In Minneapolis on Monday, April 10, 1961, Dale wrote, “First day Phillips is a one man assignment, and I’m it. High 52°. We three went to Atlantic Mills before supper. Dalene bought a new rain coat at Robert Hall’s, and an umbrella.” Perhaps Dalene’s rain coat resembled that worn by Audrey Hepburn in 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Bataan Death March
On Thursday, April 9, 1942, during World War II, American and Philippine defenders on Bataan capitulated to Japanese forces. The surrender was followed by the notorious Bataan Death March, when the Imperial Japanese Army forcibly transferred 76,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war, engaging in wide-ranging physical abuse and murder, resulting in very high fatalities inflicted on prisoners and civilians alike.
Dale’s Riding Mower
In Osceola on Thursday, April 8, 1971, Dale wrote, “Clear, windy, and 77°. Helen and I were in Muscatine all night last night. Drove around town, left at 11 a.m. We drove to Osceola via Indianola for goat milk. Derby for supper. Our new riding mower was here when we got home, in the driveway.” This picture is from 1986, several riding mowers later, after they moved to State Street in Osceola.
Helen Buys A Dehumidifier
In Minneapolis on Monday, April 7, 1958, Dale wrote, “Nice day, 50°. Wrote Mother a letter. Helen ordered a de-humidifier from Dayton’s. Took her to the downtown library after supper.”
First Year In Washington
In Washington, DC, on Tuesday, April 6, 1937, Dale wrote, “Been here one year. Got a card from Lloyd from Rawlins, Wyoming.” Lloyd was Dale’s older brother.
Taking Jettie Home
Still recovering in Muscatine from his leg problems on Sunday, April 5, 1953, Dale wrote, “We took Mother home. Stanley drove part way. Rode around Osceola. Stayed at Mother’s at night.” I was about to get my first driver’s license. He trusted me to drive on the highway, but I’ll bet it made him nervous.
Good Friday Paint Job
In Minneapolis on Friday, April 4, 1958, Dale took the day off work and wrote, “Good Friday. Painted Dalene’s bedroom all afternoon. Put twin beds in Dalene’s room and new double bed frame in Stan’s room.”
Marshall Plan
On Saturday, April 3, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Marshall Plan, designed to help European allies rebuild after World War II and resist Communism. Watch the video narrated by Bob Hope.
Nice Osceola Visit
On Sunday, April 2, 1961, Dale wrote, “Dinny and I at Mother’s in Osceola. Left there early and drove to Minneapolis. Nice trip. Drove 900 miles since Friday. Called Marie to send our clothes we forgot and left at Mother’s.” ‘Dinny’ was his nickname for Dalene.
Playing Ping-Pong
In Minneapolis on Monday, April 1, 1957, Dale played ping-pong with Dalene after supper, in the basement.