also stuck in. Had a good talk with Sue."

Saturday, February 25, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do anything exciting today except watch people get stuck. Snowed & blowed the whole day. Mary Lou & Vern stopped in today."

Friday, February 24, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school today as usual. Tonite we all went to Open House at the new school house. Had fun."

Thursday, February 23, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got scared of a man who set out in the hall today. Played soft ball with bro. Marv tonite. Real nice weather. Wrote to Ruth Ann."

Wednesday, February 22, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Drug thru another day & thats all."

Tuesday, February 21, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a good day at school. Pep meeting. Went to game at K-Christian. We beat for our 6th st. win. 64-53 Got home at 11:30."

Monday, February 20, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Back to school! Had fun. Chapman & I planned something but Mom changed my plans. (for Sat. night) Boo hoo!

Sunday, February 19, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Thought Ruth Ann came home so Dad took us girls over to Petes early this morn. She wasn't there! Came home, dressed & went to church. Went to singin at Bill Bontragers with Marvin S. Didn't turn out like I hoped. There's a question on my mind????????"

Saturday, February 18, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Ironed some more. It rained some more too. Got a letter from Ruth Ann. Annie came on 6:30 bus."

Friday, February 17, 1961

"Dear Diary,
No school today. Rained all day. I ironed & made a top of a dress."

Thursday, February 16, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Last Day of school for this week! Had a Gen. Bus. quiz today. Boys went to Dan's. Mom wouldn't let us girls go!"

Wednesday, February 15, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got the Geometry tests back. Got highest in the class. First time this year. Est & I went over to Hazels & watched a few shows tonite."

Tuesday, February 14, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got an A on that Gen. Bus. test. Had a Geometry test. Wrote to Ruth Ann."

Monday, February 13, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Drug myself out this morn. for a dull day at school. Real nice & warm today. Made ice cream today."

Sunday, February 12, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Got up at 8:30. Pearl Louise & Anna Mae got up early & watched milk. Set the table too. Us girls ate a blueberry pie for breakfast. Had pizza for dinner. Tonite Rachel Wickey & kids were here. Linda was here this aft. Harley & Jake played for us tonite when they picked up Rachel."

Saturday, February 11, 1961

"Dear Diary,
What a day! Bobbie, Judy, & Anna Mae come about 8:30. We worked & messed around. Alma Marie & Pearl Louise also came all night. Lydia N. & her bro's came for supper. Petes were also here & Rays came after supper. Rays kids stayed till about 12 o'clock."

Friday, February 10, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Had a pep meeting tonite. Brightened the day. Mary Lou & Vern were here for popcorn & played cards till 10:30 or 11. Heard from Ruth Ann."

Thursday, February 9, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Finished that Gen. Bus. test today & messed around. Guess that's all."

Wednesday, February 8, 1961

"Dear Diary,

Didn't do anything worthwhile today. Had a General Bus. test & got mad at Hoskings. Made ice cream tonite. George came & ate some."

Tuesday, February 7, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Didn't do anything special today. Just went to school & messed around."

Monday, February 6, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went back to school. Had Geometry & History tests - 2 B's. Tonite Est & I & Vern & Melly went up to Levi's & played Rook till 8:30. Come home & Dan's kids were here so we took them home & stayed there till 10:30. Marv was there & he asked me to go with him to the singin in 2 wks. I accepted. Natch!"

Sunday, February 5, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to church & played Touring & Rook. Marv S. helped me play Touring. Went to singin at Sam B's tonite with Alvin W. Wrote to Ruth Ann when I got home."

Saturday, February 4, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Cooked dinner for Vern S. & Ed Yoder today. They hauled posts. Est went babysitting at Larke's & I ironed. I also babysat tonite. Clara Sue came over awhile. Heard from Ruth Ann."

Friday, February 3, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Another school week over with. Us kids walked to Dan's tonite. Watched TV & Marvin Schlabach."

Thursday, February 2, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school & guess not much else."

Wednesday, February 1, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Alma Marie & Linda Fair stayed here all night. Linda & I washed our heads. Had fun."

Tuesday, January 31, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Went to school but it was dull & boring today. Didn't do much."

Monday, January 30, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Drug my tired self to school today. Walked up town. Nancy C, Rose S., Vern B., & Harley followed our bus tonite. Was we mad! Dad & Mom were both at Joe Y's. Dad was pall bearer. Mom helped at the house. She didn't come home till late with Verns. Us kids made ice cream & Vern stayed for a dish."

Sunday, January 29, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Today Rudy's, Vern's & Levi's were here for dinner. Had 2 tables of Rook a going. Tuffy's came a while this evening."

Saturday, January 28, 1961

"Dear Diary,
Done the usual cleaning & settin' around. Est & Ruthie went to Christy & Edith's place to babysit. Dad went to set up at Joe Yoders. The boys went to Mann's so I went over too. About 10 Alvin, W.B. & Harvey S. come. We played cards till 3:30 AM. Then I couldn't sleep when I got to bed!"