Author: Editorial Team

FDR Signs Military Draft

September 16, 2012 by Editorial Team

On Monday, September 16, 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 (below), which began the first peacetime military draft in the United States, and also established the Selective Service System as an independent agency responsible for identifying and inducting young men into military service. During World War II, legislation amended the act to require all men from 18 to 65 to register, with those aged 18 to 45 being immediately liable for induction.

Fetching Tomatoes

September 15, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Minneapolis on Monday, September 15, 1958, Dale wrote, “Nice day, high 70°. Stan and Dinny went to get tomatoes after work at Sharon Lynn’s.” Sharon was a neighbor and friend of Dalene’s.

Roast Beef At Home

September 14, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Osceola on Sunday, September 14, 1952, for the weekend, Dale and Dalene visited with Jettie and Marie Kimmel in the morning, and drove back to Muscatine. Dale wrote, “Helen had roast beef for supper.” Below: Dale’s sister, Marie Kimmel.

Fried Chicken Birthday Dinner

September 13, 2012 by Editorial Team

On Saturday, September 13, 1952, Dale and Dalene drove from Muscatine to Osceola and had a fried chicken dinner at Lloyd’s for his 45th birthday. Lloyd’s wife, Clarice, made good fried chicken. They spent the night at Jettie’s. Below: Dale’s brother, Lloyd Gardner.

Another Model A

September 12, 2012 by Editorial Team

In St. Paul on Thursday, September 12, 1941, Dale took the afternoon off to buy a car, another Ford Model A, for $125. Here’s one:

Moving Next Door

September 11, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Muscatine on Tuesday, September 11, 1951, Helen and Dale finished moving from 507 to 505 East Seventh Street, except for the contents of the garage and basement.

Riding The Bus

September 10, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Clinton, Iowa, on September 10, 1943, Dale wrote, “Stanley came to meet me at work and didn’t get there till 5:45. He couldn’t get off the bus and rode it to the end of the line and back downtown and then back to the plant.” Below: a crowded bus in 1943.

Picnic In The Park

September 9, 2012 by Editorial Team

After work in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, September 9, 1936, Dale and Helen and Marie Gardner (visiting from Osceola) had a picnic in Rock Creek Park, where Marie and Helen went wading. Marie stayed until October 11, when she left for Osceola on a Greyhound bus. Below: Dale’s sister Marie with Helen in Rock Creek

Fixin’ To Move Next Door

September 8, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Muscatine on Saturday, September 8, 1951, Dale and Helen put linoleum on the basement floor next door at 505 East Seventh Street and carried toys and boxes over there. They waxed the main floors, put down rugs, and had gas, lights, and water turned on. We were about to move there from 507 East Seventh Street. Below: Helen and Dale in front of the 505 house.

Starting First Grade

September 7, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Clinton, Iowa, on Tuesday, September 7, 1943, Dale wrote, “Stanley started first grade at Longfellow Elementary School.” That’s it below.

Going To Batterson’s

September 6, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Muscatine on Tuesday, September 6, 1955, Dale bought a winter coat for Dalene at Batterson’s Department Store, below.

My ’49 Ford

September 5, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Minneapolis on Wednesday, September 5, 1956, Dale wrote, “Helen and I got up early to see Stanley off for Muscatine and Junior College.” I was driving a 1949 Ford like this one:

Back To Junior College

September 4, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Minneapolis on Tuesday, September 4, 1956, Dale wrote, “Stan loaded his car for the trip to Muscatine tomorrow.” I moved back to Muscatine for my sophomore year at the Community College. I shared a room at the YMCA for a week or two with Chester Ballenger while looking for an apartment. Then I moved to an apartment at 217½ Iowa Avenue (below) with Bill Mullen.

Back To School

September 3, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Muscatine on Wednesday, September 3, 1952, Dale wrote, “Kids in school all day.” I started my sophomore year in high school (below), and Dalene started fifth grade at Jefferson Elementary.

Pancakes For Breakfast

September 2, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Muscatine on Sunday, September 2, 1951, Dale made pancakes for breakfast. I continue the Sunday tradition with a variety of recipes and genuine maple syrup. My parents used Karo corn syrup, which was about the only syrup available in Muscatine those years. Below: George and Alice Gobel in a vintage Karo ad.

Another State Fair

September 1, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Minneapolis on Saturday, September 1, 1956, Dale wrote, “I painted the back porch upstairs and steps. Beautiful day. High 71°. Stan went to the Minnesota State Fair with Carol somebody.” I don’t remember either, Dad. The state fair crowd, below:

At The 1941 Auto Races

August 31, 2012 by Editorial Team

In St. Paul on Sunday, August 31, 1941, Dale, Helen, Stanley, and Mary Ann Marshall (a neighbor girl) went to the Minnesota State Fair. Dale watched the auto races while the others went through the exhibits and the Midway.

At The State Fair

August 30, 2012 by Editorial Team

In St. Paul on Saturday, August 30, 1941, Dale worked a half day, then took his family to the State Fair. He wrote, “Very hot. Saw exhibits. Went to Grandstand in evening to see Revue and fireworks. Nice time.” Below: a 1941 postcard for the Minnesota state fair.

A World War II Reunion

August 29, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Osceola on Sunday, August 29, 1943, Dale wrote, “Family reunion. Marie from San Francisco. Lloyd from Omaha. Dale from Clinton, Iowa. Had fried chicken.” Below: a 1940s reunion with Jettie standing at right; Stanley, Dalene, and Helen seated in front of her.

Dale’s New Shoes

August 28, 2012 by Editorial Team

In Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 28, 1957, Dale wrote, “I painted Stan’s new basement clothes closet after supper. My new shoes hurt my feet. Letter from Mother, Marie hurt her ankle Sunday.” Marie was Dale’s sister.