About the diary writer

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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.

Was in French Literature for a Day - Monday, September 9, 1963

Well, I was a student in French Literature, the Age of Louis XIV, for a day. I signed up for the course and dropped The Family, but I got to thinking that I'd have to work just as hard in it as I would have in philosophy, so I think I'll take physiological psychology. That way I'll at least be applying my energies toward my intended minor. I can feel the relief already - the French course would be rough, especially since almost everyone in the course has had Dr. Frizzle before. I hope he doesn't think I'm hopeless when I go back to drop it. Besides, it would take too much time away from my major and minor subjects.

LLC Party at Hawley Lake - Sunday, September 8, 1963

The snake dance and sign-up parties were this afternoon. I was a runner again for Hawley, along with Nancy and Becky. We got about 15 first choice members, nine second choice, and three or four each third and fourth choice members. We had our party at Hawley Lake. Some of us really braved the bogs, underbrush, weeds and wildwood to get there, while others rode. Rog, Bruce and I made a trip to the Red-X for charcoal, ice and pop (it was a riot shopping with them) and another trip to Parkville, including, both times, a trip back to campus. Otherwise I boated (it had one oar) - we also had a canoe - and got acquainted with our new members.

Watched Miss America at Herr House - Saturday, September 7, 1963

It has been a fast day. Evelyn and I got up at 8:00 and cleaned the room. She went home at 10:30 to spend the day. I worked on a ladder dummy for the yearbook but didn't get very far. Karen and I spent the afternoon pooling our thoughts on yearbook matters. I helped Flo make 40 felt LLC badges. Then Evelyn and I watched the Miss America pageant at Herr House when we weren't able to persuade some guys to watch it rather than a football game in the J. R. I really must start to study since that's why I'm here.

Decided to Take Social Problems - Friday, September 6, 1963

Maybe things are about to get settled down now. I finally got my skirts onto hangers and into my closet, went to the health center to make final plans for my job with Mrs. Flaherty, decided to take social problems instead of ancient and medieval history of philosophy, and accomplished a few other things needing to be done - no studying yet, though. Mom sent the dress that she finished up for me, and my alarm clock. Also candy corn - I was thinking I'd like some of Margie's as I walked back to the dorm with the package. They put both of my feature articles in Wednesday's Journal. How's that for "coverage?" 

LLC Party Was Very Nice - Thursday, September 5, 1963

Our LLC party was really nice. It was just like my fondest hopes would have wished it to be - for once. Our "Little Switzerland" which Becky and I named, along with our "Lake Lucerne" and "Lowell Lodge" were beautiful, and the response was very favorable. I had three classes today, but Dr. Johnson suggested that those wanting Ancient and Medieval History of Philosophy merely for the requirement should wait and take either Ethics or Plato. I guess I will. I guess I'll try to take Social Problems instead. Walt Black, another transfer to LLCs, his friend Dick, and I went to the Dog 'N Suds for the root beer and ice cream.

Cleaned Out Deer Park Spring - Wednesday, September 4, 1963

My baggage was finally delivered to me today. But I guess some kids sent theirs two and a half weeks ago and it wasn't here when they got here. Karen and I discussed more yearbook plans today. Terry didn't show up. I helped Carol, Kathy and Tom distribute Narvas today. Everyone likes them. This afternoon Becky and I - industrious souls - borrowed a rake from the president's garage and cleaned out Deer Park Spring which we're going to decorate with lanterns for a "Little Switzerland" tomorrow night. The spring will be "Lake Lucerne" and the pavilion, "Lowell Lodge." Our serenade tonight was nice.

Last Year's Narva is Here - Tuesday, September 3, 1963

I helped with registration again this afternoon. Some of the freshman boys had to wait forever for the registrar's office to send their class cards down, so Becky and I had good talks with them. I especially enjoyed Gerald Taylor, a transfer student. Vivien brought over the pattern for my bridesmaid's dress in cranberry velveteen. She found a pattern that will go well with her dress. Evelyn and I went down to P. Ville this morning. I have placed orders for the LLC rush party refreshments - (my idea for once) - root beer floats and graham cracker, marshmallow, chocolate sandwiches. Tonight we finished up invitations and worked on favors. The Narva's here. I got to see it early - it's really nice - and convinced Carol to distribute them tomorrow rather than Thursday after convocation.