On Friday, April 20, 1951, South Muscatine residents were advised to move out because of flooding possibility along the Mississippi. Above: the riverfront in 1951.
Old Man River Rising
Woodburn Train Wreck
On Sunday, April 19, 1953, visiting in Osceola from Muscatine, Dale wrote, “At Mother’s. Marie, Susan, and Mother went to see a train wreck west of Woodburn. I went to Louie’s in the afternoon, helped do chores. Talked to Helen on phone.” Woodburn is about 10 miles east of Osceola. Marie was Dale’s sister and Susan was her daughter; Louie was Helen’s brother.
Which Is Which Chicken?
In Muscatine on Saturday, April 18, 1953, Dale and Dalene made a chicken pen for Nip and Tuck (above). Dale then drove to Osceola.
Dalene Gets Stitches
In Muscatine on Saturday, April 17, 1954, Dale wrote that Dalene cut her hand on the car ash tray and had five stitches at the hospital. Grandpa, what’s a car ash tray?
Crown Iron Works
In Minneapolis on Tuesday, April 16, 1957, Dale wrote, “Helen applied for a switchboard job at Crown Iron Works.” That’s where I was a shop helper the previous summer, painting steel beams and chipping slag off welds.
TV Doesn’t Work
In Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 15, 1959, Dale wrote, “High 75°. Got our TV back but it don’t work. Man took it back again. Took Dalene to choir practice after supper. Stan got a job for a few days.” During this year at the University of Minnesota, at various times I was a teaching assistant in the mathematics department, a math tutor, and a page in the university library. And a student.
A Como Park Ride
In Minneapolis on Sunday, April 14, 1957, Dale wrote, “Nice day. 50°. Dalene and I took a ride through Como Park.” Above: the park zoo carousel.
King Of Kings
In Minneapolis on Friday, April 13, 1962, Dale wrote, “Snow melting, high about 42°. Helen and I went to a long show, ‘King of Kings’ at the Terrace theatre at night.” I think he didn’t care for it.
Wings Of Eagles
In Minneapolis on Friday, April 12, 1957, Dale wrote, “I went to see ‘Wings of Eagles’ at night, John Wayne, very good.”
Maid-Rite Lunch
On Friday, April 11, 1952, Dale wrote that he drove his family from Muscatine to Osceola, stopping in Sigourney for lunch, and at George and Wilma’s farm to visit, before arriving at Jettie’s house. Most likely we had lunch (as usual) at a Maid-Rite café in Sigourney. Helen’s sister Wilma was married to George Casey; their farm was about two miles north of Osceola.
Harley Has Surgery
In Minneapolis on Monday, April 10, 1967, Dale wrote, “Harley operated on in Iowa City. Gallstone large as a peach pit, and cyst drained to his stomach. Took four hours. Wilma called to tell us.” Harley and Wilma were siblings of Helen.
Dehumidifier Delivered
In Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 9, 1958, Dale took the day off work and wrote, “Our new de-humidifier was delivered. Stan took Dalene to the store after work. He went to choir practice after supper.”
Fruit Basket
On sick leave in Muscatine on Wednesday, April 8, 1953, Dale wrote, “To Dr. Stella for another treatment & shot. Dalene & I to Goddard’s in afternoon to walk in timber. Basket of fruit from Distiller’s Union.” A get-well wish from the alcohol plant workers.
Goodbye, Pearl
In Osceola on Sunday, April 7, 1963, with Helen after Pearl Schaffer’s funeral, Dale wrote, “Breakfast at Mother’s, stopped at George and Wilma’s, and Gerald and Ressia’s, on our way home to Minneapolis. Rain last part of trip. Good to be home.” Pearl (above as a young man), Wilma, and Gerald were Helen’s siblings.
Jettie Arrives To Visit
On Sunday, April 6, 1952, Dale’s mother Jettie called in the morning to say she was coming by train to visit. Dale and Dalene drove to the Burlington train station to pick her up that afternoon and bring her to Muscatine.
Dating Sue Timm
In Muscatine on Tuesday, April 5, 1955, Dale wrote, “Took Stan to Sue Timm’s.” I started dating Sue Timm (above), a cute redhead. Her family farmed on highway 22 just west of what was then Muscatine city limits. Two weeks later, Sue came to our house to meet my mother – gee, that must have been serious.
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
On Monday, April 4, 1960, Elvis Presley recorded “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” in Nashville, Tennessee, for RCA Victor.
Dalene At Home
In Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 3, 1957, Dale wrote, “Helen took Dalene to doctor, she has infectious mononucleosis, has to stay home a couple of weeks. Helen got Dalene’s books at school and talked to Mr. Eng.” That must have been her teacher.
Tooth Filling
In Minneapolis on Thursday, April 2, 1964, Dale wrote, “High 48° and windy. Had my third tooth filled. Sheila got a job as ward secretary at Swedish hospital. We three went to supper at Apache, and showed movies at night.” Sheila La Von rented the basement room.
Choir Practice
In Minneapolis on Wednesday. April 1, 1959, Dale wrote, “High 52°. I went to the St. Paul office in the afternoon about filing new circulars and picked up some supplies. Also took some samples to the chemist. Took Dalene to choir practice and went after her. Stan went to a University Student Congress meeting at night.”