"Saturday, April 1
Dear Diary,
Gosh, was I tired today! Could hardly get up. Paul, Linda, & I kidded around all day. Had pizza for lunch. Joan & John stopped in. Navin & I went to the Sq. Met Virginia Studley (one of my mother's best friend's) - she gave me Allan's address. Now all I have to do is write another letter. Talked to Lee in the Drugstore. About 6:30 I got ready to go with Liz, Marie, & Birdie. Liz & Marie didn't get here until 8. Picked up Birdie & Pat - and off we went. Had dinner in the Villa in Framingham. Rode around Framingham - waving at boys - Pat & Marie whistled at 'em. Liz had to be home at 11:30. So I got home about 11. Nite"
"Sunday, April 2
Dear Diary,
Actually it's 90 days till we go to Falmouth - I haven't been counting Sat, July1. Went to Mass with Patty, Mary, & Kathy. Saw David. Chris left for the seminary about 8 - I only saw him once the whole time he was home. Mary, Patty, & I walked around the Sq all afternoon. Saw Dennis Staires 3 or 4 times - didn't talk with him too long. Had pizza in the W House. Walked Mary to the McLoughlin's ... Joan, Diane, Mike, Maureen McKenzie, & I had to dance for the Couples Club St Paddy's Day Show - we were the 'Killarney Kittens.' Claire Milmore, Buttons Miranda, & Mike Fitzgerald were there. Saw David Sheehan's mother & Red Jack from the Drugstore among others. Nite"
The Killarney Kittens! What's with that?!? I can't believe they called us that!! How embarrassing!
"Monday, April 3 Janet Smith's birthday
Dear Diary,
Didn't do all my homework last night but what the hell. Fr Cronin gave out report cards today. Guess What! I got straight A's and all 4's in attitude. Great, eh? Dashed to work - Susan walks to the river with me & then we part. Dennis was there as usual - hid my schoolbag a couple of times. Helped me put on my jacket & hit me in the chest. He knew he did it - but was it deliberate? Navin came down after supper & we taught Christine how to jump rope. Went to Frank's. Passed a few remarks with the kids there - boys. Watched The Monkees, Rat Patrol (Sue called), & Felony Squad. Did some homework. Nite"
"Tuesday, April 4
Dear Diary,
Not much happening in school ... was 15 minutes late for work because I mailed a letter to Allan Studley (had to wait 5 minutes to get a stamp). Susan walked to the river with me. Not much doing at the library - didn't feel like working - ended up putting YA stickers on books. Met a kid named Jim, Dennis' friend, - nice kid. While we 3 were waiting for Mrs Staires, Dennis grabbed my shoe & wouldn't give it back. They were throwing it back & forth to each other. He asked me to go skating with him, Paul, Cheryl, & Jim on Sat. Too bad I have to work. Went to Navin's to do English. Damn Mary went babysitting. Did homework. Listened to records. Nite"
"Wednesday, April 5
Dear Diary,
That bitch of a May Bob is forcing everyone in the high school to be a sponsor for the Senior play. It's unfair! They didn't sponsor our dance. She can go to blazes. Sue & I had cokes in Butler's. Was 15 mins late for work today. Dennis again asked me to go skating - said I'd love to but I have to work. Got a ride home as usual. Dennis is trying to get friendlier - past two days he's had his arm around my shoulder. Brought prizes & chances back to Mary. Pat McDermott is going to Canada! - so is his girlfriend. I wore his sunglasses tonite. Mary bought a ticket for the play. Talked with Lee for a while. Was up till 11:30 with homework. Nite"
"Thursday, April 6
Dear Diary,
Do you know that Rose Patrice doesn't yell at me when I'm talking? She just looks over or frowns but never says a word. I was 10 minutes late for work. He's getting there! I was reading the WHS newspaper - (big write up about Ronnie making a surfboard) & he came over, put his arm around my shoulder, & we stood there leaning on one another. We were upstairs in the stacks & he blocked me in one section - wouldn't let me out. I fixed some books & we talked. I was waiting for him to try something, but he didn't. He & Joe might quit. He invited me to a Demolay Installation (Mary Pat too). He wants to go to Nantucket with me & Joan (he'd take someone along for her) & we'd take the first boat & leave her behind. I guess he still likes her. Doesn't bother me. Nite"
"Friday, April 7
Dear Diary,
Got out of school at 2:40. Sue & I had cokes in 5& 10 & Butler's. Was 5 mins late for work - got paid $9.32 for the first week. Dennis is getting too friendly - pulling & fixing my hair in different ways, had his hands on my throat, lifted me off a table I was sitting on, etc. I wonder about Joe - he follows me around yet seems to dislike me. Would you believe that it snowed today? Well, it did - it's all slushy. Went to the Whist Party. Mary told me Pat McD was coming so Joan & I waited in a coatroom to check his coat, but had to relieve Diane who was punching - he came in 5 mins later. The kids wouldn't let us punch so we played cards with him all nite long. He's neat! Nite"
"Saturday, April 8
Dear Diary,
I hate Paul McCaffrey! He expects miracles of us! He can go to blazes! We're moving to a new location next Sat. Right beside American Laundries. On the way to the 5 & 10, Mary & I met Sue & her l'il brother Chris. We all had cokes in 5 & 10, bought nylons, & walked her home. She walked us to the Sq & Star Market. Left her in the Sq - I'm going to the play tomorrow with her & Paul. Mary & I bought ice cream cones in McManus'. Had an ice cream fight all the way home. Went babysitting at 7:45 for McClennens. Did my homework, watched tv, & read Seventeen Magazine - real exciting. Got home at 12:30(?). Got $2.50. Joanie (staying over nite), Patty & I stayed up till 3 at least - I think (it's 2:15 now). Pete (reporter for (Watertown) Press is going to Thailand. Nite"
"Sunday, April 9
Dear Diary,
Because of me, Joanie & Patty missed the Fathers' & Daughters' Communion Breakfast - I shut off the alarm & forgot to tell them. We three went to the 11:45 Mass. Dave was there. Ma came to dinner - had turkey. At 2:30 everyone went to Rita's to see her baby, Michael Joseph, before his Baptism. Mary & Johnny were Godparents - Mary acted kinda snooty - hope I didn't act that way (I was Joanne's and John Huliston's Godmother.) Joan, Diane, Patty, & I walked home. Went to Frank's - Panessi was there. Met some kids Joan knows. I watched tv while they listened to records. Sue & Paul never picked me up to go to the play. FBI was great - Jim got shot. Stephen Brooks is terrific! G'nite"
"Monday, April 10,
Dear Diary,
I hate school! I can barely keep my eyes open during class. I can't wait for vacation. Sue & I went to the dentist - I thought I had to have a tooth pulled, but I didn't. We bought gingerbread men in the bakery. I was 20 mins late for work. I told Dennis what Joan said 'Fuck you.' He was really hurt & upset. Wrote her a letter saying if that's what she wants, just set a time & place. He asked me to go roller skating Fri nite - but I'm babysitting - thank God. He & his mother both asked me to go to the Demolay Installation Sat - I will if I can get someone to go with. Mary Navin & I went to the Seniors' play - it was good. Starred Kathy Whittingham (our cousin), Linda Maffioli (great), Janice O'Hara (good), Mary Kelleher (good), Paul McCurley & John Regan. Watched Academy Awards . Did homework. See ya"
Tuesday, April 11 (written on April 5 page)
Dear Diary,
Look what I did - last Wed I skipped these 2 pages & didn't even notice it! I kept falling asleep in school - I dislike Rose Patrice intensely. Gave Joan Dennis' note ... Sue & I bought gingerbread men again. 10 mins late for work. I dread going to work now - I don't want to see Dennis. Told him I could go to the Demolay Installation Sat, - found out Mrs Dickie needs a babysitter - I'm going! Told Mrs Castle I'd be late tomorrow - Sr Florentia said she'd keep us after school if we didn't know Latin. Went babysitting for Dickies at 7:30. Emma got home at 8:20. Joan called just as I left. Did homework. Nite"
"Wednesday, April 12,
Dear Diary,
What a mess this diary is! Only 80 days till July 1. Not much is happening at school - no one can stay awake. I had told Mrs Castle that I would be late so Sue & I had cokes & brownies in Butler's. Went to the bakeshop but they didn't have any gingerbread men. Dennis wasn't at work today - Thank God. I had to put records away - his job! Walked home with Joe. Sue might get a summer job at Perkins. Went to Frank's & bought stuff for Patty & Lee - babysitting at McLoughlin's - there was nothing to eat but pickles. Did homework. Watched tv. Sue called about 8:30. Bobby H was there & some others playing guitars & singing. Marie called too at 9:30. Nite"
"Thursday, April 13
Hi Di,
Tomorrow's the last day of school for a week - terrific! Not much knew at school. Oh for a change I passed the hearing test - I usually flunk. Diane Patrick walked to the Sq with us, & Sue went off with her. Saw Bobby Harrington. Not many Juniors are going to the prom - I'm one of 'em. Denis was at Perkins today. I gave him a note from Joanie - it said 'go to hell.' Said he was going to send her another note. Didn't do too much today. Told him I couldn't go Sat. I think he knows that I didn't want to go. Only had four subjects for homework & I was finished by ten. Watched Dean Martin, ironed. Bye"
"Friday, April 14
Dear Diary,
No school for a whole week! Just as I was leaving, Rose Patrice told me to empty the waste-basket. After that, Sue & I scrammed outa there. We were going to get cokes, but she met her mother who took her along. Got home about 12:45. At 2 I went to Gorins & bought a pair of slacks. I arrived at Perkins at 2:30 - an hour early. Hafta go next week from 9 - 12 every day. Told the boss I was going away during July, & she said 'we can work something out.' Went babysitting for McClennens at 7. Talked to Susan for 10 mins. I was using their typewriter when they came in. Got $3. See ya around"
"Saturday, April 15
Dear Diary,
Paul picked me up on the way to work. We moved into a new office today - it's nifty. Spent the whole day fooling with him & the paperboys - one kid asked how he could put up with my yelling all day - the little devil. Paul won't be there for 3 weeks - Sandy will! Went to Sq with Navin - she's going to Washington with Girl Scouts tomorrow - the dog. Saw Marie, Liz, & Sandy Mosca in 5 & 10. - Oh yeah, Mary had her hair cut short! I like it that way - she looks cute. Went babysitting at the Dickies at 8:30. They got home at 3:15 - I got $5. Oh, Mum bought me a 3 piece suit! G'nite"
"Sunday, April 16
Dear Diary,
Could hardly get up this morning - I was so tired. Went to 11:45 Mass - it's raining again today. Jimmy went to have his tonsils out. Took a shower & washed my hair about 6:30. Joanie & I went to Mary Flynn's at 8, & she & Mike took us to Dorchester (?) (we danced there about a month ago) to dance. Steve Carney (Another Irish dancing teacher) was there - no young folks. Left at 10:30 for the Hibernian Building on Dudley St. They asked us to dance so we did. There was 1 boy there our age. He asked Joanie to dance. Later Mike told me he wanted to meet me! So how come he danced with Joan. We left a few mins later. It's now 12:30. Nite"
"Monday, April 17
Dear Diary,
Had to get up early to go to work., but I overslept. Arrived at Perkins at 9:15 - 15 mins late. That Mrs Ullette (?) said I could only work 7 1/2 hrs this week. Actually I'm supposed to work 10 hrs a week, but because of school I can only work about 7 1/2. Went to dancing school about 1. We have to have $12 for the rooms before next Wed. I hope we won't have to pay Jay's way - like we had to sell all his chance books ... Hannie was making a big fuss because we told Mary last nite we didn't want Diane in our room & Mary put her in Hannie's room. I just hope it won't be the same way in Falmouth. Jimmy was awfully sick today - might not come home tomorrow. Mickey's great! Bye"
"Tuesday, April 18
Dear Diary,
Got up at 12:45 - no one called me for a change. Jimmy came home about 11:30. It was drizzly & rainy - a real great day, uh? Just like yesterday - hope it isn't like this all week. I cleaned my half of the room & rearranged the furniture. Listened to records til 4. While watching 77 Sunset Strip, I ironed. Joanie stopped by - going home from Mt Auburn - candy-stripping. Went babysitting at 7:30 for the Strongs. She is going to have her baby in 2 weeks. They got back at 9 - the movie they were going to see was sold out. Got $1. Watched a movie with Sophia Loren - so-so. Called RKO - talked a while with the guy. Have to work tomorrow. Bye"
"Wednesday, April 19
Dear Diary,
Went to work at 9. Saw Dennis - he was very cold. Now all he talks about is Joan. I definitely dislike him ... When I got home, everyone was yelling about something great that happened - Bobby Harrington asked me to the Prom. I thought they were kidding so I called Susan. She confirmed what they said & about 3 we went to see him. I'm glad to be going but I'm not all fluttery. We saw Liz later & told her - she just shrugged. I felt like gloating because sometimes she's so snooty, but I didn't let myself do it. Sue & I walked around & went to King's. Walked thru 5 & 10 on way home - saw John - he thinks Berta is going to ask him to the prom but she is going with Bob Cook & Sue & Paul, them, Bobby & I are tripling. I feel bad for John. Bye"
I didn't remember Bobby Harrington leaving a message about the Prom. I thought Susan Cook told me that he would go if I asked him. I also thought I went to the Sq where he worked by myself and was a nervous wreck. I don't remember who said what - just that I was excited to be going to the Prom. I'll have to think about this some more - perhaps it will come back to me!
"Thursday, April 20
Dear Diary,
Today was the first sunny day of our vacation! Got up about 10:15. As I headed for the Strongs, I met Ann Dickie - told her about being invited to the prom - she was almost excited as Mum. Stayed at Strongs till 1 - Patty & Lee took over. I went to the McClennens - had to take care of Margy & Ruth Gallagher (next door neighbor). Told Mrs McClennen about the prom, & she, like Ann, wants to see the gown. Margy is adorable - I simply love her. Ruthie was fussy most of the time. They returned about 5:15 - got $3. Walked Joan (she had stopped by) to Summer St & stopped at Mary Power's. After supper I went to the Sq with Patty & Lee - bought mascara. Moe called up & got me awfully excited over the prom. I'm cooling off now. Bye"
"Friday, April 21
Dear Diary,
Got up at 9. Went to Boston with Mum about 9:30. Went to Jordan Marsh, Conrad & Chandler, Gilchrist, & Filene's. Lots of nice gowns - especially white empire waist-line ones with long tails or bows down the back. Saw one in J M I liked so we had the woman hold it for a week. Got home about 2. Went to work at 3. Got my check - $18.62. Went to Moe's at 8:30. We watched UNCLE while waiting for Berta & Pat Green, Liz, Marie & Mary Craig. Pat, Mary & I watched Laredo - they think it is great! Had a hootenanny. Gossiped - mostly about Mary ---- - she wasn't invited. No one seems to like her any more. Got home about 12. Nite"
I had wanted a gown with long sleeves because my arms were fat - of course that was not the style. Then I couldn't wear anything made with some stiff material - maybe taffeta - because it irritated my skin. I certainly made it difficult to find a dress. My mother would be able to make some alterations because she took sewing in Home Economics at Watertown High and made some of her clothes.
"Saturday, April 22
Dear Diary,
Paul was at the fire station today, so Mr McKenna came. He's not too bad. Got home about 2:30. Around 3 Dad drove Mum & me to Waltham - we made the rounds of the stores - didn't find anything I liked or anything I liked didn't fit - I'm between sizes - 13 (with a straight skirt) is too small - 15 is too big. Went to Filene's in Belmont - found a fabulous yellow dress with a train - just what I wanted - it was too small! - had them hold it till Tues. I'm so sick of trying on gowns! I was tired tonite so I gave up 2 chances for babysitting. Watched tv - nothing good on - all repeats. Went to bed about 11:30. Only 6 days till the PROM!!! Nite"
"Sunday, April 23
Dear Diary,
Arose at 11:20 - decided to go to 5:30 Mass with Mary. Went back to bed. Went to Navins about 3:30. Stayed a while - Mary couldn't go out because of her cold - so Joan & I went to Frank's. Had to wait 10 mins for Frank P to come & open it. Joan called Bill's (a kid on RKO request line) dormitory - he wasn't there so she talked with his roommate - she introduced me to him - he's 5'8" - 19 - drives - brownish-blond hair. Talked 2 mins with him. He wants to meet me sometime - hope he doesn't think I'm a whore. Mary & I went to Mass with Peg. Making progress with Pete - he hid my shoes, asked us to play Monopoly, & talked to me. Like to go to the prom with HIM! Bye"
Reading this entry, I'm wondering why I thought someone would think I was a whore! Did I even know what a whore was?! I don't think I even knew what sex actually was at this point. I was shocked when I read what intercourse was in a Perkins staff library medical book some time later than this - I remember sneaking it home and showing Mary & Patty. We were really stupid in those days. Out of the blue one day in the living room, Mum asked me if I knew where babies came from. I was so embarrassed to think that she would ask me! I said something like "from a husband and wife kissing and hugging and stuff" - having no clue what the "stuff" was. I guess she hoped that I knew because that was the end of that conversation and there were no others!
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