At one point in this diary our author said that she’s started to write a book and I have no idea if she ever did but she sure should have. She’s an incredible writer and one thing that really stuck out to me as I was reading her diary was that she uses all the great phrases one would use during this era, 1944. But more than that she compares the events of the war to her own life by intertwining the “signs of the times” (for lack of a better phrase) into her normal everyday doings. It’s hard to explain but for example…..
“April 5th, 1944….Tomorrow they’re struttin their stuff up State Street. Frosty intends to enlist and Burney, Dick and Jerome will be along to kiss him goodbye. Burlesque beware! The Tenors are Trippin’ on the line. The show wasn’t its stinkin worst but the rest were. Such a life!”
“June 5th, 1944…. Bill still is among the missing. The day I get his letter will be my special D-day.”
“July 12th, 1944….. A letter from Frosty with two more fellas names who want me to sling em a line. I’ll be the sweetheart of Co. 1294 before this boot is polished….”
“July 9th, 1944……. My number one sailor shall have to brush upon his figures. Herby and I had a great time but I wrote him a sarcastic “dog tag” for his trip so I’m not sure whether he still loves me. Maybe I should take him!”
“August 2nd, 1944…... Finally got a letter from Bill and am really dreaming up an answer. He’s too damn serious and his beautiful thoughts aren’t my idea of postwar plans. I’ll knock the S. Pacific out of him. Guess Herby really is made. He just won’t come in to call a war conference or sit at the peace table…..”
The author of this diary is 18 year old Mary Jane O’Connell who was from Sterling Illinois. The diary is full of handwritten entries from January 1st to December 31st and as the diary opens up you’ll find Mary attending a Catholic College called Webster. Then about spring she ends up back home. She is in love with several soldier boys and writes tons of letters to them. Her greatest love is a young man by the name of Frosty. She hates the war too because of all of the grief and hardships it’s bringing to not only the service men but the civilians too; and she doesn’t hesitate to say so. Plus home life is a bit tough on her because her father drinks quite a bit and that causes some trouble. Every page could have been easily quoted from but because of lack of time and space I chose 28 days worth to give you a better idea of how Mary writes, lives and feels……
1944
“January 1st, A short time ago my eighth grade copy of “The Lives and Loves of O’Connell” was unearthed by my gremlin brother. The effect of this copy on my disillusioned family almost persuaded me to try the mental method rather than the Shaffer way, But….Last night I dragged my aging bones to the young center with Glen. Quite in the spirit of 43’. Definitely “Old Lady Time.” We drove to Dixon for the midnight show before “Yoon-Child” discovered the picture was purely fiction. The ring question still stands No. 12 K. affair for this girl. As for the day, just another 12 hrs.”
“January 3rd, The bright lights in Washington had another nightmare and stormed Sterling with point changes. Just call me the ex-whistle bait kid! I thrive on erasing the Crayola. Marian is seeing stardust over glamour-boy next door. They danced the lint off that questionable oriental number in the dining room. Oh to be sweet sixteen again! She doesn’t think I’m very romantic as I drool over food more than fish. Well, I didn’t see Dick that could be my reason why I’m navy bluing it this P.M. Tomorrow she treks back to O.M.A. with a pocketful of dreams. It’s a horrible. The trek I mean but the dreams won’t be rationed.”
“January 15th, Up at seven on my first weekend here! We’re all slaving away in the drudgery den this week but I’ve next week’s schedule for the life of Rip. Got a letter from Nick at Great Lakes, it was so cute. I like that boy more as days go by. Found some solid books at the library but have you ever run up and down five flights of stairs, across two buildings for a squirt of ink? Frankie Sinatra picked em up and laid them down again on the hit parade. We had a party, Ann, Jean, Helen and I in my room on a very super cake. Kathy has sore tonsils. We all jived in the Red Room to the most rough down beats.”
“February 2nd & 3rd, This idea of “retreating” hasn’t been so appealing all day. This aft I thought I would go stark raving mad if I couldn’t talk to someone, but after tonight and that wonderful conference with Father Cavanaugh in the Pink Room I guess I could stand more of it. He’s so absolutely Irish and perfectly fascinating. All of his stories are accompanied by the accents, etc. that make them a riot. Retreat is really something with a man like that giving it. It’s so strange tho not talking and no laughing. Oh how I love that priest, he says those Irish are the best boys on earth. There wasn’t any argument from the crowd!!!....Tonight I feel completely free and happy in a way only Mary would understand. I made my confession and Father gave me such hope and strength I think surely heaven has never been closer. He is truly a wonderful man. One received just what one gives. My retreat could have been much better if I’d been able to grasp its spirit, but, now after my wonderful release from all mental worry I’m very happy. God must have given me a special grace to stay and I feel this is the reason. During my last retreat I miraculously knew I should write; now I am sure God is helping me accomplish it.”
“February 26th, I really don’t think I had nearly the fun at this party as the xmas affair. Jo seems to occupy Barney but oddly it didn’t matter. Dick danced with me alone even if it was a problem getting him to finely move his feet. I believe he likes me, no kidding, but he won’t admit it. Gilbert is simply wonderful for playing the guitar and singing. He’s simply------. Eddie nearly cried at the present; he’s going to give up so much but he’ll die without him too. Eunice couldn’t come but I guess now it was best. Bob walked me home. In only 3 months they’ll all be gone. I hate this war, hate it!!!”
“March 9th, Ray shocked me beyond excuses when he asked me to a school skating party tonight. We rode up on the buses and he has some line. The rink is just a glorified iceberg. My hand turned blue and my face developed a glamorous purple shade before the evening was over. We couldn’t get a taxi and got terrific experiences as snow troopers trudging that long mile in the below zero atmosphere. After hot chocolate and Frank Sinatra at Walgreens, we boarded the bus. There was only one seat and I was sandwiched between a baby wrestler and sailor fresh from the S. Seas. We had a swell time.”
“March 16th, Who would think that a letter could make a gal so cloud walkey? I never really expected to hear from Bill O’Neal with my wandering copy but he got it yesterday and his answer was simply smooth. He’s quite the navy thrill. The squadron he honors is dubbed Suicide Squadron by a realist with a moroffer sense of humor. Now that’s the man for me! The one in the bullet proof vest. The boys worked tonight and I wrote letters. “Wishes are the dreams you dream when you’re awake.” My life is half nightmare at that rate.”
“March 26th, ….The light of my life was Jerome who for no earthly reason came down and spent the evening with me. There was an air raid drill and some of the braver pilots dared the angry gales and deposited their flour bombs in the general vicinity of town. The sacks were weighed in at 4#’s but Jim declares there wasn’t four pounds in the whole lot. Dick Sander’s walked home from church with me. He’s really a grand kid. Gerry’s nuts!”
“April 11th, A cyclone started in Arkansas and the tail gave up a twirl out here. The house absolutely shook and the damage was in gross quantity. The chimney blew off the stove and all the roofing too so the water is eight feet deep in the back room. Radio tower is down and homes, trees, and people are the worse for wear. Bill goes home on furlough tomorrow and got a promotion but most of all the sailor says, “I’m about being with my gal”. I’d sure like to be your “guy”. In one month he’s taken such a part in my life. Resolved.”
“April 15th, The rainstorm last night proved disastrous. The store was three inches deep clear to the front and water rained from the ceiling in torrents. I didn’t go into work until 11 and even then the boys hadn’t mopped up all of the floor. It was awfully dangerous with the plaster so weak. People crowded in, I think, just for chances on a damaged suit. Frosty goes in June 7th in the Navy. The place was busy as Grand Central Station. Still didn’t see Glen and don’t know his status.”
“April 30th, I put Glen’s picture in moth balls. If I really wrote my deep true thought this page would be black! Today shall be the crowing point in my life. I’ve decided I’m thru with men and boys. I’m especially hating Glen and never, never, never will speak to him again. We’ve been going practically steady and he’s never asked me to the prom. Oh, the ignormity of it all. I simply despise him!!!! Made the most terrific spice cake. Wore my beautiful new dress and the weather was perfect.”
“May 3rd, Fr. Foffel, a missionary priest from China, spoke for two and half hrs. at the auditorium tonight. He was simply fascinating. Three people so far have been my ideals and all are religious. That must be a sign. He has a goatee and is very foreign in his actions. For two yrs. he was in a J-p camp (short for Japanese and she spells it out but I chose not to here) and for fourteen yrs. he had been working in China. There was so much of interest to learn of those people, the war and the enemy. I’m planning on going over to his house some night and hear more.”
“May 23rd, Really caught without my life preserver. The biggest flood we’ve ever witnessed rose today. The water seeped in the store and the boys were kept busy trying to keep it at least from produce. It was so deep at the intersection that the Park’s turn was swimming for floating tires and people had to be rescued from the cars in front of the building. Our basement is ruined. Jack asked Helen about me today and if he doesn’t come to see me I’ll really be mad. Probably will! Wrote Bill and Nick but wish I’d get an answer.”
“May 25th, Whenever I’m made like this you know the Gonzaley boy has been at it again. His V-mail only gave me a great urge to kill. How I hate that boy! He’s standing by to watch me grow up, which, he hopes, I might too. Eunice and I took in the show, went down town after the fights to meet her flame. Met Jerome, Frosty and Jack Warren, ohhhh! That Jerome is goofy. Had fun till Less came. Could stand more of Jack Warren. Also saw Leo Darnell! Ditto! Wish I’d hear form Bill. Gotta read!”
“June 5th & 6th, This is one day that could go by unwritten if any can. Except that it’s the day before graduation and the day before the day before Frosty leaves then it hasn’t any recognition. Marsh Goldie got married Sat. so reads the Gazette. Second of my ex-flames to altar trek. Am I behind what? Got the most wonderful letter from Nick yesterday. He wants me to save him the victory waltz. That I will. Bill still is among the missing. The day I get his letter will be my special D-day. Frosty and Barney and I had a confab at Olmsted’s….How wrong I was about yesterday! Invasion began at eleven last night on the French coast! The bells tolled at three forty five this morn and the radios blasted forth first news of the landing. I think most of all, I felt sick. I cried a bit because Bill was there in the first wave. That I’m certain of. The news has been surging all day into all our work and the excitement and worry will not stop till victory is accomplished. Graduation is over and Frosty said “Goodbye”. Glen soloed. I still miss him.”
“The headlines scare me more as time goes by.”
“July 7th, Herby is haunting me again. Seemed like every time I looked up the young was gazing soulfully in my direction. He rode by at least three times tonight and only mom saw him. Maybe he has designs on her! Frosty is all excited over his families visit tomorrow. I went over to tell them to give him my love and they’re walking on clouds too. Dad is on vacation and is running wild. If only he weren’t Irish! Our pictures were pretty much okey.”
“July 12th, Nearly fainted this afternoon when one of my letters to Bill was returned, marked “Address Unknown”. What a life!! A letter from Frosty with two more fellas names who want me to sling em a line. I’ll be the sweetheart of Co. 1294 before this boot is polished. Saw Mrs. Olmstead and she said Frosty can hardly wait to get home. He was really tickled with my candy and all the fellas are goofy about my letters. Wrote letters myself for a rare change tonight. They keep me hopping on a hot deal. Washed my hair and listed to music but was sicker than hell.”
“July 29th, Frosty is home……..Frosty was down all morning and we got along just swell but Barney comes tonight so another evening goes bingo. Why is my life haunted by “might have beens?” I shant scribble a note if he doesn’t get a little wiser. My number one sailor shall have to brush upon his figures. Herby and I had a great time but I wrote him a sarcastic “dog tag” for his trip so I’m not sure whether he still loves me. Maybe I should take him!”
“August 2nd, Another hectic day! Lila and I really put in time and a half. Frosty has gone up to Camp Lowden. Finally got a letter from Bill and am really dreaming up an answer. He’s too damn serious and his beautiful thoughts aren’t my idea of postwar plans. I’ll knock the S. Pacific out of him. Guess Herby really is made. He just won’t come in to call a war conference or sit at the peace table. Marian Francis and I took in the show. Dad was on a party. Isn’t a pen wonderful?”
“August 22nd, Sometimes I think this war is too big for anyone to win. God’s the only one who will decide so it all seems so futile. Word came tonight that Harry Mosher was killed in action on the 27th of July. He was the most alive person I knew. Frosty called home that he was being shipped today. All in all I feel miserable. Why does there have to be a war? Nick came into port so that at least saves him. He’d seen Pat in Chicago and I don’t like it a bit but heck what does it matter? Wrote Grandma and Claude and now want to just cry.”
“September 2nd, I shouldn’t be so scared to meet Frosty’s best pal but try and tell me that at this late date. As time grows fatal I almost wish I wasn’t going. Tonight I shall never forget. Dad and I had a battle that hurt me more than it’s possible to say. He shouldn’t be drinking and I should have given him the money but in his condition I preferred a present. He made me feel I’ll never be happy again but later about midnight he came in and apologized. Elinore and I met Virginia and bade fond farewells.”
“September 19th, This time it’s a redheaded sailor! A very wonderful sailor who’s been 40 months in Alaska! Red Schloover, incognito Keith. After my grueling struggle with the dentist I came back to find him among the missing but Lee came back. While Lila battled the breeze with some old flame I met and fell for Red. Guess I played all the wrong tricks as he thinks. I think he’s a dog but maybe he’ll understand…..”
“October 5th, Patrice and I saw Jane Eyre tonight and really went for it. Orson Welles aside from the masterful moods played a mean character. Afterwards we were haunting the telephone office for Virgi and some old jerk strode up and barked, “Are you standing on the right and left side of the street?” Pat moved back and he proceeded to push me over and say, “This is America!” We were so shocked we could only laugh. People always shine for me but never this! No mail! Sob! Sob!”
“October 19th, The army takes over and it wasn’t so hard to yield to the strong arms of Kaki. The show tonight I will never forget. A boy singer put Sinatra to shame and the tap dancer from Errol Carroll’s was the best I’ve ever seen. The theme was naturally fire power to our man power. It doesn’t seem possible that workers are still so urgently needed. Those boys lead a tough life. Everyday on the move and still they feel they aren’t on the important end of it all.”
“November 13th, This is the diary of a lend-lease secretary to a guy out winning a war. If I’m kept slightly groggy answering that ever increasing number of sailors, it doesn’t seem to effect my man. Another addition from the S. Pacific came today, a G. Lakes rebound and also a letter from Claude. In much better humor and more excited to see me. Maybe I’ll go this weekend and it’s only the train fare. There wasn’t any word from Frosty so now I’m positive he’s moving….”
“December 20th, One thing about these long distance affairs---they keep that certain sense of expectation. After nearly a month comes Hotshots answer to my sob sister lines stolen from Lady Mac Beth. Two letters, in fact, and both very swell and also catch this…One from Jack! He feels like a heel, true to form, and he thinks I’m a great sport. Ah, huh! But not his kind. The Louse! Trying to throw some poker in a very chummy “correspondence”……”
Isn’t she a great writer; so colorful and expressive. You really get an idea of what WWII was like through the eyes of an 18 year old girl. The diary is in good shape and measures about 4” x 5 ½”.
