Bells Were Rung for the Fourth of July - Saturday, July 4, 1964

I turned myself as red as a firecracker this Fourth of July day by spending the afternoon sunbathing in the backyard. I hope it turns brown. Oh, pain and agony! The Cub Scouts "let freedom ring" with the school bell again this year. Others around town began ringing bells, and we took up the chorus with our cow bells. We went fishing in Cuddebacks' pond when Daddy went down to count the cows. I caught a little one right off, and we caught three more, but they mostly just stole our worms. Phyllis had a date with Ben tonight.

Bought a Green Coachman Skirt in Iowa City - Friday, July 3, 1964

We went to Iowa City this afternoon. Phyllis wanted to do some advance research on a psychology term paper, but the library was closed down for the weekend. Virginia, Ann and I went with Mom out to the ceramics shop to pick out some pieces to work on this summer. I chose a fancy shaped flat dish. We shopped for about 45 minutes. I bought a green coachman skirt that will go nicely with the blouse I previously got in Seiferts. If my social life is going to be picking up in summer, I think my wardrobe needs to, too, and besides, I can use it to slip on over shorts when we take our trip. Tonight we did some of the sparklers I got.

Went with Nic to the Drive-In - Thursday, July 2, 1964

I went with Nic to the drive-in tonight. Our date was slightly unusual in that I drove in to his house in our car. He took me in to meet his mother. She said, "Did you come to pick up your date?" The shows were "If a Man Answers" and "Six Black Horses." Since they are going to press at noon tomorrow, I won't have to go to work. Two days off! I typed up some of the "Early Iowa Cooking" article that Dave Elder suggested we get permission from the Annals of Iowa to use on the women's page. I spent all the time I'm usually making my rounds getting my glasses straightened. So I didn't make the rounds - first time except Ridiculous Day that I've missed.

Charlie's Style Show Slides Are Nice - Wednesday, July 1, 1964

Here it is July 1 and we're on the second half of the year. I just don't believe the speed of time. I slept later than usual this morning, and this ended up being a day in which I really didn't get anything done. We're still addicted to our "devil" controlled Ouija board which can really make you feel weird. It has told me "I just did, so there," "Ha-ha-ha," and much more. The colored slides that Charlie took of me after the style show turned out really nice. Now he's suggested a lady I can do a feature story about.

Fun with the Ouija Board We Ordered - Tuesday, June 30, 1964

I just finished talking to Karen about the yearbook. In a ten minute conversation I learned that the trouble now lies with the summer photographer and a misunderstanding he had about what the pictures were for. The Ouija board that we girls ordered through the bookstore came. It has the pencil and thread gimmick beat all hollow. I'm supposed to marry a Tom Polstar, a U.S. citizen from France, who is to be on the experimental language staff at Park Hill High. And it said Nic would take me to the drive-in Saturday night.

Saw Bob, Ben and Nic Who Were At Four Corners - Monday, June 29, 1964

This was largely an uneventful day. I took a meditative bike ride tonight on the back road. I can't believe that June is so nearly over. I can't believe that it has been all of June since I was able to work on the yearbook. Honestly, McDowell! I spoke in passing to Bob See, but since he was with his father, I didn't ask him how their group made out at Four Corners. (They arrived a little noisy just as we were leaving.) Then I ran into Ben, and he said they had been told to quiet down a few times. I also ran into Nic - hadn't seen him when I got to work - and he said the same. He dictated me a local news item about his folks' Ozarks trip.

Tonight We Wrote Letters to Governor Scranton - Sunday, June 28, 1964

Governor Scranton of Pennsylvania gave one of the most poised and personable speeches I've ever heard on television tonight. He's out to defeat Goldwater for the Republican nomination, and that has to be done! He asked that people show their support by writing or telegramming him. Daddy, Phyllis and I have written letters. This is going to be exciting. He more or less started his campaign in Des Moines two weeks ago. Ann and I went with Mom and Dad to check on the cows tonight. Ben called Phyllis while I was gone, and Skip also wanted to talk with me. We went down to Parcells this afternoon.

Went to a Party at the Old Red Brick School - Saturday, June 27, 1964

Nic ended up getting a blind date for his friend Ben Prior and Nancy Satler, so we doubled with them to the "infamous" Second Circle that a group of Washington guys have fixed up at the old Red Brick School. It's really a cool place. I wish some kids from Park could see it. It was hard to remember that I was finding such entertainment in practically my own back yard. Everyone there was a college student. They had chips and drinks, cards, records and guitar playing. I've also widened my horizons. My prejudice against "eastern" kids can no longer be so deep seated. These kids from Washington County, Iowa, acted exactly the same. We went to the Four Corners restaurant afterwards.

Will Have a Date with Nic Tomorrow Night - Friday, June 26, 1964

Rah, yay! I'm a success! Nic asked me for a date as I was leaving work today. It seems as if the old Red Brick School has been turned into a place for parties, and that's where we're going tomorrow night. (Chalk one up for June!) We went out to Grandma's this evening. Mom and I washed the separator and picked raspberries, and the girls and Daddy rode the horses. Mom and Ann are taking Marty home now. I guess Grandma and Grandpa got home. They hadn't thought they would start back until Sunday. Charlie actually told me it was a good story I wrote about Ron Edwards.