Carolyn's Diary: Monday, June 17, 1963

About Carolyn's Diary

My mother kept diaries from January 6 1962 until the morning she died in October 1998. Her diaries were written for practical purposes, and provide a chronicle of the events of her days. Few feelings are expressed, if any, and you have to read between the lines to discern her emotions. She would often refer back to her diaries to confirm that the roof was replaced on this date, the taxes were paid on that date, the weather was sunny and warm or snowy and windy.

My mother stopped working when I was born in 1959, and my father was a US Navy diver. My mother's first diary was presented to her on January 6, 1962, when her parents arrived from Iowa for an extended stay as my dad prepared to leave the country with the Navy. My grandmother kept a daily diary until her death also, and I guess she encouraged my mother to do the same.

My mother seems unsure of what to write initially, but gradually gets into the rhythm of writing each day. It is simply a record of the day-to-day life of an average American housewife.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Monday, June 17, 1963

Up at 7:30 - Billy slept until 9:00 - Cut out 3 pr. of shorts for Billy & 2 shirts. Hank got off at noon - after lunch we went to Sears - I got material for the chairs - new curtains for our bedroom - 2 outfits for Billy - went to Center Shops & seen about the sewing machine - also looked at braided rugs - rode thro' town - Stopped at Pep Boys - Stopped at Burger Chef for cold drinks - Mrs. Ranhorne came over when we got home - Hank & Billy went to the store before supper - when they got home Hank slammed the car door on Billy's finger (left hand) really hurt him - he screamed for a long time - I didn't eat - neither did Billy. Hank took Mr. Paul somewhere then went to Hayes - Billy & I went to Kitty's for awhile - made buttonholes in his yellow p.j.'s - sewed buttons on - run 2 loads of wash through -

Letters from Mom - Dad - Issy & Midge
Mailed letter home.