1967 - January

 

My 1967 diary that Mary Navin gave me for Christmas.

(Sunday) "January 1, 1967,

Dear Diary,

Well, it seems we are to be friends for the next 365 so I hope it's going to be as much fun for you was it will be for me. I'm not the type who puts down really personal thoughts because some seem corny, and besides other people will probably read you. The only thing I ask is that you don't gossip with '66 about my 'love' life (not much yet.) So here goes the first entry: A pretty dull day. Went to 11:45 Mass (a custom as you will soon see) - saw 'David' Sheehan (I don't think I actually like him - he's more a symbol). Did my French assignment all afternoon. Pete Bythewood (I like) came over with Jay to play pool with Johnny. Left at 11:15. Goodnite, Diary"

(Monday) "January 2, 1967

Dear Diary,

Today was a rotten day with only 3 bright spots or maybe even 4. To begin with Patty, Christine, & I went to Aunt Hannah's (good old soul) for dinner at 12:30. It wasn't too bad except that it was our last day of vacation. We stayed till 3. When we got to Harvard Sq we had to wait 25 mins for a bus. Got home about 4:45. Pete was here again - couldn't stay for supper. I did some more French (I'm still doing it). Watched 'Iron Horse' - Barney's neat; 'Rat Patrol' - best ever - Hitch starred; 'Felony Squad' - Jim was shot; 'Family Affair' - moving. I'm a tv nut & I'll be giving you reviews.    Nite"

(Tuesday) "January 3, 1967

Dear Diary,

The first day back to school after a vacation always seems like sheer hell (don't mind the profanity.) After waiting for about 15 minutes, Susan Cook & I dragged Mary Power & Buff Vander Hagen away from Sr Marie de Montfort. Sue, Mary & I had cokes in the 5 & 10. I walked Mary partway home. I started my homework as soon as I got home. Had all except chemistry & a little Latin done. Went to Navin's after going to Sunnybrook. Stayed till 8:30. Came home & started working on my French (due tomorrow.) The way things are now I'll be doing it until 3 am. That nun expects too much.    Nite"

(Wednesday) January 4, 1967

Dear Diary,

Finished my French report at 12:50. Slept off & on till 7:45. Rosey purposely picked me to read my project. Luckily the bell rang before I could finish but I found that I left almost a whole page out on Chateaubriand. Had to stay after again today (whole class.) We were supposed to stay till 4 but no nun would stay with us. Went to dancing school at 6:10. Patty quit. Stopped at Drugstore - Lee was working. Learned part of a 5 hand reel. Joanie, Diane, & I went to Drugstore. While I was waiting for them, I went down to buy Patty some 'Confidents.' Lee asked J & D what I was doing, then came down, looked over my shoulder & laughed. I turned around but he was helping someone else. Very embarrassing pour moi. Nite"

(Thursday) January 5, 1967

Dear Diary,

"The report Marie Vander Hagen & I had to prepare on the 72nd Nat Conference on Gov (attended in Nov) went over like a lead balloon - we hadn't taken notes. Mary & Liz Craig had a great report. It was terrific. Mary Flynn's taking us to Canada for Expo 67 so I invited Mary Power & she's coming. After school Joanie & I went to Jamaica Plain (Dad drove us over.) She had to get a bus badge for Barbara Malone because she lost Barb's. The place was closed. We came back on the train. Although there weren't many, the boys we saw were nifty. At Ashmont 5 of 'em were throwing paper airplanes about the train. Got home about 5:45. Went to Sq. Saw Birdie Green & Janice O'Hara. Watched Jack Jones on Dean Martin. Bye"

"Friday, January 6, 1967

Dear Diary,

I told Sr Florencia that I couldn't find my Plutarch's Lives & She insinuated that one of the boys took it. She announced that if anyone had 'borrowed' it, to return it. Had a short World Affairs Meeting. I didn't report - next meeting. Susan and I went for our semi-usual coke in the 5 & 10. Mary Joyce forced herself on us. We left as she ordered a coke. Sue's a good egg ... After supper Patty, Lee, Lois, & I went to 5 & 10. They got goldfish - I talked to Birdie. In Gorin's I saw Janice & Bev. Janice told me I looked like Priscilla of Myles Standish fame. I had my hair in pigtails. She said I was just as she imagined Priscilla to be - pretty not ugly. Watched tv. Laredo was good. Nite"

"Sunday, January 8, 1967

Dear Diary,

Went to 11:45 Mass with Mum, Dad, & Patty. (Johnny must have been home babysitting.) Met Joanie there, but I didn't see 'David.' Mary & Moe called after I got home. Mary & I at about 2:30 went to Sunnybrook & bought Tab, Popcorn, candy, etc and headed for Moe's. Mary Power decided to switch to Watertown High (I hope she doesn't.) I'm even considering it, but deep in my heart I know I wouldn't. At 7:15 I went babysitting at the Guy Rotundo's (Mary usually babysits but she was working at the rectory.). I did my homework & watched tv. Got home about 11:30. Got $2. Stayed up till midnite watching 12 O'Clock High - okay. Good nite"

Guy Rotundo was a well known singer who lived in the Whitney apartments - I babysat for his kids a couple of times.

"Monday, January 9, 1967

Dear Diary,

It was back to the old grind again today. Not much doing in school. Still haven't found 'Plutarch's Lives.' Mary's going to ask for her transfer paper Friday - she can't! The class won't be the same without her to answer tricky questions! No one knows about her plans yet. Found out that the stock boy at the 5 & 10 took out Birdie but she wouldn't go out with him again. Got a pea jacket! It's a buddy of Norman's coat. Real neat. Joanie has Norman's. Mary Navin's jealous. Saw (Red) Jack at the Drugstore - in a bad mood. Did homework. Watched 'The Monkees,' 'Rat Patrol' - good, 'Felony Squad' - better.                                                                                             Nite"

I remember wearing a navy pea jacket but I thought it was my father's from the Navy - it was probably warmer than any jacket I could have bought. It had nice big pockets. I loved that jacket.

"Tuesday, January 10, 1967

Dear Diary

For the first time in ages, I was ready for school at 8:30, but I waited 5 mins for Jimmy. Wore my pea jacket to school - Marie loved it. After school Marie, Sue, & I headed for 5 & 10. At post office Sue snapped her fingers & who should appear but Lydia. We had a fit. Somewhere she snapped them again - whamp - Mary Joyce! We saw Bulldog & followed her into Fox Drug. There I saw Lee - said hello a couple of times. On my way home I met Debbie & Jill - must tell Sue. Patty & I went to Eileen's at 6:30. Kids were terrible. Stayed till 7:15. Stopped at King's, then walked home. Watched a Beatles special - Paul's the best; the other 3 looked scruffy. Did homework. Talked to Joanie for a while. Good nite"

"Wednesday, January 11, 1967

Dear Diary,

 Not much doing at school. Went to the Chemistry Lab - I have a new partner - Frank Cerrati - Janice O'Hara's beau! Mary wasn't at school & we all thought she was at Wat High - turns out she was sick! Went to the Strongs after school. Navin & I walked Sue to the Sq ... Was at the Strongs till 6. Got $1.50. Norman picked me up to go to dancing school. Mary P can definitely come to Canada. Joanie, Diane, Maureen McKenzie & I visited Lee about 8. Got home about 8:30. Did homework (haven't finished yet.') It's 11:47. Shit! I didn't write to Corporal Wilson. We get out of school 6/16/67 ... Nite"

"Thursday, January 12, 1967

Dear Diary,

Well, she did it! Mary asked for her transfer papers. I guess May Bob was real put out. After school we told Rosey. She tried to convince Mary she was wrong. But it's like talking to a brick wall. Liz, Mary, Sue & I went to 5 & 10. Mary came with me to the dentist. He said he was going to leave my teeth alone - meaning, I'm not getting a false tooth. Went to Powers. Talked with Mary, Mrs, Joanie & Christine. Left at 5. Went to McClennens at 6:30.  Watched the first 45 mins of Jericho - great! - a repeat tho. Got home at 8:30. Did homework, went to Navins, ironed, watched the last hour of 'A Summer Place' - pretty good. Troy Donahue. Bye"

"Friday, January 13, 1967

Dear Diary,

As you probably noticed, today is Friday, the 13th. Last night a black cat crossed my path.  I didn't go to school today because I strained a muscle in my neck, or something like that. Stayed in bed all day, almost. Patty went to Lee's slumber party & Johnny, Mum, & Dad went to the Hibernians. So I got stuck with the little 'uns. Watched 'Green Hornet,' 'Tarzan,' 'Hogan's Heroes,' & 'PT 109' - great except that chunks were cut out. (I saw it with Joanie in a theater.) Mary Power called up. Said I missed being elected Prefect of the Junior's Sodality by 2 votes. Our group was 'split' between Liz & me. Liz got it. Marie is Vice Prefect ... Bye"

"Saturday, January 14, 1967

Dear Diary,

 I was late for work - but Paul was there so it didn't matter. I didn't feel like getting up. It was drizzling & foggy - a typical rotten Saturday. Got out of work at 2:15. Almost went to Boston with Navin but Mum said 'no.' Cleaned up room, started writing letters, etc. Washed supper dishes. Watched 'Flipper,' 'Don't Eat the Daisies,' 'Mission Impossible' - great with Martin Landau. Came upstairs in the middle of 'Gunsmoke.' Did my nails. I'm going to write some of my story for Patty. She urges me on. I'm in an apathetic mood. Nite"

"Monday, January 16, 1967

Dear Diary,

Religion was dead without Mary. She gave me her Plutarch's Lives. Our class officers (I'm treasurer) had a meeting in the library during study. Discussed plans for dance ... Sue had to go to the doctor's for her bursitis. So I walked to the Sq with Buffy, Liz, & Diane Patrick. Went to the Sq with Navin (met her on the way home.) She bought slacks &pajamas for the Scouts overnite near the Ski Lodge (Too many scouts are going so I can't go. Sh-t!) Saw Jack & John Short at the Drugstore. The Clique calls Liz, Buffy, Mary, me, etc the 'Group.' Imagine. Nite"

"Tuesday, January 17, 1967

Dear Diary,

Nothing new at school. I made up an English test & was able to answer a lot of chemistry questions - for a change. Met Navin after school. We were going to go to Boston but she couldn't (she found out later.) Johnny got the Monkees No II album. Bought 2 & both were scratched. I'm playing it over & over, & some scratches are coming out. Went to Navins around 7:45 with Patty. She, Navin & I went to Frank's for Peggy. Frank Pannessi (who honked at us on Church St when we were going home from school - I didn't recognize him) was there - so were a lot of other kids. We didn't stay long. Mary P called. No school for her ...  Nite"

Wed, January 18

Dear Diary,

Rosey was asking if I had heard from Mary so I told she called last nite. Sue was absent again today - so I walked with Susan Munhall. Took care of the kids while Mum went to Boston. I left for dancing school at 6:30. We got out about 8. We were waiting outside for Mary when 2 boys walked by. I had my hair pushed up under my hat. One said 'Is that a boy or a girl?' "I don't know.' They walked by & I said something to Joanie who ripped off my hat & yelled 'She's 16. Has blonde hair! See!' - pulling it out almost. Just then Mary came out. Nuts. Saw & Talked with Lee. Saw Bobby.  Nite"

"Thursday, January 19 / Bobby Morel's birthday

Dear Diary,

Instead of having religion, we watched Bob Kennedy's 'Contact' which was about Drug Addiction - pretty good. It was only 6 degrees above 0 this am. Walked with Marie to Church St whereupon I met Navin. Told her of last nite's adventures. She came down later on & we listened to records & she read my story. Then we went to Frank's. Pannessi wasn't there - disappointment. Patty & I went to Parker & Sunnybrook - didn't see anyone. Oh, I thought I saw Eddie & Dennis drive by when I was with Navin. Watched Jericho for the last time. It's too bad that such a fine show had such a miserable ending. Jericho - I salute you!!! Nite"

"Friday, January 20

Dear Diary,

Had gym during 2nd period - French. I'm improving as a guard in basketball - Barby Ryan complained about my guarding her. Had a World Affairs Club meeting during study. I reported on Sweden, Switz, & Spain. It was pretty good. Marie & I had coke in the 5 & 10. Sue Cook's been absent all week almost. I cleaned out my drawers this after & sorted my stockings - threw quite a few away. Went down to see the Hully's new linoleum - it's nice. Joanie & Mary went on the Girl Scout overnite to NH. I had 2 calls to go babysitting - one from Rosemary Smith - but I didn't take either. Patty's at Lee's & Mum needed a babysitter. Nite"

I found this list in Dad's handwriting - not sure what it is for - the dates run between 4/31/66 and 1/21/67. There are checks and cash ranging from $25 to $65. There are individuals like Janet Saccardo, Barbara Antonellis, Ann Heraty, and Elaine Dubois plus others I'm not sure of the spelling. There are also Educational Services, Inc, St Pat's, White Caterers, MCWG, St John's Cambridge. I am guessing it has something to do with the Hibernians - maybe rentals for the hall? My father used to be in charge of renting the hall. He had a date book where he or my mother would write down the details for the rental. I remember answering the phone and looking up dates for people - if the date they were interested in was available, I would pencil in the name and phone number and tell them to call back when my father was available. I would tell him or my mother that someone called - usually one of them would call the person back. So maybe this is what the list is for. 

"Saturday, January 21, 1967

Dear Diary,

Got up at 8:15 today. Paul was at the fire station today so Sandy was at the office. For a change Linda and I had pizza for lunch. Got a form about filing an income tax return. I don't have to if I don't want to. I earned $210 since May. Stayed in all afternoon & played with Joanne - actually I played records for her while I cleaned my room. Since Joanie is at Mt Webasso Hannie asked me to go down & keep Diane (who falls asleep rather early) company while Hannie & Norman went out. So here I am - suitcase & all. Nite"

"Monday, January 23

Dear Diary,

Had a class meeting during religion. We voted on whether to have the dance on March 16/17. It's March 16. Reflecting, I think it would be better on March 17 (Friday.) Then more public school kids would come. Also received report cards - I improved 1 B and 5 A; all 4s. Unless Martha got all As, it's the highest in my class. Susan was in school today - at last! I walked to the Sq with her (she had to go straight home.) Lately I have this urge to get out of the house after supper. So Patty & I went & got Mary & went to Frank's. Frank Pannessi wasn't there, but we hung around & fooled with good old Frank (he told us Frank P is working Wednesday.) Watched 'Rat Patrol' - good; 'Feloney Squad' - best ever. Didn't finish homework & I'm not going to.  Nite all",

(Tuesday) January 24

Dear Diary,

 Two representatives from General Motors came & gave a demonstration to the High School - it was pretty good. Buffy & I went to Harvard Sq after school. She wanted to get a 'Snoopy' sweatshirt for her sister, Elinor, but we couldn't find any. Got back to the Sq about 5. Waited for Liz & talked with Bill Whyte & John, the stockboy. Liz drove me home - never again! I went babysitting at 7:45. I walked to Frank's with Navin & then dashed to the Strongs. Mary brought my schoolbag (I left it at Frank's purposely). She stayed till they got home about 9. We went back to Frank's (Mary told Frank P our last names, etc.) We fooled around. I was drinking a bottle of orangeade & Frank pushed it up - I was choking & spitting all over the place. 

                                                                    Good nite"

"Wednesday, January 25 / Jerry's birthday

Dear Diary,

Throb! Pitter-patter/I had 'John Sullivan' as a lab partner today. (Frank's in the hospital.) Marcia was a bit upset because he was putting his arm over my shoulder & we were kidding around. I hope Frank's out more often. (Actually I don't ...) Sue & I cleared the boards at 3:30 - the others skipped out. We had a coke at 5 & 10 - saw Bulldog. I arrived at the Hully's at 6:15 - early for a change. Mary called & said she was coming with us, & Diane & I started to walk down to meet her but Hannie said to go to dancing school. Mary was kinda mad. Afterwards Joanie, Mary, & I visited Jack & Lee. Navin & I went to Frank's & hung around. Got home about 9:30.  Nite"

"Thursday, January 26

Dear Diary,

Went to the lab again - only Marcia & I had to weigh some stuff so we were with Sully & Fitz. I just started noticing that a lot of kids call me 'Mary Ellen' rather than just 'Mary.' Such as Marcia, Kathy, Donna, Sue, & others. Most of the kids not in the clique do & even some of them like Patty, Sally. I'm being accepted!! ... Sue, Buffy, & I had cokes in Butlers. I saw Ronnie - he drives. Has he changed! He's terribly handsome! Lost weight, cut his hair. He waved at me & I didn't know who he was for a min. Then I yelled out 'Ronnie!' Buffy didn't see him & thought I was daft. Saw Paul McCaffrey. Went to Frank's & to the Strongs. Nite"

"Friday, January 27, 1967

Dear Diary,

Rosey was yelling at Chris & the clique for going into the lab as soon as they arrived at school & during study. Chris got mad & gave her an answer. Rosey took her into the hall & yelled, then found Chris was innocent, & apologized. Chris gloated. During gym we played Red Rover & minutes before the bell, the other side called me. I was headed for Buffy & Birdie Fuschetti, & noticed there were chairs right behind them & if I broke thru I'd fall over them. I started to slow down, felt their hands in my midriff - When the next thing I knew I was on the floor sliding under the chairs - I was stretched out flat. It gave everyone a laugh. Had supper/actually cooked it at Moe's. Met Lance (finally) - he's not that great. 10 mins after he arrived she was shoving me at the door. Great pal!!  Nite"

"Monday, January 30, 1967

Hi there!

It was freezing today! Dad gave us a ride to school. Seems Grandpa took a turn for the worse last nite. Too bad. Buffy's grandfather's funeral was today - so she wasn't at school. Had a movie on France during French. Met Navin after school (Sue was absent.) David Burns, Richard Tardiff & Johnny were walking behind us. Patty & I went to Sunnybrook - didn't see anyone interesting. Went to Navins after supper & she & I went to Frank's. Fortunately Frank P wasn't there. Navin told me that she had given FP my phone no - it was on a piece of paper near the cash box. I hope he didn't take it (I doubt it.) I was fooling with Frank, & Mary noticed one of the boys (hang out there) looking at me & Frank. Made some kind of face at Frank (turned to Mary.) Probably thought I was a dope.  Nite"

Tuesday, January 31

Dear Diary,

A paragraph I wrote yesterday about an angry face was chosen the best of the Junior class. Jay Clark wrote one about a homo, & Rosey wouldn't read it aloud. Went to see Mrs Fitzgerald about Mass cards. She didn't know Buffy's granddad's 1st name. I bought 1 for Sue's granddad who died Sun. Walked home with Navin. Patty & I played Monopoly - I won (of course - note the modesty.) Did homework. Didn't watch any tv tonite. Had to write another paragraph - had 4 choices - I wrote 2. Joanie & Navin came down about 9:15. We went to the Sq & had a coke in Butler's. Got home about 10. Wrote some of my story (it's a long one.) See ya tomorrow, Pal. Nite"