The Diaries of Margaret Klenke Tasset 1930 - 1939

By Diane Dickerson

1932 - March 29

I've spent a very miserable day today. I'm simply sick with the blues. Sweet is worried to death. Last night he tried to tell me how everything is, and he kinda choked on the words. He said that maybe we'd have a place to go if we got married next fall but he didn't have a cent to live on. He wants to get married as soon as we can but he can't bear to take me from the wonderful home I have here with no better prospects ahead of him than there is now. Someone is holding a note for $1250 of Clarence's money and he says that he can't collect a nickel on it. Gosh I feel sorry for him. Mama noticed that I was awfully blue today. I told her a few things.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504953597

Diane Dickerson

Diane Dickerson was born in Dodge City, Kansas, and grew up on the family farm south of Spearville, Kansas. She graduated from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas, with a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics. She taught high school mathematics for one year in Kansas before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where she married Brian Dickerson, her husband now of forty-six years. She has lived with her husband in Tucson, Arizona; in Ventura, California; and in Payson, Arizona, their current home. Her careers include teaching, computer support specialist, residential real estate appraisal, and QuickBooks bookkeeping consultant. Diane wrote this book to preserve her mother’s diaries and to share the diaries with present and future descendants of her parents.

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© 2015 Diane Dickerson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  02/21/2024

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5360-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5359-7 (e)

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CONTENTS

Foreword

Diary 1

1930

1931

1932

1933

1934

1935

1936

Diary 2

1936

1937

1938

1939

Additional Diary

Afterword

FOREWORD

This book was conceived at a family reunion in 2012 at the family farm which is presently the home of Larry and Jolene Tasset. We were passing around the two diaries of Margaret and it occurred to me that we should really preserve those books as they were showing some wear. I proposed to the family that the diaries be transcribed and I volunteered to undertake the task. My sister-in-law, Rosann (Dockendorf) Tasset, stepped up and said she would transcribe the second diary. So we each took the diaries back home with us to begin the task. It didn’t go as quickly as I had hoped, as life and other priorities have a way of ‘getting in the way’. Now, three years later, the diaries are transcribed and proof-read by all of the children of Margaret and Clarence. At this writing, the only tasks left are compiling all years of the diaries into one document and adding pictures and hand-written notes of Margaret.

Background

To understand some of what Margaret has written, it is pertinent to know that the year before she began writing the first diary saw the Stock Market Crash of 1929 as well as the beginning of the Great Depression. When she began writing in her first diary, Margaret was nineteen years old and she lived in rural southwest Kansas and grew up on a farm with her parents Joseph and Pauline Klenke and with eight siblings: in order, Ethel, Rosalia, Urban, Rita, Pauline, Carl, Ruth and Leona. Twins were born after Ethel and they died at birth. Margaret was the next born. She experienced the Dust Bowl and the reader will find many references to the dusty, dirty days and all the troubles that those conditions brought to their way of life, including the impact on wheat crops. She makes reference to prices in her diaries, cost of goods and food as well as the price of wheat and wages earned by Clarence. Margaret also references the World Series, the politics of the day and who was running for president. She and Clarence knew each other since their childhood days; they and their families lived near Spearville and Dodge City, Kansas. They went to high school at Windthorst, a small settlement south and east of Spearville.

Siblings of Clarence, in order, were Everett (half-brother), Alfred, Norbert, Claude, Velma, Paul and John Henry (half- brother). Clarence was born after Everett. Half-brother, Karl George Tasset, firstborn of Harry and Elizabeth Tasset (first wife), was born April 23, 1905, and died December 15, 1905. Nicknames for Clarence: CJ, Tiny and Sweet.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Rosann (Dockendorf) Tasset for helping in the transcription of Diary 2. She also helped in researching identities in Mom’s first diary and she gathered the photos for this book. Thanks to Charlene, Ruth, David, Lawrence and Janet for proof-reading and giving insight into some of Margaret’s references in the diaries.

Format

Text that is italicized is Margaret’s writing, with the exception of the dates. A sample page of her diary follows. Any non-italicized text that is in parentheses is added to identify persons who were family members or friends and acquaintances of Margaret. Also in regular text are comments added by my siblings and by myself.

Diane (Tasset) Dickerson

001_a_img.jpgwa.jpeg

Joeseph and Pauline Klenke Family, back row: Rita,

Rosalia, Ethel, Mrs. Pauline Klenke, Margaret,

Urban. Front row: Carl, Ruth, Leona, Mr. Joseph Klenke, Pauline

DIARY 1

1930

March 13 – Had Club meeting tonight. New officers were elected. Francis Torline took Michael Hornung’s place as president, Clarence Tasset took Ethel’s as treasurer and Minnie Lampe took Rose Heiland’s as secretary. I hope we have just as good a year as the past year.

March 14 – Sister Pauline and Sister Euphrasis went to Wichita on business and we get a day off. I’m just as crazy about free days as anybody.

March 15 – Tomorrow is a surprise birthday party on Martha Hornung. I’m not going because I have a date with Swidbert (Hornung) and he’s not invited. Went to the show with him at Kinsley last night.

March 16 – Today is the day that I must tell Swidbert my decision. I started to Friday nite and he said we should leave the serious things for Sunday nite. Gee how I dread to tell him.

March 17 – Well it’s over now. I told Swidbert last night that I couldn’t go steady with him. Yes it has come to that. He had asked me to go with him steady before Lent and I asked him to give me time to think. Clarence asked me to decide too, so – there I was – in the center of what I’d call – a whirlpool . . .

March 18 – . . . of competing affections. Oh, I know Swidbert thinks a lot of me. He said so, anyway. But I choose Clarence. It was so terribly hard to choose since I have been going with Swidbert since last April or May and with Clarence before that, only not as often. Both boys have . . .

March 19 – . . . a character to be proud of – and characters that I am proud of. Swidbert took it rather hard and we had a sort of sobbing party for a while. But I guess it’s all over now. Poor kid. I surely feel sorry for him and I’m really sick over it all. He asked me to read this song I’ll Always Be In Love With You. I did and cried myself to sleep.

March 20 – Monday, Mar. 17 was a Musical Recital. Alvina (Issinghoff) was back to school Monday. I just can’t seem to keep my mind on any books this week. Too worried or blue or something. I can’t help but wince every time I see S. H. He asked me for a date for Sunday today.

March 21 – Last night Swidbert, Floyd (Issinghoff) and Chester (Hornung) went up to Dodge City for bank practice. They went up in Issinghoff’s Ford. Then to top it all off the Ford with all their instruments was stolen. Quite an excited bunch they were. Clarence & I were up to the show at Dodge too. They recovered the car this afternoon.

March 22 – Last nite I went over to Issinghoff’s and had a great big talk with Alvina. Poor kid just cried as if her heart would break. She told me just everything that worried or troubled her and I tried to cheer her up. I told her then all about myself, my choice and why . . .

March 23 – . . . I chose the way I did and everything. She knows it all but nobody else knows that she knows. Gosh, she’s a keen kid! So understanding and sympathetic! I know we’ll be great pals before long.

March 24 – Yesterday the folks were down to Peay’s for dinner. Ethel and Boss (Harry Hattrup) and Clarence and I went to the ballgame. It sure turned out to be a dirty and windy day. There was a surprise party on Fred T. (probably Fred Thesing) last night but I didn’t go.

March 25 – I wonder how Swidbert’s making it? I hope he’s not as broken-hearted about it that he won’t be able to smile anymore. Wouldn’t that be a disaster or calamity, or whatever you’d want to call it?

March 26 – Here’s where we Seniors get into some hot stuff. I’ll bet. Just wait till we see the Principal though then I can tell you whether we’re in hot water or not. All on account of ‘The Sunbeam’.

March 27 – Sure enough! We had it out with the Principal today. It was this way. I asked Floyd to write up an editorial on Lack of Cooperation in Sports and when Sister Pauline saw it, she said that it was running down the Catholic schools. It wasn’t running any school down, much less our own.

March 28 – (cont.) When we asked her why we couldn’t put it in, she told us that we had no right to ask why – that we were big-headed, narrow-minded, independent when we should be dependent and a few other things. Of course that made us mad and Alvina and I had a ‘sobbing . . .

March 29 – . . . party’. She told us too that she never did have any use for the Sunbeam. And now every little thing that happens out-of-the-way she blames it onto us and racks us up one side and down the other. Senior Privileges, bah! Never heard of them.

March 30 – Friday night the 28th, Swidbert stopped in. He said he saw Boss’ car and wanted to tell him about the ballgame today. We had a long talk again and he confided to me that he wants to go back to school next fall and study for the priesthood. Say wouldn’t that be good?

March 31 – I had a date with Swidbert yesterday. About eleven o’clock a.m. we went to Dodge. Had dinner at the Lora Locke, after dinner drive way down to Minneola and back and then went to the concert in the New Dodge. Had supper at Gwinner’s (?), fooled around a while and came home about 9:00.

April 1 – Swidbert is pretty well put out about it all yet. I thought if I could cheer him up or help him in any way I’d sure do it. He says that if the second semester of school was just starting, he’d leave the country and go to school. Poor kid!

April 2 – The Journalism Class that is The Big Four (Margaret Klenke, Alvina Issinghoff, Magdalen Schawe, Lucille Stein) visited the Spearville News Office today. Mr. Fry explained the different machines and we sure enjoyed the visit. Learned a few things anyway.

April 3 – The Soph girls had it out with the Principal today. Over a ball game. The girls asked her if we couldn’t all go to the Wright game tomorrow. She said No but when the boys asked her, she gave the

April 4 – question a little consideration. We girls finally got to go anyway. Due to the boys’ plea, I guess. Our boys won the game from Wright today. Sister P. said afterwards that they wouldn’t have won if it hadn’t been for the girls’ cheering.

April 5 – Thursday, April 3 was a Requiem Mass for Junior Issinghoff by the school. Most everyone went to Holy Communion for the repose of his soul. R. I. P.

April 6 – The graduates of St. Mary’s High School met this afternoon in the school auditorium and organized an alumni. Another Stein was elected president, Philomena Torline secretary and myself treasurer.

April 7 – After organizing the alumni yesterday afternoon, Clarence and I went down to the ballgame. He took me home but insisted on going home himself. He came back after supper. We all sat on the porch swing or chairs and sang. Good time too.

April 8 – I wonder what Bearshooter (Meinrad Torline) will say when he hears that we’ve put him in as treasurer of the alumni and dismissed me. The Big Four and Sister Aquinas did it. We thought it would be better to have one of each of the previous graduating classes.

April 9 – Boy, we’re surely going to be busy the next few days and next week. We want to bring the paper up next week and mail it Easter Monday.

April 10 – Had club meeting tonight. We heard that Uncle Fred’s have small pox. Gee I hope there won’t be a small pox epidemic. Issinghoff’s would be sure to get it first. They seem to get everything that comes along.

April 11 – The boys played ball with Wright and Windthorst today. They were badly defeated. I’m still worried. I wonder if I decided right? I wonder if it’s pity that I feel for Swidbert? God only knows – I don’t.

April 12 – Last night Swidbert dropped in and we talked about anything and everything. It was late – rather early – when he left. The Big Four went to Kinsley today to see about getting our dresses. Mr. Ekles will order them for us.

April 13 – I was left by myself today. No date. I made book reports. Alvina, Floyd, Jerome (Issinghoff) and Francis (Torline) & Meinrad and the Frank Ackerman family were down this evening. We had a pretty good time but Meinrad was so blue he nearly made all of us blue.

April 14 – I’m tickled to death. Clarence and Swidbert were together all day yesterday – to the ballgame at Offerle and then to Orchestra practice over at Hornung’s. They’re still friends. I was afraid maybe their friendship would be broken up, but I guess not and I hope not. We kids were vaccinated for small pox after school hours.

April 15 – Sister Aquinas was sick today and didn’t teach. We worked on the paper. Mr. Fields began installing the electric light plant today. A number of boys were digging trenches and we have quite a time with them.

April 16 – Swidbert and I went to the show at Dodge City last night – Chasin’ Rainbows. I liked it pretty well. Sister A. still sick. First time this year that she’s been down in bed. The Big Four went to Kinsley today to see about our dresses. Lucille and Magdalena got theirs but Alvina & I couldn’t get any.

April 17 – Holy Thursday today. Had evening services tonight. Clarence asked me if he could have a date for Sunday, if it didn’t interfere with my other plans. I gave the date to him but I’m puzzled as to what he meant by the last statement. He’s a funny kid but boy I think he’s great.

April 18 – School life is still pretty hot. In fact it’s getting hotter everyday. S.H. told me yesterday that Tuesday night when he got home he drove in the shed and just sat there and thought and thought. He finally dropped off to sleep. He woke up about 2:45 and then went in the house to bed. Quite a joke, I think.

April 19 – The 7th & 8th grades had their final examinations today. I remember when I took mine. Gosh, I believe my vaccination is making me sick. I surely feel tough today. I guess I won’t play Easter Rabbit tonight.

April 20 – Clarence and Boss were down for Easter Sunday dinner today. We went to the ballgame this afternoon and this evening after supper we went to what was supposed to be a ball team meeting. Hardly anyone was there and Swidbert was as blue as could be.

April 21 – The Sophs and Freshies gave their plays tonight and I thought they were real good, with their first appearance on the stage in any long play. I went with the folks for once again.

April 22 – Tonight is the K. of C. social but you see, my vaccination is pretty sore so I didn’t go. That vaccination is knocking our ballgames in the head too.

April 23 – George (Klenke) and Mary Alice (Diester) were married this morning at Newton. Clarence and Julius (Hornung) drove down for the wedding. I would have liked to go but couldn’t of course.

April 24 – None of we kids went to school, except Pauline, today. We were all in bed due to our vaccination. Gee it’s sore. Wrote my valedictory today in bed. I got up about five and Clarence stopped in about six. I told him I couldn’t go to the dance tonight because I was kinda weak.

April 25 – Sister Pauline said that my valedictory was fine. It rained today but that didn’t keep Clarence away. We went to the show at Spearville tonight. Didn’t stay out so late because I don’t feel quite right yet.

April 26 – Boy it surely rained today. Tuesday night, the 29th is a box supper. I don’t think I’ll go though. I’m not so crazy about box suppers anyway.

April 27 – There was a K. of C. initiation in Spearville today, and a banquet this evening. Clarence came down about seven and asked me if I cared to go and listen to the speakers up there. We went.

April 28 – Clarence stopped in this evening and asked me to go to the box supper tomorrow night. I changed my mind and said I’d go. Just a year ago today Swidbert asked for his first date with me.

April 29 – The Y.P.D.C. was supposed to have their play tonight but it was postponed to some night in May. Johnny (Torline) and Philomena (Torline, Later Sister Modesta) who are in the play, were quarantined for some time and couldn’t practice.

April 30 – There was no box supper last night either. Clarence came down and about fifteen minutes after he was here it started to rain to beat the dickens, so we had our box supper and music (furnished by ourselves) at home.

May 1 – We went to Confession today for First Friday tomorrow. I’m starting a novena to the Blessed Virgin for vacations and for my own intentions, which are that everything will turn out all right for we three.

May 2 – The High School team won from Wright today 22 to 19. Alvina, Floyd, Swidbert and I went up together. I went to St. Peter & Paul’s play down here tonight. Gosh, everyone sure looked when we came in. Some will have something to talk about now again.

May 3 – Saturday today, and raining to beat the dickens. It started about two and is still raining at five. Nice weather for tomorrow eh, not? (?)

May 4 – Junior-Senior banquet today. I went with Swidbert. First to the ballgame and then to the banquet. Clarence asked me, but again he was too late, and he acted awfully hurt about it. Oh, what should I do?

May 5 – I feel the effects of the banquet today. Gee, I’m worried! What should I do – continue having dates with Swidbert or not? It doesn’t seem quite fair to the one I love the most – Tiny . . .

May 6 – . . . but again I hate to turn Swidbert away altogether. He says he hasn’t anyone else to tell his troubles to but me, and I can’t fail him. Clarence is so different. He tells hardly anything. I just . . .

May 7 – . . . wish I knew a little more about that boy! The dear kid! I think I must be getting romantic or something. It looks like it, doesn’t it?

May 8 – We had Club meeting tonite and I was there with Swidbert. Clarence had asked me to go to the show with him tonite but I had a date already. Every time I do have a date when either of the boys ask me, the unlucky or (rather lucky) guy stays home.

May 9 – Sister Euphrasia’s folks from New Mexico came this morning. Sister was sure glad. She hadn’t seen them for ten years. They aren’t Catholic either. Sister is a convert. Strength and courage there, not?

May 10 – It’s rained very nicely this morning when Rosalia (Klenke) and I had to go to church. But we got there and completed our novena to the Blessed Virgin. My prayers just must be answered. So help me, Mary!

May 11 – Boy it’s cold today. The boys are going around with overcoats on. Meinrad, Alvina, Clarence and I went to Ness City about 9:30 this morning.

May 12 – The painters came this morning to paint the downstairs. We came home from Ness City about 6:30, had supper in town and then went to the shower on Martha (Kolbeck) and Ray (Torline). Yesterday on the way home, Clarence & I had a gum chewing contest. I won, with eight sticks in my mouth.

May 13 – Tonight is the operetta. They didn’t have it last night because it rained. George and Mary Alice returned home from their honeymoon last night.

May 14 – Christina Duesing and Louis Grosser were married this morning. Christina had a very pretty dress, I thought. Last night I came home from the operetta with Swidbert. Clarence & Swidbert both asked me but Swidbert was first so that was that. Clarence surely looked hurt about it.

May 15 – I went to the dance last night with Swidbert too. Clarence wasn’t there. Mrs. Tasset sure did watch me. She’s mighty curious about how it’s going to turn out and who’s going to get me. I had quite a talk with Swidbert tonight. Told him we’d better stop having dates but he doesn’t want to. Tony Fredelake’s wedding dance is tonight.

May 16 – Today we handed in our notebooks for our final grade. That means that we’re finished. With them (I mean our text books. Just the exams yet and then it will all be over with.

May 17 – Next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we have semester exams. I’m not much worried because the principal will most likely give us a passing grade to get ‘The bothersome Big Four’ out of the way. It isn’t nice to write this way, is it? So I quit.

May 18 – Went to the ballgame at Wright with Clarence. Swidbert surely hates to see me with him. I can’t help that though. He’ll have to get used to it. Ethel got here engagement ring tonight. And she’s a happy girl about it you bet. I don’t know when he popped.

May 18 Insert – Sunday evening - Say, I’m a tickled girl. To-night after we got home from church (evening services) Clarence and I had quite a time in the car.

I just love to tease him and he loved to tease me. He seemed to open up a bit to-night and tell me more than he usually does. That’s one thing I like about him, he’s so reserved – never tells anything.

After we had been sitting there for awhile without saying anything, he simply and suddenly took me and kissed me. Afterwards he asked if I cared because he did it. I said no. Then he said, You know Margaret, I used to be scared to even try it. I said I know you did, and that was one thing I liked about you. It must have taken him by surprise (what I said) because he just sat there and smiled for a long time.

Gee if he only knew how much I really like him!

May 19 – I wrote Swidbert a letter this morning and told him I couldn’t go with him tomorrow night. If he only sees it the way I do! Or don’t I see things right? Am I playing fair with the boys or not? What shall I do?

May 20 – Sister Aquinas’ birthday today. Isn’t it queer that Martha K. should be married today, in the same week that we are graduated. And she should be with us. But it’s rather nice though, isn’t it? Going to the dance with Clarence.

May 21 – So much to write and such a small space to write it in. Alvina is all wrapped up with her ideas of writing books. She wants to go to college next year and I only hope she gets to go. I want to go too but I don’t think I will get to. Tough break, isn’t it?

May 22 – Picnic today! Oh boy! You bet we had a fine time. Especially sister. The Big Four and all of Sister’s old boys like Clarence, Swidbert, Bernard (Thesing), Joe (Temaat) and Julius. We high school students went to Confession this evening so that we may receive tomorrow morning.

May 23 – Today marks the end of my career in high school. Gee, how I hate it, that I’m through. It’s been one of my happiest years of school life and I’m not at all sorry to have stuck with it.

May 23 Insert – I haven’t enough room in my book so I’ll have to provide room. Commencement went off fine, tonight. You can’t imagine though how I hate to quite. I was pretty well loaded down with presents after all the congratulations and every thing was over. I got $10 from Mama and Papa. A beautiful little bracelet from Clarence, a string of beads from Swidbert, a necklace from Ethel, a pretty little picture of The Little Flower from Sister Pauline and many other presents.

May 24 – Saturday today and Rosalia’s birthday. This morning we went to school to send off the last issue of ‘The Sunbeam’. Sister Aquinas and ‘The Big Four’ went over to Church then to our Blessed Mother and consecrated our lives to her and her protection.

May 24 Insert – This morning after we came from church after consecrating our lives to our Blessed Mother, I could hardly restrain the tears. Then Sister started to talk to me and I looked up at her, and she noticed. Don’t start, please Margaret. I can hardly keep them back myself, Sister said. Gee, I hate to see her go. She’s been the real cause of ‘The Big Four’ spending such a happy year.

May 25 – Two years ago today Clarence and Meinrad were graduated. Went to the ballgame today with Swidbert. We lost to Wright, 16 to 14. Alvina and I were together and of course we had a good time. Tiny played ball today for the first time in years.

May 26 – The Y.P.D. Club give their play tonite. It is ‘Welcome to the Old Town.’ I saw it already Saturday nite and it’s surely good. They got we Seniors up here somehow and then initiated us good and right. Was that nice, now I ask you? Went with Tiny tonight.

May 27 – George and Mary Alice dropped in this morning and gave me a graduation present. It’s surely cute. They’re having their wedding dance tonite. Of course I’m going, and with Clarence too.

May 28 – Had a good time last nite but it was hotter’n – well you know. I wore my graduation dress and by golly I believe some thought that I was the bride. Ha Ha. Nope not yet – maybe never. We’re terribly busy, cleaning house now.

May 29 – Ascension Thursday today. I didn’t go to the shower last night on Rose H. (Heiland) but Ethel took Rosalia’s and my present for her. Tonight is a shower on Justina (Hornung). I’m going with Tiny. The ball team won from Offerle today, 13 – 11.

May 29 Insert – Alfred (Tasset) came home today. He was out to the ballgame and boy – Alvina, Alfred and I surely had a keen time. He’s just as honery and funny as he ever was. Swidbert went to the retreat last night. I guess by this time he’s busy thinking, praying or something. I hope he will be able to make up his mind as to what he’s going to do. I’m sure he’ll be feeling better after the retreat anyway. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see him at the altar? I wonder if he’ll ever do it? Or will he turn to Elizabeth (Kohler)? Time will tell, I guess. I know Clarence is wondering why. Swidbert is always coming down, but I can’t tell him that Swidbert just comes down to tell me his troubles and so on. Swidbert asked me not to say anything about him going off to school to study, so I must keep this secret.

May 30 – Memorial Day today. Ethel didn’t work and was home all day. Justina and Everett received many useful and pretty gifts. Had a good time too. I asked Ethel today when she was going to be married and she don’t know. You see the folks want me to practice up my shorthand so that I can take her place but I’m not so crazy about it.

May 31 – It’s Saturday today. Nothing new around here just now. Rosalia and I went to Confession this afternoon because it’s girls’ Sunday tomorrow. Swidbert asked me Tuesday night if he couldn’t see me the latter part of the week but he didn’t show up. Maybe he won’t want to see me since he’s been to the retreat.

June 1 – I went to Early Mass this morning and received Holy Communion. Also went to High Mass. Had Alvina down for dinner. Swidbert asked me if he couldn’t see me after dinner and I said yes. He came down and wanted me to go to the ballgame with him at Windthorst.

June 1 Insert – I said I’d go if Alvina went with me. And so we went. Clarence went up to Hays to a K. of C. initiation. We had a good time today, Alvina and I. We were both dying to know Swidbert’s decision, though, and we didn’t dare ask him so we just waited. We three went to town for supper. S. and I took Alvina home and then when we got home he told me everything. He isn’t going to school next fall and Elizabeth K. isn’t coming out. He had a long heart to heart talk with the retreat master and he discouraged S. Swidbert said that he told the retreat master all about Elizabeth and me and just everything. He (the retreat master) told S. that he had too great a love for the other sex and that he wouldn’t be able to break himself if he tried to do as he intended. I cried like a baby when he told me. Couldn’t help it! He said Margaret don’t worry about me. I’ll find my place in the world yet.

June 2 – Rose Heiland and Michael Hornung were married this morning. Just after Mass and before marching out, Michael took Rose in his arms and kissed her, right before the altar. I’m going to the dance tonight with the best boy in the world – Clarence.

June 3 – Gee but I’m tired today. Guess I had too good a time last nite. I did have a good time. Boy, it was crowded. Tonite is the social but I’m afraid I’ll ruin my delicate health if I go too often. Danced with Everett for the last time while he is a single man.

June 3 Insert – I told Clarence all about Swidbert last nite – why he comes down here yet, and everything. You know, Tiny was acting sort of cold toward me so I decided to tell him. After I did tell him, I knew something was wrong with him. I asked him and he said, Oh nothing, Margaret – mean everything. He said he was just sick about it. I asked him about what. Well, he didn’t know how to say it. Then finally he said, To be frank with you, Margaret, I sometimes hate it that I won. Not because I don’t care anymore but because it leaves Swidbert in the condition that it does. Gee, my heart just sunk when he said that he was sorry that he won. Were my dreams to be shattered in an instant? But afterwards, he said, But as long as you care, Margaret, nothing else matters. Isn’t that just like him? He’d exchange his place with another who was discouraged and down hearted just to see the other person happy.

June 4 – Everett and Justina were married this morning. Gee but ‘those wedding bells are breaking up that old gang of mine.’ Swidbert came down here last nite instead of going to the social. He wanted me to go to the Old Settlers’ Picnic at Kinsley this afternoon.

June 4 Insert – I went because today and tonight is our last date together. He said last nite that he would make it easier for me and just stay away from now on. I know it will be awfully hard for him to really stay away, but I think it’s best that way, don’t you? He will be able to forget me sooner. It was kinda hard to tell him goodbye last nite and I’m sorry to see him go and at the same time, glad to see him go. He holds a place in my heart though as one of my best friends. It rained the night of June 4, the same as it rained when I had my first date with him. Most likely he’ll be singing it rained when I found you, it rained when I lost you, that’s why I’m so blue when it rains. I guess I can say that part of my life book is closed now. Anyway it might ease a few peoples’ minds – finding out who was the (lucky) boy.

June 5 – Went to Confession today for First Friday tomorrow. Gee, but I’ve got the blues tonight. I don’t know what’s the matter and still I do too. I’m sitting on the porch swing now and crying a bit to ease my mind.

June 6 – Alvina called up this evening and asked me to come down. I went down and of course we had a great big, long talk. We walked nearly down to Ackerman’s and Floyd &Jerome nearly scared the life out of us when we came back. Alvina is sure a good kid and I love her.

June 7 – Gee, it’s pretty this evening. I’m sitting in the porch swing now, enjoying the evening. Clarence & Alfred just drove by. Mama, Papa, Rosalia & Urban (Klenke) went to the talkie show tonight. I saw it this afternoon and Spearville does have pretty good talkie shows, too.

June 8 – Boss and Ethel and Clarence and I went fishing today. We didn’t get anything but bites and mosquito and jigger bites mostly. We had a pretty toad time. We had quite a singing streak tonight and we sang and sang. Clarence had his uke with him.

June 9 – Boy, it did rain for a little while this afternoon. I didn’t tell Tiny yet that Swidbert isn’t coming anymore. If he would just open up a bit and not get so darned scared of me. I could tell him things easier. But I like him the way his is.

June 10 – Boy, I’m tired tonight. We cleaned the cellar today. The KCs are having their meeting tonight. The other night Alvina asked me this question: Can a boy perceive a girl’s love sooner or better than a girl can perceive a boy’s love? Well, what about it, Cupid?

June 11 – I spent a very enjoyable evening this evening – all by myself in the moonlight for an hour or two. Rosalia was on the porch swing with me but we didn’t say a word. Just sat there and dreamed. You know. We had to climb a ladder to get to bed tonight. We varnished the steps. C.

June 12 – I went to the Club meeting last night with Tiny. We didn’t start the meeting until late and of course it was later when we quit. Swidbert and the other kids came from Dodge City after it was all over with. He didn’t even talk to me tonight. Gee, I wonder if he’s sore?

June 13 – Friday, the thirteenth! The Big Four cleaned church this morning and had a heck of a time. Swidbert dropped in this evening and asked if I was wondering why he didn’t talk to me last night. I said that I did kinda wonder but wasn’t sore or anything like that because he didn’t.