1966 - September - What was Goldbanks?

 

"Thursday, September 1, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got up somewhere between 11 & 11:30. Mum was in a bitchy mood again this a.m. Went to Otis Bros with Mary. Had a coke in 5 & 10. Bill White actually talks to me now (ever since he heard me tell Paul that Dennis only likes to make out in the bushes with me). I visited Joanie for a while. Carol Mafiola & Janet Green stopped by. Had a coke in 5 & 10 and another in Fantasia's. Jack was working but was too busy to talk. Watched tv after supper. From 11:30 to 1 am straightened out my scrapbook.      Bye" 

I thought the comment about the bushes was bad! But 3 cokes in a couple of hours! No wonder I had a weight problem!

"Friday, September 2, 1966

Dear Diary,

No babysitting today. Cleaned up bedroom. Took care of Jody & Chris who're sick while Mum was shopping. Visited Joanie. Stopped by at the Hullys & went downstairs to our old house. Didn't remember it all. Went to Harry's after supper. Met Diane & Joanie who had Kenny (only 7 mons.) Saw Dennis Vello. Walked Mary home. Had coke in 5 & 10. Saw Paul. Went to Hullys till 9:20. Dad picked us up. Watched U.N.C.L.E. Came to bed. Nite"

"Saturday, September 3, 1966

Dear Diary,

Frank ... was at work today. I don't like him. He bought Linda & I pizza & coke for lunch. Went to the Square with Mary & Patty. Had a coke in the 5 & 10. Was talking to Bill Whyte & Marie. Went to our old house on Green St. The Devereaux moved out & Aunt Nelly's moving in. Went to Marshall's with the Hullys. Didn't buy anything. Watched tv till 1:30? Nite-Nite"

"Sunday, September 4, 1966

Dear Diary,

It was a nice, rainy, wet, cold day. Went to 11:45 Mass. Saw Alice's Uncle Richard. Haven't seen him in ages ...  Went to see 'Glass Bottom Boat' & 'Made in Paris' with Joanie & Mary. Movies were pretty good.  Walked Joanie home. Finally got home about 10. Went to Navins till 11. Came home & watched tv. Saw 'Mein Kampf.' It's about Hitler. It was quite good. Tomorrow's Labor Day so I don't have to work.  Bye"

"Monday, September 5, 1966

Labor Day

Dear Diary,

Helped Sister Gregory Anne today. Joanie, Mary & I then proceeded to Mrs Vello's (we didn't want to go into McManus' with Mary, Birdie, et al. Joanie came up after supper & we 2 walked to Frank's. On the way back we ran into Brian, who tagged along with us. We dropped by Vello's. Dennis S & Dennis V came in a few minutes later ..."

"Dear Mary Ellen,                                                September 6 

    Sorry it's taken me so long to write but during this last month I've been busy getting everything ready for my holidays in a couple of days time. 

    Next Thursday I leave for Melbourne and I will be spending a couple of days there before leaving on a bus tour. This tour will include most places between Melbourne and Northern Queensland. It will last 25 days and I will get back to Cohuna at about midnight on October the 9th and start work again the next day.

    In the last month I've been doing every possible thing from baby sitting (I've finally taken it up) to doing odd jobs so I can earn extra money. I've already paid the $270.00 for the trip but need extra spending money and so far I've only got about $70.00.

    Today I also received a parcel from you and the day is just beautiful. Also thanks for that lovely little purse and the guide maps and the terrific postcards. They're all really fab, and thanks a million for them. 

    As my space is limited I will have to answer your last letter next time. I hope you don't mind the delay, but I promise I'll answer it in the first week I get back from my holidays. I'll also send you some postcards I get while I'm away and also some photos which I hope to take. So until this time next month I'll close and please give my regards to your family; hope there all feeling well and hope you are too.

                                                                    Love, Mary"

"Tuesday, September 6, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got up about 11. Took care of Jimmy, Chris, & Jody while Mum was in Boston. She bought me two pairs of pants - beige & black. Brian Armstrong called me during supper. He wanted Joanie & me to go to Dennis Vello's. Mary, Carol, & Janet came by & we went to Frank's. Brian was here when we got back. Joanie came a while later. All of us ('cept Janet) went to Vello's. Dennis likes Joanie & vice versa. We walked her & Mary home. He & Brian walked Patty & me home. Nite"

Wednesday, September 7, 1966

Dear Diary,

Went babysitting at 8:45. No one came visiting today although Dennis V & Brian said last nite that they'd come over. Didn't have anything to eat over there 'cept 1 milk dud. Got paid $18. Got home about 6:45. Watched tv all nite. 'The Munroes,' a new series starring Mike Anderson Jr (groovy) & Barbara Hershey (neat) is great, 'The Man Who Never Was' starring Robert Lansing doesn't strike my fancy. I'm all ready for school altho I hate the thought of it. Bye"

So I was giving those Gebhart kids lunch - odd that I was writing I had nothing to eat. 

"Thursday, September 8, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got up at 7:30 and I was still almost late for the 9 a.m. Mass. Mon. Houlihan said it as usual - Fr Barletta had to tell him what to do - he's really too old, ought to retire. My homeroom teacher is Sr Rose Patricia - she's new. She seems nice. There's 26 girls in the room, but not 1 boy. May Bob (Sr Mary Robert) decided it would be better if all the boys were in 1 classroom. So now they're all in the business homeroom. Watched tv, listened to records & went to the Sq this afternoon & tonite.             Bye."

"Friday, September 9, 1966

Dear Diary,

I wish it was June 10 & my summer vacation was just beginning. Have homework in almost every subject. Sr Florentia didn't strike my fancy. Sr Rory Pat (Sr Rose Patrice) seems a lot like Greg (Sr Gregory Ann.) Went to Boston with Joanie this p.m. Exchanged a pair of beige corduroy pants for a royal blue. Saw Srs Marie de Montfort & Greg in Harvard Sq. Went to Hullys. Went babysitting for Eileen. Her kids all have brogues now after their trip to Ireland. Got $3. Bye"

"Saturday, September 10, 1966

Dear Dairy,

Sandy was at work today. A bit of a disappointment as I hoped Paul would be there. Took care of Jody this afternoon. Went to Goldbanks. Saw Eddie. He nodded hello. Unless I'm with Joanie or someone he knows well, he doesn't usually say anything to me. But he honks his horn if he passes me. After supper said goodbye to Chris (he's leaving tomorrow) ... Bye"

"Sunday, September 11, 1966                    Chris went to the seminary 

Dear Diary,                                                    at 8 am. I sure miss him.

Great day! After going to the 11:45 Mass, Patty & I went to see the WASP and the USS Croaker (a submarine) with the Hullys. The aircraft carrier was huge. It wasn't too exciting as we'd been on the USS Forrestal. Hannie took our pix with a crew member. The sub was terrific! It seemed rather small, but it was great. Joanie & I had on dresses, & going thru the hatches (or whatever the doors are called) was rather hard. Talked to 2 crew men who said they had pet alligators. Hannie took our pix with 2 WASP crew members in front of the sub. Saw Torpedoes in the sub. It was great but cramped.     Bye" 

"Monday, September 12, 1966

Dear Diary,

Crummy day at school. Loaded down with homework. Started at 6:30. Went till 8:30. Started again at 9:45 & went to 11. Still not through. Bought stuff for school (including a school bag.) Raked leaves. 'Lawman' is on Ch 5 now at 5:30. (Started today.) Watched 'Rat Patrol' - great! Saw last part of 'Felony Squad' - seems ok. "Road west' didn't get off to a very exciting start. Bye"

Tuesday, September 13, 1966

Dear Diary,

An uneventful day. In school I had to write the two precis (1st one & revision) that I did for homework on the board. Sr Rose Patrice told me mine was almost excellent. She only made 2 corrections - eliminating 1 adjective & grouping 4 sent(ences) into 2 compound sentences. Picked Joanne up at the Hullys since Mum was at polls. Stopped at 5&10. Saw Paul. He's still working there. Joanie has said that he quit or was fired. Watched the Girl from UNCLE & the Rounders - OK. Not as much homework, but enough.     Nite"

My mother worked at the polls during all the elections for years while we were young. She eventually went back to work when Joanne was in  junior high maybe?

"Wednesday, September 14, 1966

Dear Diary,

Nothing new at school. There's no boys in my room, it's something of a privilege to have one sit near you. Had Sully behind me today. Marie is going to Chicago tomorrow. I think it was her birthday today. It was also Mum's. Bought her a cake & some nylons. Mary & I went to the library & bought the stuff on the way home. Mum & Jody were walking up Spring St having come out of the parking space. So Mary & I took Mt Auburn St. Saw Ronnie. Hardly recognized him. He said HELLO first.        Nite"

"Thursday, September 15, 1966

Dear Diary,

Nothing new or exciting happening at school. Joanie went to the Vello's right after school, to see if Stinky was coming out this weekend, so Mary & I walked over with her ... I think the only reason that she likes Dennis is because he can introduce her to Stinky. Poor Dennis. He seems to have fallen hard for her. Saw Frank & Frank Pannessi tonight. Also saw Eddie this after(noon.)      Nite"

"Saturday, September 17, 1966

Dear Diary,

I was dead tired this am. Only got 4 hours sleep. (Babysat for Gebharts until 3:40 am - got $5.) Richard was at the office today. Don't like him. We were locked out - the key wouldn't work. After half an hour Richard kicked in the cellar door. Got out about 2:10. Fell asleep at home & slept till 5:00. Went to the Griffin's at 7:15. There were 5 there tonite - Ellen, Theresa, John, Arthur & Jimmy (Mary Cooney's boy, he's 4.) They weren't too bad ... Joanie had to take care of Jimmy, Chris & Jody. Patty was babysitting & Johnny was at the Club.  Nite"

Johnny used to check coats if there was something going on at the Hibernians. 

"Sunday, September 18, 1966

Dear Diary,

 Went to 11:45 Mass. Wore my new suit (one I bought at Marshall's) - it's really nice. Walked home with Mary Navin. After dinner I met Elaine & Janet (Greene.) We went to Navins & then to Frank's & Drugstore ... Came back here & listened to records. Patty, Mary, & I had pizza. Went to schoolyard & had a smoke. Saw kids from Fellowship. Finally got home about 8:30. Finished homework & ironed. Watched the FBI. Goodnight."

"The Old Meets The New In Old Milwaukee

This brewery wagon which delivered beer to Milwaukee's thirsty citizens before the days of the motor truck is no longer in regular service. It is still used by the Pabst Brewing Company for special events and in parades, however."

" Hi,

This is a nice place. We toured it on Fri. We were in Chicago on Thurs.

                                                                                        Marie"

"Monday, September 19, 1966

Dear Diary,

An uneventful day. Went to 5&10 with Susan Cook. She's got a new boyfriend (Mike.) I think she is almost 17. Ironed, watched tv, & did some homework this after. After 'Lawman' & after supper did homework about an hour & a half till 7:30. Watched the 'Monkees,' 'Iron Horse' - so-so, 'Rat Patrol' - great, Felony Squad - good, 'Peyton Place' - Constance had a boy. Did homework. Came to bed.                                                                                                          Goodnight."

"Tuesday, September 20, 1966

Dear Diary,

After school I had a coke in the 5&10 with Susan Cook. Marie was working. I don't think Billy 'Whyte" works there now. Haven't seen him for ages. Liz Craig is going to be working there, I think. Don't know if I'd want to work there. Today was Mary Navin's birthday. Going to get her & Joanie records. Did homework till 8:30. Ironed & watched tv. Came up to put up my hair at 10:40.                        See ya"

"Wednesday, September 21, 1966

Dear Diary,

It was uneventful again today. The only thing is that most of the time Rose Patrice calls on me I can't answer her. With a slip of the tongue I let Sr Renee know that Sr Mary Robert's nickname is May Bob. Also told her that Sr Rose P's was Rory Pat (my nickname for her.) Mary & Joanie & I went to Record Shop & I bought them each a record (they picked them out.) It started raining as we were heading toward the Sq. Mary & I were drenched when we got home. Watched the Monroes - good.                                                                                 Nite-nite"                                                                                                               

                                                                                            

"Thursday, September 22, 1966

Dear Diary,

Woke up at 8 a bit late. Nothing new. Had a math test but didn't do too well, I don't think. Took care of Joanne, raked, went to store, got Christine, got things in out of rain. Very busy. Went to Goldbanks. Saw Eddie. He said 'hi' I think. He kept looking at me as if he expected me to say something, which I didn't. Had to wait there for Patty who was in Sunnybrook Farm with the money. Watched tv.     Goodnite"

"Friday, September 23, 1966

Dear Diary,

Nothing new at school except that Marcia Durkin turns around and talks to me. Had a coke at Butler's (Drugstore) with Susan Cook & Rosa Garcia. Went to the store & listened to the records. Washed & put up my hair during Tarzan & T.H.E. Cat & Laredo. Laredo isn't as good as last year. Jay came down with Johnny. They're going out tomorrow night & tried to persuade Pete Bythewood to take someone, but he wouldn't. Can't imagine why. He's very good-looking. Boys!!???                                                                                                     Bye"

"Saturday, September 24, 1966

Dear Diary,

Great day at work!! Paul McCaffrey was there. Poor dear had an awful cough & cold (sigh.) Told me he gave all the councillors at camp my tel no. They all thought Patty was about 15. It was great!! Went to Marie's about 7:15. Liz didn't show up until 8:25. It was a great surprise! She didn't suspect a thing - it was quite good. Went to Dickie's at 12:15. Got home about 2. Patty was there since 9.   Nite"

"Sunday, September 25, 1966

Dear Diary,

Went to 11:45 Mass. Joanie came up about 2. We listened to records until 3:15, at which time she went to Fellowship, & Mary, Patty, & I went to Harvard Sq. We walked around Harvard university including the dorms. They are real neat. Got back about 6. Went to Hullys and got Diane. We walked Mary home. Met Joanie & we 4 went to McManus'.                                                     Nite"

"Monday, September 26, 1966

Dear Diary,

 Rose Patrice told me after school she had a bone to pick with me. Seems Renee told her about 'May Bob' & 'Rory Pat.' But Renee thought I had said 'Roaring Pat.' I tried to explain but put my foot further down my throat. Went to Goldbanks & Drugstore with Christine, Jody, & Kevin Dickie. New boy works in Drugstore - nice kid. At first glance he reminds me of the Bol Jaggers' drummer whom Joanie & Diane had seen in the Sq. Went to dancing school at 6:30 at D.A.V. Hall. Watched 'Rat Patrol' & 'Felony Squad' - former was great.             Bye!"

                                                           

"My Jesus have mercy on the soul of 

Alfred J McNamara

Died September 27, 1966

O Gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in purgatory, have mercy on the soul of Thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy Judgment but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames and do Thou O merciful Savior send Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Donald J MacDonald

Funeral Home270 Main Street

Watertown 72, Mass.

Watertown 4-4700"

Mr McNamara was Carol and Janet's father - they are the ones who lived on the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets across from St Pat's Church since I was a baby.

"Tuesday, September 27, 1966

Dear Diary,

This damn cold is terrible. All day long I'm sniffling & snuffling & blowing my nose. Mary Power asked me to write a homily for our Bible Vigil on Pentecost. I agreed thinking it would be easy, but it took nearly an hour, & I still don't think it's right. Walked home with Hannie & went with her to get her glasses fixed. Went to Sq with Mary Navin. Watched Lawman. Did English & French from 6:15 to 8:30. Went to Frank's with Mary & Kathy. Chris called up the Navins. I really miss him. Didn't watch any tv tonite! A miracle!        Nite"

"Wednesday, September 28, 1966

Dear Diary,

The Bible Vigil turned out pretty good. Rose Patrice liked. Went to 9B to see Mary & Joanie also Sr Renee but (Sr.) Clarisse was there. Went to Star Market with Joanne. Had to stop at Goldbanks. So we went by the Baptist Church. Ronnie, Donnie & someone else were playing football in back. I think Ronnie waved, I'm not sure. Did homework till 8. Watched 'Monroes' - good. Mum went to Sunnybrook Farm at 8:30 & Ronnie was there!            Bye"

I can't remember where Goldbanks was or why we would go there.

"Thursday, September 29, 1966

Dear Diary,

Was elected Treasurer of 11A. Nominated by Lizzie & seconded by Claire Milmore no less. The 2 Junior classes were combined. Mike Fitzgerald - Pres; Linda Mahoney - VP ( I was nominated for that too - lost by 6 votes); Sandra Mosca - Sec; & Paul Regan - Treas. I'm sort of an assistant. Lost the office to Paul by 2 votes - 15-13 (-9-11.) Had a coke in 5 & 10 with Marie. Lizzie was working. Maureen (Stinehart) might quite her job there. I'd like to get it. Watched 'Jericho' - great, esp John Leyton.                Bye"

"Friday, September 30, 1966

Dear Diary,

Only eventful happenings were my playing Amanda in 'Glass Menagerie' & Rose Patrice catching me chewing gum. Made me write 'I shall not chew gum in school' - 25 times. Went to Mr McNamara's wake ... Went to Goldbanks with Mary & had a coke in Drugstore. Ronnie, Donnie, John Wolfe & Richard Scalzi (?) were playing football in the church yard. We had walked by when Ronnie came dashing out to the sidewalk & yelled 'I missed the ball!' to attract our attention. He attracted mine. We exchanged glances, nods, & smiles. I still like him.                                                                                                         Bye"