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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.

The Decade of Man in Space - Saturday, December 31, 1960

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm not babysitting, traveling or anything. But I think I'm too tired to stay up. I got a seven page typewritten start on my research paper. I worked on my Sunday School report all morning and took it up to Mr. Peters in the Dodge. It started rolling down the street when I got out. They had the Ford in town. Taking a trip always takes a hunk out of vacation, but who cares! Thus ends 1960, the first year of  "The Decade of Man in Space".

Science Project - Friday, December 30, 1960

I hardly did a thing all day. I forgot that the annual reports should probably be ready for Sunday's meeting, so I'm trying to get mine finished up. I tried doing a little on my science project but with no luck. However, I decided I'm not going to attempt an Otswald color solid. It would take ten years and then be almost meaningless, I think.

Mom and Berea - Thursday, December 29, 1960

We got home about 8:30 tonight. Dale had the lights on, the house just like home, and the mail on the table. I drove some on the turnpike again, this time in Indiana. I started writing my original oratory speech. We stopped at Mom's cousin Ira's in Oberlin, Ohio this morning. He's the one who's responsible for Mom going to Berea. It's good to see things--Christmas tree, room, etc.--just like we left them, as though I thought they'd change!

Short Wave Radio - Wednesday, December 28, 1960

Ruthie and Bob and Mr. Lorah (and the cat--which stayed in the car) stopped to visit at Grandma's at noon time. In the morning Phyllis and I walked to the shopping center. I got post cards and have written several, including one in French to Shirley Bush. We went ice skating again. Rene, next door, gave us a pair of majorette boots. I think I'll be a majorette at Park! Tonight we listened to George's short wave radio. Something about a "female dragged away from phone"!

Mom's High School - Tuesday, December 27, 1960

Tonight I went with my pen pal Patty Holecek to a basketball game at Mom's old high school. Lakewood played West Tech and they were both undefeated in six games. Lakewood led the whole way and then West Tech won by four points. It was sure fun. Phyllis and I walked over to Holeceks this afternoon to take Patty a pillow, but she was working. We visited with Mrs. Holecek. All of us visited with Aunt Nell and Mrs. Clause this morning, and in the afternooon went ice skating on a pond in Westgate. The rest of them drove downtown to see the city Christmas lights, but I was at the game.

Turnpike Driving - Monday, December 26, 1960

We got a fairly good start for Ohio this morning and got here in thirteen hours. It snowed until we got into Illinois. We went right near to the place where those three ladies were murdered in Starved Rock State Park last spring. They let me drive some on the Ohio turnpike for about an hour. Daddy slept in the back seat! Karen is quite a little girl. In Illinois we also saw the various canals--I'd never noticed them before. We'll have quite a little ways to go to Edington, Illinois to play basketball.

To Leave for Ohio - Sunday, December 25, 1960

Christmas 1960, and we're getting ready to leave for Ohio. We went out to Grandma's tonight to have supper with them and Pat and Delbert and Jeff. I got a letter holder with the Ten Commandments on it from Grandma and Grandpa. This afternoon I worked on extra credit themes for English. Christmas seems different without presents in the morning, but I think I "used" last night better not just thinking about what I would get. I liked this "Sunday" Christmas better than I recall liking them.

A White Christmas - Saturday, December 24, 1960

Since Christmas is on Sunday this year we decided to open our presents on Christmas eve. It's kind of nice for a change. From Mom and Dad I got: a black cardigan, slip, hose, slippers, pajamas, Phyl and I the book, Between You, Me and the Gate Post  by Pat Boone, from Phyl stationery, Virginia a "Don't Just Sit There--Worry" pillow, Ann a desk set, Grandma Kay, skirt material, Schwartzes an autograph hound. I gave Mom serving dishes, Daddy brush and comb, both card table cover, Phyl pillow, Virginia change purse, and Ann little travel bag and film. We're going to have a white Christmas. 

Negro Suffrage - Friday, December 23, 1960

We went to town this afternoon to finish up our Christmas shopping. After I got Ann's present I copied from a book on Negro suffrage while Mom was at the Laundromat so Phyllis could take the book back to the library. It was just as good to to do that, as I think it was the best for my cold rather than being outside. I wrapped up my Christmas presents for the family tonight. One day down and one to go! It's almost Christmas.

Out the Gym Door - Thursday, December 22, 1960

School was officially out for Christmas vacation after our dismissal following (wow!) the assembly. I was the very first student out the gym door. The French class sang three carols. This was dress-up day. Phyllis and I went to the roller skating rink in Wellman for the Christmas party since Helen Birkey and Linda Scott were going to be there. It was kind of a flop and the place was so cold we could have ice skated. I got another A on a government test.

Thespian Society - Wednesday, December 21, 1960

I went back to school today--although I about missed the bus in so doing. I think it was a good time to miss. We practiced for the assembly seventh period--French class, Spanish classes, and mixed chorus are singing. We had class meetings first period, so that meant no chemistry again today. It's cold. I finished (finally) my penpals' Christmas cards. We decorated the tree that Mom brought home from school. I'm a new member of the National Thespian Society.

Christmas Cards with Horses Picture - Tuesday, December 20, 1960

That egg taste turned into a slight case of "flu", or the same symptoms, so I stayed home from school today. I really don't think I could have missed out on too much, subject wise. Our Cristmas cards of us and the horses finally came. It sure was about time! I slept till noon, didn't get up till almost 2:00, then read government till they got home. I had Phyllis pay me back for chores. She wasn't too happy about it.

Park College Receives Application - Monday, December 19, 1960

Tonight was the high school Christmas concert. I played the baritone for our two band numbers. I'm tasting eggs again from our potato salad at noon. Well, Park College "has received" my application. It is snowing tonight, our very first of the season. When the girls over there found out after the concert, they squealed as though it was Texas. I brought the West Chester copies of the paper over tonight. It looks nice.

Prom Was a Flop - Sunday, December 18, 1960

Tonight was the Christmas program at the church. I read the Christmas story from the Bible. Today in church Phyllis, Virginia, and I played our horns instead of the choir singing. I guess the prom last night could be termed "a flop." Something about no entertainment and everyone leaving too soon. Yesterday morning when I planned to sleep, I couldn't, but now I'm "dead" again.

Christmas Prom - Saturday, December 17, 1960

Tonight is the Christmas prom. I didn't go, but Phyllis is there. We went to town this afternoon. I spent an hour at the library doing research and the rest of the time Christmas shopping--as was three-fourths of the county. The dime store was, as Virginia said, "a mad mess!" Yesterday morning two airliners crashed over New York City killing 132, the worst air crash in aviation history.

French Christmas Party - Friday, December 16,1960

I went to the French Christmas party at Mrs.Frazier's tonight. I was going to take the Hole girls but then they called and said they weren't going because they don't feel good. So Mom took me over and did the wash so I wouldn't have to drive back alone. She has a nice family--a five month baby boy. We beat Keota tonight. Phyllis is staying all night with Patty Hohenshell so she can decorate tomorrow and go to the prom tomorrow night.

Green Stencil - Thursday, December 15, 1960

I didn't go to the yearbook staff meeting tonight. Today I had to help run off a green ink stencil, and what a mess! Mrs. Fordyce kept good humor in spite of being disgusted over no one staying to work tonight and having to tell me to be quieter because of her home room. They are selling Mid-Prairie sweat shirts, but they don't have them in my size. I hope I can get one in town.

To Catch the Money Stealer - Wednesday, December 14, 1960

Tonight was church night. The youth fellowship decorated the Christmas tree. However, I spent most of my time trying to do chemistry problems. Mr.Evans had me leave my purse on top of my locker with office money in it to see if they can catch the money stealer. I sure thought he suspected me or something when he wanted to see my money! I think sleep is the only thing I need and then I'd be all right.

Church Christmas Tree - Tuesday, December 13, 1960

I stayed after school tonight to type news. Mrs.Fordyce and I did it all as there wasn't enough for the production staff to stay. At first I thought she wanted me to stay tomorrow night, too, but that would have messed chores up. I did Shirley's layout tonight. I bought a church Christmas tree tonight and ran with it to the church since Mom was in a hurry to get home because of Ann's permanent. It sure looked like I was stealing things. I guess I missed being in Thespians this semester by one point.

National Honor Society - Monday, December 12, 1960

My week long journeying toWellman began tonight. I went with Sheryl to the National Honor Society meeting. We didn't get much accomplished and there were only two Wellman kids there. We might sponsor a dance at the end of the semester. I took the "freezer fresh" homecoming cookies for refreshments. I fear Mrs.Fordyce is going to get rather grouchy about the school paper. I've got about a trillion things to remember.

Joyeux Noel - Sunday, December 11, 1960

This weekend has been quite a different story compared to last week on the equations. We don't even have a chemistry assignment. I finished up my Christmas card block print designs. I'm going to write Joyeux Noel et Une Bonne Annee on them. By the way, we're going to Ohio at Christmas for a couple of days. That, my research paper, science project, sleep...then I'll soon be through with "school." Where we'll graduate is still a problem.

Beat Again in Basketball - Saturday, December 10, 1960

We got beat last night. They're the only team that has ever beaten Mid-Prairie in football and then they have to do it again in basketball! I babysat all afternoon while Mrs. Fudge went shopping in Iowa City. Mom had class up there again. I started sewing my red wool skirt so I can wear it to the French class Christmas party. I am making French block print Christmas cards. This next week will be filled to capacity.

"The Thread of Life" - Friday, December 9, 1960

Phyllis went to the Regina game. I did chores by myself to repay her for doing them for me Wednesday night. I watched "The Thread of Life"- genetics - that Mr. Statler recommended. It was pretty interesting. I was going to go to town tomorrow afternoon, but now I guess I'll babysit for Fudges. Might as well make money rather than spend it. They've been working on our house. They took the front porch off, changed three windows and the back door.

Dusting Powder - Thursday, December 8, 1960

As Phyllis and I both figured we would, we both ended up with dusting powder from our FHA secret sisters. I think Phyllis's pillow for Junean was about the most popular present there. I didn't have to do anything for the yearbook.Everyone else was typing what I've written, so that's okay with me. I was too wordy with my definitions so didn't get five chemistry questions answered on the first part of the test.

Park College Autobiography - Wednesday, December 7, 1960

I just got home from babysitting all evening for Fudges while they went with the teachers to the Captain's Table to treat Howard and Mabel. The kids went to the youth fellowship silent auction at the church. I finished my autobiography since I didn't do chores tonight. Thankfully I managed to get as much chemistry studied in study hall as I would have at home. We had an FHA meeting fifth period.

Betty Crocker Homemaker Test - Tuesday, December 6, 1960

I've been writing my college application autobiography all evening. It at least looks pretty hopeful now and I'll try to have it mailed by Thursday. Jerolyn, Shirley Bush, Linda Scott, Helen Birkey and I took the Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow test. On the ten-minute essay part I was still writing the introduction when she said "Stop."! More writing, we also had essay tests on three Medieval England topics.

Fire Drill - Monday, December 5, 1960

I'm poky. I spent all evening getting Mrs. Cowan's bread basket and Karen Yoder (FHA secret sister's) bracelet wrapped up. Now I'm going to have to hurry if I get my chemistry done "before morning." We had a fire drill this afternoon but we couldn't hear the fire alarm till we were clear outside. At least we weren't surprised by its loudness!

Chemistry Formulas and Equations - Sunday, December 4, 1960

I spent all afternoon and night on chemistry, writing formulas and balancing equations. It has about driven me bats. We are supposed to have our workbooks completed, 100 formulas and 250 equations done by the end of class tomorrow. I'm glad I got four chapters in the other government book looked at last night. Cuddebacks were up this afternoon.

Yearbook Deadline - Saturday, December 3, 1960

If utter exhaustion doesn't get me, then I don't know what will! This morning I went over to Wellman to work on the yearbook while Mom and Phyllis went to Iowa City. They only have nine pages completed and 32 were due December 1! I got my health sheet finished up today at the doctor's. I did a little Christmas shopping. The things we ordered from Spiegels are here, so I have mine about done.

Yearbook Assignment - Friday, December 2, 1960

I babysat for Fudges tonight while they went to the girls' game here with Durant.The rest of our family went, too. The girls got beat by quite a lot. I'm about pooped from reading to Craig. Becky has sure grown. I guess I have the yearbook material satisfactorily completed. I had most of the teachers okay it and they seemed to like it. I just got the latest two Gold Feathers ready to send to Iowa City for evaluation.

Writing for Yearbook - Thursday, December 1, 1960

I've been having a lot of fun writing about all of the high school departments for the yearbook. It's the kind of thing I've always wished I could do. But it has taken lots of time and work. Here it is December. It's awful for me not to have my college application sent in. Much longer and I won't get there. I've also got to get my research paper worked on. I took my proofs back to Driscoll's Tuesday and placed my order, but they're not going to start them till after Christmas.