July 1946
-

 

Sunny, Sis and Dot; Miller; Dot in her kitchen

As July begins: Dot has graduated from Englewood High School. Herb is away in the Navy, in Washington DC, and Dot is missing him, even tho he hasn't written to Dot as much as she'd like. Stan, who is now discharged, also from the Navy, visited Dot and told her he was (or is?) married. Dot's been seeing a lot of her good friend Miller, and meanwhile Don keeps talking to Dot about love, and wanting to be more than just friends, much to Dot's dismay.

Monday
July 1
1946

“Got up at 10:00, and Sis and I went with Jr. and Tommy down 63rd. Met Sunny. Then came home, and Sis and Sunny took the boys to the museum.

Miller called and said he'd be over. He came at 7:00 and we had a grand time with the kids. I read them a few stories and also played Monopoly for awhile. Miller made a new fortune.

We ate and, after the kids went to bed, we told fortunes till 2:30. He left at 3:00, after our usual coffee and cake.”

Comments:

  • Jr. and Tommy are Dot's cousins.
  • I'm guessing that Dot, Sis and Sunny probably brought Jr. and Tommy to the Museum of Science and Industry at 57th and the lakefront.


A 1946 edition of Monopoly


Newsreel footage of the “Operation Crossroads” Bikini Atoll nuclear test which took place on this day in 1946, which was the first post-war testing of a nuclear bomb. The bomb was dropped by a plane nicknamed “Dave's Dream.” It was as much a public relations event as a scientific endeavor. Taking part in the test were 242 ships, 156 planes, 25,000 monitoring devices, 42,000 servicemen and, unfortunately, thousands of rats, pigs and goats.

Today's news:

  • A-BOMB HITS 19 SHIPS; 2 SUNK, 1 CAPSIZED 16 DAMAGED; LETS IT SLIP: A-BOMB WAS PLUTONIUM; Explosion Occurred 500 Feet Above Target Ships; BATTLESHIPS SURVIVE BIKINI BLAST: Two ships were sunk, a third was capsized, and 16 others were damaged or set afire as the atomic bomb burst over the 73 vessel target fleet in Bikini lagoon today, but capital ships stood up stanchly.
  • CREW DESCRIBES ‘SHOCK WAVE’ OF ATOM EXPLOSION - Commander's Eye Cut by Pressure on Sight - Huge Cloud Moves Up 50,000 Feet: Crew members of the B-29 which dropped the atom bomb over Bikini described tonight in an NBC broadcast how the white cloud rushed up towards their plane and soared above it, and how the big ship jarred and shook in the “shock wave” of the explosion.
  • New Dresses of Black Satin Are Stunning: Black satin with a flattering dull luster has an air of unmistakable elegance when used for summer's first super-sophisticated dresses. And altho these beauties may shock even the veteran shoppers, they do not look stuffy and sticky to wear.
  • SOX WIN AND TIE; BEAT INDIANS, 7-3, AFTER RAIN CAUSES DELAY: The portion of the crowd of 19,431 which stuck around till 8 o'clock last evening in Comiskey park for the double header between the White Sox and the Cleveland Indians witnessed 6-1/2 hours of baseball, ranging from brilliant to stupid, an earnest but confused ground.
  • Cubs in Cincinnati: Win, 6-5, Dodge Bottles, Then Lose Second, 4-3: The Cubs broke their way thru a four run deficit in the front half of a double header this afternoon to capture a 6 to 5 decision which terminated with a first class bottle shower. But later in the day the Chicagoans saw few runs and no bottles.
  • FOUR CUBS LAND ON NATIONAL'S ALL-STAR CLUB - Face A. L.'s Best in Boston July 9: The National league AllStar squad selected to play the American league All-Stars in Boston's Fenway park the afternoon of July 9.
  • Birthdays: Sydney Pollack (12), Claude Berri (12) and William Wyler (44)

--

 

Marge


Tuesday
July 2
1946

“Up at 8:30. Marge, Sis and all the kids went to the beach. I stayed in and ironed a little.

Later, Miller called and then came over at 3:15. We stayed in the kitchen and just gabbed and gabbed.

Sis came home so we went to the Englewood and saw Hit The Hay and Adventure. Real good. A cute guy sat next to me. It was real cool out but we went to Parnell. Mom said Don called at 8.”

Comments:
Those kids were all boys, incidentally.

Today's news:

  • KEEP YOUR LIFE, WATCHWORD FOR FOURTH OF JULY - Roads to Be Jammed, Autoists Warned: While hundreds of thousands of Chicagolanders yesterday were planning their Fourth of July outings, there were grim warnings posted for those who celebrate unwisely and too well.
  • FIND SEA WATER ABSORBED MUCH OF BOMB'S HEAT - Inch of Oceans Surface Turned to Steam: A 35,000 foot top altitude for the a-bomb cloud over Bikini, as announced by Vice Adm. William H. P. Blandy, can mean either less force than the previous 60,000-foot column over Nagasaki or about the same force modified by peculiarities of water and tropical air.
  • Appling Only Sox Named on All-Star Team: The American league managers who yesterday selected their All-Star squad which will battle the National leaguers in Boston's Fenway park next Tuesday afternoon placed their confidence in long ball sluggers, which explains only one White Sox —Shortstop Luke Appling.
  • PIRATES BEAT CUBS ON ERROR, 1-0; SOX LOSE - SEWELL YIELDS ONLY FOUR HITS TO CHAMPIONS: At the insistence of Truett Sewell, the gent who occasionally tosses the balloon pitch to break the monotony, the, Cubs continued yesterday to show that they are not vitally interested in pennant affairs.
  • Birthdays: Medgar Evers (21), Thurgood Marshall (34)

--

The front steps; Herb Martin and Dot; Miller
Wednesday
July 3
1946

“Got up at 11:30. Got a letter from Herb (about time). Washed my clothes and cleaned the house.

Miller called, and then came over at 7:30. We listened to the radio for awhile. He was really sore at Herb, cause Herb didn't write to him for four weeks.

We also sat on the front steps for awhile with Whitey and gosh—we had fun, kidding around and drinking lemonade. Came in, and had some coffee and cookies.

Felt awfully moody tonight. 3:00 to bed.”

Comments:

  • It's “about time” that Herb wrote to Dot, and Miller would probably agree with her.
  • Whitey is the son of Dot's aunt Marge.

Today's news:

  • EXPECT RECORD CROWDS, TRAVEL OVER JULY 4TH - Predict Million Will Attend Parks in Chicago: Chicagoland will prove it is one of the nation's finest playgrounds tomorrow when thousands of local persons and out-of-town visitors will turn to near-by forest preserves, parks, and beaches to celebrate the first peace time Fourth of July since 1941.
  • 25 NEGROES WIN VENUE CHANGE; SAY THEY LOST - Defense in Riot Case Raps Trial Site: A legal “fast one” today resulted in the transfer from here to Lawrenceburg, Tenn., 34 miles to the south, of the proposed trial of 25 Negroes facing charges as a result of racial disorders here last Feb. 25 and 26.
  • A-BOMB BLASTS ONE-WORLDERS' SCARE CAMPAIGN: Disappointed with the results of the Bikini test, proponents of a world government, including many internationally minded scientists, already are saying the atomic bomb used in the great experiment was a semidud.
  • CHICAGO TO GET DIRECT SERVICE BY AIR TO HAWAII: For the first time in history westward travelers from Chicago within a short time will be able to step into an airplane at the city airport and fly, without changing means of transportation or airline, directly to the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Birthday: Pete Fountain (40)

--



Sunny; Dot's mom, Pauline, in the kitchen; Dot

 

Thursday
July 4
1946

“Got up at 9:30 when Sunny called. Went over to her house and just sat around.

Came home with her at 5:00 and helped Mom make supper. She said Miller called at 3:30. Ceil and Smitty also came over for supper.

We went to the Stratford at 7:45 and saw Bells of St. Mary and comedy. Very good.

Got out at 11:00 and had a bite to eat and then came straight home. It wa real cool, but oh so nice out.”

Comments:

  • Dot's younger brother Lou remembers Ceil and Smitty:

To the best of my knowledge, Smitty worked with my dad, and he and Ceil were not ‘blood’ relatives. They lived in a basement, back apartment with a small dry cleaning shop where I stayed a few times cuz they had a son my age (named Jimmy).

I remember roaches—and the fact that it was near Roosevelt H.S., and the elevated line terminal. Jimmy, I heard, became an L motorman, and his sister, Betty Thomas, wrote to me in the navy [late 1950s].


Trailer for The Bells of St. Mary's

Today's news:

  • INTENSE HEAT RINGS SET UP BY BIKINI A-BOMB: The focal point of the world's fourth atomic bomb burst has been pretty well established as approximately 400 to 600 yards short and slightly to the left of the battleship Nevada, the bullseye for the test fleet of 73 vessels in Bikini lagoon.
  • CHICAGO READY TO ENJOY A GAY FOURTH OF JULY - Fair Skies and Warm Sun Are Promised: Chicagoans yesterday made final preparations for a gala Fourth of July, which Forecaster C. E. Dunn said would be a nice, sunshiny day for picnicking or sailing. The high temperature today will be 85 degrees, he predicted.
  • TUCKER LEASES DODGE-CHICAGO PLANT 5 YEARS - Plans Auto Output Early in 1947: The war assets administration yesterday leased the 170 million dollar Dodge-Chicago war plant to Tucker corporation, a recently-founded business organized to manufacture a new type, low-priced car.
  • DEVELOPS RADAR NAVIGATION FOR USE ON AIR LINE: A system of navigation by radar which provided a pilot with knowledge of his exact position over the ground and promises, with further development, to prevent aircraft collisions with mountains has been developed by American Airlines.
  • BILLIONTH PART OF PIN POINT IS BIG TO SCIENCE - U. of C. Can Measure It in Atom Laboratory: As one of the numerous benefits resulting from their exploration into the secrets of nuclear energy, scientists at the University of Chicago metallurgical laboratory have evolved new techniques in ultra microscopic measurement expected to achieve increased efficiencies.
  • BUSES TO OUST TROLLEYS ON DIVISION ST
  • On this day: the Philippines is granted full independence by the U.S.
  • Birthdays: peace activist Ron Kovic (born today), Gina Lollobrigida (19), Neil Simon (19)

--


Herb Martin; Sis with Chuck


Friday
July 5
1946

“Got up at 11:00 and got a letter and some pics of Herb. In the afternoon, Miller came over and we just sat around. He got on my nerves a little.

Later, at 5:30, Sis and I went to the Englewood and saw Jesse James and Return of Frank James. Also five acts of vaudeville. Got out at 10:00 and went to Parnell, then we sat on the front steps.

Chuck came around, so he sat with us. He looked nice and also told me that Stan was at Bill Swims', and the two of them had a gay time. Moe's wife is going to have another baby.”

Comments:
Bill Swims and Moe are friends of Dot and Sis.


Jesse James, starring Henry Fonda and Tyrone Power (full movie)


The Return of Frank James, with Henry Fonda and Jackie Cooper (full movie)

Today's news:

  • ANIMALS SAVED AT BIKINI DYING FROM RADIATION - May Live 10 or 11 Days, Say Scientists: Altho 75 per cent of the goats, pigs, and rats used in the target fleet to simulate human beings when the atomic bomb was detonated on July 1 have been recovered alive, scientists say they already are failing from the effects of high intensity radiation.
  • IT IS A ‘SANE’ 4TH FROM MAINE TO CALIFORNIA: Celebrations of the nation's 170th birthday were uniformly the “safe and sane” kind with speeches, parades, fireworks, and holiday outings amid “perfect weather” settings.
  • KALAYAN! IS CRY AS PHILIPPINES RECEIVE LIBERTY - McNutt and MacArthur Attend Ceremony: Cries of “Kalayan” (freedom) rang from town to town, from island to island, thru the Philippines tonight as Filipinos celebrated their newly gained independence.
  • Cubs and Cardinals Divide; White Sox Lose Pair - JURGES' 3 HITS WIN 1ST, 4 TO 2; LOSE 2nd, 6 TO 1: The Cubs did one of those “save me child” acts today to attain a 4 to 2 victory for themselves in the first game of a double header with the Cardinals, but in the second half of the holiday program the latter actually turned violent with their bats.
  • GERMANY'S GI's ASKED TO ADOPT BOSTON MORALS
  • On this day: The bikini swimsuit is introduced at a Paris fashion show.
  • Birthday: Chuck Close (6)

--



Don Trotta and Dot; the Stratford theatre; Englewood High Schol
Saturday
July 6
1946

“Got up early and went down 63rd. Came home, and Don called and asked me to go out. He came at 8:00, and we went to the Stratford and saw My Reputation, also vaudeville.

Got out at 11:00, and took a walk by dear, old Englewood. Had an argument about different things—marriage, etc. I also told him to quit asking me if I loved him, because I don't. I also told him I was in love once. It's a wonder he doesn't tell me to go to h---.

I got in at 12:15. Also saw Chuck with some guy.”

Comments:

  • I love my mother's sarcasm. “Dear, old Englewood (High School.)”
  • I wonder if the “some guy” with Chuck could have been Dave (see July 7.)


A scene from My Reputation, starring Barbara Stanwyck

Today's news:

  • PHONE TAPPING WIDELY USED IN WASHINGTON: The practice of using “recorders” to transcribe important telephone conversations, introduced to Washington with the advent of the New Deal in 1933, has spread to virtually all major administrations bureaus and even some members of congress.
  • PUT 100 MILLION WORDS A MINUTE THRU NEW TUBE - Radio Experts Reveal ‘Traveling Wave’ Aid: A novel vacuum tube about the of an ordinary radio receiver was made public here today. It is expected to do as much for the future of very high frequency communication as the Forest “audion” did for the broadcasting.
  • SINGLE HISTORY ISN'T POSSIBLE, EDUCATOR SAYS - Cites Special Interests of Various Nations: The National Education association's plea in Buffalo, N. Y., for a world history for all nations to eliminate misunderstanding and to aid world peace was regarded a “practical impossibility” yesterday by Prof. Franklin B. Scott, of Northwestern university.
  • Dealers May Help Finance Tucker Corp.: Preliminary financing for the Tucker corporation, Chicago's new automobile manufacturing company, may come from the dealers who will sell the car, it was disclosed yesterday. The company ... leased the 170 million dollar Dodge-Chicago plant from the government Wednesday.
  • White Dresses, Altho Scarce, Worth Hunting: Altho all-white dresses are limited in quantity, you can find them if you shop seriously and early. There are very smooth and simple models designed like the popular shirtwaist costume. They are made of medium sheer rayons, and a few are of the mesh weaves.
  • WHITE SOX AND CUBS LOSE 1 TO 0 SHUTOUTS - CARDINALS GET TWO HITS, BUT BEAT PASSEAU: The Cubs faltered as run makers again tonight and in their process of getting nowhere on the base lines, carried Claude Passeau to defeat despite the veteran's pitching mastery as evidenced by a two hit performance.
  • Birthdays: Sylvester Stallone, George W. Bush (born today), actor Ned Beatty (9)

--

Dot and Dave: my mom and dad; Sis and Chuck Fanning in 1949

“Chicago's Million Dollar Steamship– ‘Theodore Roosevelt’, Cleveland & Buffalo Steamship Co.” This postcard was taped to today's page of Dot's diary.

On the reverse: “Lake Michigan's Great Pleasure Steampship: S.S. Theordore Roosevelt; One Block Long, 5 Decks, 2,000 Capacity; Operating Short Lake Cruises; Chicago Evening Sightseeing Cruises; Docks Michigan Avenue Bridge.”



Sunday
July 7
1946

“Very hot day.

In the afternoon, Chuck called Sis and asked her if she'd like to go on a moonlight cruise, and if I'd like to go with his boyfriend Dave. They came at 7:30, and we took the L to the Michigan Avenue bridge.

We went on the S. S. Theodore Roosevelt. It was wonderful. I felt like people in the movies who go to Europe or Hawaii on a steamer. It was very cool and damp, and everything was simply beautiful. We danced to “The Gypsy” and also ate. Got home at 2:00.

Dave is a former paratrooper, and is now a laboratory technician, 22, very quiet, tall and nice.”

Comments:

  • My mother and father's first date.
  • The cost per person for the cruise was $1.25. It departed at 9:30pm, and returned at 12:30am.
  • In his biography, my dad wrote: “Chuck introduced me to Dorothy. Our first date was a moonlight cruise, with dinner and dancing, on Lake Michigan.”
  • My father had taken some courses under the GI Bill to become a lab technician. With a fellow student, he established a blood testing clinic.
  • Dave had served in the army with the 101st Airborne's O.S.S. unit in Burma. He was discharged in December of 1945.
  • The bridge at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River is today known as the DuSable Bridge.
  • The Theodore Roosevelt may have been sold for scrap in 1950.
  • If Sis or Dot already had made plans for this night, who knows whether my mom and dad would've ever gotten together.

 


The SS Theodore Roosevelt


This ad for the cruise Dot and Dave took on this evening appeared in the July 6 Chicago Tribune. I wonder if it inspired my father.


Cruise ships docked by the Michigan Ave. bridge in the 1940s.


My mother and father danced on board the SS Theordore Roosevelt to Gypsy, which was a number one tune on the Hit Parade by the Ink Spots during July 1946.

Today's news:

  • MEAT SUPPLIES TOPPING OPA'S BEST DAYS SEEN - Western Beef Due on Market Soon: Meat in quantities to gladden the housewife's heart made its first appearance in months in some sections of New York today as the nation's first week without federal price control closed.
  • GI'S ‘TAKEN IN’ IN DENMARK-INTO DANES' HEARTS!; How Grateful People Repaid Liberators: It was only a little more than a year ago that Denmark was liberated by the allies, but in that time the hospitable Danes have played host to between 40,000 and 45,000 allied servicemen and women, mainly Americans.
  • FIND ATOM BOMB SMASHED CORAL ON SEA BOTTOM - Water Pushed Down Into Saucer Shape: The atomic bomb smashed the coral on the botton of Bikini lagoon 100 feet below the surface of the water.
  • ASKS THAT NEW NATIONAL GUARD BE 10% NEGROES -Committee Sends Plea to Gov. Green: Gov. Green has on his desk a request signed by leaders of civic, political, religious, and veterans organizations on the south and west sides that at least 3,400 or 10 per cent, of the reorganized Illinois national guard be colored troops.
  • ‘IRON CURTAIN’ LIFTS, BUT ONLY FOR QUICK PEEK - Writers Can't Even Visit Home of Goethe: Maj. Gen. A. Kolissonitko of the soviet army greeted eight American correspondents at Weimar by saying he was glad to prove how false and foolish is the fable of the iron curtain around the Russian occupation zone of Germany.
  • CLUB EYES RELIC AFTER 50 YEARS IN JACKSON PARK - ‘Santa Maria’ Clutters Harbor, Members Say: If wired for sound, the weatherbeaten old replica of Columbus' ship, the Santa Maria probably could tell the history of the Jackson Park Yacht club as well as any log or record as she sways clumsily in the breeze at the Jackson park yacht harbor.
  • SOX WIN, 3 TO 2; CUBS BEAT REDS, 2-0, 1-0 - PINCH HOMER BY SECORY ENDS OPENER IN 12TH: The Cubs put together a few potent items yesterday afternoon and turned out a brew that flattened the Reds in both ends of a double header before a Wrigley field assemblage of 38,217 customers, 2 to 0 and 1 to 0.
  • On this day: Howard Hughes crashes his XF-11 prototype aircraft in Beverly Hills, California.
  • Birthdays: Ringo Starr (6), Marc Chagall (59)

--

Sunny; Sis and Chuck in 1949, with yours truly; Miller.

Monday
July 8
1946

“Got up at 8:45 and washed my hair. Went down 63rd, and then Sunny came over for awhile.

Later on, Miller called and said he'd be over. He came at 7:30 and we fooled around. Then Chuck came, and Sis went for a walk with him.

Miller and I sat in front, and then took a long walk and acted so silly. We turned our rings so people would think we were married. Went to Parnell and he tickled me and pushed me around. I nearly died laughing.

Came in, and we had some coffee and some food. Bed at 3:30.”

Today's news:

  • Howard Hughes, Millionaire Flyer, Hurt in Crash - Given a 50-50 Chance; Plane Falls on House: Howard Hughes, millionaire airplane manufacturer, oilman, and motion picture producer, was critically injured today when he crashed in Beverly Hills while flying his experimental army photografic plane on its maiden flight.
  • A-BOMB'S RAYS TURN SHIPS INTO A GHOST FLEET - Every Man Aboard Would Be a Casualty: The blast of X-rays and invisible alpha, beta, and neutron rays that hit ships from the atom bomb were more crippling than the blast that smashed down and the heat that wrecked some vessels.
  • Park, Ravinia Music Thrive Despite Heat: Heat wave or no, there is no denying that Chicagoans like their summer music. In the midst of jungle-like oppressiveness, Ravinia discovered that a soloist is a shot in the arm for Sunday afternoon attendance.
  • CHICAGO HONORS MOTHER CABRINI, WHO LOVED CITY - Cardinal Stritch Tells of Her Work Here: Services honoring Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the Chicago nun who was canonized yesterday in Rome, were held in Chicago yesterday in the Blessed Mother Cabrini church and in Columbus hospital, which she founded.
  • They Are Here at Last —Real Silk Stockings: Along with all the other excitement of the hour comes the big news that at last you can buy real silk hosiery! What's more, there seems to be plenty of such —and maybe you think the real silk enthusiasts aren't going around with stars in their eyes.
  • FELLER TO START FOR A. L.; DI MAGGIO OUT
    Yankee Star Suffers Knee, Ankle Hurts:
    Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians will be the starting pitcher for the American league in Tuesday's All-Star game in Boston against the National league.
  • 95.4 HEAT SETS '46 RECORD
  • Birthday: Louis Jordan (38)

--

The Linden theater; Dot with Ginny

Dot, Sis and Sunny saw a double-feature this evening at the Linden theatre:

Sailing aboard the tramp steamer Glencairn from the West Indies with a load of dynamite, the nervous crew suspects that one of them might be a German spy, in The Long Voyage Home.

In Colonel Effingham's Raid, a retired army officer turned newspaper columnist fights to preserve old southern traditions in a small Georgia town.

Tuesday
July 9
1946

“Wrote Herb a letter. Scrubbed the front stairs.

At 5:15, Sis and I met Sunny down 63rd. Went to the Linden and saw Long Voyage Home and Col. Effingham's Raid. Corny.

Got out at 7:30 and it was pouring. We made a dash for it and really got soaked. The streets were flooded.

We stopped in Parnell. Met Ginny, and then came home and changed, and just sat around. Bed at 2:00.”


The opening sequence from The Long Voyage Home


Colonel Effingham's Raid, starring Charles Coburn (full movie)

Today's news:

  • Begin Testing of Radar on Lake Fraters: The Lake Carriers' association, together with electronics equipment manufacturers and the United States coast guard, has begun an experiment with radar aboard fraters to determine its value in preventing collisions and other navigational aids.
  • Four Brothers Evade War by Hiding in Attic 47 Months to Evade Draft: The strange story of how four brothers, sons of a Du Page county farmer, spent 47 months hiding in a tiny attic room in their Ontariovile home in Du Page county to avoid the draft was brought to light yesterday when the brothers voluntarily surrendered to the federal authorities.
  • New Felt Hats Harbingers of Fall Fashions: Summer hats have vanished. The new, sleek black toppers, definite harbingers of an early fall, suddenly have appeared, and also some of the interesting beflowered new felts that surely reflect a new combination. Flowers of black and dark colors [trim] the fall felts.
  • ALL-STAR GAME TODAY! FELLER VS. PASSEAU - CUBS' PITCHER TO FACE SIX 300 BATSMEN: Steve O'Neill, manager of the American league All-Stars, this by virtue of having managed the Detroit Tigers to an American league pennant and a world championship last season, today doffed his cap to the Boston Red Sox, the Tigers' probable challenger.
  • Birthdays: Dean Koontz (1), Richard Roundtree (4)

--

Dave, 1945

 

Chuck Fanning and Dot's sister Louise (Sis); Dave in 1945
Wednesday
July 10
1946

“Got up at 5 a.m. and at 7:00 went to Spiegel's and filled out an application for a job. Got home at 10:00 and cleaned the house.

In the evening, Chuck came over and we took a walk. He bought Sis and I an ice cream cone.

We met Dave and talked to him a while. He really looked keen and seems to be really busy with his laboratory work. He was busy making an electrometer graph. Real nice guy—.”

Comments:

  • This is the first time Dot's seen Dave since their Lake Michigan cruise, Sunday, July 7th.
  • A story about possible redevelopment of the Spiegel building here.


The Spiegel building at 35th and Morgan (2018 view)

Today's news:

  • 2.42-INCH DOWNPOUR BREAKS 96.8 HEAT; - BASEMENTS FLOODED
  • ALIENS SNEAKING INTO U. S. AT RATE OF 2,000 A DAY: Since the end of the war, thousands of aliens have poured into this country illegally. They are still pouring in at the rate of 2,000 a day.
  • 23 Are Killed as Lost Plane Hits Mountain: Twenty-three persons, all army and navy personnel, aboard a converted B-17 Flying Fortress of the air transport command flying from Goose Bay, Newfoundland, to the army's Westover field, near Chicopee Falls, were killed when the plane crashed.
  • PLAN TELECAST OF WRESTLING SHOW TONIGHT - Chicago Fans to Watch Weekly Programs: Television station WBKB in association with the American Broadcasting company will telecast the wrestling matches from Rainbo arena every Wednesday evening, starting at 8:15 o'clock tonight. The complete card of matches will be presented.
  • 2-WAY RADIOS PROVE SUCCESS, SAYS TRUCKER - Willett Saves Time on Pickups: The two-way radio-telephone system installed on trucks by the Willett company, Chicago truck operator, is proving a success.
  • AMERICAN LEAGUE CRUSHES NATIONAL, 12-0 - TED WILLIAMS HITS 2 HOMERS AND KELLER ONE: It was a good show for the capacity crowd of 34,906 that paid $84,071 to see it, tho it wasn't a baseball contest by the widest stretch of the imagination —this 13th All-Star game today between the pick of the American league and the cream of the National.
  • FELLER SHARES WILLIAMS' GLORY - O'Neill and Grimm Call Them Tops in Baseball: After watching Ted Williams hit two homers for his All-Stars today, Steve O'Neill, who master minded the American leaguers to their most one sided dream game victory, suggested that the Red Sox lend their slugger to every other club.
  • Birthdays: Sue Lyon (born today), Jake LaMotta (25), David Brinkley (26)

--

Sunny, Dot and Sis (1945)

Sunny, Dot and Sis; Herb Martin
Thursday
July 11
1946

Sunny came over, and Sis, she and I went down 63rd.

Then Sunny went home and, in the evening, Miller, Chuck and Sunny came over. Had a lot of fun.

(J'ai trouné des interresant choses de Miller, éspecially de' Herb et les femmes ne bon pas en Washington. Je crie parie qu il je l'amour trés beaucoup.)**

Miller couldn't understand why I kept making fun out of Herb, and I'd laugh at every little thing anyone said of him. All in all, I had fun.”

Comments:
**My best effort at translating my mom's French:

“I heard interesting things from Miller. Especially of Herb stepping-out good with women in Washington. I yelled to quit it, I'm very much in love.”

Today's news:

  • U. S. POLICY: HELP CHINA SO IT CAN RESIST MOSCOW - Peace Within Country, Trained Army Sought: The purpose of the Truman administration's policy in China is to support and strengthen the national government headed by Generallssimo Chiang Kai-shek so as to enable it to resist aggression by any other power.
  • U. S. NEEDS ARMY OF 800,000 FOR 15 YEARS: IKE - Half Would Be in Air Corps, He Says: Gen. Eisenhower believes the United States must maintain an army of approximately 800,000 men for the next 15 to 20 years, compared with 188,000 in 1939.
  • PIG PICKED UP IN BIKINI LAGOON IS STILL ALIVE - 3 Rats Born on A-Bomb Day Also Survive: A pig found swimming in Bikini lagoon after the atom bomb sank the Japanese cruiser Sakawa is still alive. So are three rats born on the battleship Pennsylvania the day the aerial bomb exploded.
  • RADIO'S VIDEO EXPERTS OKAY MAT COMEDIES - Television Show Seems Entertaining: Casting about for good television entertainment, station WBKB has tried about everything, including magicians, acrobats, and the animals at Lincoln Park zoo. Last night it tapped a real fount at Rainbo fronton where wrestlers throw their weight around, and noisily.
  • Constant Date Chatter a Bore to Listeners : Some girls talk too much about money, mentioning the price tags that came with new clothes.
  • DODGERS VISIT CUBS TODAY AS RACE RESUMES - Grimm Will Send Schmitz to Mound: The Cubs, some of whom were slightly bruised by taking a hand in that 12 to 0 pummeling administered by the American leaguers in the All-Star roundup in Boston on Tuesday, will return to their every day work chores this afternoon in Wrigley field.
  • Birthday: Giorgio Armani (12)

--

W-R Restaurant at Randolph and Clark streets.



Dot's father and mother.

W-R Restaurant; Sis and Chuck; Don't brother, Lou (Sonny); Dot's father and mother (Lou and Pauline)

 

Friday
July 12
1946

“Went downtown looking for a job. We went to about five places, but no luck. We ate in W&R's and just goofed around.

In the evening, Sis went out with Chuck and I stayed home with Sonny. Sat out in front, but was bored so came in, and then sat in the kitchen with Mom, Dad and Lee. Had a nice talk.

Went upstairs at 11:00. Bed at 1:30... Fairly dull nite.”

Today's news:

  • Charges Atom Scientists Put U.S. in Danger - HOUSE GROUP TOLD OF PROBE AT OAK RIDGE: The army reservation at Oak Ridge, Tenn., where 58,000 persons are engaged in atom bomb manufacture is the scene of secret activities which endanger the nation's security, the house rules committee was informed today.
  • Officials Report Bikini Test a Success, Urge Research: Pronouncing the Bikini atomic bomb tests on July 1 a success, the official evaluation board for the joint chiefs of staff today recommended further large scale atomic research and development in the interests of national safety.
  • NEGROES IN GEORGIA CHARGE VOTE PURGE; Atlantans Ask Inquiry by U.S. Into ‘Disgraceful’ Actions: Atlanta Negro leaders today called upon United States Attorney General Tom Clark to order an investigation of “disgraceful purges of Negro voters” in thirty-one Georgia counties.
  • NEW GATEWAY TO THE WEST: When Governor Dewey turned earth near Syracuse yesterday for the beginning of the Thruway, New York State saw not only the realization of a dream of engineers but also the start of the first all-purpose highway worthy of this State's greatness.
  • Hughes, Near Death, Sends Word to Army: Howard Hughes, airplane designer and film producer, critically injured Sunday in the crash of an experimental reconnaissance plane during its maiden test flight, took a turn for the worse tonight in his fight for life, his physician reported.
  • KELLY PROMISES CITY AID AGAINST FILTH AND RATS: Mayor Kelly yesterday promised that from now on the full facilities of all city departments concerned will be used in cleaning up the city in an effort to reduce Chicago's 2-1/2 million rat population.
  • Birthdays: Curly Joe DeRita (37), Milton Berle (38)

--
Grant Park
Grant Park
This evening's musical program at Chicago's lakefront Grant Park band shell featured music composed by George Gershwin:
  • The Man I Love
  • I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'
  • Summertime
  • Bess, You Is My Woman
  • Rhapsody in Blue
  • S' Wonderful
  • It Ain't Necessarily So
  • Strike Up the Band
 
Saturday
July 13
1946

“Got up early and sat around. Dressed at 6:00 and met Sunny at 7:30, and we went to the concert.

Three sailors sat in back of us and talked to us throughout the concert. One was Harry. It was all Gershwin's music and was really beautiful under the stars.

Afterwards, we went to Walgreens, and I had Chop Suey and iced tea. Then we walked down the Gay White Way and stopped in the penny arcade, and gosh—I had more fun. In fact, I couldn't stop laughing.

Also ate a Pronto Pup (luscious) and then took the L. Got home and sat around giggling.”

Comments:

  • By “Gay White Way” I assume Dot was referring to State Street, in the Loop, just a a few blocks west from the band shell.
  • “Pronto Pups" were basically corn dogs. I can speak from personal experience that they were, as Dot says, “luscious.”

Today's news:

  • Cool, Clear, and Bright —It's to Be Ideal Week-End; Clear Day Gives City a Glimpse of What's Across the Lake
  • ARMY DENIES IT HAS ASKED FOR MEN OF AGE 35 - Plans Induction of 19 to 29 Group: The war department said tonight that in the future it “may be necesary to consider the induction of men thru age 35” but that it had made no recommendation to that end to President Truman.
  • THOUSANDS AT MILWAUKEE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY - City Celebrates 100 Years of Progress: Milwaukee's Centurama, month long exposition honoring the city's 100th birthday anniversary, opened at noon today when Rosemary Crawford, 17, queen of Sunday's parade, cut a white ribbon between two pylons on Lincoln Memorial bridge, gateway to the show.
  • 9TH CHA HOME PROJECT WILL COST 5 MILLIONS - Suits Started for Land at 27th and State Sts.: [It will be] the ninth low rent, tax exempt public housing project for Chicago —an 800 unit, 5 million dollar development at 27th and State.
  • 20,000 NEGROES ATTEND ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: More than 20,000 Negroes gathered last night in Comiskey park for the seventh annual American Negro Music Festival where spirituals, blues, and boogie woogie held sway for the night.
  • Cubs Win, 13-2; Dodger Lead Cut to 3-1/2 Games - LOWREY DRIVES IN 7 RUNS TO WHIP BROOKLYN: The Cubs stepped out yesterday with a carnival-like display of energy that not only whipped the usually pugnacious National league leading Dodgers for the second straight time but also made them yearn for what they think are the comforts of their own grassy plot in Brooklyn.
  • Birthdays: Cheech Marin (born today), Harrison Ford (4), Patrick Stewart (6)

--

Sis and Dot

Sis and Dot; Lill; Sis
Sunday
July 14
1946

“Got up at 9:00. Sis and Sunny went to the beach.

I dressed and took a walk to Lill's house but she went to North Carolina. Went to Parnell and to the store. On the way home, I met Chuck and talked awhile.

Came home and sat around till Sis came home. In the evening, one of Kenny's boyfriends called and wanted a date. I told him I was going steady.”

Comments:

Reading about the beach brings back the pic of that huge expanse of sand between the wide concession sidewalk and the lake.

If you wanted to be close to the facilities, then you had to trek an entire block to the water on very hot sand. If you wished to get close to the water, then it was the same problem to get back to the washrooms, etc.

Also, there was the mass of humanity at Jackson Park/63rd st. beach to contend with as well as the very long walk thru the park to connect with the end-of-the-line, 63rd st. street car.

The immediate challenge was always who carries what and where to spread the blanket . Location, location, location.

I remember many trips there with family . That great feeling of cool relief running full blast into a long shallow surf with oozy soft sand. I taught myself to swim there.

On the down side was the tortuous stop and go lengthy and bumpy [streetcar] ride home, suffering from sunburn and lugging sand -ridden clothing, etc. Even after getting off at Normal [Blvd.] there was another 3-block walk home.

  • Kenny is a friend of Dot's and Sis'.

Today's news:

  • A-Blast May Dry Sea Like Moses' Hand: Scientists expect strong magic to be conjured by Bikini's second atomic bomb, such as rolling back the waters of the lagoon like a biblical Red Sea. They expect the lagoon's bottom to be left dry for several seconds before the waters rush back.
  • CREDIT B-29'S, NOT A-BOMBS, IN JAP SURRENDER; A-BOMB DOESNT OUTMODE NAVY, STATES ADMIRAL: U. S. Experts Report on Effect of Raids: The United States strategic bombing survey concluded in an interim report released today that the devastating B-29 campaign against Japan proper was the major determining factor in Japan's surrender without an invasion.
  • Dodgers Halt Cub Rally to Win, 4-3; Sox Divide - 3 CHICAGOANS ON BASE WHEN CONTEST ENDS: The Cubs made another valiant attempt yesterday to convince their constituents that the National league race remains a free for all, but their effort failed by a mere matter of one run, the pace setting Dodgers taking the series final, 4 to 3.
  • Chicagoans Are Flocking to Wisconsin: Summer has burst on northern Wisconsin like an atomic bomb, strewing the hillsides with white daisies and the lake shores with water lilies. The air is saturated with the breath of spruce.
  • Critic Decries Trash Trying to Pass as Theater; Miss [Mae] West's ‘Come On Up’ Good Example
  • Birthdays: Gerald Ford (33), Woody Guthrie (34)

--

Dot saved this pay stub from Markus-Campbell Co. in her diary.
Monday
July 15
1946

“Went for a job today, and got it— at Marcus Publishers Co., 1315 Michigan Ave. Started working, but didn't care for it. Finished at 5:15.

Came home and was locked out, so Chuck came along and climbed in the window.

Chuck stayed, and then Miller came over, and the four of us had fun. Had some coffee and cookies.

Miller and I went for a walk, and had a lot of fun. He teased me about working, and the usual sort of gab. He and Chuck left at 12:00.”

Comments:

  • Dot earned $5.55 total (pay stub at left)—about 60 cents an hour. After FOA and SUI deductions of six cents, her net pay for 9-1/4 hours was $5.49.
  • Markus-Campbell Co. (or “Marcus Publishers”, as Dot calls it) was publishing books until at least 1948. A new condominum tower now stands at the 1315 S. Michigan Avenue site.
  • Dot had a three block walk to work from the closest L station at Roosevelt Road.

Today's news:

  • THREE BRIDGES BLOCK TRAFFIC HOUR AND HALF: Traffic over three loop area bridges was blocked for 96 minutes yesterday after the sandsucker Rockwood dropped anchor and became snagged on a power cable near Van Buren st.
  • KOENIGSBERG: TEUTONIC SHRINE NOW RUSSIFIED - Soviet Renames City and Develops It as Port: Koenigsberg, former capital of East Prussia and 13th century home fortress of the Teutonic knights, which has been renamed Kaliningrad, is being developed as a new soviet Baltic port of commercial and military importance.
  • RED SHADOWING OF AMERICANS CAUSES BRAWLS - Visiting Yanks Angered by Constant Watch: American seamen visiting Russian ports so dislike the continual shadowing to which they are subjected that frequently they go on a rampage which ends with considerable soviet property damaged and the Americans in jail.
  • FILTHY ALLEYS REMAIN FILTHY--WITH EXCUSES - Man Power, Equipment Blamed by Officials: Altho pictures of filthy alleys published in The Tribune recently have resulted in improvement in some instances, more than half the places pictured are still as bad as they were before the photografs were taken, a survey discloses.
  • Birthdays: Linda Ronstadt (born today), Dorothy Fields (41)

--

Dave

Dave; Chuck, with Sis; the front porch

 

Tuesday
July 16
1946

Went to work but were so fed up that we quit at noon and went to Walgreens and ate.

In the evening, Miller called and then Chuck called, and asked if he and Dave could come over. We said yes.

Dave looked real nice and is real real nice. In fact, I like him an awfully lot and can't understand why. We sat on the front porch, talked and played games. He teases me a lot. His birthday is in April.

Chuck and Dave left at 12:30. Planned a beach party for tomorrow.

Comments:
Dot says “we quit”, and so I'd guess that Sis was there, too

Today's news:

  • Driverless Car in Loop Kills 1 and Injures 5; Car Runs Away: A driverless car, its motor roaring, careened down the east sidewalk in the 100 block on N. Dearborn st. yesterday scattering pedestrians in all directions. Several leaped over a subway entrance railing to the stairs below.
  • WARNS A-BOMBS WILL BE KEPT BY U.S. FOR AWHILE: John Hancock, a member of the American delegation to the United Nations atomic commission, asserted today that the United States will not dispose of its atomic bombs or yield basic atomic secrets until creation of an effective world control system.
  • 9,000 EX-SAILORS GIVE IN TO LURE OF PACIFIC ISLES: The lure of the Pacific islands has drawn more than 9,000 discharged American navy men who decided not to go home after the end of the war, it was disclosed today.
  • Lush Elegance Marks Styles at N. Y. Show: Approximately 100 fashion writers from newspapers thruout the country, representing a record attendance, were on hand today to watch the Ben Reig fall and winter collection of originals.
  • Hayes to Play with Sox —If Price Is Right: Frankie Hayes, whom the White Sox obtained from the Cleveland Indians on waivers, probably will report to the club in Boston or New York, Manager Ted Lyons said today following a telephone conversation with the veteran catcher.
  • Birthday: “Shoeless” Joe Jackson

 

--


63rd and Halsted streets, looking west

Don and Dot; Miller, aka “Babe”; 63rd and Halsted streets, looking west

 

Wednesday
July 17
1946

“In the afternoon, Chuck came over and called the beach party off cause it looked like rain.

Later, Don called and said his arm had been infected more, and his mom was sick. Dave called too, and told me he was going to work on his laboratory reports. Then ‘Babe’ called, and Sis went with Chuck to the show.

Miller and I fooled around writing, etc. We took a walk down 63rd and he left at 1:15.”

Comments:
Sis said that Miller's nickname was “Babe”, but I'm not sure if that's who called.

Today's news:

  • ASSERTS CITIES HINGE ON ATOM BOMB CONTROL: Unless world control of atomic energy is established, government officials must plan “measures beyond description” for the defense and decentralization of our cities, Atomic Scientist William Higinbotham said today.
  • JUDA, BIKINI'S KING, INVITED TO SEE NEXT A-BOMB - Adm. Blandy Visits Ruler on Island: Juda, king of the nation of Bikini, may see the second atomic bomb shake the island where he and his people once lived in peaceful oblivion.
  • DISTRUST MUST END, REDS TOLD BY VANDENBERG; Warns Against Trying to Coerce U. S.: Sen. Vandenberg (R., Mich.), reporting to the senate today on the recent Paris foreign ministers' meeting, said Russia should understand that the United States will not bargain in human rights and fundamental liberties anywhere on earth.
  • LOOP'S TRAFFIC CLIMBS APACE; TUNNELS TO AID - Street Car Tracks Will Be Removed: A 41.67 per cent increase in the number of motor vehicles entering the downtown area was shown by the 1946 cordon count, Leslie J. Sorenson, city traffic engineer, reported yesterday.
  • Tucker Firm Arranges for Big Financing: Preston Tucker, who has leased the government owned Dodge-Chicago plant for the manufacture of a new automobile of advanced design, said yesterday arrangements have been completed for financing the Tucker corporation to the extent of more than 20 million dollars.
  • Birthday: James Cagney (47)

--
Sis (left) and Dot, and Jackson Park beach in 1949.
Sis (left) and Dot, and Jackson Park beach in 1949.

Dot's mom, Sis, and Dot's aunts Dell and Chum, at the beach.
Dot's mom, Sis, and Dot's aunts Dell and Chum, at the beach.



Thursday
July 18
1946

“Dressed and went to the beach with Sis and Sunny. Met [aunt] Ag, Dell, Marge, and Betty, and Mom and all the kids there. It was 99 degrees.

We had a wonderful time, but I went home at 2:00 cause I didn't feel good. Took a nap and dressed.

At 8:00, I went to the Stratford and saw Torrid Zone and No Time For Comedy. I sat in the balcony and a cute guy sat next to me. He started to make a pass at me and I didn't know what to do, so I moved. Came home and went to bed at 12.”

Comments:

  • Dear Mom: a pretty 18 year old girl should have known better than to sit alone in the balcony!
  • At the Stratford: Torrid Zone featured James Cagney battling in Central America with a plantation boss over a traveling showgirl. In No Time for Comedy, reporter Jimmy Stewart writes a hit Broadway play, and gets involved with its leading lady.


The trailer for Torrid Zone


The original trailer for the 1940 film, No Time For Comedy

Today's news:

  • SPIES AT WORK IN ATOM PLANT, RANKIN WARNS - Keep Bomb Under Army Control, He Says: Rep. Rankin (D., Miss.), attacking legislation for civilian control of atomic energy, today told the house “there are spies” now inside the Oak Ridge, Tenn., atomic plant and that investigators for the house committee on un-American affairs are after them.
  • NEGROES VOTE IN GEORGIA; Talmadge Ahead: An estimated 100,000 or more Negroes voted in Georgia today for the first time. They went to the polls with dignity and voted in an orderly manner.
  • SPRAY SETTLES AND SKEETERS BITE THE DUST - DDT Does the Job on Pesky Insects: The deadly white stream rose 40 feet in the air, was caught by a brisk northeasterly wind and settled in an invisible film over the 70 acres of wasteland at 32d st. and Cicero av., in Cicero.
  • TRAFFIC'S VITAL NEED HERE: MORE PARKING SPACES - Loop Streets Now Turned Into Auto Garages: The long standing problem of speeding street traffic in Chicago is growing more pressing, assuming No. 1 position in the attention of business men and public officials concerned with the city's future.
  • JACK BENNY'S ASSISTANTS TO AIR OWN SHOWS: Several of Jack Benny's assistants will start out with radio shows of their own next fall. Dennis Day, Benny's tenor, yesterday signed up for an NBC show, to replace the Bob Burns series of last season. A mixture of song and comedy, it's to be called A Day in the Life of Dennis Day.
  • CUBS SCORE 8 IN FIRST, CRUSH BRAVES, 10 TO 0 - CUBS 3-1/2 GAMES OUT; DODGERS, CARDS LOSE; REDS' RALLY IN EIGHTH WHIPS BROOKLYN, 5-2: The Cincinnati Reds scored four runs in the eighth inning tonight to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers, 5 to 2, before 28,050 paying fans, the largest Crosley field night gathering of the season.
  • BOSTON WINS 2 OVER WHITE SOX, 3 TO 1 AND 6 TO 1 - Ted Williams Held to One Hit in Each Game: The seventh place Chicago White Sox and the league leading Boston Red Sox this afternoon met in a double header before 29,234 paying fans. Shall we tell you the outcome, or do you want to guess?
  • Birthday: Nelson Mandela (28)

--

Isle of the Dead


Linden

The Linden theatre
Friday
July 19
1946

“Got up at 10:00. Got a lovely letter from my baby. Today was a stifling day. Sat around putting pics in my album.

Later, Sis and I dressed, and went to the Linden. Saw Isle of Dead and Chance of Death again. Sat in the balcony and had a lot of fun. A guy sat next to me and talked to me. Kind of screwy, but nice.

Got out at 1:00. Talked to Doty and then went straight home.”

Comments:

  • I was unable to find a movie with the title “Chance of Death”. The Linden didn't list its movies in the Chicago Tribune. It's possible the film might have been Street of Chance (1942), with Burgess Meredith.


The trailer for Isle of the Dead

Today's news:

  • MERCURY SOARS TO 99.9 DEGREES, A JULY 18 RECORD
  • IF YOU'RE WARM DRIVING, BLAME IT ON HUMIDITY: While Chicago motorists sweltered yesterday as the temperature reached 99.9 degrees, thousands of other motorists, in comparative comfort, were driving in even hotter weather across western deserts and near deserts.
  • UNITED ASKS O.K. ON 5 HELICOPTER ROUTES IN CITY - Plans Mail Runs to Loop and 32 Suburbs: United Air Lines filed application yesterday with the civil aeronautics board in Washington, D. C., for operation of helicopter air mail service between the Chicago airport, the loop, the city's suburbs, and 32 communities in the Chicago area.
  • TELEVISION GETS FILM THAT 'SEES' ALMOST IN DARK - Barrier to Broadcasting Some Events Overcome: Television, which has developed a camera which “sees” almost in the dark, has sought the help of chemists to give it a motion picture film that can do a similar job. The new film, developed by du Pont laboratories at Parlin, N. J., [was] designed primarily for outdoor work.
  • BUSES WILL GET TWO-WAY RADIO PHONE CIRCUITS - FCC Approval Spurs Chicago Tests: Establishment of a nation-wide, two way radio telephone system for the motor bus industry has moved a step nearer realization with the announcement by the federal communications commission that it will allocate frequencies exclusively for such a service.
  • BOSTON CHASES PAPISH IN FIRST; BEATS SOX, 3 TO 2 - Johnny Rigney Stars in Relief Role: Frankle Hayes and Bob Kennedy socked homers for the White Sox, and the Chicagoans knocked nine hits for 16 bases to the Red Sox's nine hits for 10 bases today. But these are secondary statistics, in an old, old story.
  • BRAVES AND LEE ROUT CUBS, 9 TO 3 - Former Buddy Yields Only Six Hits: William Lee, a gentleman well known hereabouts because of past services, turned up in Wrigley field yesterday and without much trouble induced the Cubs to take it easy in the heat. The Louisiana fellow, [paid] no heed either to the tropical weather or the Cubs' bats.
  • Birthdays: tennis' Ilie Nastase (born today), Lincoln great-grandson Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith (42)
 

--

Sunny, Sis and Dot; an example of a Chicago Surface Lines streetcar that was in use during 1946

Saturday
July 20
1946

“Went down 63rd in the afternoon.

In the evening, Sis, Sunny and I went to the Stratford and saw Cinderella Jones. On our way to the show, I saw Dutz and a guy named Don Calas. Also saw Dave.

We ate in Minuet's and then talked to three fellows who wanted us to go to Swing Town. We didn't.

Had a Coke, and then took a streetcar to the 47th & Damen [Ave.] carnival. Pretty nice. Got in at 1:00.”

Comments:

  • Dutz hasn't been around for a while; he's a good friend of Herb's.
  • A reader sent information about “Swing Town” (near 62nd St. and Parnell Ave.), and the Back of the Yard neighborhood carnivals:

“Parnell did not go through from 63rd to 62nd on the north side of the street, but it continued south. It was one long block from Wallace to Normal. ‘Swing town’ was a rowdy, hillbilly tavern on the north side of the street noted for real hillbilly music and a lot of seedy characters—and a lot of fights. [Dot] made a wise choice not going there.

The Back of the Yards Fair was one, huge carnival between Ashland and Damen [Aves.] on 47th st. with a lot of rides, booths and games. It was a big event in those days.”

  • Another reader adds this about the “Free Fair” carnivals:

“The Free Fair lasted until the late 70s or early 80s. Then they developed the land and put in a Montgomery Ward’s and other stores. It (the Free Fair) was a big deal.”


Vehicle advertising the Free Fair. Year unknown; via Pinterest.


The trailer for Cinderella Jones


Newsreel shown in movie theatres during this month of July, 1946. Highlights include the new “Flying Wing” aircraft and “Personalities in the News.”

Today's news:

  • Senate Rejects Women's Equal Rights Measure: The senate today defeated a proposal to submit to the states a constitutional amendment granting women equal rights “under the law.”
  • DETONATOR FOR UNDER SEA BOMB PASSES ITS TEST - Won't Explode Too Soon, Says Blandy: Despite the distraction caused by the premature flash of a 100 pound flare, a successful test was conducted today of the intricate mechanism to be used July 25 in detonating the first atom bomb under water.
  • SHUTTLE BUSES MIGHT SOLVE LOOP TRAFFIC - Service Application Now Before State Board: The application of a local bus company proposing shuttle service for a 5 cent fare between the loop and the park district automobile parking lots at Monroe st., east of Michigan av., and at Soldiers' field is now pending before the Illinois commerce commission.
  • Film ‘O.S.S.’ Tells Exciting Phase of War: This movie presents some interesting data concerning the intelligence work of the Office of Strategic Services. Details of training, contact with underground forces, and hair-raising escapes are arresting, but, in general, the film does not come up to expectations.
  • Chicago Auto Firm Sells 38 British Cars: Since British-made automobiles have become available in Chicago. Middle westerners have purchased 38 to fill their needs until American manufacturers are able to supply the demand, it was disclosed yesterday [by] Joseph E. Neidlinger, head of South Shore Motor Sales.
  • A BUTCHER SHOP BECOMES PLACE THAT HAS MEAT: Most housewives can go into their butcher shops today and choose almost any cut of meat they desire. It will not be necessary to be there when the shop opens, as the supply in most dealers' hands is large enough to last all day, altho the assortment will not be as varied.
  • UMPIRES BOUNCE 14 WHITE SOX; BOSTON WINS, 9-2; Luke Appling's Homer Averts Shutout: The Red Sox this afternoon beat the White Sox for the eighth straight time in Fenway park, 9 to 2, but 14 of the Chicagoans did not witness the entire ordeal. The 14 were chased by Umpire Red Jones midway in the spectacle.
  • BASEBALL GIVES PLAYERS VOICE IN '47 CONTRACTS: Big league ball players will help write their own contracts for 1947.
  • Birthdays: Natalie Wood, Diana Rigg (8)

--

Dot's uncle Lee (home from the war).

Dot and Sunny; Dot's uncle Lee, home from the war and joking around.

Sunday
July 21
1946

“Stayed in all afternoon.

In the evening, Sunny came over and Lee took Sis, Sunny, Whitey and I to the carnival on 55th near Ashland. We had a grand time.

Walked home. Baby Lee was really acting nutty.

I had a nice, wholesome evening.

On our way we met Chuck. Also stopped at a place on 59th & Ashland, and also Parnell. Got in at 11:30, so ate and sat around upstairs.”

Comments:
Whitey is also known as Baby Lee, the son of Dot's uncle Lee and aunt Marge.

Today's news:

  • DON'T HAVE BUGS SPOIL YOUR FUN! USE A REPELLENT: If you hear a north woods fisherman exclaiming: “Peace, ain't it wonderful!” this summer, the chances are this happy guy is painted with one of the new anti-black fly and mosquito dopes which knocks those pesky insects for a loop.
  • BLINKING SPEEDS OF TRAINS DOOM ENGINEER'S WAVE - Veteran Bemoans Fact as He Retires: Not unfriendliness, but speed has shortened the leisurely wave of old time engineers to a quick salute, lamented Henry E. Reinsch, engineer for the Santa Fe railroad who recently made his last run after 32 years of service.
  • ‘Harvey’, a Fabulous Play, Making Theater History - And Producer Had Trouble Getting Star: Mr. Joe E. Brown resumes his travels with the touring “Harvey” in Buffalo tomorrow night and will arrive in Chicago on Aug. 5 for what everybody hopes will be a long visit. On the same August night, Bert Wheeler will take over in the New York.
  • Chicagoans Enjoy Music Under Stars: Non-vacationing Chicago music lovers are especially solaced these days for being tied to the apron strings of the city with two festivals of music, Ravinia and the Grant Park concerts. There is nothing more enchanting than listening to great music “en plain air,” as the [French say].
  • CHAVEZ OFFERS RAVINIA BILL OF TRIED AND TRUE - Gives Own Arrangement of Vivaldi Concerts: With all of music's limitless realm to choose from Ravinia last night again fell back upon the tried and true —and royalty free. Carlos Chavez' (an eminent composer in his own right), programs for the week have contained less than five minutes of his own provocative music.
  • Appetizing Meals in the Sky: If you fly very much, you know what fun it is to have lunch or dinner along the way. Not just because it's a novelty to be placidly eating a meal away up there in the sky; but because air line food is epicurean, as good as you'd get in your favorite [restaurant].
  • Cards, Dodgers Win; Cubs Defeat Phils Twice; ST. LOUIS BEATS BRAVES, 3-1, TO MAINTAIN TIE: A three-run sixth inning sparked by Enos Slaughter's single with the bases loaded enabled the St. Louis Cardinals to turn back the Boston Braves, 3 to 1, tonight and maintain a first place tie with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
  • Birthdays: Marshall McLuhan (35), Ernest Hemingway (47)

Comments? Please send an email or post a message here

--

Dot's aunt Ann (1928)

Sis; Ann, in 1928

Monday
July 22
1946

“Went down 63rd, looked around.

Later on, Miller called and then came over. Sis went to Sunny's house.

Frank, Ann and Florence came over, so “Babe” and I went for a walk to Parnell. We also walked to 63rd. Had a swell time.

Came home, had coffee, and sat in the kitchen fooling around.”

Comments:

  • Ann and Florence are Dot's aunts; Frank is Dot's uncle.
  • When Dot says “Babe”, I think she means Miller.

Today's news:

  • Stalingrad Erases Its Scars, Dreams of New City by 1966; Tractor and Steel Plants Are Being Rebuilt: A battle still rages in Stalingrad, and although the enemies are time and production figures, they are scarcely less exigent than the German hosts who fell upon the city four years ago next month.
  • HELP US! IS CRY FROM PEOPLE OF FORGOTTEN LAND - Estonians Send Plea from Camp in Germany: Forgotten by the United States, which thru its official silence tacitly approved Stalin's seizure of the three Baltic states, the inhabitants of an Estonian displaced persons camp near Geislingen, Germany, yesterday appealed for consideration.
  • NAZI OPPRESSOR HANGED BEFORE 15,000 IN POLAND: Weak kneed and solemnly mumbling prayers, one time Nazi, Gauleiter Arthur Greiser, [had] said he wanted to live “to tell the whole truth”.
  • KLAN RISES IN ALABAMA; [Morris] Asks Incorporation to Seek ‘White Supremacy’: Commenting on recent legal attacks on the Klan in Georgia and other States, [Morris] said “We have no animosity for the Negro and our organization is not based on hate. This revival is due to outside meddlers trying to cram social equality down our throats.”
  • Protests Diminish Bikini Goats' Rites: What was to have been history's first memorial service for goats —those sacrificed in the Bikini atomic-bomb exxperiment— replete with bugle “taps” and the lowering of the American flag, dwindled into a moment of silence today in the face of protests from veterans' organizations.
  • Car Phone to Cost $22 a Month; City Area to Have Service by Fall: For $22 a month, the up-to-the-minute motorist soon may have a two-way radio-telephone in his car over which calls may be made from all sections of the metropolitan area to any phone in the Bell System.
  • Birthdays: Paul Schrader and Danny Glover (born today), Oscar de la Renta (14), Alexander Calder (48), Edward Hopper (64)

--
Map
It was about 18 miles from Dot's to Lemont and Cog Hill Country Club, and then another 10 miles to Schuth's Grove.


Saratoga Trunk

Based on a novel by Edna Ferber, Saratoga Trunk stars Ingrid Bergman as a beautiful half-Creole woman whose return from Paris to 1875 New Orleans –and her subsequent romance with Gary Cooper– creates a stir. (The movie was shown during the war for two years to G.I.s overseas before it was released in the U.S.)
Tuesday
July 23
1946

“Went to Sunny's at 8:00, and left with John, an old Lithuanian. Got to Lemont, Ill. at 11:00. We took a walk in the woods looking for blackberries (92 degrees). Ate at an old farmhouse.

Left the place at 1:30. Started walking back to town, which was five miles. A man gave us a ride to Cog Hill golf course. Found a dollar bill on the road.

Thumbed a ride, and three guys in a black & white coupe picked us up. We rode around and stopped at a picnic grove, and had a lot of fun (Schuth's Grove.)

We got back home at 7:00. Made a date for Thurs.

Sis and I later went to the Stratford and saw Saratoga Trunk. Real good.

Got a terrible letter from Herb.”

Comments:

  • I have no clue about “John”–whether he's a family friend, or (since he's Lithuanian) a relative, I don't know. My guess is that John lived in Lemont, and then he later sent Dot and Sunny off to find their way back home by walking or hitching rides.
  • Schuth's Grove is a small “Forest Preserve” at Cermak Road and Des Plaines Avenue —about ten miles from where Dot and Sunny hitched their ride in the coupe. Brookfield Zoo is nearby.


Schuth's Grove Forest Preserve


The trailer for Saratoga Trunk

Today's news:

  • BOMB KILLS HIGH BRITONS - ROUND UP JEWS AFTER ATTACK IN PALESTINE: The British army began a roundup of prominent Jews today immediately after a bomb explosion in the King David hotel here had killed at least 54 persons.
  • Chinese Inciting U. S. War with Russia, Says Mme. Sun - “Stop American Aid!”: Mme. Sun Yat-Sen, widow of China's revered revolutionary leader, today charged “reactionaries” with fomenting war between the United States and Russia.
  • Find A-Bomb Killed 4th of Bikini Beasts: New evidence of both the killing power and the blasting effects of the world's fourth atomic bomb detonated on July 1 was disclosed today by Vice Adm. W. H. P. Blandy.
  • Honor Louis at Negro Vets' Affair Tonight: Joe Louis, who rose from a $1 a week iceman's helper to the heavyweight boxing champion and thus gained stature as ambassador of good will for the Negro people, will be the guest of honor at a testimonial banquet tonight in the Parkway ballroom [on] 45th st.
  • DODGERS HOSTS TO CUBS TONIGHT - Champions Open 20 Game Eastern Tour: The Cubs placed their fragile pennant hopes aboard a train yesterday afternoon preparatory to an attempt to nurse same into a robust state on the soil of six parks they must visit before being permitted to return home.
  • Birthday: Raymond Chandler (58)

--

Vertus and Dot

Vert and Dot; Doty; Miller

Wednesday
July 24
1946

“Stayed in all afternoon and cleaned the house.

In the evening, Vertus called. He finally got his discharge, and wants me to go out Saturday and most of the summer.

Later, “Babe” came over and we goofed around all evening. Went to a store on 63rd & Harvard. Met Chuck and Doty. Miller bought a gallon of root beer.

Came back to our house and had a gay, goofy time. Went to bed at 2:30.”

Comments:

  • Vertus was in the Merchant Marine. He and Dot first met in February, 1945.
  • When Dot says “Babe” she's referring to Miller.


63rd & Harvard, present day.

Today's news:

  • REDS IN BERLIN BAR FRESH FOOD TO ALLIED ZONES: The Russians have barred all shipments of fruits and vegetables from their occupation zone to the American, British, and French sectors of Berlin. The soviet zone surrounds the city of 3,500,000 population and was a normal source of fresh groceries.
  • A-Bomb Goes Off Under Sea at Bikini Today: Vice Adm. W. H. P. Blandy gave the go-ahead today to the earth's first undersea atomic bomb blast as last hour preparations were made under all the secrecy of war time.
  • BOLIVIA RETURNS TO NORMAL; 1,000 DEAD IN REVOLT - Business Resumes in Capital, La Paz: Bolivians estimated tonight that 1,000 persons were killed and 2,000 wounded in the revolution which resulted Sunday in the slaying of President Gualberto Villrroel and the overturning of his virtually dictatorial regime. There were no Americans among the casualties.
  • FUTURE OF LOOP SEEN AT STAKE IN PARKING JAM - Solution Is Called Vital to Whole City: Unless conveniently located automobile parking areas of adequate capacity are provided for the central business district, it may suffer a trend toward decentralization, with great economic loss to the whole of Chicago, it was pointed out yesterday.
  • Looking at Hollywood, by Hedda Hopper: Sonja Henie's friends believe she'll elope with Dick Barthelmess' son, Stuart. Their romance is that torrid.... I'm glad the case of “The Robe” is settled at last. M-G-M will make it in association with Frank Ross and Mervyn Leroy.
  • RECORD 49,376 SEE SOX ROUT BOSTON, 7-1; RIGNEY BLANKS TED WILLIAMS IN 5-HIT GAME: The White Sox came home last night, carrying a hangover from their eight run binge against the Yankees Sunday. They were drunk with power in the first inning, which opened uproariously with Thurman Tucker's first homer of the year.
  • Birthday: Chief Dan George (47)

--

Sunny, Sis and Dot

Sunny, Sis and Dot; Sunny; Dot's sailor, Herb Martin


Thursday
July 25
1946

“Got up at 8:00 and went to Sunny's house. The guys came at 11:00, and we went out to Dundee, Ill., 50 miles from Chicago...

We went to Lake Beverly —a private place— and we had a wonderful time. Bob was quiet, but soon he talked a little. We went swimming and then ate and went for a walk in the woods with Bob, Sis and Dick. We goofed around and then sat on a blanket.

Coming home, I sat in front with Bob and Danny. Had a gay time. Got to Sunny's house, and then we decided to use our pasn. time bk.* and go on a moonlite cruise.

We got downtown at 9:00 and the boat left at 9:30. There were millions of stars out, and it was peaceful and beautiful.

Sis and I met two sailors. The one I met was 18, from Dayton, Ohio, named Edward Lakes (but was called Pete). Danced and walked around the ship. They took us home. Edward wanted me to go out tomorrow, but I said no.

Got a lovely letter from my sailor.

Comments:

  • “Dundee” was technically East Dundee; the lake was actually in what is now the northwest suburb of Hoffman Estates.
  • No longer privately owned, Lake Beverly (or Beverly Lake) is now part of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It offers cross-country ski trails and fishing (but swimming is not allowed).
  • Sunny had a boyfriend named Bob, but I don't think this was him; he, Danny and Dick were most likely friends.
  • *I don't know what Dot meant by “pasn. time bk.” (if I read it correctly), unless it was some sort of war ration book.


Beverly Lake Forest Preserve, 2018 aerial view


The US' second atomic bomb test took place on July 24, 1946 at Bikini Atoll

Today's news:

  • ATOM BOMB SINKS CARRIER AND BATTLESHIP ARKANSAS - Flyers Tell of Scene in Air and at Sea After Blast: The fantastic power and heat of the world's fifth atomic bomb churned Bikini lagoon into a caldron of flame, smoke and steam today, pitched battleships about like toy boats, but failed to sink most of the capital ships arrayed in the death circle nearest [the explosion.]
  • BIKINI'S BLAST ON RADIO IS A ROAR OF WAVES; KING OF BIKINI CALLS IT JUST A ‘BIG BOOM’: The underwater atomic bomb explosion in Bikini lagoon, as heard by radio listeners yesterday afternoon, was a 20 second whoosh. The sound was like the roar of big waves on a rough lake. The broadcast report, aired over all networks and was rebroadcast at 7 p. m.
  • CARDS LOSE; DODGERS BEAT CUBS, TAKE LEAD; WALK, WITH 3 ON BASE, WHIPS CHICAGO, 2 TO 1: Their chronic malady, neglect in the pinches, tonight jolted the Cubs farther from the driver's seat in the National league. Baffled by the southpawing of Joe Hatten, the Chicagoans fell flat on their breeches in the series opener with the Dodgers.
  • BOSTON'S 14-HIT ATTACK BEATS WHITE SOX, 4-1; 3 Walks and 2 Errors Costly; Kolloway Hurt: Altho Dom Di Maggio is having an unhappy time at bat these days, Orval Grove treated him with the utmost deference in the fourth inning yesterday afternoon in Comiskey park. Orval walked the Red Sox center fielder, who struck out twice Tuesday night.
  • CITY TO GET 1st 2-WAY RADIO CAB SERVICE IN WEEK
  • LABOR LEADERS SUPPORT [RICHARD J.] DALEY IN SHERIFF RACE
  • On this day: the new comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis debuts at Atlantic City's Club 500.
  • Birthdays: Emmett Till (5), actor Walter Brennan (52)

--

Sonny

Dot's younger brother, Sonny (Lou), in the kitchen; Dot's mom and dad, Louis and Pauline.

Friday
July 26
1946

“Went down 63rd. Looked around. Came home and ate, and watched Sonny while Mom and Dad went to the show.

Today's news:

  • CEILINGS ON RENT RESTORED - SET AT LEVELS OF JUNE 30; TRUMAN SIGNS OPA BILL: President Truman today signed into law legislation reviving the OPA until June 30, 1947, including its domination over prices and rents, and a short time later told congress the law may prove inadequate and that heavier taxes will be necessary.
  • CIVILIAN ATOM CONTROL PLAN WINS VICTORY - Military Men Barred by Legislators: A bitter house battle was predicted tonight after senate conferees won an almost complete victory in the conference between the two houses on a bill for control of atomic energy.
  • FINDS HUNGARY DYING IN JAWS OF RUSSIAN VISE - Tells How Rich Land Has Become Slave Nation: Hungary, once the center of the European bread basket, has been reduced to the status of a slave nation. Its incorporation into the Russian Balkan union is nearly complete. Its resources and production, so depleted that they are insufficient to provide a decent living.
  • HELP FREE LITHS OF RED TERROR, TRUMAN ASKED: Citing evidence of gross mistreatment of the peoples of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by Russia, the Lithuanian American council yesterday called upon President Truman and Secretary of State Byrnes to use their influence to obtain removal of soviet oppression.
  • WHITE SOX WHIP PROUD BOSTON INVADERS, 3 TO 1: Edgar Smith was in all kinds of trouble against Boston yesterday afternoon, but the portly left hander survived until the ninth inning, when Earl Caldwell came in to get rid of Johnny Pesky and Ted Williams and save a 3 to 1 White Sox triumph.
  • Dodgers Whip Cubs, 4 to 1; Cardinals Divide - BROOKLYN HAS 1-1/2 GAME LEAD; PASSEAU LOST: The Cubs, involuntarily, buried their pennant hopes a bit deeper today when, because of another attack of batting palsy, they were forced to heed the dictation of the pacemaking Dodgers. The latter achieved a 4 to 1 triumph, their sixth straight.
  • On this day: Trans Pacific Airlines (later Aloha Airlines) debuts in the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Birthdays: Helen Mirren (1), Mick Jagger (3), Jean Shepherd (25), Aldous Huxley (52).

--

Lill, Sis and Dot

Lill, Sis and Dot; Lill and her brother, Vertus.

Saturday
July 27
1946

Got up at 10:00 and took a walk down Halsted with Sis and Sunny. On the way, we met Danny and Dick in the car.

In the evening, we sat around, and Lill came over. We had a lot of fun talking about her vacation.

I broke my date with Vertus for tonight by telling him I was going to a party. He didn't catch on. Lill got a bang out of it.”

Comments:

  • Lill (Vertus' sister) had been on vacation in North Carolina.

Today's news:

  • Lack of Lead Cuts Quality of Gasoline: The shortage of metallic lead has curtailed the manufacture of tetraethyl lead, the anti-knock agent in gasoline, thereby lowering the quality of motor fuels, petroleum industry spokesmen said yesterday.
  • REDS OFFER U. N. PLAN TO OUTLAW ATOM WEAPONS: Soviet Russia today called for adoption of a worldwide convention to outlaw the atomic bomb and other mass destruction weapons in the same manner as poisonous gases are proscribed in war.
  • ALLIES DEMAND DEATH PENALTY FOR NAZI CHIEFS: United States Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson today demanded the conviction of 22 top Nazis as ruthless conspirators to wage aggressive war. He charged they were as guilty as Hitler because they “put a loaded gun in his eager hands.”
  • ANTI-RED POLICY VOTED APPROVAL BY STAGE HANDS - Sweeping Powers Given Re-elected President: AFL stage employes yesterday returned Richard F. Walsh of New York City to the presidency of their union for a third two year term, indorsed his anti-communist stand, and handed him virtually dictatorial powers to settle jurisdictional matters which have plagued the union.
  • There Is Still Time to Obtain Vacation Togs: Vacation clothes may appear to be plentiful, but with the annual trek of the “two weeks with pay” groups in full swing, you had better snag your loot when you see it. Cottons are time tested, especially the kind requiring little, if any, pressing or ironing.
  • NEW YORK BEATS LOPAT, SOX, 6-2; Yanks' 4 in 6th Rout Ed; Robinson Hits Homer: Ed Lopat certainly has trouble with Floyd Bevens. Floyd smacked the homer which beat Ed in New York last Sunday. The Sox lefty must have had the unhappy wallop in mind when his right handed Yankee opponent led off the sixth inning last night in Comiskey park.
  • A HIGH SCORE AT TAM O'SHANTER WILL WIN, NELSON CLAIMS - Fast, Hard Greens Give Golfers Trouble: Byron Nelson, four time winner of the five year old All-American championship, yesterday prophesied that this year's winning score will be the highest since the tournament began in 1941, largely because the greens are hard and fast.
  • Birthday: Leo Durocher (41)

--

Lill, Sis and Dot

Dot and Sunny; Dot's brother, Lou, aka "Son;" At the Stratford theatre, “lonely” and “lovely” Victorian era siblings Emily and Charlotte Bronte vie for the affection of a “man in black”, in Devotion

Sunday
July 28
1946

“Got up early and went to the beach with Sunny and my brother. Had a lot of fun, as the water was lovely. Came home and dressed about 5:30.

At 7:30, Sis and I went to the Stratford and saw Devotion and 5 acts of Vaudeville. It was really good.

Got in at 10:30. Ate, listened to the radio, and went to bed at 1:00.”


The trailer for Devotion


Featured on stage at the Stratford theatre's “Gala Revue” on this day was Fred Lowery, a blind professional whistler. In 1946, he was a regular on on Horace Heidt's radio show. During his career, he also performed at Carnegie Hall and at the White House.

Today's news:

  • REVEALS PLAN TO DEVELOP ALASKA; Party Leaves Aug. 11 for Tour of Territory: An “aggressive and comprehensive program” for development of the “vast economic potentialities of Alaska” is being drafted by the Department of the Interior, Secretary Krug said today.
  • BIKINI LAGOON'S RAYS KEEP AWAY ATOMIC EXPERTS; Nevada Added to List of Damaged Ships: Bikini lagoon was so dangerously radioactive today, three days after the atomic bomb explosion, that no one was permitted to make close range inspection of the damaged target fleet. Only fast moving patrol boats made quick dashes to the [area's] edge.
  • AIR COMMUTING ROUTES PLANNED IN N. Y. SUBURBS: Establishment of a new air commuting service which would reach into 13 communities of the New York area and serve as a new, fast link between major airports, today awaited a decision by the civil aeronautics board in Washington, D. C.
  • PRIVATE OWNERS FLY 905 PLANES IN CHICAGOLAND: The latest count reported yesterday by the Illinois state department of aeronautics and private airport operators lists 905 civilian owned airplanes now flying out of 32 nonmilitary fields in the Chicagoland area.
  • Gracie Fields Heads New Chez Paree Revue Aug. 6: True to a promise made three years ago, Gracie Fields, the great English comedienne, will return to the Chez Paree for her last American cafe appearance.
  • GERTRUDE STEIN, FAMED AUTHOR, DIES IN FRANCE - Known for Her ‘Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose’: Gertrude Stein, 72, the beloved but puzzling American writer, opened her heart and her home to hundreds of American soldiers during the war.
  • CUBS LOSE 5TH STRAIGHT, 8 TO 0, THEN DEFEAT PHILLIES, 9 TO 0: The Cubs and the rambunctious Phillies exchanged shutouts this afternoon, but the order of the treatments caused the champions to extend their losing streak to five before getting back on what is humorously known as the pennant trail.
  • Number one song on radio's Hit Parade this week: Surrender, by Perry Como
  • Birthdays: Jackie Kennedy (17), Marcel Duchamp (59)

--

Don Trotta and Dot

Monday
July 29
1946

“In the afternoon, Miller came over and we had lemonade. I tried our gowns on for him. He stayed till 6:00.

Then Don called and I said I'd see him. He came at 8:30. We went to the Southtown and saw Hoodlum Saint and Our Hearts Were Growing Up. He was very nice to me and, as usual, very affectionate.

We got out at 12:00, so I said I had to go straight in. He was kind of sore about that, but kissed me good nite.”

Today's news:

  • GANDHI REVEALS PLAN FOR FULL INDIAN FREEDOM: Mohandas K. Gandhi today outlined in his weekly paper Harijan his vision of an independent India as “a united country with a society based on truth and nonviolence, where every village will be a republic having full powers”.
  • GEN. DE GAULLE FEARS RIVALRY OF U. S., RUSSIA: The United States offer of a 40 year military alliance protecting France from Germany is worthless because the next war will be between America [and Russia].
  • ATOM POWERED NAVY FORESEEN WITHIN 5 YEARS - Admiral Says It Would Have to Be Tougher: The United States navy's top ship designer today said warships run by atomic energy might put to sea within five years with hulls toughened to withstand better the power of the A-bomb.
  • Slender Lines Rule Except in Evening Gowns: American designers' consistent emphasis on a straight silhouette, slim and slenderizing, may sound confusing when the bouffant evening fashions are under scrutiny.
  • TWO-TON BAKER TO STAR IN NEW SHOW ON W-G-N: A new program of light music and fun, titled Two Ton and Trendler, will be broadcast at 3:15 p. m. Mondays thru Fridays, starting today, on W-G-N. The show will feature Dick [Two Ton] Baker, hefty planist and one man entertainer, in songs, laughs, and banter.
  • Cubs Whip Phils Twice, 11-3, 3-1; Gain 1-1/2 Games; NICHOLSON'S 6 R. B. I. ASSIST BOROWY IN 1st: Henry Borowy, who provided the Phillies with a base hit banquet yesterday, played a request performance this afternoon. His act, with another put on by Henry Wyse, provided the Cubs with choice pitching.
  • BAHA'I TEMPLE TO GET $350,000 INTERIOR BY '5
  • Birthday: actor William Powell (54)
--


Cinderella Jones

Dot and Sis
Tuesday
July 30
1946

Sis and I went down 63rd and bought a few items.

Came home and, later on, went to the Linden and saw Music for Millions and Lady of Burlesque. It was real good.

Got home at 10:30, but first stopped in Parnell for a Coke.”


Music for Millions trailer


The trailer for Lady of Burlesque

Today's news:

  • CURB ON SURGERY IN CITY URGED AS POLIO INCREASES - Health Aids Study Link with Filthy Alleys
  • JAP BATTLESHIP SINKS AS RESULT OF ATOM BLAST: The Japanese battleship Nagato, mortally wounded by the underwater atomic bomb explosion last Thursday, sank during the night. It was the 17th casualty of the shallow depth test.
  • FACE LIFTING DOCTOR IN DILLINGER GANG CASE KILLS HIMSELF: Dr. Harold B. Cassidy; 44 [...] performed face lifting operations on John Dillinger and Homer Van Meter before the two notorious outlaws were slain in 1934.
  • PICK 15 SITES FOR PROPOSED CAPITAL OF U.N.: Fifteen possible sites for a capital of the United Nations organizations were announced today by the U. N. headquarters commission. All are in the Westchester county, N. Y., and Fairfield county, Conn., area.
  • SOX WIN; CUBS BEAT GIANTS IN 11TH, 5-4; MAKE DECIDING RUN ON WALKS AND WILD PITCH: The Cubs maintained their six-and-one-half game interval behind the pace setting Dodgers tonight but only with the expenditure of 11 innings of electric lighted labor and the services of four pitchers. A wild pitch proved the potent item.
  • Birthday: Henry Ford (83)

--

Sis and Dot; Pauline, Sis and Dot's mom; Miller
Wednesday
July 31
1946

“Sat around all afternoon. Miller called at 6:00 and came over at 7:30. We sat around as we always do.

At 7:45, Dick called and Mom answered and said ‘she's not home’. At 9:30, Dick and Dan came in the car, so I went out in front and talked to them awhile.

Then Sis, Mom and I played records, and sat in the kitchen and figured out math problems, and played games. Had a real nice, wholesome evening. Planned our beach party.”

Comments:
Even tho it seems she had a nice evening, I think the “wholesome” comment was a bit of sarcasm.

Today's news:

  • DEATH OF NEGRO JAILS 6 WHITES IN MISSISSIPPI - Body Found in Bayou; Beating Told: This state's first lynching since 1942 was disclosed here today with the arrest on murder charges of six white men, all prominent residents of Holmes county.
  • VOTES TO BOOST OLD AGE GRANTS TO ‘POOR’ STATES - Senate Sends Bill Back to House: The senate today passed amendments to the social security act to provide for increased benefits and to put federal grants to the states on a variable basis.
  • CITY TO RETIRE AN OLD SERVANT, ‘BLACK MARIA’ - Station Wagon Type of Vehicle Ordered: The conventional police squad cars and patrol wagons are on their way out, Police Commissioner Prendergast disclosed yesterday. He announced plans to replace them eventually with a new type of vehicle resembling a station wagon, but of all steel construction.
  • Athletics, 9; White Sox, 2; —Lights Out!; Sad, Short Story: The good White Sox fans who stayed away from Comiskey park in large groups last night were spared quite an ordeal —the spectacle of our lads, fresh from a Monday night victory over the New York Yankees, taking away a 9 to 2 threshing at the hands of the last place Philadelphia Athletics.
  • Birthdays: Whitney Young (35), Jean Dubuffet (45)

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