About the diary writer
- Barbara McDowell Whitt
- 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.
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.
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