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Kansas City, Missouri, Alexandria, Virginia, United States
~ About: A 1961-65 Park College Diary ~ As a high school girl and then a college coed in the first half of the 1960s, I wrote nightly entries on the pages of one-year diaries. In January 2010 I began transcribing the entries into a blog and gave each one a title. I grew up on three farms within 30 miles of Iowa City and the University of Iowa with its Iowa Writers' Workshop. As the oldest of four daughters, in my diaries I sometimes referred to my sisters as "the kids" or "the girls." We helped our parents, but we also had good, wholesome fun - a characteristic I took with me to Park. Park is 300 miles southwest of West Chester, Iowa, in Parkville, Missouri, on the Missouri River 10 miles northwest of Kansas City, Missouri, and across the river from Kansas City, Kansas. In 2000 Park College became Park University. Today Park's flagship campus is in Parkville and there are an additional 41 campus centers across the nation. Park was one of the first educational institutions in the United States to offer online learning. My last post was on May 22, 2018. I may be followed on Twitter @BarbaraMcDWhitt.

Smorgasbord at Church - Thursday, March 31, 1960

Tonight was the church smorgasbord. We had a lovely evening after postponing it for several weeks. It is so routine now that it just seems like an everyday thing - when it used to seem like a president's banquet. I didn't get there in time to wait tables. Well, one more day this week of getting up early for homework. I sent in a column. We had tests in history and physics. We had to go clear around because of the mud to go out to Grandma's.

Grimes Decorating Shop - Wednesday, March 30, 1960

We had an FHA meeting this afternoon. Mrs. Grimes from the Grimes Decorating shop in Keota talked. I'm about pooped from all this work I've been doing. I don't think the paper got taken to Kalona after all - Mr. Shoemaker wasn't here. If I please one teacher, I upset the next one. I'm taking life too seriously.

Beating Rain and Thunder - Tuesday, March 29, 1960

I did English, physics and geometry to the tune of beating rain and thunder. I'll have to do history in the morning if I want to proofread the school paper in first study hall. This has been some day, weatherwise. There was so much fog that visibility was 00. We had P. E. and played volleyball. Beth and I crashed heads.

April Fools School Paper -Monday, March 28, 1960

Right now, although I'm holding my breath for fear it won't last, I feel pretty successful about the April Fools school paper - I've worked long enough on it! I'll have to get up in the morning and do geometry - I spent two hours on three problems (straight working!). Neta and Gerry will be on the student council from our class next year.

Playing Instruments for Church - Sunday, March 27, 1960

We played our horns for church. Phyllis and Virginia did "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" on the flute and piano and Virginia and I played "Rock of Ages." People said it was good. This afternoon I worked on the school paper, doing more than my share as usual. I have to pick some kids I think would be worthy of Quill and Scroll. There sure was a lot of snow melting today.

A Full Day And Night of Homework - Saturday, March 26, 1960

This morning I did geometry, this afternoon my book review for The Red Badge of Courage, and we had piano lessons, and tonight I read physics and history. Gilbert was here for dinner and Mr. Marcus stopped just as we sat down and was here the whole time talking about another horse. It was pretty warm. Phyl had straight A's the last nine weeks.

71st Column was in the Journal - Friday, March 25, 1960

About all I can say is that I'm glad it's another weekend because the school paper and library club kept me from getting any work done. A week ago at this time we must have been hearing the Grinnell College boys sing at the FHA Convention. Mom got us some horn music but we might exchange some. We're supposed to play Sunday. My 71st column was in the Journal.

1864's 6 Degrees Record Broken - Thursday, March 24, 1960

We had family night tonight with a shower for Frieda and Gary and a celebration for the Harley's 50th wedding anniversary. We gave them two blankets and Gary some safety pins. Today it broke the all time record for this date of 6 degrees in 1864. I think I'm finally catching up. I even got a column written.

Decorating the Church Basement - Wednesday, March 23, 1960

We've been up decorating the church basement tonight for Frieda and Gary's baby shower and the Harley's 50th anniversary tomorrow night. Mom is at the lodge training school they've postponed so many times. I guess I'll try writing a column. My third quarter grades were English - A, history - A, physics - B, and geometry - C.

An Outer Space Theme - Tuesday, March 22, 1960

I worked from after supper on doing Monday's makeup in geometry. We have started the plans for the banquet and prom. I had to write and tell Mr. Pugl we "couldn't afford" him for the prom. We have to give some money to Wellman! We have an outer space theme in lavender and silver. I'm sending for more information about a work camp in August - a United Presbyterian one.

No Trucks and Buses on Gravel Roads - Monday, March 21, 1960

Oh, it's cold again. I've got so much history and geometry to do, counting make up for Friday. If I survive the school year - ha! The county isn't going to let trucks and buses go on the gravel roads when they're not frozen. Parents will have to take their kids to the highway or to school. Mom went to Wellman to judge a WCTU speech contest.

A Blackboard Talk for Sunday School - Sunday, March 20, 1960

I woke up feeling okay again after one of the "sickest" nights and days I've ever had, so I guess it was something I ate. In Sunday School closing exercises I gave a blackboard talk. It really wasn't too bad. We had youth fellowship and it was our turn for refreshments. We forgot until today that we did. Mom got Pepsi at the gas station and we took our potato chips.

Suite Where Kruschev Stayed - Saturday, March 19, 1960

Of all days, I had to wake up in the middle of the night with a splitting stomach ache. I threw up (in the bathroom of Hotel Fort Des Moines!). I hope I didn't spoil anybody's day besides mine - I've lived on tea and Tums. I had a good enough time though seeing the presidential suite where Kruschev stayed and enjoying the meeting - installation, etc. I took Gerry home after she came here for awhile. It was she who got me turned around down at her place! I do not want another strawberry malt. Ugh--.

FHA State Convention - Friday, March 18, 1960

I got up at 6:00 and Gerry, Sheryl, Mrs. Small, Mrs. Kleinschmidt and I got to Des Moines about 9:00. After we registered we went to the meeting (got there late). We elected officers - Gerry and I were right on all but one. We had a lovely banquet (chicken) and program - some pantomimers we'd like to have for our prom, and some Grinnell College boys sang. In our spare time we wrote postcards, ate, rode elevators, hiked the town, hunted pizza "at midnight" and griped over having to share a room with our elders.

A New Formal - Thursday, March 17, 1960

I spent St. Patrick's Day picking out my new formal at Penneys for one thing. It only cost $8 but we think it's pretty - fluffy pink with tiny sleeves and a bow in front. I also tried on two others. We did the wash. I took my column in for once - Mr. Fudge said to go ahead and send it in when I called him. I also called Mrs.Small and found out we're leaving at 7:00 instead of 6:00 (snow, etc.) so I hope I'm all packed.

As Long As Mom is Happy - Wednesday, March 16, 1960

There was no school today because of the snow. I sure hope we still get to go to Des Moines after being elected. I should have spent way more time than I did studying for a history test - my only homework. (Last week I was swamped.) Today I got too riled up over my formal (one I liked in Alden's catalog Mom thought I didn't like - Daddy said not to order one - might go to town tomorrow after school, etc.). I'm indifferent just so long as Mom's happy. I hate to cause her trouble about this dress.

A 12-Inch Snow - Tuesday, March 15, 1960

We are being pounded by a predicted 12-inch snow storm that got here exactly a day late. I sure hope it doesn't amount to much. I wrote my column tonight, and that's about all. Mom went to a PTA meeting. Maybe I won't make my dress after all. I could order one - or look around in Des Moines (or "play sick" on April 9). I guess I'll read A History of the Civil War for an English project. I got On the Beach which I ordered for 45 cents.

Am Supposed to Make Prom Dress - Monday, March 14, 1960

We had two movies, started "circles" in geometry and started a volleyball tournament. Phyl's team of six won today. They tell us southeast Iowa is to get 8-12 inches of snow tonight. Oh no! I'm afraid this week will go fast - time, time, time! We had to move our prom up to April 9 - I'm supposed to make my dress - help! Guess I'll order the material.

Coasting at Grace Hill - Sunday, March 13, 1960

We had Cuddebacks and Stouts here tonight for homemade ice cream. It was the first time Stouts have been here in all the time we've lived here. We went coasting down at Grace Hill this afternoon with the youth fellowship. Several other kids (including Jerolyn and Charles, Roberta and Stan, and Jim Young)  were there. Virginia got her head bumped and glasses broken. It was good sledding. We used Jimmy Cuddeback's sled.

Gladbook Retains State Championship - Saturday, March 12, 1960

This has seemed like a long day. We just saw Gladbrook beat Eldora for their second state championship. I suppose Phyllis is on her way back from Des Moines now. In town this morning I got pajamas, a slip and hose for Des Moines. We had piano lessons--Virginia and I. The Cuddeback kids were here tonight.

A Letter to Dr. Frank Drake - Friday, March 11, 1960

Well, well, I came home to the energy of a weekend, practicing the piano (second time in four weeks) for my lesson tomorrow, doing my homework, and writing to Dr. Frank Drake on Project Ozma in West Virginia about Ezekiel I. Tomorrow Phyl goes to the girls' basketball state finals in Des Moines - the reward of going out for basketball. We had P. E. The girls and boys "share" dressing rooms because of so many in track. What a mess! Washington now has its record snowfall. It will take about $50,000 for county snow removal this year, when it usually is $8,000.

Next Year's School Paper - Thursday, March 10, 1960

Well, at least I've read the first thirteen chapters of the novel. I'm still doing the geometry. I think we all are. In physics we had two movies. I've been trying to make plans for next weekend at Des Moines. I wish I could have gotten my column written - I had enough news possibilities. Mrs. Fordyce raved over our Mid-Prairie article in the last school paper, says Mrs. Small. It was half mine, half Sheryl's. Mrs. Fordyce is interested in me for a paper editor next year.

Snow and School - Wednesday, March 9, 1960

I feel like ugggggh! This dumb snow and school. I'm on page 2 of The Red Badge of Courage and we have to have through Chapter 13 read by Friday! (Help!) I've got one of 20 geometry problems done! (Help!) I didn't get a column written! (Shoot!) We were practically the only school in the county having school today. We're going to attempt to go all the time, I guess.

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - Tuesday, March 8, 1960

This was Virginia's birthday. I gave her a yellow corduroy pillow. We (four girls and four boys) took the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test today so we didn't have classes. It wasn't really hard - just could have used more time. The FHA potluck was tonight and as chairman of the entertainment committee I feel as if it was quite successful. We had our speakers, Linda Robledo from the Phillipines and Rose Sung of China, and a bingo game.

Another Mid-Prairie Meeting - Monday, March 7, 1960

I'm pooped and I haven't even opened the geometry book, and I won't either! We have the Narional Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in the morning. Besides, Mom told me to go to bed early, which it no longer is! Dumb old history. School! Ugh! I can't breathe! Nothing else registers on my "blank" mind! Daddy went to another Mid-Prairie meeting.

20 Below 0 Degrees - Sunday, March 6, 1960

Tonight we had youth fellowship. I'm getting very tired of it. Daddy took us up and got us as it's snowing again. This is the worst winter for snow since 1936. Our temperature has been making records, too - 20 below yesterday morning - rarely more than 10 above for the last few days. I did homework all afternoon.

Senior Benefit Basketball Games - Saturday, March 5, 1960

Tonight we decided to go to the senior benefit games. Even Phyl and I were charged 65 cents! The boys played the Mid-Prairie coaches and were beat in the second overtime. The girls played men of the community. We went to town this afternoon. I got most of my history project done. I've really got to get down to business on everything fast!

Two Boys Steal Cars - Friday, March 4, 1960

We marched forth from school at 2:30 again because the roads were drifting shut. Mom decided not to go in to wash tonight. This has been a day of whispers. Yesterday after music _____ and _____ disappeared. They were found this morning in Omaha. They took Browns' car to Winterset where they stole another one. Mr. Fudge and Gilbert went after Brown's car today. What a time!! By the way, I'm going to the FHA state convention with Sheryl and Gerry.

$1.25 for Babysitting - Thursday, March 3, 1960

I didn't go to the play at Mt. Pleasant that I've been signed up to go to for a week only to remember we had choir practice. My excuse to stay home from choir practice was, first, being too tired and the second was for homework. Then I ended up babysitting for Stouts while they went to the Y's Men's play (and I got $1.25 plus most of my geometry done)!!

Y's Men's Play, "Room Service" - Wednesday, March 2, 1960

We went to the Y's Men's play, "Room Service," at the high school in Washington. It was good. This was their first night. We had to dig our way out of the driveway and back in when we got home since it is snowing "like crazy" again. We started trumpet trio practice. I wonder when I'll get my geometry done.

Headed to FHA State Convention - Tuesday, March 1, 1960

The school paper came out today. It seemed so uneventful this time. It's not as good in looks either. If the results stay the same, it looks as if I'm headed for the FHA State Convention in Des Moines March 18. They voted today--there's a few who haven't voted. Sheryl is already going. I don't know who else. I did homework till 10 o'clock tonight while Mom went to lodge and Daddy went to a Farm Bureau meeting.

Five Matching Shirts - Monday, February 29, 1960

This February 29th page has been blank in my three previous diaries. Mom, Daddy and Phyllis went to Peterses tonight for a Sunday School meeting. I stayed with the kids and did homework. We started and completed stencils for the paper today. Mrs. Small took it to Kalona to run off. All five of us (Linda, Roberta, Jerolyn, Helen and I) wore our snazzy matching shirts.