As this month opens, Emma and Tell have just moved from their rented farm property in Lake City, IA to Media, PA to live with Ruth, Robert, and Bobbie.
Mon 1. This has been a cloudy washday but a lot of the clothes got dry. Ruth did the washing and I hung it out. Sally came to do hers and ate lunch with us. Ruth went to the hair dressers before they left for Wilmington. I did a little ironing. Bobby was tired but wouldn’t go to sleep. Dad took her for a ride on her tricycle and after supper she was ready for bed. Dad is working on a typewriter table. Ruth, Bob, and I are trying to learn to type correctly. I have done six lines 6 times correctly. Emil came in asked to try it out. I baked some “Health Bread” this afternoon. I hope it is good.
I found a 1941 newspaper recipe for Health Bread. It was a yeast bread that called for oatmeal, whole wheat, bran, molasses, and raisins.
Tue 2. Guess the folks like the Health Bread. I did not care much for it. Dad went to Philadelphia with Bob & Ruth today. I staid at home with Bobbie. Did the ironing and most of the mending. Got dinner for Emil. Opened a can of chicken & made baking powder bisquit. Have spent a while typing this evening. Am beginning to conquer it. The freight did not arrive.
Wed 3. After getting the work pretty well done I went to the Clinic. Took from 11 A.M. to nearly 6 P.M. before I got home. Ruth met the street car so I did not have to walk home in the dark. My blood sugar was 90. They reduced the insulin to 18 U. The freight had arrived so I helped unpack. We got the rug down. When I went down to the basement for a box I stepped on a nail that was on a piece of crating. It went through my shoe and into my foot so Bob took me to Dr. Wentz to have it dressed—$1.50! but guess it is the safest thing to do. Dad is making a typewriter table.
It was only in the early 1940s that the tetanus vaccine was widely used; in 1941 it would have been fairly standard practice to give a booster shot after stepping on a nail.
Thu 4. After doing up the up the dishes and putting away part of my stuff I went to the Beauty Parlor to have my hair washed and set. Took till nearly noon. After dinner & the dishes I worked till I was tired out carrying things up and down stairs. We finally got things pretty well done. After supper now! Ruth went with Bob. I will bathe Bobbie & type awhile. Perhaps!!! Bobby said in speaking of family prayer “We kneel down and ask God how he is getting along” or something like that.
Fri 5. We got up early and drove to New York stopping to leave a washing machine at Otis Moore’s which Bob had bought for him. We ate the lunch we took before we left there. Otis and Alison went with us, Ruth and I planned to shop awhile but we did not get to do much but sit in the car. It rained a good share of the time. Bob went to see several people but did not get anything definite. We got to go into Riverside church where Harry Emerson Fosdick preaches. It is a beautiful building. Got some Christmas cards from Otis Moore, also the Kodak pictures taken last Sunday. We ate in a Johnson restaurant. Bobby looked around and said “There are a lot of Daddies here.”
Sat 6. Got up early and worked at house work all forenoon. After dinner Bob drove over to Dr. Steifel who fixed my lower plate so I can wear it. I paid him 1.00 & he says I owe 1.50 for the new tooth I had put in. Came home—bought over 8.00 worth of groceries. Bob heard about a soloist job at Dr. Barnhouse’s church but guess it must be filled. Another week with no word from Gerald.
Sun 7. Dad, Bob and Ruth went to Dr. Barnhouse’s church this A.M. Bob heard the soloist’s job was open & applied for it but had no encouragement. Ruth & Bob went out to Whittlesy’s for the birthday party. Malinda was 3 years old. Bobbie was invited to eat ice cream with her. Tell & I went to the Baptist church at night. A pageant was held.
Mon 8. The washing was on today. Bob worked at the garage. Ruth & I did it. The news of the day is that Japan has declared war on U.S. yesterday. So U.S. declared we are at war with them today. They have attacked Pearl Island. Bob & Ruth went to Wilmington to teach. Did not get home till late. I got dinner. Emil did not get home till 8 P.M.
This story from the National WWII Museum provides an overview of the Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor attack that led to the U.S. entering the war. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his famous “Day of Infamy” speech on Dec. 8, followed by Congress almost unanimously declaring war against Japan.
Tue 9. I finished the ironing & the mending this A.M. Went to the hospital this P.M. Left here about 12:30 & got home about 4:30. Went to a skin clinic. Got some salve and was told not the use soap in the bath water, but to use starch—a box to a tub of water. Got the dinner, gave the baby a bath and typed for awhile. Washington reports she is in a black out.
The city of Seattle imposed a blackout on December 8 to reduce its visibility to enemy aircraft. I found this story about a riot that evening in which more than a thousand people smashed windows and lights of downtown stores that had failed to turn off all their lights.
Wed 10. I had to go into the hospital again today. I did not want to go. Talked to Miss Judd the diabetic nurse. It cost me carfare & did no good. Nothing I did not know. Went to Dixons with Bob & Ruth got some blankets that had been given to Ruth. Dad went with Robert to Ardmore.
Thu 11. Today I have been to Dr. Steifels with Bob. Went to have my lower teeth scraped where they were hurting. Ruth & I have been changing things about. We put the dresser (walnut) down in the dining room for a buffet. I have the big mirror off of it which Dad has framed. He is now framing the other mirror to use in dining room. I feel so badly over the way Dad & I get along. I seem to get on his nerves whatever I do or say. I have decided to keep to myself all I can. How I wish we could pay what we owe.
I can imagine that the decision to leave their Iowa home and move East, the process of settling into a room in the house with their daughter and her family, and the debt they still faced combined to create a lot of stress.
Fri 12. Today we have been cleaning etc. I cleaned Emils room, kitchen, bathroom, my room & part of the living room. Baked a couple pies for dinner. Went down town with Ruth. This evening I have been trying to type. Did one exercise correctly but have worked till I am tired on the next one and haven’t it yet. Bob & Ruth are at a banquet at Ardmore. He has an engagement for a week from Sunday in N.Y. City. The war is growing worse. Blackout and air raid signals are the plans for the day. We are anxious about John on Wake Island—and about Gerald. We do not hear from him.
Sat 13. This has been a very rainy day. Dad has been framing a looking glass and working the dresser over into a buffet. Bob gave two lessons this A.M. In the P.M. Ruth, Bob & I went to the mill end store and bought some material for drapes and a bedspread which I hope to make next week. We also went to Levine’s store in Chester & got a blackboard which they are giving Bobbie for Christmas. Bob got a call to go to New York tomorrow to sing at a Congregational church—56th & Broadway tomorrow. He is also to go next week to sing at the same church. Dad walked to the Methodist church this A.M.
The Broadway Tabernacle (later the Broadway Congregational Church) was completed in March 1905. It closed its doors and was leveled in 1969.
Sun 14. Bob got up early & went to New York. Dad went to the Methodist church & Ruth & I staid at home. In the evening Ruth & I went with Bob to Lansdowne. In the afternoon I wrote Christmas letters to all of my Lake City SS class.
Mon 15. Bob & Ruth washed today and I have done the ironing. They went to Wilmington to teach this afternoon & evening. Emil has not been here for meals today. It is much easier. Have been trying to type the last exercise using q & z and just can’t get it. The q key always sticks & makes me make a mistake. Dad & Bobbie are asleep. Radio celebrated the 100th anniversary of the “Bill of Rights.” Heard a speech by a senator from Ill or Ohio tonight. “Very good” as Bob says.
President Roosevelt established Bill of Rights Day on Dec. 15, 1941, to mark the 150th anniversary of ratification of the Bill of Rights, which FDR referred to as “the great American charter of personal liberty and human dignity.” The hour-long radio program Emma referred to, “We Hold These Truths,” was broadcast on all four major networks to an estimated 63 million listeners (almost half of the U.S. population). Performers included Orson Welles, Lionel Barrymore, and Jimmy Stewart.
Tue 16. Bob & Ruth were in Phil all day—and until late at night. Mrs. Hilton & Mrs. Stegalman called on Ruth this afternoon to ask them to come to the Black & White Club. Late in the evening Mrs. Hilton brought Bobby a marshmallow man. I patched my coat & Dad will take it to the cleaners.
Here’s a marshmallow man…great for floating in some hot chocolate!
Wed 17. Have been working all morning doing up the work. Sally wanted Ruth to come to make cookies which she did. We went to town and bought a cookie press this P.M. Ruth & I made several batches of cookies. Left Ruth at them while Dad & I walked to prayer meeting. We staid about 1½ hours & then came home. It was a pleasant evening as to weather. Bob went to Fletcher to practice. I paid Dr. Wentz today—1.50.
Oh, my goodness, does this bring back memories! I’ve you’ve never had spritz cookies (or even if you have), check out this Betty Crocker video that shows the cookie press in action (I still have one almost exactly like it!), and this post that has lots of good spritz cookie recipes.
Thu 18. Have spent all my spare time today writing Christmas cards & letters. Will be glad to get them all done. In the evening I went with Bob & Ruth to Upper Darby to practice at the Christian Science church. Afterward we called on Mrs. Dixon.
Fri 19. Bob & Dad went to Blue Hill to be morning watchers for air planes. Spent two hours—from 6 to 8. They dressed very warmly. We waited for the mail, then went to the city to take Bobbie to Wanamakers to see Santa Claus. Left Bob at 30th St station to take the 3 o’clock train for New York where he is to sing in a chorus at Cong. Church at 54 & Broadway again next Sunday. We did not find a dress for Ruth in the city but went to town after we got home and found one at a Media dress shop. Ruth was sick & “spit up” on paper. She went to sleep early.
Established in May 1941 in response to the development of heavy bomber aircraft capable of flying over 1,000 miles, the Ground Observer Corps was a volunteer civilian organization that scanned the skies—in two-hour around-the-clock shifts—from thousands of observation posts and relayed their observations to the Aircraft Warning Service.
Sat 20. A big day’s work ahead. We got Katharine’s room ready. Dad helped exchange the beds. We put the big walnut one upstairs on third floor for her. Took our lunch and went to the city yesterday. Today we have been getting a number of things done tho’ I did not get to get my fingernails done. In the evening Ruth & I drove to Wilmington to a Student Recital at Mr. Woods. One of Bob’s students sang—a Novae girl.
Sun 21. Dad & I went to the Nazarene church this A.M. They had a program. The book review given of “The Youngest Thief” by Margaret Sangster was very fine. Ruth took & came after us. She and Dad went to 30th St. Station after Bob this P.M. I took a long nap. Bob has to go to Fletcher tonight.
Margaret Sangster was a poet, author, and editor who was inspired by family and church themes. “The Youngest Thief” is a short story set in the time of Christ’s birth.
Mon 22. Bob, Ruth & I did the washing. Had a big one. The day was quite cold & they did not dry so well. Bob & Ruth went to Wilmington to teach. We cut & planned my bedspread & curtains this afternoon.
Tue 23. I got up early & did most of the ironing. Baked a birthday cake & made ice cream for Ruth’s birthday. We did not eat them till Bob & Ruth got home from Philadelphia. Katharine & I made my bedspread this afternoon. It is a big job. Ruth brought home a number of gifts their students gave them. One was a bottle of Italian wine. I gave Ruth a hemstitched linen lunch cloth.
Emma was a strong supporter of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, so she may have been a bit dismayed at this gift!
Wed 24. Ruth, Katharine & I went to town today to shop. Drove to Mrs. Dicksons with Ruth to take a few gifts. The Christmas tree is loaded. Bobbie wants to open the packages tonight. She said “This lady says ‘It’s Christmas now’”—speaking of Katharine. Ruth says we’ll wait till morning. Bob has spent most of the day in bed. Sally & Lou Young were here. They brought some gifts for Bobbie. Stopped at a little store & Katharine bought Bobbie a snowsuit. The family letter is here. Lou writes that she is taking 4 drops of Cod Liver Oil drops (concentrated) for night & morning for Vitamin A—77¢.
Cod liver oil is still seen as a valuable source of vitamins D and A.
Thu 25. Christmas in Media! Katharine is with us. Opened our gifts this morning. The tree was loaded with gifts for Bobbie. I got a diary, handbag, and holder from Katharine—a box of stationery from Ruth & Bob, a number of greetings from friends. We had a turkey dinner. Dad & I got the turkey from Brassfields in Lake City. It was a big one. Katharine & I worked on my curtains but did not get them finished as we went for a ride. Bob & Ruth drove out to Whittlesy’s. Dad, Katharine & I had our supper. After supper we went to the Movie to hear & see “One Foot in Heaven” which was written by Hartzell Spence, the son of an Iowa preacher.
One Foot in Heaven, released in 1941, was based on a book Emma read in December 1940. It was nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award, but was beaten by How Green Was My Valley.
Fri 26. We finished and hung the drapes in my room. Dad made a box for the top of the window which Katharine covered with the plain dark green. Before dinner we drove to Sears Roebuck to get a pillow for Katharine but they had none. On the way in we had the misfortune to be struck by a laundry truck. It bent our doors & ripped the fender. This afternoon we fixed Katharine’s coat & skirt, made a laundry bag etc. This evening we drove to see the truck man who hit us. Did not see the man but Bob talked to his family. Hope they will pay for the damage. Dad & I are making plans to go to New York City tomorrow. Bobbie threaded a fine needle today.
Sat 27. Dad & I went with Bob to New York today. We started about 9:30 as Bob had to be a rehearsal at 2 P.M. Took our dinner and ate in the car at the airport near Jersey City, I believe. While Bob went to the church, Dad & I walked to the RCA building. We took a tour to see behind the scenes of radio. Saw a number of studios, the sound effect room, television room etc. Was one of three in the party to have myself televised for the rest to see us. Got in on a program that was being given & helped do the clapping. We went to the Lucerne Hotel at 201 W. 79th St. to stay all night. After supper we went to see Dumbo—Walt Disney’s latest play. Had suite of rooms—Bob had one, we one, then a toilet & closet.
The RCA building (now the Comcast Building), completed in 1933, is an Art Deco skyscraper at 30 Rockefeller Plaza that served as the headquarters of the Radio Corporation of America, the dominant electronics and communications firm in the US for over 50 years. This iconic picture by Charles Clyde Ebbets (which, it turns out, was staged), was taken during the construction of this building.
The Lucerne Hotel, built in 1904, is still operating as a luxury property on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Walt Disney’s animated film Dumbo was released in October, 1941.
Sun 28. Got up rather late. Dad had been up & had his breakfast. Bob & I got ours at “The Griddle.” Dad & I went to Riverside church. Got there so early we went to hear a play in the auditorium in the basement given by the young people. Then went up to the main room to hear Rev. Fosdick preach. The church was crowded. We drove home afterwards, getting here about 4:15. This evening Bob & Ruth went to Stovers church. Bob has a cold & can hardly sing. Bobbie laced her shoes today.
Mon 29. Bob & Ruth went to the mill & took Katharine, Bobbie & me. Katharine bought goods for two dresses. I got one. Bob got to go on a private boat. Had coffee. After dinner Bob & Ruth went to Wilmington. Katharine & I made panties. Took Bobbie for a walk down. It was pretty cold. Listened to some plays in the evening. War grows worse—Hawaiian Islands were attacked by the Japs.
Emma didn’t have it quite right—on this date the Japanese bombed Corregidor in the Philippines.
Tue 30. Today we have worked on Katharine’s dress. Did some knitting. Took it out. Bob & Ruth were gone all day. Taught in Philadelphia then went to the church at Arch St. & sang for a Christmas party. Got $5. Bobbie has had a cold today. A letter from Gertie to Linnie said she had not heard from John—written 10 days ago.
Wed 31. This has been a pleasant day. Katharine went with me to the hospital. We got home by 4:30 P.M. Spent a pleasant evening. Ruth made ice cream and we knitted. Finally have a “beanie” started for Katharine which I think will be alright. Dad & Robert went to town & I think the car will be repaired for Robert. Dad has a bad cold. Goodby little Diary. You have recorded some happy times. I will begin in my new “white” diary tomorrow. Was glad to have insulin lowered again to 15 U instead of 18. Blood Sugar was 91. Good bye 1941. Will see you in eternity.
I found this picture—on the back it says “House on 4th St., Media—car bought with ‘Curtis Award’ money 1941. Can you find Bobbie?”
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of Emma’s journals. See you next week for January 1942.
