Dress-Up Clothes - Tuesday, January 31, 1961

The first month of the year is gone already. They took more yearbook pictures again with our dress-up clothes on. Junean, Shirley Bush, Curt, Tom Bauer and Bob Wetrich are new Quill and Scroll members. This time I got in the annual staff picture. Our senior pictures are finally done at Driscoll's. Maybe I can get mine tomorrow night. I'm going to have to buckle down harder on my school work. Start reading harder, longer, faster, with more meaning. I must choose a sociology research topic.

School Paper - Monday, January 30, 1961

I really have myself a cold. I'd rather not speak, I sound so funny. We were able to get the school paper out the last period today. I was late as it was when Mrs. Fordyce gave me the West Chester junior high and grade school papers. I ran out with an arm load. It looked like I was stealing things. At least I never had to stay after school with this paper--seven pages. For awhile we thought we had a "non-existent" person on the honor roll!

Mitten at Laundromat - Sunday, January 29, 1961

We went in to see Van Winkles tonight. Marilyn came to the door in her bathrobe, and as she was the only one home, we didn't stay. The rest of them were visiting Ralstons. We did stop at the laundromat to see if Ann's new white mitten was there, and it was, so our efforts weren't clear futile. I didn't get much studying done this weekend. I'll be glad when these awful chemistry tests are over.

I Rating on Original Oratory - Saturday, January 28, 1961

I got a I (two I's and a II) this afternoon on my original oratory. However, talk about people's minds going blank--mine sure did. I sure felt dumb. But I guess they liked the way I kept my poise. Jerolyn, Shirley and Lillian also got I's. Just after I got home Phyllis Crone called up and wanted me to go to the show with her. We stopped to see Marilyn, thinking she might like to go, but she and Ruth Norton ended up driving around. Anyway, Phyllis and I had fun, too.

Mimeograph Paper Evaluation - Friday, January 27, 1961

For some reason (and I wonder why!) Fridays are my most relaxing school day. Except for when I gave my declam speech. I gave it for the English class, but if I do like that tomorrow, I'll be lucky to get a III. Then the kids in French class wanted to hear it, too, so I said it again. We finally received word from Iowa City about our newspaper evaluation. They gave a few suggestions (all of which I could have "helped") and said with these improvements this could be the top mimeograph paper in the state! Phyllis, Linda Timmins and I went to the North English game at Kalona. We won.

Pinocchio in French - Thursday, January 26, 1961

I've had a slight headache all day. I wonder if it's from stove fumes in my room or something. I didn't get quite done with our first chemistry test. I wish I had an optimistic attitude about that subject. Mom is at a Sunday School teachers meeting at Mrs. Woodford's. Daddy didn't go. I must start reading Pinocchio in French. We also have to read Alice in Wonderland and Babar.

Slide Rules - Wednesday, January 25, 1961

We had a class meeting today. We decided our class colors would be red and white and the flower the red rose. We haven't picked the motto yet. Marilyn sent me one of her senior pictures. It's real nice. I sure wish we wouldn't have to use the slide rule on our chemistry tests. I fear the consequences! The school paper is coming fine for as little time I've spent on it. I had 99% in English on the National Merit Scholarship Test we took last March.

Monotone Voice - Tuesday, January 24, 1961

Here I am, still alive and well, but cold. The school over there was sure cold today. We got the honor society order taken care of, but it looks more like special education than honor society--the order blank! Then they can't find our charter number either. I was surprised that I gave my declam speech "satisfactorily", but I have too monotonous a voice. I wish I could concentrate more on chemistry when I get the chance to read it. 

Shook Up - Monday, January 23, 1961

We had an Honor Society meeting tonight. I resigned my post as treasurer "worrying" about Mr. Brown's command to get the order for jewelry and other things sent off tomorrow. I'll have to see him home room period but have declam, etc., and so forth. But why do I get so shook up--speaking to me roughly in front of the group, maybe? Bravo, I was nominated for president. Our water pipes and faucets were frozen this morning and they burst in three places during the day. We might have been swimming if Daddy hadn't been here.

Dennis's Scratch - Sunday, January 22, 1961

This cold weather is not to my liking. I did manage to get ahead and finish most of the chemistry unit we're on now--which amounted just to the review. My "Greetings Extra-terrestrials" takes just either side of ten minutes. Yi! Dennis scratched me yesterday morning on the hand when I pushed him out of bed. I enjoy looking at it! I slept to within fifteen minutes of church time this morning. Wish I could start going to bed at 6:00. This week should be goodly average. Here's hoping I get myself off the chemistry failing list!!

Ann's Birthday - Saturday, January 21, 1961

Today just seemed to go too fast. It was Ann's birthday. Mom went to Iowa City to her class. I slept till 10:30, then the kids talked me into burning trash. This afternoon I washed my hair, but it took me till 2:30 to get anything accomplished. I was reading about and discussing the "changing of the guard" from the oldest president to the youngest president in history. I did my chemistry. I should get ahead on it for once, as this will be another busy week. We had Ann's birthday supper tonight.

President Kennedy - Friday, January 20, 1961

John Fitzgerald Kennedy is now the President of the United States. I am going to miss Eisenhower. Imagine going through college under Democratic rule! I was going to go to town after school but ended up babysitting. I made enough finances to to give Ann a dollar bill wrapped around a cartridge for her birthday. I was going to get a Farm Bureau scholarship blank in town, and Mom didn' have time, but it can wait. Mom served concessions at the girls' game tonight.

Thespian Society -Thursday, January 19, 1961

I'm now a member of the National Thespian Society. The three Kalona members (Mary Ellen Miller, Sally Skola and and Curt Cox) and Mrs. Kephart plus Mr. Evans gave a very nice initiation program for the new members. We got pins, certificates, and membership cards. Mom and Phyllis went with me. Darlene Lampe is staying all night with Ann. Mr. Statler wasn't there today so I had study hall all morning long. I still didn't get a whole lot accomplished. I'll never be able to wear my beloved blue suit again--I cut it off too short! I didn't know I liked it so much!

Bridge of No Return - Wednesday, January 18, 1961

It is snowing--or at least it was--tonight. Leave it to Family Night or Ann's birthday to bring a (big) snow. Believe you me, this has been an unusual winter. This is only our second snow. At Family Night Dave Livingston, Jr. showed slides of Korea. They are missionaries there. One impressive picture was the Bridge of No Return looking over into Northern Korea from South. We got our report cards. For the semester I had: English, A-, chemistry, B+, government and French, A. I'm thrilled!!

Extension of Suffrage - Tuesday, January 17, 1961

We all went over to the game at Kalona tonight. We got beat by Aquinas of Ft. Madison, but the reserves won in an overtime. It sort of seemed unusual for us all to go some place together. The game was a lot of fun in spite of the fact that we lost. I got an A+ on my Extension of Suffrage research paper, A on my semester test, A on Are Taxes Too High? (never thought I'd pull that one!) and B on my last test. Thus ends Seminar in American Government. I've flunked two straight chemistry "tests" involving the use of the slide rule. I went down to see Mr. Statler last period as he'd issued the invitation, but I "know" everything there is to know!?!

Winter Dullness - Monday, January 16, 1961

I got a letter from Park today saying they will "present my case" to the admissions committee as soon as they receive my transcript. We are going to have six weeks of economics in government class and then sociology. I started doing a little bit on my science project. The calendar time line "year" will be sixty feet long when I get it done. At the start of the second semester, Mid-Prairie kids are currently sort of "spiritless"--winter dullness, I guess.

Exposition Paper - Sunday, January 15, 1961

I typed three pages of my exposition paper this afternoon and then thought we were out of typing paper. I found enough on my clip board tonight to do three more pages, and now I have only half a paragraph left to do. I might "squeeze in" a drawing or two. Parcells were here a little while this afternoon. The kids sure have grown, especially Sheri. I hardly knew her. I knew Virginia would be disgusted when she found out she missed them, but she was at a party for Rita Mae at Dianna's.

How to Drive on the Turnpike - Saturday, January 14, 1961

I spent part of the day finishing Green Eyes. I finally wrote my expository witing for English on How to Drive on the Turnpike. I can't make up my mind on how I like it. Daddy got me a calendar at Freshwaters for my science project. I've changed from color to something about the age of the universe and man in comparison. The calendar is for a timeline. So far I've kept my room cleaned up, but my desk, hassack and bookcase look a little "ragged". Ann and Virginia have threatened to change rooms if I don't keep it in order till Ann's birthday. Also--the closet's my secret catch-all!

Kids Took My Blood Type - Friday, January 13, 1961

Anymore, I always seem to forget Friday the 13ths till I see the date in my diary. We did have 13 kids in chemistry class saying they would eat hot lunch on Friday the 13th. It's been almost a month since we went to school all week. The kids took my blood type tonight. I about thought I was murdered before it was all over! Phyl's biology class has been doing it. Ann is exactly half way through "school". I've got 25 semesters down and one to go. I'm reading Green Eyes.

Government and Chemistry - Thursday, January 12, 1961

On the first part of our government final examination I answered two questions, started the third, and went to the last, intending to come back. The bell caused me to have two uncompleted. We did an experiment in chemistry. Our table had 200% error and the next table didn't have any! Ann timed my original oratory. It took approximatey nine and a half minutes and it's supposed to be eight! Something must give!

Semester Tests - Wednesday, January 11, 1961

I should have said last night that Ann cleaned my room up, but I'll give her credit first thing tonight. I had the best French test paper in the class--thank heavens. I hope I've maintained an A for the semester. Our government test sounds wowee! After much discussion and debate, he finally decided to give us two of Friday's questions for advance preparation. I must get my declam piece learned!! Gee, I've only got two more scheduled practices before contest! Mom is at Lodge "for the last time". She's been wanting out for ages.

Satisfactory Work at College - Tuesday, January 10, 1961

I babysat for Fudges for a little over two hours while they were at the girls' games here. Today I got the results back of the PSAT test some of us took in October. It seems unusual, but my math (44) was higher than my verbal score (41). Possible scores range from 20 to 80, so-----. I think I just squeezed past the "able to do satisfactory work at any college" mark. I'm supposed to see Mr. Sawyer tomorrow for further interpretation and discussion. We have a big government test. I'm sure he'll think I never saw a government book in my life.

Iowa Tests Results - Monday, January 9, 1961

We started our French test today. It always takes more than one day. We have to "write a letter in French to Mr. Kennedy about Cuba or old men." We got the results of the Iowa Tests of Educational Development back today. My composite was 88, two lower than last year. I wish I could have stayed in the 90s. Several of the Kalona kids got 99, I guess, and I don't know who else might have. We got the book club books back. I'm trying to decide whether to resist temptation and read a chapter. With my declam and tests and babysitting tomorrow night, I know I shouldn't.

Quill and Scroll - Sunday, January 8, 1961

I guess I have my homework pretty well treated for another weekend. I just finished retyping my declam speech. It will need to be shortened some yet, I think, and needs a different title. I haven't studied for my French test yet, and then I need to measure inches of news to use as a basis for Quill and Scroll membership and awards. Mom and Daddy are working on the income tax. I wish I was Rip Van Winkle and could sleep for twenty years.

New Diary for 1961 Looks Like College - Saturday, January 7, 1961

I bought this diary in town this afternoon. I think I kind of splurged--$2.50. I feel kind of funny writing in it, kind of afraid of it or something! But I think it looks like college. Virginia took Julia Hobbs to the matinee, "Pollyanna." I got Karen Yoder some hand lotion for her birthday since she's my FHA secret sister. Phyllis is trying to type at least the bibliography of her research pape. She doesn't know much about the typewriter, that's for sure. I didn't seem to get much done today. I got dinner--Mom was at her Saturday class--did my English and that's about it.

Furnace Fire - Friday, January 6, 1961

I should have gone to bed as soon as I got home from school. I guess that furnace fire they had Monday wouuld have had the school on fire if Lola hadn't stopped to get a book and smelled smoke. I always knew that school was a fire trap. It's not even approved. The boys are playing in Riverdale, Illinois tonight. I should have gone since I've just been to one in Ohio.

A Special Gift - Thursday, January 5, 1961

I've just taken time out to write Carol a birthday card. I believe our day off yesterday was truly a special gift for me. Without it, I never would have gotten my research paper on Extension of Suffrage done. I had a slight nose bleed in English class but managed to stay in class. Oh--everyone is so tired. Maybe we're under the effects of radiation "drug" or something! We learned how to use slide rules in chemistry.

No High School Today - Wednesday, January 4, 1961

Well, Phyllis and I were in for a pleasant surprise when we started getting on the bus this morning. Larry told us there was no high school today because of furnace trouble (and we hadn't had the radio on). If I hadn't had the day off I never would have gotten my research paper done, as it took from 11:30 on, and I'm still not done. I babysat for Fudges for about an hour while some of the teachers went to see Pearl Palmer's husband at the funeral home. He died last night. I thought I'd get to my chemistry today that I didn't get to last night but no such luck.

Substitute Teaching - Tuesday, January 3, 1961

I'm suffering that egg taste again. All I did today at school was look at them. I made sure not to eat any! I substituted for Mrs. Leary's daughter Nancy this afternoon. She teaches first grade at Wellman.One little boy I could have choked. Mrs. Kephart doesn't seem in a real big hurry about when I finish my speech. As if I thought I would be, I am not one of the semifinalists in the United Presbyterian college scholarship contest. There are 300 semifinalists out of 2000 applicants.

Rose Bowl - Monday, January 2, 1961

I worked doggedly all my waking hours today. This morning I unhemmed, cut off and rehemmed four skirts. I don't know why I didn't do that in the first place. I'm still typing my research paper. I don't think I'll use my "original" original oratory. I could use about ten more vacation days. Washington beat Minnesota in the Rose Bowl.

1961 Reads the Same Both Ways - Sunday, January 1, 1961

Here it is 1961, one of the few years that can be read upside down. I'll finish "school" and start to college and goodness knows what all else. It seems as if at least half of our New Years we are at Cuddebacks. We were down there with Stouts tonight for ice cream. We had the annual meeting in church today. Phyllis was elected Sunday School secretary to take my place since I'll be leaving. I did some more typing on my research paper.