Month: July 2015

Smiths Anniversary

In Muscatine on Monday, July 31, 1950, Dale wrote that neighbors Jim and Martha Smith (who lived three doors up East Seventh Street) dropped in at night with their fifteen-year anniversary cake to have a quiet celebration.  Dale and Helen made coffee.

Rainy Day

In Muscatine on Sunday, July 30, 1950, Dale wrote, “Whole family rested till 11 A.M.  I got up at 8:30 to read the paper & then back to bed.  Helen & Dalene went to a show in the afternoon.  Hard rain about 3:30 P.M.  Cooled off in the evening & more rain.”

Radio Fix-It

In Muscatine on Saturday, July 29, 1950, Dale wrote, “Up at 7 A.M. & had breakfast alone.  I read the paper.  Dalene & I took Ringer for a ride in forenoon.  Took the car radio to O. Emrick in the evening.  HOT TODAY.  To bed at 11 P.M.”  Ringer was our dog; Emrick repaired electrical appliances.

Late Cool-Down

In Muscatine on Friday, July 28, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Jack Owens came down to the plant to say goodbye – he is transferred to Yankton, South Dakota.  Hot today.  I mowed the yard after supper & cut weeds.  Stayed home at night & to bed after midnight.”  They had no air conditioning, so waited for the evening cool-down to go to bed.

Peacetime Alcohol

In Muscatine on Thursday, July 27, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Eubanks told me they have a 4 year contract with Seagram’s for 1,000,000 gallons of pure-grain alcohol per month.  Dalene & I went to a show at night.”

Neighborly Act

In Muscatine on Wednesday, July 26, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Radke at the plant until noon.  I worked on the car radio.  Wiped dust off car after work.  Loaned Jim Smith the rake.  Stayed home at night.  To bed at 10 P.M.” The Smith family lived a couple houses up the street from us.

Get A Book

In Muscatine on Tuesday, July 25, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Durkin, Radke, & Hemerson here on business at the plant.  Plant can’t have but one C.R.  Got our hospital & surgical policy.  To the library at night.”  Musser Public Library, above, on Iowa Avenue.  A newer building is there now.

Squeaky Belt?

In Muscatine on Monday, July 24, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Bought a new belt for the refrigerator.  I went to a show at night.  Wrote a card to the folks.  Cool at night.”

More Races

In Muscatine on Sunday, July 23, 1950, Dale wrote, “Slept until noon.  Dalene & I went to stock car races in the afternoon.  Helen & Dalene went to a show at night.  Stan & I stayed home.”

Popping Pills

In Muscatine on Saturday, July 22, 1950, Dale wrote, “Up late & to the plant to write inspection reports on new C.R. ‘B.’  Bought 2 new pair shorts.  Paid telephone bill & $5 to Grimm’s Drugs.  Started to take vitamin pills – one a day.  To bed early.”

Weekly Report

In Muscatine on Friday, July 21, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Wrote my weekly report.  Asked for 2 more Gaugers.  Talked to Willey & Eubanks about 1431 & 27A.  Only filled 1 tank car today.  Dalene & I went to a show at night.”

Another Birthday

In Muscatine on Thursday, July 20, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  I washed & waxed our car.  Helen is 39 today.  Cool weather.  To bed at 9 P.M.”

Pay Day

In Muscatine on Wednesday, July 19, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  Rain & cool today.  Pay day.  Called Wing regarding transit partition.  4 tank cars out, 1 received.  Dalene & I went to a show at night.”

Routine Day

In Muscatine on Tuesday, July 18, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  3 tank cars & 100 barrels withdrawn today.  Went to the store after work.  Mowed the yard after supper.  Cool tonight & raining.  Stanley still coughing.”

Back To Work

In Muscatine on Monday, July 17, 1950, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30.  First day back after 2 weeks of vacation.  Loaded 3 tank cars & 3 trucks today.  I came home for dinner.  Took Stanley for a shot at 4:45.  Sent $8.80 for group insurance.”  He was a government agent at the alcohol plant, and those tank cars and trucks were filled with alcohol.

Off To The Races

In Muscatine on Sunday, July 16, 1950, Dale wrote, “Slept late.  I got breakfast.  Went to stock car races.  Had chicken dinner.  Stanley slowly getting better.  Dalene’s arm is sore from her booster shot.  Rain in the afternoon.”

More Shots

In Muscatine on Saturday, July 15, 1950, Dale wrote, “Slept late.  Went to the store.  Took Stanley to Dr. Swayze for another shot.  Took Dalene too for booster shot for diphtheria, lock jaw, & whooping cough.  Warm day.”

Stan Got Shot

In Muscatine on Friday, July 14, 1950, Dale wrote, “Stanley had his best night in 3 weeks & feels better today.  Took him in to Dr. Swayze for another shot.  Dalene & I went to a show at night.  Cashed our last 2 bonds for doctor bills.”

Chilly Morning

In Muscatine on Thursday, July 13, 1950, Dale wrote, “Still on vacation.  Very cool, built a kindling fire in furnace in the morning.  Took Stanley to Dr. Swayze in the afternoon for X-rays.  Dalene & I went to a show at night.”

Over The Hill

In Muscatine on Wednesday, July 12, 1950, Dale wrote, “Still on vacation.  I’m 41 years old today.  Helen baked a cake for me.”
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