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.
Chemistry Workbooks - Wednesday, September 14, 1960
More state tests--I sure didn't like the reading of social studies--no one else did. We got our chemistry workbooks. It seems to have put a different "scope"on the class. I have Albert Einstein, one of the books the government and the National Science Foundation lent the school. We had morning classes this afternoon, so there were no English speeches. I'll have to go to bed and practice giving mine!
Mid-Prairie's First Party - Tuesday, September 13, 1960
We had a class meeting about our senior sponsored party after the game. I have to take in the money with Dean and Arthur (at least I know them). Then Dick jumps up and makes a motion we three also give out the refreshments! I can see I'll be dancing up a storm at Mid-Prairie's first party! I worked out my speech for English. We took state tests all morning.
"What Democracy Means to Me" - Monday, September 12, 1960
Sheryl and I drove over to Wellman to the National Honor Society meeting. She ended up secretary and I treasurer. Phyllis and I went to town after school with Mom. I bought a white blouse to wear tonight. I felt the need for something new and dressy. I got an A on my "What Democracy Means to Me" government impromtu theme.
Geometry Help - Sunday, September 11, 1960
Mom has been helping Phyllis with her geometry all night. Somehow Phyllis hasn't gotten the grasp I had in it--man teacher, new book or something. I managed to read my chemistry--it takes concentration. I'll do my French in study hall, but it seems like I'm forgetting something. We had pizza for supper . I ordered a map set and promotion certificates for the Sunday School.
Miss Michigan is Miss America - Saturday, September 10, 1960
We have just seen Miss Michigan become Miss America 1961. Last week we were taking baths to keep cool--now we have to have the heater on when we take them. Mom spent all day in her flower border, digging up and transplanting irises, etc. I spent quite a while on some English speech introductions.
Golden Hawks Win First Game - Friday, September 9,1960
The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks began their history tonight with a 19-0 win over Sigourney. Whoopee! We kids rode the student bus. The pep band played. It has turned cold and we can sleep upstairs again. We had a chemistry quiz. I missed 10. I also heard of a -3 and a -15--, so:? I spent the second half with Helen Birkey, a nice girl from Wellman.
The Babysitter's Goof of Goofs - Thursday, September 8, 1960
I babysat for Fudges tonight for $2.50 advance pay from the faculty while they took them to the Captain's Table. I goofed the babysitters' goof of goofs, perhaps--let someone (Hawns) in (to fix the refrigerator handle so I could get Becky her milk). Then in walked Mr. and Mrs. Fudge. But they were nice people. I didn't get my homework done. I have to help with the news one study hall tomorrow.
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