In Muscatine on Thursday, May 10, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Rain all day & cool. Got new master brake cylinder, emergency brake fixed, transmission grease changed. Changed oil yesterday. Letter from Mother. TV at night.”
Hard Work
Good Lube Job Day
In Muscatine on Wednesday, May 9, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Arth back to work today. Got a deck of cards at Standard Oil station. Rainy day. Jack & I packed our front wheels. Talked to Wing over the phone.”
Big Sand Mound
In Muscatine on Tuesday, May 8, 1951, Helen and Dale went to a bowling supper at the Sand Mound Restaurant at night. I wonder if it was near this nature preserve.
Foul Play?
In Muscatine on Monday, May 7, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Watched police take a body from the river near work. Nice spring day. Wrote Mother a letter. TV at night, at home.”
Bacon And Eggs?
In Muscatine on Sunday, May 6, 1951, Dale wrote, “Stayed home all day. Had breakfast at 11 A.M. Kids went to a show in the afternoon. Cool. Kids played out in the afternoon. Watched TV all afternoon & evening.”
Cash A Bond
In Muscatine on Saturday, May 5, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 12:30. Wrote inspection on IABW ‘B’ curtailment. Showers & cool today. Jack Owens borrowed our army cot & blankets. Cashed a $18.75 bond. Took family to the library at night & home to TV.”
Warm The House
In Muscatine on Friday, May 4, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 9 to 1:30. Have to work tomorrow ½ day. Cool today, had to build a fire. Stanley went skating at night. Watched TV at night at home.” That fire was in our coal furnace, so dirty work even with just kindling.
Malted Milk!
In Muscatine on Thursday, May 3, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 – 4:30. Sealed new lines in IRBW & IABW. Showers & cooler. River still at 20 feet. Letter from Wilma. Brought malted milks home. Busherys here at night a little while.” Wilma was a sister of Helen’s.
Louis Wins Again
In Muscatine on Wednesday, May 2, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Hemerson still here on inspection. Bright, warm day. Had a leaky tank truck. Franklin Deitrick here in the evening & watched Joe Louis outpoint Omelio Agramonte in 10 rounds.” Above: Louis, the Brown Bomber, is on the right and Agramonte is on the left.
Happy Birthday, Marie!
In Muscatine on Tuesday, May 1, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Hemerson at plant for inspection. Arth got letter from Durkin about drinking in Yangton. Levee still holding, had a scare at light plant in the afternoon. Cooled off in the evening. TV at night. Marie’s birthday.” It was Dale’s sister’s 33rd birthday.
Old Man River
In Muscatine on Monday, April 30, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Warm day & windy. Shower in the afternoon. Sent Marie a birthday card. Went to the top of the elevator at work to see the flood. Helen washed.” Dale’s sister Marie would be 33 years old the next day.
One Fine Day
In Muscatine on Sunday, April 29, 1951, Dale wrote, “Dalene, Ringer and I walked down to the river in the morning. Levee broke on Illinois side. Fine day. Dalene and Smith kids went to a show in the afternoon. Chicken for dinner. TV at night and to bed early.” Ringer was our dog, and the Smith family lived a couple houses up the street from us; their children were Janet and Jimmy. Above: Dalene and Dale in 1951.
Another Flood
In Muscatine on Saturday, April 28, 1951, Dale wrote that the Mississippi River was holding at 20.9 feet. The next day, a levee broke on the Illinois side of the river.
Shopping At Batterson’s
In Muscatine on Friday, April 27, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Bought new brown summer suit at Batterson’s for $20. Also new belt, 4 glass trays and cups. Card from Mother. Arth here at night for TV.” Arth was a co-worker. Above: Batterson’s department store.
Red Bicycle
In Muscatine on Thursday, April 26, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Bright warm day. 2nd Street open to traffic to Mulberry Street. Bought Stan a new bike, this is his 14th birthday. Got Dalene a new spring coat. TV at night.” I loved that bike!
What’s On TV Tonight?
In Muscatine on Wednesday, April 25, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. River higher, 20.5 feet. Cavanaugh, Arth, Arms and I working. Warm & cloudy. Pay day. Arth and Cavanaugh here in evening for television.” Those were co-workers. Above: television stations would show a ‘test pattern’ when not broadcasting programs – this was black and white TV, of course.
Rising River
After work in Muscatine on Tuesday, April 24, 1951, Dale took the family to see the river. The Mississippi (above) was still rising, near 20.5 feet.
Quiet Day
In Muscatine on Monday, April 23, 1951, Dale wrote, “Worked 8 to 4:30. Very quiet day. River over 20 feet. No mail today. Warmer in afternoon & evening.”
15 Years And Whaddya Get?
(Apologies to Tennessee Ernie Ford.) In Muscatine on Sunday, April 22, 1951, Dale noted fifteen years in the Civil Service. The Mississippi River was over 20 feet and steadily rising, and Dale wrote, “Levee broke at Port Louise. No danger to Muscatine yet.”
Steak Supper
In Muscatine on Saturday, April 21, 1951, Dale wrote, “Levee still holding. No danger where we live. Rain all forenoon. I have a catch in the back of my neck. Took a nap in the afternoon. Had steak for supper. TV at night, at home.”