MEMORIES  OF  A  COLLEGE  STUDENT 

AT 

MICHIGAN  STATE  COLLEGE 

EAST  LANSING ,  MICHIGAN 
1931  - 1935 

JON  L .  YOUNG 

Vol .  III 
1935 

Jon  L.  Young's  Journal  of  1935,  Vol.  lJ 

Jan.  1  Tues.  Greetings  1935.  Again  celebrated  the  advent  of  the  New 
Year  with  friends,  Irv.  Silverman,  Frieda  Weiner  (wonder  if  Irv.  will 
marry  her),  Tom  Morris,and  his  girl,  Phyllis  Hotten,  Chuck  camoion, 
Bea,  Annetta,  Frieda's  sister,  and  me.  We  danced  into  the  wee  morning 
hours  at  the  Dells  at  Pine  Lake•  enjoying  the  company  of  many  other 
friends  including  Jock  Neller,  Mary  Bolen  and  the  Noyces.  Then  we 
decided  the  orchestra  was  poor  and  returned  to  Lansing  in  the  sky  blue 
Royale  with  Irv.  at  the  wheel,  with~much ·1· merriment  and  singing.  At 
Oairyland  all  ordered  Scotie  Steaks,  coffee  and  chocolate  sodas.  hnette 
read  some  of  her  poetry. 

"Horse  and  Noodles"  a  refreshing  surprise. 
Returning  home  at  4:45  a.m.  I  had  to  rouse  Mrs.  Perry  to  let  me 
in.  Up  at  10,)0  and  painted  the  bathroom  sort  of  a  green  jade.  Wore 
an  old  pink  dress  of  Mrs.  Perry's.  Glad  there  was  no  audience.  Pleased 
when  she  invited  me  to  dinner.  Later  went  to  a  movie  and  saw, 'Pursuit 
of  Happiness.  Good.  Stopped  at  the  State  Cafe  for  coffee  and  met  Ben 
Russell  who  sold  me  Benns ,~urope  Scince  1914  for  $2. 50. 
empty  house  tonight. 

A  lonely, 

// 

Jan.  2  Mr.  Lyons,  Profs  Kimber  and  Fields  were  in  the  History  Office 
when  I  arrived  this  morning.  Prof.  Ruth  Johnston  is  back  from  Washin~ton 
D.C.  Worked  in  the  office  from  2-4  filing  cards  and  doing  some  printing. 

Students  are  returning  to  campus.  Room-mate,Bob  Allman,was  at  the 

house  when  I  returned.  A  happy  reunion.  A  group  of  us  went  to  a 
movie  tonight.  Bought  a  New  York  Times.  Wonderful  spread  on  Egyptian 
architecture,  it alone  worth  the  15,~- Got  a  date  with  Lois  for  Sat. 
night.  Read  an  article  on  what  the  typical  Nazi  thinks.  Quite  humorous. 

,, 

,, 

Jan  3  Winter  Term  begins.  No  classes  until  9.  Gives  me  time  to  get 
some  beds  made.  Dean  Ryder  didn't  show  up  for  class  in  International 
Relations.  Worked  an  hour  at  the  Cafe.  Bitter  cold.  Bob  thought 
we  should  take  a  drink  of  brandy  before  we  turned  in.  He  bought  a 
Mexican  hairless  dog  to  go  with  our  Texan  cactus. 

This  morning  Prof.  Johnston  read  to  us  from  the  Memor~S  of 

Jan.  4 
Lloyd  George.  A  facile  writer  with  pointed,  sometimes  sharp  opinions. 
Poor  Earl  Grey.  He  seemed  bantered  from  all  sides.  Did  he  ever  belon~ 
in  politics?  This  course  should  be  very  interesting  with  Johnston  at 
the  helm. 

In  practice  teaching  Mr.  Smith  said  I'm  to  teach  World  War.  W'sh 

I  could  delay  it and  get  more  background. 

Bob  and  I  went  to  the  basketball  game  tonight  and  had  lemon  ~ie 

a  la  mode  entroutP.  hnmP.. 

1Q35-2 

Jan.  5,  Sa~.  Thought  I  would  never  finish  my  work  today..  1it~ys  are  slow 
I  did  leave  the  mopping  which  Mrs.  Paerry  let  me 
getting  up  Sat.  morning. 
know  didn't  please  her.  Will  do  it  early  tomorrow. 

.. 

Tonight  our  gang  went  to  Coral  Gables  to  dance.  Lois  is  a  keen  gal, 

but  I  could  never  go  for  her  in  a  big  way. 
often  do  things  together  and  at  times  I  feel  left  out.  Simply  can't  afford 
their  social  life. 

Irv.  and  Tom  with  their  steadies 

Returning  home  I  found  Bob  lying  naked  across  the  bed  in  a  stupor. 

Finally  got  his  p.j's  on  him  and  rolled  him  into  bed. 

I  was  very  much  put  out  when  Ryder  failed  again  to  show  up  today 

Jan.  _6.  Surprised  when  l,oti.a,high  school  friend,  now  a  student  at  Albion  came 
calling  today.  Clean  cut,  a  bit. brassy,  and  smoking  a  cigar,  he  reeked  Joe 
College.  He  hopes  to  go  into  some  kind  of  business.  Rode  with  friends  who 
took him  back  to  Albion.  Much  reminiscing.  He  gaMe  me  an  Outline  of  Modern 
History.  Works  part  time  in  a  book  store  and  lives  at  the  A.T.O.  House. 
Jan.  z. 
and  Kimber  took  over.  Several  of  us  thought  of  send.mg  a  formal  protest 
to  Dean  Emmons.  However,  his  daughter,Ruth  Ryder,assured  me  that  it  wasn't 
Johnston  and  Fields 
a  case  of  politics  this  t·ime,  but  his  poor  heal th. 
regret  the  loss  of  Ryder.  Lyons  claimed  the  change  was  permanent.  Are  we 
to  be  stuck  with  Kimber? 
Jan.  a. 
in  the  story  of  the  Assassination. 

Began  teaching  about  the  World  War  today.  They  seemed  so  interested 

Went  with  Dick  Hickman  tonight  to  see  pictures  of  the  World  War.  Deeply 
impressed.  The  s~rains .. of  vii!>l'in :-,music  over  the  radio  coming  from  a  darkened 
room  at  the  house  when  I  arrived  home  late  this  afternoon  sounded  so  haunting! 
peaceful  that  I  dropped  off  my  books  and  went  into  the  room  to  lie  on  the  bed. 
e1ost?Jmy  eyes  and  seemed  wafted  far  away.to  the  south  seas  on  a  white  yatch, 
billowing  white  sails,  blue  skies  and  water  with  an  isalnd  of  bending  palms 
in  the  distance.  Thank  God  for  imagirtation  and  music.  Music  touches  off 
imagination  like  flint  to  tinder. 
car  stolen  in  Lake  Odessa  and  apprehending  of  Lester  Bents. 
Jan.9 •.  Still  thinking  about  the  pictures  of  the  World  War;  the  men  being 
shot  up,  plumed  hats,  armies  on  the  march,  German  Imperialism. 
like  to  devote  my  life  to  the  cause  of  peace,  yet  peace  will  not  be  achieved 
by  a  sentimental  attac)lment· to  the  League  of  Nations.  While  I  believe  in 
the  brotherhood  of  mankind,  the  realization  of  such  a  state  and  the  means 
of  attainment  baffles  me. 

It  seems  we  must  choose  a  scientific  attitude  and 

Interrupted  by  a  police  call  about  a 

I  would 

deal  with  practicalities  without  losing  sight  of  human  nature. 

Talked  with  John  Seamon  today,  son  of  a  prominent  Lansing  family.  He 

'( 

is  bent  on  becorng  a  di~lomat. 

He 

l·s  1.·n  my  For.  Relati'ons  class.  Mild  of  mann 

19)5-3 

It's  good  to  have  Bob  around  when  I  become  too  serious.  Occasionally 

we  scuffle,  but  he  could  easily  wrap  me  into  a  ~~etzel  and  I  know  when  to 
back  off. 

Enjoyed  taaching  so  much  today  and  the  class  responded  well.  Surprised 

when  Mr.  Smith  thought  I  was  working  a  bit  too  hard.  Must  learn  to  ask 
better  questions. 

I'm  inspired  reading  the  biographies  of  statesmen,  inspired  to  rise 

above  my  petty  self and  strive  for  accomplishment,  to  become  a  good  teacher 
if  nothing  else. 

A  good  International  Relations  Club  meeting  tonight.  Appointed  committees 

and  urged  cooperation.  About  30  attended.  Played  Gugenheim  later. 

Jan.  10.  Tonight  Morris  and  I  went  to  hear  that  great  American  philosopher, 
Will  Durant  at  Peoples  Church.  We  had  good  balcony  seats.  Noted  his  tanned 
hands  and  the  increasing  ruddy  complexion  as  he  warmed  to . his  lecture.  His 
hands  small,  fingers  short.  Although  he  repeated  some  ideas  previously 
expressed,!  found  him  impressive  and  he  was  well  received.by  a  crowd  of 
about  150. 
I  took  down  the  address.  Harlan  Clark  informed  us  later  that 
Durant  was  off  on  his  economics.  He  is  becoming  rather  conceited  these  days, 
but  still  has  much  to  recommend  him  and  hopefully .this  attack  will  soon  pass. 

Jan.  11 

Ran  into  David  Cleary  and  Harlan  at  the  library  this  morning  end 
felt  immediately  on  the  defensive  regarding  Durant's  lecture.  As  editor  of 
+'-the  State  News:  Cleary  had  been  invited  to  a  dinner  given  by  the  College. 
"His  table  manners  were  atrocious.  He  took  some  peas  on  his  knife,  then 
licked  the  lmife  and  gulped  some  water."  Later  Cleary  admitted  that  he 
hadn't  attended  the  dinner  and  what  he  said  was  hearsay.  Later  I  was  miffed 
to  see  in  'The  State  News  a  banner  headline: 'Mr.  Cleary's  Criticism  of  Will 
Durant~  There  is  a  decided  dearth  of  culture  and  intellectual  activity  on 
this  campus.  Some  outsiders  still  look  askance  at  us  at  the  so-called 
cow  college  and  claim  we  carry  wisps  of  straw  on  our  socks. 

~ 

~ 

' 

Slow  going  on  the  World  War  today.  Must  lecture  Monday  in  order~ 

finish  up  the  unit • 

. Have  been  reading  the  life  of  John  Marshall.  Emjoyable.  How  little 

thinking  I  really  do.  Everything  is  so  prepared  for  us. 
shedding  of  certainities  and  the  enlarging  of  ignoranceN--Will-Durant. 
Jan.  12  My  high  ambitions  and  high  ideals.  Will  I  ever  realize  them? 

"Education  is  the 

We  live  in  a  world  of  shadows.  We  aru't  what  we  are,  but  what  is  said  ofu 

.. 

.... 

and  what  we  read  in  other's  eyes. 
Anderson.  Probably  quite  good  staged,  but  some  parts  a  disappointment.  Lots 
of  whoring.  Quite  a  contrast  between  Bothwells>  ·; 
depicted  by  E.  Barrington  in ··oual  of  the  Queens;•  Would  like  to  attempt  a 

Finished  Mary  Queen  of  Scots  by  Maxwe 11 

:-_ ·.  ·  character  as 

,.., ,  . . . . .  

,..  ___  ,;i  ___  - ' \ . . - •• .L.  Mb..\-~  O..l\~  -t\..1:1._fl~e,J~ 

1935-4 

Received  the  anticipated  letter  from  Grandmother  Redman  recounting 
her  experiences  in  Germany  during  the  World  War.  Should  be  interesting 
to  my  history  class.  She  is  a  remarkable  woman. 

went  with  friends  to  see  Babbit  tonight.  Probably  enough  truth  in  his 

novel  to  cause  some  shame  for  Americsns.  Few  pictures  are  worth  while, 
yet  they  form  a  large  part  of  my  amusement.  However,  give  me  a  good 
book  anytime. 
Jin,  13,  To  church.  So  fond  of  Rev.  McCune. 
mull  over  very  long.  Enjoyed  the  biographies 
of  LLoyed  George.  So  many  lives  to  explore. 
knowing. 

Good  sermon,  but  not  one  to 
of  William  II  and  the  Memoirs 
So  many  would  have  been  worth 

Ice  skating  this  afternoon. 

Finish  the  World  War  tomorrow.  Hope 

I  have  been  looking  through  Splengers  book,  pecllne  af  the 

to  draw  some  good  conclusions.  Regular  blizzard  out  tonight. 
Jan.  14.: 
~ .  mentioned  by  Wil l  Durant.  He  writes  the  cause  of  all  this  depression 
and  trouble  is  merely  a  decline  in  the  powers  of  the  state.  He  contends  tha 
we  have  a  dictatoeship,  but  I  still  believe  we  have  a  democracy.  Probably 
the  trouble  with  Europe  is  that  which  would  accompany  a  transition  from 
autocracy  to  democracy  is  the  most  difficult  to  abide  by.  Through  150  years 
of  this  country's  history  democraay  hasn't  been  too  successful.  The  success 
of  any  govern~ent  depends  upon  the  fair  or  bad  weather  produce d  by  the 
economic  situation. 

Finished  the  World  War  today  and  told  the  class  about  some  of  Grandmothe 

1's  experiences.  Enjoyed  talking  with  Prof.  DeHaan  about  Will  Durant  this 
afternoon.Interested  in llis  opinion  since  he  was  Durant's  official  host. 
He  bolstered  my  opinion.  He  added  that  my  friend  ~rvey  Deweerd  had 
q 
an  article  published  recently  in  the  American  Mercury. 

~ 

. 

' 

The  Saar  has  definitely ,€One 

to  Germany. 

Jan.  12.  Enjoy  being  in  the  history  office  and  often  in  the  company  of  the 
fa~ulty  overhearing  some  of  their  discussions.  Have  my  own  desk  where  I 
can  read  outside  reading  reports  of  under-classmen.  All  seem  sat i sfied 
with  my  grading. 
Jan.  16.  EsCaped  being  called  on  in  h i story  class.  Whew~  Unprepared. 
Took  a  walk  tonight  in  the  sleet  and  felt  how  thankful  I  was  to  be  in 
college  surrounded  by  friends. 
Jan.  l .1•  Lyons  cal l ed  on  me  4  times  in  U.S.  History  today~  Bob  and  I  went 
to  the  basketball  game.  State  won. 
the  Battle  of  Verdun,  whi le  Bob  f i nished  h i s 
for  a  snack  enroute  home.  Got  a  new  mea l  ticket  today. 

Back  at  the  Home  Ee.  Bld g .  read  on 

j an i tor i a l  dut i es.  We  stoDPe d 

19)5-5 
~, 

/,, 

I  wonder  if  truly  great 

Jan.  18  Went  with  John  Yale  to  see  the  Civic  Players  do  Elizabeth  and 
Essex.  Mrs.  Karl  Brucker,  wife  of  the  former  governor,was  outstanding 
as  the  queen.  Robert  Montgomery,  well  lmown,  but  not  a  great  actor  in 
my  opinion  did  a  commendable  job  as  Lord  Cecil. 
artists  are  just  a  lit  queer1  Went  back  stage  to  congratulate  the  cast. 
Many  M.S.U.  faculty  present. 
John  is  fodder  for  a  novel.  He  has  tried 
to  overcome  lis  little  eccentricities  and  tended  to  make  a  botched  job  of 
it.  He  is  intellectually  brilliant  in  many  respects.  A  true  Bohemian. 
Ke  wears  his  hair  long,  dresses  in  a  bizarre  manner;  is  a  fascinating 
conversationalist,  and  clever  writer.~  was  going  to  study  for  the 
ministry  but  has -turned 4uite  decidedly  Left.  With  him  money  is  no 
preblem  and  he  travels  in  sort  of  a  psuedo ... intellectual  circ·l~. ,  quite 
amoral.  Th9Yhave  private  cocktail  hours,  flit  into  Detroit  to  operas, 
plays.  Sexually  just  about  anything  goes.  After  the  play  he  took  me 
to  a  Black  and  Tan  club  in  an  old  brick  house  on  North  Cedar  St. 
felt  queer  at  first. 
through  two  doors  into  a  stuffy  room  with  negroes  and  whites  sitting at 
tables.  We  made  our  way  to  a  table  and  I  ordered  a  ginger-ale.  There 
·. were  some  good  looking  colored  girls  and  the  music  quite  appealing. 
John  exclaimed  over  the  beauty  of  the  negroes  and  pointed  out  one  wench 
he  had  gone  :.  with  the  week-end  before.  She  was  very  attractive.  Then 
mixed  couples  began  to  dance. 
gals  rather  revolting  at  first,  but  after  a  time 
Everyone  appeared  to  be  having  such  a  good  time. 
Jan.  19.  Repotted  the  cactus. 
Bentley  and  I  went  for  a  swim  this  afternoon  after  I  finished  cleaning 
the  rooms,  changing  linens•  etc•  Swam  the  length  underwater  without 
taking  a  breath. 
Jan.  20.  Missed  church. 
beautiful  orchids,  one  pink  from  Borneo  with  clear  cut  petals.  The  other 
from  South  America  a  pale  yellow.  So  up-lifting  on  a  wintry  day. 

John  knocked  and  finally  we  were  admitted,  passing 

I  found  the  amorous  play  of  men  to  colored 

In  the  library  this  afternoon  noticed  two 

io  roots.  Fear  end  is  near.  Fred 

I 

thought  little  about  it. 

Read  Harvey  Deweerd' s  article  in  the  Am.  Mercury  on"Stupidities 

in  the  Military:  He  believ•s  those  in  command  are  conservative,  often 
sluggish  and  stupid.  warnings  and  reports  from  subordinates  are  often 
ignored  or  hushed  up;  e.~.  Joffre  dismantled  the  guns  at  Verdun  just  befor 
the  assault  on  the  fortress.  Recalled  the  fishing  trips  Harvey  and  I 
made  to  lakes  around  Fremont,  Mich.  in  the  summers  and  how  with  a  board 

he  beat  up  some  frogs  and  we  had  a  frog-leg  supper. 

Jan.  21  Mr.  Fields  returned  today,  having  been  away  due  to  mother·s 
death.  Good  to  have  him  back. 

1  935-6 

Dr.  Ryder's  lecture  interesting  today.  How  I  wish  I  could  break  into 
the  Foreign  Service.  Have  enjoyed  reading  about  pre-historical  man. 
The  theory  is  advanced  that  there  has  been  in  the  last  million  years  a 
parallel  evolution.  Skulls  have  been  found  in  Java,  China,  and  Africa, 
indicating  similar  stages  of  development.  These  date  back  about  500,000 
years.Skulls  in  the  caves  of  Mt.  Carmel  in  Palestine  seem  to  belong  to 
an~ther~type  of  man.  How  little  we  know  about  the  human  race! 

After  reading  about  German  youth  and  looking  at  their  pictures  I  feel 

a  common  bond  stretching  across  the  ocean.  How  very  much  alike  we  are 
when  surfaces  are  peeled  away.  Would  like  to  travel  in  Germany  and  visit 
their  schools,  live  among  the  Germans  and  enjoy  life  with  them. 

Turned  in  my  teaching  credentials  today.  Will  I  get  a  job?  Would 

like  to  travel  for  a  year  after  graduation.  Doing  very  little  thinking 
for  myself  these  days,  but  seem  to  be  absorbing  much. 
..,  . . - . 
.  .  Mr. 
,Zan.  22.  Taught  my  last  class  today  rot  the .. serilestel!:iJ "" .•.;::·~  · .... .... . •·  ..
. . 
Haley  Smith  was  away,  so  no  final  conference.  Sometimes  I  felt  I  wasn't 
doing  very  well  when  he  dozed  off  in  his  seat  at  the  back  of  the  class. 
Will  miss  the  students  as  I  had  become  quite  fond  of  them.  After  class 
several  came  up  to  wish  me  well.  Heartening. 

Dad  came  in  tonight  for  a  visit.  I  know  he  is  in  a  financial  bind  but 

his  spirits  are  good.  Mother  is  living  at  Spinks  on  Hayford  St.  and  caring 
for  Clayton  Spink  who  has  cancer.  Thought  we  might  go  to  a  show  some  ni~ht. 
Bob  and  I  are  having  our  differences.  Aware  I  have  a  rotte.n  disposi tio 

Interesting  discussion  in  Johnston's  class  on  The  Battle  of  the 

at  times,  but  can't  admit  it. 
~an,  23 
Somme.  Admire  her  impartiality.  Ryder  was  good  too.  His  years  of 
experience  have  added  stature  as  a  teacher.  Lyon  is  well  informed  and 
I'm  enjoying  his  lectures  on  Slavery  in  the  South. 

This  afternoon  I  went  to  talk  with  Librarian,  Jackson  Towne  about  the 

International  Relations  Club.  He  is  an  interesting,  energetic  man  with  the 
most  ~nEV~~  lower  teeth  I  have  ever  seen.  We  set  a  date  for  the  book 
reviews  in  March.  He  said  that  he  couldn• t  allot  much  money  to  the  history 
department  because  it  wasn't  strong  enough  on  campus;  there  were  only 
two  with  professorial  rank  and  the  staff  wasn't  strong.  He  thought  a 
military  man  should  teach  modern  European  History. 
and  Johnston  as  being  top  instructors. 
the  English  Dept.  was  strong  and  there  should  be  a  man  to  teach  each 
century  of  literature.  He  had  several  suggestions  for  our  club  banquet. 
The  history  dept.  is  so  hog-tied  by  campus  politics  it  is  difficult 
Emmons  has  a  tight  rein.  Lyons  has  been  cowed 

He  said  that  Louis  P.  Walde  in 

for  it  to  be  assertive. 

I  defended  Fields 

1935-7 

Ryder  won't  bend  too  much,  but  he  has  been  shorn  of  most  of  his  powers. 
Paid  ~7.73  for  a  corduroy  coat  tonight  at  Hurds.  So  warm.  Often 

felt  cold  in  my  jacket.  Now  I  am  broke. 

Went  to  hear  the  fine  voice  of  Toland  Hayes  tonight.  Saw  Lois  and 

many  friends.  Very  impressed. 
J9:n.  24  Only  25  came  to  Club  meeting  at  the  Union  tonight.  We  did ·-: 
have  to  compete  with  the  co-ed  prom,  St.  OlafJs  Choir,  and  the  The-ta 
Alpha  Phi  play.  But  the  level  of  interest  in  International  Relations 
on  campus  is  discouraging. 
Johnston  gave  a  splendid  ~lk  on  the  Saar. 
Glad  that  Ryder  and  his  wife  were  present.  She  reminded  me  again  that 
she  had  seen  the  Taj  Ma.Hal. 
Jan.  25  Reading  Vera  Brittain's  Testament  of  Youth/  get  the  urge  to 
write  about  my  family.  Mary  Bailes,  looked  up  our  ~amily  tree  on  my 
own  mother's  side  and  traced  it  back  to  the  time  of  Wil l iam,  the  Conqueror. 
According  to  her  my  mother's  branch  of  the  family  is  descended  from  the 
family  of  William  Huskisson  (177O-18JOl,  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  under  George  Canning~  Grandmother  Smith  was  a  Huskisson  who 
came  from  Nottingham  to  Allegan  Country  as  a  girl  of  ten.  She  first 
married  Thomas  Moon,  my  mother's  father  and  later,  John  B.  Smith.  Well, 
so  much  J~ t  that  for  the  time  being. 

went  to  Maude's  tonight  for  dinner.  She  and  daughter,  Diana  live  in  a 
small  apt.  not  far  distant.  Diancx.  quite  lovely,  with  an  artistic  tem-per 
ment  inherited  from  her  fa~er,  my  father's  cousin,  ·appears  to  be  quite 
the  social  butterfly  even  as  a  freshman  at  State.  Good  time  spent. 
Tonight  Bob  crawle~  in  bed  with  a  copy  of  Western  Stories  and  I 

testament  of  Youth.  We  are  miles  apart  in  our  thinking  and  values;  he  the 
ireat  football  star  and  I  the  quiet  "~cholar"~  He  longs  to  get  married 
and  leave  school.  Generally  we  get  alQng  quite  well  even  if,  at  times, 
we  can -barely  tolerate  each  other.  Actually,_ Ifn  quite  fond  of  him  in 
many  respects. 

Vera  Brittain  wrote  of  how  she  was  afraid  of  the  end  of  the  world. 

When  11  or  12  and  l iving  on  Isbel  St,  in  Lansing  I  sometimes  had  the 
feeling  that  the  end  was  near.  My  friends  and  I  used  to  sit  on  the  stens 
of  our  front  porch  and ·talk  about  what·would  happen  and  what  we  would  do. 
Edwin  Gleason ,whose  family  was  quite  religious,had  a  book  about  the  end 
of  the  world  with  graphic  dreadful  pictures  of  the  end  at  hand.  All 
sinners  were  falling  into  a  deep  pit.  He  also  had  a  book  about  the 
San  Francisco  earthquake  with  steel  engraved  et~hings  of  the  horroy  that 
ensued.-.  At  night  I  used  to  pray  that  the  wor l d  wouldn't  end  and  vow  not 
to  be  tagged  a ·  sinner. 

19J5-~ 

It  involved  some  deal  where  12  of  us 

In  ,,u1 . .-,ing  about  music,  I  thought  about  ·music  in  our  home.  When  I  was 
~about  12  my  step-mother  bought  a  piano  and  I  started  to  take  lessons  from 
a  music  teacher,  Miss  Bashore,across  the  street.  Not: long  after  I  also 
started  to  take  violin  lessons. 
took  ~ a ~  lesson  at  the  same  time  and  after  so  many  lessons  at  $1.25  per 
lesson,  the  violin  would  be  mine.  The  lessons  were  given  in  a  private 
home  on  the  other  side  of  town.  1 : had  to  take  the  street-car  and  traveling 
to  and  from  my  lessons  proved  the  most  fun. 
I  found  the  lessons  an  ordeal 
and  actually  'never  learned  to  play  a  note.  As  I  remember  ;r  just =~pushed  the 
bow  across  the  fiddle.  We  sounded  awful.  At  home  forced  to  practice  a  ½ 
hour  daily  upstairs  in  my  room,  I  finally  found  some  notes  that  sounded  like 
a  fire  siren  and  played  with  such  gusto  that  my  mother  asking  if  that  ~~s 
the  only  piece  I  knew  decided  I  might  as  well  go  out-doors  and  play. 

~he  awful  truth  emerged  at  my ·final  lesson  when  !~asked  to  play  solo. 

y,A~ 

~fter  a  disgraceful  performance  I  handed  my  violin  to  the  teacher.  and  with 
soulful  expression  informed  him  that  I  was  soon  to  undergo  a  very  serious 
operation  and  would  be  forced  to  give  up  my  lessons  for  the  time  beine. 
I  doubt  that  he  bought  a  word  of  my  plight  and  the  scene  which  ensued ·at 
home  left  me  with  painful  doubts  as  to  whether  the  ruse  was  worth  it • 
.1.iot  long  after  I  resumed  piano  lessons  but  practicing  was  a  bore  and 
coordination  of  left  hand  with  right  seemed  an  inherent  drawback.  After 
a  year  I  dropped  when  money  was  needed  for  other  things.  My  brother  Paul 
also  took  up  the  piano  and  later  the  trombone. 
trombone  lessons. 
Jan.  26  Broke.  Staying  put  for  the  week-end  except  for  ice  ekating  and 
going  to  the  wrestling  match  with  Tom  and  Fred. 

Jim  also  took  a  few 

The  water  pipes  froze  during  the  night.  The  sermon  good;  something 

Jan.  27 
for  everyone.  Gave  my  last  pennies  for  the  offering.  Will  this  mean  a 
good  mark  in  the  book  Upstairs?  Stopped  to  see  Anne  at  the  Kappa  Delta 
House,  a  lively,  brave  girl,  good  looking,  well  dressed,  unso~histicated, 
taken  together  and  went  to  call 
modern  to  a  degree.  We  had  our  picture :-: 
on  ~unt  Ella,  not  at  home.  Managed  to  snitch  some  peanut  brittle  from  a 
bowl  when  the  maid  wasn't  looking.  After  a  session  at  the  library  readin~ 
about  missionaries  who  went  to  Oregon,  returned  to  read  some  freshman 
outside  reading  reports  on  Henry  VIII.  They  had  been  turned  into  Prof. 
Caswell.  Not  very  good.  Caswell  thin~s  thatfreshmen  ar9  such  children. 
They  think  he's  very  easy  going.  The  papers  show  it. 

Bob  returned  after a  cold  week-end  in  Bay  City  with  some  excellent 

buttere~crackers. 

1935-9 

IN ~<HJ/ELL 

I  often  pretended  they  were  birds  and  flic~ed  them  about 

While  reading  Testament  of  Youth  again  today  r -~,:, ·  ·.  ' ., .   recalled  child 
hood  memories.  Feathers,  their  softness,  suJ:ti.eness  fascinated  me  by  the 
time  I  was  5. 
with  my  fingers.  Mrs.  Elmer  White,  the  milliner 1 who  lived  below  our 
apartment/and  where  my  mother  worked  provided  me  with  quite  a  collection 
of  different  colors. 
wken  Dad  shot  pheasants  I  was  always  supplied  with  tail  and  breast  feathers. 
Later  from  markets  at  holiday  time  I  collected  turkey  tail  feathers  and 
goose  quills  which  I  used  for  Indian  bonnets.  When  visiting  farms  and 
no  one  was  looking  I  liked  to  chase  barnyard  fowl  just  to  see  them  fly. 
A  couple  of  times,  apprehended  I  was  jerked  silly  by  my  Dad,  but  there 
was  something  exciting  about  a  bird  in  flight  that  drove  me  to  be  the 
bane  of  chickens,  waterfowl,  and  turkeys  long  after  I  should  have  quit. 

I  used  11Yplay  with  ostrich  plumes,  duck  wings  and 

Later  I  became  absorbed  in  reading  about  the  Age  of  Chivalry  and 

''armies11  about  and  enacting  scenes  from  the 

I  did  the  same  when  I  became  an  avid  r~ader  of 
I  built  barges  for  the  Nile,  great  houses 

medieval  knights.  Scott's  novels  were  devoured.  When  left  alone  I 
assembled  "vast  armies"  of  dried  beans  and  com.  They  became  my  characters. 
With  books,  cards,  glasses,  strips  of  cloth  I  built  forts,  castles  and 
palaces,  maneuvering  my 
stories  and  novels. 
novels  about  the  Romans. 
in  the  sand  for  Nero,  Augustus,  Marc  Anthony,  Cleopatra,  Sulla.  There 
were  artificial  gardens,·.:;:~:-:  Corn  and  beans  became  ,nul ti tudes  of  slaves, 
courtiers,  and  soldiers.  When  brothers,  Paul  and  James  became  old  enough : 
to  catch  the  fever,  they  joined  in.  We  formed  three  countries,  built  up 
frontiers,  formed  alliances,  waged  war,  hosted  elaborate  entertainments, 
send  the  wicked  to  dungeons.  Left  to  ourselves~  passed  away  many 
wintry  evenings.  Often  after  reading  a  story  to  them,  we  would  '9\lt 
our  imaginations  to  work  and  add  to  the  plots  and  shape  our  own.  When 
I  outgrew  such  play,  Paul  and  Jim  would  beg  me  to  play  again  scenes  from 
Imperial  Rome  and  medieval  J:8geantry,  but  the  thrill  had  faded. 
Jan.  28.  Met  my  new  class  in  practice  teaching  today.  The  sophomores 
seem  so  much  younger  than  juniors  and  seniors.  Believe  I  prefer  older 
students. 

our  education  conference  meeting  was  dull,  dull,  dull.  All  moral 

and  ethical  points  have  been  previously  stressed. 
distres~\over  his  failure  to  inspire  students. 
teacher  I  would  ask  him  to  use  a  mouth-wash.  Have  been  so  eRotietical 
of  late  have  pa.id  scant  attention  to  history  in  the  makin~. 
pressing  heavily  upon  the  wall  of  China  seeking  to  occuny  the  Chahor  district 

John  Yale  was  deenly 

If  I  were  his  critic 

Ja'03n  is 

Hope  ?eiping  won't  be  lost  or  destroyed.  Would  like  to  visit  China  and 
the  wonderful  Rockerfeller  Foundation  Hospital  there. 

. - .  . 

. 

-· .. -·.  - ..  .  - . · • 

... .... . -·· .. 

19)5-10 

Yesterday  in  his  radio  address  Fr.  Coughlin  said  the  u.s  shouldn't 
"We  already  have  a  World  Court  at  the  Hague".  But 

join  the  world  court. 
surely  the  World  Court  at  the  Hague  isn • t  the  type·  of  court  which ··the .. --:-~· ~·:.. 
covenant  of  the  League  of  Nations  had  in  mind.  His  talk  ~s  misleading 
and  tried  my  patience.  He  is  infatuated  with  his  oratorical  del·very. 

Secretary  Wallace  recently  proposed  that  the  Supreme  Court  be  shorn 

If  they  had  I 

Into  the  Russian  Revolution.  Have  been  reading  Bothnis  account 

of  its  power  and  the  final  questions  be  put  in  the  direct  hands  of  the 
people  for  a  vote:  Some  claim ·this  smacks  of  communism.  Have  given  up 
reading  much  about  the  Hauptmann  Trial.  our  courts  are  so  rotten  today  that 
Justice  is  generally  found  shivering  outside  in  the  cold.  There  are  such 
powerful  interests  involved  in  this  case,  the  Federal  Govt.,  the  F.B.I, 
local  police  all  seeking  the  limelight.  Will  true  facts  ever  be  known? 
Jan.  29 
of  the  Romanovs.  Throws  a  new  light  on  the  much  written  about  Royal  Family 
Wrote  a  letter  to  Phil  Fry,  State  Treasurer.  He  was  a  friend  of  my  own 
mother.  He  and  wife  wanted  to  adopt  me  after  she  died. 
wouldn't  be  plagued  by  present  financial  worries.  Not  going  to  receive 
a  big  check  this  month. 
Jan.  30  The  President  was  53  years  old  today.  Many  balls  are  being  given 
throughout  the  country.  ~is  most  unwelcome  gift;the  Senate  turned  down 
his  bill  for  the  World  Court  entry  by  the  U.S.,  even  after  his  compromise. 
Fr.  Coughlin's  influence.  40,000  telegrams  sailed  into  Washington  for 
the  Senators.  Fr.  c.  is  shaking  a  big  stick  these  days. 
If  Roosevelt 
brings  about  a  redistribution  of  the  wealth,  democratizes  econom1c  power 
and  establishes  an  honest  government  then  19)6  will  find  him  again  in  the 
White  House.  However,  in  the  wings  are  men  who  are  willin~  to  seize  upon 
a  crisis  in  government  and  become  strong  enough .to  Hiterlize  America. 
Apparently  when  Huey  Long  speaks  in  the  Senate  there  are  none  dare  say  him 
nay,  and  cheers  from  the  gallery  fill  the  chambers.  Half  the  Americre.n 
people,  he  claims,  are  unemployed. 
It  appears  that  Ramsey  MacDonald  will  have  to  resign  soon  unless  he  can 
effect  some  needed  changes.  He  was  demounced  and  verbally  disgraced  in  the 
Commons  recentlywhen  he  failed  to  appear. 
our  Michigan  legislature  has 
gone  on  a  week-end  junket  inspecting  educational  institutions. 

FJL'(m  income  last  year  averaged  $1~).00. 

Dad  came  in  tonight  bringing  my  laundry  and  gave  me  $1.50.  Said  thins 

James  made  the  honor  roll.  Dad  has  been  elected  to  some 

quiet  at  home. 
union  commission  at  the  Reo  Motor  car  Company  and  was  enroute  to  a  msetin~ 
Ran  into  Henry  Fine  at  the  library.  He  has  a  moustache ' 
our  visit  short. 
we  had  much  to  chat  about  and  went  to  Mary  Stewarts  for  a  soda.  He  seems 
somewhat  changed  from  our  high  school  and  early  college  days.  Three 
years  of  fraternity  life  ha.'ll  made  him  more  collegiate  and  savvy. 

1935-11 

Jan.  31  Ran  into  John  Yale  this  morning  in  the  library ~andsome  in  brown 
tweeds.  He  collared  me  to  listen  to  some  of  his  recent  poetry.  All  have 
merit  and  perhaps  some  day  he  will  become  a  poet  of  note.  Some  of  the 
poems  about  sex  I  didnft  quite  follow. 

Lunch  with  Henry  at  Hunts.  The  farmers  have  invaded  town  and  campus 
again.  Some  find  them  boisterous,  garrelous,  rude,  Others  seem  intent  on 
leaving  with  increased  knowledge  about  agriculture  andft\~pressed  by  the 
college.  Bob  and  I  cut  our  afternnon  classes. 
Anthony  Adverse.  Perhaps  it  will  lead  us  to  discuss  many  things  otherwise 
I  was  miffed  when  he  described  the  chapter 
not  shared.  But  perhaps  not. 
on  Convent  of  Jesus  and  the  Child  as  mere  dribble. 

I'm  glad  that  he  is  reading 

Ifm  just  too  idealistic. 

Met  Henry  at  the  library  and  went  home  to  Lansing  with  him  for  dinner. 

Afraid  I  ate  more  chop-suey  and  apple  pie  than  anyone.  Mr.  Fine,  manager 
of  the  grocery  dept  at  Arbough's,is  ranked  25th  of  a  governor's  appointment 
as  State  Purchasing  Agent.  Hank  such  good  company  and  a  friend  although 
I  seem  to  have  more  in  common  with  Irv.  and  Tom. 

Four  black  trees  beyond 
my  window  stand  ~ard. 
Between  their  arms 
I  freely  pass  into  patches 
of  blue 
in  brief  February  sunligr.t. 

Feb.  1.  Behold  the  sun~  With  each  passing  year  I  find  increasing  joy 
communing  with/  in  my  diary.  Here  masks  can  be  dropped,  burdens  put  down, 
The  search  for  the  real  me  continues.  Seated  before  the  window  of  my 
room  at  noon  reading  in  the  brief  Feb.  sunlight,  only  these  lines  could 
be  scribbled  in  a  patient,  dumb,  diary, 
Brief  February  sunlight 
etching  blocks  of  gold 
on  my  dull  pa.tterned  rug 
glinting  the  stale  winter 
household  dust 
mates  me  long  for  spring. 
~Testament  of  Youth~ 
So  all  embracing 
lies  in  my  lap  urging 
me  to  reach  for  my  -pen, 
In  yet  another 
blind,  futile  effort. 
I  f~lt  the  sleet  in  my 
face  as  you 
walked  (as  lovers) 
over  the  hill  from  Buxton  in 
communal  silence. 
I  have  basked  in  summer  sun, 
shivered  in  cold  rooms  at 
oxford,  viewing  those 
towers  rich  in  English  history. 
The  fragrance  of  dewey]1eather 
unseen,  but  smelled. 

Feb.  1  (Friday)  The  J-Hop  tonight.  Men  getting  into  black  and  white  ooker 
suits  and  placing  a  silver  flask  of  apple  brandy  on  the  left  hip.  With  mop 
and  broom  I  have  been  scurrying  about  enjoying  the  music  of  Glen  Gray,  Cab 
Calloway,  Rudy  Banks,  much  preferred  over  Anson  Weeks. 

Talked  with  Dr.  McCune  about  speaking  to  our  International  Relation's 

1935-12 

In  Charlotte  he 

Two.  p.m.  foun~  me  hitch-hiking  on  the  road  to  Charlotte  at  Lansing 

Club.  He  needed  a  shave,  or . is  he  sprouting  an  van  Dyke?  His  lips  are 
badly  chapped. 
Feb.  2 
City  Limits.  · The  diver  had  been  to  Lansing  to  see  about  a  pob.tical  job. 
Pleased  that  he  lived  on  Broad  St.  in  Battle  Creek. 
picked  up  a  bushy  haired  Greek  art  student  enroute  to  South  Bend.  ~I  have 
to  be  'here  by  eight !1  Going  up  a  hill  beyond  Charlotte,  the  car  suddenly 
went  dead.  A  truck  came  along  and  moved  us  to  a  gas  station.  After  several 
other  rides,  arrived  at  Aunt  Hatties  at  92  N.  Broad  half  frozen.  Missed 
dinner.  Later  we  went  to  see  the  Civic  Players  in  Kalamazoo  present, '1They 
Knew  what  They  Wanted~  Rather  risque,  but  enjoyable.  Demi-tasse  between 
the  acts.  Alice  and  Bob  and  Mary  had  a  late  lunch  and  then  Mary  took  me 
back  to  Hattie•s.  She  is  so  wonderful. 
person  in  my  life. 
Feb.  3  Aunt  Hattie  and  Grandmother  Bailes  brought  me  back  to  East  Lansin~. 
Alice  and  I  had  a  good  discussion  about  painting  and  books.  Her  painting 
has  improved  considerably. 
Feb.  9  ~at.  Have  neglected  making  an  entry  for  almost  a  week. 
a  week  filled  with  mid-terms,  and  club  committeee  meetings.  Mentally, 
sluggish  in  some  respects.  Wondering  about  job  prospects  in  teaching  can 
be  depressing.  Profs  in  the  history  dept.  don't  seem  very  ha~py  these  days, 
what  with  low  salaries  and  all  the  politicking  that  goes  on.  Will  I  be 
plagued  by  the  same  concerns?  Have  been  reading . student  reports  on  the 
Reform  Bills  and  anti-corn  league  until  I  feel  like  a  reformer.  Readin1s 
in  Scott  Bultsey  provide  a  vivid  account  of  the  terrible  working  conditions 
in  England. 
in  a  box  factory  in  l'lottingham  at  the  age  of  six.  The  factory  was  owned  by 
her  uncle,  Sir  Joseph  ward,  but  since  her  mother  had  married  a  tailor  she 
had  disgraced  the  family. 

I  remember  Grandmother  Smith  te -t ling  me  that  she  went  to  work 

In  many  respects  the  most  imoortant 

It  has  been 

Irv.  is  home  for  semester  break  from  the  U.of  M. 

Joined  him  and  Frieda 

tonight  for  the  basket-ball  game.  We  won.  Still  can't  quite  envision  him 
becoming  a  doctor.  He  is  a  good  writer  and  we  have  had  many  discussions 
about  the  poetry  of  Byron,  Keats,  Shelley.  He  and  Frieda  make  a  charming 
couple.  Feel  Ivring  is  growing  beyond  me 

in  many  resnects. 

Bob  came  home  the  other  night  about  2:30  stin~o  and  was  sick  all  the 
Have  been  reading  the  Story  of  General  John  J.  Pershing. 

following  day. 
He  met  so  many  interesting  people  who  pass  by  in  rapid  review. 

J 

Reading  testament  of  Youth  shames  me  for  being  a  com1>lainer.  Such 
hardships  were  endured  during  the , World  War.  Miss  Brittain  lmew  of  them 
first  hand  in  the  London  Hospitals. 
Feb.  12  A  beautiful  day  for  Lincoln's  birthday. 

My  Days  ?100  up--7145  bkfst  (ro~l,  juice  in  room)  --7150-AsOO 

shave--8,00-l&sOO  study  for  blue  book--Blue  book  in  For.  Relations. 
11-12100  make  beds,  sweep  and  clean  lavatory.  12130  lunch  at  State  Cafe. 
1100-2100  H.S.  lib.  reading  reports  and  reviewing  lesson  for  Am.  Hist. 
2100-2150-taught  class-- )110-4100-reading  history  reports  at  History  Office 
~,oo-4,)0-Talk  with  Prof.  Caswell--Lib.  4,J0-4,45,  checking  materials  on 
Phoenicians  and  Assyrians.--4,45-5100-~~R•  with  Towne  on  Cornelius 
Vanderbilt.--5120-6145-mend~d  socks--6100-6140-dinner  with  Fager,  Parker 
and  Weaver  at  State  CafeT-?100- 9100--Lec.  by  Corn.  Vanderbilt--9:)0-
10100-library.--10115-11130- reading  source  material  on  World  war. 
--conversation  about  lwcture.  Diary  and  bed  at  midnight. 

111)0 

The  Macon  has  been  forced  down  off  Pt.  Surf,  the  lastest  of  unfortunat 

derigible  tragediesT-the  Shenandoah,  the  Akron  and  now  the  largest  of  all. 
c.  Vanderbilt  appeared  much  older  than  anticipated. 
Feb.  13 
Probably  he  was  guilty,  but  the  story  in  full  has  yet  to  be  told. 

Hauptmann  was  found  guil~ and  will  probably  be  electrocuted. 

Mr.  Smith,  my  critic  teacher,  disgusts  me  at  times.  He  never  lets 

you  forget  that  he  got  his  masters  degree  in  education  at  M.S.C. 
Considering  how  weak  the  Dept.  of  Ed.  is  that  is  scarcely  anythin~  to 
brag  about.  He  rambles  so  and  seems  quite  inefficient. 

~The  State  News~carried  a  goQ:jarticle  about  the  forthcoming 

International  Relations  Annual  Dinner  to  be  hald  on  Feb.  20  in -~he  emall 
union  dining  room.  The  program  will  be  in  French  and  Dean  Ryder  the  main 
speaker. 
Feb.  14  Received  $1.00  and  a  box  of  cookies  from  Gdm.  Smith.  Two 
committee  meetings  this  afternoon  and  accomplished  little  at  the  office. 
Students  seemed  to  enjoy  my  class  today.  Read  the  137  Psalm  about  the 
Babylonian  captivity. 
Bob  is  taking  initiation  for  Scabbard  and  Blade  and  tuckered  out. 

Dad  brought  in  my  laundry,  some  bread  and  butter. 

Work  so  piled  up  at  the  office l- stayed  until  5:)0.  Mr.  Allman 

came.  Bob  went  to  the  Military  Ball. 
Feb.  16  Got  my  cleaning  done  by  noon.  Lunch  with  Bob,  then  we  went  to 
the  library  to  study.  Beautiful,  bright,  slippery.  Great  sliding.  These 
are  happy  days  and  I  try  not  to  think  that  all  will  come  to  an  end  in 
June. 
an  adorable  little  tike,  makes  me  want  a  daughter  of  my  own.  Some  day 
I  hope  to  have  a  happy  home  and  three  children.  Falling  snow  greeted  me 
coming  out  of  the  show.  Ran  home.  Bob  was  struggling  with  a  theme. 
went  to  gym  to  shower  and  swim  five  pool  lengths. 

Later  went  to  see  Shirley  Temple  in  Bright  Eyes.  She  is  such 

ll 

~ 

) 

1935-14 

Keep  thinking 

(He  only  has  a  1.000  applications  on  file  ~ow~) 

Went  to  the  Morter  Board  Formal  party  tonight  with  Louise  Langdon. 
She  looked  attractive  in  her  long  white  satin  dress  and  black  velvet  cloak. 
Good  band,  good  dancing.  Went  with  Dorothy  and  her  friend  for  a  snack 
during  intermission.  Hope  Caroline  wit\  let ·me  use  eome  of  the  decorations 
for  the  banquet. 
Feb,  l?.  Bob  came  home  from  guard  duty  at  6  a.m.  He  was  tired  and  cold 
arid  slept  close  to  me  to  get  warm.  Up  at  101)0  to  read  reports,  make 
beds.  Committee  meeting  this  afternoon.  Several  other  organizations  want 
the  International  Relations  club  to  join  with  them  for  an  anti-war  meeting 
on  April  5. 
Had  a  delicious  dinner  with  Maude,  Diana  and  her  friend  Jack. 
Swiss  steak,  potatoes,  nut  bread,  salad, _ pcJ.ckles  and  gll!8r-cake.  Hated  to 
leave  such  convivial  company  and  return  to  read  reports.  Only  91  on  last 
blua  book  in  Am.  Hist.  Really  mussed  up  on  the  last  question.  Bob  and 
I  bought  sandwiches  and  mil~  and  ate  in  our  room  tonight. 
about  the  International  Rel.  Club  banquet. 
Feb.  18.  Met  'Ii.th  Mr.  Steele,  Supt.  of  Jackson  schools 1who  said  I  might 
apply  for  a  job. 
Never  saw  the  campus  more  beautiful  that  it was  tonight.  Towering  pines 
were  swathed  in  ermine,  small  spruces  had  white  tufts  on  every  bough  a.nd 
the  lean  bare  arms  of  maples,  and  oaks  were  softened  by  strips  of  white. 
Nature  must  have  held  a  winter  ball  tonight.  Lights  from  Lansing  cast  a 
soft  geay  golden  glow·-.and  the  sky  seemed  filled  with  the  cries  of  snow  birds. 
I  can't  understand  why  everyone  I  mentioned  this  to  didn't  hear  them. 
swear  I  heard  them.  Even  Bob  doubted  me  and  said  I  ought  to  go  to  a 
psycho-analyst  and  volunteered  to  take  me.  Went  to  the  dentist  who  said 
I  needed  to  have  my  teeth  scraped.  Cost  $10.00.  Went  across  the  street 
to  another  dentist  who  offered  to  do  the  same  thing  for  $4.oo. 
I  think  I 
would  like  Dr.  Heskel  better  than  Dr.  Manher  anyway. 
Feb.  18 
about  the  up-coming  banquet. 
making  programs.  Can~t  find  anyone  to  play  the  piano. 
Ryders  tonight.  They  have  a  pleasant  home  on  Evergreen.  Ruth  met  me 
at  the  door  and  I  was  made  to  feel  right  at  home.  They  enjoyed  showing 
me  things  they  had  aqquired  in  their  travels  about  the  world  and  later 
put  on  their  Mandarian  coats.  Mr.  Fields  arrived  to  arrange  music  with 
Ruth  and  brought  me  home  shortly  after  nine, 
feb.  20  THE  BIG  DAY  Cut  all  classes  except  my  8  o'clock.  Mrs.  Irland 
took  me  to  lunch.  Later  her  daughter,  Marquita  joined  us. 
she  was  too  pleased  when  Fields  and  Joh~on  also  j oined  ou, table.  We 
began  decorating  at  J  this  afternoon.  We  hung  flags  of  the  nations  and 
Mexican  serapies  and  wound  the  pi l lars  with  strips  of  bl ue  and  red  paper. 

Lunch  at  the  Union  with  Fields  and  Johnston.  We  talked  mostly 
We  stayed  at  the  office  until  61JO  tonight 

called  on  the 

I  don·t  think 

I 

I 

1935-15 

Jackson 

Arranging  place  cards  for  60  so  no  one  would  feel  isloated  took  a  bit  of 
doing.  Fields  and  Johnston  were  helpful  working  until  6  ·p.m.  Rushed  home 
wondering  how  I  would  ever  get  through  the  evening.  My  speech  in  French 
was  written  on  a  scratch  pad  and  jokes  not  finally  selected.  Bud  helped 
me  into  my  tux  and  copied  down  some  jokes  for  me.  Many  were  already  there 
looking  for  their  place  cards  when  I  arrived  at  6:40.  Candles  were  lit. 
The  Ryders  arrived  just  in  time  for  us  to  place  the  candlesticks  from 
Korea  and  relics  from  the  Orient  on  the  speaker's  table.  Everyone  there 
from  the  history  department  and  many  from  the  econ  department. 
Towne  came  as  a  Russian.  Some  of  the  costumes  were  quite  elaborate. 
Mrs.  Ryder  wore  a  Chinese  coat  which  she  said  had  belonged  to  a  Chinese 
prince.  The  speeches  were  good. 
I  didn't  enjoy  the  food  because  I  was 
too  busy  writing  telegrams  from  Hitler,  King  of  Siam,  Mussolini  and  trying 
to  organize  my  thoughts,  and  talk  to  Mrs.  Ryder  and  then  read  the  telegrams 
I  don't  think  Lyon  really  enjoyed  himself,  much  as  he  appeared  to  want  to. 
Miss  Johnston's  green  dress  was  lovely,  over  it  was  a  darker  green  coat 
with  a  turned  up  collar.  Fields  wore  a  bright  colored  serapy,  Bob's 
sombrero  and  rings  which  he  bought  last  summer  in  Mexico.  Ryder's 
talk  good.  Money  checked  out  o.K.  Later  Johnsto~  and  Fields  helped  us 
take  down  the  decorations.  My  French  speech  went  off  without  a  hitch  and 
drew  some  praise.  Glad  it's  over~ 
Feb.  2J- Sat .  Read  reports  all  morning.  Weary  of  these  En~lish  reform 
bills.  Burned  home  1his  afternoon.  Mother  not  there  or  Paul .  Later  they 
returned  and  we  all  had  dinner.  We  all  went  to  see  Will  Rogers  in"JUdf1;e 
.Priest".  very  good.  Think  Dad  especially  enjoyed  it . 
Feb.  24 
cried  a  lot  and  we  finally  broke  off  the  conversation  having  resolved 
nothing.  Dad  brought  me  back  to  campus  in  late  afternoon.  He  is  working 
hard  trying  to  make  ends  meet.  Has  no  use  for  mother's  relatives. 
Feel  depressed  over  family  situation  with  no  one  to  talk  to.  Miss  Irv. 
and  Tom. 
Feb.  25  A  letter  from  Irv.  He  has  seen  the  first  bit  of  human  life  come 
into  the  world. 
to  my  lips.  Every  instinct  within  me  revolted,  but  when  it  came  and  was 
tapped  into  breathing  and  when  I  saw  how  clumsily  and  warm  I  thought 
how  beautiful  it  was,  I  was  able  to  heave  a  sigh  of  relief  and  wonder." 
He  is  on  his  way,  leaving  me  far  behind,  but  the  letter  perked  u~  my 
ambition. 
for  lunch .  Enjoyable  and  saves  money. 
and  a  book  review  on  Testament  of  Youth  is  due  Friday.  How  I  wish  I 
could  write  something  worthwhile  instead  of  driftin~  alon~  in  these  nages 
day  after  day.  Need  to  get*eyond  dreaming  and  intentions. 

Bob  and  I  had  salomi  sandwiches  and  choc.  milk  i~  our  room 
Desk  is  oiled  high  with  renorts 

A  long  talk  with  Mother.  She  is  very  unhap~y  about  Dad.  She 

''I  saw  the  laboring  pains  of  the  mother  and  a  prayer  rose 

I 

1935-16 

Feb.  26  George  Salolsky  spoke  tonight  on  the  Far  East.  Good,  but  not 
particularly  informative.  Had  recently  covered  much  of  what  he  said  in:( 
Johnston's  class.  He  said  the  prospects  for  war  were  very  distant  and  1ifi 
the  Pacifists  almost  drove  us  into  a  war  with  Jatsn  over  the  Manchuko 
incident. 
Feb.  27.  ~The  State  News~omitted  my  article  on  the  International  ~e 
lations  Club. 
Indignant,!  cornered  Ed.  Charles  Palmer  who  apologized. 
Took  home  some  war  poems  tonight  from  the  library.  They  seem  inferior 
to  those  in "Testament  of  Youth." 

Bitter  cold. 

,\t\ 0., 

Irland  seemed  uncomfortable.  Bob  Northrup  asked 

John  Adams  came  at  6125  and  we  rushed  to  the  union  to  join  Fields 
I  bought  John's@  72i,  a  bit  of  a  drain  on  my 

and  Johnston  for  dinner. 
lean  purse.  As  John  and  Johnston  and  Fields  talked  of  Ireland,  the 
greenery  and  charming  country  folk  and  Fields  chimed  in  about  Mexico, 
I  was  painfully  aware  of  my  meager  travels.  After  dinner  we  went  up 
stairs  to  the  faculty  club  where  John  gave  an  informal  talk  of  his 
recent  trip  to  Europe. 
several  questions  and  Sophia  VanKuiken  was  very  impressed.  Bid  John  a 
swift  adieu  and  returned  home  to  study. 
Feb.  28  Oh,  for  some  solitude,  peace  and  quiet.  The  raucous  laughter 
and  radio  spouting  jazz  upstairs  becttme  unbearable  and  I  have  come  to 
Joe's  room  at  the  end  of  the  hall  in  an  effort  to  escape.  Went  to 
convocation . honors  awards  with  John  Seamen.  We  met  John  Yale,  just 
returned  from  Detroit  where  he  saw  Helen  Hayes  in 11Mary,  Queen  of  Scotts; 
He  looked  tired  with  traces  of  olive  oil  visible  under  his  eyes.  Since 
John  won  the  poetry  contest  last  year  we  wondered  if  he  would  receive 
a  fake  scroll.  No.  The  three  of  us  joined  the  other  honor  students 
John  Seaman  read  about 11\e  Surpreme 
and  marched  into  the  auditorium. 
·s 
Court  by  Jay  Franklin  from"Vanity  Fair"  during  the  program.  Dean  Giltner 
speech  was  the  best.  President  Shaw  said  the  same  trite  things  he 
utters  year  aft~r  year.  Sec.  Hannah,  huge  of  stature  and  with  a  deep 
bass  voice  was  quite  impressive.  Delighted  that  Frieda  won  the  $50.00 
home  economics  prize.for  excellent  achievement  and  high  scholarship. 
Would.that  Irv.  might  have  been  here. 
as  I  read  of  the  death  of  Geoffrey,  Victor  and  finally Edward  in 
''Testament  of  Youth''  It  is  finished,  but  with  Edward's  death,  the 
book  died  too. 
my  book  review  due  in  the  morning. 

Now  that  I've  finished  it,  it  seems  I  can  never  write 

This  noon  I  could  have  wept 

This  afternoon  was  so  bright  that  Bob  and  I  took  a  walk  <lown  Farm 

Lane  and  after  buying  some  Frost-bites  at  the  dairy  walked  uo  the  cent~r 
of  the  gleaming  white  Red  Cedar,  a  broad  white  avenue  between  the  tress. 
We  talked  about  sex  with  girls,  with  my  imagination  greater  than  reality 

19)5-1? 

I 

~ 

Regarding  Anthony  Adverse  we  concluded  that  some  of  his  conversations  were 
too  philosophical  and  became  absorbed  in  following  a  rabbit  track.  At 
the  sugar  bush  we  found  the  sap  buckets  empty.  Near  the  Sugar  House  men 
Sa id  one ~·we• re 
were  digging  and  asked  if  we  wanted  a  job.  Bob  said ~1.N~. 
looking  for  gold  but  have  only  found  an alarm  clock  which  doesn't  run~ 
After  tramping  through  the  woods  we  returned  to  the  river  to  be  met  by 
a  large, · frisky,  brown  collie  who  followed  us  up  river  until  we  ca~e  to 
Pinetum.  Here  it _ was  so  dark  that  thoughts  of  Te~tament  of  Youth  engulfed 
me. 
I  thought  of  ''Tah"  Geoffrey,  Roland  and Knew  there  was  still Edward  to 
die.  Shafts  of  a  weak  winter's  sun  reaching  through  the  pines  cast  faint 
patches  of  light  on  the  white  carpet  at  the  foot  of  long  black  trunks. 
I  thought  of  the  crosses  in  France  where  all  those  bodies  so  wasted  by 
war  were  burie~.  Wondering  alone  through  the  forest,  I  forgot  about  Bob 
and  the  dog  bringing  up  the  rear.  What  a  moral  obligation  to  be  intelli~ent 
How  smug  we  war  babies  have  become.  Men's  paramount  interests  seem  to  be 
in  sports  and  business,  Women's  in  bridge,  showers  and  babies.  Have  we 
forgotten  so  soon?  As  we  left  the  river  and  strolled  through  the  pines 
with  shafts  of  the  setting  sun  marking  the  close  of  a  glorious  day,we 
marked  a  stone  with  a  motto  "Keep  on  Squint in" 
as  we  returned  to  Farm  Lane  singing"Tramp,  Tramp,  Tramp,  the  boys  are 
marching~  hoping  to  get  some  circulation  in  our  cold  feet.  How  I  wish 
Vera  Brittain  could  have  been  with  me  this  afternoon.  Read  Aportrophe  to 
. 
Man  by  Millay  and  wondered ••••••••• 
Sun.  March.  3  Read  Preachers  Present  Arms  by  Abrams.  This  can  shake  your 
faith  in  organized  religion  to  the  very  roots.  Attended  a  meeting  of 
a  group  of  "socialists"?  this  afternoon.  They  believe  in  a  class  war  and 
are  very  anti-military.  The  floor  was  dominated  by  Louis  Weisner,  whose 
conceit  and  derision  can  make  him  most  irritating  at  times.  Still  one 
shouldn't  under-estimate  his  intelligence.  He  was  supported  by  a  Mr. 
Holbuin.  But  Weisner  soon  dominated  him  and  began  discussir!Jthe  ills  of 
the  day. 
sentiments  regarding  the  radical  Weinser,  and  that  his  organization  would 
itself  to  public  attac"l(s  by  supporting  or  joinin·g  a  plan  for 
not  ~ubject 
an  anti-war  and  military  training  rally  to  be  held  on  campus  April  6. 
I 
said  the  International  Relations  Club  wouldn't  offer  its  support. 
rt  would 
hinder  our  organization  and  I'm  not  sure  I'm  against  all  forms  of  military 
training.  At  least  we  need  a  strong  defense.  The  average  man  won't  be 
the  one  to  decide  whether  we  have  war  or  peace.  He  seldom  ~nows  what  he 
is  fighting  for.  The  State  News  is  violently  opposed  to  anythin~  that 
smacks  of  communism  or  socialism.  All  male  socia li tes  are  t~k ing  advanced 
R. O. T. C •• .  A 1 though  a  minority,  they  contra 1  the  pa 1)8r  and  9 ";(~:"e3s 

I-1.comed  the  arrival  of  Harlan  Clark,  knowing  that  he  shared  my 

Indeed,  we  were  squinting 

~ 

~ 

,1 

~ 

I 

I 

1935-lq 

( 

I  was  imnressed 

Slipped  up  on  my  blue-book  today.  Couldn't  remember  the  terms 

1the  opinions  frequently  of  top  college  ?dministration .  Many  of·  my 
acquaintances are  in  this  group  and  I  have  many  pri vi le~es  on  the  ~ oer 
which  I  want  to  keep.  Harlan  and  I  agreed  after  the  meeting  that  we 
wouldn't  lend  our  support.  Holbuin  has  a  cripoled  arm. 
with  his  acumen. 
Mar.  4 
In  the  library  tonight  read  up  on  the 
of  the  Selective  Service  Act. 
Gadsden  Purchase,  Gadsden  and  dipped  into  the  life  of  Pierre  Soul~,  a 
most  interesting  character. 
,Mar.  5  Practiced  a  radio  play  with  Polly  Deitz,  a  girl  I  would  like  to 
know  better.  A  group  came  over  to  study  tonight  and  I  didn't  get  much 
out  of  the  session.  Dick  Pendell  dished  dirt;  what  Emmons  said  about  the 
Liberal  Arts  Division  and  his  antics  in  N.Y.C.  at  the  National  Instr. 
Council.  Bob  thinks  Pendell  a  typical  campus  socialite  and  a  bit  of 
a  floor-flusher.  Certainly  not  a  bore. 
Mar.  6  The  play  went  off  quite  well.  Enjoyed  playing  opposite  Polly. 
We  went  for  a  long  walk  across  campus  after  the  broadcast.  Re~istered 
for  spring  term  today  and  received  a  card  from  Grandmother  Redman.  Aunt 
Mona  is  giving  a  concert  at  the  Goodman  Theater  in  Caicago. 
Long  was  slapped  by  Robinson  on  the  floor  of  the  Senate  yesterday  for 
his  attack  on  the  President .  Long  predicted  that  Robinson  won't  return 
to  the  senate  next  year.  He  denied  anyone  with  guns  was  planted  in  the 
Senate  gallery.  Such  a  radical. 
first  Hauptmann  mass  meeting  was  held  in  New  Y0 rk  last  week.  2500  attended 
3,000  stood  outside.  They  booed  Lindbergh.  Admission  was  25¢  A  collectio 
raised  ~1,100.  Served  coffee  and  sandwiches  to  our  study  group  tonight 
and  felt  the  session  prewing  for  International  Organization  blue  book 
worthwhile.  Weary.  Bob  is  right,claiming  that  when  I  become  exhausted 
I  can  become  quite  disagreeable. 
Mar.  7 
Fred  Bentley  has  been  elected  President  of  the  Phi  Tau  fraternity. 
He  never  lets  education  interfere  with  his  social  life  and  has  become  quite 
a  campus  politician.  Miss  him  since  he  moved  out  of  the  house. 
brought  my  laundry  tonight.  Paid  $10.00  on  my  note  for  borrowed  tuition. 
Read  about  the  Peac~  Conference  at  Versailles.  Such  idealism.  Women 
delegates  seemed  primarily  interested  in  the  dresses  they  would  wear  in 
Paris~  The  horrors  of  war  seemed  so  soon  forgotten.  Personal  jealousies 
and  self  ~randisement  were  all  too  apparent.  Yet  from  hind-sight  one 
shouldn't  be  too  critical. 

I  wonder  how  far  he  will  go? 

The 

Dad 

1935-19 

" 

quarrel 

I  had  hoped  to ~iscuss  the  Senator  with  the  fellows 

Sen  Huey  Long  smacked  at  the  President,  Johnson,  Astor  anrt  Farley 

tv1ar.  g_ 
last  night  in bis  radio  address.  He  said  Roosevelt  was  behind  the 
between  him  and  Johnson.  He  is  rapidly becoming  a  growing  power.  People 
scoff  at  him,  yet  he  is  on  most  everyone's  lips.  What  a  team  he  and 
Coughlin  would  make: 
who  gathered  in  my  room  at  noon.  But  the  topic  of  conversation  soon 
switched  to  baseball  so  I  read  on  in  silence.  After  all  nothing  in  the 
world  is  as  important  as  Rowe  or  Dizzy  Dean  and  what  they  say.  Too  many 
Americans  have  athleticitus. 
It  obsesses  them.  Athletics  are  wonderful, 
Health  is  precious,  but  why  must  sports  dominate  everything?  Considering 
that  many  of  our  educational  centers  are  in  reality ·athletic  ~lubs  what 
can  one  expect?  And  when  war  comes  these  same  people  will  rush  headlone; 
into  it  without  knowing  why. 
Mar.  9  Saw  my  first  robin  today  and  stamped  it  the  way  I  did  when  a  kid. 
Remained  home  tonight  to  read  reports,  after  being  called  ·• Rose  Peta 1  and 
Cream  Puff  by  the  rest  of  the  gan,  who  sallied  out  to  get  drunk.  Later 
Bob  came  home  quite  drunk,  singing  "On  The  Good  Ship  Lolly-pop" 
I  turned 
off  the  heat  and  !':opened  the  " ·: ,  window  and  he  was  soon  ready  to  crawl  in 
bed.  The  guys  across  the  hall  tore  their  door  off  its  hinges. 
Mar.  10  Sun.  Slept  too  late.  Read  reports  until  noon.  Met  Frieda  in 
the  library  where  we  talked  more  than  studied.  What  a  great  gal.  We 
admired  the  Japanese  prints  in  the  foyer  and  agreed  on  two  Irv.  should 
have  for  his  birthday.  Frieda  has  offered  to  mend  a  thin  spot  in  the  seat 
of  my  pants. 
and  gave  her  a  bath.  Next  I  was  in  an  orphan  aslyum  in  Poland. 
Mar.  11 
of  restaurant  food.  Plan  to  eat  in  room  tomorrow. 
Mar.  12  Enjoyed  teaching  my  class  today.  All  seemed  so  interested  in 
Hannibal  crossing  the  Alps.  Glad  to  have  the  last  teacher's  conference 
over.  Can't  seem  to  find  time  to  read  the  N.Y.T.,  or  Time. 
three  weeks.  Everyone  else  at  the  house  seems  to  have  plenty  of  time  to 
play  cards. 
Mar.  13  Met  Frieda  in  the  library  tonight  puzzling  over  Sarter  Resartus  and 
Carlyle's,  Theory  of  Heroes.  She  let me  read  a  letter  from  Irv.  describing  , 
his  fraternity  initiation.  He  sent  the  menue  and  checked  the  salad  as 
being  good.  Stajcd  up  \mtil  after  mid-night  reading  Ulrich  B.  Philips, 
"Life  and  Labor  in  the  Old  South",  informative  about  slavery,  plantations, 
and  overseers.  writes  little  about  other  occupations  in  the  south. 
would  like  to  write  a  Civil  War  novel  some  day. 

Sent  a  bunch  of  pink  sweet  peas  to  Caroline.  Growing  tired 

I  was  in  a  bath  tub  with  a  girl 

Strange  dream  last  night. 

It's  been 

I 

'  ~ 

Mar.  15  David  Cleary  has  been  elec~ed  editor  of  The  State  News 
He  is  the  best  man  for  the  job.  Fraternity  men  always  become  solicitous 
at  election  time.  Received  a·B  on  my  blue  book  in  Am~  History.  Hooe 
it  doesn ' t  ruin  chances  for  an A:  E.B.  Lyon  certainly  wouldn't  win 
any  popularity  contest  with  the  students.  Many  abhor  his  teaching 
methods--lectures  too  detailed. 
me  a  96  on  blue-book.  in  )01-B. 
Mar.  16 
noon.  Rec'd  an  interesting  letter  from  Grandmother  Redman.  For  her 

Sat.  A  wonderful  spring  day.  Rose  early  and  had  work  done  by 

I  take  too  many  notes. 

Johnston  ~ave 

age  she  is  certainly -an  ultra  modern  woman. 

~he  discussed  sex  problems 

I  think  I  have  a  tendency  to  do  likewise.  His  relations  with 

in  a  no  non&sense  manner  and  l'm  inclined  to  agree  with  her  to  a  lar~e 
extent.  Made  up  an  hour  today  by  sitting  in  on  a  class  tf0>u~ht  by 
John  Yale.  He  did  quite  admirably ,  possibly  US'U~ping  the  sta.u.e  a  bit 
too  much. 
Eunice  most  unusual.  She  is  a  sweet  rather  wistfu l  girl,  not  nretty, 
but  pleasing  with  high  cheek-bones  and  a  rather  petulant  under-lip, 
and  tawny  hair  with  bangs.  Today  when  we  picked  her  up  after  sc~ool 
in  John's  car  he  said,  ~Hello,  my  lamb .  My  you  look  clean.  Your  face 
is  the  cleanest  I've  seen  it  in  a  long  time ii  Eunice  seems  to  cope  with 
such  oddities  rather  well.  Later  he  said  they  were  looking  for  a  house . 

Attended  Congreve's,  -4Way  of  the  World"  tonight,  Costumes  e;ood, 

colorful.  Philip  Swartz  lacks  talent,  but  gets  good  press . 
ar.  17  Europe  astir  over  Hitler's  repudiation  of  the  war  provisions 
of  the  Versailles  Treaty  and  rearmament  by  conscription  to  320,000  m~n. 
Austria  is  ready  to  repudiate  also,  but  will  seek  the  League's  permission. 
The  U.S.  is  silent  now  but  may  agree  to  a  Round  Table  Conference  later. 
I  don't  wonder  that  Germany  has  acted  thus.  Last  Friday  the  French 
increased  conscription  from  one  to  two  yaars.  The  press  claims 
we  are  nearer  the  brink  of  another  war. 
I'm  not  alarmed.  These 
So  much  reading  to  be  done  in 
shackles  were  a  festering  sore. 
addition  to  these  reports.  How  stupid  of  LYon,:  to  think  we  would  all 
read  100  extra  pages  this  last  week  of  classes.  Doubtless  he  knows  we 
won't.  Spotted  a  robin.  Tonight  a  bright  moon,  one  star  and  a  long 
tapering  purple  cloud,  behind  it  six  smaller  purple  islands  forming 
an  arc  around  a  dusky  molten  sea  suffused  with  a  crimson  light  flushed 
through  the  pines . 
Harry  Silverman  was  married  today.  No  student, 
he  has  joined  his  father's  auto  parts  store. 
speech  tonight.  Some  parts  seemed  to  ma~e  sense  and  it  all  must  have 
sounded  grand  to  German  ears. 

Read  the  text  of  Hitler's 

Mar .  19 .  Cut  American  For .  Policy ,  much  to  Lyon's  chagrin  and  studied 

1935'21 

for  Modern  European  History.  Bob  and  I  ate  in  our  room  tonight.  Fun 
for  a  change  and  less  expensive  too. 
Mar.  21.  Am.  For  Policy  exam  this  afternoon.  Afterwards  I  went  down 
town  and  bought  a  shirt,  pr.  of  socks  and  two  ties.  Met  Antho~ Summers 
at  the  House  of  Representatives  and  we  went  to  Sandy's  Grill  for  dinner. 
He  told  me  about  his  life  in  Greece  where  he  owns  a  1000  acre  vineyard 
outside  of  Sparta.  Later  I  met  the  beautiful  girl  he  is  en~~ed  to. 
Ma:r•  22.  Exams  are  over.  Spring  has  come  and  I  enjoyed  some  notate 
salad  at  the  Kewpie.  Bob  left  for  home  this  morning  and  most  of  the 
guys  have  gone. 
when  Dad  came  and  with  a  rather  long  face  told  me  that  he  thought  it 
would  be  better  if  I  didn't  come  home  as  things  were  too  unsettled. 
There  are  times  when  I  wonder  why  I  have  been  denied  a  happy  home. 
I 
guess  the  on_ly  thing  to  do  is  go  to  Aunt  Hattie's  in  Battle  Creek  for 
a  few  days  and  try  to  forget  the  emptiness  I  feel.  Thank  God  for 
college,  work  and  not  dwelling  too  often  on  thoughts  of  home.  They 
can  color  so  much  my  attitude  and  hopes  for  the  future. 

I  was  planning  on  leaving  for  home  and  all  -pa.eked 

rnine. 

Mar.  23,  Sat.  Over  to  Aunt  Ella's  for  lunch.  Later  she,Uncle  Will 
and  I  went  to  the  Strand.  She  has  a  boil  on  her  "retreat·•  but  it 
failed  to  affect  her  jolly  nature.  After  the  show  she  bought  a  new 
hat  and  insisted  I  keep  the  change,  adding  that  they  would  be  1villing 
to  give  me  money  when  I  needed  it  and  to  regard  their  home  as 
At  dinner  at  their  home  at  123  Albert  St.  in  a  big  white  frame  wooden 
huse,  Aunt  Ella  tried  to  shock  Uncle  Will  by  telling  him  that  a  preacher 
was  going  to  appear  in  the  nude  in  church  next  Sunday .  He  took  it 
so  seriously  we  burst  out  laughing .  Then  he  read  from  the  bible  and 
we  had  grac~. 
I  helped  A.  Ella  with  the  dishes  and  we  played  flinch 
until  nearly  ten,  when  I  left  them  promising  to  meet  them  in  church 
tomorrow. 
Mar.  24.  Sun.  Mrs.  Perry  invited  me  to  have  Sunday  dinner  with  her. 
She  too  has  been  wonderful  to  me.  After  church  I  wentwiik  the  Robinso~Sto 
their  Sunday  School  class.  While  the  preacher  was  praying,  A.  Ella 
leaned  over  to  me  and  whispered,  "I  do  wish  he  ~uld  ask  the  Lord  to  do 
something  about  that  preacher  that  wants  to  appear  before  his  congre 
gation  in  the  nude". 

We  laughed  more  than  we  should. 
When  a  light  burns  within  my  home  then  will  I  come  willingly  with 

love,  hope  and  courage  to  add  as  fuel  to  that  light ,  that  it  may  burn 
more  brightly  and  radiate  the  love  of  the  ~-Sbuls  within  before  a11 
those  who  pass  outside . 

Mar.  25 
.Mary  phoned  this  morning  for  me  to  take  a  bus  to  Charlotte 
and  meet  them  there .  There  was  little  time  to  catch  a  bus.  waitin~ 

lQJ5-22 

in  t he  decrepit  bus  station-restaurant  the  smell  of  burned  pancakes 
seeined  to  seep  into  my  skin.  Aunt  Hattie  arrived  while  I  was  reading 
~He  sent  Forth  A  Raven·•.  Margaret  and  Hughie,  a  very  handsome  chi ld 
came  to  Hattie's  for  lunch.  Maggie  looks  fine,  quite  trim.  Later 
I  want  across  th(:l  street  to  play  with  .9-·.~!t:\1V:e  Hughie  in  the  nark.  He 
has  a  sturdy  build,  thin  blond  hair,  deep  blue  eyes,  fair  skin,  a 
rather  large  head,  but  not  out  of  porportion.  Alice  and  Bob  and  MarJ y 
It's  been  too  lon~ 
came  for  dinner  tonight.  So  pleased  to  see  Mary. 
since  we  have  enjoyed  one  of  our  heart  to  hearts.  Am  anxious  to  know 
her  impression  of  Testament  of  Youth.  Tonight  most  of  the  family 
went  to  see  two  one  act  plays  presented  by  the  Civic  Players.  Would 
like  to  direct "The  Monkey's  Paw".  Read  Shelley' s  A dona is  before  fa lline; 
asleep.  }{ave  always  liked  parts  of  this. 
Mar .  26 
in  the  park  with  Hughie.  Would  like  to  have  a  son  some  day.  Reading 
A 11  Quiet  on  the  western  Front"  ( 1929)  Why  have  I  waited  so  lon~?  It 
is  gorey,  but  one  feels  the  impact  of  war;  rain  dripping,  bits  of  flesh, 
disemboweled  entrails.  Really  beyond  comprehension  of  those  who  haven't 
experienced  it . 

Slept  until  10,30.  Filled  up  on  waffles  and  sausage.  Again 

,. 

( 

Tonight  we  went  to  see  the  Jessie  Cameron  recital  with  Alexander 

Schuster.  Didn't  care  for  Jessie  although  she  is  reputed  to  be  a  minil 
o!  Jsadora  lJUncan ' s .  Surprised  to  see,  college  classmate,  Joseph  ~vans, 
majoring  in  piano ,  accompanying  Mr .  Schuster  and  sp1~d  Julius  Stalberg 
in  front  of  me.  When  Schuster  plays  the  cello  I  wander  outside  myself 
to  realms  of  fancy.  Later  at  Betty ' s  Mary  and  I  discussed  Testament 
of  Youth  and  other  books.we  share  similar  attitudes  toward  Testament  of 
Youth.  Plan  to  read  All  Men  Are  Enemies  and  ihe  Forsythe  Saga  whic~ 
Mary  loaned  me. 
to  Dorothy  read  through  the  pa.rt  of  Stephanie  in  Death  Takes  a  HolidaY, 

Later  over  strawberry  jam  and  crackers  we  listened 

Mar  27  Another  grand  day.  Up  early  to  rake  the  lawn  and  clean  the 
rock  garden.  When  Mary  arrived  it  was  sleeting  and  just  a  few  hours 
ago  I  was  in  shirt  sleeves.  Mary  and  I  are  at  our  best  with  each  other 
when  we  coMmune  through  our  letters . 
I  wonder  if  she  has  a  secret  love.  After  I  graduate  whould  like  to 
]Had  an  interview  with  Dr.  Coburn  who  advised  me  to  see 
teach  here. 
him  again  in  A pr i 1 . 
Mar .  28.  Finished  All  Quiet  on  the  Western  Front .  How  late  Ill.ave  come 
to  know  something  of  the  generation  of  the  World  War,  its  heroes , 
aspirations ,  badges  of  tribulaton  and  courage,  horrors,  nobility  of 
spirit .  Another  generation  can  never  understand  completely, 
a  surge  rises  in  the  breast  and  I  gaze  steadily  at  the  nattern  in  the 

I  don't  think  she  is  very  happy. 

though 

Re•,,.  M4°c'  aT  ~r'I" ~ 
Hovsl! 

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r 

·<°•'jk"r 

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tt E t-l A.J 

t\w."1: 

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1935-23 

carpet  see  in  the  frost  bitten  tulip  the  blighted  lives  and  hopes 
of  those  gone  before. 
will  happen  again. 
to  the  cause  of  peace.  How  will  I  feel  5-10  years  from  now1  I  long 
to  believe  that  there  is  something  more  for  those  who  have  gone  through 
such  hell  for  a  cause  never  fully  understood.  Do  we  understand  it  today? 

I  belong  to  a  different  age  and  wonder  if  it 
I  fear  it  will  and  would  like  to  dedicate  my  life 

Mary  was  out  of  sorts  tonight.  We  went  for  a  drive. 

I  thought  she 

I  feel  terrible  when  she  is  morose  like  this.  At  times 

was  angry. 
we  seem  so  close,  at  other  times  so  distant. 
of  me. 
Mar.  31.  Sunday.  Mary  drove  me  back  to  college  this  mornin~.  She 
seemed  in  better  spirits. 

If  we  weren't  cousim,  would  we  share  more  of  each  other? 

I  wish  she  could  meet  me  in  Chicago. 

I  wonder  what  she  thinks 

Dad  brought  me  my  marks  this  afternoon.  5  "A  "s.  Feel  pretty  good . 

He  said  things  were  somewhat  better  on  ~he  home  front.  Didn't  stay  long. 
He  is  living  at  the  farm  and  mother  is  living  in  town  with  Paul  and 
Jim. 

I  gave  him  a  new  tie. 

Good  to  see  Bob  when  he  returned  a  little  drunk  and  very  talkative. 

He  was  still  talking  when  I  fell  asleep. 
Monda y,  April  1.  Snowing  this  morning .  Looks  quite  dreary  for  the  first 
day  of  ~pring  term.  Changed  my  schedule  and  looke d  over  some  of  the 
Songs  popular  during  the  World  War  and  many  pictures  of  the  battlefields. 
in  France.  our  International  Relations  Club  is  to  renresent  France  and 
Lithuania  at  the  Model  League  assembly  at  Northwestern  Univ.  in  Chicago. 
Wayne  University  is  sending  five  delegates.  Mr .  Fields  was  rather  nut 
out  at  me  today  for  things  in  general. 

Went  down  to  Eastern  High  School  to  see  Principal  Dwight  Rich.  He 

met  me  in  his  office,  carpeted  and  much  better  furnished  than  when  I  was 
a  student  there.  He  is  still quite  accessible,  tall,  big  boned  with 
a  blue  suit,  executive  appearance.  He  seemed  pleased  to  see  me  and 
offered  several  ideas  regarding  looking  for  a  job.  No  o~nin~s  here, 
of  course.  Prior  experience  a  basic  requisite.  Met  Mr .  Peterman,  Bi~ 
and  blustery,  head  of  the  Business  Education  Dept.  and  Mr.  Russell  Gilson, 
chairman  of  the  Social  S'fudies  Dept.  and  arranged  to  visit  some  of  his 
classes,  possibly  do  some  teaching  later.  Everyone  is  so  anxious  to 
get  a  job.  He  starts  in  his  history  classes  with  the  present  and  angles 
back  to  periods  that  tie  up  with  current  events.  He  is  a  small  intent 
man  who  takes  himself  quite  seriously . 
teacher  he  .is -.:  a bout  as  dry  as  a  corn  husk . 

Some  students  thou~ht  as  a 

19)5-24 

April).  Chicago.  At  Northwestern  University  we  had  lunch  in  a 
small  Gothis  dining  room  with  vaulted  ceiling  painted  red  and  blue. 
The  pillars  were  brick.  Bhields  with  Ia.tin  inscriptions  hung  on  the 
walls.  Many  splendid  looking  you,people  here;  intelligent,  well  bred. 
International  affairs  dominates  every  conversation.  Came  to  Chica~o 
on  a  rattling  bus. 

Arrived  at  Grandmothers  in  time  for  dinner. 

(  complete  notes  of  the  con~·erence  written  in  another  note-book  which 

has  been  lost) 

April  4.  Chicag~.  Riding  on  the  elevated  noted  a  woman  with  hair  dyed 
red  and  heavy  penciled  eyebrows,  protruding  front  teeth.  A  loud 
talke~.  Arrived  in  Evanston  and  enquired  my  way  to  the  Levere  Memorial 
Didn't  realize  I  was  so  close  to  Lake  Michigan;  a  grey  sh~et  of  cloth 
this  morning  with  a  series  of  tucks.  Having  arrived  earlylI  ~ent  to 
the  library  where  I  wrote  to  Prof.  Lyons,  Johr.ston  and  other  friends. 
At  the  luncheon  at  Levere  about  200  were  present.  I  sat  next  to  Prof. 
Robinson  and  his  wife  from  Hillsdale  College.  On  my  right  was  a  youn~ 
aan  from  Superior  State  in  Wisc.,  across  Prof.  Hall  from  Alb;ion  and 
a  fraternity  brother  of  Don  Large.  Miss  Amy  Jones,  solid  and  wholesome 
in  a  red  and\hite  stripped  wool  dress  and  a  red  hat  that  squatted  on 
her  stringey  hair  sat  at  the  speakers·  table  next  to  Mr.  Lardner,  the 
University  Club  President  and  Dr.  Scott,  Pres.  of  Northwestern  rrniv.  He 
gave  a  short  talk.  Doesn't  look  very  presidential.  Dr.  Robinson  from 
the  University  of  Chicago  talked  about  opportunities  for  graduate  studies 
there.  After  luncheon  I  ~et  Prof.  Colgrove,  I.R.C.  Advisor  who  took 
me  to  the  history  bldg  where  I  hoped  to  meet  some  of  the  faculty.  Later 
I  met  Prof.  Cox,  Chairman  of  the. lmtory  Dept.  He  said  that  in  his  15 
years  at  Northwestern  only  5  had  been  fiellowships  in  history  who  hadn't 
already  earned  their  M.A.  degrees,  and  they  had  had  quite  a  bit  of  pull. 
Have  given  up  the  idea  of  being  accepted  here. 
Lasswell  of  the  Univ.  of  Chicago  spoke  on  'Can  Propaganda  Save  Democracyi'. 
An  excellent  talk.  What  a  vocabulary~  Feel  small  and  insignificant. 
Friday,  April  5. 
It's  about  5:30  in  the  afternoon  and  I'm  sittin~  here 
in .the  library  at  Northwestern  in  the  main  reading  room.  Pale  sunli~ht 
highlights  cases  of  books  to  my  right.  This  magnificent  library  is 
modeled  after  the  library  at  Cambridge  in  England. 
inviting,  yet  scholarly.  There  are  many  points  of  interest. 
somewhat  awed.  vaulted  arches  above  cases  of  books  are  richly  carved 
with  vines,  animals  and  birds.  Along  the  top  near  the  ceilin~  abov~ 
gothic  windows  are  corbells,  small  conceits  of  figures  readin~;  a  nun 
laughing  over  a  book,  a  man  nodding,  and  others.  Enjoye d  a  brief  chat. 

This  afternoon  Prof. 

I  feel 

It  is  well ·porportione 

1935-25 

Monday  April  8.  Still  quite  bushed  from  my  ride  home  yesterday,  but 
managed  to  make  8100  class.  Paid  $10.00  on  my  notej .  Honed  to  be 
called  for  an  interview. 

Tuesday,  April  9.  Hitler  has  demanded  the  return  of  Germany's  colonies 
lost  after  the  war. 
Irving  came  out  this  morning.  We  had  breakfast 
together  and  he  went  with  me  to  class.  He  looks  very  fit  but  somehow 
changed  and  I  fe~t  we  will  never  again  possess  that  great  friendship 
which  I  prized  so  highly.  our  old  gang  is  breaking  up.  It!s  always  hard 
for  me  to  accept  inevitable  change. 

Drama  class  nakes  me  want  to  write,  but  haven't  a  single  original 

idea.  Read  A  Doll's  House  and  Beyoici:lour  Power  by  Bjornson. 
Wed.  Aprii...l.Q 
didn't  try  out  for  the  senior  play.  He  is  sending  a  volume  of  his  poems 
to  a  publisher.  Read  me  his  latest  sonnet. 
understand  what  he  sees  in  Eunice. 

Spr.ing  seems  too  slow  in  coming. 

John  Yale  asked  why  I 

I  can't  quite 

It's  good. 

Met  M.  Sage  at  noon  and  went  to  Eastern  with  him  and  obse~ved  Mr. 

Gilson's  class.  He  uses  the?  and  ans.  method  and  I  feel  I  can  handle 
one  of  his  classes  o.K.  Oh,  how  I  should  like  to  teach  at  Eastern~ 
Becoming  increasingly  worried  that  I  won't  be  able  to  find  a  job. 
Contracts  are  being  issued  now.  Rushed  back  to  campus  to  broadcast 
over  W.K.A.R.  with  John  Yale.  Had  only  15  minutes  to  read  over  my 
,part.  Tonight  I  talked  to  the  International  Relations  Club  about  my 
experiences  in  Chicago.  Good  crowd.  Most  of  the  faculty  from  the 
History  Dept.  present.  Welcomed  the  ice  cream  which  Bob  brought  home 
later. 
Thurs.  April  11.  Anthony  Edan,  Sir  John  Simon,  Pierre  La.val  and  Mussolini 

"'et  today  at  Stre.sa  to  decide  upon  the  !future  policy  of  Eur.ope  regarding 

Italy  wants  an  alliance.  G.B.  wants  t~ bring 
Hitler's  remarrnament. 
Germany  into  the  League.  France  talks  about  encirclement  of  Germany. 
Tonight  the  Social  Problems  Club  a  "radical  element··  sent  an 

,, 

,, 

open  letter  to  all  the  students  criticizing  Cleary,  Quello  and  Shaw 
for  refusing  to  let  them  hold  a  meeting  o~  offering  them  any  support 
in :t'he  State  News,  or  supporting  the  right  of  free  speech  under  the 
Constitution. 
~S  radical  as  rumors  have  it.  This  college,  however,  is  too  ~ilitaristic 
to  allow  a  meeting  for  the  cause  of  peace  •  A  student  stopped  in  a.t 
the  house  tonight  and  said  the  engineers  were  ~oing  to  unite  tomorrow 
and  throw  the  leaders  in  the  river. 
of  the  intelligence  of  too  many  of  the  engineer  students .around  here. 

I  rather  sympathize  with:their  cause  because  they  eren 1 t 

It  sounds  about  like  the  leve l 

1935-26 

At  four  o'clock  all  attempt  was  ma.de  to 

Friday,  April  12.  Another  busy  day  at  Eastern  and  on  campus. 
John 
Yale  has  started  a  novel.  our  next  play  is  Sherl.cian·s,  Tne  Riv.a.ls. 
I'm  Bob  Acres,  an  English  fop. 
hold  an  anti-war  meeting .on  the  porch Jof  the  Farm J{ouse,  on  Grand  River 
Ave.  across  from  the  Home  Ee.  bldg.  Weisner  and  his  followers,  a 
Univ.  of  Mich.  grad  named  Wilsie,  and  a  Rew.  from  ·the  Unitarian  Church 
gathered  on  the  front  porch.  With  a  group  of  friends  I  watched  from 
It  wasn't  long  before  a  sizable  crowd 
the  roof  of  the  Home  Ee.  Bldg. 
gathered  and  Wiesnei\pegan  to  speak  with  only  a  bridge  table  between  him 
and  the  crowd.  He  barely  began  to  ~alk  when  he  was  greeted  by ·a  barage 
of  rotten  fruit  and  vegetables.  An  orange  struck  him  directly  in  the 
eye,  knocking  off  his  glasses.  He  stock  his  ground,  however,  and  intro 
duced  Mr.  Wilsie.  We  now  went  over  to  join  the  crowd.  Traffic  and 
jeers  and  hooting  made  it almost  impossible  to· hear  Wilsie  who  shouted 
"We  are  not  communists  or  socialists  or  against  the  government.  We 
If  any  of  you  want  to 
merely  want  to  talk  agai~fwar  and  for  peace. 
talk  in  favor  of  war,  you  may  express  your  views.  Of  course,  I  recognize 
your  prerogative  to  throw  me  in  the  river. 
exercised. ,  Spurred  on  b~  adyanced  R. Q. T.C  students,the  mob  sur~ed 
forward  seized  those  on  the  front  porch  and  trundled  them  off  for 
a  dunking  in  the  Red  Cedar  :.: a..:  quarter  mile  distant.  Furious  and  heart 
sick  I  wal~ome  against  the  strong  wi nd.  Outwardly,  l i ke  Pont i us  Pi l ot 
the  Co l lege  has  tended  to  ignore  the  whole  affair,  yet  I  feel  the 
administration  approves  of  this  mob  action.  Certa i n l y  Sec.  of  the 
College  John  Hannah  has  approved,  having  stated  ear lj er  that  the 
Social  Probl~ms  Club  and  their  il k  were  a  bunch  of  radicals  that  ought 
to  be  dunked  in  the  river.  The  Social  Problems  Club  has  been  refused 
recognition  by  the  College  and  the  faculty  and  was  denied  a  meet in~ 
place.  Even  Peoples·  Church  refused  to  let  the  Club  hold  a  meetin~ 
on  the  front  steps  of  the  church.  With  the  Michigan  Legislature  now 
in  session,  the  College  administration  is  in  mortal  fear  that  any 
countenance  of  "radicalism"  would  result  in  appropriation  cuts  similar 
to  that  sustained  by  the  u.  Of  M.  for  taking  a  more  conciliatory 
attitude  toward  tha ·.  anti-war  rally  there.  Reported  that  it  cost-t 
the  university  ~8,000  in  appropriations. 
I  was  disgusted  with  the 
police- who _only  looked  on  and  smiled.  Perhaps  I  attach  too  much  to 
this  deplorable  inc i dent,  ye t 
it  i s  mo st  d isturb i ng .  Tom  Mo rr is  appr oved . 
He  didn' t  su pport  t he  "agi t a t or s ··  whi le ,  i n  a  s ense ,  I  do . 

l ooking  at  it  in  t ~rms  of  futur e  portents 

This  was  ct, nero~~tive  soon 

I rv  decide dl y  d idn 't. 

Tooi(.i.2r ances  .Sul livan  t o  a.  dinner  tonight  a t  S i l verma ns. 

19)5-27 

Later  Tom,  Phyllis  Hooten,  and  Lois,Brightman,  long  one  of  my 
favorite  gals,  joined  us.  Lois  looked  charming  in  her  long  formal  dress 
It  was  an  evening 
tafata  white  wrap,  a  cluster  of  cowslips  at  her  neck. 
of  bantering  conversation. 
I  think  Lois  is  engaged.  to  Chuck,  but  she 
denied  it.  Later  we  went  dancing.  Frieda  dances  with  such  ease.  She 
was  attractive  in  a  brown  dress  tri.mmed  in  green.  Lois  went  home  first. 
I  didn't  kiss  her  good-night.  Sometimes  wonder  why  I  haven't  been  more 
ardent,  but  have  felt  for  some  time  she  preferred  Chuck.  At  least  his 
family  has  money..  When  I  got  home  the  room  smelled  strongly  of  po-pcom. 
Bob  '!tunted  as  I  crawled  into  bed. 
Sat .  April  13.  Up  early  to  get  work  done. 
Wm.  Powell  in ''ihe  Thin  Man•, 

In  ajternoon  downtown  to  see 

I  feel 

He  has  done  some  excellent 
Stayed  home  toni~ht  and 
me  think  during  the  night 

Sun.  April  14.  Dad  arrived  at  noon  looking  quite  dapper. 
sorry  for  him,  knowing  he  is  lonely .  Admire  him  for  taking  what  work 
he  can,  helping  out  at  Jewett's  farm,  working  in  a  gas  station,  in 
addition  to  the  few  hours  he  can  work  at  the  REO.  We  went  to  vandugterens 
for  a  smelt  dinner. 
John  Young  was  there. 
pencil  drawings.  Such  talent  to  be  envied. 
read.lhe  New  York  Times !  Strong  winds  made 
that  the  back  of  winter  was  broken. 
Mon .  April  15.  Winter  much  in  evidence .  The  ~round  covered  with  snow. 
A  harsh,  piercing  wind  hurried  me  across  camPUs.  Bob  returned  this 
Some  aspersions  cast.  The  usual 
morning  with  a  cake  he  had  baked. 
whenever  anything  is  done  unconventional.  Talked  with  Faye  Baumgardner, 
Dean  of  Girls  at  Eastern  where  I  will  teach  classes  in  U.S.  History 
tomorrow. 
dramatic. 
gov't  in  Bedford,  Mass.  Richly  deserved.  He  dropped  over  last  night 
for  a  chat.  We  remain  disturbed  over  the  treatment  of  Louis  Weisner 
and  those  in  The  Social  Problems  Club.  Predict  Clark  will  ~o  places 
in  this  world. 

Her  friendly  manner  encouraging.  Finished  ''Ghosts'·\.  Intensely 

Harlan  Clark  has  won  a  ·$JOO  scholarship  to  a  school  of 

Met  Frieda  in  the  library  tonight.  We  discusssed  "Ghosts':  Later 

in  her  apt.  she  brewed  a  pot  of  tea  and  served  some  tasty  twisted  rolls, 
chocolate  cookies  and  Russian-dewish  candy  ma.de  of  honey  and  almonds. 

Back  in  my  room  Bob  wanted  me  to  share  some  egg-nog  whiskey  ice 

cream  and  his  cake.  Distended  belly~ 
Wed •  A pr i 1  17 
to  a  whore  house  which  cost  him  only  ~2 . 00  He  has  a  room  across  the 
ha ll  from  us.  Rn  egotist  with  an  oc casiona l  mean  ton.~e.  Blond,  Acts 
more  rugge d  than  he  actually  is. 

Bud  has  returned  from  Detroit  bragging  about  his  visit 

1V1r.  Fields  has  a  new  Pontiac.  Angry  because  he  has  only  one  head 

lightt\.~-t- wo-<\(s 

'l'hursday  April  1~.  Received  commendations  from  Mr.  Gilson  today 
for  the  way  I  taught  his  history  classes  at  ~astern.  One  ~irl  thought 
I  was  trying  to  embarrass  her  by  calling  on  her. 

, 

~at.  April  20 
yesterday. 

I  bought  a  pair  of  white  shoes. 

How  welcome  the  warm  sun.  Bob  and  I  went  downtown 

Dad  came  today  and  gave  me  ~10.00.  Most  welcome. 

James  came  with 

him  and  we  played  golf  this  afternoon  and  later  went  to  the  M.S.C. 
Northwestern  baseball  game. 

Received  a  bid  to  join  Phi  Kappa  Phi, .National  HonoPary  Scholastic 
Tonight  Bud  and  I  went  for  a  tandem  bike  ride.  What  fun. 

Fraternity. 
Later  we  bought  fixin ··s  for  strawberry-shortcake  and  a  bouquet  of 
sweet  peas  for  Mrs.  Perry. 

~unday-Ea ster  Apr.  21  Breakfast  with  Frieda;  strawberries  and  waffles 
with  maple  sirup,  followed  by  tennis.  Later  we  searched  for  violets  in 
the  woods.  Lots  of  hypatica,  no  violets.  Following  the  river  oath, 
we  enjoyed  watching  the  ducks.  She  is  quite  charming. 
have  made  a  better  choice. 

Irving  couldn't 

Bud  and  I  played  tennis  this  afternoon.  Have  enjoyed  his  company 

I  guess  I  really 

this  week.  Most  of  the  other  roomers  have  gone  home  for  Easter . 
Tonight  we  enjoyed  "David  Copperfield",  Freddie  Ba thalomew,  excellent. 
Friday,  April  26.  Nothing  much  happened  these  past  few  days.  Disappointe 
when  Mr.  Rich  f~.led  to  show  up  for  our~pointment. 
Tonight  Lbi£,  Fred  Cook  and 
don't  need  anymore  recommendations. 
I  went  to  the  Gables  to  dance.  Choked  on  an  orangeade  and  had  ~Y 
feet  stepped  on.  Lois  is  quite  appealing. 
Chuck. 
Wed  May  1 
talk  on  Russia  rather  boring,  ~espite  the  fact  that  he  recently  visited 
that  country.  Lately  I  find  myself  becoming  increasingly  dissatisfied , 
intb lerant  and  reactionary.  We  seem  to  live  in  a  shallow,  conceited 
society. 
Certainly  Iw.,  a  long  way  from  bearing  many  marks  of  an  educated  man. 
Hopes  for  a 
job  are  glimmering.  An  education  doesn't  increase  one's 
happiness  or  sense  of  security. 

International  Relations  Club  meeting  tonight.  Mr.  Ulrey's 

I  am  opposed  to  many  policies  and  rules  of  the  college. 

I'm  sure  she  will  marry 

Tonight  was  our ftrst  senior  dance  and  I  was  determ i ned  to  enjoy 

myself.  Met  John  Yale  and  Charlotte  Pike 

John  has  just  returned  from 

Detroit.  He  and  his  father  had  taken  down  a  keg  of  sweepings  from 
his  father's  dental  office  to  have  the  gold  si,ted  out. 

1935-29 

Thurs.  May  2.  Played  tennis  with  Les,  Tom  and  Fred  all  afternoon  then 
we  went  to  the  baseball  game. 

Fr.  Coughlin  has  formed  a  new  party;  The  National  Union  Party 

of  Social  Justice  and  already  has  a  large  following.  Surprised  that 
he  has  broken  so  openly  with  Long  and  Reno. 
f.fiday  Ma;v:  3.  A  beauty  of  a  day.  Bob  and  ! \ pressed  the  Red  Cedar  this 
afternoon  to  stretch  out  in  the  sun  on  a  green  knoll.  We  worked 
cross-word  puzzles  and  I  read  to  him  from  a  biography  of  Wilson. 
Graduation  and  leavinp  my  room-mate  will  be  a  wrenching  experience. 
we  have  shared  so  many,  good  times. 

Tonight  I  -~t  to  the  Mortar  Board  Spring  Party  as  Frieda's 

guest.  Esther  Lieberman  and  Julius  Stalberg  went  with  us.  Julius 
loo~very  ti~.  I  didn't  know  that  he  was  on  the  faculty.  He  is 
assistant  to  Michael  Press.  He  is  a  hard  working,  serious  chap  with· 
many  sterling  qualities. 
Friday,  May  10  Fourteen  of  us  l eft  M.S.C.  this  morning  in  the 
rain  for  Ann  Arbor  to  attend  "la  huitieme  session  ordinaire  de  l  1 
assemblie.  Arriving  at  the  Union  Building  at  1:)0  we  registered 
and  had  lunch  in  the  cafeteria.  After  lunch  I  had  a  conference  with 
the  President  du  Conseil  and  representatives  from  Italy  and  Abyssinia. 
It  took  some  time  to :mach  an  agreement  on  what  I  was  to  -present  in  form 
of  a  motion  to·  the  council.  At  length  we  reached  a  form  of  presentation 
whictcas  Rapporteur  I  had_ to  present. 

1.  Petition  de  la  Yougaslavia  au  conseil  de  la  Society  des  Nations 

au  sujet  des  contestation  de  frontieres  entra  la  Hongrie  et  l a  iougslavia. 

2.  Petition  de  l'  Abyssinia  au  sujet  du  different  Italo-Abyssinia. 
J.  La  note  Franco-Italienne  concernant  le  rearmement  de  l'  Allema~e. 
The  Yugoslavian  delegation's  report  was  unbearably  lon~.  We 

,passed  notes  asking  the  representative  to  sit  down,  but  he  refused. 
I  ma4e  my  rapporteurs  report  very  brie -~  and  after  my  case  had  been  settled 
left  the  meeting. 

Mr.  Fields  and  I  were  quartered  at  Phi  Delta  Alpha  Fratet"t'\itj.c. , 

A  large  slobbering  English  bull  greeted  us.  A  student  took  us  to  a 
large  room  upstairs  with  a  fire-place  and  two  dressing  rooms.  We  quickly 
dress•~how  thin  Mr.  Fields  is)  for  dinner  held  in  the  Union  Ball  Room. 
~ir  Herbert  Ames,  former  treasurer  of  the  LeaS?;Ue  of  Nations 1 spoke  on 
It  was  mostly  a  rehash  of  recent  even ts. 
"Hitler  at  the  Crossroads·•. 

1QJ5-JO 

I  was  up  and  away  ear~y  to  meet  Elijah  Poxen  and  M. 

After  dinner  several  of  us  went  to  the  Mardi  Gras  at  the  Women's 
Building  for  a  jolly  time. 
Sat.  May  11.  Mr.  Fields  slept  on  the  second  floor,  I  on  the  third  at 
the  Frat  House. 
Du  Bois  at  the  Law  Library.  With  its  ~othic  English  atmosphere  it 
is  one  of  my  favorite  buildings  at  the  university.  Mr.  Fi elds  joined 
us  for  b'lcsit  and  told  about  his  student  days  at  1)3.rtmouth  College. 
Enjoyed  talking  later  with  Martin  Wagner,  Rhodes  Scholar,who  is  to 
study  at  Oxford  and  Philip  van  Zils  off  for  Geneva  to  attend  a  seminar 
this  summer  at  the  League.  These  high-powered  cape.ale  students  dwarf 
me. 
second  plene.ry_session  At  lunch,  Prof.  Polltick,  Chairman  of  the 
Po l itical  Science  Dept.,was  the  speaker.  Unimpressed.  Next  year  the 
Model  League  Assembly  will  be  held  at  M.S.C.  While  I  wasn't  overly 
impressed,  it's  good  to  realize  that  many  young  peonle  are  interested 
in  foreign  affairs  and  the  international  situat i on. 
to  work  for  world  peace  and  international  understanding. 

During  the  morning  attended  severl  committee  meetings  and  the 

It  spurs  my  desire 

Tonight  went  over  to  the  Home  Ee.  bldg.  with  Bob.  We  sat  in  the 

Home  Ee.  apt.  waiting  for  the  dance  to  end  and  then  I  helped  Bob _clean 
the  area  before  going  to  Kewpee  for  hamburgers. 
Mon.  May  13.  His  Royal  Highness,  King-Emperor,  George  V  ce l ebrated 
hi s  .jub'.1. l e  in  London  today. 
comm~~on.  The  King  is  well  liked  by  the  English  people  and  has 
been  the  object  of  admiration  by  many  nations.  He  has  become  a  symbol 
of  hope,  faith  and  stability.  His  crown  is  secure. 
Strawberries  are  only  13¢  a  quart  today. 

I  heard  poet  John  Maysfie l d  g i ve  a  poem  in 

I  bought  a  quart,  milk, 

rye  bread  and  peanut  butter  for  lunch  in  my  room.  The  berries  were  a 
bit  sour,  but  tasted  like  spring. 

We  might  as  well  be  living  in  the  tropics,  we  have  had  so  much 

rain. 

Paul  and  Dad  stopped  by  and  Dad  gave  me  $4. oo.  Pau l  is  l ooking 

very  fit  and  was  looking  forward  to  some  new  clothes.  ~,~ has  a  summer 
job  in  a  grocery  store  in  Mason. 

~ 

~ 

Tue s,  May  14  Joined  the  Carl  Albert  Teachers'  Agency.  Studied  in  the 
Library. 
Impressed  by  The  Weavers  by  Hauptmann.  Enjoyed  C~~1(-ano  de 
Bergerac  and  Escape  by  Nitti.  Bob  didn't  come  home  until  3  a,m.  and 
destroyed  a  good  night•s  sleep. 
we.  May  15.  Enjoyed  the  band  concert  tonight.  Bought  a  Wolverine  and 
pa id  Mrs.  Robinson  -p2. 00  I  owe d  her.  A ~od  l ette r  from  Mary.  Rain  as 
usual 

Thursday  May  16.  Up  at  6  to  study.  Continental  Drama  f i na l  worrisome 

1935-31 

me.  Lyon~  Blue-book  not  too  difficult.  Made  a  silly  error  in  givin~ 
Santo  Domingo  to  Denmark.  Confused  with  the  Virgin  islands. 

In  mid  afternoon  the  sun  appeared  and  I  headed  for  the  showers. 
X  borrowed  my  soap  and  used  most  of  it.  Y borrowed  my  towel.  During  a 
walk  through  Beal  Gardens  to  enjoy  the  bloom  of  a  few  tulips  sighted  a 
brown  thrush.  Saucer  magnolias  on  the  hill  are  a  billow  of  pink. 

The  profession  of  being  a  Professor  is  as  follows  said  Prof 

Ruth  Johnston. 

1.  Be  a  student  (have  an  abiding  faith  in  the  th~ you  are  studyin~. 
2.  Be  a  teacher 

~•  Know  one  field  of  knowledge  well. 
b.  Have  an  appreciation  for  all  fields  of  lmowledge. 
c.  Enjoy  mixing  with  people  and  becoming  acquainted  with  them. 

Have  faith  in  people. 

d.  develop  a  sense  of  appreciation  and  love  of  beauty. 

J.  Contribute  something  productive  to  the  activity  in  which  you 

are  engaged. 

,,,, 

Completed  a  pa.per  on  The  Political  Economic  Doctrine  of  Fascism 
and  don't  feel  quite  as  prejudiced  toward  Fascism.  Born  from  the  womb 
of  economic  chaos,  itcppears  to  have  justified  its  existence  economically. 
Although  the  Italians  are  deprived  of  many  liberities  there  seems  to  be 
a  great  emphasis  on  honesty,  cleanliness  and  courage.  After  reading 
Nitte •' e.scape,  Fascism  doesn't  loom  as  great ,  yet  these  cjrcumstances 
seem  as  much  a  photographic  picture  of  ma.n's  nature  as  an  expos~  of  the 
evils  of  Fascism.  A  political  democracy~  seems  impossible  unless  an 
economic  democracy  exists. 
satl.  May  18.  Bought  a  light  blue  sweater  and  had  another  laid  away, 
knowing  I  shall  be  broke  before  the  week  ends.  Went  to  the  Alpha  Gamma 
Rho  party  with  Elizabeth  Lamb.  Service  at  Mathews  Ice  Cream  parlor  poor. 
Sunday  May  19.  Tried  to  write  a  poem  to  Mother .  Am  envious  of  John  Yale 
and  his  writing  ability.  How  I  wish  I  could  help  the  family  end  their 
domestic  strife.  Disheartening  to  feel  so  helpless  and  yet,  in  a  sense, 
feel  that  I  am  well  out  of  the  turmoil  that  must  exist. 
Monday ,  May  20 
yest&rday.  The  meat  smelled  very  suspicious.  Think  it  the  cause  rather 
tha~  rhubarb  pie. 
in  American  History.  Hope  it  doesn't  mean  that  I  will  have  to  take  the 
final.  Miss  Johnston  said  Mr.  Lyons  told  her  my  score.  He  would~  Rec'd 
95  on  blue  book  in  Johnston's  class. 

Feel  quite  ashamed  of  the  85  received  on  my  blue-book 

Severe  stomach  upset  after  dining  at  Hunts  Food  Shop 

The  History  of  the  Borgias  is  complicated.  Last  ni~ht  I  traced 

down  the  "Virginius  Affair ..  preceeding  the  Sµ,.nish  American  War.  ~The 
Life  of  White"'by  Allan  Nt'li.ns  is  quite  well  written.  White  was  a  dio l orr.ate 

1935-32 

with  considerable  acumen. 

Fred  wet  the  bed  this  morning. 

I  found  him  sleeping  on  a  ~per. 
Tom  King  and  I  plan  to  buy  him  a  rubber  pad  or  bed  pan.  Bob,  Bud  and 
Fred  have  gone  to  Pine  Lake  tonight  with  two  pints  of  Blackberry  wine. 
We  have  had  quite  a  few  arguments  of  late  over  chain  letters. 
Tom  worries  about  the  plight  of  the  last  man  in  the  U.S.  who  gets  a 
letter  for  money  and  will  be  left  holding  the  bag4 

Much  grunting  early  this  evening  in  the  next  room.  Bud  informed 

me  later  they  had  been  playing  ..  pig". 
Monday  May.  27.  Haven't  made  an  entry  for  several  days.  At  last  warm 
wonderful  days  arrived  just  right  for  tennis  and&nning  on  the  river 
bank.  Last  week,  Doris,the  attractive  blond  who  has  a  room  down  stairs, 
had  some  friends  down  from  Alpena  and  we  all  went  to  a  beer  garden 
I 
where  I  had  my  first  glass  of  ale.  Not  bad.  Marjorie,the  girl 
went  with,was  a  good  dancer  but  a  bit  addled. 

I  have  been  writing  all  over  for  jobs.  No  luck. 

I  had  dinner 

If  ever  I  have  a  home  of 

sat.,  June  1.  Tonight  Doris,  Fred  Cook  and  his  gal  Lucy  and  I  went 
to  the  Dells  at  Pine  Lake  for  a  great  time.  Later  we  had  ginger-ale 
floats. 
Sunday  June  2.  This  morning  Paul  and  Dad  came  after  me. 
with  Mother,  a  rather  stilted  affair  and  afterwards  moved  my  thin~s 
ou~  of  the  house.  Mother  and  Dad  are  getting  a  divorce  so  this  was 
my  last  meal  at  home.  Moving  out  was  one  of  the  hardest  things  I  ever 
did---too  sad,  too  upsetting  to  dwell  upon  or  write  about.  More  than 
anything  I  have  always  longed  for  a  home. 
my  own  I  hope  God  will  ~tlp  me  to  make  it a  home  filled  with  love 
and  happiness,  never  to  be  torn  asunder. 
Tonight  I  wish  I  could 
talk  with  Bob,  yet  feel  he  would  never  understand  what  I  want  to 
say.  Do  I  really  know  myself?  Much  as  I  dread  leaving,  there  are 
moments  when  I  wish  the  parting  was  over  and  done  with.  TimP.  is  a.. 
grea t  healer. 
June  J.  IV1oriday.  Attended  the  Phi  Kappa  Phi  banquet  tonight  with  John 
xale  and  Dick  o¥uell. 
he  is  the  first  among  us  to  have  signed  a  teaching  contract.  Will 
teach  in  Mason.  He  plans  to  spend  the  summer  in  Mexico.  Said  he  had 
been  drunk  almost  every  night  and  enjoys  it.  He  said  it  was  easy  for 
him  to  fall  in  love  with  both  sexes. 
about  him.  Can  Mason  accept  his  unusual  ideas?  He  told  of  going  to 
Louis  Grouvere·s  auction  and  rumaging  throu~h  his  turnk,  findin~ 
rouge ,  lipstick,  hypodermic  needles,  rollers  for  the  chin,  and 

John  was  quite  the  target  of  questions  since 

'l'here  is  something  quite  intrigui'!'"l~ 

1935-33 

supporters  of  every  description.  He  said  Grouvere  was  a  famous  German 
actor.  Many  of  his  personal  belongings  were  offered  for  sale  last 
John  bought  a  cigarette  case. 
week  to  cover  some  storage  charges. 
He  is  through  with  Eunice  after  a  night  at  his  cottage  on  the  river. 
~we  both  got  into  bed  and  sort  of  bundled.  Then  we  both  undressed 
and  Eunice  started  to  cry  and  that  ended  that.~  John  has  turned  to 
··wealthy"  Dorothy  Allen.  Eunice  continues  to  wander  around  with 
her  big  bl ue  eyes  and  bangs  wondering  what  happened. 

Seated  between  Dr.  Hunt  and  Yale  I  had  a  hard  time  engaging  in 

I  envy  Tom  Warner.  She  sails  for 

the  Italio-Abysinian  boundary  dispute  with  Hunt  and  listening  to 
Yale•s  patter.  Dr  Reeves  from  the  u.  of  M.  whom!  have  heard  several 
times  spoke  on  our  Increasing  Responsibilities  in  the  Far  East.  He 
began  by  requesting  that  none  of  his  remarks  be  printed.  We  wore  our 
caps  and  gowns.  Hurds  told  me  to  wear  the  black  tassel.  It  shou l d 
have  been  white,  black  represents  the  schoo l  of  Home  Economics.  We l l, 
if  I  had  been  in  the  schoo l  I  might  have  a  jobtThirty  of  us  were 
initiated  and  the  key  is  quite  impressive.  Had  my  first  opportunity 
to  talk  with  Angelica  Rodne~  tonight.  What  a  charmer  is  Colone l 
~odney's  daughter,  Such  poise. 
Europe  in  early  June. 
June  4  Tuesday  So  much  askew  I  have  fe l t  grouchy.  Bob  says  r · m a 
sour  puss.  Sad\but  true.  Recd  an  R- on  Continenta l  Dr a ma  mid-term 
which  l ets  me  out  of  final.  Finished  my  long  term  on  Religious 
Phi l osophy. 
June  5.  Wed.  Things  looking  brighter.  Wont  have  to  take  any  fina l s. 
Got  in  some  tennis  and  worked  several  hours  in  the  history  office. 
Tonight  Mr.  F"ields  took  me  to  dinner  at  Hunts.  Many  socialites  in 
town  for  the  horse  show.  After  dinner  we  went  to  Miss  Johnston's  and 
on  to  the  horse  show  which  dragged.  Later  stopped  by  Mr.  Fiedls  apt 
and  admired  artifacts  from  Mexico  and  Europe.  He  has  a  fine  l ibrary 
and  coin  col l ection  that  includes  coins  from  the  Tudor  period,  Roman 
and  ancient  Greece.  He  was  a  most  c Ol'l.arming  host  and  I  fee l  he  wi l l 
remain  my  very  good  friend.  His  sincerity,  scho l arly  achievements, 
coupl ed  with  a  fine  sense  of  humor  and  human  insight  make  a  man  one  can 
appreciate  lmowing  and  having  as  a  friend. 

•r he  days  have  run  together.  It's  as  i f  I'm  the  swan 

June  9  Sunday. 
song  of  my  co l lege  years.  There  was  the  quick  trip  to  Indianaoo li s 
with  Buthen kirk,  Cook}J ohn son  and  Fred  Schroe der  to  see  the  r a ce s 
.Adm i ss ion  $2 .5 0  was  too  much.  We  mi lled  a bout 
at  t he  Speed-Way • 
in ~ the  center  and  \'\.~E"  seemed  to  l ast  forever.  Fred  and  I  took  c'-

1935-)4 

cat-nap  and  missed  an  accident  in  which  a  driver  was  killed,.  There  were 
plenty  of  drunks  waving  beer  bottles  about,  guitar  players,  and  families 
wi. th ·:picnic  baskets.  Stock  trucks  l loaded  with  people  and  scaffolding 
pulled  into  the  center  and  erected  platforms.  Extra  seats  were?.  soon 
sold  out.  There  were  33  entries,  a  2000  piece  band,  many  army  planes 
overhead.  The  National  Guard,  armed,  was  much  in  evidence.  Fred  thought 
them  a  tough  looking  lot. 

There  have  been  luncheons  and  dinners  with  Fields,  Johnston  and 

friends.  Have  enjoyed  picnics,  swimming,  tennis  and  dancing  at 
Pleasant  Lake  and  The  Dells  at  Pine  Lake.  Lois  and  I  continue  to  hit 
it  off  quite  well.  She  never  mentions  Chuck. : 

Contacted  superintendents  in  Battle  Creek,  Belvue,  and  Charlotte. 

No · teaching  vacancies. 

June  10.  Monday.  ¥inished  reading  my  last  freshmen  outside  reading 
reports  for  the  History  Department 

~ommencement  was  at  10:30  this  morning.  The  address  by  Dr.  Meim 

,, 

~ 

A  man,  he  said,must  be  able  to  think,  to  appreciate 

from  Vanderbilt  University  quite  inspirational.  His  subject:  Inner 
Resources. 
the  beautiful,  to  discriminate,  to  have  an  imagination  and  faith. 
Met  .Dad,  Paul  and  James  after  Commencement.  Sorely  disappointed  that 
Mother  didn't  come.  others  who  came:  Aunt  Hattie  and  Mary,  Uncle 
Bill  and  Aunt  Martha ·,.  from  Fremont.  Several  telegrams  including  one 
from  the  Whites,  and  Voyles.  ~uch  an  eventful  day,  yet  filled  to  the 
brim  in  many  r~spects.  Tom,  Les,  Fred  and  I  had  our  picture  taken 
in  the  back  yard  of  Perry  House  in  froniof  tulips.  Partying  with  them 
very  difficult. 

What  a  welcome  sight  was  Irving  when  he  arrived  this  afternoon.  He 

sustains  me  like  a  strong  bough. 
June  11  Tuesday  More  farewells.  Received  a  touching  note  from  Miss 
Johnston.  The  campus  was  so  lovely  this  afternoon.  Unforgettable. 
Hoped  to :pend  this  last  evening  with  Bob,  but  Doris  had  other  plans  for 
him.  Couldn't  sleep.  Rose,  dressed  and  walked  across  the  campus  to 
sit  for  a  time  at  the  foot  of  Beaumont  Tower  and  ga%e  up  at  a  star  filled 
sky. 
home,  arriving  with  a  deep  sense  of  inner  peace.  Bob  was  in  bed  and 
apologized  for  not  being  with  me.  We  felt  very  close  together  throughout 
the  night. 
June  12 ,  Wednesday 
rl • •  T.C.  training. 

Up  early  for  Bob  was  off  to  Fort  Custer  for  advance d 
He  looked  a  bit  awry  in  his  ill  fitting  uniform  wi th ' 

I  hope  God  understood  what  I  want  to  say.  Finally  strolled  slowly 

1935-35 

I  washed  out  his  mess-kit  and  we 

shoes  too  large  and  wide  brirried  hat. 
hurried  to  the  Cafe  and  wolfed  down  toast  and  coffee. 
little  after  six  when  we  headed  for  demonstration  hall.  we  parted  at 
the  Tower,  both  turning  away  quickly  and  heading  in  opposite  directions. 
Returned  ho~e  and  finished  packing.  waited  for  Dad  all  day  but  he  dind't 
come.  Had  a  date  with  Doris  tonight.  Missed  Bob  when  I  returned  to  my 
room.  No  one  to  bring  ice  cream  or  Qay  good  night  to. 

It  was  a 

June  13A--.Thursday  Rev.  John  Adams,  minister  at  the  Prebysterian  church 
in  Mason  came  and  noon  and  we  left  for  Detroit,  arrivingcbout  J.JO.  After 
lu~ we  ~ook  a  drive  along  Lake  Shore  Drive  past  the  stately  mansions. 
How  I  would  like  to  teach  at  Grosse  Pointe  High. 
with  John  and  his  mother. 

Spent  the  night 

June  14,  Friday.  Took  the  examination  for  intelt\Ship  at  Grosse  Pointe 
Hi~'A;  School.  Long,  a  lot  about  general  education  and  educational 
psychology. 
I  wouldn't  want  to  hire  an  intern  on  the  basis  of  this 
test.  Afterwards  too~a  bus  down  Jefferson  and  caught  a  Grand  Ri ver 
Street  car  and  rode  11  miles  to  the  city  limits  where  I  caught  a  ride 
with  an  oil  salesman  to  East  Lansing.  He  was  a  pleasant  chap.  Said 
he  had  invented  a  tooth  pa.s1e.tube  closer,  a  bean  shooter,  and  a  parachute 
for  negroes  that  was  shot  from  a  gun.  He  shot  quite  a  line.  Had 
played  football  with  Crawley. 

Went  on  a  steak  roast  with  Doris,  Tom,  Phyllis,  Frieda  and  Irv. 
Don  Large  and  aev  joined  us.  Good  to  see  Don  again,  but  the  college 
years  have  changed  him  considerably.  Doris  sings  off  key,  kisses  with 
avid  delight  and  smokes  Philip-Morrises,  which  I  don't  like. 

In  a  sense  I  feel  that  she  has  gone  out  of  my  life 
I  can  never 

June  15 1  Sat.  A  SAD  DAY.  Divorce  final.  Paul  awakened•  me  and  drove 
me  to  Mason,  where  I  met  Mother  briefly  as  she  was  leaving  town.  How 
changed,  distant  she  seemed.  Much  seems  to  be  going  on  here  that  I 
don"t  understand. 
and  an  important  chapter  in  my  life  has  come  to  a  close. 
repay  her  for  some  of  the  things  she  taught  me  and  yet  I  never  could 
forget  for  very  long  that  she  was  my  step-~other.  Paul  and  James  are 
my  chief  concern  now. 
Later  in  Dad"s  room  a  few  blocks  away  I  told 
him  that  Mother  had  obtained  her  divorce.  His  body  seemed  to  slump  in 
his  chair.  He  looked  cowed,  thin,  dreadfully  tired.  As  tears  ran 
down  his  cheecks  I  put  my  arms  around  him  and  tried  to  comfort  him. 
I  said  that  I  knew  that  he  was  ~rong  enough  to  conquer  this  sorrow  and 
now  he  must  live  for  Paul  and  J im .  We  spent  the  evening  at  the  gas 
station  in  1V1ason  where  he  works.  He  has  many  friends  and  as  I  ?ow  older 
I  appreciate  increasingly  his  many  sterling  qualities. 

1QJ5-J6 

June  16.  Sunday.  Came  to  Battle  Creek  today  to  live  with  Aunt  Hattie 
and  Uncle  Bert  at  92  N.  Broad.  Dad  and  I  had  a  good  visit  on  the  way 
over  and  ~rting  wasn't  easy.  Hattie  is  so  wonderful. 
possesses  many  qualities  that  I  would  have  found  in  my  own  mother. 
Jobless  and  practically  penniless 1my  cloak  is  one  of  humility  hemmed 
with  thanksgiving. 

I'm  sure  she 

I  have  been  painti"g  bedrooms, 

The  days  are  slipping  by. 

July?  Friday 
worki~g  in  the  rock  garden,  mowi~g  jhe  lawn,  trimming  hedges,  helpi"g 
in  the  kitchen  trying  to  earn  my  keep.  ~verings  I  work  on  my  history 
scrap  books,  read  (Francis  I,  by  Hackett)  write  letters  tryi"g  to  avoid 
becoming  too  i~trospective.  D\  a  sense  I  feel  bereft  of  family. 
Bob  8llman  is  still at  Fort  Custer  and  we  have  been  able  to  see  each 
other  occasio~ally.  Have  had  him  and  a  buddy  to  the  house  for  di~ner. 
Fred  Bentley  at  Custer  too. 

Freque~tly  at  Goguac  I,a.ke  to  spe~d  ti~e  with  Margaret  a~d  Jim  at  their 

pleasant  home.  Not  much  luck  fishing. 

rn  Jackson  and  Marshall  I  was  told  begi~ning  teachers  must  have 

five  year's  experience.  Where  to  get  it? 

Germany  is  re~~W\ing .  The  Nazis  are  threshing  about  and  there  is 

trouble  in  Danzig 

over  200  killed  on  highways  July~-
Roosevelt  is  preparing  a  tax  to  soak  the  rich  which  Cofl gress  is 

Last  year  167 . 

bucking  along  with  anti-utility  measures.  Abyssinia  has  asked  the  U.S. 
to  i~terveNe  in  the  Italian  dispute.  We  have  clammed  up,  but  I  think  a 
reply  is  due. 

July  8.  Monday.  Clea~ed  the  cellar  and  fou~d  a~  old  family  bible  dated 
1791  in  Nottingham.  The  first  name  was  Sarah  Shaw  followed  by  Gree~  a"d 
Huskinson  in  beautiful  script. 

Left  for  r.ansing  at  noon  in  ~t1ma.11 • s  new  ford  al'd  wel\t  directly  to  the 

history  office  where  I  was  stunned  by  the  news  of  Miss  Johnston's  sudden 
death  on  Ju ly  5.  was  thi~king  of  her  only  yesterday.  How  sorry  I  am 
for  w~ .  Fields,  her  great  friend  and  compa.~io~. 
He  cance lled  his  class  and  we  wePt  to  his  apt.  where  he  told  me  the  story 
of her  sudden  death  caused  by  complicatio~s  followi~g  a  thyro id  operatic~. 
What  a  great  loss  to  the  college  and  to  the  history  department.  She  had 
been  a  glorious  friend  to  me  and  taught  me  so  ma~y  thi~~s  worthwhile  i n 
living . 
her  at  a  time  when  she  was  doing  so  rr u,n  for  others  seems  almost  crue J. . 
She  loved  and  trusted  in  God  and  with  Him  may  she  fi"d  great  joy . 

I  loved  her  as  my  grea te st  teache r.  That  de~th  should  rob  us  of 

I  fou~d  him  in  his  office. 

Perhaps  she  will  s aa  my  mother,  Miss  c:arre tt  a nd  -~ark. 

r  have  see lt  her 

I  have  seen  her  tonight  standing  before  our  class  i~  a  lovely  light 

19)5--37 

spring  dress,  a  large  red  flowar  in  fron~. 

July  l},  Saturday.  Caught  a  ride  with  a  chauffeur  in  a  big  Packard  enroute 
to  Lansi"g·  He  talked  about  the  wheat  cro p  a~d  said  that  he  owTied  a  small 
trucki~g  busi~ess  and  sold  trailers.  He  said  he  wasn't  really  a  chauffeur 
but  enjoyed  wearing  a  chauffeur's  cap.  The  illusio~  suited  me  fine. 

Took  a  bus  to  East  La~sing  and  arrived  in  time  for  lunch  with  Mrs. 
Perry.  Later  I  went  to  see  Prof.  Ryder  at  his  hoffle  on  Evergreen  to  broach 
the  subject  of  working  in  the  History  Dept.  this  fall.  He  received  th!idea 
better  than  I  anticipated,  but  added  that  everything  was  very  untertaiTI. 
He  is  going  to  preach  at  Peoples  Church  tomorrow  as  Dr.  Mccune  is  i~ Eruope 
for  a  well  earned  vacation.  Dr.  Ryder  wanted  me  to  see  Mrs.  Ryder  and 
their  flower  ga~den.  She  was  sprinkling  her  flowers  and  could~'t  turn  off 
the  hose  so  we  kept  a  dry  distanc~  until  she  got  her  watering  under  control 
She  wanted  me  to  see  their  wren  house  and  asked  if  I  knew  the  difference 
between  a  singing  and  scolding  wren.  She  spoke  of  Y~s.  Joh~ston~s  funeral 
and  the  many  flowers,  the  failure  of  the  precher  to  talk  without  stopping, 
t-ha  lovely  little  mother  and  handsome  father. 
town.  No  paved  streets.  Mrs.  Ireland  was  there  a"'d  said  that  she  really 
never  understood  Mrs.  Johnston,  but  seeing  her  background  now  she  did. 
Don't  you  think  that  was  a  rather  unusua l  th i ng  for  her  to  say?~ 
did. 

"Rosebush  is  such  a  small 

I 

Spent  the  evening  with  Mrs.  Perry,  a  dear  soul  and  such  a  hard  worker. 

She  read  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Baker  and  we  talked  of  old  times. 

etired  at  11:00.  Fred  Cook  came  in  at  4:00  and  we  talked  until  dawn. 

July  15i  Monday  Met  with  Prof.  Lyon  this  after~oon  to  discuss  working  in 
the  history  dept. 
thing. 
and  rates  higher  with  Lyon  than  I  do.  Ryder 1s  influence  my  best  bet. 

I  fear  th· at  he  will  prove  a  serious  conte~der  as  he  has  his  M.A. 

He  said  that  Hanley  Albig  had  asked  for  the  same 

Saw  Miss  Tocgood  briefly,  English  teaher  at  Eastern  High.  She  said  the 

..... 

Education  Dept.  at  MichijA.ti  State  was  l'\o  damned  good. 
''If  I  can  hel p  you  1ret 
a  job  out  at  .State  I  wi 11,"  she  said.  This  rather  surprised  me  a s  I  a l wr, ys 
felt  rather  low  on  her  Totem  Pole. 
July  18.  Thursday,  Drove  to  East  1,ansing  this  morning  to  see  Dr.  van  Hove~ 
of  the  English  Dept.  arranged  by  Miss  Toogood.  He  was  indefinite  about  my 
becoming  a  theme  reader. 

Ju l y  19,  Fr iday  Dr ove  to  Marshall  to  call  o  Supt .  Holmes .  Found  him  at 
home  with  two  fulack  eyes ,  lar~e  ba ~dage  on  head 1result  of  Rn  auto  ~ccide nt . 
He  looked  cool  i ~  white  slacks ,  u~der - shirt  a n d  s liooers . 
light  wool  coat ,  trying  t o  s t ifle  hay  fever  s neezes  a nd  avoid  sorayin g  hi~ . 

I  roasted  i n ~ 

-I 

He  said  that  I  might  be  co'rlsidered,  but  he  expected  an  applicant  with 

1QJ5-).q 

5  years  experie~ce  would  sign  a  contract  this  week-end. 

Questioll  the  ability  of  Sir  Samuel  Hoare,  Br.  For.  Sec.  "The  Ma"chester 

Guardian"states  he  swam  the  whole  world  in  Jl o  time  without  ever  putting  his 
feet  on  solid  groun~ 

It  wouldn't  surprise  me  to  see  the  Japanese  stick  a  finger  i'rl  the 
ItaliaTI-Ehtiopian  dispute.  Amusing  that  James  Ramse~  ,~""~4 ~~~t.~~f;"t'"" 
draws  ~10,000  as  a  sinecure.  Son  ~lcolm  draws  ~25,000  as  Colonial 
Secretary. 
July  23.  Tuesday.  Spent  the  day  working  on  my  historical  scrao-book  collec 
tion.  Finished  Greece  and  Italy.  Read  i~  to"ight's  paper  that  a  Mr. 
Herrick,  M.A.  was  hired  to  teach  history  and  debate  in  Marshall. 
It 
becomes  a  bit  disheartening  to  realize  so  much  effort  seems  wasted,  but 
I  realize  that  this  is  all  part  of  the  game  a~d  this  is  only  a  small  thin~ 
to  take  off  the  chin. 
applications  that  there  must  be  a  place  somewhere  for  me.  But  idle  hope 
isn't  enough. 

I  have  writte~  so  many  letters  and  sent  so  many 

There  is  a  bad  strike  in  Indiana. 
The  Emperor  of  Ethiopia  is  44  today.  The  Italian Ambassador  refused 

to  attend  his  reception. 

Feeling  a  bit  l onely  tonight  for  the  old  Perry  House  Gan~,  for  a  tramo 
across  the  snow  with  Bob,  for  Lois'  laughter,  Irvings  reassuring  word,  Tom's 
Q.1.ear  eyes  and  flush  of  youth,  and  the  eight  o'clock  dash  to  dear  Mis 
Johnston's  class. 
July  24,  Wednesday-July  28-sunday  in  Ann  Arbor  visting  my  great  Aunt  and 
uncle  and  Grandmother  who  had  come  over  from  Chicago  with  her  bottle  of 
prune  juice. 

Aunt  Mae  Phelps  , ... ~ :,  a  strict  Christia'rl  Scie"tist ,  Her  sister,  Mi l dred 
wi~~ aTJ  agnostic.  Mae  and  her  husband,  Ett ,  a  pharmacist  &-Y-~  co"'serva.tive. 
Mae  keers  Chinese  uriiversi ty  students  duri"'\g  the  school  year.  They ituy.f  a 
large  three  storey  house  on  Cheever  Court ,  a""  ad Ofted  dau~hter,  Ruth,  a 
librarian  and  a  son,  Frank  who  work6·~ for  Michigan  Be 11  a nd  live.9.  i n 
Dearbor n  with  his  family. 
the  single  bath-room  had  been  a  problem,  liste~in.g  to  Mae  and  Mildre d's 
jibes  at  each  other  fi'rlally  became  a  trial  and  Gra..,dmother  has  decided 
that  r"'tneducated,  u"gracious,  undiplomatic,  frank,  insulting  and  l ack 
discriminatio~ . 
she  f ollowed  u p  in  a  l et te r .  Best  a nt i dote: 

~~nd  I  a l ways  thought  you  had  certain  queer  mannerisms«J 

By  Sunday  I  was  ready  to  l eave.  Getti"g  i nto 

rhe  sile~t  tre a tme"t. 

~ugust  13  Tuesday .  uncertainity  about  the  future  since  graduatio"  is  -ike 

a .disease  i Y\fecting  me  periodically .  How  kee ~l y  I  realize  my  i nsigl'\f ica nce 
i ~  this  mad  seeki"g  world . 

Is  ambitio n  just  a..,other  name  for  V8 ~ity? 

Augt.tst  lo,  Friday  Will  Rogers  and  Wiley  Post  were  killed  this  morni~~ 

1935-39 

i~  an  airplane  crash  in  Alaska. 
take  tht5e  me~  oTI  this  flight.  Why,  I  don\t  know.  America  has  lost  one 
of  it's  greatest  humorists.  Rogers  was  a  man  who  brought  joy  to  the 
hearts  of  millions  in  his  films.  His  humor  was  of  the  best  because  it 
made  people  think  after  they  had  laughed. 
Wiley  Post  was  a  pillar  in  aviation. 

I  hMl  feared  that  a  disaster  mi~ht  oover-
7 

It  had  a  philosophical  tin~e. 

our  birth  is  but  a  sleep  and  a  forgetti"g 
The  soul  that  rises  with  us,  our  life 's  star, 
Hath  had  elsewhere  its  setting 
A"d  cometh  from  afar. 
Not  in  entire  forgetfulness 
And  not  in  utter  nakedness , 
But  trailing  clouds  of  glory  do  we  come 
From  God  who  is  our  home. 

Wordsworth 

Interview  this  afternoon  with  Davis,  head  of  Youth  P.dmi"istratio~ 

August  1~ .  Monday  Arrived  in  East  Lansing  at  12 : JO .  Lunch  with  Mrs. 
Robinson. 
and  former  prof,·.:::·  of  economics.  Also  ta~ with  a  Mr .  Paulltz  a11d  Dean 
Emmons .  The  red  tape  one  ha.s  to  go  through  is  trying.  They  seem  to 
have  lost  my  application. 

::spent  the  eve1lil\g  with  Irvi\'\g  and  Tom. 

rt  was  such  haopiness  to  sit 

betwee~  them  and  talk  over  old  times,  expand  to  the  prese~t,  co~jecture 
a bout  the  future.  We  admitted  we  had  hopes  of\ce  of  becomill~  famous,  ma ki ""~ 
ple Y\ty  of  mol'\ey,  discovering  some thing.  Now  our  ambitions  are  no  l o..,~er 
attached  to  some  far  off  stars.  We  are  growing  up!  Their  first  ambitions 
are  to  complete  their  education  followed  by  marriage,  home,  chi ldren • . 
Tom  wants  to  travel. 
all  i l'\de penctence  in  his  work. 
against  the  Jew. 
and  s l ave  for  twenty  years.~ 
ever  beiflg  a  victim  of  discrimination. 

I  so  value  my  i ~dependence  that  I  am  willing  to  wor~ 

Irving  wan.ts  a  piano,  books  a  fire~lace,  and  above 

Neither  Tom  or  I  could  imagine  Irvi""~ 

"Sooner  or  later  there  will  be  discriminatio?l 

I  ask  only  for  the  opportunity  to  teach  afld  for  a  lit t le  mowey  to 
afford  i ndepe ndence.  R" d  I  would  like  a  curley  headed  son  like  Hu~hie. 

we  agreed  that  there  must  be  a  God  al'ld  that  the  greatest  thi,rg  we 

have  just  ~ow  is  a  faith  that  the  shape  of  things  to  come  will  be  better . 
we  hope  that  the  three  of  us  may  always  be  tcgether  a nd  that  Fr'eda, 
rn  the  wee · 
Phyllis  a ~d ?  if  there  ever  •s  ~ne,  will  join  w~th  us . 

mor"i~g  hours  whe~  mosqu i toes  invaded  the  car,  did  we  p~rt . 

1935-40 

Aust  25,  Sunday  A 
l\ew  law  has  been  ~ssed  which  provides  $JO.DO  per  month 
for  post  college  grads.  With  rising  prices  I  do~•t  knowllow  we  ca"  exist 
on  such  a  pittance,  especially  when  one  .co~siders  laundry  a~d  clothes • 

I  have~•t  a  decent  suit  or  a  good  pair  of  shoes  and  \n:  debt  now 

. 

with  li~tle  chance  of  pa.yi~g  it  off. 
~eptember  8  ~u"day.  Heturned  to  .Parry  House 
a~d  was  delighted  to  find 
• 
Bob  had  also  returl"led. 
agai~  to  our  room  so  filled  with  memories,  the  little  scratches -on  the 
the  walls,  the  pictures,  my  old  desk.  Hopefully 1now  at  least ,r  can  return to 
work  o~  my  M.A.  and  for  the  history  department. 

.As  we  talked  I  l\ever  thought  I  would  be  retur,r•og-

Huty  Long  was  seriously  wounded  tol'\ight  at  Ba.to'n  Rouge  The  assassins 

were  immediately 1mowed  dow~  by  Long's  body-guard. 
this  man's  life  for  some  time  and  doubt  that  he  will  survive. 
September  9,  1onday.  Discovered  today  that  my  F .E. :L A •  a polica t ioJ\  must 
be  fil~d  ~~ain  as  a  new  set-up  has  been  arranged. 

I  have  feared  for 

Dr.  Mitche l l  no  lo~ger  seems  to  have  any  i~terest  i n  the  Dept.  of 

~ducation.  He  almost  completely  ignored  me  today.  He  is  ~ow  Dean  of  Me~. 

called  on  President  ~haw,  the  first  time  in  three  years.  His  bi~ 

nose  is  so  red  I  think  if  I  pr~d  it  it  would  go  plop.  The  first  thi~~ 
I  c~sua l ly  me~t i oned  t hP 
he  a sked  was  who  my  father  was  and  what  he  did. 
I  had  worked  i~  the  History  Department  during  my  senior  year  and  had  b•en 
president  of  the  I~ternationa l  Relations  Club.  Suddenly  he  sat  u~ri~ht  and 
his  eyes  ,lared. 
a  cold  steely  torie. 

'What  con\'\ection  have  you  ·with  commul\ism ..  ,  he  asked  iTI 

··None  whatever~·  I  replied  utterly  astotlished  at  his  tone  and  question. 
"But  dol'\' t  you  know  that  organizations  like  yours,  the · 'fNkt;;Pr: .... ,  and 

The  National  Youth  congress  are  only  screens  for  communism?"  he · rasped. 
I  denied  that  the  I~ternational  Relations  Club  had  any  connection 

with  communism  and  was  spo~sored  by  the  c.arnegie  El'\dowment  and  served 
as  a  source  of  enlightment  for  srtude~ts  i~terested  i~  i~ternatio~al 
affairs. 

··r•m  f'lot  iriterested  in  history'",  he  an,.,ounced. 

"  I  leave  that  to 

Professor  tyder:'  With  that  he  rose  and  walked  out  of  his  office.  Still 
completely  taken  aback,  I  slipped  ~W~ij• 

~ 

How  much  those  i~  admi"istration  seem  to  fear  anyo"e  who  attempts 
to  keep  informed  regarding  foreig~  affairs.  The  men  in  oower  here  fe 2 r 
the 
a ge . 

·whc.. t  a  pi °i;;Y  ,I  thoug ht ,tha t  he  i s  Pres ide l1t  of  ); . S. C. 

I  h2.d  fared  Mo  batter  wi t h  hi m three  years 

·t a te  i,e .gisla ture. 

~ ay 1  Sept.  13  Fall  colors,  splashes  of  red,  orange  and  brown,  with  swamps  edged 
in  yellow  flowers,  failed  to  brighten  my  mood  as  Mary  drove  me  slowly  back  to  East 

Lansing.  She  kissed  me  good  luck,  gave  me  $5,00  and  was  gone.  As  soon  as  I  unloaded 

1935-3' 

my  gear  at  Perry  House,  I  went  to  the  Administration  Building  to  make  sure  I  could 

work  on  registration  next  weekj  Next  I  tried  to  see  Dr,  Sexton,  Supt  of/Schools  about 

_ )-A,otr.Jg 

a  last  minute  possible  opening,  but  he  was  unavailable, 

If  only  I  could  find  a  tea~ng  job 

is  the  desire  that  races  through  my  mind  night  and  day,  Downtown  with  Phyllis  and  Tom , 

we  met  John  Yale.  He  waxed  generous,  saying  thtlt  he  would  take  us  all  to  a ','movie, 

but  at  the  last  minute  thought  it would  be  best  if we  all  went  Dutch.  We  drove  him 

home  and  I  agreed  to  meet  him  next  day  for  dinner.and  hear  his  new  poems.  Tom  and 

Phyllis  don't  like  him.  Few  really  seem  to  care  for  him,  but  I  think  he  has  a  rare 

talent  which  I'm  bound  to  admire, 

Dw'ight  Large  is  married  and  living  in  New  Haven  where  be  is  in  the  third  y:ear 

of  Divinity  School,  Serving  as  assistant  pastor  of  a  Congregational  Church , 

Sept.  15 ,  Sunday ,  A  confident  white  haired  gentleman  next  to  me  in  church  sang  with 

inspiring  gusto.  Surprised  when  Dr,  McCune  mentioned  our  recent  meeting  in  his  sermon . 

Saw  Louise  oble  who  is  teaching  in  Okemos .  She  informed  me  that  she  doesn 't drink, 

smoke  and  goes  to  bed  early , 

I  don't  plan  to  ask  her  for  a  date. 

Spent  the  afternoon 

with  Irv,  and  Fr ieda ,  We  took  a  pleasant  drive  into  the  country ,  returning  to  the 

Silverman's  for  a  supper  of  cold  chicken,  soup,  cheese  and  cakes .  Later  we  discussed 

"Anthony  Adverse"  and  listened  to  Major  Bowes  amateur  hour.  Then  we  went  to  see 

Gracie  Allen  and  George  Burns  in  "He re  comes  Cookie "  Gracie 1 a  riot.  She  told 

~ 

~ 

about  a  collapsible  auto,  You  press  a  button  and  it folds  up  into  the  rumble  seat. ---

"Once  I  ran  over  a  fat  man  because  I  didn't  have  enough  gas  to  go  around,  She  always 

"' 

phoned  the  butcher  for  meat  for  the  do~s  at  night  because  she  wanted  dark  meat,  When 

reading  Dr.  Jeckel  and  Mr,  Hyde  she  always  hid  under  the  bed.  Returned  to  room.  Ate 
some  4-Bob's  home  made  cake  and  went  to  bed. 
Sept.  16,  Monday,  Fi~ed  Aunt  Ellas  toilet  seat  and  bought  some  wall-paper, 

Received  a  letter  from  the  .American  University.  in  Washington  D,C .  offering  me  a 

position  in  the  Research  Department  of  History  to  pay  for  my  tuition.  But  what  would  I 

live  one?  Called  on  Prof ,  Ryder  who  had  just  returned  from  Denver ,  What  a  red  nose . 

He  had  a  cold  and  needed  a  shave,  He  assured  me  that  I  would  receiv:t@  strong  cons ider 

ation  in  case  a  new  instructor  was  hired  in  the  History  Department-on  condition  that 

,l 

Hanley  Albig,  who  bas  his  M.A.  isn't  available,  Would  that  Miss  Johnston  were  living . 

~ 

I  think  her  influence  would  count  heavily  in  my  favor ,  Saw  Sophia  Van  Kuiken  on 

campus .  She  is  going  to  teach  in  Williamston  for  $110,00  per  month, 

Sept ,  17 ,  Tues .  Chauffeured  for  Aunt  Ella .  Stopped  at  the  History  Department  to 

talk  with  Mr .  Lyon  and  Mr .  Fields  about  future  enrol l ment  and  a  job. 

Sept ,  18 .  Wed .  Worked  on  Registration .  Would  that  it  lasted  beyond  Satur day ,  Jim 

Davis  and  T . C .  Wilson  from  Fremont  are  rooming  at  Aunt  El las.  Perry  house  is  filling 
up  with  new  students .  Think  I  ~ill  enjoy  Jerome  Belleau  f rom  the  Sao ,  He  is  a  pre 
dent  student  and  interestina  to  talk  to. 

1935=39 

Sept: .• ·,· 22,  Smnday.  Finis hed  working  on  Registration  yesterday.  Dad  came  and  we  went  to 

Peoples  Church. ·  He  liked  the  sennon.  Then  I  went  with  him  to  the  Ruel  Apts.  on 

Hosmer  St.  in  Lansing  to  have  din~er  with  him  and  his  ~iend~  Mrs.  Vetter.  She  is  a  short 

window-lady  probably  about  Dad's  age  and  slightly  cross-eyed,  or  so  it  seemed . 

Phoned  the  Brightmans .  Lois  is  in  New  York  to  meet  Alan .  They  will  arrive  home  to 

morrow,  Haven't  seen  Alan  in  two  years  since  he  left  for  Africa, 

Sept.  23 1  Mon.  No  job  in  the  History  Dept .  Today  I  enrolled  in  Graduate  School  in  order 

to  get  a  job  in  the  Geography  Department.doing  historical  research  on  Place  Names  in 

Michigan.  Felt  quite  depressed  aoout  not  being  able  t'7brk  in  the  History  Dept,  until 

coming  across  campus  I  saw  a  blind  student  slowly  making  his  way.  Later  in  the  English 

office  I  saw  him  bite  his  lower  lip when  he  said  he  guessed  he  would  have  to  transfer  as 

things  weren't  going  very  well.  Leaving  and  enjoying  the  trees  splashed  with  autumn 

colors,  I  felt  thankful  that  I  could  see  and  still  later  when  taking  down  Mrs ,  Perry 1s 

clothesline  I  noticed  three  blue  morning  glories  and  my  well  of  despair  drained  away . 

Spmetimes  we  are  so  absorbed ~.expecting  from  life  that  we  forget  to  chalk  up  our  assets . 

T~freshmen  are  so  eager  and  excited .  Their  enthusuasm  can  be  infectious. 

3750  students  registered  as  of  Sat, 

Sept.  24  Tues .  Prof.  Ryder's  voice  harkens  back  to  last  winter .  There  are  quite  a  few 

graduates  who  have  returned.  Saw  Don  MacDonald  tonight ,  He  is  living  in  East  Lansing . 

Takitig~.a ·:: seminar  in  graduate  American  History  with  E. B.  Lyon .  The  only  other  student 

is  a  woman  past  middle  age . 

Sept ,  25 ,  Wd. 

Great  seeing  Alan  Brightman  again,  Tanned,  tall er ,  more  mature ,  We 

found  a  corner  in  the  Ag,  Bldg.  to  talk .  He  is  going  to  major  in  Bus .  Ad ,  Was  enroute  to 

work  so  didn't  have  much  time  to  talk.  Began  my  job  today.  Don  l acDonald  informed  me 

that  Prof.  Caswell  said  they  needed  an  isstructor  in  the  history  department  but  didn't 

want  to  take  on  a  graduate  with  inexperience  as  the  students  wouldn't  like  it.  Prof 

Ryder  told  us- in  class  that  he  was  going  to  have  to  swear  an~  oath  to  uphold  the 

Constitution  and  sign  it  but  it wouldn't  make  any  diffeEence  in  his  teaching.  Rather 

bold  some  of  us  thought  in&,~~touchy  times. 

Sept.  26 1  Thurs 

going  to  make  $25 .00  a  month,"  he  informed  me, 

Saw  Glen  o.  Stewarlt:today  for  an  assignment  card  to  work . 
"$ 24 . 50",  I  corrected  him. 

"You  are 

''What  are  you  going  to  do  with  all  that  mone97"he  smirked 

"Try  to  live  on  it,"  I  replied. 

There  is  no  rhythm  in  slow  defeat 

The  busy  maggots  tunnel  the  brain  without  the  elegian  beat 

That  tolls  in  grief  or  po~nds  in  pain, 
In~d~trious  destruction  gnaws 
More  delicately  then  the  crude 
Quick  teeth  of  rage ,  one  knows ,  yet  draws 
Th  ~owsy .breath : oLlassitude , 

Sept .  26 ,  Thursday  Fall  rains  and  high  winds .  My  shoes  are  so  thin .  I  have  to  change 

~9cks  everytime  I  go  out . 
f~a.ns  aren't  getting  along  too  well  in  the  Music  Dept.  Barely  making  a  living , 

Irv .  called  tonight.  He  said  that  Julius  Stalberg  and  ~oe 

Quite  a  few  grads  are  giving  up  and  returning  home ,  Chua.~~  Palmer  among  them.  Went 

to  my  evening  literature  class  tonight.  Miss  Toogood,  Chr.  of  the  English  departmentlis 

taking  it also.  The  fellows  at  the  House  are  becoming  better  acquainted  and  there  is  more 

congeniality. 

Sept .  27  Fri.  Saw  Esther  Mastrovito  today.  She  was  a  wonderful  Marion  and  I  a  poor 

1935-40 

Frederic  in  Pirates  o  Penzance  w en  we  were  in  the  11th  grade  at  Eastern .  She  has 

· 

'  ❖ . 

f 

~  h 

. 

won  a  music  scholarship  and  studying  hard .  She  has  grown  in  beauty  and  with  her  talent 

should  really  go  places .  Tontght  went  with  some  fellows  at  the  house  to  see  Leslie 

' 

Howard  and  Merle  Oberon  in  The  Scarlet  Pimpernel ,  Excellent .  Howard  as  usual  is 

~ 

, 

magnificent.  Lee  Walker  and  I  stayed  and  saw  it twice . 

Sept .  28 ,  Sat.  Saw  Dr ,  Sexton  today .  He  said  a  student  with  my  marks  should  certain l y 

have  been  placed .  He  doesn 't think  too  highly  of  the  Department  of  Education .  An 

opinion  widely  shar ed .  Fi l l ed  out  an  appl i cation,  He  asked  me  to  cal l  hi m  again  in  March 
it  I  hadn't  heard  f r om  him . 
was  never  as  good  a  scholar  as  me  and  his  marks  in  Practioe  teaching  weren't  as  hi gh . 

I  was  somewha t  embarrassed  when  he  sai d  that  Don ,  hi s  son , 

" If  you  only  knew  some  one  o f  influence ,"  he  added  with  a  wry  smile , 

Returned  to  East  Lansing  where  green  flags  are  fly i ng ,  ushering  in  the  football  seaso n . 

We  won.  Tonight  s e veral  of  us  at  tne  House  serve d  at  a  banquet  held  at  the  Church . 
Chuck  spilled  some  coffee  on  me  and .I spilled  some  on  a  woman,  for  which  I  was  blamed. 
What  a  meal  we  had  l a t er.  Bud  s poke  for  a ll of  us  when  he  said  hi s  stomach  thought  his 

brain  had  gone  on  a  strike . 
Sept .  29 ,  Sunday . 

I  have  a  student  to  tutor  i n  ancient  history .  He  is  prepari ng  for 

an  Annapolis  exam .  Going  to  charge  him  50  cents  an  hour . 

Sept.  30  Mon.  The  History~§epartment  ha~  hi red  a  new  teacher,  Prof  Ryder  informed  me 
today  He  comes  from  Holy  Cross .  Fiet4~  nevEr  mentioned  it ~hen  we  lunched  at  Hunts 
Made  $4 . 37  during  the  last 
with  Waldo. 

I  think  he  didn 't want  to  hurt  my  f eelings . 

few  days  of  Sept . 
Oct .  1  Tuesday .  Reading  T . E .  Lawrence ' s  "The  Se ven  Pillars  of  Wisdom"  1/cor0.v7h l~ 
enjg.,yab~e. 

Thi ngs  didn ' t  go  well  t oday .  My  student  didn ' t  pay  f or  his  lesson.  Spent 

my  last  12  cents  for  a  pint  of  milk  and  three  soggy  rolls.  Afterwards  I  sat  listlessly  on 

the  brink  of  soggy  disillus i onment  when  Joe  O' Lear ,  the  talking  machine  of  the  Mouse 

invited  me  to  go  out  on  a  dri nking  party  at  his  expense.  Oh ,  the  terribl e  whirling  f eel i ng 
riding  home  on  the  bus ! 
Oct .  2  Wed .  Thought  I  woul d  never  liv~  through  this  day .  Never  again  Ate  little 

except  crackers  and  drank  some  tomato  juice ,  Al l  the  f el l ows  greatl y  amused ,  Some 

sollicitous . 

Italy  invaded  Ethopia  at  6 : 30  this  morning . 

Oct .  3 .  Thurs day . 
the  dictator~  two  sons .  Emperor  Haile  s~I~\~  hasn ' t  declared  war  but  has  called  up 
t r oops  to  stern  the  tide  of  invas ion ,  Br itain  is  angr y  and  is  considering  closing  t he 
Suez  Canal ,  but  doesn ' t  know  if  this  is  possible  considering  the  admission  of  other  shipping . 

In  the  advance  guar d  were 

1935-41 

Greek  vessels  were  ordered  to  steer  clear  of  the  Canal.  Britain  demands  action  from  the 

League  Council  in  involking  penalties  under  Art.  10  of  the  Covenant.  Street  demonstrations 

took  place  in  Pari~~  this  morning  against  Italy 's  actions.  The  League  will  no  longer 

try  to  avert  war  but  will  meet  in  Council  Sat.  morning  to  enact  the  force  of  penalties . 

President  Roosevelt  announced  that  under  the  present  Neutrality  Laws  we  will  keep  out 

of  the  European  fuss.  Unknown  to  most  Britains  last  week  was  the  ooncentration  of  the 

British  fleet  in  the  Mediterranean. 

In  strength  they  number  about  288  ships  to  I taly's 

169.  However,  the  opinion  of  some\Italy's  ships  are  faster  and  better  built.  Their  use 

of  suicide  boats  will  prove  an  important  factor  in  case  of  war.  Neville  Henderson  may 

be  the  next  Prime  Minister.  He  said  Britain  needed  a  larger  navy.  Are  some  of  the 

Brisith  high  moral  utterances  a  cloak  for  their  protection  of  Imperial  interests  in 

Africa? 

Oct .  4,  Friday  Ethiopia  announdld  that  they  have  repulsed  the  Italians . 

1700  rptd 

kirled  and  wounded  in  the  vicinity  of  Adowa. 

Oct·,  §:-sat.  Ethiopian  troops  flank  Italian  troops  in  Eriteria.  Some  7,000  rptd  killed. 

Ital ians  halted  in . Adawa  hills,  A  state  of  war  exists  Roosevelt  declared . 

On  the  spur  of  the  moment  Bud  and  I  went  to  the  game  in  Ann  Arbor.  We  won  25--0  Our 

team  cli cked  wonderfully  well  and  appeared  far  superior  to  Michigan.Attendance  about  40, 000 

. 

Friends  joined  us  at  the  half,  Bob  played  very  well  and  I  was  proud  of  my  room-mate. 

The  cold  air  reeked  with  the  smell  of  gin  and  whiskey  and  there  were  quite  a  few  fights. 

Came  home  with  Jim  Davis  and  Harry  Wilson .  Made  hot  chocolate  for  the  gang  when  we 

arrived  home. 

Oct.  7  Monday.  Dropped  course  in  History  of  the  English  Language, 

Adowa  and  Adrigiat  taken  by  Italians.  The  revenge 30.t  1896  has  now  been  achieved  and 

a  momument  placed  in  the  central  square  at  Adowa. 

Oct  9,  Wed.  Served  at  anohher  banquet  at  the  chruch  and  had  another  good  meal, 
Qct  10,  Thurs.  Dinner  with  Dad  and  Mrs.  Vetters .  Good  steak  and  french  fries.  Had  a 
talk  with  Prof .  Muilenberg  who  thought  I  ought  to  be  doing  more  writing.  My  inertia  in 

this  respect  a  guilt . 

Oct .  12 ,  Sat.  To  the  football  game  with  Dad  and  Paul .  Dad  said  later  he  couldn't  recall 

a  more  enjoyable  day.  Missed  Jim  and  sent  him  a  jacket  for  his  bi rthday.  Dad  looks  well 

even  a  little  color  in  his  cheeks,  Well  dressed  too • 

Bob  made  two  touch-downs  in  the 
,, 
game  against  Univ.  of  Iowa .  Rated  in  the  New  York  Times . 

.,,, 

Oct.  13 1  Sunday .  Breakfast  at  Mrs .  Vetters  with  Dad .  These  days  are  so  beautiful  Dancing 

-yellow  leaves  make  you  want  to  whirl  with  them .  Have  taken  several  long  walks  this  fall 

with  Bud,  He  is  qui8ter  this  year.  Anne's  influence? . 

My  pupil  paid  me  si.oo.  Have  agreed  to  make  the  beds  at  the  House  twice  a  week  which 

will  make  another $. 

Finished  a  biography  of  Nijinsky,  The  treatment  of  his  homosexuality  was  somewhat 
different .  Yet  his  contribution  to  dance  far  outweighed  this  aspect  of  his  life .  Lat er 
he  married , 

1935-42 

Oct.  14 1  Monday  The  war  in  Africa  continues.  Sooner  or  later,  perhaps,  something 
will  be  said  to  the  u.s.s.R.  which  is  fueling  the  Italian  navy  with  oil. 

Read  a  letter  from  a  chap  who  has  been  in  the  c.c.c.  For  the  first  time  I  view 

it in  a  good  light.  What  better  is  there  to  off er  young  destitute  men  now? 

Surpr ised  to  learn  that  French  capitalists  control  50%  of  the  shares  in  the  Suez 

Canal. 

I  thought  the  British  controlled  more  than  44%.  Britain  is  trying  to  whip 

the  League  into  taking  some  effective  action  Under  our  munitions  embarge  no  mention  is 

made  of  those  important  sinews  of  war,  steel,  copper  and  cotton. 

Oct.  15  Tues .  Borrowed  a$  from  Chuck  Tanzel .  Hunqing  season  opened  today,  One  of 

the  fellows  at  the  House  shot  4  pheasants  and  2  r abbits . 

very  good  milk  on  the  market  now  and  being  sold  in  large  quantities 

for  lo/,ents  per 

quart . 

Walking  to  dinner  tonight  I  met  Lois  enroute  to  a  formal  dinner.  How  lovely  s he 

·  looked  with  her  fine  hair  swept  back  from  the  temple  line .  She  said  she  was  eager  to 

tell  me  about  her  recent  trip  to  New  York.  Wish  I  could  afford  to  date  her.  Arn 

sure  that  she  intends  to  marry  Chuck  Cool.  Often  thought  she  would  make  an  ideal 

companion . 

Oct ,  16,  Wed.  Louis  Weisner  of  the  Social  Problems  Club  2.,1G  felt  to  have  communistic 

preferences  attended  the  International  Relations  Club  last  night 

I  didn't  attend . 

Fields  was  quite  upset  by  his  attendance  and  said  he  made  it very  clear  that  nothing 

political  was  incorporated  in  the  International  Relations  Club  platfonn .  Personally, 

I  think  people  are  too  skittish  about  Weisner.  Would~tna~  we  had  a  few  mor e  willing 

to  express  the  conviction  of  their  principles .  His  personality  does  tend  to  turn 

people  off,  yet  I  can  see  that  he  possesses  certain  admirable  qualities . 

Oct ,  17,  Thursday.  Received  $5 , 00  from  Mary  and  four  pheasant  feathers. 

Heard  Miss  Frances  Perkins  tonight.  Aoout  3500  came  out  to  hear  the  Sec .  of 

Labor.  She  mouthed  much  thin  soup  with  little meat,  clipped  the  air with  her  right 

hand  and  rubbed  her  belly  with  the  left .  She  feels  we  are  living  in  wonderful  times 

and  gave  a  short  dissertation  on  soap  and  bread ,  explained  the  Social  Security  bill 

and  felt  that  all  men  should  live  ~ogether  as  brothers. 
Oct ,  18,  Friday  A  oox  today  from  Mary  containing  a  whole  roasted  chicken ,  sandwiches , 

cookies  fruit ,  cakes  and  candies .  Grabbed  a  hind  quarter  of  chicken  and  felt  like 

Henry  VIII , alias  Charles  Laughton 1at  Hampton  Court . 
Oct .  21  Monday 

Cut  class.  Groggy  after  spending  the  week-end  in  Fremont . 

Oct .  22 ,  Tues .  Still  no  pay .  Patience  sorely  tried when  told  there  would  be  no~e 

until  Nov .  Mr .  Lyon•·  sensing  my  predicament ,  worte  a  check  for  $ 25. 00 . 
I  declined  to 
accept  it ,  but  ti.la  accept  a  cht ck  for  $10 , 00 ,  He  has  shown  me  a  great  kindness  quite 
aside  from  the  money  aspect .  Promised  to  r epay  him  as  soon  as  possible .  So  riled  up 

I  took  a  long  walk  in  the  country ,  past  the  pig  pens ,  Flushed  four  cock  pheasant  and 

three  hens .  Returned  to  discuss  Congr ~ssional  Reconstruct~on  after  the  Civil  War , 

Oct.  23  Wed.  Worked  and  studied.  A  rift with  Bob.  He  gets  my  nanny  sometimes  and  1 

know  I  do  his.  Wish  I  could  afford  a  roOIJI  of  my  own  where  there  would  be  less  belching 

1935-43 

and  farting . 

Qct .  24 ,  Thurs .  A  letter  from  Mrs .  Johnston  informing  me  of  a  memorial  service  to  be , 
held  fo.r  Kiss  Johnston  Sunday.  Fred  Bentley  came  over  for  a  couple  hours .  What  an 

enjoy.able  evening . 

Oct.  27 ,  Sunday.  Acted  as  usher  at  Miss  Johnston ' s  Memorial  Service  today.  Many  present. 

Sophia  gave  a  lovely  tribute  to  her.  We  all  loved  her  so  much .  Often  walking  across 

campus  she  seems  quite  near;  those  sparkling  brown  eyes  and  the  great  zest  for  living 

will  be  evergreen  in  memory .  Met  Fay  Johnston, asked  to  be  remembered  to  her  mother . 

She  said  her  mother  enj9yed  my  letter  so  much  and  shc,d it  to  her  friends . 

After  a  duck -dinner  (the  first  in  a  long  time)  Bud  and  I  went  canoeing  on  the 

Red  Cedar.  Fallen  leaves  are  so  thick  that  in  some  places  they  cover  the  river  like  a 

brown  tarp.  Th~ .yrm  small  piles  in  the  sluggish  bends  and  when  the  wind  catches  them 

they  sail  away  like  a  fleet  of  Chinese  junks .  A  few  robins  remain  and  there  are  many 

dd.cks . 

I« Pineturn  we  interrupted  a  "pastoral  interlude"•  Pineturn  still  lives  up  to  its 

name  as  The  Old  Stud  Ground . 

Nov .  6 .  Had  a  wonderful  time  in  Philadelphia  and  saw  The  Great  Waltz.  Arn  working  long 

hours  on  my  paper  on  Arnol d  Mulder,  Stewart  Edward  White  and  liawrehe~~eonrad  to  be 

pres e nted  Thursday  night .  Conrad's  "Stee l"  is  a  fair  novel .  Shop  scenes  are  good. 

,,. 

II 

When  I  consider  that  White  got  up  at  4  a .m.  to  write  The  BlAZED  Trail  and  then  went  to 

the  woods  to  lumber  it all  day,  I  have  little  faith  in  myself  as  a  writer.  Just  too 

Nov .  7  Thurs .  Read  my  paper  and  had  a  talk  with  Dr .  Fuller,  the  State  Historian .  He 

was  wearing  a  very  ragged  old  sweater  and  said  our  business  shouldn't  take  long,  But 

when  I  asked  about  his  daughter ,  he  took  off  and  I  was  there  half  an  hour.  He  loaned 

me  a  speech  he  gave  recently  on  Books  and  Writers. 

I  recognized  it as  being  taken 

almost  entirely  from  a  article  in  Michigan  History  Magazine  in  1930 . 

:.( 

Nov .  8  Friday  On  Sunday  will  be  brought  to  tri al  before  Judge  Sam  S~Hughes  on  an 

open  charge  of  treason  before  the  United  States  for  failing  to  send  the  secret  cabl e 

ordering  the  U. S.  Fleet  in  the  Pacific  to  the  Philippines  to  prevent  the  Philippines 

being  taken  over  by  the  Japanese . 

I  will  be  prosecuted  by  Prof  Ormand  Drake , 

I  have 

refused  lawyers  and  plan  to  defen4  my  own  case  at  this  mock  trial  before  the  church  on 

the  grounds  of  conscientious  objection .  Hope  that  my  knowledge  of  the  Philippines  will 

free  me  although  I  fear  certain  conviction  and  have  only  been  informed  today  that  I 

will  be  brought  to  trial. 

Convocation  today  fo r  Jo hn  Pane ll  Mac-k.J_and  to  whomi  the  stadium  wi ll  be  dedicatej 

t omorrow. 

Nov .  10  Sunday  Church  sermon , 

''We  are  Preparing  for  War '.'  How  true  it seems .  Our 

e xpenditures  fo r  armaments  a r e  la,-g er - than  ever.  We  have  naval  plans  to  transport 

1935-44 

3,000,000  in  ships  across  the  se~s. 
war  with  Ethiopia  is,  in  reality  a  war  betwea;.1.Englana .-~ and  Italy.  Its  basis  is 

I  have  become  increasingly  certain  that  this 

economic  as  is  the  case  of  most  wars.  England  so  dominates  the  League  it  appears  to 

be  a  tool  of  her  own  designs .  The  British  are  so  shrewd  I  don ' t  know  what  they  are 

up  to  half  the  time. 

It  seems  incomprehensible  that  within  15  years  of  the  last  war 

preparations  for  war  again  dominate  the  news.  Roosevelt,the  big  navy  man,could 

plunge  this  natd:on  into  war.  Suppose  General  Johnson  would  be  the  head  of  sane 

alphabetical  concotion. 

Tonight  was  the  1rial . 

I  was  acquitted  by  the  jury  and  3/4  of  the  audience , 

Received  many  congratualations  for  the  manner  in  which  I  pleaded  my  case.  Some 

suggested  I  become  an  actor .  Dr .  McCune  and  Prof.  Caswell  said  they  enjoyed  the  trial 

very  much . 

If  we  have  caused  students  to  think  then  our  presentation  hasn't  been  in 

vain , 

Nov .  11 ,  Monday 

Thought  about  Testament  of  Youth  and  Miss  Johnston  many  times  today • 

~ 

~ 

Went  to  Grand  Ledge  to  see  Paul  play  football  in  a  driving  rain. 

James  is 

a  yell  leader .  Ho..,the  boys  have  grown . 

Invited  them ·in  to  spend  the  week•end . 

An  altitude  of  74 , 000  ft  was  reached  today.  A world  record;  about  14  miles. 

The  Japanese  have  seized  Shanghai  and  demand  control  of  the  North  China  Province . 

Mussolini  has  gone  the  League  one  better  and  imposed  a  boycott  on  ell  countries 

who  have  imposed  sanctions ,  How  long  will  the  Italians  follow  him? 

Bob  left  for  California  today .  Will  miss  his  absence  for  the  next  12  days . 

Nov .  12 ,  Tues 

I  have  had  several  requests  to  write  up  the  plea  I  made  at  the  trial . 

Mr.  Fields  said,  "Don ' t  let  President  Shaw  know  you  were  involved  in  this  trial," 

Rollo  May  also  asked  for  a  copy  and  a  copy  of  two  of  my  poems . 

A  contz:acting  finn  in  New  York  building  a  bridge  bought  $20, 000  worth  of  steel 
from  Gennany ,  u.s.  steel  finns  all  bid  $60 , 00  +  per  ton  while  Gennan  sold  for  about 
$42 , 50  per  ton.  Wh~  are  we  holding  our  price  up? 

Italy  has  told  Britain  if  it will  withdraw  sanctions  the  fighting  in  Ethiopia  will 

cease .  Britain  refused  and  is  waging  a  battle  over  elections .  Egypt  is  rebelling 

against  British  control . 

,, 

Nov .  13 1  Wed .  Had  an  inkling  there  might  be  a  new  job  for  me  today .  The  Detroit 

Free  PreJ~ad  an  article  stating  $150, 000  was  to  be  appropriated  by  the  Federal  Gov ' t 

for  the  collection  of  historical  data  in  Michigan.  Phoned  Dr.  Fuller  and  sent  him 

a  letter .  Saw  Dr .  Robertson  who  denied  such  an  appropriation  had  been  made  and  that 

Dr .  Fuller  was  misinfonned.  Said  I  could  sul:mit  an  application .  Rankled .  Pres. 
Roos evelt  has  asked  that  interest  rates  be  reduced.  He  m1ht  as  well  ask  for  an  end 
Fines  are  moving  to  New  York.  He ard  an  exce llent  concert  by  Lilv 
to  oc ean  tides . 

Pons  ton i ght. 

Nov.i4 .  Thurs ,  Bkfst  with  Jess e  Davis  and  T . C.  Wilson  f athers  of  Jim  and  Harry .  They 

were  surprised  that  I  spent  only  ten  cents .  They  said  they  thought  my  position  was 
fortunat e ,  an  opinion  which  I  J aile d  to  understand . 

1935-45 

At  lunch  with  Mr.  Fields  and  Lois  Bauer,  I  heard  a  lot  of  history  department 

miseries  and  exploded  myself  about  Prof  Ryder  whose  incompetence  is  well  known  among 

students.  He  knows  very  little  about  the  French  government . 

Nov.  15 ,  Friday.  Spent  the  entire  day  reading  and  writing  my  paper  on  Congressional 

Reconstruction. 

1 •~  writing  mainly  about  Thaddeus  Stevens ,  Char les  Sumner  and 

Benjamin  Butler.  Woodburn's  biography  of  Stevens  is  excellent . 

Tonight  Rev.  John  Adams  of  Mason  sent  a  car  for  me  and  I  attended  a  play  at  the 

old  Mason  Opera  House .  There  was  a  buzzing  among  the  crowd  as  I  came  in  to  take  a  seat. 

The  play 1a  slap- stick  comedy1 wasn't  well  done. 

John  Yale  in  a  minor  role  was  a  dissapoint 

ment.  Adams  was  at  l east  in  character  throughout.  Left  early  in  order  to  avoid  meeting 

people .  Stopped  by  the  house  which  I  don 't consider  home  anymore ,  to  say  hello  to 

Mother,  She  had  retired,  but  I  went  in  and  kissed  her ,  She  thanked  me  for  her  birthday 

card  and  said  I  was  the  only  one  who  remembered  he~.I  said  a  few  words  and  hurried  away 
as  John  was  waiting  for  me  in  the  car . 

Couldn't  get  to  sleep . 

I  wonder  what  mother  thinks  about  as  she  lies  awake  in  her 

bed  at  night  when  the  boys  have  gone  out  with  their  friends  or  on  dates?  often  I 

wish  for  a  home  and  feel  quite  lonely , 

Not  at all  sure  what  love  is  all  about ,  There  is  a  void  which  companions  and 

friends  fail  to  fill,  Seems  I  see  some  of  my  old  friends  less  often  and  while 

companions  in  college  add  much  to  life ,  increasingly ,  I  realize  they  are,  for  t he 

most  part >transitory , 

Nov .  16 ,  Sat ,  Slept  in  and  worked  through  the  lunch  hour  to  catch  up ,  Went  to  the 

Sate  Library  for  a  biography  of  Charles  Sumner .  Lee  went  with  me ,  We  enjoy  each 

,, 

. 

other's  company,  Later  we  saw  Barbary  Coast  with  Mariam  Hopkins,  Ann  Robinson  and 

Joel  McCrea.  Like  the  foggy  scenes  and  the  muddy  streets  of  San  Francisco ,  We 

rushed  home  after  the  rdovie  to  hear  Jerome  sing  over  W. J . R.  He  Sa{l§J  "Nobody  Knows  the 

Trouble  I  See"  very  well.  Would  like  to  see  him  on  Major  Bowes  Amateur  Hour.  State 
won  27 - 0 .  Suppose  the  boys  will  celtbrate  out  on  the  west  coast  tonight .  A fine 
wind  up  of  the  s eason  for  Bob,  Miss  him, 

Went  to  West  Mary  Mayo  to  the  fall  term  party  with  Frieda ,  :Tom  and  Phyllis . 

Phyllis  looks  refreshing  with  her  hair  in  braids .  Frieda  is  living  in  the  Horne  Ee , 

Practice  House  now . 

J ulius  Stalberg  and  Esther  Liebennan  also  there. 

Nov .  17 ,  Sunday  Lansing  News  Week  has  an  article  on  Revolt  on  the  Campus  by  Wechler 

~ 

. 

Most  of  it painfully  true,  but  Cleary,  faculty  flunkey 1tries  to  give  it a  less  unsavoury 
twist, 

Nov .  18 1  Monday .  Dr ,  Kimber  has  taken  over  Ryder's  class.  Lunch  with  Mr .  Fields  and 

Waldo, 

Sent  in  my  time  sheet  for  61  hours. 

orthern  China  will  soonfal l  to  the  Japs . 

It  seems  the  League  can  deal  with  only 

one  problem  at  a  time , 

Nov .  20 1  Wednesdax,  Admiral  Jellico  died  today  in  London , 

I  think  he  was  an  earl . 

He  was  Admiral  of  the  British  Fleet  during  the  years  1914-1916  and  in  the  famous • 

Battle  of  Jutland .  Entered  the  navy  in  1872,  retired  in  1924, 

Lunched  today  with  FiecWs,  Waldo  and  Main.  Main  is  generally  regarded  by  students 

as  a  sissie,  He  does  tend  to  mince  his  way  across  campus,  Appears  plump  and  soft,  but 

very  kind  and  considerate.  Conversation  ranged  from  Johnson ' s  philosophy ,  the  bricks 

1935-46 

in  St.  James  Palace ,  1 The  Seven  Pillars  of  Wisdom  to  Grand  Central  Station  in  N.Y.C . 

I 

~ 

Always  feel  that  I  have  gained  more  than  the  food  on  my  plate  after  dining  with  them. 

Nov.  21.  Thursday .  First  snow.  Bob  arrived  home  early  this  morning  with  many  gifts. 

Cold  out  tonight.  The  stars  seem  blue .  Lee  and  I  had  supper  in  his  room. 

I 

made  hot  soup  and  we  had  cheese  and  jam  sandwiches .  He  is  readi ng  Testament  of  Youth. 

Nov .  22 1  Friday !  Bob  went  out  on  a  toot  last  night .  Has  a  bad  cold  and  coughed  until 

3  a.m. 

Nov.  251  Mon .  Prof ,  Lyon  has  asked  me  to  teach  a  freshman  c lass  in  European  History  f or 

the  r emainder  o f  the  t erm . 

It  will  be  mainly  a  revi ew  section  and  keep  me  humping , 

However ,  I ' m most  grateful . 

Arn  to  r ecei ve  $1 . 50  per  hour .  Type d  for  Mrs .  Irland  two 

hours  toni ght .  Lunch  with  Fields  and  di nner  with  Lee . 
~PY,  26 ,  Tuesday,  Bob  is  in  the  hospital . 

I  have  a  sore  throat . 

Nov .  29 ,  Friday .  Spent  most  of  the  morning  preparing  for  my  cla ss .  Thought  it went  off 

fai r ly  well  although  ncitmany  attended .  Bob  returned  from  the  hospital, 

Nov .  30 ,  Saturday .  Worked  most  of  the  day  on  my  paper.  What  a  t ask  and  things  don ' t 

knit  together  very  well . 

Dad  came  for  an  hour  this  afte rnoon.  He  said  he  wasn ' t  married . 

I  told  him  his 

private  life  was  his  own ,  although  I  hoped  he  wouldn't  marry  for  awhile ,  A  reconcilation 

with  Mother  seems  out  of  the  question  at  this  time,  He  has  promised  to  buy  me  a 

winter  coat . 

Paul  and  James  are  bearing  the  brunt  of  the  divorce ,  The  whole  affair  is  tragic 

in  its  consequences  and ,to  be  sure ,  I  am  in  the  dark  aoout  a  lot  of  what  has  happened . 

Dec .  l  Sunday  That  damned  paper . 

Cold . 

Dec ,  2 ,  Monday  Sat  next  to  Louis  Weisner  at  a  musicale  ton i ght ,  His  manner  and 

conversation  quite  agreeable .  Later  over  co f f ee  we  t a lked  aoout  science  and  art , 

The  Paris  Cummune  of  1871 ,  the  deplorabl e  dept  of  Educ ation .  He  spoke  highly  of 

Dr .  Fee . 

My  class  went  rather  well .  About  30  attended .  They  write  like  demons  to  get 

down  my  lecture,  Registered  for  next  t erm  and  have  to  take  a  Saturday  class  but  it 

will  enable  me  to  work  off  my  minor  spring  term . 

Dec ,  4 1  Wednesday 

Four  aoove  zero  this  morning .  Pro f .  Ryder  has  returned  so  no  more 

Dr.  Kimber. 

Lunch  this  noon  with  Fields ,  Margaret  Miles ,  my  former  French  teacher ,  and  Dr . 
I  i~o~e  of  sitting  with  Mr ,  Weisner 

Patton .  The  latter  has  a  rather  superior  air , 

r ec ently  and  how  ag r eeable  he  seemed ,  Dr .  Patton  said  that  he  was  quite  harmless  now 
t hat  he  was  relegated  to  the  Math ,  Dept . 

He  said  that  Louis  wanted  to  ha\?/e  A  m~~+ in~ 

1935-47 

to  criticize  the  lack  of  academic  freedom,  but  had  been  refused, 

I  said  that  it was 

a  shame  that  the  word  communism  was  applied  to  so  wide  a  range  o f  expressions  and 

that  it  irritated me  to  think  we  dared  not  open  our  mouths  to  express  opinions  without 
being  branded  as  communists.  Dr.  Patton  smiled  and  tunned  to-: the.. weather. 
fears  criticism  and  from  what  I  he~ plenty  could  be  leveled  in  his  direction. 

I  think  he 

Class  tonight  went  '/ery  well . 

I  am  confident  I  could  become  a  good  teacher. 

There  seems  to  be  a  trail  of  confusion  over  oil  shipments  to  Italy.  our  inability 

to  enact  specific  neutrality  laws  before  this  conflict  assumed  such  proportions  is  not 

to  our  government's  credit.  The  public  i s  largely  in  the  dark  as  to  what  is  going  on. 

Dec.  4  to  Dec.  12. 

I  have  been  so  busy  wri ting  my  seminar  papers  my  diary  has  been 

neglected.  Tonight  I  read  my  paper  on  20th  Centur~  Writers  in  Michigan.  Bud  typed  my 

43  page  paper  for  history.  Prof,  Lyon  presented  me  with  two  books  on  American  History. 

Dad  bought  me  a  new  winter  coat  and  a  pat.of.  of  shoes. 

I  am  enjoying  my  class 

although  it has  kept  my  nose  to  the  grindstone  along  with  tutoring. 

Have  been  asked  to  try  out  of  the  play  "Joan  of  Arc"  by  the  Civic  Players,  the 

English  chaplain. 

Have  had  a  few  dates  with  Lois  and  took  her  to  lunch  r ecently , 

I  'don 't think 

she  is  going  with  Chuck  Cool  anymore. 
Dec,  12,  Thmrsday .  France  doesn't  want  sanctions  now  after  requesting  them  for  years •• 
A  new  peace  plan  has  been  proposed ~  which  England ,  France  and  Spain  would  have 

adopted  had  not  Poland  insisted  on  its  being  debated  in  the  League  Council.I'm  fast 

l osing  respect  for  the  League  Council  and  we  are  just  as  well  out  of  it. 

Some  students  tell  me  they  don't  like  Fields  as  well  as  Caswell,  What  a  pity. 

They  would  learn  so  much  more  from  Fields ,  Caswell  thinks  they  are  chi l dren. 

Dec,  16  Monday 

Jerome  and  I  are  planning  to  spend  Christmas  at  his  home  in  Saulte 

St.  Marie,,  We  are  going  to  send  some  of  our  things  ahead  by  express. 

Dec.  18,  Wednesday 

AT  LAST  I  HAVE  A  JOB  DOING  SCX::IOI.OGICAL  RESEARCH WORK  FOR  THE 

FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT. 

START  AT  SANDUSKY,  MICHIGAN  DIRECTLY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS,  Dec,  30 

So  thankful  for  this  opportunity  although  my  plans  are  blasted,  It  means  saying 

good- by  again  and  that  is  so  hard  to  do. 

Dec.  20,  Friday  Bob  left  this  morning  after  his  exam. 

I  hate  farewells,  After  he 

left  I  received  a  call  that  I  am  being  trans fe rred  to:  Big  Rapids  and  start  work 

next  Friday ,  Received  $10~0  from  the  History  DepaYtrnent . 

Dad  came  at·.1  noon  and  we  went  downtown  shopping .  He  bought  me  a  hat  and  some 

slippers.  The  streets  were  crowded  with  holiday  shoppers .  He  is  doing  some  writing. 

Later  in  my  room  we  wrapped  Christmas  presents  and  I  read  some  of  his  writing. 

It's 

good , 

Chuck ,  Bud  and  I  had  dinner  tonight ,  Earlier  Chuck  and  I  were  shaved  for  the 

first  time  by  a  barber . 

Je rome  very  dissapoint ed  that  I'm  unable  to  go  home  with  him;. 

No  more  than  I . 
r eally  expr ess  his  feelings . 

Bud  wrote  me  a  poem ,  qui t e  a  feat  fo r  him .  He  said  he  could  ne ver 

1935-48 

Chuck  bought  my  dinner.  Earlier  when  we  were  over  at  the  gym  taking  a  shower  he  said, 

"Remember  the  night  you iitst  came  to  my  room?  Well,  I  was  never  so  •14d  to  see  anyone 

in  my  life. 4'  He,  I  will  miss  a  lot·. 

Tonight  Chuck,  Alma  Somers,  Bud,  Anne,  Lois  and  I  wt~t  to  dance  at  the  Gables • 

.Lois  looked  lovely,  as  usual,  in  black  and  gray .  Leaving  her  isn't  going  to  be  easy. 

Jerry  came  in  about  4  a.m.  this  morning  to  say  good  by. 

I  will  miss  hirn  too. 

When  I  got  up  I  faun~  a  bJx  in  my  drawer  frd ~  him  containing  a  beautiful  shirt  and  tie. 
Dec.  21,  Sat.  There  were  many  farewells  to  say  this  morning.  Aunt  Hattie  come  at  noon 

and  once  more  L pulled  stakes  from  East  Lansing. 

It  wasn't  easy.11',~with  me  many 

fond  memories  and  leave  behind  many  wonderful  friends. 

About  the  fellows ; 

Jerry  pulling  up  a  chair  beside  mine  and  smoking  a  cigarette  « nd 

coming  in  early  in  the  morning  to  see  if  I ' m  up,  Bud  exclaiming  over  some  good  music 

and  waving  my  baton  which  I  gave  him  for  Christmas ,  Chuck 's  blunt ,  Qood  natured  manner, 

,, 

~ 

;J 

Gordon  at  11;30  Sunday  nights  and  The  Mummers,  Bob  rolling  a  cigarette,  polishing  his 

boots,  putting'. ~ ~  cold  feet  against  mine . 

0  course)I  will  continue  to  keep  in  touch  with  Fields,  Lyon ,  Mrs.  Perry  and  Aunt 

Ella ,  Frieda,  Irv .,  Tom  and  Phyllis  and  aoove  all  Lois. 

I  leave  college  as  poor  in  : racket  as  I  arrived  four  years  ago ,  but,  oh,  so  much 

enri~hed  in  spirit  and  memories . 

~pilogue 

Half  a  century  later  walking  across  the  campus  from  the  Union  to  the  Library 

to  browse  or  pursue  some  researc\l  project ,  friendly  old  trees ,  the  museum  (former 

l ibrary)  and  Beaumont  Tower  trigger  pictures  in  the  mind ' s  eye ;  Wells  Hall  just 

beyond  the  present  library ,  the  Physics  Building  near  Beal  Gardens ,  the  Wood-shop 

near  the  power  plant.  Names  and  faces  are  recalled  too. 

Most  former  teachers  and  college  administrators  have  long  disappeared  from 

the  scene.  Relatives  and  friends  too  reside  only  in  memory, 

Professor  Harold  Fields  is  the  only  former  teacher  I  know  living  in  East  Lansing 

at  his  home  on  Orchard  St.  I  attended  his  80th  birthday  party  at  the  Universit~  Club 

and  found  him  witty  and  spry ,  He  devotes  some  time  to  his  family  geneology . 

My  half  brother ,  Paul  attended  Alma  College  and  became  a  business  man .  He  is 

semi - retired .  Had  two  sons .  Lives  in  Lansing . 

Half-brother  James  attended  Albion ,  University  of  Michigan ,  and  received  his 

D. V. M,  degree  from  Michigan  State .  Now  a  widower ,  he  has  two  daughters .  Presently 

works  for  State  Water  Quality.Control  and  lives  in  Haslett,  Michigan . 

Irving  Silverman  married  Frieda  Weiner ,  He  is  a  semi-retired  Lansing  physician . 

They  had  four  children  and  reside  in  Okemos ,  Michigan  where  Frieda  is  very  active 

in  music  and  cultural  circles . 

Tom  Morris  went  east  to  college  and  married  an  eastern  gal ,  leaving  Phyllis 

Hooten  with  a  briken  heart .  Years  later  she  married.  He  became  secretary  of 

commerce  in  Pottsville ,  Pa•  where  he  died  of  a  heart  attack  many  years  ago . 

Lois  Brightman  married  and  now  lives  in  Pentwater,  Michigan . 

I  went  to  her 

wedding. 

Henry  Fine  became  a  business  man  in  Lansing .  He  died  several  years  ago  due  to 

a  heart  attack . 

Bob  Allman  played  professional  football  for  a  few  years  after  graduation .  Then 

he  became  a  salesman ,  He  and  wife  now  live  in  Sheman  Oaks ,  California . 

Cousini  Mary  Bailes ,  married  a  chemist ,  Max  Mueller .  They  are  retired  and  l.lving 

I 

i n  Val rico 1 Florida . 

In  the  fall  of  1936  I  got  a  job  t eaching  history  and  English  in  Tecumseh ,  Mich 

igan .  For  $1 , 200  per  year  I  was  also  expected  to  coach  d~bate  and  forensics , 

direct  the  senior  play ,  edit  the  school  newspaper  and  act  as  a  class  advisor.  There 

followed  five  rewarding  years . 

Shortly  after  Pearl  Harbor  I  was  enroute  to  Iceland  with  the  7th  Engineer  Battalion , 

The  second  year  in  Iceland  I  served  in  the  Counter- Intelligence  Corps . 

In  may  1944 

I  was  ordered  to  report  in  London .  Shortly  after  D- Day  Qur  C. I ~C~ __ team  left  for 

Normandy .  Afte r  enter ing  Paris  with  a  French  division ,  I  ser ved  in  Bel gium ,  France 

and  Germany . 

In  1946  I  returned  to  the  University  of  Michigan  to  continue  work 

2. 

toward  my  Ph  o. 
in  Lansing  Michigan  where  I  taught  history  and  later  served  as  guidance  director 

In  the  fall  of  1947  I  returned  to  my  alma  mater,  Eastern  High  School, 

until  retirement  in  1976. 

Between  1950  and  1970  courses  in  counseling  and  guidance  were  taken  at  Michigan 

State  University,  Occasionally  I  taught  a  course  in  The  Teaching  of  Social  Studies. 

Twice  I  have  accompanied  M,S.U.  groups  overseas  during  the  summer.  Adult  evening 

classes  are  still  a  part  of  continued  learning. 

In  May,  1985  I  served  as  chairperson  of  Patriarch's  Day  and  received  the  Cane 

from  the  Class  of  1934,  Correspondence  p~t  me  in  contact  with  a  number  of  classmtes 

not  seen  in  many  years.  Very: rewarding  was  a  renewed  acquaintance  with  Harlan  Clark 

retired  now  and  living  in  Denver  after  a  distinguished  caree~  in  the  diplomatic  service, 

John  Yale  after  ma~travels  became  a  trappist  monk.  He  now  lives  outside  Paris, 

France, 

After  residing  in  East  Lansing  .fo ..- more  than  twenty  years,  in  1980  I  moved 

to  share  a  home  with  a  friend  on  Lake  Lansing  in  Haslett. 

The  ingrained  habit  of  keeping  a  journal  remains . 

In  resurrecting  these 

journals  I  trust  glimpses  of  yesterdays  at  Michigan  State  College  as  seen  through 

the  ~yes  of  a  former  student  may  kindle  an  interest  in  times  past. 

Jon  L.  Young 
6005  Lake  Dr, 
P,O,  Box  5 
Haslett,  Michigan  48840 
Ap\-a, \, ,.