In Muscatine on Tuesday, December 11, 1951, Dale, Helen, and Dalene went to an open house at Dalene’s Jefferson Elementary School (above).
Jefferson School Open House
Singing
In Muscatine on Monday, December 10, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 – 4:30. Olsgaard at plant. Asked Chris to do something about Baumgardner using our phone at noon for personal calls. Got a haircut after work. Stan sang at night at Moore Hall.” In my freshman year, I was a member of the high school madrigal group (above); we sang mostly Renaissance music.
Growing Pains?
In Muscatine on Sunday, December 9, Dale wrote, “Kids went to Sunday school. Helen fixed Stanley’s suit to fit him, he sang at Presbyterian church in the afternoon. Dalene went to a show with Mary Ella. Meads here to watch football in afternoon. 22° at bedtime.”
First Winter Snow
In Muscatine on Saturday, December 8, 1951, Dale wrote, “Up at 7 A.M. & ate alone. Bought 10 yards heavy brown paper & covered back porch screens. Letter from Wilma – Marvins lost their baby. Kids went to a show in the afternoon. Snow today but not cold. TV at night.” Helen’s nephew Marvin Schaffer (son of Louie) was married to Fern Stevens; their daughter Christie died at five weeks old.
Quiet Day At Work
In Muscatine on Friday, December 7, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 – 4:30. Lofgren has back ache, Bushery worked for him 11 – 7. Two tank cars today, pretty quiet at plant. Warm & windy. TV at night until 10:45.” This was the tenth anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that actively involved the U.S. in World War II.
Time To Pay Bills
In Muscatine on Thursday, December 6, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Olsgaard at plant on IAP renewal. Not very busy. Paid Montgomery Ward $19, $15 gas bill, $6.50 phone bill, $40 groceries. TV at night.”
Oyster Stew
In Muscatine on Wednesday, December 5, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Replaced both front spindles, tightened left front shock absorber & adjusted steering for $18+. Stanley home sick with stomach flu. Doctor here in afternoon a few minutes. Paid $6 book, gas & lights & sanitation, etc. Oyster stew for supper.” Those car repairs would cost $170 in 2016 dollars.
Ouch
In Muscatine on Tuesday, December 4, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 – 4:30. Deputy Collector Hoffman interviewed Gaugers regarding financial statements. Stan fell in school hall & hurt his knee. Called doctor. Dalene is better but still out of school. Got spindle bolts replaced.”
One Sick Girl
In Muscatine on Monday, December 3, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Rod Mead came to work today, transferred from Omaha. Dalene home from school today, stomach flu. Meads here in evening till 11 P.M. Warm, in 60s.”
Spindle-Fixin’
In Muscatine on Sunday, December 2, Dale wrote, “Got breakfast & Helen & I ate together. Tried to fix spindle on car. Bushery brought pictures. Mrs. Herlein here to see Stanley. Alva & Teresa & friend here a little while. To bed at 10:30.” Above: Spindles are part of the suspension system.
Walloping Army
In Muscatine on Saturday, December 1, 1951, Dale wrote, “Went to store in morning. Watched Navy beat Army 42-7 & Notre Dame beat Southern Cal on TV. Mead called from Des Moines. Went to bed early, family watched Mystery Hour.”