1952 Diary
(transcribed by Connie Dietsch)

July- Sept

October

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1952 Went to Mass - Got Bro. John's letter, ironed but didn't get finished - Men dug part of the sweet potatoes this eve.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1952 Went to Mass - wrote letter to Bro. John. Ironed some more, then picked the lima beans. -Lillian & children helped me finish before dark, got 11 qts more from 2 bu. - Wilmas here in eve - Dad & I & Pat went to Novena & confession.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1952 We went to Mass as usual. I worked around at cleaning up etc - In the P.M. I finished the beans & had them ready to put in boxes in eve when Pat got home, 6 more qt - 47 qt in all. Bens left for K.C. about 3:30.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1952 We went to Mass - Pat played for Marilyn Hurts wedding, Gene served - then he helped Dad at the house. Ronny & Tommy helped, they got the chimney up. Louise & Carl came & helped put the wall board on the ceiling. I went to Dr. Blood pressure 175 over 90. I picked peppers & egg plant before dark - cold - Dad started fire in furnace.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1952 Forty Hours started. Dad & I & Moe & Gene went to 7:30 Mass, Pat & Ekrick girls went to 7:30, Len to 9:00. Pat stayed all night at Ekricks, Len went out there for dinner - I made a good chicken dinner - then Dad & I went to Aunt Annas in the P.M. She was glad to see us - no company in eve - Pauls a little.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1952 We went to Mass - it was at 7:15 today, good sermon - Pat home on vacation - I washed, she worked at the plants, then I helped her - We also canned up 12 qt sauerkraut - went to Forty Hours in eve.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1952 Went to Mass - Bens got home last night - Mickey went to school - Joann came over & did her washing, went home after Ben came & the men went too & helped set up the stove. All the children here in the eve with Pat - Bens went to church. Went to Dr. B pressure 156 over 86 - more pills.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1952 We went to Mass - Very busy all day getting ready for our trip to Colo. - Hair appt at 4:00. Pat went down & did some shopping - Bens here in the eve - also Paul & Lillian. Clarence brought Wilma up - ready to go.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1952 - OCTOBER 27, 1952 no entries

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1952 We went to Mass - I wrote a card to Libb and sent Mass for Poor Souls - then did a big washing - Pat home in the P.M. but had to study for the Sorority exam - Pat went in for initiation, didn't get to go skating.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1952' Went to Mass - I wrote to Gertrude, Minnie & Martha Edle today - then got the clothes ready for ironing and ironed in the P.M. and late in the evening but finished - Pat went out to Tinys for supper.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1952 Went to Mass - Busy this morning - mending - putting clothes in baskets etc. getting dinner in good time etc - Pat came home for dinner, then went down for her Sorority exams - I went to ? & got my hair fixed - went to Marlene's shower in eve with Lillian.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1952 We went to Mass - Joann came over to wash today - anti helped me can pears in the P.M. - Lillian also helped some, we got 15 qts. In the eve - Ben & Joann went downtown in eve, also to Novena - Dad & I went to Novena, then took care of little folks - Pat went to Swisher and Len & Gene also went a while. Moe came home this eve

November

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1952 Holy Day - We went to 7:00 Mass - Gene went to 9:00 and took the children - Dad & I went downtown in the a.m. I got new kitchen curtains etc. etc. for kitchen - In the P.M. Bens went downtown - I kept the children - I got a big supper for the family so not much rest today - Pat stayed all night at Shirleys.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1952 Womens' Sunday - Dad & I & Moe went to 7:30 Mass. Len, Gene, Pauls kids went to 9:00. Pauls & Lyles went to visit Sister Margaretta today - a very nice day - Bens over in the P.M. -then left the children here in eve while they went to a show - kept Pauls kids all day.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1952 A nice day - Gene had to serve Mass at 7:00 P.M. so Pat went along - We went Qt 7:30 & took the five school grand children - Joann over doing her wash. Dad picking corn -Len painting a roof this eve we butchered 12 more chickens -8 to keep for next Sundays dinner, just Ben & Joann helped, they stayed for supper.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1952 Election day - Dad and I went & voted after breakfast - then I tried to get my big washing done & the chickens put away -Lillian hung out clothes for me - Ben didn't have work. I kept the children while they went to vote, then they went to dinner in eve at Amana with Moody - we kept the children.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1952 We went to Mass - Pat was home in the P.M. again &-we tried to get some of the house cleaning done - instead of ironing - Basketball game, Gene did pretty good for the first game, made 11 pts - they beat Oxford - 54 to 35.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1952 We went to Mass - Marlene's wedding day - Pat played - I kept Johnie M, Johnie, Davey & Rita Frantz - and Billy, Karen, Sandra Frank - Joann was over with her 4 & doing her washing so helped me a lot - later in the P.M. I made 3 apple pies & 7 big, 3 small pumpkin pies - Dad & I went to Novena in eve - Bens & Pauls came - Lillian & Joann did my ironing.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1952 We went to Mass - then I had a long hard day of finishing the cleaning & getting ready for company - Dad & I shopped for groceries in the eve - Gertrude & family came after 9:00 P.M. - Maurice, Leonard, PA & I went to C.R. to the airport to meet Laurence.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1952 Dad's 70th birthday - We went to Mass, Maurice too - Gene went to work at Yoders Feed Mill - Leonard finished his painting job - I was very busy all day with meals, taking care of children etc, also baked some cakes. Gert & Nick went to Iowa - Illinois football game. Maurice Leonard & Laurence put up new aerial for Dads birthday gift - Dad finished husking his corn - he thinks ? between 900 & 1000 bu. ?

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1952 We went to 7:30 Mass Dad & I - Moe, Len & Larry - the others went at 9:00, had a big dinner today for Dads birthday we eat at Pauls. Dad & I went to 10:15 Mass said as a Thanksgiving Mass at my request. All came today but Joyce & Dean & Clarence - 50 of us - also Bessie Myrtle Veatress & Harold, nice time.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1952 All went to Mass - didn't get much done today - but can 14 qt. pears. Laurence sort of sick in the night - quite a few not feeling too good - We went to basketball game again tonight - Ben & Mickey also went - St. Marys beat Parnell 55 to 41 - Gene had 14 pts.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1952 Armistice day - Ben didn't have to work - so he & Larry & Moody went hunting - Joann brought over her roast chicken & they had dinner here - I did my big washing, then Dad & I & Larry went to Wilmas for supper & eve - nice time.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1952 We went to Mass - Joann came over today & did her washing -I didn't get much done - had fairly early supper &-then went to ball game - Joann went along - St. Marys beat Cosgrove 59 to 26 - Gene cold only made 6 pts.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1952 We went to Mass - I worked around and got the house straightened up in the a.m. Shain ? came out at noon to talk over changing insurance policy for Pat - Pat planning to have her tonsils out next week - I did part of ironing - Dad took Larry to Cedar Rapids to see Maurice & go to Gertrudes. Bens & Carls here in eve. Dad & I went to Novena & confession.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1952 We went to Mass. I got mail ready for Christmas cards in the a.m. - In the P.M. I had mostly hand ironing to do and kept me busy until supper time. Eliz and Lyle came out for a short visit also Mary & Alan - In the eve we kept Bens boys while they shopped & Eliz boys & Rita while they went to 4H club dance. Maurice & Larry came home.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1952 Dad & I - Moe & Pat went to Mass - then Dad went to Wards to help haul manure. Bens left the 3 boys here while they picked up corn - Larry helped some after dinner. Laurence & Ben went hunting - Dad took me downtown to get my hair fixed - Larry, Moe & Len went bowling. Pat babysat at Engels.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1952 Dad & I - Moe & Len to 7:30 Mass, Pat & Gene at 9:00, Larry at 11:30. Eds came up for dinner. Carls stopped in after Mass - then Gerald came & Ed, Carl, Gerald & Paul decided to drive to Fairfield to look at a farm. Maurice & Pat went after Pauline. After dinner Dad took Joann & Mickey & I down to school for visit - then we had all of Eds, Pauls, Carls & Gerald & Pauline for supper (22). St. Mary played Burlington, lost 42 to 57. Leonards car broke down, left it at Danville Iowa.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1952 Dad & I went to convent for 6:30 Mass - still rainy & drizzling, got home, helped the kids get away to school & work, had our breakfast, started to Sisters about 8:25 A.M., picked up Louise & Charles, got there about 11:25. Rainy day but had a nice visit - it started to rain again around 4:00 & we started home around 5:00 & got home at 7:25 - it stopped raining by the time we got stopped to ?. Pauls took Laurence to Eds.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1952 We went to Mass and then I did my big washing. Pat had to come home again and go to bed to try to get rid of her cold.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1952 Larry's 29th birthday. We went to Mass. Joann came over & did her washing - I did my ironing, Joann helped some - Pat came home again to go to bed to be in good shape for her tonsil operation tomorrow - Lyles family here in eve -

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1952 We went to Mass at 6:30 at the convent, left Pat at the hospital at 6:00, after we got home & had breakfast - we went downtown to the cleaners around 9:00, went to the hospital, Pat was back in her room, operation over, and getting along real good - she got along fine all day -I went home with the school kids & then back again after Novena. Glen was there with big box of candy - she also got a big bouquet of roses & some peanuts from all at the flower shop - Ed & Lyle brought Larry home , they had been hunting up by Walker. Wilmas came, also Pauline & Gerald -they all played cards - Bens were over.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1952 We went to Mass & to the cleaners & grocery store - and then to the hospital to get Pat - We had to wait until after 9:00 before she was ready - she was feeling pretty good -but lay around quite a while - Larry was around a little while, then went hunting by himself & then went out with Ben in the eve to Delhi. Louise & Carl here in the eve for awhile.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1952 We went to Mass - Maurice had to work so didn't get home -Joann & I went downtown to do our shopping - Gene took us -Dad worked all day over at the house - We got the house cleaned up - made cup cakes & got a good supper - Moe came home - went with Gene to a show.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1952 Dad & I & Moe & Len went to 7:30 Mass - Joann came over with her children & went to Mass with Gene & Pat & took Ken & like - Louise & Carl came - so they wanted us to go out to their place for dinner - Dad & I went along & had a nice time. They brought us home & stayed for supper - Joann & children also came over & was here for supper. Ben & Larry came home with 5 pheasants & 2 rabbits.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1952 We all went to Mass. Pat went also Larry - It started to rain and turned out to be a very bad day - Heard from the Cedar Rapids airport that the planes were grounded & Larry couldn't go on it - so finally decided to go by train -he left at 4:15 P.M. by train for Chicago - it rained and rained all day - went to basketball game - St. Marys beat Dubuque. Joann went with us to ball game.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1952 We went to Mass - went to the cleaners & creamery, still raining & rained most all day - I did my washing and dried them in the house and Pat sort of cleaned up the house -Joann came over and did her washing after supper. Pat went skating with Glen - Gene went out to look on - he took Father Meiers out.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1952 We went to Mass - bad day and I worked hard getting my ironing done - dressed 3 chickens for tomorrow - went to Novena & confession in P.M., finished ironing in eve - Pauls & Lyles here. Basketball game postponed.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1952 A nice day - We all went to 7:30 Mass - Pauls too - Ben went Qt 8:30 then we got ready & all went to Eds - We took our dinner - Bens went with us - Moe, Len, Pat & Gene went home, we & Bens stayed for supper - helped Mary quilt also got our chickens dressed for Christmas. Pat stayed all night at Joanies, made Glen mad.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1952 A pretty good day - We went to Mass & then to the grocery store. I was real busy all day getting the house cleaned up for company. Aunt E11 & Agnes came about 5:30 & stayed until 7:30 - Aunt E had spent the day at the university getting a hearing aid & all kinds of tests. Bens had supper at Pauls for Phyllis' birthday. Gene went to practice - Len at home - Moe came home - got another stoker today

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1952 We went to Mass - I worked some on my bedspread - Bens came & left the children while they shopped - run out of gas so WO to have waffles & cheese sandwiches for dinner - had a good supper of pheasant. Gene & Ben went hunting in the P.M. - Dad & I went downtown - I got a scarf - we got the groceries. Pat out with girls this eve - Gene had date with Betty K.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1952 We all went to 7:30 Mass - but Pat & Gene went to 9:00 also Bens & the boys - Ben & Paul went hunting about 11:00 a.m. Dad & Moe went over to Bens & did some wiring - Joann & children came back with them & was here the rest of the day & for supper - Eliz & family all but Joe came in the P.M. Pauls came in eve - Pat home this eve. Pat home & sad this eve.

December

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1952 We went to Mass - then Dad & I went over to Carls and helped them a little & then brought home some stuff from there - a regular snow storm today in the P.M. I got mail ready to send payment for Christmas cards etc - In the eve - Bens came over to wash. We went to ball game, all but Pat - she went out with Glen - St. Marys beat Muscatine 42 to 39. Gene didn't get to Mass as car wouldn't start.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1952 We went to Mass - then I finished getting mail ready & then did a good sized washing - most of the day - mopped the floor just before supper - took care of Bens children in eve while they went to a show - all our family at home.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1952 We went to Mass - then I wrote letter to Verna & a card to Wilma. Went to ball game in eve. St. Marys won over O.L.V.A. 45 to 42.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1952 We went to Mass. We went to Novena in eve.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1952 We went to Mass.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1952 We went to Mass - I went to Cedar Rapids with Maurice & did a little shopping for Bro. John & other things. Pat went with Glen to a dance he played for - they got Joanie & took her along.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1952 We all went to 7:30 Mass as Gene had to go to practice at 10:00 A.M. getting ready for game with St. Pats. Bens here for dinner & supper - Lyles here in eve.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1952 Holy Day - Joann Lillian & I went with Dad downtown this a.m. to do some shopping - Gene kept all the kids - We planned things in the P.M. then I went back to town with Ben & Joann & Pat and got along real well with the shopping - we took Pat skating.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1952 We went to Mass - then I did my washing, hung clothes outside, mopped the floors - In the eve Bens came. Joann did her washing & Ben helped us, also Paul & Lillian, Eliz & Lyle. We dressed & drawed our last 14 roosters & butchered a hog - had popcorn for the children in the eve -

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1952 We went to Mass, first went to the locker with the 14 chickens, got casings & paper - Mary & Alan came while Ed went to a sale. Also Lillian & Johnie & Joann & family so we had plenty of help - We got around 9 gal lard- In the eve we all went to St. Marys - St. Pats game - St. Marys won 63 to 54, Gene played wonderful, got 17 points - Lillian, Ronny & Tommy all went also Joann. Got the good news Bro. John is coming home - Ben got laid off.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1952 We went to Mass - went to cleaners, locker, grocery store & depot - came home & got to work rendering out fat from skins - working with meat in general - Dad couldn't help today as he had to work on the culvert & roads at Bens road. Pat went to Mrs. Hurts dance after she got done work. Went to hospital in eve to see Harold D & Bob M. Dad & I went to Novena this P.M. and to confession.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1952 We went to Mass as usual - Dad ground the sausage & we got it about all stuffed. I did all the ironing, finished in eve - Ben still looking for work - Pat worked until 8:00, then stayed home in eve.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1952 We went to Mass. In the forenoon I made pie crust & did up housework, got a good dinner - Bens here for dinner. In the P.M. they went to confession - I visited Sister Dolores & then went to the Dr - Blood pressure 178/88. I worked in eve, made 6 pumpkin pies & 20 cup cakes & mopped floor - Pat & Joanie went to the dance Glenn was playing at.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1952 Dad & I & Moe went to 7:30 Mass - the others went at 9:00, Bens went at 10:15, left the children here - then stayed for dinner - went home about 5:00. Lyles here in the P.M. -quiet eve - no company - Gene skating, P& & Glenn skating, Len & Carol went to Geralds, got eggs.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1952 We went to Mass - Bens came over & Joann did their washing -Ben helped Dad get the little house set & he also went hunting. In the eve Paul said they wanted help at the mill so they got Ben to go & work tomorrow, next day - Dad & I went downtown in eve - we got Pat.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1952 We went to Mass, then I did a big washing after first getting some mail ready - Leonard came home for dinner. We got things pretty well cleaned up this eve. Glen came out & spent the eve here: Len & Gene went to the ball game at CR, lost to St. Pats 41 to 47.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1952 We went to Mass, then to cleaners & I got some more mail ready, then went to town, got my hair fixed & shopped some. Gene got me after school, got supper, started making fruit salad & then went to Altar & Rosary potluck supper -had a nice time.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1952 Elizabeth's 37th birthday. We went to Mass - and then I got more mail ready & got my self ready to go down at 2:00 to help cook for the Junior Senior Christmas party - had a very nice time, got home about 9:30 P.M.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1952 We went to Mass, weather bad - after Mass: & kept getting worse - We got ready & went to the school program - Lillian, Johnie, I & Dad went downtown - during program it was rainy & icy so they postponed the b ball game with St. Mary - I did all my ironing this P.M. & tonight.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1952 Went to Mass. Maurice worked today so didn't come home last night - I worked more at cleaning up - for Sunday.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1952 Bro. John's 21st birthday. We went to 7:30 Mass - Pat, Len & Gene to 9:00 - Bens here for dinner - Sent some more mail down to be mailed - they also got tree decorations - then Pat went to bed to sleep. Wilma here awhile. Lyles here in eve.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1952 We went to Mass - I did my washing today - Pat had to work late tonight - so we had to get her - I also baked pies for Christmas & next Sunday - 6 mince meat, 2 cherry, 1 large & 2 small pears.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1952 We went to Mass - Pat had to go to work at 7:00. Len took her down - I did all my ironing today - it was ???

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1952 We went to Mass, and Dad & I got to confession - during Mass - We were very busy all day. Dad & Gene helped real good -We got the dining room scrubbed & waxed twice. In the eve Glen came out - also Carol was here for supper - opened presents, nice evening.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1952 Christmas day - Dad & I, Maurice, Pat & Gene went to 6:00 Mass, Mrs. Mullherin & Marilyn rode with us. Len & Carol went to Nichols to midnight Mass & then to Geralds for a while - Bens came over - they went to 9:00 Mass. Dad & I also went back for that Mass. Pat went with Glen to his grandpas for dinner & out home with him for chores. Bens stayed here in eve - Moe went back early -

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1952 We all went to Mass - then after breakfast I cleaned refrigerator, and Rose Ann helped clean other things. I went to Dr. for 11:15 A.M. appointment B.P. 160, got some cold medicine - Wilma & Connie came up at noon & helped us good all P.M. Pat awfully tired but help wrap the children's gifts - I was up late getting things straightened up - before Bro. John comes in the morn.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1952 Dad & I got up early and went to the depot to meet Bro. John, train was on time - got in around 4:43 A.M. We came home and I pressed Bro. Johns habit. He wore it & we went to the convent to Mass, it was early, we were late as Fr. Strub said it early - We didn't do too much today but I kept busy - made 2 cakes & straightened up around here. In the eve Maurice took Bro. John & I to big basketball game -Iowa beat California. Oregon beat Wisconsin.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1952 Maurice is 32 yrs. old today - We ail went to 7:30 Mass -then had a big breakfast and had our big dinner today. All at home but Gert & family, we sure missed them, had 48 here and 2 guests Glen (Pats boy friend) Carol (Len's girl friend). We all reed many presents & had a very nice time -all stayed for supper - but Pat & Glen & Carls.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1952 We went to convent to 7:00 Mass - Bro. John got to see Fr. Meyers. Sister M. Dolors, Sister M. Alice - then we hurried home, had breakfast and went to Sisters, left here 8:45, got there 10:45 A.M. had a real nice time, then left there again at 3:45 P.M. and arrived at Louise's in Dewitt about 5:30, had supper, stayed all night and for breakfast & dinner. Dad & I & Bro. John went to 7:00 Mass, Bro. John knew the assistant priest.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1952 At Louise's. We got up & Bro. John, Dad & I went to 7:00 Mass. Bro. John knew the assistant priest, Father Tom Stratman, so had a little visit with him after Mass - After a good breakfast Bro. John drove to Clinton to visit Sister M St. Marquerite. Dad & Louise went downtown, Charles & I did the dishes, then I peeled potatoes for dinner - We started home 12:50, got home about 2:07 or 2:10. Gene away playing ball - I washed a few clothes - We all went to Pauls for supper but Len - Len & Bro. John out to a show this eve

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1952 We went to Mass at 7:30, little late as they started early on account of wedding. Pat played at 8:00 o'clock for Charlott Shraders wedding - I did some ironing and then we left about 11:00 for Geralds. Dad & I & Bro. John left there at 2:15 for Eds, stopped & visited a little at Aunt Annas & arrived at Eds at 3:15 - had a nice supper. Geralds came down too - We got home around 11:00 P.M.