**nightly entries written by a coming-of-age girl who became a woman from Washington County Iowa**
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 "College" Shopping Spree with Mom - Friday, July 28, 1961
Mom and I went on a "college" shopping spree while the kids went swimming. I used my graduation money to buy a Remington Princess electric razor - light blue. I also got a good girdle, three blouses, an orange (tangerine) bulky knit cardigan, mattress cover, pillow, hose, and blue suiting and green gingham to make two new dresses with. We also got my watch back. It looks like a brand new $50.00 watch. I baby sat for Fudges tonight. The rest of our family went to the donkey baseball game, but it wasn't as good as the donkey basketball games were.
Walking Around Half Asleep in Iowa City - Thursday, July 27, 1961
We girls made another trip to Iowa City with Mom this morning. I must have been walking around half asleep because I forgot two of the things I wanted to be sure to look for - buttons for my house coat and the print rain coats at Kresge's. This afternoon Mom shortened my winter coat for me. We'll also have to shorten my suit. It didn't rain enough last night to stop their combining this afternoon. I should write to Vivian Pavlis. Ann went home with Darlene after her horn lesson.
Buying Shoes at the Ben Franklin in Wellman - Wednesday, July 26, 1961
Mom did her wash in Wellman this morning so Helen didn't have to take me home. I bought a pair of white flats on sale for $2.00 at the Ben Franklin store. They had some lavender tennis shoes that wold have been nice but not too practical and some heels for $3.00, but none I liked fit. Phyllis has her driving done for driver training now. She and Bill Bauer drove today since Deanna had a 4-H tour to go to. They drove all around, including Muscatine. Piano lessons as usual. They're combining oats here now.
Got Governor Erbe's Autograph at Barbecue Day - Tuesday, July 25, 1961
Here we are again at Helen's slumber party. Everyone except us same three ended up not being able to come. The Barbecue Day was quite the thing. I went over on the band bus and met the girls. We watched the parade (Mary Ellen was on her 4-H float) and then had the free barbecue dinner. In the afternoon we rode the ferris wheel and took in the carnival. We went to Helen's to take baths and change clothes and then went back to Kalona. There were so many kids from the class and high school there that we were able to see. We got Governor Erbe's autograph.
A Free McCalls Pattern From Toni - Monday, July 24, 1961
I spent the afternoon mowing the grass. This morning I got my button holes marked but I'll wait until I get the buttons to make them. I also practiced and got dinner. Mom had an oral and she'll have one tomorrow. I got the free McCalls pattern that I sent for from Toni [hair products company]. It will be real nice to make a winter dress with. I pressed some clothes to take to Helen Birkey's tomorrow. We're going to have a Barbeque Day get-together.
A Strange Sunday With A Guest Minister - Sunday, July 23, 1961
Cuddebacks were here this afternoon and John Combs came up on his bike. Dr. Thompson was here for church. Peters are back in Minnesota for two weeks. After Dr. Thompson finished the closing prayer, he looked up and said, "My driver's here; I've got to go now." Grandpa decided to call out and ask him if he'd be back next week, then. Dr. Thompson can't hear very good any more and Grandpa was practically shouting by the third time when he finally heard. I don't know why Grandpa took a notion to say that anyway.
Babysat For Fudges Tonight - Saturday, July 22, 1961
About the only worthwhile thing I accomplished today was babysitting for Fudges from 5:00 till 12:30 (Sunday). Those dear little kids. Becky is a little doll and Craig and Jeannie are so cute and nice most of the time. It was pouring out when I came home. Let's see, this morning I didn't do much of anything. Nor this afternoon. I sewed a little and that was about it. Maybe next week will be better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)