In Minneapolis on Sunday, December 11, 1955, Dale wrote, “Helen and I put wallboard on Stanley’s room and closet.” This was a room in the basement, with a separate bathroom (toilet and shower) also in the basement.
Installing Wallboard
High School Chorus Concert
In Minneapolis on Wednesday, December 10, 1958, Dale wrote, “High 15°, low 7° below. Helen, Dinny, me, and Mr. and Miss Holm went to the high school at night to a chorus concert. Very good. Dalene sang a short solo.” The Holms were neighbors.
Christmas Shopping
In Minneapolis on Monday, December 9, 1957, Dale wrote, “High was 41°. Nice day, cloudy. Helen and I went downtown Christmas shopping after supper. Stan and Dalene stayed home.”
World War II Declared
In St. Paul on Monday, December 8, 1941, Dale worked in the Alcohol Tax Unit office. He wrote, “War declared on Japan. Nothing but war today. Philippines attacked.”
A Cold Farm Sale
On Thursday, December 7, 1950, Dale was in Osceola for his parents’ farm equipment sale (above) and drove back to Muscatine that afternoon. They realized about $14,000 from the sale, equivalent to $136,000 today.
Visiting Phillips & Sons
In Minneapolis on Friday, December 6, 1957, Dale wrote, “Spencer Larson came down to Phillips to visit. I went shopping at night at S&L for a present for Helen. We watched a late show. Dalene is home sick with a cold.” Spencer was a student renting half the basement room. Above is a bottle of the peppermint schnapps bottled at Phillips that Dad would take to settle an upset stomach.
It’s Cold Out There
In Minneapolis on Friday, December 5, 1958, Dale wrote, “High 3° above, low 2° below. Letter from Mother. Stan out to supper with a girl. Dalene went to a basketball game. Windy. Helen tried to get Dusty in the house but he wouldn’t come. Watched a late movie.” Our cat Dusty lived under the back porch.
Planning For The Rose Bowl
In Minneapolis on Monday, December 4, 1961, Dale wrote, “Dalene finished making arrangements for girls to take to the Rose Bowl. I called Marie Kimmel at 10:30 p.m. for parade and parking instructions.” Marie had been there a number of times. Minnesota was to play UCLA.
We Lose Roswell
In Minneapolis on Tuesday, December 3, 1963, Dale wrote, “High about 32°. Roswell died 2 a.m., in Muscatine. Mother called and told us in the evening.” Roswell Gardner was Dale’s cousin, the son of Williams’ brother Charley Gardner.
Room Mates
In Minneapolis on Monday, December 2, 1957, Dale wrote, “Helen rented ½ of Stan’s room to Spencer Larson, a telegraph school student. He moved in after supper. Stan took Spencer and a friend for a ride over the city.”
Dalene Makes Paper Chains
In Muscatine on Tuesday, December 1, 1953, Dale wrote that Dalene made paper chain links for our Christmas tree.