Author: Nichelle Barra Page 83 of 91

12 April 1945

Thursday 12 April 1945

Today is April 12th 1945. The day that shocked the world. For today Franklin De Roosevelt died at 3:35 in Warm Springs, Ga. He died of a hemerage, in the back of the neck. This was the sadest moment for the people of the United States.

16 April 1945

Monday 16 April 1945

Just got a card from the war department that Ned is out to sea again.

25 May 1945

Friday 25 May 1945

Went to school. In the noon hour we practiced tumbling. Went to sleep sixth hour. Gave the Matinate, was a success. Went to the Court with Hines and saw “Cross of the Lorrine” with Gene Kelly and Jean Perrie Amount. It rained most of the day.

31 May 1945

Thursday 31 May 1945

Dearest Diary: today I received my 100 point letter and certificate. Also my 30 word 10 minute certificate in typing. Went to the show with Hines. Didn’t get home until 5 to 12. Ned will be home sometime this morning. Can’t hardly wait.

1 June 1945

Friday 1 June 1945

Went to the nine A party. Had a lot of fun. Am going to miss North very much. Got a N.I.S. address book. Got a lot of kids names. Including Ed Watacho. Saw Martin. He didn’t even speak to me. 

2 June 1945

Saturday 2 June 1945

Worked from 2:30 to 5:00 then home from 6:00 to 10:00. Didn’t do much of anything today but sit around. Listened to radio programs all morning. Dad called up.

9 June 1945

Saturday 9 June 1945

Dearest Diary, Tonite Corky for the first time kissed me. I don’t know if its real or not but it was thirling. I don’t know if he likes me or not but I’ll soon find out. Please let him like me. And I like him. 

So concludes my grandmother’s 1945 part of the journal. There are some 1944 and 1946 entries that I’ll add but the 1945 were the most consistent. There are many things that I wished had been answered: what did her dad have that put him in the hospital for so long? When did he come home? Did Ned and Gene ever get to visit like she mentioned? And of course, what happened to the boy that gave her her such a kiss?

I wish she was still around so I could ask her these questions!

North Middle School, the one she is graduating from in the end of these posts, is the same school I also went to. It is being torn down currently. I drove by it this past weekend and it’s nearly half demolished. It’s so weird to see! I’ll probably dedicate a post to it one day.

*I didn’t miss a day, in case you’re curious. I’ve just decided to fix them since my grandmother wrote on the space for February 29 (when there wasn’t one in 1945) and is now a date behind. In her journal, the dates are a day behind but I’ve corrected them on here. 

11 March 1945

Sunday 11 March 1945

Went to sunday school. Went to the Court + saw “Christmas Hollday” with Gene Kelly, Diana Durbin + Dean Harens. Cryed. + Roy Rogers. Went to the Drugstore with Pat + Frankie. Walked to the bus stop with Hine. Put up my hair. 

12 March 1945

Monday 12 March 1945

Went to school. Martin wasn’t there today. Tonkin’s team lost that mean we play Chadwicks. I didn’t work in the office or after school. Went bike riding with Pat, Cheese, Hines, Cartwright, + Berlinger. After supper I went with Hines, Frankie, Tonkin + Marlene. Listened to the radio

13 March 1945

Tuesday 13 March 1945

Went to school. Little behind on my diary. Don’t remember what I did. I worked in the office + after school. Got a long distance call from Gene. He’s in New Jersey + will be home Friday. Went bike riding.

14 March 1945

Wednesday 14 March 1945

Went to school. Worked in the office + after school. Went bike riding. Martin doesn’t talk to me very much. Had an assembly. 2nd hour class have their plays. Put up my hair.

15 March 1945

Thursday 15 March 1945

Went to school. Gave my report in SS. Worked in the office + after school. Went to the store. Went bike riding by myself. Went over to Buds. Got in a hair fight with Bob Hugist. I could start liking that guy again if it wasn’t for Tillie + Marlene. Came home + put up my hair.

*This ends the consecutive diary entries for 1945. There are a few more that I will post but the dates are scattered through the year. 

My comments: I have NO idea what she means by a hair fight – a fight about hair styles? It sounds like it wasn’t serious if she said she could like him again. I do like that she’s loyal to her friends though and won’t pursue her crush because of her friends. 🙂