In Muscatine on Friday, November 30, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Took Helen & Dalene to the library before supper. Helen & I washed. Stan went to a show with Mike. TV at night & to bed.” Mike Collier was my friend and classmate. Above: Musser Library, the Muscatine public library in early years.
We’re In The Money!
In Muscatine on Thursday, November 29, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Mr. Hayes here today. State men also. Roswell at plant in morning to visit a little while. To drug store & grocery store after work. Got a holiday check for $110.85. TV at night after a good supper.” Roswell was Dale’s cousin; the son of Charley Gardner and Meda Robins. That $110.85 would be $1,032 in 2016.
Madrigal Singing
In Muscatine on Wednesday, November 28, 1951, Dale wrote, “Stanley went with singing group to Lutheran Homes to sing for supper. Dalene went to Ann Hocking’s for birthday party.” That singing group was the madrigal group, above, part of the high school chorus. I’m third from the right in the back row, as marked by my mother.
Oyster Supper
Left-Handed Washer?
PM TV
Doc Made House Call
Christmas Parade
Happy Thanksgiving!
One Buck Drug!
Ready For Thanksgiving
Tank Cars Of Alcohol
Madrigal Group
In Muscatine on Sunday, November 18, 1951, Dale wrote, “Stayed in bed till noon. Stanley to high school in the afternoon to sing. Kids both went to a show. Baked chicken for dinner. TV at night – good programs. To bed at 10 P.M.” I was in a Madrigal group (above) in my freshman year of high school. Madrigal vocal music originated in the Renaissance and early Baroque eras and was usually performed without instruments.
Clothes Shopping
In Muscatine on Saturday, November 17, 1951, Dale wrote, “To Batterson’s department store & bought $65 worth of clothes for Stan & Dalene. Watched football on TV in the afternoon. Kids went to a show. 20° above at 5 P.M. TV at night. Gave old davenport to Walkers.” That $65 would be $605 in 2016 – a lot of clothes.
Sing A Song
Paying Bills
In Muscatine on Thursday, November 15, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 – 4:30. Paid $45.75 to Dr. Swayze, $10 to Nomland, $20.50 to Dr. Miller, $13.10 to Grimm’s Drugs. Took family to library before supper. Some people moved in next door at 507 E. 7th Street.” That’s where we lived until two months ago.
TV Boxing
In Muscatine on Wednesday, November 14, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 – 4:30. Received retroactive pay check for period 7-8-51 to 10-17-51 for $95.62. Worked on questionnaire at plant. Bright day. TV at night – boxing, etc.” That paycheck must have been for holiday and overtime work, and would be $890 in 2016 dollars.