Typed Philosophy Paper for Tissues - Thursday, November 30, 1961

I have vowed to pass art appreciation if it kills me. I have the two chapters read ahead of time for once, and now I have a week rather than an hour to study it. If only I hadn't flunked that one test. I typed Vivien's philosophy paper for her this afternoon. She offered to buy the next box of tissues (my turn) for doing so. That will be great as I'm skimped (and deserve to be) for cash. I wrote a letter to Esteps. Now to study for the bio test and do something fabulous like come out with a 100. Phyllis sent me some news from home including: Karen Stromley and Duane Goodwin are married, Gerry Augustine and Larry Delong and Carol Laubach and Dave Delong are engaged.

Looked for Book by Benjamin Fairless - Wednesday, November 29, 1961

I didn't get a whole lot done today. I slept till 10:00. Then I wrote a letter home, went to dinner, and wrote to Mrs. Kephart and by that time it was 3:00. I went downtown to see if the Platte County Library had a copy of Benjamin Fairless' book. They didn't so I guess I'll get that speech ready during Christmas vacation. Sharon Fritts went down with me since she was on the way to the chapel for her lesson, and Mr. Robbins' funeral wasn't over yet. They got a note at home saying I had a D- mid-term grade in art. I thought it was a D. I guess Daddy just said "Huh" and didn't act worried. If it's the last thing I do I'll lick that course. Vivien's doing her philosophy paper. I have pains in my chest.

Merry Lee's Mother Had a Heart Attack - Tuesday, November 28, 1961

It's time to go to bed. Are we lucky! There are no classes tomorrow because of the funeral for the head of the math department. Merry Lee is flying home tomorrow because she got a phone call tonight that her mother had a heart attack and is very sick. I got a B on my speech about a major in English. I got favorable constructive criticisms - I mean they were able to say what I did wrong constructively and not just generally like for some. Gee, I got 66 for C+ on that art test. Linda Lehman and I stayed to talk to him after class and he said we'd see about a C for me if I make 80s on the last two tests. I will. Some of us went to a music department recital.

Parkville's Christmas Decorations Are Up - Monday, November 27, 1961

Barb Page and Kathy Olson have both been in about French and I've spent two hours on it myself. What if I flunked out of college? Currently I'm on a happy-go-lucky "don't sweat it" splurge but it will probably end. I don't like to worry about my grades if I can possibly help it. I got "yelled at" in gym - "Young lady, don't lift your back foot when you lunge!" and she lifts hers head high in "imitating." I wrote a letter to the youth fellowship. I went down to Parkville with Vivien. Christmas decorations are up. A house meeting has just been called.

Exploring Mackay's Clockworks - Sunday, November 26, 1961

This afternoon Flo and I walked down to the Missouri River and sat on a log by the edge of the water. It's just a short distance out a mud road through a corn field from the edge of Parkville. The people who keep the Parkville city dump live out that way and they have some cute Beagle pups and chickens running around. Then Flo and I explored the clockworks of Mackay. We found our way up a rickety old ladder and found old pictures (including the class of 1902) up there among old broken boards and chairs. We got up there by going through a door in the back of a third floor room. Tonight some of us went to youth fellowship. Midway through we were handed a note that said "Salvation Army try outs, be quiet!" We had a good sermon today by Dr. R.M. Trelease of St. Paul's Episcopal.

About 40 Girls Are Gone - Saturday, November 25, 1961

Sunny weather in the mid 60's is sure wonderful. Flo, Barb, Teresa and I played tennis in our sweat shirts and slacks this afternoon. Tonight Marge, John Blair, Ken Knarr, Nancy Ayers, Fred Kieslar and I played cards in the lounge. Lora Lee popped  us some corn and came to join us. Quite a few of the girls (about 40, Mom said) are gone this weekend. I had a long sleep this morning without speech class and Viv worked the breakfast crew so she wasn't around to get up about 8:00 or 9:00. I'm reading the Cyclops chapter of the Odyssey. I remember that story - I wonder if we had it in grade school?

Went to See Movie, "Cimarron" - Friday, November 24, 1961

I only had two classes today since world lit didn't meet due to the slides we had Tuesday night. I came back at 10:00 and did my washing and my French. I'm afraid I turned my housecoat sort of a sweat shirt blue. This afternoon I managed to read two chapters of the Odyssey - I've eleven to go to get caught up with where I should be. Tonight Lora Lee and I went to see "Cimarron" about the settling of Osage, Oklahoma, based on Edna Ferber's novel. Peggy and Keith sent me a $2.00 bill - for graduation. This was another nice day. Yesterday we didn't have to wear coats - but I fear I should have to Alfalfa Point. My throat's a little raw.

An Enjoyable Thanksgiving at Park - Thursday, November 23, 1961

My first Thanksgiving away from home was nice. I didn't get up till 10:30 - it was good to sleep for a change. Vivien's and my breakfast was sweet rolls and tea. The Thanksgiving dinner was served family style and it truly tasted just like a good old home Thanksgiving dinner. I guess the taste and style of Thanksgiving food is a national tradition for sure. Vivien and I walked up to Alfalfa Point this afternoon. It was really inspiring and relaxing to look out over the Missouri. When we got back Mom had food left over from dinner in the lounge - again just like Thanksgiving supper at home. Now I must get busy and read the Odyssey. I intended to write four letters today but only got the round robin answered.

Staying on Campus for Thanksgiving - Wednesday, November 22, 1961

Well, we've gotten a lot of the kids who are going home for Thanksgiving off. There will be more tomorrow - the excitement of those leaving mixed with the "woe" (ha!) of those staying for an air of general vacation excitement. It will be interesting to see what I would have missed if I'd gone to Varners. We didn't have French this morning because Dr. Hampl had a migraine headache. There was a Thanksgiving party in Mackay tonight but Vivien and I decided we'd rather take it easy here. I ran my tuition check over to the business office when it came today and then went to Parkville to buy some toothpicks.

100 Extra Points for Genetics Problem - Tuesday, November 21, 1961

I was feeling great till I took the art test and then the sky sort of fell in. I don't know, maybe I did okay but he grades so tough. I think I had best go to bed now even though there's the Odyssey and always more art to read. We didn't give speeches again today and since he called off Saturday speech class I won't have to give mine till next Tuesday. Gosh, I got the extra- credit genetics problem we did last Thursday right for 100 extra points. I can use that! Lab took a long time today but it was interesting - stripes on sunflower seeds. We had slides in Alumni for world literature tonight.

Diligent Reading for the Next Art Test - Monday, November 20, 1961

We just had an hour long floor meeting. Now I'm going to have to keep at it to get my art read - I've maintained my schedule for it surprisingly well though. I think I'll cry if I flunk this one. I got 87 out of a possible 105 on my bio test. Considering a few stupid mistakes I made, I shouldn't complain. I hurried off a letter to Parcells and mailed Mrs. Cowan's Christmas card and package. Then I went to the library and diligently read art all afternoon. Fencing's going to be fun, but I'm afraid I'll never shine in any sport.

Saw the Russian Film, "Ballad of a Soldier" - Sunday, November 19, 1961

I luckily got my French done without taking too long. I had to listen to the record and write a composition. I wonder if I'm permanently discoloring my skin below my eyes. My junior year the circles under my eyes were bad but last year I thought I had better luck. I finished the second chapter of art with an afternoon in the library. Now I've got one to go. Tonight the youth fellowship went to "Ballad of a Soldier," a Russian exchange film, as a group, then discussed it. It was a good movie. I have to set my hair yet. Vivien's talking about going to bed soon for once.

Campus is Covered With Snow - Saturday, November 18, 1961

I imagine that I'll soon have the feeling that I've had it. I've got to go to bed and I have about a million pages of art to read. Hip, hip, hurrah - it's been snowing all day and the ground was pretty well covered when Vivien and I got back from Kansas City tonight. In Kansas City I got a turquoise cardigan, this pen, vitamin pills and some incidental items. We spent an hour and a half shopping by ourselves. It works better that way. We didn't have speech class this morning because the Meetin' House was too cold. I'm not going to like having to give my speech the same morning as the art test.

Shopping in Downtown Parkville - Friday, November 17, 1961

I hope I did okay on my biology test. At least I think I passed it. Thank heavens the three genetics problems weren't too hard. This afternoon I went down to Parkville. I got Mrs. Cowan a gift package of perfume nips for Christmas at  the gift shop. The lady was so nice. She not only gift wrapped it for me but got it ready for mailing. I also got a film, light bulb and stamps. In the bookstore I found Christmas cards with the Meetin' House on them so I got Mrs. Cowan one. Boy, am I tired. I've got to get a decent speech ready on my English major. I sent a post card home.

Will Take Train to Iowa for Christmas - Thursday, November 16, 1961

Well, back to Thursday night again and it's biology or bust! I called about train schedules today and I'll be able to leave at 9:25 Thursday night the 14th and get to Fairfield at 1:50 in the morning. I got a box of cookies from Peggy, a letter from Patty saying they might be able to bring me back to college after Christmas vacation, the round robin letter and a letter from Grandma. And I had thought I didn't get any mail since Margie had brought it up here! Janet has been to Lake Darling. Her grandmother lives by Hedrick. We'll be able to get together this summer. This world isn't so big after all. We had a movie that took place in Johnston, Iowa, on hybrid chickens in lecture-demonstration.

Received Foils for Fencing - Wednesday, November 15, 1961

Mom forgot to send my November tuition check along with her letter. I'm writing this so I won't forget to remind her when I write again next Wednesday. As it is now, I send a letter home at the same time I get theirs, so I reply to a week-old letter just before I get another. I went to the biology review session tonight. I think the girls here can help me master it - I hope! We got our foils for fencing in phys ed. It sounds like it will be fun. This was a rainy, messy day and tonight we didn't have to dress up for supper. Today has seemed funny - like I've had more time or something.

We Listen to a Telephone Interview - Tuesday, November 14, 1961

I have lost three cartridge pens in as many years. I do give up. I wrote a quick letter to Mrs. Cowan thanking her for the scarf and view book. In assembly we listened to a telephone interview with a man from Stephens College. Park plans to have phone conversations with Eisenhower and Stevenson some time! Biology lab was fun today, but I'll never want to see another ear of Indian corn after counting each kernel for genetic characteristics. Honestly, I don't see how people keep up with work, studies and activities. The studies alone get me down. I've got to read the first three books of the Odyssey and some art.

French Professor Questions Five of Us - Monday, November 13, 1961

Grrr! I've got so much to do. I've lost my cartridge pen, and I'm too tired to see straight. I got an A- average on my French test. She named me as one of five when she directed a special question to us as to whether we'd had the present text before. She said she would like to put some of us in a separate, more challenging class. I should feel excited about it but I don't. I think I did okay on my world lit test. It was tonight rather than during the regular class period. It was essay and citing examples - I liked it. I must write to Mrs. Cowan. We had a dorm discussion tonight with Dean Hulbert about the proposed changes.

A Fire in Hawley's Fireplace - Sunday, November 12, 1961

Well, I partially accomplished my goal for the weekend but I still have a long way to go. We had a Campus Church meeting after church. After dinner Flo and I built a fire in the lounge fireplace. Flo, Kathy Gillespie, Judy Xelowski, Nancy Taylor, Janet and I went swimming from 2:30 to 3:30. Janet and I went over to meet Margie who was coming home from the infirmary. She went back yesterday after getting out Thursday. I read the Iliad for a while before time to go to Copley's open house. They have their rooms fixed up very nicely - I didn't know boys had so much originality and iniative.

PCC Hobo Party is a Blast - Saturday, November 11, 1961

I went to the PCC hobo party with Bob Smith tonight. It was a blast. There was singing, square dancing, entertainment, sandwiches and cider, and dancing. Bob's roommate took Lou Rogers and Lou's roommate took Mickey Cook and the six of us really had a time. We were stuffing corn down each other. There was a boy there from Davenport related to the Mills Rambler place in Washington. I accomplished quite a little bit today, cleaned my share of the room, ironed two weeks' ironing, did my French and read some of the Iliad. I hurried through Grandma Kay's and Schwartzes' letters only to find there was no mail delivery because of Veterans Day.

Lecture by Erik R. Von Kuehnelt-Leddihn - Friday, November 10, 1961

Vivien, Margie, Janet and I just got back from hearing a tremendously interesting lecture by Dr. Erik R. Von Kuehnelt-Leddihn from Austria. He spoke on "Colonialism - Myth and Reality." He was sponsored by Park's new Society of the Right and it was very stimulating. Before that we went to the LEC melodrama, "Dora the Beautiful Dishwasher" or "The Girl Who Cleaned Up." The biology test was easy but I made something too hard and goofed a good chance for probably 40 points. My colored pictures finally came. Everyone is pleased with the composition but the color isn't too good.

Concerns About Proposed Changes - Thursday, November 9, 1961

Here I am once again, a college frosh who will probably mess up my biology record tomorrow. I'm shunning genetics problems. We have a French test tomorrow, too. Thank heavens I know most of that. I guess if Park switches to the trimester program next year you'll get out the first of May if you only go two trimesters. I really don't know what all is going to come of this proposed change. The tuition has been raised $200.00 for next year. These fast weeks! And only five more till Christmas vacation. Here it is almost the weekend and this weekend I must catch up on my studying.

Typing Vivien's Philosophy Paper - Wednesday, November 8, 1961

I wrote a fast letter home and I didn't get it proofread before the mailman came. I sent Mom a birthday card. I would have had more time to write but Vivien wanted me to type her philosophy paper for her. Tonight Bob Smith returned my copy of 1984 that he borrowed from me at open house and he asked me to the Parchie hobo party Saturday night. This afternoon Nancy and I went over to see Margie at the infirmary. She's coming home tomorrow. I went with Janet to see her the last two nights. I've about decided not to go to Varner's house at Thanksgiving after all. Dean White doesn't seem to think it's the world's best idea to miss class.

Working on Genetics Problems with Janet - Tuesday, November 7, 1961

I just took long enough out to write to Grandma and Grandpa. It's about time I wrote someone a letter. Golly darn, I flunked my art test. I'm determined not to get a D in any course if it's the last thing I do. Janet spent quite a while tonight showing me how to work genetics problems. She really knows her stuff and she never had biology in high school. I've just got $6.00 again. I don't know where my money goes. The chairman of the National Council on Marriage Relationships spoke in assembly today. I went down to get what was left of my birthday cake in the refrigerator tonight and someone had taken it! They said that happens.

A Roommate's Metamorphosis - Monday, November 6, 1961

Tonight I witnessed a metamorphosis in the form of my roommate. Some of the fourth floor girls have her made up "sexy" looking with a wardrobe planned for her for the week. I slept this afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00. It sure helped me stay awake tonight and I feel better, too. I've really had to spend a long time on French. Now I plan to read the Iliad. I guess I'm not going to have time to write to Grandma and Grandpa or anyone. I got three more birthday cards and a box of cookies from Jane and George. One boy here is from Iowa City (I hadn't known that but knew he was from Iowa). He's familiar with Mid-Prairie, Kalona, Washington. Margie's in the infirmary.

Birthday Cake, Open House, Dorm Party - Sunday, November 5, 1961

I'm now 19 years old. I've had a quite varied and happy birthday. This afternoon Teresa and I went up to the woods again to bring back things for her to make bouquets for the hall windows for open house. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting the room ready for open house. I was about ready to take a shower when the phone rang and they said I had a call on the pay phone. I thought it was the folks calling me for my birthday (on the way down I tried to think of what to say), and on a chair in the phone booth was a birthday cake with lit candles that Vivien had bought and Janet had made. Then a whole bunch of the girls came out of the lounge singing "Happy Birthday." The open house and party afterwards provided me a big birthday party.

Shopping in Kansas City - Saturday, November 4, 1961

This afternoon Janet, Margie and I went shopping in Kansas City. I got an orange belt to replace the one I broke on my orange plaid skirt and a birthday card for Mom. Janet and Margie got some clothes but I decided I should save some money. Vivien and I traded desks and are going to trade closets so I'll have all this side of the room. [An upperclass guy] asked me to the show but I'm sort of glad I was able to say I'd already seen it - "Parrish." It seems as if nobody likes him although some think it's sort of a sad case. I don't know what's wrong with him. A lady in the bus depot was reading today's Des Moines Register. Princess Margaret had a boy yesterday.

On Bio Mid-Term Vivien Gets Highest Grade - Friday, November 3, 1961

I did my laundry tonight rather than Friday afternoon as usual. There was so much racket with them putting up the fire door in the hall right outside our room that I decided my best bet was to go to the library. Vivien and I both washed our bedspreads so they should look nice for open house. Janet and I are sleeping (and early) in here tonight and Vivien (who's baby sitting) can have Janet's bed. I got 78 on my bio mid-term test. Vivien had the highest score - 88. I have a C average so far - B if they don't count the lowest test score the way they might do for the semester. I had Regina take a colored picture of me to finish the roll.

Birthday Box is Opened Three Days Early - Thursday, November 2, 1961

My birthday box arrived today. I got a pretty brown jersey blouse, a pink blouse, a pair of pretty silver earrings, beads and earrings to go with my magenta dress, two little pilgrim candles, a box of FHA saltwater taffy, Mom's copy of Vance Packard's The Status Seekers that mentions Park College, school papers, and a view book and pretty wool scarf from Mrs. Cowan. I got a pretty fall handkerchief and $2.00 plus "a dime to grow on" from Grandma and Grandpa and a dollar from Grandma Kay yesterday. It's getting cold and the paper says it's supposed to snow by morning! I hope I passed the art test. I only got a C on my speech. The president and dean spoke on some of the proposed changes for Park at assembly.

Three Chapters of Art Left to Read - Wednesday, November 1, 1961

I've decided that by spending an hour on each of my remaining three chapters of art I might pass the test tomorrow. I've really got myself in a mess this time. I think I'll have to pray for a miracle. I guess I'd better not get panicky or I won't know a thing. I'll have to concentrate on a few things. Gosh, it's only a two-hour course. I didn't take time to go to chapel or the campus church meeting tonight. I yearn to get back into a little more conversation and having fun rather than gluing myself to books - this is what comes from doing the former - oh, help!