April 1938

Friday, April 1, 1938 – Frank’s Birthday [he’s 30]

Had chicken soup & chicken – made a cake & gave Franky cigarettes – so tired didn’t go out I’m very pleased with new house. Everything clean & bright

Saturday, April 2, 1938

Virginia came out with Frank – made lunch – went to store – Manny out evening – they played cards – I slept – I’m so tired at night I can’t keep awake

Sunday, April 3, 1938

I wish I didn’t have to cook Sundays – Virg & Manny polished furniture – I put a lot of things away – Vivian Elmer John & Amelia out – dead again tonight

Monday, April 4, 1938

Cleaned up some ironed some – Hamburg for supper – Secretly I wish I was working again – or maybe I don’t but too much house work – Franky out

Tuesday, April 5, 1938

Regine Swartz & Baby visited me – took Norma to Dr. Weight 14 lbs 2 oz – She is so darling – ate at Edison left baby at Shermans – Franky out even. wrote letters

Wednesday, April 6, 1938

Got new laundry tubs so did laundry – wish I had a washer – good supper I ate like a pig – I got to lose about 10 pounds – bed early

Thursday, April 7, 1938

Ironed 2 pair curtains – got cool – looks like I’ll never get through around here – lamb chops – trouble with sink F. tried to fix it – couldn’t

Friday, April 8, 1938

Did the whole weeks wash by hand – had light supper – Franky got Bill [her brother] so we went to Westwood theater saw Miriam Hopkins in Wise Girl (cute) Very cold

[Wise Girl is a comedy starring Miriam Hopkins and Ray Milland]

Saturday, April 9, 1938

Went down town but so crowed didn’t get much done – Billy stayed with Norma – My feet hurt – got kitchen curtains & bottel sterilizer – Sent Bill to show evening

Sunday, April 10, 1938

Took short ride – ice cream cones – hamburgs for lunch – Billy along – evening – show Palace – a Yank at oxford – Beef Barbeques at Bud & Lukes

[A Yank at Oxford is a comedy starring Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Maureen O’Sullivan and Vivien Leigh]



Monday, April 11, 1938

Billy here – ironed & washed some – Frank took Bill home & stayed out half of night – I went to Bed early since I was dead tired – never seem to get setteled

Tuesday, April 12, 1938

Work or no Work decided to take a walk with Baby – went to hardware store and got some misc. leftovers for dinner – Show with Regine at Westwood

Wednesday, April 13, 1938

Did most of ironing and took Baby for walk – went to library – got Book for Making friends from Dan Carnige – evening home moving furniture around

[The books was most likely “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie]

Thursday, April 14, 1938 – Mother’s Birthday [She’s 40]

Had folks and kids here for dinner – ham & cake with ice cream – they left about 8:30 went right to bed – I have to stay up late & get up early

Friday, April 15, 1938 – good friday

Billy here – he’s certainly a good brother – got hair cut – cleaned house & washed – Show – Paramount – In old Chicago – met Frank & had to wait while he finished job

[In Old Chicago is a musical starring Tyrone Power and Alice Faye]

Saturday, April 16, 1938

Managed to get down town by 1: P.M. Bought baby Blue coat & hat 2 dresses – for Easter – Wish I was thinner – Frank in Bed & me up – 1:00

Sunday, April 17, 1938

Easter Sunday – up late but managed to get out for ride – Stoped at Dot & Jims but not home – over to Sherman – left baby while we went to Edison for supper

Monday, April 18, 1938

Wash Babies things – guess I’m always making milk or something but love Baby so – Frank out evening – he is terribly groutchy

Tuesday, April 19, 1938

Baby has cough and so had to keep her in – plenty of work for me inside – So many things I’d like to do but feel guilty if I even sit down.

Wednesday, April 20, 1938

In the house all day so made F stay home while I went to library – Would like to read lots of book but how can I

Thursday, April 21, 1938

Reading Victory of England – like English History very much – Have so much to do and yet I fiddel around – I don’t like work all the time – Never done – down town – Baby at Mothers

Friday, April 22, 1938

Washed everything including sheets – thought I’d never finish – soup & egg mess for supper – Frank played ball awhile - Read & fixed curtains

Saturday, April 23, 1938

Stayed up from 6 on – ironed – Babys new Bed & high chair came – N just wont stay under covers – She is such a darling – Bed early – Wish I was never tired

Sunday, April 24, 1938

Cleaned house – Mom & Pop stoped & took us for ride up to Brian – saw Baby lambs & calfe – almost as dear as Norma – all here for supper – all tired out

Monday, April 25, 1938

Washed Babies things – made apple cake – Norma is so dear – Harry Sherman [Frank’s 23 year old brother] stayed with her while we went out – I saw show with RS at Westwood (good)

Tuesday, April 26, 1938

Sitting on porch in Sun – Beautiful day – Baby ate lunch in her new high chair – walked to store & saw Regine for a while

Wednesday, April 27, 1938

Walked over to Mae Riman’s – She had lunch for us and came home about 3 - Borrowed Jewish book from her – Sent Frank to library for Prodigal Parents – Sinclair Lewis

[Mae Riman was born January 12, 1905 and died in Toledo January 28, 1970. She was widowed at the time of her death.]

[The Prodigal Parents (1938) by Sinclair Lewis, a disappointing satire that pokes fun at the radical offspring of another Babbitt-like hero.]



Thursday, April 28, 1938 – Billy’s Birthday [Her brother Bill is 12 today]

Took exercises and felt guilty because I couldn’t see Bill – Read book every chance I get – Round steak for supper – Eat too much

Friday, April 29, 1938

Washed Babies things – took exercises and Bath – took Norma to Dr. – Weighs 15 lbs 11 ounces – had diphtheria enouckulations – hamburger for supper – ironed some evening

Saturday, April 30, 1938

Baked strawberry short cake & pie – fixed light supper – Virginia & Manny here & stayed night – played pitching ball in waste Basket in living room

March 1938

Tuesday, March 1, 1938

Worked all morning on budget – spent $167 last month [$2149.00 today] want to cut down on all expenses – argued most of evening because of not enough money saved.

Wednesday, March 2, 1938

Having so much trouble with my breast – don’t think they will ever heal – Letter from Sara & Sam [Frank’s sister] Never seem to get work done it seems.

Thursday, March 3, 1938

Managed to get out this evening – Lova Austin over – stopped at Dr but too busy so saw Show – lets Sing again – Fannie Brice – Judy garland

[Let’s Sing Again is a film from 1936 with Bobby Breen, the child singer, and Henry Armenta. Allan Jones, Judy Garland and Fannie Brice starred in Everybody Sing]

Friday, March 4, 1938

Billy [her brother] came down so we went to Dr. & had foot taped up – Went to hospital & saw Virginia & Manuel – Ginny not so good – brought ice cream

Saturday, March 5, 1938

Made a cake and got ready for town – got a new dress shoes hose gloves and everything – even music $28.00 all together [$360.00] – cleaned house late.

Sunday, March 6, 1938

Worked like the duece until 2 o’clock – Dolores Betty Howard & Toots here – out to Mothers for supper – home about 10 P.M. – Baby so fussy today

Monday, March 7, 1938

Didn’t accomplish much today – took a walk to A& P store so tired tonight – Frank out for evening – Toots and I listening to radio – Wrote letters

Tuesday, March 8, 1938

Toots and I having a fine time – roast lamb for supper – Meyer here for supper – Toots and I went to Rivoli saw Young China on Sarah [?]

Wednesday, March 9, 1938

Hurried with Babies bath so we went down town – bought Norma buggy & 2 new dresses – rested some afternoon and all played cards evening

Thursday, March 10, 1938

Toots went with Frank on run – got baby buggy today and so Baby and I went for a walk – saw Mrs. Hickey – Frank played bridge out

Friday, March, 11, 1938

Had hair waved – afternoon and made cake to take along – Toots also made sponge cake – Went to see Virginia brought Manny home for night – green ice cream

Saturday, March 12, 1938

Rushed through morning – Toots helped went to Cleveland – arrived at 6. supper at grandmothers – Evening at Fred’s & Delores – Feed Baby at 11 & back to Delores for lunch

Sunday, March 13, 1938

Baby fine all night – out to see Dave and Bee – dinner at 1:30 at Luellas – came home in 3 hours – Baby is so darling – evening had snack and read

Monday, March 14, 1938

So tired from trip – moved Bed room furniture around and did wash.

Tuesday, March 15, 1938

Took Baby to the Doctor and he says more to eat for her – bottled milk more cereal – Will I ever live through these hours of work – Frank out half the night tuesday – terrible Electrical storm

Wednesday, March 16, 1938

Another rainy afternoon – started to iron but too tired – My feet and back and my eyes so tired – I hope I never have any more babies

Thursday, March 17, 1938

Franky home late so much trouble with work – Had Miss Austin stay with Baby and went to show – Hurricane at World – Frank not feeling good.

[The Hurricane is an action film starring Dorothy Lamour, Jon Hall and Mary Astor]

Friday, March 18, 1938

Went down town – got new hat & things for Baby – Beautiful day – Mother & I took walk – Frank harder than Hell to get alone with.

Saturday, March 19, 1938

A Beautiful spring day – Franky rushed home and we went for drive – visited Shermans and drove out in West Toledo – Went to bed early.
Sunday, March 20, 1938

Thought I’d never get through day – Went for drive stopped at Ganches [Manny & Virginia] to see Virginia – light lunch at home and Read – Franky sleeping

Monday, March 21, 1938

Beautiful day went for walk over to Violets & Aunt Claras – Baby very good – home in time to clean up – Went to see Tobacco Road (took Mother) liked it very much

[They may have seen the play Tobacco Road, since it wasn’t adapted as a movie until 1941]

Tuesday, March 22, 1938

Washed clothes and cleaned house – Worked so hard all day – letter from Toots – had omelets for supper – went to bed about 9 o clock

Wednesday, March 23, 1938

Wrote letter to Sam & Sara – Baked a cake & muffins – Maccorni for dinner. I never get anything done – Bed early – Franky to bed early too – I would like to paint

Thursday, March 24, 1938

Its always noon before I get started even – Lova stayed with Baby while we went house hunting – stopped at Max & Claras – Stopped at Lauras – afternoon

Friday, March 25, 1938

[shorthand] have a sore throat but stomach hurt worse – ironed all day – Frank not home for supper out looking for a house – Went to Bed early feeling so miserable

Saturday, March 26, 1938

Mom & Dad got new Buick – Went out with Baby afternoon looking again – found a place we like if we can only get it. It will be swell – My throat very very sore



Sunday, March 27, 1938

Frank brought me some throat tablets and it helped – Max and Clara here – Mae & Phil here – supper alone – Evening – Manny & Virg – Aileen & John – played cards cake & ice cream

Monday, March 28, 1938

Still don’t know if we can get place on Lyman Rd. – I’m in a nervous stew – Washed some curtains – Frank gone evening – practiced piano for change

Tuesday, March 29, 1938

Going to move tomorrow – Mary Jane over afternoon helped me – Evening Virginia & Manny helping – I hope I don’t move again what a mess but we are getting a nice place

Wednesday, March 30, 1938

Mother & Dad down – terrible time with movers – 23.75 – [$305.00 today] rained – got out here about 6 – stayed at Mothers for night – Franky & Brothers came out & put furniture in place

Thursday, March 31, 1938

What a day – got stove connected gas on & telephone is La 6360 – chop suey for supper – ran sliver in finger & had to have Dr. taylor cut it out – Mary Jane here

February 1938

Tuesday, February 1, 1938

Rose worked today – so I got around alone – Terrible mix up in the numbers. Frank not home for supper and not until late – I’m so worried



Wednesday, February 2, 1938 – 14 weeks

Mother came from town and brought me a lot of things, Baby hangers & bibs – Had hot dogs for lunch – Chop suey for supper – Frank sick about his job



Thursday, February 3, 1938

Frank so miserable I could hit him – came home same way but a little quite – Number racket on last legs he says – fixed curtains & making pillow case



Friday, February 4, 1938

Frank home so late that Rose had to leave and we had to do the dishes – Franky getting sore because of all the dishes & work he has to do

Saturday, February 5, 1938

Rosie & girl friend here this A.M. had to leave early again – I don’t know what we’re paying her for – always has to leave – enjoyed radio programs

Sunday, February 6, 1938

Billy here all night – got out today first time in a month – so terrible muddy – Frank had to carry me – over to folks –ride – salami and home

Monday, February 7, 1938

Rose back but only stayed until Frank got home – I hope I never have to see her again – left me in kind of a mess but I don’t care

Tuesday, February 8, 1938

Home all day and managed fine – made a pie and bisquits – Frank helped with everything – Bed early at 7 o’clock

Wednesday, February 9, 1938 – 15 weeks

Had some pictures taken of the Baby – in a stew alright letter from Toots she is expecting in July – quite evening at home

Thursday, February 10, 1938

Larry brought proofs of pictures – struggled through the day somehow but I’d rather be alone than be bothered with company – Frank out all night practically

Friday, February 11, 1938

Mother and Dad here all day – Broiled hot dogs for lunch – Dr. here and took cast off my foot – says I can walk some but I don’t think it will ever be alright

Saturday, February 12, 1938

Race number so Franky working late – Made a cake – Hamburg and Jello for supper – Manny & Virginia here all night – played monopoly – Bill [her brother] here also – so tired

Sunday, February 13, 1938

Went out to Mothers for the day – whole family for ride in the afternoon – evening show Paramount Sonja Henie Happy landings – enjoyed it so much but my ankle about killed me

[Happy Landing is a musical comedy starring Sonja Henie, Don Ameche and Ethel Merman]

Monday, February 14, 1938 – St. Valentine’s Day

I’m so discouraged – my foot pains so – gave Franky carton of cigarettes – He brought home Fannie Farmer candy and stayed away all night. What a difference the Baby made.



Tuesday, February 15, 1938

Washed clothes and got along fine – Martha Davids here – Frank gone again for evening – He can’t love me anymore – every night gone

Wednesday, February 16, 1938 – 16 weeks

Went out to Mothers to stay for awhile – took a bath and took tape off foot, Its so sore I can hardly walk – Went to see Holden’s twins

Thursday, February 17, 1938

Mother has all the work now – I’m resting fine – Frank not home for dinner – Went to Dr. Taylor and had foot taped again – cost so far $22 [$283.00 today] guess I’ll be careful

Friday, February 18, 1938 – still with Folks

I’m certainly getting extra lazy – feel lousy – Took Norma to Dr. – Weight 11 lb 13 ½ oz – length 24 ½ inches – She’s so good – gets carrots & Beef Brouth now – Gin highballs & cards

Saturday, February 19, 1938 [shorthand]

Have a very bad stomach ake but feel relieved – Ice every where – Frank home late – Had some cocktails and talked – read about all the stories in the house

Sunday, February 20, 1938

Went to show - State – afternoon – took Darwin & Bill along – Home for supper then bundeled up Baby and came home – Mrs Austin not expected to live

Monday, February 21, 1938

Managed to get laundry down and make supper and got in an hours rest – Mrs Austin died at 6 P.M. – I feel so bad – how could I face death in my own kin

Tuesday, February 22, 1938

Sent flowers to Austin’s – cleaned house & washed dining room windows. Frank not home for supper so had a rest – Having a time with my breast

Wednesday, February 23, 1938

Funeral today of Mrs. Austin but couldn’t go – Finally got flower planted – empty waste baskets & garbage and went to sleep – had chow mein for supper – simply love it – Frank out for even.

Thursday, February 24, 1938

Ironed and worked hard all day – had grilled cheese sandwiches & soup for dinner – Mother over in evening so went to show – snow White and Seven dwarfs – it was adorable – hot dogs

[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the animated Disney classic]

Friday, February 25, 1938

Finished ironing – have a time with my breasts – there so sore – using glyserine & Bori acic now – hamburg for supper – took bath and went to Bed



Saturday, February 26, 1938

Letter from Dave & Bee – have to clean house – intended to go town but it rained hard Frank wouldn’t let me – loafed all evening – Bed early

Sunday, February 27, 1938 – Baby 4 months old

Got ready by 3 P.M. and took baby out for ride – stopped at Sherman’s – left baby long enough to eat at Edison’s – Luella & Bill [aunt and uncle] & Mother & Dad here even.

Monday, February 28, 1938

Luella & Bill here for supper so worked hard all day – had rolled rib roast and custard pie – Bill & Frank went to Basket game

MEMORANDUM

Baby growing is double her birth weight – I’m so glad I can walk again

January, 1938

Saturday, January 1, 1938 – New Year’s Day

Dot & Jim here for day. Jim and Frank went skating afternoon. Had a roast ham that was delious. Baby is so sweet – Hope this year is easier on me and that its prospous for Frank.

Sunday, January 2, 1938

Had plenty of sleep & some love – life is certainly wonderful to me – Mother Dad & Kids over – went skating – I love to skate – folks here all evening & supper.

Monday, January 3, 1938

Had sliced ham for supper. My days are pretty much all alike – washing cooking – Baby tending and the constant desire to get out side for some air.

Tuesday, January 4, 1938

Ironed most of day – late with supper – Frank over to get Cealia & Davy – went skating – I wish I had more time to skate – its thrilling

[Tucked inside this page is a newspaper clipping. The picture is of a construction site and a large crane lifting girders. There’s a row of houses visible alongside the construction. The caption reads:
BROADWAY- WABASH R.R. GRADE SEPARATION JOB
FIRST OF FOUR EIGHTY TON GIRDERS
(One of Largest Ever Used In Toledo)
BEING SET IN PLACE – JAN. 4, 1938]



Wednesday, January 5, 1938 – 10 weeks – Holdens twin Boys

I’m always late with supper – Had Ham Timbales – pretty good – enjoying stove more & more – made apple cupside cake – Went to Bed early – I’ll be glad when I can sleep at 2 A.M.

[The recipe for Ham Timbales is from the 1918 Fanny Farmer Cookbook:

2 tablespoons butter
½ tablespoon chopped parsley
¼ cup stale bread crumbs
2/3 cup milk
2 eggs
1 cup chopped cooked ham
Salt
Pepper

Melt butter, add bread crumbs and milk, and cook five minutes stirring constantly. Add ham, parsley and eggs slightly beaten. Season with salt and pepper. Turn into buttered individual moulds two-thirds full set in pan of hot water, cover with buttered paper, and bake twenty minutes. Serve with Bechamel Sauce.]

Thursday, January 6, 1938

Decided at last minute to go out to Mothers – Had hair set and there for supper – Frank out about 9:30 rushed home – Have a lot of magazines.

Friday, January 7, 1938

Got cleaned up and took Baby to Dr. Weight 9 lbs 4 ½ oz. starting her on cereal & Jello & Bannas. Its really fun taking care of a Baby – Would like twins like Holdens

Saturday, January 8, 1938

Went down town – Spent around 3.00 [$38.00 today] but satisfied my desire to get out for a week. Ate at George & Harrys – Enjoy eatting out now – Have a new Budget

Sunday, January 9, 1938

Wasted whole morning sleeping after 2: o’clock feeding – went out home – skated about 1 ¼ hr. Stopped in at Woolfords – Luella & Bill came for supper – Home late.

[The only Woolford family in Toledo in 1930 was Mr. & Mrs. Avery and Amelia Woolford. Avery is a railroad conductor, and in January 1938, Avery was 53 and Amelia was 47. They have a daughter named Dorothy who is 22 – I’m wondering if this is Helen’s friend “Dot”]

Monday, January 10, 1938

Received Holden’s announcement of twins. Made a chocolate cake – expected Luella but she had to go back – Frank went out home to skate – Spent whole day working.

Tuesday, January 11, 1938

Letter from Toots and Elsie – polished shoes – Frank getting car fixed – Steaks for supper – Baby has such a hard time eating her Jello – take her cereal fine.

Wednesday, January 12, 1938

Started washing kitchen but didn’t finish it – Had stuffed Pepers – letter from Ike & Sara [Frank’s sister and brother-in-law]. Now I owe everybody letters again. had delious high balls quite evening – sewed.

Thursday, January 13, 1938

Finished kitchen and tried to have a nice supper – steaks. Frank had car fixed cost $30.00 [$386.00 today] he was gone all evening skating.

Friday, January 14, 1938

My unlucky day again – Cealia Gilbert here – went skating & fell on right ankel - Had to be carried up hill – suffered all night hope it is only sp.

Saturday, January 15, 1938

Mother came down & bathed baby. Had Dr. Taylor – Have to stay off of foot having a terrible time – Very painful & constant – Will know Monday if broke.

Sunday, January 16, 1938

Mom & family here for dinner – I’m completely helpless & what pain. Rosy over in evening is going to stay & help out – I’m certainly headed for a long rest.

Monday, January 17, 1938

Dr. here still doesn’t know if its broken or not – Rose is swell and doing all the work – Frank & I alone evening – its just one round of hot towels.

Tuesday, January 18, 1938

Went to Robinhood hospital & had exray taken – foot not broken but bones pried apart $10.00 [$128.00 today] – Did some typing for Lova – had some highballs & tired.


(Robinwood Hospital)

Wednesday, January 19, 1938 – 12 weeks

Thought I would never live through today – Mrs. Tangbein up to see me – hot towels all day – Cealia over – Frank & Rose went skating

Thursday, January 20, 1938

Nurse here again still putting hot towels on ankel – Rose gone at 3:o’clock alone – Soup & salad for supper – feeling miserable

Friday, January 21, 1938

Letter from Sam & Sara [Frank’s brother and sister-in-law] – now I owe letters to everyone – Payday – So much trouble with cops – I wish Frank had other work – Swiss steak for dinner – Noise evening.



Saturday, January 22, 1938

Dr. Taylor put cast on ankle – doesn’t hurt so much – Mother Dad & grandmother here – Rose left – Frank got supper and kept me company.

Sunday, January 23, 1938 – Mary Jane’s birthday

Frank played house keeper today to bad for him that I’m laid up but a swell rest for me – Had ice cream Jello custard pie today & Pork chops – full

Monday, January 24, 1938

Rosy ill so Cealia came over. I’m sure a nervous reck – called Employment – getting a girl to help – Evening with Frank alone – If only I hadn’t hurt my ankle

Tuesday, January 25, 1938

Girl applied at 11:00. Hope she likes work since there’s plenty to do. Dorothy here – helped with supper but wouldn’t stay – very tired this evening.

Wednesday, January 26, 1938 – 13 weeks

Mother here – girl moved in this afternoon name Bertha Young. I hope shes alright – Frank gone – alone with girl – She certainly isn’t friendly

Thursday, January 27, 1938

On the go all day and so tired at night went to Bed at 6:00 – Frank had a book so he didn’t mind – I’ll have to be resting up

Friday, January 28, 1938

Bertha is so slow – she fools around to much – told her to leave this afternoon – Mother came & Frank took Baby together to Dr. – Wgt. 10 lbs – 12 ounces

Saturday, January 29, 1938

All alone – had a terrible time but with Frank home everything worked out O.K. – Had wieners and Beans quite evening – So tired could hardly wgd [?]



Sunday, January 30, 1938

Managed somehow – Wrote letters all day to everybody – Frank on Quiz Bee. Won 10 silver dollars [$128.00 today] but I don’t get to see any of it – Rose came back tonight.

Monday, January 31, 1938

Turned house inside out – moved furniture around and felt pretty pleased – Rose certainly does things right – Had porter house steaks – Mary Jane here

December 1937

Wednesday, December 1, 1937 – 5 weeks

Mother stayed with Baby while I went shopping for Christmas presents – back at 2:30 – Baby such a little doll – Guess I could stand 2 or 3 like her – Had to call Dr. in evening for her – colic again

Thursday, December 2, 1937

Had Moms Hoover so cleaned house – Phil here for dinner – all cold as lights out – Baby cried again for 3 hrs – Frank out even. till 12:30

Friday, December 3, 1937

Taking it easy today – Frank brought home chop Suey – was it good – took Bath & put laundry away – Phoned Dr. Fisher – started menstrating – Br. Good

Saturday, December 4, 1937

Franky home for lunch – Dressed up Baby and took her to Dr. Kass – Weighs 8 lbs 4 ounces – Over to Ceals for supper and part of evening – sleepy Bed early

Sunday, December 5, 1937

Baby is a little angel today – had steaks for dinner – Mom & Dad & kids here for supper – Everybody fell asleep – I’m just too too tired all the time

Monday, December 6, 1937

Franky wanted to go to the show so had Lora Austin over to take care of Norma Jean – Ritz Brothers in Life at collegeat State – worried about Baby

[Life Begins In College is a comedy starring the Ritz Brothers, Joan Davis, Tony Martin and Gloria Stuart]

Tuesday, December 7, 1937

Had Lora over again – went down town to get hair fixed – ate at Edison – Baby must of cried – Frank out for evening – So tired of rushing

Wednesday, December 8, 1937 – 6 weeks

If it wouldn’t be for Mother I’d never take the Baby out - Went to Christmas party at Streetmatters – Supper out home – Even – Show Rivolla – Irene Dunne – The awful truth

[The Awful Truth is a screwball comedy starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant]

Thursday, December 9, 1937

Stayed home thank heavens – Had double everything to do – Elmer & Vivian over also Ann – brought some swell Gifts

Friday, December 10, 1937

Mother over to take care of Baby – down town buying Christmas presents – always short on time – Evening Harry Goodleman here.

[Don’t know much about Harry Goodleman, but he was born October 20, 1913 which makes him 24 at this time. He was involved in the “laundry, cleaning and garment services industry”]

Saturday, December 11, 1937

Orders a lot of groceries – afternoon Frank stayed home – I went to Dr. for 6 week exam. – Manny & Virginia here all night.

[While we’re doing background checks, Manuel H. Ganch was born December 1, 1907 which means he had just turned 30 at this time. His death certificate from 1993 states that he had 5+ years of college and was a retired lawyer. Virginia V. Ganch was born November 9, 1912 so she was 25 at this time. She died February 4, 2003.]

Sunday, December 12, 1937

Late Breakfast – Manny & Virg. had a pretty bad fight gone at 2:00. We went ice skating afternoon – I’m not so bad – home early awfully tired

Monday, December 13, 1937

Cleaned house – Had roast chicken & Manny for dinner – Franky bought me my Christmas Present – a mixmaster – tickeled with it

Tuesday, December 14, 1937 – first smiling

Baby is sneezing all the time and has cold in her eyes but she is so good – Soup & salad for supper & Franky went away all even.

Wednesday, December 15, 1937 – 7 weeks

141 [I think this refers to her weight] Baked oatmeal cookies – Mixer is so wonderful – Every thing covered with ice – sewed awhile – wish I didn’t have these headakes

Thursday, December 16, 1937

Made peanut Butter cookys & yellow cake today – so busy didn’t have supper even started when Franky got home – Sewed evening

Friday, December 17, 1937 [shorthand]

Such a miserable day – Baby has a cold – took her to see Dr. – Weight 8 lbs 13 oz – shes getting go big – Bed about 9



Saturday, December 18, 1937

Went down town this afternoon & finished most of Christmas shopping – Had piano toned – sounds beautiful – Put up christmas tree – I’m so happy

Sunday, December 19, 1937

Frank & Davy went skating – had roast ham

Monday, December 20, 1937

Frank brought home another Christmas present for me – a Bulva watch – beautiful – Ronson lighter for Dad – took to 10 O clock to do the dishes

Tuesday, December 21, 1937

Made pepermint cookies – Rosy over stayed with Baby – Met Frank down town – Bought skates for each other and more gifts – F tried out skates

Wednesday, December 22, 1937 – 8 weeks

So busy writing Thank you notes and addressing Christmas presents – Wrapped gifts – Folks over and brought over Radio – Christmas pr.

Thursday, December 23, 1937

In a big stew – so much to do and can’t get it done – Darwin & Bill [her brothers] here all night – and sent over some pretty things for Baby

Friday, December 24, 1937

Sick to stomach all day – didn’t do anything – Stayed at mothers all night – over to Shermans and Ceals delivered presents – Received a lot of beautiful Gifts – Baby too

Saturday, December 25, 1937 – Christmas

Out home all day – skating for while – Wonderful chicken dinner – home about 9 o’clock – Baby has a cold in eyes – We love her so much

Sunday, December 26, 1937

Took pictures of Baby – Went ice skating – Davy here for Dinner – Frank went to Quiz Bee – Mary Jane here for evening – Made hem on table cloth – old one

Monday, December 27, 1937

Cleaned house – ordered groceries for all week just about – F gone evening – He bosses me too much – I can’t stand it



Tuesday, December 28, 1937

Helen & Lou Wolk here for dinner – Had Rib roast – lobster salad – Baked potatoe & Peach pie – Butch Brossel – Mary Jane – Dot & Jim here also for evening – Served lunch

Wednesday, December 29, 1937 – 9 weeks

Letters from Luella – answered it & wrote Toots – Had remaining roast – Bed early – so tired – will be glad when New Years is over

[Luella is Helen’s aunt (her mother’s older sister). Aunt Luella is married to Bill Schurdack and she’s about 41 at this time.]

Thursday, December 30, 1937

Mother over took care of Baby – Went down town and exchanged Table Pads & teapot – Bought Beautiful house coat & night gown – Chow Mein for dinner

Friday, December 31, 1937

Had Lora Austin help me but sure did work hard – Dot & Jim & Mother & Dad here – Had a pretty nice lunch & lots of drinks – Bed 3:30

MEMORANDUM

Frank made approximately 3500.00 this year and we only saved $800 – Baby 200.00 - Stove 132.50 – Refrediate – 155 – Christ. 150.00

[In 2005 dollars that’s: Income - $46,672; Saved - $10,668; Baby - $2,667; Stove - $1,766.87; Refrigerator - $2,067; Christmas - $2,000]



[The following is written on a blank page at the end of the book]

Identification
Helen Sherman

Weight 128 Height 5’2”
150
Hair Brown Eyes Grey

Dress size 16 18
Hosiery 8 ½ 9 ½
Hat 22 22
Gloves 6 ¼ 6 ¼
Shoes 5 ½ AA 6 AAA ½
Brassier 34 36
Slip 36 38

Permanents
Feb 15 – 37
Sept. 29 – 37

[The following is typewritten on a sheet of paper tucked into the diary. The paper appears to be stationery from her father’s business]

“NICK” GOEDER
2628 Tully Ave.
Furnace And Sheet Metal Work
Toledo, Ohio
WAlbridge 1932-W

Events of 1937

January
17, - Manny and Virginia married.
25, - Started new job at Harper Method.
March
6, - Quit work at Harpers. Knew I was pregnant
19, - Went to Dr. Fisher for examination.
Easter 28, - With Mother and Father at home.
April
1, - Frank’s birthday, age 29, New hat and cigarettes – Spent evening with the Hermans.
14, - Mothers birthday, age 39, gave her grey leather purse.
28, - Billys birthday, age 11, gave him fish pole and tackel.
May
9, - Mothers Day, sent corsage – All of us in Cleveland.
11, - New Refrediator arrived. Mary Jane and Walter separated.
30, - Memorial Day – Howard, Fritz, Toots and Delores, Also Manny and Virginia here.
June
7, - 17, Sam and Sahra here from Denver.
13, - Went to Exposition in Cleveland.
19, - Elmer and Vivian got married
July
2, - My Birthday, age 21, from Frank – Silex coffee maker, and waffel iron. From Mom & Dad Kitchen Chair and lace dollies – Red Waste paper can, from Kids red pot holders and rubber spoon.
August
12, - Bought all my Baby clothes
September
3, - Fathers Birthday, age 44, gave him cigars and cigarettes.
15, - Mother had shower for baby to be, Received lovely gifts from ladies of the Church guild
20, - New Tappan stove arrived
21, - Wedding Anniversary, Second year. Gave Frank shirt, pajamas ties and lavender soap. I received candy and stove. Ate at Chinese resturant and saw show.
October
26, - Went to hospital and early morning Norma Jean Born.
November
25, - Out home for Thanksgiving
28, Darwins Birthday – Age 14 – Have ring for him but giving it to him at Christmas time.
December
25, - Out home Christmas eve and day.



Gifts received

Frank received --- from folks, Carton cigarettes and Billfold. From Luella, Scarf, from me Silk pajamas, Skarf, garter set with suspenders, three shirts, 4 ties, 4 pair socks, shoes, Gloves, shaving brush, cigarettes and skates.

Norma Jean --- from Gramma Goeder, toy swan and knife, fork and spoon. From Gramma Overmyer toy dog and bathrobe set. From Aunty Luella, Pink silk dress and toy rattle.

Helen received --- From Frank – Sunbeam mixer, Bulova watch, white figure skates. From folks, Iron cord set, refrederater set, Taylor meat thermometer, 3 aprons, Foto set, table pads. Pie plate with server from Bill. Nut dish set from Darwin. Chinelle rug set from Luella, Handkerchiefs and towel from Gramma.

1937
second Christmas

Gifts Given.

To Mother – Bedspread and scarf set, red cooky jar, table cloth and half interest in blue tea pot.

To Father – Ronson lighter and cigarettes.

To Darwin – Ring and tennis racket.

To Bill – Model Airplane set and tennis racket.

To Luella – Slip.

To Gramma – Nightgown.

To Granpa – Tobacco.

Ceal – Lamp

Rosy – Manicure set

Gilbert – Cigarettes

Davy – Scarf and belt

Ronald – tapping set.

Mother Sherman – House slippers, and dress Cookies Fruit cake –
Father Sherman – House slippers, and wiskey } $15.00

Harry - Cigarettes

November, 1937

Monday, November 1, 1937 – sixth

Dr. examined me – not painful but I was scared. Healing very well – Dot here all afternoon – Wrote letter to my honey – Rosy here with Frank evening

Tuesday, November 2, 1937 – seventh

Frank here while eatting breakfast. Had another enema but feeling fine – Virginia, Louise Ulrich & Mother here – Supper not so good – only Frank evening – so tired

Wednesday, November 3, 1937 – Eighth day

Good elimination – Mother here – Did some sewing – alone with Frank P.M. Eddie Cantor Program – Think Baby is getting cuter all the time

[In the 1930s Eddie Cantor began hosting his own radio show, and by 1936 he was the world's highest paid radio star. His radio shows began with a crowd chanting "We want Cantor - We want Cantor", said to have originated when a vaudeville audience used that chant to chase off an opening act who was on a bill before Cantor. Cantor's theme song was the 1903 pop tune "Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider", dedicated to Eddie's wife Ida.]

Thursday, November 4, 1937 – ninth

Busy morning – Dr. in – Frank in for while A.M. Bath late – Baked ham for lunch – alone with Frank P.M. – Wrote him 2 page letter – Stitches removed at 1:30 P.M.

Friday, November 5, 1937 – tenth

Another lonesome day and worst part of it fish for dinner – dreamed about number 251 – Frank only one here – Just talked – So sleepy

Saturday, November 6, 1937 – Eleventh

Seems a crime to stay in hospital – Sat up in chair – Mother Ceal & Frank here – Franks Mother also – brought me some fruit – PM – Manny & Virginia here – F. late – Not so tired tonight. $5 [$66.00 today] from Sam & Sara. [Frank’s brother & sister-in-law]

Sunday, November 7, 1937 – twelve

Shower this morning – good breakfast – Visited Mrs. Moses – had dinner in her room – Mr. & Mrs. Swartz visited us – Finally got out of hospital – Then excitement – She cried most of night

Monday, November 8, 1937

Certainly is fun to give our little angel a bath – She yelled probably all night – Dorothy over in afternoon – Evening slept from 7 to 10 P.M. feeding

Tuesday, November 9, 1937

Baby cried till 3:30 this AM. – Poor Franky – he has to do all the running around at night – Olive B. here – so sleepy this evening – listened to Jack Oakie

Wednesday, November 10, 1937 – 2 weeks

District nurse here – gave Baby bath – Baby so good all day – evening went home for a while – No sleep at night – She cries all night.

Thursday, November 11, 1937 – Election

Frank took Darwin [her brother] along late number – Have a nasty cough – very tired – Dot & Jim over – so sleepy – Really miserable days

Friday, November 12, 1937

Rainy day – Baby too good all day – Had hair fixed – Evening ride home – ice cream – Elmer & Vivian over – gave baby dress & slip

Saturday, November 13, 1937

More sleep than usual last night – Took baby to the Dr. – stopped with her at Shermans [Frank’s parents] & Ganch’s [Manny & Virginia] & home again

Sunday, November 14, 1937

Brought Baby home today gave her Bath at 5 o’clock – she sleeps pretty good – although 2 A.M. feeding rather tough

Monday, November 15, 1937

What a day – answering the door bell – washing Baby clothes and eatting – Had rib steak – sleep all evening – Frank played soliter alone

Tuesday, November 16, 1937

Shower and oatmeal br – Baby good all day – Having rib roast for supper – awful busy day – 3 insurance men – Dot & Jim over – Baby cried most of even.

Wednesday, November 17, 1937 – 3 weeks

Can’t seem to get things done – still have cough – Ceal here – helped clean Bedroom for me – Clara phoned – quiet evening sewed & listened to Eddie Cantor

Thursday, November 18, 1937

Mother here with Hoover – Brought pie – House all fixed up swell – Brought Wieners with Bacon – Baby very good all day – Snuggle Rug from Max & clara

Friday, November 19, 1937

Beautiful day – snowing – Phoned Dora – afternoon wrote to Sara – letter from Toots – Even. Ins-man here – took out 500 20 year pay life – Baby cried most of ev.

Saturday, November 20, 1937

Streightened up house – Made a chocolate cake – had broiled wieners for supper – Insurance inspector here – quiet evening – Wrote Sara

Sunday, November 21, 1937

Caught 3 mice – Walked to store for Paper – Visited Tangbien [?] – afternoon Ride over to Max & Clara – left Baby with Ceal while we ate at Bud & Lukes – home even

Monday, November 22, 1937

Completely wore out at night and couldn’t even try to learn bridge – Baby sure can yell – I wonder if I’ll ever get some sleep

Tuesday, November 23, 1937

Decided I just had to have a new girdel so neighbor girl stayed here for while. Hardly got down town and had to met Frank – Noisy evening – Frank gone but Baby cried constantly

Wednesday, November 24, 1937 – 4 weeks

Fixing up for tomorrow – cleaned house – Pressed Red Wool dress – Frank went over home – Manny phoned – Baby cross all night

Thursday, November 25, 1937 – Thanksgiving

Took until 1:30 to get everything together to get home – Wonderful Turkey dinner – Howard & Neva there – so tired at night and Baby cried so much

Friday, November 26, 1937

Cleaned house and got supper ready in oven – Took Baby to Dr. Kass some relief – didn’t cry in evening – took walk to Drug store – Bee Farber ph.

Saturday, November 27, 1937

Felt miserable after noon lunch fell asleep – Frank home early – Bill went home – cracked nuts & slept – certainly tired all the time

Sunday, November 28, 1937 – Darwin’s Birthday [Her brother is 14 today]

Stayed home all day – Rainey out – made some nut bars – Rested most of day – Beef roast for dinner – Bed at 7 o’clock – So very tired – only 2 hrs sleep at time

Monday, November 29, 1937

Late on everything – did laundry – got ready regular laundry 42 lbs – cleaned up house – called Dr. – Baby cried all evening – Bee Farber & Dave & Millers & Phil here

Tuesday, November 30, 1937

Phil stayed all night – only had 3 hrs sleep last night – Rested today – hamburg for supper – Evening slept from 7 to 10 & rest of night

MEMORANDUM

Baby Month old has grey eyes weighs about 8 lbs a very colic Baby – still on 2 A.M. feeding

October, 1937

Friday, October 1, 1937

Baked choc cake and Bran muffins – cleaned house & so tired - ate supper out – Bud & Lukes – Brought Folks – Ceal & Gilbert home – here for even. – had corn beef & salami sandwiches – Papa got kind of ill – Very warm evening – had a miserable stomach most of even.

Saturday, October 2, 1937

Rainy again – Met Frank down town – bought groceries – lunch home listening to Football game – Even. brought Manny over – sewed


Sunday, October 3, 1937

Up at 11:00. Breakfast Bacon & eggs – took Manny down town – over to his folks then out to Moms – there for supper – Howard & Neva there – Home early.

Monday, October 4, 1937

Home all day – washed Franky’s socks & pressed up things – Had veal cutlet – Read Collers & listened to Radio evening – Gracie Allen

Tuesday, October 5, 1937

Home all day & evening – listened to Oakie college & Bed – about 11 Franky decided he wanted soup so got up again to Bud & Lukes

[Jack Oakie’s College was a radio show. 15 year old Judy Garland was a regular guest throughout 1937.]

Wednesday, October 6, 1937

With Frank on route – Bought double boiler – skipped supper – went to Valentine – saw Topper & Bad Guy – Evening up to Dot & Jims – had doenuts & co.

[Topper is a comedy starring Constance Bennett, Cary Grant and Roland Young. Bad Guy `is a crime-drama starring Bruce Cabot and Virginia Grey.]


Thursday, October 7, 1937

Spent entire day with Mother down town- supper out home – F came out about 8:30 – glad to see him & ice cream [“ - so early” is written above “glad to see him”]



Friday, October 8, 1937

Against better judgement but went with Frank again – paid bills but didn’t buy anything – ate Petra’s – Show – Panthan – Gangway – Saturday Hero’s

[Gangway is a British musical starring Jessie Mathews. Saturday’s Heroes is a sports drama starring Van Heflin and Marian Marsh]

Saturday, October 9, 1937

Cleaned house and rested about 1 hr. – cloudy day – Frank home late – got laundry and spent evening home

Sunday, October 10, 1937

Up late as usual – Br. Home took drive – visited Folks – Dinner Bud & Lukes – Show – Lost Horrison – Ronald Colmman – Very good & hot dogs.

[Lost Horizon is based on the James Hilton novel, and stars Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt]

Monday, October 11, 1937

Walked to A & P store near Park – Beautiful day – liver & egg plant for supper – evening over to Ceal’s – sewed while Frank played dom.

Tuesday, October 12, 1937 – Columbus Day

Went with Franky – waffels for breakfast – ate Supper at 3:30 – Show alone – Dead End – Race number so met F. about 7:30 – trouble with car lights

[Dead End is a crime drama starring Sylvia Sidney, Joel McCrea, and Humphrey Bogart]


Wednesday, October 13, 1937

Guild today probably last one for me – Had a good time – Supper at Moms – Franky out 9 o’clock – Home & Bed early

Thursday, October 14, 1937

Felt miserable – walked to store & go so much enthusiasm that I washed dining room windows – Baked dinner – Show – Kid Galahad & Café Metropha – stomach ake

[Kid Galahad is a boxing/crime drama starring Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. Café Metropole is a Romance starring Loretta Young, Tyrone Power and Adolphe Menjou]


Friday, October 15, 1937

Cleaned house – Mary Jane phoned stopped over – walked A&P store – she was here for supper – ride & home early – Bad stomach again

Saturday, October 16, 1937

Waffel alone down town paid bills met Frank – Hamburgs – Show – Varsity S. (good) over to Shermans’ & over to Mannys – came home early discusted – stewed

[Varsity Show is a musical starring Dick Powell, Ted Healy, the Lane Sisters, and Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians]

Sunday, October 17, 1937

Weight 152 – cleaned up house while Frank gone playing foot ball – light lunch home and listened to Jack Benny – Home Din.

Monday, October 18, 1937

Rained all day but went with Frank – Hot dogs for supper – Show – Joe Brown – Franky worried about tags – cops every day

[The movie was most likely Fit For a King, a comedy starring Joe E. Brown and Helen Mack]

Tuesday, October 19, 1937

Washed inside of sun room windows and cleaned up back porch – pretty tired at night – Frank gone but Jane here

Wednesday, October 20, 1937

Jane here all night breakfast with us – out home washed all the curtains – there for supper and evening – really did a days work

Thursday, October 21, 1937

Washed windows in sun room – what a Job – put up curtains they look so nice – Dot & Jim here evening – tired

Friday, October 22, 1937

Ironed & finished curtains – walked down to A.&P. saw Jane a couple minuets – made Chili – Frank gone even to a Football game (I hope)

Saturday, October 23, 1937

Went with Frank on run – Very tired – did some shopping – came home & baked apple Upside down cake – stayed home evening – Good cake

Sunday, October 24, 1937

Bacon & eggs for breakfast – sent Frank to store for chicken – stopped at folks – Elmer & Vivian there also Arthur & wife – Dinner at Mannys & Virginias – Show - Betty Davis – “That certain woman”

[That Certain Woman is a drama starring Bette Davis and Henry Fonda]

Monday, October 25, 1937

Went around with Franky – some shopping – Bought a lot of food – supper home – soup & salami-sandwiches – Finished hanging curtains & went Bed early

Tuesday, October 26, 1937

Cleaned out cubbard – put clean Paper on shelves – Swell chicken dinner & then!!! Water broke 5: o clock P.M. went to hospital 8:30 – Pains every 4 min. Baby girl born 1:42 AM.

Wednesday, October 27, 1937 – first

Oh – What a miserable sore day – felt like the duce – only soup & juice – Mother here at 2:P.M. also Frank – lots of flowers – Even Franky sent me some – signed papers.



Thursday, October 28, 1937 – Second day

Feeling much better but lonesome – still on juice & soup – Baby is very sweet – never lets out a sound – Named her Norma Jean – Mom & Pop here – Max & Clara

Friday, October 29, 1937 – third day

Juice all day – Mother here afternoon – made out announcement cards – Mama – Ceal & Gilbert here even. So tired tonight and my breasts so swollen & painful can’t sleep

Saturday, October 30, 1937 – Fourth day

Having trouble getting Baby to eat – tried to sleep this morning since didn’t sleep last night – hot beautiful weather – Jane here also Mother & Dot & Jim

Sunday, October 31, 1937 – Hallowe’en – Fifth day

Still have headake they keep feeding me too much – Swell chicken dinner – then enema – everything fine – Mom Dad & Brothers – Dora A. – Dot & Jim – Gladys – Aunt Allie – Many & box of candy