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.
A Birthday Surprise - Tuesday, August 9, 1960
Tonight Cuddebacks and we went out to Grandma's with ice cream and cake to surprise her for her birthday. Schwartzes called us tonight to say they'd be here Thursday. Mom, Virginia and Ann talked to them and Grandma Kay. We went out to Grandma's this morning and got the baby crib. The kids cleaned house. I trimmed up the yard where Phyl missed. Mom got a "starch print" ready for art class tomorrow, their last day of classes.
Dead Tired, Legs Ache - Monday, August 8, 1960
We went to town this afternoon. Marilyn had driven out, so I rode in with her. I babysat for Fudges this morning while Mrs.Fudge took Becky to get her six-week's check up. At the library I got Pride and Prejudice, only to find out tonight that I got Volume II, starting with chapter 35. I'm dead tired and my legs ache.
"Harvest" Moon - Sunday, August 7, 1960
I was sitting on the front porch tonight when all of the sudden the big "harvest" moon rose. I finished Prairie Star.It was a good little book--I'm glad I kept on reading it. I've also read most of two books of Phyl's since yesterday. I wore my new dress to church. Peters' are back.
Or Something - Saturday, August 6, 1960
I have had a sore lump in my throat that feels like a cut or something all day. I got tired mowing the yard so came in and took my temperature--I had 4/10. Phyllis finished mowing. It has been a funny day--cloudy with high pressure or something and hard to breathe.
Two Loads of Hay - Friday, August 5, 1960
I went in to get Marilyn after dinner but she didn't come after all. She said they were having company. Phyllis went along on "business" so I guess it wasn't a total extra trip. We baled two loads of hay starting at 3:30. I came to bed at 8:00 tonight--hope no one comes. Smiths are visiting Norma.
Horse Show at the Fair - Thursday, August 4, 1960
At the time, that (an O and a tiny arrow drawn with blue ink) circles a pressed bug (a 1/4 inch long, small brown spot). I don't know if it'll be there a day from now or a hundred years from now! I shut him in last night. The kids went to the horse show at the fair this afternoon and Phyllis and Daddy went again tonight. I went to Marilyn's. She's coming out tomorrow to spend the night if we're not baling hay. Virginia is staying all night at Mary's.
Baling Straw - Wednesday, August 3, 1960
We spent the afternoon out at Grandma's baling straw. We also got a little done before dinner. It sure was hot. I got stung by a wasp that I put my arm down on when I went in the door. I don't think I'd been stung in at least two summers. I helped out some with chores even though it wasn't my night. I typed a letter at Grandma's.
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