1966 - December - Did we always call Christine "Chris?" - I thought that was a Dad thing.

 

"Thursday, December 1, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got a ride to school from Dad. Nothing much happening at school or anywhere else. Went to the dentist at 3:30. After waiting 25 minutes, he told me I had no cavities, but have to have a tooth pulled. Went to Goldbanks. Watched 'Jericho' - it was ok - not as good as I expected - John Leyton starred. Was up till 12:30 doing stuff for World Affairs.                                                                                             Bye"

"Friday, December 2, 1966

Dear Diary,

Paul Regan ran after me as I was leaving Sr Emerita's room. Grabbed my elbow & started talking (So what if it was only about dues? It's a start.) I've found the boys associate more with the non-clique members (That's me for one.) this year than last. Got out of school at 2:30. Members of World Affairs voted not to have a meeting (after all my work.) Navin told me she saw Frank Pannessi last night & he told her to say 'hi' to me for him.        Bye"

"Saturday, December 3, 1966

Dear Diary,

Richard was at work unfortunately. He put on a big act for Mr McKenna (he said Sandy was doing fine at school.) Richard gave me a ride home. He'll be there next week. It was freezing today at 11 degrees. Cleaned up my bedroom & helped Jimmy, Chris, & Jody make Christmas decorations. Listened to the records. Went to the Dickie's at 8:30. Watched 'Mission Impossible' & 'Stalag 17' while doing homework. Watched 'The Devil's Disciple' - Burt Lancaster & Kirk Douglas - great.    Nite"

"Sunday, December 4, 1966

Dear Diary.

Went to the 11:45 Mass with Joanie & Patty. After dinner I did some homework & took Jody & Chris to Parker Drug. Met Joanie & Barbara Malone there. Also saw Dottie & Ronnie (who in accord with our agreement just winked & I nodded.) Went to Navin's to borrow Jay's math. Mary & I ended up going to Frank's. Saw Frank P. Some kid asked me why I was wearing a tie & I said for decoration. He said I needed it & so I replied 'with a face like yours, I wouldn't talk.' It shut him up. Went to Fantasia's & McManus'. Watched tv.    Nite"

"Monday, December 5, 1966

Dear Diary,

That Flo! Told us we all flunked the last Latin test! except Jay Clark with an 80. Claire Milmore got a 60, Mary Power D, Martha Melican (the whiz kid ...) 20% and Kathy Fury 20%. Those were the only marks she gave out. Had a coke with Susan Cook. Her grandfather is dying not her father as May Bob announced last Friday. Paid $2.75 to mail Mary Jelonek's present air mail. Was waving to Marie in 5 & 10, and a neat young customer thought I was waving to him. Too bad I didn't have time.   Bye"

"Tuesday, December 6, 1966

Dear Diary,

Our French projects don't have to be in till Jan 4. Next World Affairs Club meeting is next Wed. We had Fr Daly unfortunately - talked about status symbols. Kidded around with Rory Pat. I thanked her for giving me the part of a sailor in Hamlet; she said (she) did it purposely. Mary & I were supposed to go to Boston to get a sewing machine for Mary, but Mrs Power didn't have enough money. I gave Chris a 'Skipper' doll for her birthday - she's 6. Went to the library with Mary after supper. Then went to Fantasia's. Good old Jack was working.     Nite"

"Wednesday, December 7, 1966 / 25th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor 

Dear Diary,

Everyone who filled his quota for Shamrock ads, only had a half day. We got out at 12. Susan Cook & I had our customary coke at the 5 & 10. We were interrupted by Mary Joyce who walked home with Susan. I took care of Jody & the others while Mum went Christmas shopping. You should see what she got Patty- Wow! I can't tell you because Patty might read you and find out. Patty, Mary N & I went to dancing school. Stayed at Hully's till 9:15. Got ice cream in McManus.' Nite"

"Thursday, December 8, 1966 / Immaculate Conception

Dear Diary,

No school today (holy day of obligation). But I had to go to Mass at 9:30. Joanie, John, me, Jody, Patty, Maureen, Mary & Kathy went to Boston. Looked at all the Christmas displays in the stores' windows. Went to the Enchanted Village of St Nick (Jordan's). Had hot dogs & cokes in Liggett Drug. A bitchy waitress took our orders - she hated us. Mary, Kathy, & Diane left ~ 2:30. We stayed till about 3:15. Saw 4 sailors - one in bus with us - Moe sat beside him. Did homework. Nite"

I suppose Jimmy and Christine were at school at the Philips - public schools would be in session when we had holy days off - that's why I didn't take them.

"Friday, December 9, 1966

Dear Diary,

Thank God there's no school tomorrow. I could hardly get up this am (was at Navin's till 10:30 doing homework with Jay). Rose Patrice postponed the chapel cleaning until next Fri. Had a coke in 5 & 10 with Susan Cook after Sandy Mosca and I cleaned the blackboards, etc. Saw Bulldog. Moe's working in 5 & 10 till Christmas. As I was reading the Watertown Press, I found something on the DeMolay. Guess whose names should pop up? Eddie & Dennis Staires, Paul Stiles, D Buddington, & Alan Fox ... Got $2.50 from McClennons. Nite"

"DeMolay Installs Officers,

Conducts Wreath Sale 

Maurice Hall, left, chairman of the DeMolay Wreath Sale, and David Appel, master councilor, display Christmas wreath. The DeMolay is conducting the sale of wreaths as a fund-raising project.

On Saturday night, Dec, 3 at 8 pm, Watertown Chapter, Order of DeMolay held its semi-annual installation of officers. The officers installed for the term from December, 1966 to April, 1967.

Master councilor, David Appel; junior councilor, Eddie Staires; senior deacon, James Cacciola; junior deacon, Paul Harlow; senior steward, Steven Erickson; junior steward, Steven Wood; orator, Roger Avery; marshal, Michael Kaloyanides; chaplain, Donald Buddington; sentinel, Robert Chase; standard bearer, Peter Nesky; recorder, John Barclay; preceptors, Frank Mariner, Alan Fox, Ronald Beieringer, Paul Stiles, Andrew Buck, Ralph Andrews, and Dennis Staires.

The installing suite was headed by Robert Noel, State Master Councilor of Massachusetts. Other members of the suite were Ronald Sjostedt, Edward Morrison, Norman Hursch, Albert Janigian, Robert Simmons, and Maurice Hall.

Dignitaries present at the ceremonies included Miss Patricia Collins, the DeMolay State Sweetheart, and Austin Avery and Winston Ayotte, worshipful masters of Victory and Pequosette Lodges, AF & AM respectively.

Plans announced by Master Councilor Appel for the coming term include a Christmas wreath sale, which is now under way, and a DeMolay Week celebration next March.

'Hats Off' awards for meritorious service to the chapter were presented to Maurice Hall, Alan Malkasian, Ronald Sjostedt, Edward Staires, and David Appel by 'Dad' Robert Knowlton, the Dad advisor and chairman of the Watertown DeMolay Advisor Council. 

Following the installation a collation was held in the Banquet Hall of the Masonic Temple."

"Saturday, December 10, 1966

Dear Diary,

I guess Linda & I let Richard know we don't like him. We kept annoying & insulting him all day. It does seem cruel but if you had to work with him you wouldn't think so. Linda helped me pick a bathrobe for Mum ($6.78). Took Chris & Jody to Sq. Bought Patty's & Mary's (diary) presents. Went babysitting for the Griffin's about 7:15. Got home about 1. She gave me $5. ($2 as a Christmas present & $3 as evening's pay.) Large gang of boys in Sq as I was coming home. Nite"

"Sunday, December 11, 1966

Dear Diary,

Joanie joined Mary & I at 11:45 Mass. She got $3 from the McClennans. Mary took George & Peggy, & I took Jimmy & Jody into Boston. I hadn't actually wanted to go, but I went because I had promised Jimmy that I'd take him in sometime. We saw the same things as Thursday. While we were looking at the reindeers 2 sailors came behind us. I didn't even see them 'til one jabbed me in the back & I, thinking it was some dirty old man, turned around with a rather ugly & disgusted look. I was a bit surprised. Got $3 from Dickies. Bye"

So what happened to Christine? Why did I take Jody into Boston twice and no Christine?

"Monday, December 12, 1966

Dear Diary,

I was the second one to have to get up & speak in Eng. I forgot everything, I was red as a beet, kept saying 'um,' & fooled around with my hands. After school Rose Patrice asked me if I was really that scared & I told her I was petrified. I had to mail a letter for her so I dragged Mary Power over to the convent with me. Saw Sisters Greg & Flo. Susan Cook didn't wait for me today. I was kinda surprised. Did most of my homework this after. 'Felony Squad' was great - Jim starred. Ohh. I just remembered I didn't do my French. (11:15) Nite"

I have always had a real fear of public speaking - even at my last job at Tufts Health Plan, I would turn red, my heart would be pounding, my mouth would go dry, I wouldn't remember what I was going to say. I even took a public speaking course at Northeastern University's Burlington campus way back when I was a visiting nurse. I used to hate it when supervisors/managers would tell me that I just had to get used to it and make it a goal on an evaluation. I never did get used to it - even now my heart is quickening just thinking about it!

"Tuesday, December 13, 1966

Dear Diary,

We have to prepare a speech on the 2nd scene of Hamlet for tomorrow. NUTS! Susan didn't wait today either after saying she would. PUZZLING! She's lending me her Judy Collins album tomorrow. We had TB shots today. It didn't actually hurt, but I was sick for about 1/2 hour. (I was sweating profusely, felt terribly hot, & nauseated.) I was going to go home but felt better after religion. Met Moe after school. Saw Eddie Staires at Parker Drug. Went to 5 & 10 & bothered Liz & Birdie.   Nite"

The article on the left, halfway down is about the National Conference on Government that I went to with Marie Vander Hagen. 

"David Burns, Norman Burger, Elizabeth Craig, David De Babe, Robert Maloney, Mary Ellen Manning, Mary Power, Richard Tardiff and Marie Vanderhaegen attended one session each  day of the 72nd NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GOVERNMENT, November 14, 15, and 16 at the Sheraton-Boston Hotel.

These students, as members of the WORLD AFFAIRS CLUB, were the guests of THE NATIONAL MUNICIPAL LEAGUE. The Division of State Colleges of Massachusetts planned this student participation program with the cooperation of Mr John Gillespie and Mr John H Gibson. The students heard many important speakers, including Gov Scranton and Gov Driscoll.

One group of five speakers discussed the role and problems of today's governor and his office. Leading this discussion, based on a 14 margin report by grad students of Ohio State University, was former Gov Jones of Louisiana. Also on this committee were the economic adviser of Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, a professor of politics at Williams University, a Boston lawyer, and a private aid to the governor of Arkansas. Most were college people, professors, out-of-state politicians, and members of various governmental organizations. The beauty of the Sheraton added much to the free, easy, and comfortable discussions. Through the one session each attended, the politically minded SPH students realized the complexities of just one part of state government and its relation to the federal government."

The article on the upper right is about the Career Day we attended at Rosary Academy.

"Rosary's Career Day Succeeds

On Wednesday, November 16, the Junior and Senior girls attended a Career Day at Rosary Academy. Rosary girls acted as hostesses and guides to the St Patrick guests. The program opened with a talk by State Treasurer Honorable Robert Q Crane. His speech concerned the importance of choosing the correct vocation. Mr Crane went on to talk about the amusing, interesting and surprising aspects of his profession.

The program was divided into sessions featuring a variety of occupations and vocations. Students were guided in their prospective vocations by outstanding and capable people in each particular field.

At noon, lunch was served in the cafeteria. Rehearsal for Mass in the Auditorium immediately followed lunch. After rehearsal of hymns and general procedure, Mr and Mrs Louis Davis, members of the Christian Family Movement, addressed the group. In their lecture the Davises spoke not only of the happy aspects of marriage but also of the circumstances which may produce an incompatible relationship.

The fully-participated, concelebrated Mass was offered by the Reverends Mel Markowski, OP and Cornelius Hahn, OP.

The career day concluded with hymns sung by the entire group outside St Joseph Hall."

At the bottom of the first page it reads: "Caesar's Ghost Seen - On Wednesday, November 23, the Freshman Class saw the play 'Julius Caesar' at Cambridge High School. Sr Emerita and Sr Clarisse accompanied the students.  Julius Caesar was one of three Shakespeare plays being presented by the Herald Traveler Reperatory of Classical Drama, between November 7 and December 10.  Mary Navin remarked 'it was one of the most interesting plays I have ever seen."

There is an article in the middle of Page 3 about a poem by my cousin John Navin - he was also assistant editor of Page 1.  

"The Shamrock announces the first prize winner in the Poetry Contest to be John Navin, 11B, whose winning entry is published below. 

Gratitude 

by John Navin

The man is dressed like Santa Claus.

He rings a bell and hopes you'll pause,

To toss a coin into the pot

Whether well or ill begot.

He'll use that coin to feed the poor,

He'll use that coin and many more;

He'll need more coins to feed the rest.

Humanity has failed the test. 

The hearts are cold, the purses tight,

The greedy eyes like anthracite;

The selfish stares, the hurried pace,

But wait! Who stops so near that place?

An old man gives his only change;

The people look, this act so strange!

But he minds not the loud guffaws - 

He once was fed by that Santa Claus.

Mary Navin and I get a mention for making Second Honors on the bottom left. 

"Wednesday, December 14, 1966

Dear Diary,

That *@!?; ℅ % May Bob! After the bell ending our lunch period rang, about 1/2 the kids were in the class & we were talking. May Bob comes & gives us a warning. After she leaves, the other 1/2 comes in from the lav & their gabbing. May Bob comes back in & screams. We had to stay after for 1/2 hour. I had a dentist appointment at 3:30, but she won't let anyone go. At 3:45 I dashed to the dentist & found the appointment was at 4:30. He took me at 4:15 but the electricity was going to stop for 20 or 30 minutes so I have to go back tomorrow. Bye"

"Thursday, December 15, 1966

Dear Diary,

Great Hamlet's Ghost! I had to recite in English again today on Scene II. I was a bit more prepared, but that didn't help too much. I felt myself turn beet red (I did the other times), I felt my hands shake & I heard myself saying 'um' (both of which I hadn't noticed before). I got a B- (I don't think anyone has gotten higher than that). Jay Clark was the only now who criticized me & I still can't figure out what he said. Had a tooth pulled at 3:48. My mouth is still full of blood. Susan Cook & Mary Power (we're both thinking of playing hokey) called. Nite"

"Friday, December 16, 1966

Dear Diary,

 My mouth was bleeding all nite because of my extracted tooth. It was bothering me this am, so Mum said to stay home. I went back to bed & slept on & off till about 12:30. Got up took care of Jody & later the 2 Chris' while Mum went to the Redemption Center. I went to the McClennans at 6:15. Met Mr (Alan) McC's brother, Walter. He's not as good looking as Alan. Mary came over at 7:20 (Chris got home at 4:30). Joanie, Diane, Carol & Janet came visiting. Got $2.75. Nite"

"Saturday, December 17, 1966 / Written Monday, Dec 19

Dear Diary,

Sorry not to have written for 2 days but I've been sick as a dog. Richard came to work today 'cause Paul went on a camping trip - the stinker. He doesn't seem to like me - thinks I'm rude & wise ... Went to Turnstyle with Navin. Met Joan & Diane (I began to feel funny.) Got home about 6:30. Didn't eat anything - felt kinda sick - not too bad. Went to McClennens at 7:15. Mum stopped by with a skirt she bought for me. Got $2 for 4 hours. At 11:30 I felt crummy." 

"Sunday, December 18, 1966

Dear Diary,

About 12:30 or 1 I went dashing down to the bathroom to vomit. Nothing happened so I got into Christine's bed (she was in Mum's). After a few false attempts I finally threw up. Triumph! I got back into Christine's bed. After a few hours sleep I woke up about 8 or 8:30. I spent the rest of the day that way - sleep a few hours - wake up - feel terrible, etc. About 8 I finally got downstairs. Watched regular tv programs. Went to bed about 11:30. Felt okay except for swollen glands & stiff neck."

"Monday, December 19, 1966

Dear Diary,

No homework! or rather no school! Slept till 10:30. Took care of Jody while Mum went to Boston. Felt so-so all day. Stayed in pajamas till 6 pm. Watched tv & read. About 7:45 A Dickie called and asked me to babysit for about an hour. I felt okay so I went dashing upstairs & got dressed (3 mins.) Got to Dickies about 7:55. After getting Mikey & Stevie to bed, I watched 'Rat Patrol' (great) & 'Felony Squad' - great. Got $2. Did homework.  Nite"

"Tuesday, December 20, 1966

Dear Diary,

Back to school! (sigh) Rosie told me the religion composition I wrote was very good. Made Xmas candles with Marie de Montfort (Monty). The top was great but there was no bottom! Mary, Sue & I stayed after making decorations. I inadvertently volunteered to finish cleaning the chapel - pulled Susan along though. We 3 had cokes in Fantasia's - Black Jack was working - too bad. Went to library & 5 & 10 with Navin. It's snowing. Watched tv &  decorated the tree. Discussed Richard with Mum - doesn't believe me. Nite"

"Wednesday, Dec ember 21, 1966 / Written Thursday, Dec 22

Dear Diary,

Sorry I didn't write last nite but I didn't have a pen/pencil. Had a full day of school today - actually we got out at 3:00. I was duped into cleaning the chapel with 3 sophomores by Rosie. We had to clean & polish the pews - from 3:15 to 6:50! Not one break. I went to Hullys because it was so late & we were supposed to go to dancing school (it was cancelled because of snow.) Ate supper at Hullys and stayed over nite. Joanie & I were up till 2:30. Hannie was shopping at Zayre's till 12. Got home around 12:30."

"Thursday, December 22, 1966

Dear Diary,

I've got my 'friend' for the holidays! Crumb! Got up at 10. Watched tv till about 11. Left for home about 12:15. Went to market for parafin to make candles. Then went looking all over the place for styrofoam - couldn't find any. Wrapped presents when I finally got home. After supper Mary & I went to the Square. Met Joanie. Walked around. Bought Dad a 'Mod' tie. Went to Hully's & had a snowball fight. Walked Ma & then Joanie home. Stopped at the Drugstore again - Lee & Red Jack were working. Saw Chris. Nite."

"Friday, December 23, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got up about 10 & watched tv. We finished making 2 candles. That was a blast. Patty, Mum, Johnny, & I were all working on one side each. What a mess! Took care of Jody most of the afternoon. Made a wreath of tissue paper. Patty, Mary, & I went to Hully's after bringing presents up to Navins'. Stopped at Drugstore - Black Jack was working. Finished wrapping presents & Mary & I read parts of 'Candy' - filthy. Nite.      Christmas is coming.  Bye"

"Saturday, December 24, 1966

Dear Diary,

Great day at work. Paul was there. Gave Lynda & I each a box of candy. Patty came down about 1:45. We went to King's but didn't buy anything. Went to confession & to the Hully's. Bought Joanie some bubble bath. After supper took a candle to Mrs Green. She gave Patty & me mittens. We two went to midnite Mass with Paul & Chris. On the way to Navins', a car stopped in front of us - full of boys. We were petrified because it stopped & someone got out - then went into a house. Got to bed about 2:30."

"Sunday, December 25, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got up about 8:30. All the other kids were already up. I got a granny bathrobe, a purple cardigan & poorboy, a brown & black skirt, jockey cap, a game, dusting powder (Patty), a wool sweater (Hannie), a granny nightgown (Joanie), over the knee sox by Dior (Johnny), a white blouse, emery boards (Chris), & notebooks (Jimmy.) Ma came to dinner. Diane, Ricky, & Mary came down later. Diane, Patty, & I walked to Hully's in the wind & cold. Played a couple of games & talked with Joanie till 11. Norman drove us home. Wore my new nightwear to bed. I'm a bit jealous of Joanie - she's always talking about boys she knows. Bye?"

Lydia Lamoth drew a sailor with the words Merry Christmas! She was a new student at St Pat's.

"Merry Christmas

and a 

Happy New Year 

Martha"

Martha Melican was a classmate who lived on the corner of Palfrey and Church Streets.

"'For I will restore health unto

thee, and I will heal thee.'

Jeremiah 30:17

May you find within 

your heart

Upon this Christmas morn, 

The peace and joy

the shepherds knew

When Christ the Lord

was born!

Moe"

Moe was Maureen Stinehart - a friend and classmate who lived the next street over on Marion Road.

"Merry Christmas"

A Very Merry Christmas and all Best Wishes 

for a Happy New Year

Paul McCaffrey"

(Worked at Watertown Press Office on Sat with me.)

"Thinking of you at Christmas

Greetings from Cohuna"

"Wishing you lots of happiness

While Christmastime is here

And many really wonderful days

Throughout the coming year

To Mary Ellen,

With love and best wishes for 

Christmas and the coming New Year.

From Mary xxxx"

"Dear Mary Ellen,

    Just a short note to wish you a Merry Christmas + a Happy New Year. I hope you like this small gift I am sending you and once again a Merry Christmas. Please wish your family a Merry Christmas from me.

                                                                        Lots of love 

                                                                                Mary"

"Monday, December 26, 1966

Dear Diary,

Slept till 11:45. After eating breakfast, Patty & I went out shoveling for almost an hour to shovel. I went to Mary Power's at 2 & we went to see 'Texas Across the River' (- not as funny as I expected) & 'A Man Could Get Killed' - good. Got home about 7. Watched tv - 'Rat Patrol' - very good, 'Felony Squad' - okay, & 'Family Affair' - good. It's coming to that time when we're going to have to depart. It's been great knowing you - you've probably been bored but what the hell. Nite"

"Tuesday, December 27, 1966

Dear Diary,

Stayed in bed till 11:30. Moe called - talked about 1/2 hour - didn't say much. Took care of the little kids till 4:45. Pete Bythewood came down with Jay & Johnny to play pool. He stayed for supper - I can't really talk with him - he's not like, say, Dennis Staires (more like Eddie.) Go ahead & laugh, Mary, when you read that.) Mary came down at 8:30. We made fudge (it never got hard.) Watched 'Burke's Law' at 12. Got to bed about 11:30.    Nite'

"Wednesday, December 28, 1966

Dear Diary,

Slept until 12:30. Went to Navins', then Mary & I headed for the library, Hullys, King's, Drugstore, Hully's, & library. Saw Linda Mahoney, Claire & Chris Milmore - said they liked my hair in pigtails - doing pretty good - getting compliments from the clique. Went babysitting for some people Joanie usually sits for. Scotty (1 or 2) was bitchy - didn't stop crying. His cousin (Stephanie - 12) took care of him. She's awfully bossy. Talked with Joanie & Mary most of the nite.                                                                                     Bye"

"Thursday, December 29, 1966 / Written Friday, December 30

Dear Diary,

I apologize for not writing last nite. I was so caught up in writing my story, I completely forgot. I took Jimmy, Chris, & Jody to the library, then to Hully's. Stayed there until about 4:30. Diane came home with us. She, Patty, & I went to Sunnybrook Farm, Goldbanks, & Parker Drug - saw Eddie. Pete stayed for supper again - we're getting along better. Went to Navins to watch 'Jericho' - great. Did some French. Wrote till 1:30.  Nite"

"Friday, December 30, 1966

Dear Diary,

Slept till 11. Mrs Strong called & I went babysitting at 2:45. 3 kids - Renee, 6; Kelly, 4; & Corey 3. (2 girls, 1 boy) Got $1.35 till 5. Went babysitting for McClennens at 7:00. Got a present from Margy - a ginger bread man. Got home about 1:15. Got $3.00. I'm listening to the Monkees album - all the time trying to learn the words. If I don't have room tomorrow, Happy New Year!, buddy.   Nite"

"Saturday, December 31, 1966

Dear Diary,

Sandy McKenna ('member him?) was at work. We clowned around all day. Got out of work about 2. Spent the afternoon listening to Monkee's album & cleaning up my room. Went to Parker Drug & Sunnybrook Farm after supper & didn't see anyone. Went babysitting about 9 for Eileen. Called Joanie at 12. Tried Joe Sylvestro (Joanie's current), Dennis Staires & Ronnie - no answer. Called Barbara Malone. Mary called about 1. Joanie called about 4 or 5 times. Got $5. Got home about 2. Well, this is it, pal. It's been a pretty good year. I'll think of you now & then. So long ...

PS I hope I go out next New Year's Eve. While I was watching tv, I had this longing to be with someone ,,, Anyhow it's been nice knowing you & I'll read you over fondly every now & then & I promise I won't forget you. So I'll end our acquaintance on this teary note. Happy New Year, Buddy"