As June begins: Herb phoned from Virginia and told Dot he wanted to marry her next time he's in... Jim Parks visited Dot briefly while home on leave from the Navy... Vertus' friend Bruce, also on leave, spent some time with Dot and company...
“Got up at 10:00. Fooled around the house and, about 4:00, Sis and I dressed and went to Sunny's mother's house, and had some birthday cake and sandwiches.
Then we went to Johnny's Club dance on 67th and May. Really had a nice time. It reminded me of Viking's —dark— and the orchestra was real good.
We stayed till 11:00 and then walked home, and had a hamburger at Minuet's. Went to bed at 2:00.”
Comments:
It is evidently Sunny's mom's birthday.
Couldn't find any information on “Johnny's Club” at 67th Street and May—about a mile from Dot's house.
Sis always said Minuet's had the best hamburgers— with the added bonus that they were open until at least midnight.
Today's news:
BERLIN RATION POLL DISCLOSES CHRONIC HUNGER - Few Say They Are Getting Enough to Eat: A sampling of opinion among 50 Berliners today showed 12 per cent fear death from starvation, 18 per cent believe they are getting enough to eat, and 70 per cent are weakened by their skinny 1,550 calories fare but expect to survive.
Bakeries Nearing Shutdown; Waste 400,000 Bu. Tomatoes: Most of the nation's bakeries will be closed within the next two weeks, creating a bread shortage which will not be eased before September, bakery and milling trade representatives predicted today.
Career Girls' Accessories in Alluring Array: Summer extras for a career girl's wardrobe come under the label of accessories, preferably the kind that take to soap and water smoothly and without losing color, shape, and size. The spotless charm of white can be maintained only with constant vigilance.
CUBS BRAVES TO BATTLE TODAY; WAITKUS READY - Len Merullo Also Returns to North Siders: Charley Grimm's Cubs, thanks to the rain, were spared the necessity of a public appearance yesterday, a matter that might have proved embarrassing so soon after that ninth inning kick in the breeches handed them by the Reds Thursday afternoon, but they'll have to go to work.
Birthdays: actors Morgan Freeman (9), Marilyn Monroe (20), Andy Griffith (20).
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Sunny, Ginny, Sis
Sunday June 2 1946
“Got up at 10:00 and fooled around. Listened to the radio, and then dressed and went to Sunny's house. Fixed her gown and took a walk to the Immaculate Conception carnival. Then to Herman's [diner], and saw Marty Walsh.
Came home at 9:30 and saw Earl, so stopped and gabbed. While talking, Ginny and Bob came, so we had a gay old time.
Then Earl walked us home and Sis said how she was going to the Prom. Then Earl was goofing around and said he'd take me— what a deal. He meant it, too.”
No further information on Marty Walsh, or on Herman's.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (2019 view)
Today's news:
CITY FOLKS LONG FOR WIDE OPEN SPOT IN SUBURB: A recent survey by a national magazine shows a distinct trend toward more widespread suburban living, with an almost unanimous insistence on large grounds. Apparently the average American who wants to build a house now is suffering from asort of claustrophobia.
BIG VET HOUSING PROJECTS BEGUN IN CHICAGO AREA - 530 Family Units to Cost Above 5 Millions: Chicagoland home building for veterans held at high speed last week, with more big projects reported and many more in preliminary stages not ready for announcement.
All Bismarck Hotel to Be Air Conditioned: Complete air conditioning of the Bismarck hotel and installation of escalators from the street level to the second floor lobby are included in a one million dollar renovation.
ADULT CRITICS OF BOBBY SOX ERA IRK YOUTHS - Seniors Object to 'Small' Talk: Within the ensuing decade this year's June high school graduates will have become an integral part of the American scene.
Birthdays: musicians Marvin Hamlisch (2), Charlie Watts (5).
At 5:00, Sunny came over and we took a walk around 59th [St.] and around Englewood. Then we called Chuck and Hank to see about a car—that's our only Prom problem.
Later on at 9:00, we took a walk to the carnival on 63rd and Ashland [Ave.]. Some place... We really had fun.
Sis met Nick and also saw Zeke and Nick's boyfriend—a 6'2", blonde sailor— hubba hubba. Also saw Toots, Doty and Bud Boyt*. Normal [Blvd.] lights were out. Came home at 10:45.”
Comments:
Dot is going to the Prom with Earl this coming Friday, June 7.
No further information on Hank and Nick, or the “hubba hubba” fellow.
*Bud Boyt was a neighborhood friend.
Today's news:
ITALIANS FLOCK TO POLLS - CENTER PARTY DEFEATS REDS IN FRENCH VOTE: The choice between a republic and a monarchy, the political makeup of a new assembly of deputies, and the form of a new constitution were being determined today as an estimated 22 million Italian men and women flocked to the polls in this country.
TALK OF A NEW WAR IS VICIOUS, GEN. IKE WARNS - Draft Continuation Vital, Chief of Staff Says: General of the Army Eisenhower, speaking in Chicago yesterday, said that talk about “how, where and why the next war will be fought,” is vicious. He addressed the 20th annual national convention of the Reserve Officers' association in the Congress hotel.
‘OLD SCHOOL TIE’ IS OUT OF STYLE, BRITAIN ADVISED - Educator Cites How It Still Curbs Youth: Now that the war is over, will England revamp its antiquated “old school tie” educational system to open the door of knowledge to thousands of young men and women?
Casual Summer Cottonrs Need Simple Accents: Casual summer cottons— with seersucker in the lead —demand costume accessories that are just as casual, preferably items that will emerge from any dunking still having the original color, size, and shape. From head to toe, everything should be simple and washable.
Birthdays: musician Curtis Mayfield (4), Raúl Castro (15), actor Tony Curtis (21), artist Raoul Dufy (69)
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Sis and Sunny; Don Trotta and Dot in June of 1946
Tuesday June 4 1946
“Cut school today. Sunny came over and we fooled around the house.
At 8:30, we went for a walk to 59th & Halsted. Saw Dutz and Moe. Then Sis and Sunny went to Sunny's house and I headed for home.
It was lovely out (80), so I took off my coat and walked down 63rd. There were loads of people. I noticed a guy following me and shortly he struck up a conversation. His name is Don Trotta. He's discharged from the army, is 21, and looks like Ray Milland.
We took a long walk and had a lot of fun. He's real nice. Took me in his arms and kissed me—long. He's going to call.”
Comments:
Actor Ray Milland (Lost Weekend), who Dot says Don Trotta resembles.
I'm happy that my mother is out and about, and has met a guy, Don , even tho she is all but engaged to Herb Martin, who's away in the Navy.
Today's news:
JIM CROW LAW FOR INTERSTATE BUSES BANNED - No Segregation, Is Ruling of High Court: In a decision affecting the Jim Crow laws of 10 southern states, the Supreme court today declared invalid a Virginia act requiring segregation of white and Negro passengers on passenger motor vehicle carrier.
ALABAMA MOVES TO ‘TIGHTEN UP’ ITS VOTER TESTS - Amendment Answers Negro Balloting: A constitutional amendment to “tighten up” on voter qualifications is the answer of Democratic party chieftains to the question of Negro voting in Alabama.
BARE RUSSIAN SPIES' REPORT ON ATOM BOMB - Made of Uranium 235, Moscow Told: A stolen copy of a Russian espionage report to Moscow on American atomic bomb experiments made in New Mexico in July, 1945, was introduced at evidence today in the trial of Fred Rose, communist member of the Canadian house of commons.
[MAYOR] KELLY CONTENDS WITH U. OF I. FOR USE OF NAVY PIER: Promises the government has made war Veterans to provide them an education should have the highest priority in the consideration of future use of Navy pier, Park Livingston, president of the board of trustees of the University of Illinois, said yesterday.
CITIZENS URGED TO HELP IN WAR ON RAT MENACE - City Crews Destroy Million in Year: More than one million rats, sources of disease, infection, and filth, were destroyed last year in Chicago, but unless there is better cooperation by the public the city's efforts to control or eliminate them will be futile, Lloyd M. Johnson, commissioner of streets and electricity says.
Birthday: Dr. Ruth Westheimer (18)
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Sunny; Sis and Dot
Wednesday June 5 1946
“After school, Sis and I had nothing to do, so we went to Sunny's house. She was fixing her formal.
Then we went to Immaculate Conception's carnival. Had a gay time. Saw a lot of old school chums. Then walked to 47th & Ashland. There were hundreds of guys roaming around.
Sunny picked up her check at the show, and we ate (Sunny treated). Then Sis and I headed for home and the Normal Blvd. lights were still out. It was pitch black. Got in at 12:00. Nice night.”
Comments:
Sunny worked as a movie theatre ticket-taker.
Today's news:
FIRST FACSIMILE MESSAGE SENT TO MOVING TRAIN: A radio facsimile message was broadcast today for the first time to a moving train, and the event was hailed as a new step in railroad operations. Facsimile broadcasting, railroad authorities said, will provide an improved means for communicating.
Army Will Try to Fly Plane 1,500 M. P. H.: The air corps tossed all previous concepts of speed out the window here today by announcing that within six weeks its first super-sonic man-carrying plane will fly at speeds above 1,500 miles an hour. The craft [is] a clipped wing rocket powered “research tool”.
4,000 Attend Gary's Annual Music Festival: More than 4,000 spectators crowded in to the Gary, Ind., Memorial auditorium last night for the seventh annual Gary music festival, held in cooperation with the 17th annual Chicagoland Music Festival.
A Collection of All-White Is Intriguing: According to some of the pessimists, all-white summer clothes are not only difficult to find now, but the prospects for the rest of the summer are dismal, too.
FELLER FANS 14 SENATORS; WINS 8TH FOR INDIANS: Bob Feller tonight won his eighth game of the season against four defeats when the Cleveland Indians whipped the Senators, 10 to 2. Feller struck out 14 in gaining the triumph.
On this day: a fire in Chicago's LaSalle Hotel kills 61.
“The fire [...] was devastating enough to prompt the city of Chicago to enact several new hotel-related building codes and fire-fighting procedures. These included the installation of automatic alarm systems, the posting of instructions in all hotel rooms of what to do in case of a fire.” [More information]
Thursday June 6 1946
“After school, I cleaned the house. Then Miller called and said he'd be over. He came, and he and I took a walk to Parnell and I bought him a Coke. Miller said a few things about Herb, but all in all he was swell. It was real, real warm outside.
Came home and then Earl came over. We sat in the kitchen and had some coffee. Earl and I made arrangements for the Prom. Earl looked nice. He left at 12:00, and Miller at 1:00.”
Comments: It reached a high of 86 degrees on this day.
Today's news:
TRAGIC LA SALLE FIRE WORST HOTEL BLAZE IN U. S. IN 13 YEARS; DISASTER CAUSE STILL MYSTERY; GUESTS OUSTED
TERROR IN FIRE IS DESCRIBED BY SURVIVORS; MOST VICTIMS SUFFERING FROM BURNS, SMOKE; LA SALLE HOTEL BUILT AS ‘FINEST THIS SIDE OF N.Y.’: Death toll in the La Salle hotel fire, the worst hotel disaster in the city's history, mounted to 58 last night as the management ordered complete evacuation of the fire swept ruins. Four persons, two men and two women, remained unidentified.
5 CLUBS, 2 THEATERS CITED BY CITY; ORDER 7 CLOSED IN FIRE QUIZ; 7 Probes Proposed; Delay in Alarm Is Charged; Shutdown at Once Is Ordered: Two theaters and five night clubs where violations of fire regulations are known to exist were ordered by city officials to close up last night, as a result of the La Salle hotel fire disaster.
A CALM, BLIND GIRL FOLLOWS DOG OUT OF FIRE: A pretty blind girl, 23, awakened by hysteria of others outside her 11th floor room in the burning La Salle hotel early yesterday, calmly put on her robe and slippers and followed her Seeing Eye dog, Fawn, to a window and down 11 floors of a fire escape to safety.
RAIN, FOG; SNOW! FUTURE AIRLINER TO GO RIGHT THRU - Automatic Devices Will Handle It All: The commercial air liner of the near future--a plane equipped with automatic and electronic devices that enable it to be controled thru a push-button system and that permit it to make precision safety take-offs and landings in the densest fog, rain or snow.
Chicago Shops Are Filled with Items for Men: American Fathers, men of the month, are in for the unaccustomed treat of being on the receiving end of gift giving Sunday, June 16. Unused to such a rush of appreciation, these gentlemen have been known to enthuse over the mounting loot with conspicuous gallantry.
GHOSTS OF D-DAY HEROES RISE ON A STONY BEACH; Normandy Invaded Two Years Ago: A chill mist swirled in from the English channel today bringing with it ghosts of America's soldier dead who fell on this stony beach two years ago June 6— D-day in Normandy.
Birthday: yo-yo entrepeneur Donald Duncan (54).
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Dot (no date on this photo); The walkway directly across the street from the Shoreland Hotel, leading to the rocks along the shore of Lake Michigan.
1946 newspaper ad for the Colonial Restaurant, where Dot ate following her Prom. “Delicious home cooking has made this beautiful dining place famous. Skilled women cooks prepare ‘food just like mother used to make’–tasty hot rolls, pies, cakes, and ice cream—wonderfully seasoned fish, poultry, fresh vegetables and available meat. Recommended by Duncan Hines, author ‘Adventures in Good Eating.’”
Friday June 7 1946
“Didn't go to school. Stayed in and fixed my formal. Sunny called, and I learned that we weren't going to have a car.
Earl called for me at 8:30 and we all took a cab to the Shoreland. It was a lavish hotel, and I saw a real lot of kids I knew.
After the Prom, we took a walk on the rocks by the lake and also sat around the rocks. Walked along the shore till we came to 63rd & Stony Island. Then we walked in Jackson Park. We also drank a quart of wine and ate in Colonial Restaurant.
Got in at 4:45. Had a glorious time.”
Comments:
The Shoreland Hotel (left), scene of many Proms and other celebrations, is located on the 5400 South block of South Lake Shore (or “Outer”) Drive, just north of the Museum of Science and Industry. It is now (2019) Shoreland Apartments. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Shoreland Hotel (now Apartments)
Today's news:
AFTER THE FIRE: At last count, seven different investigations had already been started into the Hotel La Salle fire. This can be explained in part by the fact that officials share the general conviction that “something ought to be done.” Another motive is the natural desire of politicians to get their names in the paper.
Jap Torpedo Found Near Golden Gate: Navy spokesmen announced today the discovery of a Japanese torpedo buried in the sands of a desolate beach near the southern end of Golden Gate bridge, and said it apparently had been fired from a Japanese submarine in an attempt to wreck the bridge.
HILTON FORMS NEW COMPANY TO RUN HOTELS - Takes Over Assets of 6 Corporations: Formation of Hilton Hotel corporation— a consolidation of the Plaza Hotel corporation, Stevens Hotel corporation, Palmer House company, and the Dayton-Biltmore.
FINDS WORLD'S WARS MAKE THE BAHAMAS BOOM - British Regime Preserved by Tourists' Gold: The profits of piracy, shipwrecking, bootlegging, and war have enabled the archaic colonial government of this British possession to avert collapse, in the opinion of two prominent Bahamian politicians interviewed today.
Hair-Do in Two Tones Is Latest Fad in Paris
Birthday: Dean Martin (29).
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In The Wife of Monte Cristo, the Count, accompanied by his wife (“She challenged men with her beauty... conquers them with her sword”), is out for vengeance against those responsible for his imprisonment. Playing today at the Stratford theatre.
Saturday June 8 1946
“Sis, Sunny and I got up at 9:00 and fooled around the house.
Don called and made a date for tonight. He came at 8:30. We went to the Stratford and saw Wife of Monte Cristo and five acts of vaudeville. No sooner did we sit down, and he kissed me.
After the show, we walked around the streets and he kissed me every time he got the chance. All at once, he asked me if I loved him. I said I didn't love him. He kisses really long and with a lot of feeling. He kept his arms tightly around me. Hubba hubba.”
Today's news:
BLAST DISLOYAL RADIO ORACLES - Probers Find 5% Follow the Moscow Line: The loyalty of 5 per cent of radio news commentators is questionable, the house committee on un-American activities reported to congress tonight in a summary of its investigations over a period of months.
GI FRATERNIZING IN BERLIN ZONE GETS AN AIRING - Wives from U. S. Show They're Tolerant: The recent suicides of two German girls in the American zone and the attempted suicide of another prompted varying comments today on the question of fraternization.
Inquest Witness Called Liar on Alarm Delay - CALLS WITNESS LIAR AT HOTEL FIRE INQUEST: Controversy over the time that fire broke out in the La Salle hotel early Wednesday was waged in a County building courtroom yesterday as a coroner's “blue ribbon” jury launched an inquest into the tragedy that took 59 lives.
CUBS, PASSEAU WIN IN NINTH, 2-0 - Claude's Homer Beats Leading Dodgers: The usually roisterous Dodgers were so mild mannered yesterday that the Cubs had no occasion to use their fists, but nevertheless they let the pacemakers have it where it hurt the most. The National league champions conducted themselves too modestly.
Birthday: architect Frank Lloyd Wright (79).
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Doty; Bud Boyt; Whelan Drugs, at the corner of 63rd and Halsted streets (where Dot first met Herb Martin, incidentally.)
Sunday June 9 1946
“Got up at 11:30. We ate, dressed and took a walk to Parnell and to 63rd. Saw Doty and Bud Boyt. Went to 59th and had an ice cream cone, then back to my house.
Sunny and I sang, danced, etc. She went home at 8:00 and Sis and I stayed around home. Just took a walk to Wieland's [Whelan's Drug Store] at 10:30 to get shampoo. Went to bed at 1:00. Wrote to Herb.”
Today's news:
AMERICA BEGINS A 10 BILLION DOLLAR VACATION - Breaks Bonds of Five Year Curbs of War: America is on the move. From office and factory, farm and city, school and foxhole —east, west, north, and south— America is setting out on a vacation binge that tops anything this country has ever seen. It's a binge that will cost 10 billion or more.
Chicagoans Open Trek to N. Wisconsin: Back on four wheels, with restrictions on driving only a hazy memory, Chicagoans are taking to the highways which lead to the Heart of the Lakes country in northern Wisconsin.
CHICAGOANS PAY FOR A SAFE CITY BUT DON'T GET IT - Annual Cost of Police Is 25 Million: Everybody who owns a home, an apartment, or a hot dog stand in Chicago chipped in this year to pay $25,525,185.50 for their police department.
CONN TO DEFEAT LOUIS, [SAYS] BRADDOCK - Challenger Goes Eight Rounds at Top Speed: Billy Conn, who challenges for a second time one week from Wednesday night in Yankee stadium for Joe Louis' heavyweight crown, worked eight rounds this sultry afternoon at Leddy Gleason's lakeside camp, giving convincing evidence of his contention that he is in condition for the fight.
On this day: Bhumibol Adulyadej becomes King of Thailand (retains throne in 2008).
Birthday: Cole Porter (55)
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In the film noir Blue Dahlia (clip above), a soldier (Alan Ladd) must prove his innocence after returning home to an unfaithful wife who is then found murdered; Sentimental Journey is the “three-handkerchief” story of a childless couple that adopts an orphaned girl; Don and Dot in June of 1946.
Monday June 10 1946
“Don called at 4:30 and asked me if I'd like to go to the show tonight. I said ‘natch’.
He's so darn lovey-dovey and keeps asking me if I love him. He said ‘Why do you like me?’, and I said ‘Because you're discharged and your name is Don.’
I went in at 12:00 and I was considerably cool towards him.”
Trailer for The Blue Dahlia
A clip from Sentimental Journey
Today's news:
Siam Boy King Shot to Death; Brother Rules; King of Siam Dies of Bullet Wound: King Ananda Mahidol, 20 year old ruler of Siam, was found dead of a bullet wound yesterday in the royal palace, and 12 hours later the Siamese legislature named his Boston-born brother, Prince Phumiphon Aduldet, 18, as the new king.
AT LAST, NEW FM RECEIVERS BEGIN TO APPEAR: The new FM receivers finally are beginning to appear. An exceedingly compact table model, incorporating both the old 50 and the new 100 megacycle bands as well as the 550-1,600 kilocycle stretch for standard broadcasting stations, has been developed by a Chicago radio firm.
Another Food Product Back; It's Green Tea: Green tea is back again. Some former addicts have transferred their affections to black tea during the last few years, but others have just been waiting for the day when the green leaves would again be available, [having been] absent during the war.
Sox Lose 9th Straight, 7 to 1; Then Win, 8-1; CUBS BEAT DODGERS IN 10TH ON WILD PITCH; 7 TO 6 VICTORY SWEEPS SERIES FOR 7 STRAIGHT: The Cubs rode over the temporarly deflated Dodgers again yesterday, but only after more than three hours of hilarity which was fittingly climaxed by a wild pitch before a crowd of 43,365; the wild heave coming with the bases filled with Cubs in the 10th inning.
A-BOMB GROUP IN CHICAGO ON WAY TO BIKINI
Birthday: Judy Garland (24)
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Dot's front steps; Herb (at left) with Miller, in 1945; Herb Martin
Tuesday June 11 1946
“After school I took a walk down 63rd. Boy, it was hot. 92 degrees.
Got back at 3:30 and cleaned the house. Took a nap and got up about 8:00 when Miller called up. He then came over at 8:45 and we sat on the steps talking about Herb and how terrifically wonderful he is.
Then two fellows passed and talked to Miller. One was my St. Pat's ‘Popeye’. His name is really Bill Flannigan. He was surprised I went with Herb. Bed at 2:15.”
Comments: Who knows what Dot had in mind when she called Bill Flannigan her “St. Pat's ‘Popeye.” She never mentions him again in her diary. My guess is that she went out with him at some earlier time.
Today's news:
SCIENTIST FEARS A-BOMB TESTERS MAY NOT RETURN - Warns Blast Might Start Fatal Tidal Wave: The last ships for the navy's atom bomb tests at Bikini atoll leave here this week with a warning from Anatol J. Shneiderov seismologist, that he fears there may be no survivors to report the explosion and that the world's climate may be changed for decades.
Union Pickets Peril Family Gas Stations: Miss Ella Klomhaus, who with the help of her aged parents operates a gasoline service station and restaurant in Plainfield, Will county, has been shut off from gasoline and oil deliveries since May 27. Union pickets have prevented food deliveries to the restaurant since June 5.
COURT LISTENS TO 200 NEGROES; MAY HEAR 10,000 - ‘Legal Filibuster’ Charged as Riot Aftermath: A parade of Negro witnesses before Circuit Judge Joe M. Ingram today brought to more than 200 the number of Negroes who have so far been summoned to testify in support of charges that Negroes have been systematically excluded from jury lists in Maury county [Tennessee].
Corduroy Coat for Versatility, Luxury Accent: Soft velvety corduroy coats in the popular three quarter length models are new and boast a moderate price mark. Such a coat becomes the all purpose day or evening coat for any summer wardrobe. It is comparatively light in weight [and] the velvet texture is most flattering.
DIETRICH AND SOX BEAT A'S; 3 TO 1 - Victors Soar 4 1/2 Games Out of Cellar: The seventh place Chicago White Sox soared 4 1/2 games ahead of the eighth place Philadelphia Athletics tonight as they conquered the tail enders, 3 to 1, while 13,477 sports lovers looked on.
Birthday: Richard Strauss (82)
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In the first film of the Dick Tracy series (above), the famous comic strip character is faced with a series of murders in which the victims all come from different social and economic backgrounds.
In the “B-movie” Idea Girl, a singer's zany publicity-seeking efforts cause nothing but grief for a group of Manhattan publishers.
Dot's friend, Sunny
Wednesday June 12 1946
“A very rainy day. Sunny came over and we went to the Stratford and saw Dick Tracy and Idea Girl. Real good. Walked home in the downpour...
Ate at home and then walked Sunny home to Halsted. Had a lot of fun.”
A brief, critical review of the film Dick Tracy vs. Cueball
Today's news:
TWO JUSTICES LIKELY TO FACE QUIZ IN HOUSE - Propose to Question Jackson, Black: The long smoldering feud between two factions of the Supreme court, which exploded yesterday in Justice Jackson's sensational cablegram from Nuernberg, Germany, attacking Justice Black, will be further ventilated by the senate and house.
ARABS INSIST U.S. WITHDRAW FROM PALESTINE CASE; Called a ‘Third Party’ in Disputed Issue: The Arab league was reported authoritatively tonight to he drafting a demand for “immediate American withdrawal from the Palestine case,” and to have given opposing Arab political factions in Palestine 24 hours to compose their differerences.
DEVELOP THREE THEORIES ABOUT LA SALLE'S FIRE: Possibility that gas, seeping from a newly laid main in the alley behind the La Salle hotel, may have found its way into the dead spaces between the false and true walls of the hotel's Silver lounge and Tonti room coffee shop and been ignited by a spark was voiced yesterday.
WHITE SOX BEAT A'S, 1-0; PHILLIES DEFEAT CUBS, 4-1; CHICAGO MAKES TRIPLE PLAY; 3rd VICTORY IN ROW: The White Sox reeled off a triple play in the first inning of their game with the tail end Athletics this afternoon. This novelty steadled Edgar Smith to such an extent he pitched a 1 to 0 victory to increase the White Sox's winning streak to three.
Birthday: George H. W. Bush (22)
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Herb Martin; Sunny, Dot and Sis at Riverview in 1945; Riverview amusement park's arcade areas; a Chicago Surface Lines streetcar on its Halsted Street run (early 1950s).
Thursday June 13 1946
“Today was sort of a cold day. After school, cleaned my house. Got a terrific letter from Herb. He's now in Washington, D.C.
Then Sis and I took an L and met Sunny at Riverview. We had a great time. Ate hot dogs and hung around the penny arcades. The place was crowded, considering how cold it was.
Left at 10:15 and got home at 11:30 by streetcar—some fun... Miller called about the beach party.”
Comments:
Riverview was located on the northwest side of Chicago, at Western and Belmont. It closed in 1967.
There are various Naval facilities in the D.C. area, but we don't know which of them Herb was writing from.
The beach party is planned for Saturday.
A cold day, as Dot says. At 8pm, it was 58 degrees.
It was “Five Cent Night” at Riverview (see ad below.)
The nearest L stop was about one mile from Riverview.
This ad appeared in the June 13, 1946 Chicago Tribune
Views of Riverview Amusement Park, circa 1952
Today's news:
NAVY PIER SPACE GRANTED U.OF I. IN TENTATIVE PACT - Set $86,450 Annual Rent for 247,000 Sq. Ft.: The establishment of a branch of the University of Illinois at Navy pier in September appeared certain yesterday after a conference in the office of Public Works Commissioner Hewitt.
ICKES' TIRADE RIPS TRUMAN AND HIS AIDS: Harold L. Iickes, former secretary of the interior, made a half hour address last night at a banquet sponsored by the Independent Citizens Committee of the Arts, Sciences, and Professions, Chicago branch, in the Stevens hotel.
Calls Church Backward in Use of Radio: The church has been more backward than any other social organization or group in adopting modern methods of instruction and communication of ideas, Sterling Fisher, director of the NBC University of the Air, asserted.
Expect Shirts to Be Scarce Thruout Year: Men's shirts, which disappear from sales counters as fast as retailers can unpack their meager deliveries, will be scarce for at least the remainder of this year, a survey among manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers indicated yesterday.
Chief Accent of New Beach Wear Is Brevity: Colorful design and brevity are accented in this summer's swim suits, for there is hardly a suit that does much more than add a band of bright color or contrast to a smooth, golden sun tan for any beach siren or water soaked mermaid.
Birthday: Dorothy L. Sayers (53)
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Stan Jennings; Miller; Lil Strutzenberg
Friday June 14 1946
“At 9:00 this morning, Marge said Stan called from the bus station and said he was on his way to Minneapolis, Minn. for his discharge and is coming back to Chicago.
In the evening, Miller and Lill came over and we had a lot of fun. We had some coffee and made plans for tomorrow. It was a cool night.
At 12:00, we took Lill home and Miller kept teasing me, etc. Went in at 1:00.”
Comments:
Stan's been serving in the Navy, and has recently told Dot that he's engaged to be married.
Tomorrow is the beach party.
Today's news:
RUSSIA CREATES SHADOW OF FEAR, DOUGLAS WARNS - Major Urges Unity Here in ‘Hour of Crisis’: Maj. Paul H. Douglas of the marines, former 5th ward alderman and University of Chicago professor, last night warned hundreds of listeners in Orchestra hall against “Russian aggression and suspicion.”
U. S. TO SUBMIT PLAN TODAY TO OUTLAW A-BOMB - May Agree to Give Up Veto Right: The United States will present a plan for outlawing the atomic bomb tomorrow morning when representatives of 12 nations gather for what may be the most fateful conference in the history of mankind.
KELLY PROMISED FUTURE ACTION ON VETS' HOMES - Tells House Committee of Chicago Crisis: Mayor Kelly, seeking federal financial help to extricate Chicago from its log jam on veterans' housing, was assured today that congress will consider means of solving the muddle.
NEW MATERIAL LITTLE HELP IN BUILDING CRISIS - Still in Laboratory Or Unavailable: Substitute building materials made of plywood, plastics, and light metals are not available in sufficient quantity at low cost to be of any help in the current housing crisis, Chicago building experts said yesterday. Most of the synthetics [are] in the laboratory stage.
Chicago Falls to 4th Rank as Beef Butcher: Chicago, for generations the nation's leading beef butcher, has fallen to fourth place among the biggest of the country's packing areas. This decline was attributed to federal price rules and production regulations which have strangled operations in this district.
White Dresses Are Smart, but Hard to Locate: Simple summer white dresses can be had, but you will have to track them down as tho you were after elusive nylons. However, when located, they will live up to expectations. They are particularly smart and swanky because of the expert simplicity of stitching.
CUBS MOVE INTO BROOKLYN--FOR BALL OR BRAWL - Umpire in Chief Klem to Count Punches: The Cubs will be back in Brooklyn this evening for no other purpose than the playing of some baseball with the Dodgers, it being conceded the latter know a little about the game, but if it is necessary the league champions will not hesitate to throw a few punches.
Birthdays: Che Guevara (18)
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Dot, Lill and Sis; Bernie and Sis; Dot, Sunny and Sis
Saturday June 15 1946
“Went down 63rd in the afternoon and later on dressed for our beach party.
Sunny came and then Lill. We got everything together and took the 69th St. streetcar to the lake. Got there at 9:15.
The guys (Bernie, Miller, Pete) came at 10:00 and we went way down by the rocks. Built a fire in a rock pit and roasted hot dogs. We layed on the blankets and I smoked a few cigs, and had some beer. Sang, too. Came home at 1:00 in Joe Hamilton's car.
Comments:
The predicted high for today was 85 degrees.
My mother wasn't a smoker or a big drinker but, in those days, she did have a cigarette and a beer once in a while.
Joe Hamilton was the rare guy who had a car. Other than that, Dot left no further information.
The end of the streetcar line at 69th St. and South Shore Drive
The beach. In the left foreground is South Shore Country Club
Today's news:
AFL COMPLAINS OF VIOLENCE TO GEORGIA NEGRO - Says He Was Beaten for Joining: The AFL charged tonight that four masked men —one of them a deputy sheriff— who represented themselves as Ku Klux Klansmen abducted a Negro workman from a clay pit near here Saturday night [and] beat him with a rubber hose.
REDS CHARGED WITH TRYING TO INCITE RACE WAR: Charges that the communist press and pamphleteers circulated inflammatory literature and tried to incite racial discord were made by a federal grand jury today in reporting that it failed to find evidence of civil rights violations in the racial disturbance at Columbia.
BEGIN COMPLETE REVISION OF N. Y. AIRPORT PLANS: A complete revision of the plans for the city's airport at Idlewild is under way, it was learned today.
CUBS ROLL OVER BROOKLYN, 5 TO 1; 29,642 see Five Hit Job by Claude Passeau; 48,017 SEE SOX BEAT BOSTON, 9-5: The Cubs moved into the home of the Dodgers tonight and found everything so pleasant that they had practically no trouble plastering the residents with a 5 to 1 defeat before 29,642 paid spectators.
JET PLANE WILL BRING MAIL INTO CITY NEXT WEEK
Birthday: Billy Williams (8)
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Dot's aunt Dell; Don Trotta and Dot
Sunday June 16 1946
“It was real hot today. Put on my shorts and stayed in. It rained most of the afternoon. Later, Tony and Chum came over and so did Dell and Johnny.
Don called and made a date for tonite. He came at 8:00 and we went to the Stratford and saw a stage show.
Got out at 11:00 and walked home. He's really getting too serious and talks of love, so I went in at 12:00. Washed my hair.
Why can't fellows just go out to have a good time?”
Comments:
At the Stratford besides the stage show was the movie, Terror By Night.
Chum and Tony, and Dell and Johnny, are Dot's aunts and uncles.
The high today was 92 degrees.
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes in Terror By Night (full movie)
Today's news:
‘L’ LOSES 515,724 RIDES IN 8 DAYS UNDER NEW FARE: With the new, higher rates in effect, traffic on the Chicago Rapid Transit company (elevated lines) fell off 515,724 passengers in the eight days beginning May 26, officials of the line said yesterday. This represented a drop in traffic of 11.37 per cent.
THE SOUTHWEST URGENTLY NEEDS ITS EXPRESSWAY: The great difference in speed of travel between the country and city sections of the route from Joliet to Chicago over highway 66 and Ogden av., proves the need for construction without delay of the southwest expressway.
Fight Facts - ATOMIC POWER IN LOUIS PUNCH EXCITES STALIN: This is one world, indeed, for the fame of Joe Louis, who defends his heavyweight championship Wednesday night in Yankee stadium, finally has penetrated the iron curtain of censorship which screens the news of our capitalistic civilization from the comrades in Russia.
A Barometer for Your Date Life - This Tells How You Rate: How's your date life these days, lovely? Are your Friday nights well filled with interesting plans, all of which include men, or have you taken to spending those evenings playing bridge with the girls and datedreaming about the fun you wish you were having?
Birthday: Stan Laurel (56)
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Sis and Dot; Lilli, Sis and Dot; Miller
Monday June 17 1946
“It was hot today, too. Miller called and then came over at 7:00. There was a big storm! Lillie came too, but left early.
I had so much fun with Miller. He's regarding me as someone more than just another guy's girl. He's really a nice guy, and Sis and I have so much fun with him.
Miller teases me about Herb a lot. He doesn't think I'll marry him (Herb).”
Comments:
Miller doesn't think Dot will marry Herb. Miller would turn out to be right.
As Dot says, it was hot today. 92 degrees.
Today's news:
ATOM SCIENTIST SPOOFS FEARS OF QUAKE AT BIKINI - Like a Meteor Hitting N. Y., He Says: A Wisconsin scientist said today the chances of disaster at Bikini “are less than that a meteor a mile in diameter will land on top of the Empire State building”— and no such meteor ever has been recorded.
Black Pepper Still on List of Scarce Spices: Pepper mills make nice gifts for June brides, but they'd really be prizes if they came equipped with pepper. Black pepper still is very short. It is the only spice remaining on the very scarce list.
Dodgers Whip Cubs, 4-2; 47,848 Watch Sox Divide; BOSTON WINS 1ST GAME, 6-1, DROPS 2ND, 7-4: A crowd of 47,848, a mere 169 fewer than saw the White Sox launch their heroic series against the Boston Red Sox last Friday night, yesterday was on hand in Comiskey park to watch Ted Lyons' boys wind up the series, first lost by Boston this year.
LOUIS PREDICTS VICTORY IN 8TH - Says Body Punches Will Set Up Knockout: Before his workout today, Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis told this reporter he expects to stop Billy Conn in eight rounds after weakening the challenger by body blows —the first intimation of the strategy he will employ against Billy in their return heavyweight title bout.
TELEVISION PINS KNOCKOUT HOPE ON LOUIS FIGHT - Expects View of Bout Will Spur Sales: Joe Louis has a sizable job on his hands next Wednesday night —knocking out Billy Conn and getting television on its feet.
Birthdays: Barry Manilow (3), Igor Stravinsky (64), shorthand inventor John Robert Gregg (79)
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The Englewood theatre; Sunny and Bob; Dot and Herb Martin
Tuesday June 18 1946
“It rained as usual. Sis and I stayed home from school and cleaned our room, and I cleaned the house. At 5:45, we met Sunny and went to the Englewood and saw Spellbound (wonderful), and also Life With Blondie (fair).
On our way home, Sunny kept talking about Bob, and all of a sudden I broke out crying hysterically. Sis nearly slapped me.
Sunny informed me that Bob (later to become her husband) had just arrived at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and would soon be discharged. Upon hearing this, it's likely that Dot was thinking of Herb, who was far away in Washington, DC and who probably had at least two years of military service remaining before coming home.
Trailer for Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound
Life With Blondie (full movie)
Today's news:
ST. LOUIS FIRMS FIRST TO PUT IN MOBILE PHONES - Install Radio System in Two Autos: The first commercial use of a “telephone on wheels” was made yesterday when the Southwestern Bell Telephone company completed installation of radio telephone equipment in vehicles of two St. Louis, Mo., business firms.
BUTTER PRICES HIKED 11 CENTS PER LB, BY OPA - Cheddar Cheese Ceiling Also Raised: Increases of 11 cents a pound in retail butter prices, 6 cents a pound on cheddar cheese, and 1 cent on a 14-1/2 ounce can of evaporated milk were ordered by the office of price administration yesterday.
Danny Kaye's Latest Antics Sure Fire Fun - “THE KID FROM BROOKLYN” - The audience attending the first show at the Woods yesterday was 90 per cent masculine and the boys were having a fine time, howling at Danny Kaye's career in the boxing ring.
Looking at Hollywood by Hedda Hopper: David Selznick's been doing some heavy negotiating to get Greta Garbo for the role opposite Gregory Peck in “The Paradine Case.” In this one, Greg plays a suave English lawyer who defends, Garbo willing, a beautiful lady, on murder charges.
Birthdays: Paul McCartney, Roger Ebert (4)
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Dot; Dot in her kitchen; Miller
Wednesday June 19 1946
“Cleaned the house. Miller called said and he'd come over. It rained, as usual.
I put on my slacks and then Earl came over with a lovely car as we went for a ride, but I got real nauseated.
Miller was over when I came back, so we went in the kitchen and listened to the Conn vs. Louis fight. We drew pictures, too. Miller was swell.”
Comments:
Joe Louis:
In 1946, following his wartime Army service, Joe Louis returned to the ring for a rematch against Billy Conn, who Louis had previously knocked-out in 1941 (clips above) at Yankee Stadium.
The June 19, 1946 fight was the first televised world Heavyweight championship bout ever (see video below.)
When asked about his decision to enter the racially-segregated U.S. Army, Louis’s explanation was simple: “Lots of things wrong with America, but Hitler ain’t going to fix them.”
During his time in the army, Louis used his connections in the State Department to get his friend Jackie Robinson and several other black soldiers admitted into Officers’ Candidate School — a favor for which Robinson was especially grateful.
Louis became a national spokesman for the Army, encouraging African-American men to enlist in the Armed Services, in spite of the racial segregation. He became a highly-visible symbol of the contributions of African-American soldiers to the war effort.
In 2005, Louis was named the greatest heavyweight of all time by the International Boxing Research Organization. He participated in 27 heavyweight championship fights, a record which still stands.
The Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn boxing match, June 19, 1946
Today's news:
Expect 8,000 Sets to Carry View of Bout: Eastern seaboard television owners, estimated at somewhere around 8,000, are scrambling to get their sets into repair and into focus for the Louis-Conn fight at Yankee stadium.
ARMY PREPARES TO HURL MISSILE AT 17,000 M. P. H.; Projectile Could Knock Down V-2 Rocket: Army ordnance [is] unwilling to be outdone by the navy's 1,500 mile an hour ram-jet engine and the army air forces' new supersonic plane capable of speeds possibly between 1,500 and 4,500 miles an hour.
CALLS GUN LAW A REAL WEAPON AGAINST THUGS - Draws Praise from N. Y. Police Head: The most stringent gun law in the country has given New York City police their most powerful weapon against criminals, but still has not deprived the law abiding citizen of his constitutional right to bear arms, [the Police Commissioner said].
Black Dresses of Filmy Fabric Are on Shelves: Wordly all-black dresses of filmy thin materials and those of opaque silks, shantungs, linens, and line black cottons have arrived, considerably earlier in the season than in pre-war years. They all have that definite urban elegance, that sleek slenderness.
Birthday: Moe Howard (49)
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Dot, and her mom, Pauline
Thursday June 20 1946
“Got home from school and cleaned the house. Then Don called, but I told him I had to go shopping tonight.
Mom came home at 7:00 and we went. Saw Bill F. He said ‘Hi, stranger’. I bought a white eyelet dress in R. B.
Came home and sat around. Didn't feel too good. I met Sis in Parnell and we had a Coke and then went to Minuet's and had a hamburger. I got in at 12:30.”
Comments:
I don't know who “Bill F.” is, although Jim Parks had a friend named Bill.
“R. B.” could be Richman Brothers—a clothing store.
Today's news:
KENNEDY'S SON WINS EASILY IN MASSACHUSETTS: John F. Kennedy, 29, a Democrat, won an easy victory. Kennedy is the second son of Joseph P. Kennedy, financier and former ambassador to Great Britain. The seat now is held by Boston's Mayor Curley. Making his first campaign, Kennedy defeated a field of nine others to win the nomination.
FIGHT ON DOG CRUELTY CALLED WAR ON SCIENCE - Trapping, Hunting Tortures Cited: Anti-vivisectionists are not at war with cruelty, but are fighting science in their opposition to the use of laboratory animals for medical research, Maj. Gen. Norman T. Kirk, army surgeon general charged yesterday in the current issue of Hygeia.
EXPECT AIRPORT TERMINAL WING TO OPEN JULY 1: Despite continued delays, Oscar E. Hewitt, commissioner of public works, said yesterday that the south wing of the new million dollar terminal building at Chicago [Midway] airport would be ready for occupancy July 1, That wing will be occupied by United Air Lines.
LOUIS WINS BY A KNOCKOUT! - Furious Attack Finishes Conn in 8th Round; CONN SAYS HE'S THRU AS BOXER - Followed Instructions, but to No Avail: Joe Louis still is the Brown Bomber of pugilism and the heavyweight champion of the world!
Birthday: Brian Wilson (Beach Boys; 4)
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Dot
Friday June 21 1946
Comments: There is, in fact, an entry on the June 21 page in my mother's diary. However, I have not posted it because, as can be seen at left, Dot changed the date from June 21 to June 28. To add to the mystery, she wrote, practically word-for-word, the very same entry on next week's real June 28 page. My mother left us in the dark about the events of Friday, June 21st.
Today's news:
GEORGIA SUES KLAN IN MOVE TO DESTROY IT: A suit to revoke the charter of the Ku Klux Klan was filed by the state of Georgia in Superior court here today, and State Atty. General Eugene Cook said it was intended to dissolve the national organization of the invisible empire.
ATOMIC WORLD SEEN MIRRORED IN BIKINI LAGOON - Experts Expect Test to Fix Rules for Future: Experiments to be conducted on or shortly after July 1, at Bikini atoll where two nuclear fission bombs are to be exploded under what amounts to laboratory conditions, will determine the rules for the nation's defense and offense in an atomic world.
MUSEUM TO GET FARM COMPLETE WITH MOOS, CAWS - New Agricultural Exhibit to Open July 4: Mooing cows, chirping robins, cawing crows, and various other farm and barnyard noises will sound the keynote of a new agricultural exhibit which will open July 4 at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Less Drinking in Films Asked by Methodists: The elimination of frequent unnecessary scenes of liquor parties in the movies was urged at the annual meeting of the Rock River conference (northern Illinois) of the Methodist church, held yesterday in Aurora.
Bob Hope an Associate in Cleveland Indians Deal
White Sox split with Yankees
Birthdays: Ray Davies (The Kinks; 2), Jean-Paul Sartre (41)
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Dot: “Didn't do much today.”
Saturday June 22 1946
“Didn't do much today.”
Comments: Another mystery. This is all Dot wrote in her diary for Saturday, June 22.
Today's news:
A-BOMB TO FIND TEST VESSELS CLOSE TOGETHER - Concentration to Permit Maximum Effect: While exact anchorages are secret for ships in the Bikini lagoon atom bomb tests about July 1, Joint Task Force 1 officials have disclosed that 23 vessels, including an aircraft carrier, three battleships, and three cruisers —Jap, German, and our own —will be placed within the bomb's range.
BURMA WOMEN TO GET VOTE FOR 1947 ELECTIONS: The smiling, cigar smoking women of Burma, are to receive the right to vote in time for next year's elections in Burma. That is one of the effects of the Burma legislature bill which had its second reading in the house today.
ALDERMEN HEAR PLEAS TO LIMIT CITY'S TAVERNS: Limitation of the number of liquor licenses issued in Chicago was advocated before a city council subcommittee yesterday by several witnesses, including representatives of tavern and liquor store associations and a Presbyterian minister.
ERICKSON WINS FOR CUBS, 5 TO 4 - Cavarretta's Homer Helps in New York: Capt. Phil Cavarretta's bat collaborated with a rescue act by Paul Erickson this afternoon and as a Giant killer it proved an ideal combination. Phil supplied a homer and a double for a personal production of three runs.
Birthdays: Eliades Ochoa (born today), Anne Morrow Lindbergh (40)
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Don Trotta and Dot; Ginny Merigold
Sunday June 23 1946
“Got up at 7:30 and went to 63rd Street Beach. Didn't go in the water. I got a little sunburned. Got home by 2:00.
Don called at 5:30. He came at 8:00 and —as usual— we went to the show. Saw From This Day Forward and vaudeville. It was real good. Stopped in Parnell and had a Coke. Met Ginny and Bob, so sat with them. Also saw Dutz and Moe, so said hello.
We walked around and Don was his usual affectionate self. I told him I didn't especially care for him. Got in at 1:45.”
63rd Street Beach (2019 view)
The beach house, looking west from the shoreline
From This Day Forward, starring Joan Fontaine (full movie)
Today's news:
CLOUDS PUT OFF REHEARSAL FOR DROP OF A-BOMB - First Test at Sea Will Be Made Monday: The worst weather since the arrival of the atomic test fleet at Bikini today forced postponement of the scheduled full dress rehearsal for the dropping of the world's fourth atomic bomb.
Chicago Gets Its First Mail by Jet Plane - 485 Miles an Hour Mail Delivery: A sleek P-80 Shooting Star dropped into Chicago airport at 1:41 p. m. yesterday, bringing part of the first air mail cargo carried by jet propelled plane in the United States.
Ravinia and Grant Park Concerts Open This Week - Will Usher in Summer Music Season Notes of Music and Musicians: What is technically known as the summer musical season begins, tho with concerts extending thru the middle of June and ballet and opera scheduled for middle and late September the Chicago music season is practically continuous.
STROLL IN ALLEY SHOWS RATS ARES LIVING IN LUXURY - Many Places Give Haven to Rodent Tribe: A practical lesson in how the city's 2-1/2 million rats find food and shelter in back yards and alloys was given last week by a walk thru the short alley between Melrose and Schools sts. running west from Ashland av. to the North Western tracks.
Chicago Pays 2nd Highest Tax Rate in Nation: Industries and home owners pay higher taxes on real property in Chicago than in any other large city in the nation except Boston, a survey of 1945 tax rates disclosed yesterday.
LIPSTICK USE IS A KEY TO CHARACTER: You can learn everything about a woman but her age from the way she applies lipstick, according to a celebrated man who has made a life study of women's fads, foibles, and facade.
A's Score 2d Straight Over White Sox, 5-2: The seventh place White Sox lost again yesterday to the tailend Philadelphia Athletics in the Tournament of Also-Rans now being conducted in Comiskey park. The score of the second game of the four gane series witnessed by 4,566, was 5 to 2.
Birthdays: Internet “father” Vint Cerf (3), Stuart Sutcliffe (6), Alfred Kinsey (52)
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Miller; Lill; Dot's accordion.
Monday June 24 1946
“Got out of school at 11:30 and cleaned the house. Later in the evening Miller came over, and I made some lemonade. Then Lill came over and Miller played the accordion. We really had a swell time.
Miller and I went to Parnell and he bought me a Coke. We brought back a bottle of soda and sat on the steps. Then we walked Lill home. Came back and made some coffee, and told fortunes. He went home at 3:00.”
Today's news:
SOUTH SIDERS DEMAND CRIME, VICE CLEANUP - Police Laxity Cited by Civic Groups: Appointment of a special prosecutor and grand jury to investigate crime and vice in the south side Negro section was urged yesterday in the wake of the Chicago crime commission report blasting conditions in the district.
Earth Shocks Jar Northwest for 45 Minutes: Western Washington and British Columbia were shaken today by an earthquake which kept needles on the University of Washington seismograf dancing for an unprecedented 45 minutes and was described as of “moderately severe” intensity.
Sheer Trickery of Mandrake Is Top Drawer: As sheer trickery, Leon Mandrake, the magician and his “Gremlin Gambols of 1946,” making a first appearance here at the Civic Opera house last night, were at least 90 per cent of the time out of the top drawer.
CUBS SPLIT 55-HIT DOUBLE BILL; SOX DIVIDE; BOROWY FADES BEFORE GIANTS IN 9-4 VICTORY: The Cubs had to give instead of take from the Giants this afternoon, but this strange turn in the luck proved only temporary.
Birthdays: Jack Dempsey (51), Roy Disney (53)
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Dot; Sunny; Dot's apartment building on Normal Blvd.
Tuesday June 25 1946
“Got out of school at 11:00 and just fooled around. Later on Sunny came over and we sat in the front porch fooling around.
Then we ate and took a walk to 59th & Normal. Had an ice cold limeade. Met Bill F.
Then we walked all around Frontenac Ave. and on to 63rd St. Bought a bag of french fries and then came home.
Sat on the front porch and had some cookies and lemonade. Got in at 1:00.”
Comments:
No information about “Bill F.”
Frontenac Ave. is about one block west of Dot's street (see photo below.)
Walks, ice cold limeade, bags of french fries, sitting on the porch with lemonade. It's summer on the south side, 1946.
Normal Blvd. at 59th St., looking south. (2019 view)
South Frontenac Street. The short, narrow lane, parallels the train overpass between 60th St. and 60th Place. (2019 view)
Today's news:
A-Bomb Drop at Bikini to Require Timing and Precision Finer Than War Operation: The timing and teamwork for the aerial fleet of 76 planes which will be in the air over Bikini atoll at “M” hour on “A” day, July 1 or later, when the world's fourth atomic bomb is detonated experimentally, is reminiscent of a great bombing operation.
Offers 1,588 Jeeps at Sale; 10,000 in Line: This village 42 miles from San Francisco was the center of an unprecedented traffic jam today as the result of an army announcement that 1,588 jeeps would be placed on sale to war veterans at the Benicia arsenal here.
VALLEE TO SING ‘LAST ROUNDUP’ AT HART RITES - Body of Two-Gun Movie Star to Be Cremated: Music suggestive of his long career as the two gun man of western movies will be sung and played at funeral services for William S. Hart in the Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Memorial park, In near-by Glendale Wednesday afternoon.
CUBS LOSE, 5-0; SOX WHIP SENATORS, 12-7; CHICAGO GIVES AWAY GAME, TAKES IT BACK: The White Sox beat the Washington Senators in Comiskey park last night, 12 to 7, in a combination ball game and rodeo which was quite entertaining to a crowd of 21,537. The victors made five errors and there were other lapses.
Birthdays: George Orwell (43), George Abbott (59)
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The China Clipper restaurant is at 654 West 63rd Street (a little to the left of the Southtown theatre, above).
Dot taped her swizzle stick to today's diary page: “From Keyhole Bar; Whiskey Coke.”
Wednesday June 26 1946
“Got up at 10:00 and got everything ready for this evening. Got to school at 7:00, and put on my cap and gown. Took our places and, all in all, the graduation experience was very moving. Had a lot of fun, too.
It was over at 10:45. Sis and I and Sunny went to the China Clipper and had some chop suey.
Stopped on 63rd & Normal, and three guys talked to us. After much persuasion, we went to the Keyhole Bar and had three Whiskey & Cokes. I was with Tommy, a First Lieutenant in the Marines. He was a former psychiatrist in sexual life, and he told me all.”
Comments:
My mom graduates from Englewood High. She didn't really like going to school, so this was no doubt a relief for her. There are no photos of Dot in her cap and gown, unfortunately.
Sis told me that the China Clipper was one of their favorite restaurants—several notches above Parnell or Minuet's. The side of the building featured a mural,done by a neighborhood sign painter, depicting the real China Clipper airplane. Next to the cash register was a photo of singer Eddie Cantor having dinner there.
No further information on the Keyhole Bar.
Tommy's civilian “occupation” sounds a little bit like a “line” to me. (Note: I'll ask Sunny if she has a comment. If so, I'll post it here later.)
Today's news:
A-BOMB CREWS GIVEN 24 HOURS TO LEAVE BIKINI - Complete Plans for Their Safe Withdrawal: Twenty-four hours before the atom bomb is dropped on the anchored fleet at Bikini, the evacuation of approximately 30,000 civilians, soldiers, and sailors from islands and ships within the reef will begin. It will continue until about three hours before the bomb is scheduled to explode.
700,000 SEEKING RED RULE OF U. S., HOUSE WARNED: The house was warned by Rep. Landis (R., Ind.) today that the Communist party has 700,000 members and fellow travelers.
RCA Chicago Plant Makes 1st Car Radio: The RCA Victor division of the Radio Corporation of America yesterday turned out the first automobile radio at its new Chicago plant, 5750 W. 51st st. It is said to be the first plant in the country devoted exclusively to automobile radio manufacturing.
Group to Buy Boston Store for 10 Million: The sale of Netcher's Boston store, 75 year old State st. merchandising firm, to a group headed by Edgar L. Schnadig, former chairman of the Chicago Mail Order company, was reported yesterday to be nearly completed.
A Perfect Night Helps to Open Ravinia Season: If you have champagne tastes in music and a beer pocket book to satisfy them, Ravinia must be the place to go. So it appeared at the opening of the 11th Ravinia festival season last night in Ravinia Park, judging from the numbers who simply paid admission at the gate.
WHITE SOX WIN, 6-4; CUBS BEAT BRAVES, 7-3; WAITKUS' NIGHT BRINGS VICTORY TO CHICAGOANS: Eddie Waitkus night, an occasion arranged by his Cambridge American Legion pals, was a success this evening both for the youthful South Pacific campaigner and his Chicago associates. Waitkus drew a new automobile as a gift.
Birthdays: Eleanor Parker (24), Pearl S. Buck (53)
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Miller; Dot
Thursday June 27 1946
“Went to the beach real early and got home at 3:30.
Then at 10:30, Miller came over so we had some coffee and cookies. Had a lot of fun telling fortunes and goofin' around.
I'm not being egotistical, but I have a notion Miller has a crush on me—by things he says and his actions. He went home at 2:30.”
Comments:
When I was growing up, my mother continued a tradition of going to the beach a day or two after school ended and summer vacation began.
Today's news:
1,500 MEN, 10,000 INSTRUMENTS TO RECORD A-TEST - Air, Sea, Land Devices Will Measure Blast; EXPECT BIKINI'S REEF TO PEN IN ANY TIDAL WAVE - But A-Bomb May Cause a Landslide: There will be more instruments measuring and recording a greater variety of responses and results when the atom bomb is exploded in Bikini atoll on next Monday (Sunday Chicago time) or soon thereafter, than for any other experiment in the history of modern science.
ARMY DELAYING USE OF DOUGLAS AIRPORT BY CITY: The city's plan to use temporarily the Douglas airport's three army built runways for frate and private planes was entangled in red tape yesterday. Public Works Commissioner Hewitt declined to predict when the auxiliary operations could be started.
Numerous Chicagoans Select Alaska for Summer Outings - Alaska Gains Popularity as Vacation Land: Alaska apparently is in for a post-war tourist boom, judging from the number of Chicagoans who are bound for the land of the midnight sun this summer.
SENATORS BEAT SOX ON ERROR IN 16TH, 4-3; BRAVES POUND 3 CUB HURLERS IN 11-2 VICTORY - Eastern Trip Ends on Sour Note: The Cubs concluded the eastern phase of their tour this afternoon, but while doing so gave practically no proof of their status as league champions. They collapsed before the refurbished Braves in the rubber decision of the three game series.
Birthday: Helen Keller (66)
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Dot, Sunny and Sis at the 63rd Street Beach, summer 1946; Dot
Friday June 28 1946
“Got up at 10:00. Sis, Sonny and I went to the beach. Met Sunny there. We acted like two-year-olds in the water and we really got sunburned.
Came home at 5:00, and Marge said Don called twice. Sis went out with Hank.
I put on my two-piece, yellow dress and met Sunny in Parnell. We walked all over 63rd St. Had a Coke and a limeade. Saw our three Keyhole Bar friends. Saw an accident, too.
Bought a bag of french fries and ate them on the way home. Bed at 2:30.”
Comments:
Second day in a row at the beach.
I don't know who “Hank” was. There's a photo of a Hank Stafford in Dot's scrapbook, but not in Sis'.
No information about the Keyhole Bar. There is this coin, which could be some sort of token.
It was around 94 degrees at the beach on this afternoon.
Today's news:
CHICAGO ENJOYS AN IDEAL DAY AS EAST SWELTERS
‘L’ FARE ORDERED CUT TO 10 CENTS: The Illinois commerce commission, in a ruling yesterday, ordered the Chicago Rapid Transit company (elevated lines) to return to the old rates of fare based on a 10 cent ride in Chicago. The company has had in effect a basic 12 cent fare, protected by a court injunction.
Meat Shortage Will Continue Till September: A summer meat famine for the nation appeared certain yesterday as packers' supplies hit a low of 10 per cent of normal and one-half of the country's butchers closed their doors.
Mae Tinee: Movie Unreels Tense, Brutal Story of Crime - “THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE”: That the wages of sin is death is the moral of this sordid story of two people who thought they could commit the perfect crime and get away with it.
NICHOLSON'S PINCH HIT BEATS PIRATES, 6 TO 5; CUBS GET TWO RUNS IN NINTH INNING RALLY: By putting on one of those so-called fighting finishes in which none other than the almost forgotten Bill Nicholson did his bit, the Cubs were able to slap down the tail-end Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon in the play-off of a previous postponement.
Birthdays: Gilda Radner (born today), Mel Brooks (20)
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Stan
Saturday June 29 1946
“Got a letter from Stan this morning. Later on, I went to Halsted. Came back and started to write Stan a letter, and then the bell rang.
It was Stan.
I shook all over talking to him. He seemed a little conceited to me, and he also told me he was married to a girl in Boston. He left at 3:00 and said ‘I'll be seeing you in springtime.’
Miller came over at 3:30 and we goofed around. Made a date for tonight.
Miller left and came back at 7:00. We went to the Southtown, and came home and sat around. Also ate and talked about girls, guys and marriage.
Perhaps Stan was paraphrasing the lyrics to the song, “I'll Be Seeing You.”
As Dot said, it looked like rain, and it did rain: about 3/4 inches of rain fell somewhere in or around the Chicago area on this day.
The trailer for Dragonwyck
Today's news:
MERCURY SOARS TO 94, HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR
MAY DROP ATOM BOMB EARLIER THAN SCHEDULED: As final preparations were made today for the dropping of the atomic bomb on Bikini atoll, members of the staff of “operations crossroads” were optimistic that the nuclear explosion might come an hour or so earlier than its scheduled time, 9:30 a. m. Monday.
In the WAKE of the NEWS: Ninety per cent of the players on Northwestern university's 1946 football squad will be war veterans. Most of them will be making their collegiate debuts, having gone into military service direct from high school.
CUBS, WHITE SOX BEATEN IN NIGHT GAMES; 34,390 WATCH INDIANS WHIP HAMNER, 7 TO 2: Taft Wright, the powerhouse that walks like a bear, busted a two run homer in the first inning to give the White Sox a 2 to 1 lead over the Cleveland Indians before 34,390 in Comiskey park last night. But dire things happened thereafter, including a tying run.
Birthdays: Bernard Herrmann (35), Frank Loesser (36)
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Dot's aunt Ag (left) with Dot's mom; Sis, Sunny and Dot; the front steps
Sunday June 30 1946
“Got up at 10:00 and dressed for the beach. Sis, Sunny and I got up to Halsted and decided it looked like rain, so we went to the Linden (fair).
Got out at 3:30 and came straight home, dressed and ate. Mom, Dad, Marge and Lee went to [aunt] Dot's house, to a party.
[Aunt] Ag's kids were here, so Sis and I had our hands full. We went for a Coke and brought back some ice cream for the boys.
It was nice and cool so I sat on the front steps. Went to bed at 11:45.”
Comments:
The Linden theatre didn't place ads in the Tribune, so it's unknown what movies Dot and company saw.
As Dot said, it looked like rain, and it did rain: about 3/4 inches of rain fell somewhere in or around the Chicago area on this day.
Today's news:
A-Bomb Will Drop at Bikini at 4:30 Today - AFTER ALL, THAT BIKINI A-BOMB MAY BE A FIZZLE - Scientists Admit Chance of Seeing a Dud: Despite a sudden clouding up in the weather, Vice. Adm. W. H. P. Blandy gave the signal today for the dropping of an atomic bomb on the target fleet in Bikini lagoon.
CITY ACTS TO FIX SUPER-HIGHWAY SYSTEM ROUTES - Condemnation Is Next on Program: Steps to fix the official route of three portions of Chicago's proposed super-highway system were taken yesterday by city officials as preliminary to condemnation of way for the expressways.
FARMERS CHEER ‘CORN WEATHER’; 94.1 RECORDED: As Chicago recorded its highest temperature of the year yesterday —94.1 degrees at 3:10 p. m.— corn belt farmers were expressing their gratitude for the heat wave because of its enormous benefits on crops.
ALLEYS, PARKING LOTS GIVE HAVEN TO VICIOUS RATS - Public Protests Seeming Official Apathy: A flood of letters, postcards, and telephone calls from south side residents last week testified to public interest in abolishing the city's 2 -1/2 million rats and saving the estimated 50 million dollars' damage they do each year.
Lack Motors, Delay Output of Appliances: A shortage of small electric motors has become a major problem for Chicago manufacturers of home appliances seeking to accelerate production of certain lines to meet the pentup demand, a survey of the industry disclosed yesterday.
MODERN HOUSES HARASSED WITH ‘SOUND SEEPAGE’- Noise Insulation Needed in Smaller Homes: When normal living conditions are altered, all kinds of fantastic predictions are made as to radical changes ahead. During our global war period we heard countless prophetic utterances as to what our post-war homes would be like. They would cook our meals, and clean themselves.
