Japan's final days during the summer of 1945. (Newsreel)
Previously during July, 1945, in Dot's Diary: Dot and friends enjoyed summer at the beach, and downtown at Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, seeing Benny Goodman and the Navy Band. Dot and Sis made a couple of half-hearted attempts at job hunting. Hal threw a party. And Dot stated that she was “crazy about that guy”—the guy being Herb Martin. Meantime, war in the Pacific continues, while the U.S. has secretly tested an ominous new weapon…
Wednesday Aug. 1 1945
“Didn't do much today. Later in the evening, Helen came over and we sat on the front steps talking about guys (as usual). Very interesting too. Bob P. came around and sat with us. Wanted us to go to Parnell, but realized it was closed. Went in the house about 1:30.”
Today's news:
THREE YEARS OF DEFEATS [editorial]:The greatest mistake the Japanese have made, of course, was in believeing that they could defeat the United States, either in a short war or a long one. [...] With our fleet and air forces battering unopposed at the home islands, the Japanese appear well on the way to the most crushing total defeat of any people in modern history. Unless they surrender soon there will be little more than rubble to surrender. —NY Times
Sleek New Jet Plane [Lockheed P-80] Flies at 550 Miles Speed
CANNED CHICKEN IS AVAILABLE TO CIVILIANS AGAIN
MEN'S CLOTHES FEW - TO REMAIN SO THRU FALL - Bungling U. S. Rule Gets Blame: A serious shortage in men's clothing may be expected during the remainder of the year, Chicago clothing authorities said yesterday.
Famed Wright Plane to Come Home to Roost: The first heavier than air machine to be flown by man —the historic plane in which Orville and the late Wilbur Wright made their pioneer take-off from Kill Devil hill near Kitty Hawk, N. C., in 1903— is scheduled to come home soon from across the Atlantic.
Cubs Try First Place Skill on Pirates TodayBirthdays: Jerry Garcia (3), designer Yves Saint Laurent (9)
Came home after the show and Bob P. came and took us to Parnell. Came back and Jim came around. Talked about this and that.”
Trailer for The Enchanted Cottage
A short TV promo for Brewster's Millions
Today's news:
820 B-29s Fire 4 Cities, Mine Waters of Japan
Mayor Speeds Site for New, Bigger Airport: Among the sites is an area west of the Douglas Aircraft company plant near Park Ridge [This would later become O'Hare International Airport]
Chicago Has a Vactionland's Climate for First Seven Months of 1945
Big 3 End Talks - Tell World of Decisions Tomorrow - GERMANY'S FATE, POLISH BORDER BELIEVED FIXED: The Big Three conference adjourned at 12:30 a. m. today (6:30 p. m. Wednesday, Chicago time), but the momentous agreements reached will not be announced until tomorrow.
Jet Airplane Goes 544 Mi.: A jet propelled P-80 Shooting Star, today hurtled the 544 miles between Dayton, O., and New York in 62 minutes
GHOSTS GONE AS CONGRESS HOTEL OPENS - Flavor of Great Past Has Vanished: The Congress hotel, once a famous gathering place of statesmen and opera stars, opened again yesterday after three years. The army occupied it from July 30, 1942, to June 30, 1943. A thoro job of modernization has converted it into an up to date hotel.
Birthdays: Peter O'Toole (13), Myrna Loy (40)
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Dot's building and front steps.
Sis
Newsreel covering recent events: “Reconversion” outlook, post-war life in Berlin, and the July 16th atom bomb test at Alamogordo, New Mexico (“Dawn of the atomic age”). (2-min.)
Friday Aug. 3 1945
“Sis and I washed the front steps and Bob P. and Jim sat around and watched us. Jim told me he couldn't make it Saturday. I should care...
Later in the evening, we stayed home and I sewed. Bob P. came over later and we had coffee and cake. Played cards and sat around. Went in at 2:00. Kind of cold out.”
Notes:
The high temperature in Chicago today was 78; normal for this date is about 83.
Today's news:
MacARTHUR MEN RAID NAGASAKI - SINK TEN SHIPS - Honshu Raid Toll is 116 Vessels: Gen. MacArthur announced from Manila today, a raid by more than 250 far eastern air force planes on the Japanese port of Nagaski Wednesday in which 10 Jap ships were sunk.
Rust Cuts Into Beams of Bridge: The Harrison st. bridge, closed for repair work on June 26, could not have remained in service more than another 30 days. [The city bridge engineer] said demolition of pavement at the bridge approaches disclosed that some cross beams were rusted almost completely thru.
Douglas Air Field Ready Made for City: Early commercial use of the Douglas Aircraft airport, at Higgins and Mannheim rds. … is possible if the city of Chicago can get the permissions.
NEW CAR CALLED ‘FRAZER’ - Medium-Priced Auto Will Be Built by Graham-Paige
Birthdays: Martha Stewart (4), Tony Bennett (19)
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Photos from Sis' 16th birthday party. From left to right: Dot (hand on chin), Sis, Doots, and Ginny with future husband Bob— on the night Sis fixed them up.
When Doots and Herb came, I didn't know what to do. I felt nervous and fidgety. But Herb came up to me and we went for a walk. Everything was perfect. I think I'm really in love— oh yes. The rest of the kids had fun too.”
“I can't believe that Dot made no mention that this was my “Sweet Sixteen Birthday” party! Hey— it was a big deal to me!!
I had a great time though, even if I got rid of two boyfriends. I knew Bob P. was getting serious and I didn't know how to tell him. He was really nice, but not my type. So I set him up with Ginny. Ginny and Bob had much more in common. (Dot knew all of this too— I'm surprised she didn't mention it in the diary.) It all worked out great because, later on, Ginny and Bob became engaged and then got married. How about that?! And this was the night that started it all.
I'd had an argument with Doots, probably about him coming and going whenever he pleased. Good riddance! Then there was Chuck, who remained silent and non-committal.
So Dot had Herb and “Sis” had to start all over. Happy birthday!
I didn't mean to go on for so long. After all, this is Dot's diary. But she left out too much here!”
Notes:
Dot had seen Herb only one time since July 12th prior to today. She doesn't say why, although she has been seeing Jim again lately.
Today's news:
Princess Elizabeth Promoted: LONDON— Princess Elizabeth, who recently completed her noncommissioned officer's course in the Auxiliary Territorial Services, has been promoted ... to junior commander, it was announced today. The ATS is the British equivalent of the American Wac.
ARMY'S ‘MAGIC EYE’ SCANS GI PARCELS; INSPECTOSCOPE - IT'S THE GOVERNMENT'S NEWEST DETECTIVE: The Army revealed yesterday that it was using an ‘inspectoscope,’ a device like a fluoroscope, to inspect parcels sent home by service men abroad.
FOE SEES INVASION IN A MONTH OR TWO; Tokyo Paper Says U.S. Can Land Forty Divisions in Japan by End of 1945 - Holds China Landing Possible: The Japanese Domei agency, transmitting by wireless for American consumption, quoted a Tokyo newspaper editorial yesterday as estimating that the United States could mount only a forty-division operation if she attempted an invasion of Japan any time before 1946.
Mayor Favors Airport on Each Side of Chicago
Cubs Beat Reds; 14th, 15th in Row
Birthdays: Louis Armstrong (44)
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A dedicated American doctor joins the Chinese in their fight against Japanese invaders in China Sky.“Three people engaged in a struggle more dangerous than the death from the sky!” With Randolph Scott, Ruth Warrick and Anthony Quinn.
Sunday Aug. 5 1945
“I sat around all day today. Helped Mom clean the house. Dee and Helen called up.
Herb came at 7:15 and we went to the Stratford and saw China Sky. It was raining outside. Came out of the show and had a Coke, then sat on my front steps.
Helen and Ken came around, so the 4 of us went for a walk to Matthew's Restaurant and had a hamburger and Coke.
When we got back, Herb and I sat in the front room and he told me what a big bluff he is, cause he hasn't been around as much as he said.”
I think what Herb is referring to by ‘big bluff’ are all the tall tales or “white lies” he's been telling. One of his worst faults.”
The trailer for China Sky
Today's news:
12 More Jap Cities Warned; Storm Clouds Grow Blacker Over Japan: Twelve Japanese cities with a combined population of nearly 1,400,000 ... were added today to the announced list of enemy cities to be destroyed by fire bombs dropped by our Marianas-based Superfortresses. [...] The people of Japan must know by now that our Strategic Air Forces do not make threats they cannot carry out— and that the military might of the Japanese Empire either cannot or will not stop them.
Queen Elizabeth is 45; St. Paul Cathedral Bells Ring 45 Minutes
Spirit Fakers of City Fatten on War Grief
Director Stops in City: On his return to the west coast, Hitchcock will start a new picture, “Notorious,” which will star Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant
Weather: Partly cloudy; occasional thundershowers late this afternoon or tonight; high today 86
Birthday: Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks (8), Neil Armstrong (15), director John Huston (39)
At about 2:00 a.m., seven American aircraft take off from the Marianas Islands, bound for Japan. One of the planes is a specially-modified B-29 Superfortress bomber named Enola Gay carrying an atomic bomb.
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In a letter dated Aug. 6, 1945, Captain Bob Lewis, co-pilot of the Enola Gay, writes: “One minute a city was there. The next minute there was nothing...”
Monday Aug. 6 1945
“Got a letter from Stan today and cried for a half hour. It was such a sweet letter. Answered it too.
Herb came over in the evening and we sat around the house for awhile. Then we went for a walk to Ogden Park. He told me he wanted to get me an engagement ring in April. We also went to Englewood Hi and sat there. We argued, but finally called it quits and he told me he loved me, and just about hugged and kissed me to death.”
“Stan is still writing?? I didn't realize he stayed in the picture this long. Next to Herb, Stan was a big heart-throb of Dot's.
Herb was always making big plans, but I don't think Dot took him seriously on this ring business. She told me about that.”
Today's news
Bomb 4 Doomed Japanese Cities
List 16 Million as Mart Price … sold by Marshall Field to Joseph P. Kennedy
British Destroy Jap 28th Army Fleeing Burma; Kill 10,000 in Battle of Sittang River
Aboard USS Augusta with President Truman: Truman Sings With Crew at Ship's Services
Cubs and White Sox Win Double Headers; South Siders Whip TIgers 3d and 4th in Row
Birthdays: Andy Warhol (17), Robert Mitchum (28), Lucille Ball (34), Louella Parsons (64), Edith Roosevelt (wife of Teddy, 84)
At 8:15 a.m., Japan Standard Time, the city of Hiroshima, population 300,000, is destroyed as an atomic bomb is dropped by the U.S.
B-29 Superfortress bomber, Enola Gay. 90,000 people die instantly. [more]
The White House issues a statement from President Truman: Sixteen hours ago an American airplane dropped one bomb on Hiroshima, an important Japanese Army base. That bomb had more power than 20,000 tons of TNT.
It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction that the ultimatum of July 26 was issued at Potsdam. Their leaders promptly rejected that ultimatum. If they do not now accept our terms they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea and land forces in such numbers and power as they have not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are already well aware. [full statement.]
After the bombing, leaflets are dropped over Japan: We are in possession of the most destructive explosive ever devised by man. [...] This awful fact is one for you to ponder and we solemnly assure you it is grimly accurate. We have just begun to use this weapon against your homeland. If you still have any doubt, make inquiry as to what happened to Hiroshima when just one atomic bomb fell on that city. [...] We ask that you petition the Emperor to end the war. EVACUATE YOUR CITIES.
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Sis' picture of Sunny, Dot and herself at a Riverview photo booth, Aug. 7th, 1945; the entrance to the park as it appeared in the early 1950s.
1945-era Chicago L car, with windows that open.
Tuesday Aug. 7 1945
“Stayed home all day today. Before Sis and I left for Riverview, Herb came over and said he'd see me tomorrow nite, because he has to ask me something and tell me something.
We met Sunny at Riverview and really had a swell time fooling around. I ate 4 hot dogs. Had our pics taken.
It got very cold out, so we left about 11:30. I sat by an open window in the L, and it was heaven.
“We went to Riverview to celebrate my birthday. I remember this day, and we did have a good time. I still have the picture we took that day; now I can officially date it.”
Dot rode a 1940s Chicago L train very similar to what is shown in this video, shot in 2017.
Today's news:
Japan Blasted by Bomb Equal to 2,000 B-29s
Truman Vows Rain of Destruction
Power of Universe Tapped to Create New Missile
5,000 Scientists at U of C Worked 3 Years on Bomb
New Age Born by Atomic Bomb, Scientists Say
ATOMIC BOMB STORY! - Tell How Deadly Weapon Was Developed - HALT TRAINS TO SMASHED CITY: An epochal announcement of a new secret weapon, foreshadowing an early end of the war with Japan, was made today by president Truman.
The weapon is an atomic bomb, a projectile which looses the colossal energy of the atom [...] The war department was unable immediately to report the effect.
Reconnaissance planes reported that a vast and impenetrable cloud of smoke and dust covered the target area.‘The fact that we can release atomic energy ushers in a new era in man's understanding of nature's forces,’ said Mr. Truman. ‘Atomic energy may in the future supplement the power that now comes from coal, oil, and falling water.’
ATOMIC ENERGY [editorial]: Discovery of the secret of atomic energy has not changed the hearts of men. There will still be people in this world willing to risk the destruction of all civilization, and possibly even of all human life, in order to impose their will on others. [...]
Until the end of the war at least, President Truman has said, the process must be kept secret. The secret belongs to all the American people. It must be guarded and withheld jealously until they have proof that those who obviously will want to share it cannot use it to the detriment of this nation. —Chicago Tribune
HEARD ROUND THE WORLD [editorial]: The bomb that dropped on Hiroshima was doubtless heard by human ears for hundreds of miles around, but morally it was heard around the world. Its implications for good or evil are so tremendous in so many directions that it will take months before our minds can really begin to envisage them.
With the horrible prospect of utter annihilation opened by the atomic bomb, it is hard to imagine how the people of any nation on earth can possibly want another war. But can mankind grow up quickly enough to win the race between civilzation and disaster? —NY Times
Birthdays: Garrison Keillor (3), pitcher Don Larsen (16)
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Herb; Jim Parks and Dot
Wednesday Aug. 8 1945
“Dear Diary: saw Jim and Hal today. Jim was kind of cold.
Got out of show at 10:15. Went by Englewood Hi and talked a great deal. Then went to Tasty's and each had 2 Baked Ham sandwiches and Pepsi. Came back and visited Helen. Ken was over.
Came back and sat on my porch and kissed. I do love him so. Je l'amour. Il amour moi.”
“Jim was kind of cold?! Now why would he be that way?? He's out of the running by a long shot.
Note:
The translation of Dot's “Je l'amour, Il amour moi” is roughly ‘I love him, he loves me.’
Today's news:
60% of Jap City Wiped Out; Blast Rocks B-29 10 Miles Away; 4 Sq. Mi. of Hiroshima Destroyed
Chicagoan Tells of Awesome Scene from Plane: “We were at least 10 miles away and there was a visual impact, even tho every man wore colored glasses for protection. … The crew said, ‘My God,’ and couldn't believe what had happened.
Vatican Views Atomic Bomb ‘Unfavorably;’ ‘Sinister Shadow on Future of Humanity’
Atomic Energy Seen as Future Boon to Planes
No Cut in the Army Is Planned As a Result of New Bomb Use: Use of the atomic bomb against Japan will not permit reduction of the size of the Army below 7,000,000 men, set as its total by the end of June, 1946, War Department sources indicated today .
SLOAN, KETTERING TO COMBAT CANCER; STUDYING SKETCH OF PROPOSED CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE - The first application of American industrial research techniques to cancer research was projected yesterday in an announcement by Alfred P. Sloan Jr., chairman of General Motors Corporation.
B-29'S HIT YAWATA IN 1,500-TON BLOW: A fleet of more than 225 Marianas-based Superfortresses, escorted by about 140 P-47 Thunderbolt fighters from Okinawa, attacked the industrial area of Yawata [Japan] late this morning dropping about 1,500 tons of demolition bombs.
Birthday: Dustin Hoffman (8)
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Helen; the front steps of Dot's building on Normal Boulevard
Thursday Aug. 9 1945
“Today Helen came over and we went to Parnell for a Coke. Jim and Bob P. came in and sat with 2 girls.
Herb called twice. Once he said he didn't care to go to the concert and if he could just come over. I said sure. He came at 7:15 and we sat around the house. Mom, Dad, Sis and Marge went out. Then we sat on the front steps. Talked a lot and went to Parnell.
I think he's wonderful, but I don't think I'm in love. I'm sure of that.”
Today's news:
2d Atom Bomb Rips Japs! Reds Declare War
Nagasaki Hit; Flyers Report Good Results
Target of New U.S. Obliteration Raid a City of 255,000
Japanese Port Is Target in Devastating New Midday Assault; Foe Asserts Hiroshima Toll Is ‘Uncountable’ - Assails ‘Atrocity’: The second use of the new and terrifying secret weapon which wiped out more than 60 per cent of the city of Hiroshima and ... killed nearly every resident of that town, occurred at noon today, Japan time. The great bomb ... was dropped about seven hours after the Japanese had received a political ‘roundhouse punch’ in the form of a declaration of war by the Soviet Union.
Scoff at Fear of Atomic ‘Blight;’ No Lingering Effects: The war department today denied published reports that areas devastated by the atomic bomb continue for years to react with death dealing radioactivity.
BRITONS REVOLTED BY USE OF ATOM-BOMB: Britain's conscience has been deeply stirred by the obliteration of Hiroshima and the awful sense of responsibility aroused by the possession of so terrible a weapon as the atomic bomb.
Cubs Beat Braves Twice
Birthday: actor Robert Shaw (18)
In 2015, Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing
After the show, we went to Parnell. Saw Herb Roberts; also saw Herb's brother, Pete, in the Southtown. Later, we went to Tasty's and then sat on the front steps with Ken Seiler.”
A scene from Salty O'Rourke
Notes:
I haven't found anything as yet on Herb Roberts or Pete Martin. Sis couldn't recall Dolores. Please email me if you have any information.
Today's news:
Final Surrender Warning Issued; Atom Bomb Smoke Hides Nagasaki; Photos Show Fires Outside Hert of Target Area
FLEE! TRUMAN WARNS JAPS - U. S. to Hold Bases It Needs, Nation Is Assured: President Truman tonight solemnly warned the Japs that unless they surrender speedily they will suffer decimation and the destruction of their country by America's terrible secret new weapon, the atomic bomb.
RUMORS V-J DAY IS NEAR AT HAND FLOOD CAPITAL - Japs Promise News: The national capital was on the qui vive tonight for an early surrender of Japan.
BARE NAZI SPY PLOT TO GET U. S. ATOM BOMB DATA - Orders to Agents Told of Foe's Progress: German efforts to spy out the secrets of American atomic bomb development enabled this country to piece together a fairly accurate picture of the Nazis' own atomic efforts, the federal bureau of investigation announced today.
JAPS THREATEN TO USE WEAPON LIKE ATOM BOMB: The Japanese controled Singapore radio, boasting of Japan's atomic “researches,” sought to imply today that the Japanese have a weapon like the atomic bomb and said Japan would “use it to the utmost against United States military personnel.”
First Air Conditioned Trolley Coach to Get Test in Atlanta: An air conditioned trolley coach —the first ever built for local city transportation— will be delivered soon to the Georgia Power company for use in Atlanta, Ga.
‘Two-Ton’ Baker to Play Before Chicago Music Festival Crowd
Birthdays: Norma Shearer (43), Jack Haley (48), Herbert Hoover (71)
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Herb; Sunny, Dot and Sis
Saturday Aug. 11 1945
“Tonight, Sis, Sunny and I went to Dell's house, and then went to the carnival. Met Herb there. He was feeling pretty good and I do mean good. But I was happy to see him, as always.
We went back to Dell's and sat around for awhile. Then we went outside and got caught in the rain. Came back and ate in the Pantry. Then walked home from Dell's house. Sat in the front room. Our feet hurt, so we took our shoes off and laid on the couch.
“When Dot says that Herb was feeling pretty good, she means he was inebriated —drunk. Herb sometimes overdid it, as did several of his buddies. But even then he was so funny that you forgave him, as Dot did lots of times.
We went to Aunt Dell's house near 47th & Racine. No wonder our feet hurt. That's quite a walk!
Did we eat in a restaurant called The Pantry, or did we eat in Dell's pantry?
What does il a moi a chaud mean? I took Spanish, not French. No comprende!”
[“Il a moi a chaud” translates to “leaves me hot.” My mother had been taking French at Englewood High. —Dave]
Notes:
It's about three miles from Dot's to aunt Dell's.
Today's news:
Plea for Hirohito Delays Peace; Big 4 Conferring!
Truman Meets with War Chiefs
Officials in Capital Believe Conflict Is Near End
U.S. Calls Off B-29 Raids for Day; Fleet Also Idle
‘I Hope It Is the End,’ Cheering Soldiers Told By MacArthur
Atom Bomb Razed 1/3 of Nagasaki; Japan Protests to U.S. on Missile Blast - Seen 250 Miles Away - Japanese Depict Horror: Gen. Carl A. Spaatz announced today that the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on Thursday destroyed 30 per cent of that city's sprawling industrial area, including the big Mitsubishi steel and arms works. [...] Havoc caused by the atomic bomb explosion on Hiroshima was ‘the most awesome sight’ he ever saw, a Japanese soldier said today. [...] ‘Several minutes later I was outside. All around I found dead and wounded. Some were bloated and scorched —all green vegetation, from grasses to trees, perished.’
CHICAGO CALM - PLANS LAID FOR A QUIET V-J DAY: Chicago, inured to peace rumors, went calmly about its everyday tasks yesterday after learning of the Japanese peace offer. The excitement which swept London and other cities upon receipt of the report was not in evidence here.
EXPECT ITEMS FOR CIVILIANS BY CHRISTMAS - Store Stocks Hinge on Quick Victory: Long scarce consumer goods will be stocked in moderate amounts in stores by Christmas if the Japanese war ends shortly as predicted, Chicago manufacturers said yesterday. Most large producers have completed their post-war plans and are ready to put them into operation.
America's War Cost Is Placed at 300 Billions; Battle Casualties Exceed Million; 251,000 Dead
Birthday: Alex Haley (24)
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Sis and Sunny
Bob Plant; Ginny
Sunday Aug. 12 1945
“Today was a hot, dull day. I got up kind of late. Sis went to Sunny's house. They're both going for a week's vacation to Benton, Illinois on Monday.
Later in the evening, I sat around. Got a false report that Japan surrendered.
Later, Ken S. came over looking for Helen. Ginny told me Bob P. and her are going steady. Sis and I went to Parnell. Talked to Herb Roberts, George P., and Chuck.”
“V-J Day was in sight, and I was leaving Chicagoland and going to a small, ‘hick’ town to celebrate! I wanted to stay home for the Big day and have that Loop celebration we had been talking about for a couple of years.
Aunt Marge, Dot & I always talked about going to the Loop and really whooping it up when that day came. Now that it was just on the horizon, I was going to southern Illinois —and on a farm, at that.
I wanted to back-out, but I had promised Sunny I would go with her to her aunt & uncle's farm for one week, and the tickets were bought. Oh, cruel fate!”
Notes:
Benton is situated in the far southern area of Illinois, roughly 100 miles east of St. Louis. Sis is going there for a week's vacation. (Comments from Sis are in the Monday, Aug. 13th entry.)
Today's news:
Japan Gets Allied Terms; Hope for Surrender Today
Acceptance is Considered Certain; American to be Occupation Chief; MacArthur Likely to Be Chosen as Military Boss
Navy Reveals Heavy Losses to Kamikazes
PATTERN OF FUTURE WAR IS CHANGED; Atomic Bomb Upsets All calculations of Military Men: The entire future pattern of warfare, on land, sea and in the air, was violently altered this week by a single explosion— the explosion of that first atomic bomb that fell upon the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
5,000,000 EXPECTED TO LOSE ARMS JOBS: U.S. Officials Predict Great Unemployment 60 Days After Japanese Surrender.
U-Boat Visit Prize for Paper: Any child who contributes ten pounds of old newspapers may board the German submarine U-505, captured in 1943 by the United States Navy, on Monday, Aug. 20 [...] The sub is anchored [in New York City] at the foot of West 49th Street and the Hudson River.
[Note: the U-505 submarine eventually came to Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry.]
AQUATIC SHOW WILL PRESENT DIVE INTO FIRE - Ogden Park Carnival Opens Tomorrow: A water ballet, fire dive, and a bathing beauty contest will be the principal events of the two day water carnival beginning at 7:30 p. m. tomorrow at Ogden park.
Weather forecast: Partly cloudy and a little warmer; high 86.
Birthdays: Jane Wyatt (35), Joe Besser (38), Cecil B. DeMille (64)
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Above: Sis arrives at her friend Sunny's aunt & uncle's farm in Benton, Illinois for a week's vacation; Sis and Chuck; Families awaiting news on the radio of a surrender
Monday Aug. 13 1945
“Took Sis to the station this morning. Came home and sat around. Later in the evening, Helen came over, and then Ken and Chuck and I went to Tasty's and had a hamburger. He talked about Sis a lot. I didn't see Herb.”
The Benton, Illinois, train station
Today's news:
Japan Mum on Surrender; Yanks Attack Tokyo Area
Capital Hints at New Ultimatum; White House Keeps Day-Long Vigil
V-J Day Decree May Wait for 2 or 3 days
500,000 Autos Predicted for 1945 by WPB
Await Orders from Emperor, Japanese Told
Any Nation Can Get Atom Bomb, Says James Chadwick, British scientist and Nobel prize winner
CHICAGO ON EDGE AS IT WAITS FOR NEWS OF PEACE - Great Outburst Expected at Victory Hour: With nerves a little frayed from an overlong period of expectancy, Chicago continued yesterday to wait and wonder about the result of Japanese peace negotiations. Police reports indicated that a few persons got tired of waiting and started premature celebrations in some taverns, but generally the city was quiet. [...] When the official announcement comes, however, police expect an immediate outburst of pent up enthusiasm. The whole police setup... is aimed at preventing property damage and loss of life, as occurred in 1918, not at putting a damper on a legitimate celebration of victory and peace.
FEDERAL AGENCY TO SELECT N.W. HIGHWAY ROUTE - City and County Unable to Reach Agreement: Highway officials said yesterday that the governmental unit which provides funds for a super-highway northwest across Chicago would be allowed to settle a controversy about its route. Such an expressway would lead to the Douglas airport near Park Ridge
Henry Fonda Wins Bronze Star for Service in Navy
Birthdays: Don Ho (15), Fidel Castro (19), Alfred Hitchcock (46)
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On State Street
Times Square
At the White House, President Truman announces Japan's acceptance of surrender terms; celebrations on the lawn
Above: Dee Kozack and Dot; Top to bottom, Sis, Dot and Merle wearing hat, holding Dot's little brother, Louis (Son)
Sunny and Sis are down on the farm, in Benton, Illinois
Tuesday Aug. 14 1945
* * * V I C T O R Y . D A Y * * *..
...came at 6:00 [p.m.]. I was home alone with the baby. I cried for a while, and then Herb called and I got dressed. He came at 8:00 (gave me $2.00) and explained to me about some V-J pact the fellows made.
So I went to Dee's house and Dee, Merle and I went down Archer [Ave.] and fooled around. Stopped in a grocery store and bought some vittles. Ate at Dee's house. I really had fun. Everyone was gloriously happy.”
“This diary has brought about a big revelation in my life.
Here all this time (years), I thought Dot,Marge and her friend Betty went to the Loop together and had a blast while I was in this ‘hick’ town [Benton, Illinois] celebrating V-J Day and missing out on all the fun we had planned —in our minds at least.
I heard all about the jammed L ride down there with singing and dancing in the jam-packed aisles, and strangers kissing strangers, etc. Also the Conga dancing in the middle of the Loop, and I could have cried to think I missed it all.
I can't remember Dot ever telling me she wasn't with Marge & Betty. Wow— this really is a shocker to find out she spent it near Archer Ave. —a nice place, but no Loop.
Maybe my celebration in Benton was just as exciting as Dot's. We drove around the courthouse, around the town square, umpteen times, honking the horn (Sunny's cousin was 18 years old and driving), hollering out to all the other cars and people, drinking and spilling beer.
It could be I felt so bad about not being there, in the Loop, that I didn't want to hear too much about it. Who knows?! Whenever I see shots of the V-J Day celebration in Chicago and other big cities, I always felt a little bit of a letdown that I missed it. I never realized Dot didn't fare much better.
About that ‘pact’ Herb made (he gave Dot $2???) with his buddies: I wonder if that really was a spur of the moment kind of idea —not planned. Poor Dot! I wish I had known some of this years ago, so I could at least have consoled her or something.
‘Down Archer Ave.’ meant the Brighton Park neighborhood stores along Archer, the busy diagonal thoroughfare near Merle's home at 40th & Brighton Place.
In Japan, today is known as Shusen-kinenbi, or Memorial day for the end of the war.
President Truman made the official announcement of the Japanese surrender at 6:00 p.m. Chicago time.
“ACCEPT” —JAP RADIO! - Tokyo Talks of Potsdam Terms: The federal communications commission reported early this morning that Japan had accepted surrender terms. It quoted Domei as saying that "an imperial message accepting the Potsdam proclamation is forthcoming soon.
TRUMAN MESSAGE DUE AFTER 9 A. M.; President Retires With No Official Word From Japan - No Hint on V-J Day - President Retired Early: Although Tokyo broadcasts reported early today that Japan had accepted the Allied unconditional surrender demand, no Allied confirmation was likely before 9 A. M.
Loop Cheers, but Waits for Official Word: Long before the White House made any official comment on the Jap radio report ... 500 patrolmen ... [went] into the loop to be ready for the explosion of victory —when it comes. [At 1:00 a.m.] about 200 persons, mostly service men who had been in taverns, milled at the intersection of Dearborn st. and did some shouting. Dr. Benjamin S. Milton at St. Elizabeth's hospital delivered a baby at 1:21 a.m. He said: “Boy, I hope she is the first peace time baby.”
Weather forecast: Warm and humid; showers and thunderstorms late in afternoon and night; high 90
Birthdays: Steve Martin, Wim Wenders (born today), Lina Wertmuller (17)
V-J Day celebrations in San Francisco
V-J Day, New York City
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Aug. 15, 1945: the day after the Japanese accepted surrender terms.
A woman faints in the middle of State Street celebrations (photo via Chicago Tribune)
Wednesday Aug. 15 1945
Didn't do much in the afternoon. Herb came over in the evening, and we went for a walk looking for an open restaurant but couldn't find any.
Came back to my house, and I fried us some hamburgers and made a pot of coffee. Played cards and goofed around.
Later, Hal dropped in and asked for an after-the-war kiss. I told him Herb was over, so he left. Herb was awfully sweet. He went home at 3:15.”
“This day was the official V-J Day so most businesses like restaurants were closed. I imagine it also gave a lot of people time to sleep off their hangovers.”
Looking north from Madison st., over huge throng that gathered on State st. on first word of Japan's capitulation to Allies. (Tribune photo)
Today's news:
HIROHITO ACCEPTS ROLE OF PUPPET - AGREES TO CARRY OUT ALLIED ORDERS - Truman to Proclaim V-J Day After Emissaries Complete Signing of Formal Terms: President Truman at 6 o'clock [Tuesday night] (Chicago time) announced the unconditional surrender of Japan... The Japanese empire fell before the military and industrial might of the United States, climaxed last week by the projection of two atomic bombs— America's terrible new secret weapon— upon two Japanese cities with devasting effect.
CHICAGO TURNS LOOSE A BEDLAM OF VICTORY JOY: Most of the loop workers were on their way home when the announcement was made. Thousands of them turned back. Street cars, buses, and elevated trains were crowded on their downtown runs. Automobiles were lined up bumper to bumper on the main thorofares into the loop. By 8 p.m., traffic policemen and stop lights meant nothing. Horns tooted. Drivers proceeded when they could. The formality of military rank was forgotten. There was no saluting. By midnight the crowd began to thin out altho new celebrants were arriving from the suburbs.
CRACKERS POP, DRAGON DANCES IN CHINATOWN: Chinatown celebrated Japan's surrender last night with firecrackers in Joyful disregard of the city's anti-fireworks ordinance. The firecracker stock pile, which appeared sufficient to last thru the night, was brought from China before the Jananese invasion.
DEFEAT OF JAPS BRINGS RUBBER AND TIN NEARER - Also Other Material for Modern Life: Defeat of the Japanese will free areas from their control which before the war were major suppliers of raw materials essential to the modern economy— notably rubber, tin, and quinine. It will simplify the obtaining of other materials such as tungsten...
ACE O'HARE DIED TESTING RADAR, NAVY REVEALS - Lost in Experiment of Combat Use: Lt. Comdr. Edward H. (Butch) O'Hare, the navy's late fighter pilot, lost his life during a bold experiment in the control of fighter craft by radar, the navy disclosed.
Surrender to Be Signed Aboard U.S.S. Missouri: Present plans call for the Japanese surrender to be signed aboard the battleship Missouri, named after President Truman's home State.
EISENHOWER HAILS RUSSIANS' AMITY; Appreciates Stalin's Efforts to Make Him Feel Welcome: On the second day of his visit to Moscow Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower feels that he is in the hands of friends, people who want to be friends with the United States, he said last evening.
JOYOUS BEDLAM LOOSED IN CITY: Within minutes of the announcement, 10,000 persons jammed downtown sidewalks and streets. By 10 p.m. half a million had visited —or tried to visit— the area. They were noisy. They represented all ages and all classes. Elderly men and women were as numerous as bobby soxers.
Thousands of sailors, soldiers, and marines were there. Young women kissed them until their faces were smeared with lipstick. [...] Some autos carried riders on the tops and bumpers as well as inside. When one such car struck the car ahead, the riders on its roof slid down the streamlined back.
It took 30 minutes to drive from Lake st. to Monroe st. on Dearborn st. Some of the traffic policemen gave up and went into restaurants.
At State and Madison sts., 20 sailors formed a line, grabbed pretty girls as they passed, kissed them, and passed them from one to another.
In Gary, 17,000 persons jammed the streets at 5th av. and Broadway.
Birthdays: Oscar Peterson, Mike Connors (20), Huntz Hall (26), Elizabeth Bolden (55, daughter of slaves, died at age 116 in 2006), Edna Ferber (60), Ethel Barrymore (66)
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Sis, on vacation this week with Sunny down in Benton, Illinois
Herb; Dot having tea; Dot's building, and front steps
Thursday Aug. 16 1945
Today, Herb called and then came over at 2:00. We played cards, played the piano and just kidded around.
Had tea at 4:00, and Mom asked him to stay for supper. He did, and later we took a walk to the pool room on 63rd & Racine. Came back and sat on the front steps. He kissed me goodbye and told me he loved me.
We also went to Parnell twice and talked to Ginny. Went in at 12:00. Quite early— eh?”
Note:
The pool room at 63rd St. and Racine Ave. was about a six block walk west from Dot's building.
Herb expresses his love here. Last week Dot said, in her diary, that she felt the same about Herb, but a few days later she seemed to have second thoughts. No indication above about how she's feeling on this particular day.
Today's news:
PROBLEMS OF PEACE: The formalities of Japan's surrender are still to be completed and her last fanatical suicide fighters are still to be stopped, but the greatest of all wars has passed into history, and the world turns to the problems of peace. These problems are no less stupendous than those of the war, and President Truman rightly emphasized in his victory statement that the emergency today is as great as it was on Pearl Harbor Day.
The balance of power is no longer centered in Europe but in three or four world powers of which the United States is one. Some nations are beginningto despair of individual enterprise and democratic methods and resort more and more to that collectivist state action which always carries with it the danger of totalitarianism and dictatorship. The voices advocating a similar development here are still small and belong for the most part to the lunatic fringe, but there can be little doubt that they will grow in volume
DECISION AWAITED ON GREATEST NAVY: The end of the war finds the United States with seapower unparalleled in history. It has the problem of what to do with a fleet larger than the combined navies of all the rest of the world.
CUBS TOP DODGERS WITH BOROWY, 20-6; Flag-Bound Chicagoans Score Eight Times in Fourth: If, as it was intimated, the Cardinals put the chill on Brooklyn's pennant hopes, said aspirations were virtually frozen by the pace-setting Cubs at Ebbets Field yesterday when Jolly Cholly Grimm's lads crushed the Dodgers, 20-6.
Birthdays: Eydie Gorme (13), Robert Culp, Frank Gifford (15), Fess Parker (20), Menachem Begin (32)
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Stan
Dee and Dot
Dot's sister continues her vacation in Benton, Illinois
Friday Aug. 17 1945
Cleaned out my drawers today. Got another letter from Stan and 2 from Larry.
Later in the evening, I met Dee and we went to the Englewood. Very good. Then went for a walk with Marge.
Met Doots and Herb on 63rd & Halsted. I thought they had left already, but there were a few complications. He was so sweet to me. Told me to take care of myself, and kissed me in the middle of 63rd. Then Dee and I went to Tasty's.”
Notes:
Herb and his friend Doots are leaving on a trip to Michigan.
The Englewood theater doesn't advertise in the Chicago Tribune, so we don't know what Dot and Dee saw there on this day.
Today's news:
News of War's End Turns U.S. Ships to Home Ports
ALDERMEN O. K. HIGHWAY PLAN OF 237 MILLIONS: [The] city council... yesterday adopt[ed] a comprehensive program for the expenditure of $237,701,000 by 1955 for super-highways and improvement of arterial streets in Chicago.
Truman To Tell HIs Plans for Army in Peace
Br-r! Temperature Dips to Low Record for Aug. 16
ODT to Remove All Sports Travel Bans Today; World Series, Big Football Games Are On
QUEEN MARY TO SAIL TODAY WITH 15,000 GIs
JAPAN CHANGES TUNE ON ATOM BOMB INVENTION: The Japanese flow of condemnation of the allies for development and use of the atomic bomb was replaced today by praise for the scientific genius which developed it.
Birthdays: Robert De Niro (2), Mae West (52), Samuel Goldwyn (63)
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Dot writes that she sat around and wrote a letter on this Saturday evening
Sis is still on vacation down in Benton, Illinois.
Saturday Aug. 18 1945
Didn't do anything today. Went down 63rd & Halsted, fooled around.
In the evening, Mom and Dad went out, so I sat around and wrote a letter; also read the Sunday paper, put up my hair, and listened to the radio. Went to bed at 12:15.”
Notes:
My mother doesn't say what she listened to on the radio, but I'll make an educated guess at these: Say It With Music (7 pm), Barn Dance Party (7:30 pm),Your Hit Parade (8 pm; first song,On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe, performed by Dick Todd),Grand Ole Opry (9:30 pm), A Date With An Angel (10:45 pm.)
Today's news:
JAPANESE ATTACK B-32'S OVER TOKYO; 2 Enemy Craft Shot Down by U.S. Planes on Mission to Photograph Airports: Eight to ten Japanese fighters attacked and anti-aircraft fire roared as four new United States B-32 Superliberators attempted to go over the Tokyo airports at noon today to photograph them.
437 B-29S LOST IN KNOCKING OUT 59 JAP CITIES: B-29 Super Fortresses, in their year-long campaign against Japan, destroyed the industrial capacity of 59 Japanese cities at a cost of 437 planes and more than 3,000 airmen.
STORES TO REVIVE COURTESY IN SALES; New Era Dawns for Women Shoppers as Day of the Prima Donna Clerk Ends: A new era is at hand for women shoppers, with courtesy as the department store watchword, and "the customer is always right" reemphasized as a peacetime slogan, a survey yesterday indicated.
Marriage Licenses Here Soar to a Day's Record
Singing Messages Allowed Again: Those cheery-voiced Western Union telegraph messengers and their feminine counterparts, the dulcet-toned telephone girls, bearing capsule rhymed greetings for birthdays and sundry anniversaries, may again come out of hiding. [...] Washington lift[ed] the ban on such messages, resurrecting another American institution of pre-war days.
TONIGHT'S BIG NIGHT! MUSIC FETE ALL SET - 90,000 Expected at Peace Jubilee: Chicago's first big public celebration since the war ended, the 16th annual Chicago Music Festival, will be held tonight, appropriately enough, in Soldiers' Field. A capacity crowd of 90,000 persons is expected to attend.
Birthdays: Robert Redford (9), Roman Polanski (12)
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The Southtown theater; A U.S. mercenary and an army of peasants fight for Spain in Ernest Hemingway's For Whom The Bell Tolls.
Sunday Aug. 19 1945
Went with Mom and Dad to Lincoln Park and had a keen time, although I was quite tired.
Got home and Marge said Herb had called from Muskegon, Michigan and told her to tell me that he loves me more than ever, and wishes I was there in his arms.
Later I ironed my yellow dress and went to the Southtown. Some redhead guy tried to get acquainted, but no soap. Sat next to a jockey and he did likewise. Took my phone number. Saw For Whom the Bell Tolls. (Awful.)
Came home and Ken S. and his 2 boyfriends came over. One was a doll. We talked til 1:00.”
“See, when you're away —like I was— they do all these neat things, like going to Lincoln Park. I guess it was mostly for Sonny's benefit, tho.
Herb sure leaves some personal messages!
Dot went to the show by herself?? I'd better get back soon from Benton! I can't remember either one of us ever doing that. Of course, it's a good way to meet someone. But a jockey??
I thought For Whom the Bell Tolls was terrific, but then maybe Dot had one too many distractions!”
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Dot thought it was “awful.”)
Notes:
The trip to Lincoln Park might have included the park's Zoo, too.
For Whom the Bell Tolls received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Today's news:
JAM HIGHWAYS AS GAS RATION, SPEED CURB END: Suburban highways were crowded yesterday as motorists, freed both from basoline rationing and the 35 mile an hour speed limit, headed for the open country in their automobiles.
Report Names Pacific Bases U.S. Must Keep; Some Islands Claimed by Britain Included
CHICAGO TO GET LAKE AIR WHILE PLAINS SIZZLE
LOYOLA OFFERS 2 YEAR PROGRAM TO U. S. WAR VETS: Special two year certificate programs geared to meet needs and interests of veterans have been organized by Loyola university's committee on veteran education in cooperation with university departments and divisions.
N. Y. TO REPLACE ITS STREET CARS BY MOTOR BUSES - Last of Elevated Lines to Be Torn Down: Motor buses will be substituted for New York's remaining street cars as rapidly as equipment is made available, municipal transit officials said today. [Much of New York City's elevated structures have been converted in recent years to landscaped walkways known as the High Line.]
Birthdays: Coco Chanel (52), Orville Wright (74)
On this day: Ho Chi Minh, leader of the Viet Minh independence movement, today established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, in Hanoi.
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Roughly Speaking is from “the novel that captured the heart of a nation”, starring Rosalind Russell as a headstrong woman with seven children.
A Royal Scandal dwells upon a fictional incident in the life of Russia's Catherine the Great, played by Tallulah Bankhead.
Monday Aug. 20 1945
Sonny and I went to the beach. The water was nice and warm.
Later, I put up my hair on the beach. Saw Jim's sisters Betty and Pat, and also Pat C., Dot K. and Betty F. —and Janet Totten.
Came home at 6:30, so I dressed and went to the show and saw Roughly Speaking— very good— and A Royal Scandal —nice and spicy; funny, too. On the way to the show, met Gene V. Went to bed at 12:30.”
“Dot went to the show all by her lonesome again? (And who is ‘Gene V.’??)
A Royal Scandal (full movie)
Notes:
Dot doesn't say what theater she went to, but from the newspaper listings, it looks like it was the Stratford theater.
Janet Totten is Hal's sister. The identity of ‘Gene V.’ remains unknown for now.
Today's news:
1ST SUNDAY SPIN REFLECTS WAR'S TOLL ON AUTOS: The traffic jams which vexed motorists before the war won't be repeated until new automobiles are rolling from the assembly lines. An aerial survey by Tim TRIBUNE of main Chicago area routes showed yesterday that there just aren't enough good cars left to clog the highways.
FORECAST JOBS FOR ALL AFTER RECONVERSION: There will be a job for every employable person in the United States when the changeover to civilian production is complete, the Committee for Economic Development predicted yesterday.
BOMBER SPRAYS ROCKFORD [IL] WITH DDT IN POLIO WAR: This city was sprayed from the air with DDT, the army's "miracle" insecticide, by a B-25 Mitchell bomber today in an army experiment to determine DDT's value in controling the spread of infantile paralysis.
CUBS TAKE 2, LEAD BY 7 -1/2 GAMES: The Cubs this afternoon soared to their greatest lead of the year by taking a double header from the Giants before 48,310 [41,567 paid] in the Polo Grounds while the Cardinals were being extended to salvage a split in their double header in Boston.
Birthdays: Isaac Hayes (3), Don King (14), Jacqueline Susann (27)
Later, put up my hair and Helen came over and the 3 of us smoked a cigarette. Went to Parnell, played a few songs, and then Sis and I dressed and went downtown to the Oriental. Met Sunny and saw Jealousy —very corny, but we also saw lovable Dick Haymes and a grand stage show.
Went down 63rd and had a hamburger at Minuet's and then I bought Sis a Coke.”
“Boy, Dot must have been glad to see me, or “us”. She woke up at 6 a.m.! Also bought me a Coke later on. I was just as happy to be back.
I remember seeing Dick Haymes. He was very popular at that time and it was a great show.
The truth is out: I smoked a cigarette, altho I can't recall doing that in our house. I guess I was one of the 3. Helen's mom was a chain smoker and so I believe she brought them over. We had a sneaking suspicion that Helen was a smoker, too.”
The platform of Englewood Union Station on 63rd St., in 1965
Dick Haymes performs Isn't It Kinda Fun from the 1945 movie State Fair
In Jealousy, the wife of an alcoholic writer takes a job as a taxi driver and is later accused of murder (full movie)
Notes:
The train Sis took was probably the New York Central line. More information about Englewood Union Station and the trains that used it here.
With regard to the Oriental theater stage show, the Shyrettos appear to have been a unicycle threesome. The act listed as “de Simone” may have been the Cheena De Simone dancers. “Lang & Orch.” could have been the Joe Lang Orchestra. I couldn't find any useful information about Steve Evans or “A. Hartman.”
Today's news:
Industry Gets Go-Ahead! Lift Controls Over 200 Items for Civilians; Radios and Trucks Are Included
Surrender Day Given to Japan by MacArthur; Will Occupy Islands Within 10 Days
Expects Tire Ration to End by December
AMERICA FEELS ITS OWN POWER: The house naval affairs committee has approved and issued a report by one of its subcommittees calling for outright possession by the United States of bases necessary for the defense of the Pacific and the preservation of peace in that vast area.
13 More Polio Cases; Rockford Total Now 153
ARABS ANNOYED BY TRUMAN TALK ABOUT ZIONISM - Call Statement After Potsdam Regrettable: Regardless of what President Truman may say, the Arabs intend to continue their opposition to further Jewish immigration into Palestine.
Girls Will Go Off to College Clad in Plaids: Bright, snappy Scotch plaids again take over the school and campus fashion shows. Scarcely a wardrobe will be assembled without some flavor of authentic Scotch lurking somewhere among the jackets, skirts, or coats.
Birthdays: Jackie DeShannon (1), Kenny Rogers (7), Wilt Chamberlain (9), Count Basie (41), Emiliano Mercado del Toro (54; died in 2007 as the world's oldest person at that time, age 115)
On this day: Japan appeals to kamikaze pilots to cease operations.
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This week's issue of TIME magazine covered the fall of Japan and these words from President Truman: “The atomic bomb is too dangerous to be loose in a lawless world. That is why Great Britain, Canada and the United States, who have the secret of its production, do not intend to reveal that secret until means have been found to control the bomb so as to protect ourselves and the rest of the world from the danger of total destruction.”
Wednesday Aug. 22 1945
Dear diary, didn't get any mail today. Stayed around the house all day.
Dot had seen Patrick the Great with Jim on July 17th.
Herb is away in Muskegon, Michigan.
Today's news:
BUSES TO PLAY LARGER ROLE IN CHICAGO TRANSIT - Many Car Lines Likely to Be Replaced: Rehabilitation of Chicago's traction system will undoubtedly result in the replacement fof many street car lines with bus routes according to Philip Harrington, the chairman of the Chicago Metropolitan Transit authority. “It is probable that street cars of the most modern type will be retained on the long routes with heavy traffic. Whatever is done must have an idea in view— to get the customer to leave his car at home. He'll do it if mass transportation is good.” Harrington indicated there is no intention now to eliminate street cars and the L structures entirely, as New York is planning to do.
MOTORING BOOM BRINGS BONANZA TO CAR PARKERS: Post-gasoline rationing business already has started to pick up for the Monroe st. parking station in Grant park and for the garages serving downtown hotels. For the outdoor parking lots the expected boom has been slower in arriving.
KELLY NAMES 17 TO SELECT SITE OF NEW AIRPORT: The 17 members of the Chicago airport selection board, entrusted with the responsibility of deciding where the city's future air field should he located, were named yesterday by Mayor Kelly, who told the city council of "a new and possibly an even bigger trade era".
French Perfumes' Scarcity Expected Until Next Spring
Birthdays: Ray Bradbury (25), Leni Riefenstahl (43), Dorothy Parker (52)
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63rd Street Beach; Bob Dusold; Dot and Sunny
Thursday Aug. 23 1945
Today we took a walk down 63rd and shopped a bit. Went to Sunny's house and she put on her slacks. We bought some hot dogs and other things and decided to go to the beach and have a wiener roast.
On the way, I met Bob Dusold, so I stopped and talked to him for awhile. The beach was really deserted. About 20 people were there. We had a fire and really had a keen time. Boy, what a romantic spot. Got home at 10:30.”
“Who needs the guys?! Had a great time all by our lonesomes. I still can't believe we walked thru that long parkway after dark. We were either stupid or fearless. Probably the first!”
Today's news:
ATOM VICTIMS' DELAYED DEATH STIRS DEBATE - Laid to Pneumonia and New Kind of Ray: Divergent views were expressed yesterday on the claim by the Tokyo radio that among the 480,000 Japanese said to have been killed, injured, or left homeless by the two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there were slightly burned victims who died mysteriously a few days after the blasts.
“The number of dead is mounting, as many of those who received burns cannot survive their woulnds because of the uncanny effects the atomic bomb produces on the human body. Even those who received ‘minor’ burns looked quite healthy at first only to weaken after a few days from some unknown reason, and many of them died.”
COMPLETE SURRENDER PLAN - JAPS WILL SIGN DOCUMENT ON U. S. S. MISSOURI - MacArthur Forces to Land Tuesday: Japan's surrender will be signed aboard the battleship Missouri in Tokyo bay Aug. 31, Gen. MacArthur announced today.
Start Making Nylon Yarn for Civilian Use
DDT INSECTICIDE WILL GO ON SALE HERE NEXT WEEK
MEAT SHORTAGE IN RESTAURANTS STILL PREVAILS
Birthdays: Barbara Eden (14), Vera Miles (16)
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Top: the Sears and Hillman's Foods at 63rd St. & Halsted; the nearby Linden theater, which was showing a double feature of Hi'Ya Chum! and Fog Island.
Helen came over in the afternoon and we went to Parnell. Then took a walk down 63rd and Halsted to Hillman's.
Came back at 5:00 and Sis and I dressed and went to the Linden show and saw Hi Ya Chum and Fog Island. They were corny but good. The show was packed with wolves. Sis and I had a hamburger at Minuet and also a Coke at Parnell.”
“I believe that ‘thrill, thrill’ is a little sarcasm.
Hillman's was a big food store in the basement of Sears. We did most of our big shopping there. The deli and bakery were super!
Each department had a separate counter & helper. You got a ticket for each purchase, paid a cashier in different locations, and then came back to each separate counter with your paid slip in order to claim your package. Sometimes you'd have over ten tickets to claim. Not very efficient is it? But the food was great and so was the variety. After all, we had no super markets then.
They also gave out a lot of free samples!”
A man framed for his wife's murder joins forces witha mad inventor to carry out revenge, in Fog Island (full movie)
Notes:
Herb is writing Dot from Muskegon, Michigan.
Today's news:
GRAB DOUGLAS AIRPORTS REGAN ADVISES CITY - Air Commission's Chief Inspects Site: Douglas airport, whose thick concrete runways can accommodate the heaviest airplanes and whose factory buildings might be convertible into air line terminals, should be acquired immediately by the city, Chairman Ben Regan of the state aeronautics commission said yesterday. [Note: Orchard Place-Douglas airport became O'Hare Field -ORD- named for war flying ace Butch O'Hare]
Chicago to Europe Air Route - World Flights from Chicago Await Pacts: The speed of state department negotiations with foreign governments for necessary permission will determine how soon Chicagoans can fly direct to Europe and the orient by way of newly certified routes, a spokesman for Pan American World Airways system said yesterday.
Aluminum Kitchenware on Way Back to Stores
Grant and Hitchcock Plan to Film 'Hamlet' in a Modern Version
Birthdays: Yasser Arafat (12), Howard Zinn (23)
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Top to bottom: Aerial view of the alley; Sis and Chuck; Doty (wearing sailor hat); Helen Romanelli
Saturday Aug. 25 1945
Went down 63rd. Later in the evening, we went to the Alley Rally on 60th Place and was it wonderful. It took up the whole alley. All the neighbors gave up the use of their back yards and garages for concessions. Reminded me of a County Fair.
We were with Doty and Chuck and I was really dancing (with Doty). Helen and Ken S. were there and gosh, the whole neighborhood. I got home at 1:00.”
“The Alley Rally was really a fun thing. Dot hit it on the head when she said it was like a County Fair. I don't believe they ever had another one. Too bad. It was great and this brings back a forgotten memory. Thanks!”
A 2018 view from Normal Boulevard of what may have been the location of the Alley Rally, one-half block south of 60th Place.
Today's news:
Typhoons Delay Surrender
A-BOMBS SHAKE U. S. MORALLY, 2 PAPERS FIND - Protestant, Catholic Journals Protest: The atomic bombs dropped on two Japanese cities caused "something like a moral earthquake," states the Christian Century, Protestant journal, in its leading editorial of its current issue.
30,000 MORE DIE SLOW DEATH IN HIROSHIMA: JAPS - Report Many Sufferers Cry, 'Kill Me': Tokyo broadcasts said yesterday that "radioactivity" and burns from the atomic bomb at Hiroshima claimed the lives of 30,000 persons within two weeks after the bomb was dropped, and that some burn victims asked to be killed to end their pain.
U.S. to Use DDT on City Dump As Polio Measure
COAST TO COAST NETWORK BEING PLANNED FOR FM: Improvement plans for frequency modulation broadcasting, which include a coast to coast network service and a minimum of 700 stations, are now being formulated.
Birthdays: Sean Connery (15), George Wallace (26), Mel Ferrer (28), Van Johnson, Erich Von Stroheim (29)
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Sunday Aug. 26 1945
Stayed home all day. In the evening, stopped in Parnell with Sis and Helen; saw Herb Roberts. Then Sis and I went to Sunny's mother's house. We ate and fooled around over there.
“Between Sunday the 19th thru Sunday the 26th, we went to the movies (or Dot did) six times!*”
A town bedeviled by outlaws sends for Hopalong Cassidy, in Border Vigilantes (full movie)
Notes:
*During those six trips to the show, Dot and Sis saw 10 movies.
Today's news:
U.S. Fleet Enters Jap Bay; 170 American Warships Lead Allied Armada
BENNY RETURNS FROM HIS THIRD OVERSEAS TOUR - Service Shows Will Remain on Air: Jack Benny, here last week to visit his father, has just returned from an eight week entertainment tour thru Germany, where he gave two shows a day and appeared before an audience of 40,000 at Nuremburg on July 4th.
AREA COUNCIL ASKS ACTION ON STREET PLANS - Motor Club Group Outlines Needs: Plans [call] for extensive north side street and highway improvements, including construction of a superhighway on the lake front north of Foster av., modernization of street intersections in Evanston, and installation of additional street and traffic lights in Chicago.
Germans to Make 20,000 Automobiles in Year
Roads Filled— but So Are Most Resorts: The old family bus may not be what it used to be, but it's rolling along these days to midwestern vacationlands. According to reports from dozens of spots within a 500 mile radius of Chicago, Illinois, cars are chugging along with families.
Birthdays:Ben Bradlee (24), Mother Teresa (35)
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Larry; Sis and Dot; Aunt Ag, left, with Pauline (Dot's mom)
Monday Aug. 27 1945
Got a letter from Larry today— quite chummy. Later we went to Parnell and then to the library. Helen came over and we goofed around.
Later, Sis and I went to Aunt Ag's to get her birthday pictures. Came back about 9:00. Ken S. came over and we sat in front talking to him. Chuck came later on and we really had a nice time. Came in at 11:45, and then to bed.”
Today's news:
Clear Tokyo Bay of Mines; Halsey Receives Jap Officers on Flagship
REVEAL DOUGLAS AIRPORT CAN BE DOUBLED IN SIZE - Photo Shows Expansion Possible on 3 Sides: Should Douglas airport, near Park Ridge, be selected as Chicago's post-war airport, an area approximately two miles square is available for the lengthening of runways and the construction of terminal facilities.
YANKS TO FIND JAPAN CLIMATE ABOUT LIKE U. S.: Families of service men destined to be stationed with occupation forces in Japan need not fear that the new five layer winter uniform recently displayed in Manila means their sons will be living in a subarctic climate.
A-BOMB FAILS TO STOP NAGASAKI TROLLEY CARS: [It was] reported today that street cars were running in Nagasaki even tho the Japanese city was pretty well flattened by an atomic bomb.
EXPECTS COLOR TELEVISION ON AIR BY NEW YEAR
Mickey Rooney Mobbed by British Bobby Sockers
A Corny Trick Catapults Cat to Feline Fame: The most wonderful cat on Goethe st. is Baby, the Siamese which eats corn on the cob, say most of the children in her block.
Birthdays: Tuesday Weld (2), Lyndon B. Johnson (37)
Joyce Braly, 10, of 144 Goethe st., and Siamese cat, Baby, which eats corn on the cob. (Chicago Tribune, Aug. 27, 1945)
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The Stratford theater, at 63rd & Halsted
Sunny
Tuesday Aug. 28 1945
“Today I got a beautiful letter from Herb. Very romantic, but I loved it.
“What we called ‘spicy’ back then at the movies would now be rated ‘PG’.
Dot wrote Larry, Stan and Herb a letter?? How did she ever keep her emotions straight?!”
Jack Oakie and Buster Keaton watch over Oakie's daughter from heaven, in That's the Spirit
Due to military “emergencies,” a young soldier and his new bride (Gale Storm) are unable to make their marriage official, in G.I. Honeymoon.
Today's news:
YANKS LAND AT JAP AIRPORT - U. S. SHIPS ENTER TOKYO BAY - Badger's Flagship San Diego Leads Procession: American naval units steamed into Tokyo bay today in final preparation for landings of 10,000 sailors and marines at Yokosuka naval base on Thursday (Wednesday, Chicago time).
REMOVE LAST BAR TO RETURN OF NYLON HOSE - WPB Lifts Controls on Many Items: Nylon stockings will be back before Christmas, chicken in abundance will be available "very soon" for America's dinner table, and manufacturers again can use leather for riding boots, house slippers, and "wedgies."
CAB AIDS URGE CHICAGO-ORIENT AIR LINE ROUTE - Recommend Permit to Northwest Air: Examiners of the civil aeronautics board recommended today that Northwest Airlines, Inc., be permitted to fly trans-Pacific routes to the orient in competition with Pan American Airways, Inc., only United States civilian carrier presently authorized for that area.
Third 90 Temperature of Month Expected Today
Birthdays: Ben Gazzara (15), Donald O'Connor (20), Charles Boyer (46)
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Sunny, Dot and Sis
Wednesday Aug. 29 1945
“Dear diary, today it rained on and off. Sis and I went down 63rd and I bought a beige sweater. Got home and sat around.
“Have to say it again: Minuet's had the greatest hamburgers! No wonder now I'm not crazy about burgers. None of them measure up!”
Johnny Weissmuller makes his ninth appearance as the title character in Tarzan and the Amazons
Ten Cents a Dance: “She was a dance hall hostess, but the band never played ‘Home Sweet Home’ for her.”
Today's news:
ADM. HALSEY SAILS INTO TOKYO BAY - FLAGSHIP MISSOURI LEADS BIG FLEET - 7,500 Sky Troopers Fly Today from Okinawa: Adm. Halsey, who wants to ride Emperor Hirohito's white horse thru Tokyo, steamed into Tokyo bay today at the head of his United States 3d fleet. His flagship [is] the mighty 45,000 ton battleship Missouri, on which Japan will surrender.
DE GAULLE GIVEN WARM WELCOME IN LOOP PARADE - Mayor Presents Him with Scroll at City Hall: A warm, but far from feverish, demonstration of welcome was staged in Chicago's loop yesterday for Gen. Charles de Gaulle, president of the French provisional government, who came to the United States seeking further aid for his people.
Curbs Lifted on Towels and Leather Items: All wartime controls on production of bath towels in all sizes and weights for civilian use were removed today by the war production board.
An Old Color, Gray, Again is Fresh, Young: Gray, long considered an ‘old’ color, is triumphantly young and smart in the first significant fashion showings introducing a new season. The college girls are buying gray and then more gray, from silver grays to the classic suits of men's wear gray flannel.
Birthdays: Elliot Gould (7), John McCain (9), William Friedkin (10), Richard Attenborough (22), Charlie Parker (25), Ingrid Bergman (30), Preston Sturges (47)
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Sunny, Dot, and Sis in Dot's kitchen
Dot's. Hal lives in the building to the right.
Thursday Aug. 30 1945
“Got an unusual letter from Bud* today. Stayed home all afternoon. (91 degrees.)
Met Sunny at 6:00. We sat around the house and at 7:30, went down 63rd looking around. Saw every picture on 63rd, so couldn't go to the show. Went to Parnell, then bought shampoo, washed our hair, and read in the kitchen. Had a lot of fun. Talked to Hal and Bob. ”
“It finally happened: we'd seen every picture on 63rd. Too bad they only had 6 theatres!
*I can't figure out if this was the same Bud that was Doty & Chuck's friend, or if it was a different guy.” [It was a different Bud. —D.]
Halsted St., looking north towards 63rd St. in the early 1950s. Sears is at the northeast corner of 63rd & Halsted in the distance.
Note:
According to Dot, she and Sis would have seen every picture then playing at the Ace, Linden, Englewood, Stratford, Southtown and Empress theaters.
Today's news:
Perry's Flag Delivered To Halsey on Missouri: The United States flag that Commodore Perry flew on his mission to open trade with Japan ninety-two years ago was delivered to Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet today for unfurling on another historic occasion— Japan's formal surrender on Sunday.
JACK LAMOTTA DUE TODAY FOR [SUGAR RAY] ROBINSON BOUT
HEAVY SUMMER THUNDERSTORMS STRIKE CHICAGO
Berlin Population, Once 4,332,000, Now 2,784,000
RADIO-TELEPHONE LINK FOR AUTOS PROPOSED: The Ohio Bell Telephone Company has applied to the Federal Communications Commission for permission to operate a radio-telephone station here for motor vehicles.
Birthdays: Warren Buffett (15), Ted Williams (27), Fred MacMurray (37), Joan Blondell 39)
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“Baby Johnny,” at right, with his brother Bob
The Linden theater, near the southeast corner of 63rd & Halsted. Whelan Drugs is just to the right.
A mad scientist injects his enemies with a virus in The Monster Maker
An unconcious man is found adrift near an isolated African outpost in The Great Impersonation
The new, 1946 Hudson was introduced today. “With Hudson Drive-Master, you do away with clutch-pushing and gear-shifting ... there is nothing new to learn, but you can forget the clutch entirely— your left foot has no work to do.”
The Potter Palmer “castle”, on Lake Shore Drive.
Friday Aug. 31 1945
“Didn't do anything all day today. In the afternoon we went to Baby Johnny's birthday party. Quite hot out.
Later in the evening, Sis and I went to the Linden and saw Monster Maker and The Great Impersonation—tres bien. It rained Cats & Dogs tonite. Talked to a guy in the show from Calumet High. Very nice. Got home and put up my hair.”
I like the way Dot began her day by saying she didn't do anything all day— she only went to a birthday party all the way up on 49th & Racine and saw relatives.”
A scene from The Monster Maker (1944)
The Great Impersonation (1942)
Notes:
Baby Johnny is one of aunt Dell's two sons who Dot and Sis sometimes baby-sit for.
Today's news:
Budget Is Cut 18 1/2 Billion by Ending of War
NOBODY LAUGHS IN TOKYO: This is normally the rush hour, but today the streets which twist and turn thru piles of ashes and steel skeletons are almost empty.
48 Hour Week Rule Revoked by President: President Truman today abolished the 48 hour minimum work week for war plants, but most of them already had slashed hours with the cutback of contracts.
FIRST NEW 1946 MODEL HUDSON CAR PRODUCED - Front, Body Show Many Changes: The first 1946 model Hudson today rolled off the Hudson Motor Car company's "mile-long" assembly line, 42 months after production was halted by the war. The car— a four door sedan —will be followed by a substantial number in the weeks ahead.
PALMER CASTLE SOLD FOR RAZING - Skyscraper Apartments to Be Built on Site: The world famous Potter Palmer mansion, at 1350 Lake Shore dr., built in 1882 at a cost of more than a million dollars and the center of Chicago's social life for many years, was sold yesterday to a New York syndicate. It will become the site of a tall apartment building.
Weather forecast: Hot and humid; partly cloudy with an occasional thunderstorm late tonight; high 95
Birthdays: Van Morrison, Itzhak Perlman (born today), James Coburn (17), Buddy Hackett (21), Fredric March (48)
