Mom's Diary

(Inside the front cover)

Donald B Huizenga F 1/C

U.S.S. Carpellotti APD 136

C/O F.P.O.

New York New York

Been to Cuba-shakedown cruise

Norfolk, Va.

New Orleans, La.

Galveston, Texas

Washington, D.C.

NewPort - Rhode Island

December -- 1945

He's now a Machinist Mate 3/C

(2nd page inside front cover)

Mrs. Donald Huizenga

Danforth, Illinois

4-5-4 - Tel.

from Don's Mother

Jan. 4-1945

Don entered service

Nov. 10 - 1944

at Great Lakes

10 weeks Boot

8 weeks school

Syracuse, N.Y.-4 wks Advanced School

Been at Great Lakes

for five months.

Bay City, Michigan --

for five weeks.

Gets ship there.

U.S.S. Carpollotte

A.P.D. 136

Monday 1945 January 1 (This order indicates page on left.)

Norma went home - Russ called up we went to Roberts. Awful windy outside. Cold. Wrote to Don at nite. Aunt Minnie gave Mom & I some butter and eggs

Tuesday 1945 January 2

Cleaned house up. Not much going on. Wrote to Don. Went to the folks in afternoon. Got my check today.

Wednesday 1945 January 3

Dad's birthday. Got him socks & handker. Went uptown for mail. No mail from Don. Don called up at 8 o'clock tonite. He's O.K. says they have fire-fighting Saturday Morning. Washed clothes this afternoon. Wrote to Don

January 4 Thursday 1945 (This order indicates page on right.)

Went uptown this afternoon while Jim & Judy were in bed. Got mail. Letter from Don and from Naomi. Don wants me to come up and get him Sat. Jan. 20. Hope I can. Will have to be there at 7:30 A.M. Jim & Judy were awake when I got home. Stopped at Don's folks to see if they wanted to go to K³ tomorrow. Russell here this morning. 1.53 groceries, ironed, wrote to Don.

January 5 Friday 1945

Judy pushes chairs or anything she can all over the house. Hope she walks soon. Went to Kankakee. Left Kids at Hattie's. Mom came home with us. She took her washing machine motor to K³ to be fixed. Stayed for supper at Hattie's. Talked to Orville about going to Great Lakes Sunday - Jan 7. Wrote to Donald.

January 6 Saturday 1945

Didn't go out of the house today. Hattie & Orville are not going to Great Lakes, Ill. tomorrow. Maybe I'll go on the train, if I can. Or I'll have to call Don on the telephone. Hope I can get him. Tried to get him tonight but the line was busy. Pres. Roosevelt is making a speech on the radio. Am going on train tomorrow to Great Lakes.

Sunday 1945 January 7

Going to Great Lakes to see Don. Co. 2096 - 47. Went to see Don - on train. Left Gilman at 6:20 A.M. and got back home 11:30 P.M. Rode on the El for the first time. Took North Shore line from Chicago to Great Lakes. Got two Boxes of Candy bars & two pocket knives for Dad and Elmer. Don comes home in two weeks. Don's Mom took care of kids. Elmer & Dorothy were here in the afternoon after church. Scarlet fever at G. L.

Monday 1945 January 8

Wrote to Don this morning. Judy & Jim glad to see me this morning when they got up. Gave Dad candy bars and knife. Wrote to Don tonite, went to town this afternoon & to Grandma's to pay the rent. Got groceries. Snowing outside. Jimmy Kremer asked for mail for me in afternoon but none.

Tuesday 1945 January 9

Didn't snow much. Sun shining today. Got letters from Norma & Marie. Wrote to Donald. Kinda lonesome tonite for him. Am every nite but more than ever tonite. Went to folks this afternoon U. Pete Elmer were there helping Dad. Old bob died (horse) $2 for him. Wrote to Miss Iris Bennett, Devon, England. Wrote Hattie, too.

January 10 Wednesday 1945

Snowed last nite. About 5"-6" of snow. Scooped from garage to road. Took kids outside. First time they've been out since last Friday. Washed this afternoon. Finished tonite. Ruth Kuipers was over. House looked a site. Must write to Don now before I go to bed.

January 11 Thursday 1945

Folks sale today. Total $4180.00. Things sold good. Went there at 9:30 this morning. Came home 8 o'clock. Windy outside. Drifted in Folks Yard but not in my driveway. Almost got stuck. Dad pushed. Mrs. Slingerland was there. Met Clausens from Chebanse. Boy home on furlough. No letter from Don yet today. Imagine he is pretty busy.

January 12 Friday 1945

Stayed home all-day.

Saturday 1945 January 13

Went to Gilman in the afternoon. Did shopping. Got a house-dress and pr. shoes. Snowed -- then rained making pavement very slippery. Drove 5 miles per hour coming home. Judy walks. Got a letter from Don. Wrote to Don.

Sunday 1945 January 14

Did not go to church today. Kids had colds. They slept all afternoon. Mom came in afternoon. Rode home with Russell. Wrote to Don. Don's Mom called tonite. They didn't go to church.

Monday 1945 January 15

Washed clothes this afternoon. Most of the dry too. Wrote to Don.

January 16 Tuesday 1945

Washed my hair. Had clothes sprinkled to iron tonite but had company. Ruth & Mrs. Kuipers then Madeliene Conrad then U. Garrett & A. Winnie. Wanted to do so much work, too. Didn't get anything done.

January 17 Wednesday 1945

Had company - Don's Mother stay with kids this morning while I got my hair set. She did some ironing too. Baked a cake. Got a letter from Don. He goes to Basic Engineering School.

January 18 Thursday 1946

Scrubbed most or all of my floors & waxed them today. Washed some of kids clothes tonight. Russell called Dottie. She's coming tomorrow night on bus. Meet her in Gilman at 9:02 or 9:10.

Friday 1945 January 19

Dorothy called this morning, has Judy's ring. She is going to bring in some eggs for me. Got my hair combed at Lois.this afternoon. Met Dottie at bus tonight. Bus on time. Got groceries. Brought Mom along, too, to take care of kids tomorrow.

Saturday 1945 January 20

Don comes home on leave. 7 days. Supposed to meet him there at 7:30 A.M. Russell & Dorothy Moore are going with me. Harry Burnett is going to ride to Chicago with us from Great Lakes. Another fellow rode to Chicago with us too. Got home about 6:15 P.M. Stopped in Kankakee

Sunday 1945 January 21

Had dinner here for Don Hattie's & Elmer's - and Russ & Dorothy Mom -- The Folk's were here. Went to church.

January 22 Monday 1945

Slept late. Don, the kids & I went to Watseka in afternoon to Ration board - Went to A. Annie's. Had supper there. Saw Marie and baby at hospital, too. Karen Ann. Don got 9 gal. gas - 30 blue points - 18 red points & 1 lb. sugar.

January 23 Tuesday 1945

Stayed home & washed.

January 24 Wednesday 1945

Went to Grandma's in afternoon, to Don's folks too. Went to show in Gilman nite. Bought kitchen stove from Bert & Louise $ 12.50.

Thursday 1945 January 25

Went to Kankakee today Stopped at Hattie's. Left the kids there. Rode with Don out to the plant. Visited Bill & Bonnie M. and Joe & Lois S. after we got back to K³.

Friday 1945 January 26

Dorothy came back for weekend. She & Russell are going to be married Sunday - Feb 12, 1945. Went to Elmer & Dorothy's for supper and the evening.

Saturday 1945 January 27

Washed clothes: Went to Don's folk's for supper & evening.

January 28 Sunday 1945

Went to church in afternoon. Everyone came here for tea after church. Preacher was here too. Stayed home at night.

January 29 Monday 1945

Don & I got up at 5 o'clock A.M. Left here at quarter to six. Left K³ at 6:30 Took Orville's car from there. Hattie took Kay along. Took Don to Great Lakes. He had to report by eleven.

January 30 Tuesday 1945

Dorothy here yet. She and Russell plan to be married Sunday - February 11- I am to be Bridesmaid & Don is supposed to be Best Man. If he can get leave.

(No entries for January 31 - February 2)

February 3 Saturday 1945

Don called up this morning. He's coming home on a 35- hour leave. I'm going to Kankakee to meet him. Don got into K³ about 1 p.m. Has to report back Sun. nite midnite.

February 4 Sunday 1945

We (Don, I, & kids) went to church this afternoon. everyone here for tea after church. Russell, Dot, I kids & Mom took Don to Chicago to catch "El" from U. Johnnie's. Bill Anderson leaves Tuesday for Navy.

February 5 Monday 1945

Didn't do anything today. Must wash tomorrow. Wrote to Don.

(No pages in the diary for February 6 through February 17, removed for some reason or just lost?)

(No entries for February 18 through March 3)

March 4 Sunday

Don home over weekend. Came on bus last nite. Took him to Chicago tonight. Northwestern Station

March 5 Monday

Wrote to Don.

March 6 Tuesday

Wrote to Don.

Wednesday 1945 March 7

Wrote to Don.

Thursday 1945 March 8

Wrote to Don.

Friday 1945 March 9

Wrote to Don.

March 10 Saturday 1945

Don came home on train tonight.

March 11 Sunday 1945

Don has mumps. Taking him back to Chicago tonight. Hope he doesn't catch cold or anything with these mumps.

(No entries for March 12 through March 16)

March 17 Saturday

Don didn't come home this week-end.

(No entries for March 18 through March 23)

March 24 Saturday 1945

Went to Gilman. Got Don at Gilman about 8:30. Kids home in bed. A. Nellie stayed with them. Thought Don was coming home on the bus instead of train.

Sunday 1945 March 25

Don & I went to church. Don's mother stayed with Jim & Judy. Don & I took Lord's Supper. Judy has had cold, sore throat and cutting teeth. Took her to Dr. He gave her some cough medicine and pills.

Monday 1945 March 26

Up with Judy all night last night. Mom stayed with me. She is doing mine & her washing here. I took care of Judy all day. Wrote to Don. Didn't do anything all day.

Tuesday 1945 March 27

Up again with Judy all night. She's some better. Didn't get anything done. Judy slept in buggy quite a bit today. Wrote to Don.

March 28 Wednesday

Up again with Judy all nite. She slept most of the day today. Cleaned up my house. Took her to Dr. tonight. Went to show with Mom & Dorothy. Wrote to Don.

March 29 Thursday

Ironed my clothes today from Monday. Cleaned house. Wrote to Don.

March 30 Friday

Bert & Louise have a baby boy - Paul David -- 8 lbs. 5 oz. Went to Church tonight. Washed clothes after I got home from Church. Wrote to Don, too.

Saturday 1945 March 31

Cleaned up house. Gave kids a bath. Went to meet 7:15 train to meet Donald & Walt. Walt from Penn. He brought kids chocolate Easter Egg. We went to show in Gilman --- "Bluebeard"

Sunday 1945 Easter April 1

Got up about 8:30. Went to Don's folks' for dinner. Hatties' & Elmers' were there, too. Church in afternoon. Russ, Mom & Dorothy were here after church. Tea at folks. Took Don & Walt to train at 7. Raining.

Monday 1945 April 2

Didn't do anything today. Got letters from A. Ethel & Bonnie Miller. Kids & I got Easter Cards from Mom. Wrote to Don. Got my check today.

April 3 Tuesday 1945

Went uptown this afternoon. Paid Grocery bills. Paid Ins. (Chg. Motor Club) and Judy's. Cashed check at bank.

April 4 Wednesday

Appointment for hair set 1 p.m. Had my hair set. Cold out. Jim & Judy stayed with me. Huizenga. Kenny & Dale were there too. Wrote to Don. Must wash clothes tonite.

April 5 Thursday 1945

Washed clothes today. Cleaned house and went to Gilman to have gas put in the car. Came home put kids to bed.

Friday 1945 April 6

Got up at 5:30 to get ready to go meet Don at Chicago. He got off at noon. Met him at N. Western Station. Stanley Peck Rode to Kankakee with us. Got to K³ at 2:45. Had our pictures taken at Shook's. Had supper at Hattie's. Folks rode home with us. Don leaves Monday Morn. Has to be in Chicago at 9:45 A.M. Kids stayed at Hattie's.

Saturday 1945 April 7

Got up late! Don slept longer. Don watched Jim & Judy while I did his washing. He & Dad hauled cinders for driveway. We went to Gilman at night. Went to the show. Saw Abbott & Costello in -- "Lost in a Harem". Good show!

Sunday 1945 April 8

Got up late. Got breakfast. We all ate together. Went to church this afternoon. I got a coughing spell in church. Had to go out. Elmer & Dorothy & folks here for tea. Mom, Russell & Dorothy were here for supper. We went to Gilman so Don could find out about trains tomorrow morning. Stopped at folks a few minutes. Came home went to bed

April 9 Monday 1945

(At the top of this page)

Don's been at Great Lakes for 5 months. Went in - Nov. 10 - 1944.

Don leaves Great Lakes today. (Then following in pencil) (No, he didn't.)

(continuing the daily entry) Got up at 4:30. Don took a train (6:30) from Gilman to Chi. Folks stayed with kids. Don hasn't called yet. Don't really expect him to. Look for a card soon. Didn't do anything today but sit around & read. Did not feel like doing any work. Must write him a letter tonight, too. Jim went over to Grandma's for some more pie. Ha! Came back with candy corn. Gave Don $5 for his birthday.

April 10 Tuesday

Got card from Don this morn. He's still at Great Lakes. He was to U. Johnnie's last nite & tonite. Washed today. So did Mom. Dad H. went to Laffayette Ind.

April 11 Wednesday

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning School.

Don called up this afternoon. Wanted me to come to Chicago with kids. His folks, too. Wish I had gone alone. I didn't get to talk to Don hardly at all. (written in between later, as an after thought) Cried half of the night after got home, couldn't help it. (continuing) Got home about one o'clock tonight. Don's going to Syracuse, New York.

April 12 Thursday 1945

(At the top of this page)

President Roosevelt died at Warm Springs, Ga. at 4:35 P.M. today, 3:35 our time.

(continuing the daily entry) Don leaves Friday for N. Y. Wish I was going with him. He'll be there 4 weeks. Hope he gets advanced school again. He'll live in a hotel at N. Y. Am going to Gilman this morning. Wrote to Don.

Friday 1945 April 13

Went to Kankakee this afternoon. Mom went along. Don left Chicago for N.Y. at four this afternoon. If I had known I could have seen him at the station. Had plenty of time to make it in. (added in pencil) He got in N.Y. 6:45 AM. 5:45 our time.

Saturday 1945 April 14

Got a card from Don that he smuggled out with his new address on. Am I glad. I'll send him a letter tonight. Gosh, I miss him so much already. (added in pencil) Rev. Helmreich died.

April 15 Sunday 1945

Went to church this morning. Went to Mom's for dinner and then we went to Roberts this afternoon. Merlyn was to Chicago yesterday for his physical for the service. He passed. We had fun. Aunt Lillie's were there, too. Went to show in Gilman at nite. "Holywood Canteen" (Mom's spelling, not mine.) Wrote to Don.

April 16 Monday 1945

Didn't do much today. Was lazy! Wrote to Don tonight. He starts to school today at New York. Sent Don a box of cookies and fudge - nuts.

April 17 Tuesday 1945

Donald's Birthday - 25. Hope he has a very happy birthday. ~~Starts school today.~~ Had a letter from Don today.

Wednesday 1945 April 18

Invited to U. Fred & Aunt Jen's Wedding anniversary at Chebanse. Not going here tonite. Aunt Jen in hospital. Wrote to Don. Got a letter from him again today.

Thursday 1945 April 19

Cleaned up house. Went to Kankakee afternoon. My Mom and Don's Mom went along. We took proofs of pictures back. Stopped at Hattie's, had tea there. Sent Don's letter. Wrote to Don.

Friday 1945 April 20

Didn't do much this morning. O'niel was here. Didn't pay him yet. No money! Going to folk's this afternoon. Party! Kids are taking their naps right now.

April 21 Saturday 1945

(In a departure from the usual, this entry is in pencil.)

Cleaned up the house today and gave Jim & Judy a bath. Dorthy (Frericks) Carol and Mrs. Frericks were here this afternoon. Combed Mother H. hair and set Aunt Nellie's hair. Went uptown for groceries. Went to Gilman tonight. Was so terribly lonesome knowing Don wouldn't be home this weekend. Wrote to Don. Sent Don proofs of our pictures.

April 22 Sunday 1945

(Continuing in pencil.)

Slept late this morning. Went to church this afternoon. Jim & Judy were good. Had tea at folks after. Hattie & Orville were down. Had supper there too. The folks had company after supper. Wrote to Don.

April 23 Monday 1945

(Continuing in pencil.)

Didn't do so very much today. Raked and mowed the lawn. Sure is a lot to do outside yet. Wish my garden was all in. Jim & Judy were outside most of the time, too. They had a good time. Have to watch Judy else she runs away. Got a letter from Don this morning. He's O.K. Lost his fountain per last week. (part of it) Hope he finds it. Wrote to Don.

Tuesday 1945 April 24

(Continuing in pencil.)

Got a letter from Don this morning. I'll have to go to N.Y. if I want to see him before he goes to sea. Will cost me $29.44 round trip. Hope I can make it. Will hate leaving Jim & Judy at home, tho. Hope Don says I can come. Am going to write to Don yet tonight. Went to Gilman this afternoon.

Wednesday 1945 April 25

Didn't do much today. Washed clothes tonight. Had a letter from Don today. Was surprised! I'm glad to get it, tho. Set Don's Mom's hair tonite. She is going to Conference in Chicago tomorrow. Wrote to Don tonight.

7¹⁰ Gilman - next afternoon Syracuse 4⁰⁵ PM

(No entries Thursday April 26 through Monday April 30.)

Tuesday 1945 May 1

Getting ready to take a trip to Syracuse, N. Y. to visit Donald. Donald called but wasn't home. Went to K³.

Wednesday 1945 May 2

Leaving to for Syracuse N. Y. on 7:15 PM train from Gilman. Caught a 10:20 train from Chicago. Got into Chicago from Gilman at 9:30 P. M..

May 3 Thursday 1945

Did not sleep on train at all from Chicago. Sat by a sailor all the way to Rochester. Got into Syracuse at 12 noon. Don got off at 3:30 to meet me at 4:05, but I was at house already. We went out to supper at Val's. Went to a show.

May 4 Friday 1945

Don left this morning for school. We went to U.S.O. tonight and supper at Val's. We are going to Niagra Falls over weekend. Don, Gordon tried to get me drunk..

May 5 Saturday 1945

Went uptown early this morning. Am supposed to meet Donald & Gordon & Jeanne Wright at N.Y.C. Station. Cost $7.50 for tickets to (Niagra) Buffalo. Went by bus to Niagra. Had fun!

Sunday 1945 May 6

Got hotel rooms at $5. Niagra Falls, N.Y. Got up at 10 o'clock and Don & I went to eat Breakfast with Gordon & Jeanne. Jeanne fainted. Gordon couldn't eat his breakfast then. Walked to Niagra Falls - Then went to Canada in horse & buggy. Lots of fun! Went back to Buffalo about six..

Monday 1945 May 7

Had a beer after U.S.O. Got mad at Don. Got into Syracuse at Midnite last night. I slept late after Don left for school. Washed some of Don's underclothes. Went to Val's for supper and then to U.S.O. Sang.

Tuesday 1945 May 8

Don went to school as usual. Went to Val's for supper. Then went to U.S.O. to play pinochle with Mr. & Mrs. Unger --- Red & his girl. Did group singing in Snack Bar, pictures taken.

May 9 Wednesday 1945

Slept late. Called Jeanne. Washed some clothes for Don. Jeanne & I went to a show. Then met Don & Gordon at Carrier's & went to supper. We four went to a show after going home to clean up.

May 10 Thursday 1945

Jeanne is going (starting) home at 8:30 tonight. Called her. She's going to write when she gets home. Blonde, 4 ft. 10 in. expecting.

May 11 Friday 1945

I'm leaving at Midnite tonight to go home. Wish I didn't have to. Don leaves Syracuse tomorrow. Don't know what time. He goes to Bay City, Michigan, now.

Saturday 1945 may 12

Don left Syracuse 10:20. Changed at Detroit. I got into Chicago at 12 noon waited until 5:05 P.M.. for a train to Gilman. Got home at 7:20. Jim glad to see me but Judy sort of sour.

Sunday 1945 May 13

Jimmy's birthday. He's 3 yrs. old today. Mom, Russell & Dorothy stayed here last night. they gave Mom a big hydrangea. Baked Jim a birthday cake.

Monday 1945 May 14

Miss Don so much now.

(No entries Tuesday May 15 through Friday May 18.)

Saturday 1945 May 19

Don came home for weekend on 10 o'clock train this morning. Good to see him. Kids were glad to see him. We went to Elmer & Dorothy's tonite.

Sunday 1945 May 20

Went to Church --- To Gilman to see Mom & kids. Mom, Russell, Dorothy, Jim, Judy, & I took Don to Chicago to catch 8:05 train back to Bay City, Mich.

May 21 Monday 1945

Wrote to Don.

May 22 Tuesday 1945

Wrote to Don.

May 23 Wednesday 1945

Letter to Don. Sent him a box of cookies.

Thursday 1945 May 24

Letter from Don. Wrote to Don.

Friday 1945 May 25

Washed today. Went to Ed Frericks this afternoon to see Dorothy about going to Alumni - banquet Tuesday. Wrote to Don.

Saturday - 1945 May 26

Got card from Don this morning. He's coming home on leave Monday. 15 days. Not bad. Went to Gilman to Mom's. Took flowers to cemetary to Dad's grave. Had supper in Gilman.

May 27 Sunday 1945

Went to church this morning. Taking kids' pictures. Don came this noon instead of tomorrow. Swell! We went to Roberts this afternoon.

May 28 Monday

Washed. Got my hair set in afternoon. Don stayed with Jim & Judy. Went for a walk after supper. Stopped at A. Alice' and folks.

May 29 Tuesday

Went to Alumni Banquet tonite. Alice Hale, Dorothy Berg, Verna Marberry - Maxine (Johnson) - Don & I there from our class. Had fun! Was to Elmer & Dorothy's awhile this noon. Russell & Dorothy stopped noon. Mom took care of kids tonite.

Wednesday May 30

Decoration Day. Stayed home. Went to Folk's for dinner. Russ Dorothy Don & I went to Carnival in K³ at nite. Got home about 11:30. A. Neva's there. Russ & Don --$21. Saw Hattie's.

Thursday May 31

Raining today. Sun came out awhile this afternoon. Must finish ironing & clean house up.

(No entries Friday June 1 through Tuesday June 5)

Wednesday 1945 June 6

Mom's birthday

(No entries Thursday June 7 through Monday July 16)

Tuesday 1945 July 17 (The date was circled.)

(In blue ink.) Don & I have been Married 4 yrs. Our Wedding Annivesery. (In dark black ink.) He did not send me anything or call me. Was sort of hoping he would (Finally, in lighter black ink.) He's in New Orleans La.

(No entries Wednesday July 18 through Wednesday July 25)

July 26 Thursday

Wrote to Don.

July 27 Friday

Cleaned up house today. Am going to Gilman with Helen De Vries to see about detassling corn.

(No entries Saturday July 28 through Tuesday September 4)

Wednesday September 5

Left Danforth at 12:30 and got in Omaha at 12 midnight.

September 5 Thursday

Omaha, Nebraska

Slept late. Got in at midnite last nite. Had late breakfast. A. Jessie & U. H surprised. Wrote to Don

September 7 Friday

Omaha

Did some shopping. Got Judy pr. of shoes. Myself too. Some kerchiefs. Wrote to Don. Met U. Howard after work.

September 8 Saturday

Omaha

Did some washing. Ironing too. U. Howard - I Russell & Dorothy went to the 40 - 8 Club tonite. Danced etc. Had a fairly good time. Got in about one.

Sunday September 9

Went to Boy's Town. Saw some prisoners of war, too.

Monday September 10

Left Omaha about 7 or 8 in morning. Got home about 7:30 this evening. Glad to be home again.

Tuesday September 11

Did my Washing. Don's folks going to take Aunt Lora back to Jackson Michigan. Surprised! They left today -- ~~no tomorrow mornin~~ Wrote to Don.

September 12 Wednesday

Got Folks' mail. May go to Va. to see Don.

(No entries for Thursday September 13 or Friday September 14.)

Saturday September 15

Sent Don a telegram today to his ship. If I hear from him tomorrow I'll start Monday for Norfolk. Wrote to Don.

Sunday September 16

Got telegram from Don. Supposed to go to Portsmouth to U.S.O. He'll meet us there. Must finish packing now. Mom Jim & Judy going along.

Monday September 17

Janel's birthday. Left this morning at four-thirty. I drove our car. Got to Charleston W. Va & stayed overnite. Raining. Got a room with two double beds. Mt's to cross tomorrow. Ate super here in Charleston. Took baths.

September 18 Tuesday;

Left Charleston W. Va. at five this morning. Got off route. Ate breakfast at Ansted W. Va. Got into Portsmouth at 7:30. Had to eat supper yet. Don met us at U.S.O. We went over bridge 4 1/2 mi. long.

September 19 Wednesday

Got rooms & bath at 1916 S. Elm St. in Portsmouth. Don gave me a luncheon set & bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume from Cuba. Ate uptown this morning. Took Don to Navy yards.

September 20 Thursday

Slept 'til 9:30. Took Don to yards this morning. Met him at five o'clock. We had had supper. Took a ride. Took some pictures.

Friday September 21

Went over a Mt. 3,175 ft. high. Had no car trouble at all. Have to have oil changed before we go back. Wish Don could go too. Cost 22.50 for rooms $2 got back for keys.

Saturday September 22

Don got in last nite at 9:30 Met him at Ferry. They moved their ship to Norfolk. He has til Monday morning leave. He doesn't feel well.

Sunday September 23

Went to show tonite - ~~no last~~ Went to U.S.O. tonite. Mom stayed in room.

(No entries Monday September 24 through October 15.)

October 16

Elmer's birthday.

(No entries October 17 through October 20.)

October 21

Orville's birthday

(No entries October 22 through October 24.)

October 25

My (Ruby) birthday. 25 yrs. old.

October 26

Yvonne (Bremer) Elliott's birthday.

October 27

Sterly's birthday.

(No entries October 28 through November 4)

November 5 Monday 1945

Russell's birthday. Jeanne & Gordon have baby boy. James Wayne born today.

November 6 Tuesday

Norma's birthday

(No entry for Wednesday November 7 and Thursday November 8.)

Friday November 9

Uncle Gordon's birthday. Had Surprise Birthday party on Norma & U. Gordon. Aunt Gusta - Mary - A. Vina, U. Sam - Earl- Cleo - Maurice there too.

Saturday November 10

Don's been in the Navy a year today. Was raining and cold when he left last year. Took him to Watseka to catch train yr. ago. Then I went back to K³ with kids to wait til I heard from Don.

(No entries from Sunday November 11 through Wednesday November 21.)

Thursday November 22

Thanksgiving Day.

November 23 Friday

(With this entry begins the missing by mouse entries, as indicated by the (---).)

I moved to Danforth a yr. ago today.. My Mom help(---) me move. Moving Van.

(No entries from Saturday November 24 through Thursday November 29.)

November 30 Friday

Wrote to Don.

December 1 Saturday 1945

Army - Navy football game. Army won. Listened to it over the radio. Don didn't get to go. No tickets. They listened aboard ship.

Sunday December 2

(At the top of the page.) Russ has '42 Pontiac.

(Daily entry.) Did not go to church today.

(---) Gilman for dinner. Had a

(---) in Russ' new car - Went to

(---toul) (Rantoul). Stopped at Hattie's. To Chanute Field for open house. Wrote to Don.

(No entries Monday December 3 and Tuesday December 4.)

December 5 Wednesday 1945

(At the top of the page.) Dorothy R. Birthday

(Daily entry.) Took Hattie to Champaign to do some of her Christmas shopping.

Mom went al(---) took Jim along, left Judy & Kay at Rantoul. Wrote to Don.

December 6 Thursday

Did my washing. Some for folks. Don's Mother has flu. She's better. Wrote to Don. Got seven letters from Don.

December 7 Friday

Didn't do so very much. Went to a play that Mom & Dot were in at Gilman. Had lunch there. Wrote to Don. Got a letter from Don.

Saturday December 8

Cleaned up house: Went

(---) Gilman tonite and to

(---) show. Saw "Brewsters Millions"

(---)t bad! Wrote to Don as usual.

Sunday December 9

Went to church this afternoon. Judy wouldn't sit still. Had tea at folks. Mom fells pretty good. Kenny & Dale stayed there during church. Wrote to Don.

Monday December 10

Didn't do my washing. Went to Gilman after Ma's curtains stretchers. Got curtains from kids bedroom stretched & back to windows! Don's Mother in bed again. Still of the flu. Got her lace cloth to stretch. Wrote to Don. Had oil changed in car. No. 10.

December 11 Tuesday

Stretched some more curt(---)

Hope I get them all done. (---)

am stretching table cloth (---)

Wrote to Don. No mail from him today. Cold out today.

December 12 Wednesday

Very cold out today too. Couldn't get car started at first. When Dad got here then it started. went to town for groceries. No mail. Snowing tonite. Wrote to Don. Kenny had cast taken off - lighter one put on leg. Not to walk on it.

December 13 Thursday

Stretched some more curtains. Got mail - Redbook. Mom Russell & Dorothy came for supper. Had waffles. Wrote to Don. Snowed all day. Slippery. Don's Mom in bed with flu.

Friday December 14

(---)t all my curtains washed

(---)tretched. Cleaned up house.

(---)I hear from Don today. Took

(---)s stretchers back to Gilman - No mail from Don. Wrote Don.

Saturday December 15

2 ° above zero this morning. No mail from Don yet. Don's Mother better. She's up today. Got my work all done. 1 ° below zero now at 6:30. Wrote to Don.

Sunday December 16

Zero outside today. Slept on Studio Couch last nite. Not going to church today too cold for kids. Hope I hear from Don tomorrow. Wrote to Don. My Mom was here a few minutes tonite. Russell drove here to warm up car. Just Mom came in.

December 17 Monday

Rev. Versteeg pulled out car this m(---)

Went to Gilman this afternoon (---)

Washed today too. Don came h(---)

about eleven o'clock. Left Va. a(---)

6:45 Sunday nite.

December 18 Tuesday

Don & sailor from Farmer City got their bags mixed on the bus last nite. We went to get it - Dean Riggs & Muriel. Went to Hatties them. Stayed for supper. Got home about 10:30.

December 19 Wednesday

Didn't do much today. Went up town for groceries. Elmer here. Took his car to Gilman. We're going to show tonite. Kids & Don took a nap afternoon.

Thursday December 20

Don is supposed to start (---) leave today.

(No entries Friday December 21 through Sunday December 23.)

December 24 Monday

Kay's birthday. 2 yrs. old.

December 25 Tuesday

Christmas Day

Wednesday December 26

Judy's birthday - 2 yrs. old.

(No entries were made for the rest of 1945.)

(In the back of the Daily Reminder Dairy that Mom used was information on Postal Rates. First class letters were 3 cents for each one and post cards were 1 cent each. First class Special Delivery was 10 cents for 2 lbs. or less).

(Inside the back cover in ink.)

Mrs. Donald Huizenga

Danforth, Ill.

1945

(In pencil.)

Don's new address: April 14 (---)

Donald "B" Huizenga F 1/C

T.T. Sch. (Refrigeration)

Carrier Corporation

Syracuse, New York