1967 - June: more bad moods, more Cokes, teenage tragedy

I didn't realize until I reread this article in the June Shamrock that Sr Marie de Montfort had been at St Pat's for over 10 years. She was one of the younger nuns - she also flirted with the boys, let a strand of hair slip out from her head veil. She seemed "with it." I had her in 5th and 7th grades. We heard that she eventually left the convent and married.

"Sister Marie deMontfort Departs From SPH

    Sr Marie deMontfort, OP, who has been a teacher at St Patrick School since September, 1955 has been notified of her promotion to the head of the department of Chemistry at Siena College at Memphis, Tennessee. 

    From previous years of teaching and correlating, students have learned from Sister varied subjects such as geometry, Chemistry, algebra, trigonometry, and quotations of St Paul. Her abounding vocabulary and versatile personality has aroused interest and enthusiasm in many a student. Sister teaches religion in her home room, a course which includes discussions from the indulging matters of the Church to the opinions of Brother Antonius.

    The entire student body appreciates the friendship, enthusiasm and knowledge that she has radiated throughout the years."

The article in the middle of the first page, "Students Score High," is about the National Educational Development Tests which the sophomore and freshmen classes took in March. Among those who ranked in the top ten percentile in the nation were my brother - sophomore John Manning, and my freshman cousins Mary Navin and Judith Whitingham. 

The bottom right article - "Step Forward To Glory" - is about the National Honor Society.

    "On May 24th the cream of St Patrick's crop came into the spotlight as the school's chapter of the National Honor Society inducted new members into the organization. 

    Senior William Sullivan a member of the society, presided over the ceremony in which eight junior girls became provisional members, and seven seniors were accepted as permanent members. The senior members of the society presented its organization and history. The permanent members, William Sullivan, Nancy Roth, Albert Smith, Maureen Maloney, Lawrence Tiberio, Donna Russo, and John Fantasia, conducted the lightning of the candles and the administration of the pledge. Taking the pledge and reception into the National Honor Society were: Mary Manning, Elizabeth Craig, Donna Calden, Kathleen Brown, Sandra Murphy, Claire Milmore, Martha Melican, and Sandra Mosca.

    Sr Mary Robert spoke to the assembly and congratulated the new members, after which she presented the permanent members with certificates and membership pins.

    Following an acceptance speech by Mary Ellen Manning, Monsignor Houlihan and Fr Mel Markowski, OP, addressed the students concerning the qualities which the society requires: Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service."

"Hot Dogs, Cakes, Raffles

    For the past month, students of St Patrick have been diligently working to raise money for Fr Breslin's South American missions. As the result of this diligence, St Patrick will donate a still undetermined amount to Fr Breslin. This could not have been accomplished without the united cooperation of the entire student body. Although individual classes sponsored fund-raising projects, the success of the drive depended upon the participation of all classes.

    Juliette Hovespian, Judith Whittingham, and Maureen Menton won the Nine-B fudge raffle. Nine-A provided box lunches and a brownie sale. 

    Ten-A also held a box lunch, which was supplemented by an inter-class cake sale. One noontime, Ten-B sold cookies, brownies, and other desserts to hungry SPH'ers, later raffling off five cakes. The winners were Carol Sabatino, Harold Craig, Raymond Forte, Maria Miranda, and Carol McNamara. 

    All classes participated enthusiastically in Eleven-A sponsored Hot Dog Day. St Pat's is grateful to Mrs Calden, Mrs Fuschetti, and Mrs Mosca, who assisted the Eleven-A girls in this project. Frances Joyce is five dollars richer after having won the Eleven-B raffle, in which 238 chances were sold.

    Twelve-A raffled the flowers used as decorations on class night to members of that class. Also, brownies and cookies were sold by the class. Twelve-B donated by means of daily collections. Candy is sold at lunch period to help raise money for such a worthy cause. 

    All students are to be commended for their effort and participation, but also for their cooperation with each class's individual projects. Only with this spirit of unity could the drive succeed. 

    The total amount donated will be published later."

"Small Schools Inferior

    "The general public has a tendency to regard small schools such as St Patrick as lacking in academic standing. Our records will show the contrary. In proportion to large high schools, the students of St Patrick have won many more scholarships. Fifteen percent of the class of 1967 won scholarships to major universities and colleges, totaling more than $18,000. 

    St Patrick upstages many high schools with greater enrollments in the number of its science and math fair winners. This year St Pat's has one winner in a major science fair. Last year saw seven take honors at various fairs. 

    Also the number of commended students on national tests, proportionately, far exceeds that of high enrollment high schools. Finally the academic standing of a high school is exhibited by the number of its graduates continuing in higher education. Every year, the great majority of the graduating class goes on to college.

    It would be an injustice to think more benefits are available to students attending large high schools. Small high schools, with a fraction of the enrollment, offer a student every advancement. It is his if he proves himself worthy of it. All that is required is concentrated and continuous effort."

With the Seniors having graduated, my cousin John Navin became editor of The Shamrock. 

"Thursday, June 1

Dear Diary,

Forget Emmie's tv guide - Sue'll kill me - I don't give a damn. Having a chem exam next Mon afternoon, Latin - Wed, Algebra - Thurs, & probably an English, Fr, & Rel. Can't wait for June 16! Went straight to work - walked to Sq with Sandy Mosca & Sue Munhall - (May Bob wants us to sponsor another Hot Dog Day next Tues.) Got to work about 3:40. Got a ride home from Staires. Went babysitting at Gebhardt's at 7:30. Did homework, gave 'em a bath, watched Doug McClure on Joey Bishop. Got home about 1:15. Got $2.75. It's now 1:40.  Nite"

"Friday, June 2

Dear Diary,

Only 14 days till school ends! It's very dull except Chem. I was in a bad mood most of the day. Cook drove me crazy - avoided her at lunch time. Had our regular at Butler's. She dashed out to walk home with Clare McCurley. Got to work about 4. Got a check for $14.61 - I had expected more. Mrs Ouelette never - or hardly ever - speaks to me. I hope Joe quits. Walked home by myself. Mum was P. O. about the room (Pissed Off) - it's not was bad as she says. (Mary) Power called me after supper - talked ~ 15 mins. Going to Canada next week. Feis this Sunday - I doubt I'll beat Joanie - M McKenzie maybe. Well, I'll get one medal anyway.  Bye                                                                       Eddie Staires won a trophy for scholastic achievement."

"Saturday, June 3

Dear Diary,

Paul's friend Pete was at work today. He's cool. Only 40 kids came in - hardly any. Linda's having a cook-out the Sun we're in Canada so I can't go - she invited me. We're not seeing the DC 5, I guess. Couldn't get tickets - I really wanted to see them, too. Patty & I went to Boston - bought  $13 pink trenchcoat in Jordan's Basement. Went to Boston Common - WBZ was there - the Wasp is in - loads of sailors. Met Dom Russo - never said a word to me - said hello - kept bumping into him - half the time it looked like we were following him! Went babysitting at Tilles - Moe's job. It stunk - house was filthy - Dog needed bath - got $2.75. Patty got $5 at my job for Gallaghers!  Nite"

"Sunday, June 4        Happy Birthday to me        

 Dear Diary,                               Crummy birthday, worst ever

Took Christine to 9:15 Mass - sheer hell. Hullys picked me up about 11 (1/2 hr late as usual) to go to the Feis. Got there about 11:30. Won 2 2nd place prizes - reel & hornpipe - against Joanie (2 1sts -  goofed up reel - didn't deserve 1st) & Moe McKenzie 2 3rds. Finished that about 12:30? Had to wait all afternoon & nite to dance against other schools - danced about 9. We stunk in that - ought to teach Mary to give us steps that make us move. Rita O'Shea's & Steve Carney's schools took most of the prizes. Got home about 10. Chris gave me a bottle of fingernail polish; Jody - knee sox; Mum - $5; Ma - $3 - that's all I got! Crude! Joanie didn't brag once about getting 2 1sts. Hannie said I should have got 1 1st but I think she said it to be nice.  Nite"

"Sneakin' in just to remind ya -"

"You've left another year behind you!

Happy Birthday!

Ain't I a little rat?

                                                        Love to Mary E

                                                            From Ma"

I certainly was in a bad mood on my birthday! I haven't celebrated for a long time until this year - 20025 - when my family all got together at Johnny and Vickie's and surprised me. It was actually wonderful to see everyone together on a happy occasion!

I'm a rather even keeled type - pretty laid back, slow to anger, peace at all costs, try to see all sides - I occasionally blow my stack, but get over whatever it is pretty quickly, At least that is how I see myself!

"Monday, June 5

Was exhausted getting up - my sunburn on my shoulders was sore. I hate school! Going to Canada Fri - at last! Had a chemistry exam - I had the answers & didn't know it - got about a 60. Sue, Marie, & I were waiting for D Patrick (at Comm House). Yelled for her but she didn't come. Sue went to CH, & Marie & I just left. I'm getting sick of Cook. Didn't bother me that she might be mad. Got to work about 3:40 - scads of books. Eddie picked us up in Mrs S's car (which is really their uncle's). He smokes again now. After supper Navin & I went to Friendly's. Just finishing when we saw Ronnie & Dottie, Ed & Linda?, & Donnie & ? coming from Nelson's. Looked gorgeous! Nothing on tv 'cept repeats. Monkees & Felony Squad weren't on.  Bye"

"Tuesday, June 6

Dear Diary,

Nothing doing at school - tomorrow's the algebra exam & Monty didn't even teach us anything today. Marie & I went to PO for Flo. Sue didn't say one word to me today - she waited for D Patrick & was off. What to do? What to do? There was a fair at Perkins today - nothing spectacular. Mrs Staires picked us up - brought Eddie's trophy just so I could see it. Tommy - ahem - wet his pants 10 mins before Mrs McL came - so we didn't change him - everyone is sick of the 2 of them. Joanne fell off the roof of the car today onto the tailgate.  Hurt her teeth. Mum went to Beano so I was stuck with her. Didn't do any homework.  Nite"

Wednesday, June 7                24 days till Falmouth

Dear Diary,

Had the algebra exam - so-so. Started at 9:20 - finished 11:20. Missed Religion, French, & Latin. Latin exam tomorrow. Got out of school at 1:30. Cashed my check for $14.61. Went home, changed my clothes, & went babysitting for the Strong's new baby - Barry Scott. He slept the whole time - at 3:30 I brought him down here to Mum so I could go to work. At work I took off my sandals & walked around barefoot. Dennis didn't show up - so I walked home. Went to dancing school. Mary hasn't seen Mon Houlihan yet, went down tonite but he wasn't there. Got home about 8:30. Watched 'The Virginian' - good. Patty & I went to Friendly's. Saw Ron & Dottie. Bye"

"Thursday, June 8

Dear Diary,

Had the Latin exam - got about 7 wrong. Went over it during Latin period. Got out at 1:30. Went to May Bob - Joanie was leaving as I went in. MB thought it was great - no trouble. Sue & I are back on friendly terms - she started. She, Navin, & I had a coke in Butler's, went to 5 & 10, talked with John, & came home. Went to work at 3:20 - they didn't think I'd be in today. Eddie came to pick Dennis up but Dennis wasn't around - I told Eddie & left - he had his small car so I didn't take a ride. Watched tv, cleaned up room, washed my hair, took a shower, shaved me legs, & did homework. Mary called about 7 - real excited about going. Did I tell you Joan had her hair cut? Looks better.   Bye"

"Friday, June 9

Dear Diary,

Got out of school at 11:30. Had a group pix taken for the Shamrock of the National Honor Society. At 12:20 we picked Mary up (Mr B took Pete & Jay) - the bus left at 1:20. Made one stop - bus had a bathroom. Joanie flirted her way into Pete's arms. Sat beside him 3/4 of the way - Jealous or what! When we stopped at the border, Mum gave me my birth certificate -what a shock - Male, White, Single. At first the Male didn't dawn on me - then I was almost hysterical. Arrived at the motel about 8:40. Wasn't too bad except there were no tvs in the rooms & it was in an isolated spot. Power, Joan, Diane, & I walked about a mile for dinner - had pizza. Got back about 11:30. About 1:30 Joan & I went to get cokes - Pete followed & we 3 watched tv in the lobby."

"Saturday, June 10

Dear Diary,

Finally got to sleep about 4:30 - Mary's talking put me to sleep. Got up about 7:30. Had breakfast in restaurant - caught the 8:30 bus for Montreal. Headed for the fair. Visited Canada - good, Australia - had real kangaroos, Great Britain - good, Ceylon, Thailand, Mexico, France, other small countries, & the USA - great. USA was air conditioned, gigantic escalator, 4 boys walked by & pulled my hair.  Mary was a bitch - all she did was complain. Went to the Amusement Park - the fantastic ride there wasn't so fantastic. Went on the Ferris Wheel. Kid tried to pick me up - put his arm around me, stamped his foot (I did likewise), & asked me to go on a ride. I gracefully declined.  Got back to motel about 11:30. Went to Chinese restaurant - stunk. Pete wanted Joan to stay with him but she wouldn't. He walked off. Johnny & Jay were worried about him.  Bye"

"Sunday, June 11

Dear Diary,

Up till about 4. All the lights were off & I was lying on the floor when Power came out of the bathroom. Suspected something - we lambasted her with pillows. Fell on top of me - squish. Got up at 7:45. Went to a French Church in Montreal. Took a tour of the city - cool. Mum & Hannie got lost in the subway & Joan & I had to show 'em the way - didn't believe us but we were right. The bus never showed up. At 5 the driver came & said he had been waiting 2 hrs. Mary killed him. Had to return to the motel & wait for him. Pete was sick on the bus - had a rash & a fever. Jay was making out with Barbara most of the way home - pathetic. Elaine Landry slept on my lap halfway home. Everyone was bus sick. Pat McD was waiting for the bus. Almost cried when I saw him. Got home about 2.  Bye"

"Monday, June 12

Dear Diary,

I could barely get up this am. Had a religion exam. No French exam - tomorrow. No Latin - fell asleep - woke up when my arm slipped off the book. Not much doing - 4 days left. My right eye was still watery today - I hope it is nothing serious. Pete's got the German measles supposedly. He told Johnny that Joanie was a good kid to talk to but that was it. Called Perkins & told them I had a sore eye - told me to stay home. Went to bed - slept till 8 - kept waking up & I didn't know where I was or what time it was. Watched Rat Patrol, Felony Squad, Family Affair (all repeats), & Coronet Blue - great - Frank Converse - fabulous. It's now 11:13. Oh, Ma stopped by for about an hour.  Bye"

"Tuesday, June 13

Dear Diary,

Only 3 days left of school. 18 till Falmouth. Had French exam - kinda hard. Got out at 1:45 cause we just have study in the afternoon. Hafta clean the room after school tomorrow. Had a coke after school with Sue. Joan told me that Pete called her to tell her he had the German measles - she was cold to him. She bugs me - chases & flirts, & when the boy finally pays some attention to her, she freezes. I get tres tongue-tied around boys & act like a fool to cover up my self-consciousness. Janice Connolly likes Johnny - vice versa? He & Pete are self-conscious around girls. Got to work about 2:15. Got a ride home from the Staires. Missed dancing school - first time this year. Bye"

"Wednesday, June 14

Hi Oh Di,

Only 2 days left - 3 cheers! The only class we had today was religion. The rest of the time we read. If I take Typing I next year - I'll have 7 subjects - Religion, English IV, History, Physics, Trig & Latin 4 - last 3 are rather elective. I'd also like to take short hand but (shrug). Stayed after to help clean the room - stayed till 3:30 with Cook, D Patrick, Marie Barbato, & Moe Hughes. Left about 3:30. Cook & I had our usual. Arrived at work about 4. Not much to do. Decided to work Dennis' hours cause I won't be confined to talking books. Got ride home. No homework - seems eery. Counted the money in my 'bunny' bank - $19.02 for Falmouth. Watched 'Virginian' - stupendous - love Don Quinn(?),  Nite"

"Thursday, June 15                            Recital

Dear Diary,

Tomorrow's the last day of school! Had to sit & read books all day today - couldn't clean room till after school - did it during lunch time. Got out at 1:00. Bought Monty a pen & pencil set for $4.50 - a discount - over $10. Got Rose Patrice Jean Nate toilette water. Shaved me legs - tremendous news, & then went to work. Dennis had come this am so I had to walk home. Washed my hair & took a shower. Arrived at Hibernians about 7:30. Recital started about 9:15. Did 5 nos & made a mistake in each one - humiliating. Joe Joyce played & made a production over me name - sang Happy Birthday to me. Pat & Carmel were there. Talked to them about 15 mins before we left. He gave me a ciggie - took 2 puffs of it & gave it back to him. Mary, Lee, Patty, & I walked home.  Bye"

"Recital and Dance

presented by

Pupils Of Mary Flynn

School of Irish Dancing

Thursday evening, June 15, 1967

Hibernian Hall

155 Watertown Street         Watertown

At 8:15 PM                    Donation $1.00"

"June 16            NO MORE SCHOOL!!

Dear Diary!

Thanks be to God! - we've been liberated! Hurray!Got to school about 9. At 9:30 Sandie Mosca & I dashed to Pharmacy to get another present for RP. Gave her Jean Nate soap & toilette water. Monty came in to say goodbye - everyone was crying. Got out at 9:45 but Sue (she didn't hafta go - brought Chris) & I stayed & talked to RP.  Sue left for a min & RP tried to talk me into becoming a nun - no dice. Got home about 12. Dad drove me to work at 12:45. Stayed till 3:15 - got my check $15. Went to dentist - had my teeth cleaned - also had fluoride treatment - yech! Went babysitting for Rita at about 7:45. Mickey Joe is 2 mons - had to feed, burp, & put him to bed. Didn't actually hafta take care of David & Rick. Got home about 11:30 - got $3.  Bye" 

Saturday, June 17

Dear Dairy,

Two weeks from now we'll be sleeping in Falmouth. Sandy was at work today. I was alone - Lynda quit - has a job at American Laundry - next door. Sue met me - hung around the Sq. After she left, met Joan hiding from Dennis Staires. She, Mary, & I went to the Turnstyle. Looked around - bought ice cream cones. Got home about 6:15 after waiting 1/2 hr for the bus. Got a letter from M Jelonek - she's in the Army, & sister Joan got married. Went to the Gish's for Mary. Had a pizza delivered. Got $2.50. Got home about 12:15. Might go to the dogs with Cook or the movies with Marie. Keep thinking I have homework to do. Hope this summer doesn't go as fast as this year went. Hope to see Carl Rourke this year.        Bye"

"Sunday, June 18            Father's Day

Dear Diary,

We all went to the 11:45 Mass. Met Bobby Cook - Sue never called about going to the races. Had turkey in honor of the occasion. Went to see the US Constitution - "Old Ironsides." Not many sailors around - probably because it was raining. Went with the Hullys. Also went to City Point & a cemetery in Waltham - Norman's mother. Joanie & I walked from Green St to Friendly's - I had on a bright yellow rain jacket of Norman's - 40 times too big. Going down Marshall St we put flowers in our hair, took off our shoes, & sang 'Flowers in Their Hair." Went to see 'The Collector' - great & 'Ship of Fools" - great. Both were terrific. Got out at 12 & we went to call a taxi. Victor Rossi & friends came over & waited with us - 2 neat boys with him. Offered us a ride but Moe didn't want one - the dope.   Bye"

"Monday, June 19

Dear Diary,

Got up at 8:05 - regretfully of course. Got to work about 9. Did all sorts of things - it's quite different in the mornings - more people & all. Dennis came in about 10-10:30. Left at 12 - lunch hour. I had to stay till 1. Only 2 people left in the library at that time - one being Mrs McL - saw her son Stephen - cute. Got home about 1:15. Mum went to the doctors for a checkup. Cleaned up room & listened to records. Tommy is going to be here all this week. After supper Patty & I went to Friendly's & Sunnybrook. Saw Joan & Mary heading for Harvard Sq - parents didn't know. Ma broke her wrist - fell off the bus. TV was great tonite from 7:30. Wow! Best nite for tv!        Bye"

"Tuesday, June 20, 1967

Dear Diary,

It was pouring this morning! Wore shorts, blouse, & raincoat. I was drenched when I got to Perkins. One of my shoes needs to be soled - found out the hard way - my foot was soaked. There are repair works going on at Perkins, & I hate the looks they give me when I go by. Good thing it's not dark out - I'd fear for my virtue (hoho). Got home dripping about 1:20. Ate dinner, watched tv, read, & listened to records. Paul drove Mary & I over to King's after supper - there was a sale. We bought the same kind of pajamas - orange; same Jamaica sets - mine green - hers blue; I bought a beach bag & she bought a suit. Showed them to Peggy, Kathy, Nancy, Maureen, & Patty - none of which liked 'em. It does something to your morale, I swear.   Bye"

"Wednesday, June 21

Dear Diary,

It was wet & drizzly again today. Nothing new at work. Got home about 1:20. Took care of Chris & Jody during the afternoon. Johnny took Janice Connolly to Riverside Bowling Alleys. Power called up & asked me to babysit for her Friday morning but I said no cause I want to sleep - Navin's going. Liz, Marie, & Moe treated me to the movies - 'The Girl With the Green Eyes' & 'Triple Cross.' 2 cute boys sat behind Marie & me. Kept digging their knees into our chairs. I had my arm over the back of the chair & kept hitting one's knees - nothing came out of it. Went to Dunkin' Donuts about 12:30 - got home about 1.  Bye"

"Thursday, June 22

Dear Diary,

Last day of work this week - tomorrow I can sleep. Not much doing - haven't seen Dennis since Monday (?) - no great loss. Can't think of anything but Falmouth - can't wait till I get there. Wonder if the Rourkes will be there this year - remember the time Carl wanted to walk me home from Church? I've been kicking myself in the ass ever since for refusing. After supper Mary & I went to a Carnival in the parking lot of King's. Went on the Round-Up - got sick to me stomach - don't worry it wasn't messy. Met the Griffins. Went on Scrambler. Met Joan, Diane, & Janice Connolly. Stayed till 9:45. Went to Friendly's about 10:45. Went to bed at 12:45. Yawn.  Nite"

"Friday, June 23

Dear Diary,

In 9 mins there'll only be a week left before we go to Falmouth! Can hardly wait! Slept till 12:10 when Patty turned the record player on at full blast. Started to write to Mary Jelonek but was rudely interrupted. Watched tv, did dishes, listened to radio, folded clothes, etc. Didn't feel so great today so after supper I just watched tv - Green Hornet - okay - being axed; Twiggy: Why - quaint; Man From Uncle - okay; part of a movie, & Laredo - great - I love that show - especially Joe Riley - Chad Cooper - being axed! SH_T! Patty & I went to Friendly's - saw Ronnie - sigh! - John Wolfe - Herky Hotin & Mark - throb! It's now 1 am. 7 days till Falmouth!  Nite"

"Saturday, June 24

Dear Diary,

Paul picked me up again today. Drastic news - you know Peter? - well, he's in Vietnam - went this past week - Lynda stopped in and told me. Still haven't got a new girl - maybe Mary Pat or Joanie could get it. I prefer Mary Pat - very convenient - besides she needs the money more than Joanie. Got through about 2:15. Was exhausted when I got home. Cleaned room, listened to records, listened to radio, did stairs, vacuumed front hall rug, watched tv - very dull existence. Guarded the house while Mum, Dad, Chris, & Jody went to see Aunt Nellie. Johnny went sailing with Norman. Navins went to the beach, I think - stinkers. Elaine is going to be there July 2.  Nite"

"Sunday, June 25

Dear Diary,

Only 6 days till Falmouth. I can't wait! - how 'bout you? The miserable Hullys went down today to visit the Navins - didn't invite me! Went to 11:45 Mass - the whole family. Joanne was sitting 2 benches/seats in front of Patty & me, and during the Consecration she startled the people beside us by crawling over them to sit beside us. We all went to the Hibernian outing. Nothing going on - no decent boys so Patty & I walked home from Waverley Oaks. Stopped at Ma's - she wasn't there. It was roasting but began to rain about 6. FBI wasn't on. Watched Smothers Bros & Bonanza. Started a new story.   Bye"

"Monday, June 26                            5 days left

Dear Diary,

Oh, how I hate to get up! It's just like I'm still in school. Got to work about 9:10. Mrs Castle is on vacation. Dennis is working full time. I hate Joe - he keeps trying to prove his virility. Got home about 1:20. Patty & I were forced to take Joanne & Christine to the pool. Once they arrived there, they didn't want to go in. Patty & I were fooling with them & a bunch of other kids got almost as wet as them. Went to Hullys until 5 & walked home. Joan & I were supposed to go bicycling but only 1 bike worked. Went to Harvard Sq. Visited True for the first time - outasite! Returned to Hully's about 9:15. They're going to Falmouth Thur nite - stinkers. Johnny & I walked home about 10:15. Bye"

"Tuesday, June 27                4 days left - Thank God

Dear Diary,

HELP! Dennis wants to take me to Paragon Park after I come back from Falmouth. I said 'No!' but he won't give up. Persisted all morning. HELP! Joe did it again today - tried to impress me - YECH! Got thru at 1. Patty & I, after going to Dart Cleaners, went to the Sq. Bought a maroon sweatshirt and a plaid jacket. After supper Patty & I walked to Ma's. Took out rubbish, etc 'cause of her busted arm. Stopped at Gigi's to return her jacket - nifty looking brother. Went to Frank's - no kids et al were there except hairy Harry - lives up the street. Watched Burke's Law. It now 12:42.   Bye"

"Wednesday, June 28            3 days left

It's been a great day! Went to Canobie Lake at 9:20 with Joanie, Paul McCaffrey, & 500 paper boys. There'a a saying that during your teen years you fall in love 3 times with an older man - well, Paul's the first. I'm not actually in love with him - I like him a great deal. Joan & I had our hands stamped & got on the rides free. Mr McKenna bought us lunch ... Ruined my neck on the Roller Coaster so I didn't go on with Paul. Got home at 5:30. Moe came down for about an hour. Patty & I went to Friendly's - talked with 2 sailors - from Penn & Texas - 19 - only trouble, they were drinking.             Bye"

"Thursday, June 29         2 days left         Dia gratias

Dear Diary,

What a tragedy! Kevin Clifford, Moe & Packy Menton, Jim McMahon, Dom Russo, Mary Sliney, & 5 others were in a car accident last nite. Kevin was driving - happened near Mt Auburn & Franklin Sts - it was Kevin's birthday & he had just received his license - now he's dead. I found out at work. Was crying on the way home from work. Rumor is that Moe is dead too - she's 14 & Kevin is/was 17. It's hard to believe. I used to hate him this winter but he changed after leaving St Pat's - for the better. Moe & I were talking about him last nite - she was going to chase him. It hits me every now & then that I'll never see him again. It may seem silly - I wonder if he is in heaven or hell - if there is such a place.  Bye

Addendum from back of the diary: "June 29 - Kevin Clifford died this am - was in a car accident last nite - pinned in the front seat for 30 minutes. Doctors said he died because of the intense pain - both arms & legs were broken - he just succumbed. He was a real nice kid. I'll never forget him - gave me my first real kiss in the summer before I entered 8th grade. Remember - when we first moved here - he brought me my homework when I was sick - he used to carry my books for me when we walked home together - Sheila & Paula teasing about it. - When we visited Johnny at camp - spent the whole day with Kevin (his family didn't come) - rooting for him in the races. When he came here for Scout meetings - always hit me in the rump & would tease me when I blushed. The snow ball fights - hit me in the chest & I fell - helped me up. In the summer I'd steal his bike - later I'd sit on the seat & he'd hold the handlebars & we'd talk for hours. Standing in the middle of the street or in front of his house & talk, talk, talk. Telling me the first dirty joke I ever heard - My first kiss - Up at the park when he had a small hole in his pants - he was embarrassed & I teased him. Me hating him for 2 years because he was stuck up. Being his lab partner - Liking him again ... talking about him the nite before the accident with Moe. He was trapped in the car for almost an hour. He's being buried under a tree - He made the headlines & he would have said he left with a bang & would have laughed. His sister said that the day he died (his birthday) was the best day of his life - she had never seen him happier. He was my first friend up this way." 

"Watertown police check inside of wrecked station wagon in which 11 teenagers were injured last night. Car sideswiped utility pole on Mt Auburn St near Watertown Center, trapping two inside. (Story on Page 16)"

Unfortunately, I don't have the newspaper article. The Watertown Press and Watertown Sun are on microfilm at the Watertown Public Library -  nothing digitalized - I'll have to make a trip up there to check it out. 

"June 30                       Tomorrow is F day!

Dear Diary,

Got to work at 9:15. Received my check - $29.68. Didn't take any breaks. Everyone was extremely nice today - I think Mrs McL told them about my knowing Kevin & all. They kept me busy. Got home about 1:30. About 2 Diane Poisson, Moe, & I went to Kevin's wake - I was rather afraid to look at him but it wasn't too bad because he looked funny - unreal - wax. I started talking to the Cliffords, & I broke down. Everyone was crying. The nuns were there - they came up to me & asked if I was alright - they had been told I was in the accident & had a fractured skull. They were asking all sorts of quests, but I could only nod my head 'cause I was trying to keep my composure. I made a hasty exit & broke down in the mall.        Bye"