1953 Diary
(transcribed by Connie Dietsch)

April - June

July

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1953 We went to Mass- Gene at home today & also went to Mass with us- I worked in the garden setting out flower plants - Dad got the corn all laid by today - set out cabbage this eve.

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1953 Went to Mass - Hoed this a.m. Pauls girls here for dinner while Paul & boys went for hair cuts- Mr. Fuhrmeister called at noon-Pop & Joann went to town in P.M. -got the baby's pictures taken. Dad & I went to Novena. Pat helped with the work.

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1953 First Friday - We, Dad & I & Pat went to 7:30 Mass - Lillian, Ronny, Tommy & Catherine went along - I washed 4 batches of clothes - Hard day (give up) talking for sure now. Pat out to Kaspers for supper and all night.

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1953 Went to Mass, Moe, Len, Gene, Dad & I- Requiem, no one to play, sad today. Pat & Lavonna came in from Kaspers with eggs- Dad worked at my cupboard- Moe & Bens went to Eds-I worked hard all day- baking, cleaning, ironing- got good supper for family. Louise & Carl & Charles came, stayed all night. Big storm at park & downtown. Pat stayed at Kaspers all night.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1953 Gene went to 6:00 Mass- Dad & I & Moe went with Carl's to 7:30 Mass- Pat & Glenn went to 10:15, came out for dinner - Lyles came out for a while, was in city to see storm sights - Wilmas came in the eve -also in town to see the storm sights - good rain this eve.

MONDAY, JULY 6, 1953 We went to Mass as usual - I did a big washing. Pat washed her hair & mine. Pat & Dad repacked the meat & stuff in deep freeze. Pat defrosted it, Dad brought meat up from locker- We ironed in the eve, got done- Lyles brought Marilyn.

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1953 We all went to Mass - Pat & Marilyn went up to help with Mass music. Pat & Marilyn went to town shopping after dinner. Dad worked more on my cupboard, got the shelves in.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1953 We all went to Mass. Gene home today & went too. Dad & Gene both went downtown this a.m., got Gene's car transferred - Pat went out to Kaspers for supper & went on hayrack ride.

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1953 We went to Mass- We started down stairs in back kitchen. In the P.M. Pat & Marilyn & Joann went downtown -I kept kids- In the eve Pat & Marilyn went to Marleens to plan for Shirley's party. In eve I went to Novena- then to Bessies- Dad went to a sale.

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1953 We went to Mass as usual-then downtown to cleaners- Lenoch & Cileks, Big B & creamery. Girls tired today so didn't get much done but kept going. In the P.M. Pat & Marilyn went downtown in P.M., got Press Citizen & clothes at cleaners - Pat to bed early - Lyles came for Marilyn.

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1953 We went to Mass- Pat played the High Mass- Pat rested today. I kept Joann's boys this a.m. while she went downtown with Pat & Pop -In the P.M. she & Mike went to confession & I kept them again - Ben working in Moline today. Carl & Louise & Charles came this eve.

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1953 All went to 7:30 Mass - but Gene & Len went to 6:00. Carl & Louise here for dinner, Gerald & Pauline in P.M. We took a ride & went to Pauls - they were all here for supper.

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1953 We went to Mass- I did the washing - Pat hung them out-in the P.M. we went to Cedar Rapids & shopped. Pat got 1 dress, 2 skis - I got a few odds & ends, also shirts for her & Glenn. Glenn in, he & Pat went skating.

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1953 We went to Mass -they brought-Marilyn in last night- so she went with Dad & I & Pat out to Kaspers to dress our chickens. We got 25 good ones - had to stay there for dinner - Louise & Carl came, stayed all night again. Pat stayed at Kaspers all night.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1953 We went to Mass as usual- Louise & Carl decided to buy Pauls house - so saw Paul about it.

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1953 Went to Mass-cleaned house. Gene quit his job at A&P.

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1953 Went to Mass-cleaned house some more-back kitchen.

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1953 Went to Mass- usual busy at Saturdays work, getting ready for my birthday - Marilyn helped me good. Pauls here for dinner.

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1953 We all were at Mass as usual- prepared our dinner to take to Gerald's for my birthday celebration - a very nice time - 44 present, Gerts, Louises & Bens not there - We stayed for supper- got home in good time.

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1953 We went to Mass- my 62nd birthday - a sort of rainy, drizzly day - Louise & Carl moved into their home today.

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1953 Went to Mass - washed today.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1953 Went to Mass as usual- busy as usual

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1953 Went to Mass as usual. Dad & I to Novena & confession tonight.

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1953 Went to Mass. Pat at home today - after breakfast we went to Kaspers to help cook for threshers, were there for dinner & supper.

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1953 Went to Mass as usual and busy with Saturdays work - Moe came home

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1953 Auto Mass as usual- Bens brought ice cream & then stayed here for dinner & supper Pat out at Kaspers, they came in early & brought watermelon - most all of us too tired to eat much.

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1953 Mass as usual and washed today. Hot weather. Gene started on new job.

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1953 Mass as usual- worked in garden- picked beans & canned 20 qt., 2 qt. cabbage- hot weather.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1953 Mass as usual- another hot day. I & Dad went downtown to see about signing for place Valeria Wieskamp came with ? Also Wilma here today, also helped Louise can peaches.

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1953 Mass as usual-still hot weather- Dad worked over at Bens some today on their porch Louise came over- did some of her ironing on Mangle, also helped me - Dad & I to Novena.

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1953 Went to Mass- worked at Bens in a.m. - usual busy day - Dad went to sale- Glenn got Pat after work - she came after her things after practice for wedding & stayed there all night. I ironed in P.M.

August

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1953 We went to Mass - an awful warm day - Pat stayed all night at Glenns, came in time to play for wedding - Glenn best man - Louise & I went to it- all very nice. Maurice returned home from his first weeks vacation to Minnesota & Canada. Settled up for Carl's place. Pauls here for dinner.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 1953 Dad & I & Maurice went to 7:30 Mass- Len & Gene to 9:00,also Pat & Glenn & Bens Gerald & Pauline stopped in for a while - Lyles also stopped in on way to Gertrudes. Marilyn stayed & went with Dad & I, got Pat who all went with Glenn- we rode home with Lyles.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1953 We went to Mass as usual. I did good sized washing today- Leonard had a big day and was in a hurry to go to Oxford to stay all night with Kenny & practice for wedding - Glen & his mother & Caroline came up & took Pat & I to a 3 D show - had a nice time.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1953 Went to Mass- Maurice took Pat to St. Wenc & then to work - Kenny Schrocks wedding today- Leonard best man- Pat & Glenn went to wedding dance at Swisher - Got all the ironing done today. Lenochs moved out

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1953 Went to Mass- Moe took Pat again-I worked around, kept Joanns & Bens boys in the P.M. Dad got visor put on car- his Fathers Day gift - Pat & Glenn went to Junior Farm Bureau meeting - Pat stayed out there all night.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1953 We went to Mass- Dad & I- Louise & Carl shopped for the paint for the aluminum house - Dad mowed the hay down- Dad & I went to Novena & confession. Pat & Glenn herein eve, brought berries-she went back home with him again.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 1953 First Friday- Dad & I took Louise & Charles, Ronny, Tommy & Catherine to Mass with us, then we took R. T. & C home. Pat had Glenns car today so came out for dinner-I made 6 blackberry pies today & 1 white, l chocolate cake, canned 4 qt. b. berry juice, 3 qt. berries. Dad & I went to grocery stores this eve & kept Bens children -they went to a show.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 1953 Went to 7:30 Mass - Dad, I & Gene - home in good time. Eds, Gerald's, Lyles, Pauls & Ben's, Louise & Carl & Glenn- all helped us good today & we got the aluminum house all repainted & looking good. In the eve. Pat, Dad & I, Len, Moe, Gene & Rosy all went to Kaspers for supper- Glenns birthday- Bill Maiers also there- Pat stayed all night.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 1953 Len & Moe went to 6:00 Mass - Dad & I went to 7:30, Gene & Mickey at 9:00 - Pat & Glenn came for dinner, also Aunt Bessie - had a nice time. Moe & Ben went fishing Joann & the kids came in P.M. -they all stayed for supper- We went to Pauls to get paint roller - Wilmas were here when we got home.

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 1953 Pat went to St. Wenc. - Dad & I to St. Mary's at 7:30. I did a big washing today - Dad got our hay baled - Carl & Gene & Ben helped haul in bales- Lento meeting tonight.

TUESDAY ,AUGUST 11, 1953 Pat went to St. Wenc. - Dad & I to St. Mary's as usual- after Mass we went to the locker -brought home a big box of pork-also went to Big B. I canned around 13 1/2 qt. sweet pickles in a.m. - Pat home for dinner, washed my hair, then went with Glenn to help out at 4H club fair - I ironed a big basket of clothes -Rain this eve

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1953 Went to Mass- as usual. Pat rode to St. Wenc with Gene as he went to work early - Dad & I to St. Mary's - Wilma, Connie & Tony came up to visit me & was here for dinner. Joann left children here while she got Ben. Glenn here for supper

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 1953 Dad took Pat to Mass at St. Wenc - we went to Mass as usual- Dad & I went to town for Dollar Day, got a few bargains, then we finished cleaning the strawberries & I got the last onions in the P.M. - Dad went to a sale- Gene & I started cleaning kitchen, got it ready for Dad to floor in eve.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 1953 Pop took Pat to St. Wenc. -then we went to St. Mary's - Busy day today, trying to get the house cleaned up & ready for Holy Day tomorrow & company for supper tomorrow night -Pat came home after 3:00 P.M. -Gene also got home at that time-Dad & I went to Novena & then got groceries.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1953 Holy Day. Went to Mass - as usual - Pat stayed out in the country all night, she came in Glenns car for the 7:00 Mass- out home for breakfast & dinner. We had Pauls & Bens children herein a.m. Louise came in the P.M. and helped us good getting ready for company- Mrs. Kasper & Glenn, also Rosalene Furhmeister. Eds herein eve. Pat sick.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 1953 Len went to 6:00 Mass- Dad & I & Moe to 7:30, Gene to 9:00, also Bens- Pat & Glenn to 10:00, then they went to the fair. Dad &I went to Myrtles for dinner, had a good visit with her & Rose Glad all - stopped at Aunt Annas on way home- Lennie & Kenny here for supper.

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1953 Went to Mass - Pat to St. Wenc - I did a big washing today. Louise helped me pick the lima beans-then Pat helped put them in deep freeze in the eve, 5 qt. Nick brought Rose Ann down for 4H club banquet & he & the boys were here for supper. Louise & Carl helped varnish new house in eve.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1953 Went to Mass- Pat went with us today -I fried sausage for Bro. John & got it in the mail - Joann took it downtown - wrote letter to Gerald's, card to Wilma. Reed card from Wilma, they came up tonight, planning to go to Sisters.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1953 Went to Mass - Pat with us again - Ironed today - Carl came over after dinner & said we could go to Colorado with them - so got my hair done & then ironed some more, got ready to go by working late. Lyles herein eve- Libb helped me.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 1953 I got up about 2:30 a.m. -getting ready to go to Colorado-got Dad up about 3:00. We left around 4:00 a.m. - eat our breakfast at Indianola - eat our dinner in Nebraska and supper at Home on the Range cabin, Colby, Kansas, the 4th time in this place. Went to bed a little after 9:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1953 We got up around 6:30. Louise's back pretty bad so Carl took her down to get a treatment of an osteopath Dr.- Dad & I & Charles got the dishes done, dinner ready & everything packed - We left around 8:4 5, eat dinner outside of Colo. Springs - Went to the Garden of the Gods- got to Bro. Johns about 3:15.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1953 Dad & I went to 6:00 Mass at the chapel in abbey - after breakfast we went to the Royal Gorge - Charles wanted to climb a Mt. -they all went but me - I satin car- Charles fell & broke his arm - so we hurried to the Dr. He got it set- Louise, Dad & I went home for dinner - In the P.M. we went downtown & to the ? drive, Bro. John visited ? ? Pat got her diamond ring today.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 1953 We got up & went to 6:00 Mass. Carl & Louise & Charles over in good time-had breakfast. Dad & I went back to 7:45 Mass, after that we went to seethe coal mine & visited in Florence, then back to abbey & seen the chapel in the convent, then over to Bro. Lou's store, dinner at 11:30, left abbey at 12:15, went to Dr. with Charles, left Canon City at about 12:30 - got to Colby.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1953 Left Colby Kans.- at 7:50 A.M., got home around 10:30 P.M. Very good trip-found out when we got home that Pat had an operation for appendicitis this morning at 9:30 A.M., got along fine. Glenn, his mother & Libb stayed with her- Wilma in the P.M. - Glenn & Lenin eve

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1953 Dad & I went to Mass- then to see Pat in the a.m. - and I again in the P.M. -stayed home in eve- Pauls & Lyles went to see her in eve, then came out-I got things straightened up around

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1953 Went to Mass - then did a very very large washing - Glenn hauled the old truck away this P.M., then came out & took me to the hospital this eve - Dad picked apples.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1953 Went to Mass-then got the work done up - Joann & boys came over & helped us can applesauce - We put up 64 qts this P.M. - tired but glad. Dad & I went to hospital, then to Novena and confession. Home & did dishes.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 1953 Went to Mass- got the clothes dampened -then wrote letters to Bro. John. Sister M, Frances Lindle, sent Mass & card - also card to Pat- card & money for Clement Milders Went with Moe to hospital in eve. Lyles & Pauls here -I finished the ironing just before 12:00 P.M. Brought home Pat's things from the hospital.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 1953 A busy day - cleaning, getting ready for Pat. Pat got home after 11:00 A.M. Baked cakes and had Pauls & Bens children here besides Charles- Glenn herein eve, also Pauline & Gerald. Rented house for 70.00 per month.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 1953 A very hot day - Dad & I & Moe & Len went to 7:30 Mass, Gene at 9:00. Glenn came out & had breakfast with Pat & Gene was here all day. Nick, Gertrude & family & Rose Ann came at12:30 in time for dinner-Dad & I & Gene went with Moe to Holy Name Rally at Ft. Madison.

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1953 We went to 7:30 Mass - I did my washing, got a late start - worked around here & over at the new house cleaning, sink, toilet, etc. etc - Dad helped me - Glenn came for Pat & she went out there for supper and eve - as the Maiers & Janice was there for supper

September

TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 1, 1953 We went to Mass and Pat too -for the first time after her operation. Lillian & children came & went to Mass, she stayed all day - children started to school, she got their books in the P.M. Canned 15 qt. tomatoes today.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1953 We went to Mass-took Pauls children along. We canned the corn today -Joann & children came over to help me - Louise also helped & they were here for dinner - we canned 23 qt. & 30 pt- Glenn here for supper, White girls in eve-also Bernice, Clem & Melvin.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1953 We went to Mass - took the children as usual- after breakfast Pat & I went shopping, she got a pattern, I got my black velvet hat- We got the ironing finished in the P.M. Dad & I went to Novena- Eds came in the eve.

FRIDAY,-SEPTEMBER 4, 1953 First Friday - we went to Mass-took Pauls kids as usual- also Mickey. Pat & I went down to Libbs in the forenoon to see about her making Pats dress. Dad went to town in the P.M. -I mended & we got the house cleaned up a little. Pat & Glenn went out a while - Bens here - also Libb & Lyle - Libb going to hospital.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1953 We went to Mass as usual- busy day - Pat went downtown with Gene in a.m. Kept Pauls & Bens kids in a.m. & Bens again in P.M. Pauls here while he dug potatoes. Pat & Glenn to party in eve.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1953 Dad & I & Moe went to 7:30 Mass, Gene & Pat to 9:00, Len to 8:00 at St. Wenc -then went to the State Fair - the rest of us & Pat & Glen, Louise & Charles went to the Milder Reunion- no Brugmans, 9 Wieskamps 5 Will Milders- Glen & our families made 34 - 48 all together. Cool day, little rain. Dad & I alone in eve.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1953 We all went to Mass but Len - all the boys at home today -It was Bessie's birthday, so she came out & spent the day with us & helped tie a comforter for Pat & Glenn- Glenn here in eve, boys at home all day.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1953 We went to Mass-then after breakfast & dishes we, Louise, Pat & I went downtown, got the material for Pats wedding dress - went down to Elizabeths & got a good start on making it- Pat went out to Kaspers to hear them practice & stayed all night.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1953 Rainy morning - we went to Mass, had Pauls 4 as usual & Bens 2 yesterday & today. I did my washing which was pretty big and worked late - Pat & Glenn here for supper.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1953 We went to Mass - Pat started working in a.m. - Dad got her at noon, in P.M. she & I went to Eliz.- to have her dress fitted - Lillian here all day, gave Louise a permanent- P & G saw monsignor, got Oct. 10 set for their wedding day.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1953 We went to Mass as usual & Pat worked in the a.m. I went to the Dr. before noon, B.P. 182 over 88-Pat went down in P.M. & got the children- Kaspers here in eve, nice time. Pauline & Gerry here in eve.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1953 Went to Mass- Pat worked again in the a.m. Dad & Gene & Ben worked on the well at Bens. Glenn here for dinner, they went to a sale, Dad did too, came home early. Pat & Glenn to Rosies for supper- Moe came home.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1953 Dad & I & Moe to 7:30 Mass, Men's Sunday- Glenn here for dinner- no company until eve- Eds came - also Libb & Lyle, nice evening -rather chilly day

MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 14, 1953 Went to Mass- Pat started working full time -I did my washing - Dad & Carl worked on the well at Bens - Pat addressed invitations in the eve.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1953 Went to Mass - I wrote a card to Gertrude, also letters to Ann & Minnie, worked at my ironing & got done- Len started painting the front room, Glenn helped some- then they ran out of paint. Wilmas herein eve.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1953 Went to Mass- Lillian & Johnie here all day -Joann & children came over & she & Lillian went over the clothes upstairs, sorted out for each- Glenn &, cousin Joyce came & took Pat & I to Libbs for dress fitting - Louise & Carl came over & finished painting.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1953 Went to Mass- Dad did the white painting on the woodwork in the front room, then we got 5 pails of grapes in & I worked them up - made 6 qt. juice for jelly, 14 qt. juice & 15 qt pulp, worked until 11:45.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1953 Went to Mass, sent invitation to Larry & wrote letter to Bro. John, mopped kitchen floor & cleaned up after big day & nights work. Went downtown in P.M. and to the Dr. - In the eve Bens, Pauls, Lyles & Louise came & help butcher 12 ducks for the wedding.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1953 Went to Mass- Gene too - Busy cleaning more house, kept Bens boys this a.m. - In the P.M. Gene & Ben went hunting. Joann came over & helped clean rug & put things back in front room. Glenn here for supper, Virg. came home & Pat stayed out there all night.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1953 Dad & I & Gene went to 7:30 Mass, Moe to 6:00 & then he & Ben went hunting. Bens here for dinner in P.M. too & stayed for supper- Louise & Carl came over & papered the bedroom -in P.M. stayed for supper-they all played cards in eve.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1953 Went to Mass as usual, Pat started going to St. Wenc again. Dad & I went downtown in a.m. -I got a new coat & end tables & coffee table for the boys to give Pat & Glenn for wedding. Washed in P.M., went to Stanley party in eve at Bessies.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1953 Went to Mass- Mary came up today - Louise & Joann also came & helped, they got bedroom & dining rooms cleaned, good dishes washed -I didn't feel very good today.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1953 Went to Mass- Lillian came & help me finish the grapes, 14 qt. sweet grape juice & 8 qt. pulp -she also gave Joann a permanent, feeling some better. I did all the ironing butt pieces.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1953 Leonard 22 yrs. old today. Went to Mass- Dad helped good today, painted mop boards, cupboard doors etc. etc. If finished ironing, made Leonard's birthday cake. Leonard went to Washington, Ia. to be best man at Gordon Secrest's wedding.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1953 Went to Mass - Dad worked around, painting here & there. I got things ready for supper & then went down for my permanent, shopped a little first, then came home with Paul & Pat.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1953 Went to Mass - got dinner for guests Gertrude & family, Maurice & Les Shaffer who all went to football game. I worked late, had to can pickles, went down in P.M. - got Pat 2 lamps - used for shower present.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1953 Dad & I & Len went to 7:30 Mass, Gene & Charles & Bens went to 9:00. Pat & Glenn at 10:00. I had the Millers over for dinner as Louise helped me good. Glenn was here for all meals today. In P.M. Pat & I went to shower for her at the Mayflower. She recd many gifts.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1953 Went to Mass - then did my big washing & got through in good time - Put my pickles in alum vinegar - got ready for Pats second shower which was held at the Light & Power rooms - very nice time, 38 were there, Pat rec'd many lovely & useful gifts.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1953 Went to Mass, a very hot & windy day- Louise & I planned about the reception. Dad put linoleum down in kitchen & did other odd jobs around. In P.M. he went to sale - got the school kids & then took me to the Dr.- B.P. up again so he put me back on medicine again.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1953 Went to Mass - Warm day - Mary & Louise helped me good all day - Harold Dexter fell while painting and was very seriously injured but they say he will recover- Went with Pat to shower at Hurts for Pat- We had a nice time.