Not Amanuensis Monday: Betty Peters 1942 -1944 Journal, Final Day

This is a continued effort to transcribe my mother’s 1942 Journal when she was 15 years old.  To see other postings Click on following links: Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 & #7, Day #8, Day #9, Day #10 Day #11 Day #12, Day #13, Day #14

Jan 2, 1944
     So much has happened between last May and today that I can only touch on a very few of the outstanding events.
      Alvaretta came back to New York last fall.  She has been to see us several times.  Her lovely sister is living in the city with her four children.  Alvaretta is now living in Brooklyn with a married couple.

He’s a negro artist and she’s white.  Alvaretta claims to be living in a very cultured atmosphere and is very happy (now).
     Marian Anderson and Razz Fisher are married.  They tied the knot last summer.  It was in all the papers.  We sent them a card of congratulation and called them up.  They sent us a Christmas card.
     June and Palmer have been married for seven months.  The wedding was lovely.  Everything went off as planned, only better.  Moving pictures were taken which I haven’t seen as yet.  Aunt Vi Thompson sent us a photo-…

…graph though.  June went to Florida (where Palmer was shipped) and stayed for a month until he was shipped to North Carolina.  She’s home now.  She and Sis LaVant are both working at Sack’s 34th St. now.  June and I went out to lunch together and she ran out and left me to pay the bill.  How’d you like that?!!
     Richard Timpson and I had a fleeting romance that lasted from June 1943 to about the middle of September.  He ditched me because I was too virginal.  After fooling around with Barbara Franklin (who is one of them things) he was shipped away to Texas because of bad behavior at the New York Army Hall.  He became sick and had….

...to spend some time in the hospital out there but he’s out now.  He used to go around with Arlene Alvaranga and then Agnes Wethers.
    The summer was very warm and pleasant.  I acquired a sunburn whist I still haven’t entirely lost.  Late in August I spent a few days with Hilda (Bonnie) Proctor!  She knocks me out with her “dear lamb” Sonny banks from Boston and Lester.
     She visited me for the Christmas holidays.  Let me say right now that they are the most glorious holidays I have ever spent.  I can really see myself growing up now.  I’m doing so many…

…things now that I couldn’t ever do before.  (I was 17 years old on the 17th of November 1943). 
     We had a big tree for $4.08. Blonnie came X’mas Eve.
     Here are my activities.  (Christmas was on Saturday)
     Friday Night: Cocktails at Aunt Burnette’s house. (Blonnie and I had Pepsi Cola).  Bed about 4:00.
Saturday: 1. Loads of X’mas presents.
2. Dinner with the Family, Aunt Burnette and Uncle Albert, Blonnie, Joyce, Lester.  Ernest Craig, “septical” a hippy jerk from way back came back.
Sat nite: Lester & Hilda smooch while Joyce and I play records.

St. Martin Episcopal Church 230 Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Blvd) NY NY

Sunday: St. martin’s Church. Rain! Rain! Rain!  We meet Rev. Johnnie Johnson’s…

…son, David and plan party for Tuesday night.  Later we go to movies (Hamilton). Picture: “Sweet Rosie O’Grady”  Betty Grable, Robt. Young
Monday: We went Ice skating at Iceland (50th St.  I fell down twice.  Mon. Nite: Movies: “The Cross of Lorraine” with Pierre Aumont, Gene Kelly, Richard Whorf *** (in my estimation).
Tuesday: We fool around all day.  Go to David Johnsons party that night with Max and Charlie Yergan.  Nice party, just nice.  Jackie Canton is there.
Wednesday Night: THE COMUS CLUB

My first formal dance.  At the SAVOY.  Maxi Yergan escorted me.  (Is he handsome).  I hope he comes to see me.  I had a ball.  Other’s there were Blonnie, Lester, Barbara, Bobby, Frankie, Dixon (he’s a doll, I just love him), Pat Rainey, Betty Pogue, the fellow with the white streakin his hair, Pat Cuffee and scads of othhers.  What fun!
     A formal dance. Ha!  I’m growing up.  Thursday Blonnie went home.  My house was packed from morn till night with kids.  Friday was New Years.  We kids about 100 of us went first to Barbara’s then Bobby’s.  We carried on!  Had a ball!  Bobby was on furlough from the Navy, Frankie, from…

…the army.  God Bless them and all the others.  I didn’t go to Earl, Stanley, Wallace, Sonny’s party Monday because they didn’t want Blonnie and she was my guest Saturday Night.  Aunt Burnette and Uncle Albert drove Mom, Unk, me up to the Bronx to the Paschall’s new home.  Very nice time had.  When we came home, we went to Grace Thompson’s and ate candy, fruitcake, spareribs, blackeyed peas, drank rockin rye and milk. OW!  This is Sunday and I’m doing trig homework.
    Tommie Owens came over for a piece of cake, (his first time in my house) but it was all gone.  He a darling.  I…

…understand him now.  I love him too.  His friend, “Al”, the other fireman is going away to the Army on January 4 (Tuesday).


Boo! Hoo!  Ruthie and Liela are getting chummy again.


Oh Gee!  I love everybody.  Frankie Touie, Maxie.  What a mixup.  Dear Me!

Not Amanuensis Monday: Betty Peters 1942 & 1943 Journal, Day #14

This is a continued effort to transcribe my mother’s 1942 Journal when she was 15 years old.  To see other postings Click on following links: Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 & #7, Day #8, Day #9, Day #10 Day #11 Day #12, Day #13

Betty Mae Peters High School Photo

Page 68-bottom

May 26, 1943 Wednesday

Take note, goat, my handwriting has changed again. It simply gets monotonous writing the same way all the time.  So here I am with my new scribe.

Baby, are things buzzing around here.  June Thompson for one thing is going to be married to Palmer Hamilton on Saturday the 29th.  Aunt Vi (She’s Aunt now) just left.  She told us about how much trouble she is having with her mother who…

Page 69

…seems to be very contrary about the whole thing.  Three Saturdays ago, Aunt Vi, spent the whole day shopping downtown tying to find a pretty grey dress for her mother to wear to the wedding.  She simply couldn’t find a nice grey dress so went home with a perfectly lovely black one.  Her mother was so angry at not having a grey dress that she would’t even try it on and had Aunt Vi send it right back.  To Aunt Vi’s horror and unhappiness, her mother is going to wear an old grey wool dress that she (Aunt Vi) made last winter for her to wear around the house.  It’s so thick and winterish looking that Aunt Vi knows people at the wedding will speak of her neglecting her mother by not even getting her a decent dress to wear.  Aunt Vi is…..

Page 70

…so very upset that she doesn’t know what to do.

Two Sunday’s ago, Menta Turner, Dorothy Fuoner, and Olyve Johnson gave a shower for June, and it was really a grand thing.  The cream of the crop was there, and mother and I were duly fussed over. (I guess we’re in the “Blue Book” now.).  We went up on the Subway with Toni and got there 5 minutes before it was over.  I met Mrs. Jones, Gloria’s (one of the bridesmaids) mother-Ha! (That’s all I can say) Just Ha!  She’s making Gloria’s dress and we are all hoping just hoping.  The other bridesmaids are Betty Turner (a sweet lovely girl of whom I am very fond and I hope the feeling is mutual), Dolores Duncan (Ditto!) and Roberta (cis) LaVar (also Ditto and the maid of honor).

Page 71

     We bridesmaids gave Junie a shower on Saturday last, (May 22). It was to be a surprise, and as far as the other girls know, it was.  Only Junie, Mommie, Aunt Vi (perhaps ? Thompson) and I know about that!)  That is our secret!  Dolores spilled it unknowingly on Friday afternoon.  Friday night I went to spend the night with June and we both pretended terrifically (each knowing the other knew about the pretense).  Palmer surprised us (Gee he’s cute!) by being there.  Saturday morning June confessed her knowledge.  Anyway we had lots of fun and the other girls think it was a surprise.  They would have been so unhappy had they thought it otherwise.  So that was my good deed.  It was at the Hotel Theresa.  Mr. Scott let…

Page 72

…us have the room for receptions.  I met so many lovely girls (including Marie Frazier) and we all had a ball.  Gladys Scott certainly does look and act grown.  By the way she has ?lra now but Barbara doesn’t think anyone knows it (not even me).  She’s putting on a big show and making a fool of herself.  It was dirty of Scottie but Barbara deserves it.  Look how dirty she’s been.  Think of how she treated “Desie”.  Then look at how she has taken poor stupid Preston away from June.  Not that June cares.  She is well able to take care of herself and I, her she is doing just that.

I’m a drift again and I think Earl is “putrid.”  I’ll be glad when someone comes along, however.  This “Love ? business is awfully monotonous.

Uncle Ray was in town for two days…

Page 73

 …without Joan!  He’s headed for Jersey in the same fashion.  So there!

Ruthie and Arnie are all heartthrobs.  Joyce met Danny Deece. (remember him?) in Corona L. I. where he lives.  He is gorgeous and likes her, but she gave him the go-by for Everett Mills. (That is what I call pitiful).

Muriell and Leslie have gone the limit.  Ditto Thelma and Richard Summer (now “and Mingo”).

Mr. Knickerbocker asked me to work in his office next term.  Nice!

Alveretta’s Uncle Buddy came up for her and she signed herself out of the hospital to early.  She upset mother and made her cry, when we told her about Uncle Buddy crying she maliciously said “crocodile tears”

Page 74

She left for Georgia about 3 weeks ago and her dear sweet cousin Myrtice Davis came and took most of her things.  Now her temp is 105 and her arm, hands, and legs are paralyzed.  Her pain is so sever that she has to be doped.  Oh goodness!  Sadness, Happiness, Sadness, Happiness! (That’s life).

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore

© 2010-2011

Amanuensis Monday: Betty Peters 1942 Journal, Day #13

This is a continued effort to transcribe my mother’s 1942 Journal when she was 15 years old.  To see other postings Click on following links: Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 & #7, Day #8, Day #9, Day #10 Day #11 Day #12

Betty Peters

Page 62-Bottom

Monday March 22, 1943

Well doggone!
Things certainly can happen: Maude Turner told Alveretta that she ought to improve herself culturally.  Now Alveretta hides every time she comes.  Maude has washed her hand of the whole affair, and who can blame her.  She was really trying to be a sincere helpful friend and Alveretta took offense.

“Mastermind” has laryngitis (almost).

Page 63

March 22, 1943 Cont’d

I was in bed all last friday with a cold &  was absent from school.
     Speaking of school, I am really working hard this term for two objects. 1. Arista 2. General Principles.  Mother has at last realized that writing is the only thing for me & now she is all for it.  I have an outline for a story. “A.L.F.H.”  I can hardly wait for some extra time in which I can develop it.
     Colored girls are going to be hired as clerks at Bloomingdales next Summer & I am going to go down and see if they will hire me.  I hope they will.
     Well Ray & Joan (Jake & Jenny) have come & gone again.

Page 64

March 22, 1945 Cont’d

For one roaring week they stayed.  They came last Monday & they just left at about 5:00 P.M.  It is now 5:20 P.M. (in other words 20 minutes ago).  At last they in style. Jake is working in a band, Jenny in a restaurant.  They are both in Albany.  She keeps watch over him like a “vigil in the night,” the poor sap can’t move without having Jenny tailing behind like a body-guard.  She is terribly jealous & swears all women are out to get her “Daddy.”  Just a few evenings ago, Aunt Leronia was here, Uncle Ray talked to her at the table, Jenny got so mad she almost smoked a pack of cigarettes.  She ordered him to eat his dinner & be quiet (if you please).  Later, he was playing the piano for Aunt “L” & Joan couldn’t stand their being…

March 22, 1943 Cont’d

Page 65

…alone in the living room.  So, in went Jenny & she sat & she sat & she sat.

This afternoon, (the day of their dreaded departure), I cam home from school & immediately knew something was wrong.  I inquired only to find out that (as usual) Ray had skipped and left Joan; he had even taken the key to their room with him.  Joan had some money, her ticket back home, the new coffee pot she had just bought. (aluminum & red to be exact), and herself, but her clothes were in the room & “sweet papa” had the key.  No papa, no clothes, sorry?   Are you asking me if she was mad?

ARE YOU KIDDING!

Page 66

March 22, 1943  Cont’d.

Besides the flames that literally leaping out of Joan’s ears, there was Mother (worried), (Unkie I’m told was worried too) & I was hungry.  Well, I ate, and at 4:30 (after Joan had left to go across the street and see if she could get into the room “pans” a key) who should appear but Jake.  He had been to a business meeting.  It seems he had to go to a fraternity house. (where “femmes” are not admitted).  Joan is such a clinging vine that the only way he could go was by back alley & underhand methods.  This : Chop Suey.  (In other words everything was mixed up).  But definitely!  Now the two lambs (drippy & droopy) have left our humble domain & are going back to Albany (Pity Albany!)  Well, at least they are different, and Earl says “Variety is the spice of life.”

Page 67

March 22, 1943 Cont’d

     Speaking of Earl, he is definitely “in there” (again) with me.  My dear friend (?) R.S. (and that doesn’t stand for Rain Storm) is definitely out.  Reason for the first:  How can a gal help herself? Reason for the second: The party of this first part is Jealous of the party of the second part, and is trying to take action.  Tut Tut!  Pitiful aren’t we?
     Hilda Proctor is a darling and a good friend of mine.  Lester likes her.  She talks of her soldier boy “Bucky” but I think Mr. H. has 1/3 of M(?) Proctor anyway.  I am going to invite her down for Easter.  I hope she can come.
     There is something pee-kue-lee-ar going on between Barbara & Iva, and I, your reporter means to…

Page 68 Top

March 22, 1943 Cont’d

..find out just what the “something” is.  Meanwhile don’t forget to by more stamps & the next time you go shopping don’t forget that package of “Cuddely Duddely Safety pins.”
Take it Easy!!! Grrreasy!

P.S. Irving is reported to be a droole. Gwennie is grooving herself with Henry Hines from Brooklyn.

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore

© 2010-2011

Amanuensis Monday: Betty Peters 1942 Journal, Day #12

This is a continued effort to transcribe my mother’s 1942 Journal when she was 15 years old.  To see other postings Click on following links: Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 & #7, Day #8, Day #9, Day #10 Day #11

Betty Peters & unidentified Friend

September 5, Saturday 1942
Page #58

Bravo!  I just found out that Aunt Ivy’s birthday is on October 26.  Ha! Ha! Ha!  Victory number one!  (She didn’t want me to know).  Also I found out that Miss Myrtle Gaines her boarder since Sunday last is not Miss G., but Mrs. Myrtle Raspberry.  At least that’s the way a letter from Mrs. Willie Burrough, Mill Pine Ark. was addressed.  Myrtle comes from Ark. So Mrs. Burrough ought to know.  And what about her fiance who’s in the army in Arizona?!!  There are going to be fireworks around this house long before July 4 of next year, and yours truly will be here too!  I repeat.  Bravo!  P.S. Aunt Ivy is also Scorpio!  Hip Hip! Hooooooo Ray!  Dig you later. Ey! Now!

Affectionately
B.M.P.

February 1, 1943, Monday

Page  # 59

See my handwriting has changed!  Lots of other things have changed too.  For one thing, Aunt Ivy claims she’s through with us because we promised to visit her x’mas and couldn’t make it.  She must be crazy!  We are going to write and try to straighten her out, but then you can’t get blood from a turnip, can you?
Alveretta Britton, Marian Anderson’s protege is living in the house in Miss Hicks apt, but she spends most of her time up here.  At first we thought she was swell but after living with her for awhile we really know what kind of a person she is.  She is stuck on her self. She…

Page # 60 Feb 1, Cont’d

…has an awful temper and she tries to act young, even though she is past 30 yrs of age.  However, she has a beautiful voice.  She sang at the Russian Casino on Fifth Avenue last Saturday.  Mother dressed her.
I am now in 6th term and once again in Renee’s class.  Another class mate of mine is Marilyn Tittley. Some more new people are Sylvia Fitt (Bobby’s latest) and Irma Bryant (Ruthie’s friend).
Stanley had his first really big party.  He graduated from Clinton.  So did Freddie, Earl, Roy and Sonny.  Ruthie went to the party with me.  Barbara had arthritis in her hip but she came too.  It was a sport affair.  I went over for Richard Trimpson in a big way.

                                                                                           Page #61, Feb 1, Cont’d

Arnett Cannon likes Ruthie very much.  He sent her a beautiful compact.  He now attends American International College in Mass. Henry Thomas from Springfield likes Joyce, the feeling is mutual. He and Joyce were kissing behind the living room curtains.  Tut! Tut! Naughty! Naughty!
The fireman is still around, but he can jump off a cliff as far as I am concerned.

Ruthie is having a party Saturday Night.  She has invited 35 people. Lloyd Love has a collapsible knee and an inferiority complex.  If he comes I’m going to try to straighten him out.
I saw “White Cargo,” with….

Page #62, Top
Feb 1, Cont’d

…Walter Pidgeon, Hedy Lamaar, Richard Carlson, Frank Morgan and Leigh Whipper.  It was marvelous.  I have have to go to Aunt Sadie’s now to get something for Mother.  So long.
P.S.  At last, I have a Victrola!
B.P.

Copyright
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011

Betty Peters 1942 Journal Day #11: Amanuensis Monday

This is a continued effort to transcribe my mother’s 1942 Journal when she was 15 years old.  To see other postings Click on following links: Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 & #7, Day #8, Day #9, Day #10

September 4, 1942, Friday

Page 56, Bottom

“Just received all my mail from Mother along with a letter from her.  She says I can stay up here in Springfield as long as I want, but I’m going home Tuesday.  I have to be home at least 5 days before school opens.  Uncle Ed gave me some school supplies.  Thank goodness.”

Page 57

Among the mail:
1 letter from Barbara, one from Charmaine and of course one from Mommie.
Then the cards:
Betty Washington in Camp Wallkill. Maxine Williams in Charlotte, N.C., Hilda Proctor in Shelburne Falls, Mass. Muriel Arrington in Island Park, L.I.

I have sent cards to Aunt Burnette, Mrs. Kicks, Mrs. Perry, Maxine Williams, Mrs. Anderson (400 Convent Ave), Gwennie, Ma Sumpter, Hilda, Peggy Dickson, Melissa Davis, The Jefferson sisters, Dorothy Hashiro (my hairdresser), Aunt Ann, Ma(unreadable) P(unreadable), Ira Mae, Lois McCalla, Jimmie Randolph, Aunt Etta, Teague, and a letter to Earl, Charmine and others.

I must write: Jimmie (my cousin), Roberta B.H., Jimmy Smith, The Davis sisters, Loronia Howard, Auntie Polly + how many others. Oh yes Milton, Hall.

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore

© 2010-2011

Betty Peters 1942 Journal Day #10: Amanuensis Monday

This is a continued effort to transcribe my Mother’s 1942 Journal when she was 14-15 years old. She never imagined that it would become a part of the World Wide Web… (Nov 17, 1926-Jan 5, 2004) In honor of my mother.  Day #1 Day #2 Day#3 Day#4 Day #5 Day #6 & #7 
Day #8 Day #9

Betty Mae Peters-15 years old

Page #52 (Bottom)
September 2, 1942
(Wednesday)

Bottom of page 52

Hello again! Yep your’s truly is still enjoying the wonders of 171 King St.  Oh luck!  Oh Joy! O happy day!  I met Richard (Dickie) Holt.  Let me tell you he’s one of the golden 10 out of every thousand.  He’s 26 and I’m going on 16.  Nevertheless….

Page #53

Page 53

…he’s got something there that I like and I’m going to do my best to be one of the golden 10 in his estimation.  Whoa boy!  Yesterday Uncle Ed took me down to spend the afternoon at his job.  (He’s an insurance broker at the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co.)  Did I have fun.  I wore my pink sharkskin with the stitched pockets and the pleated skirt.  It was the first time I had ever been in the building when it was occupied with workers (though I’ve been there often after office hours).  Uncle Ed introduced me to everyone as his daughter, but only two people (2 women) fell for it.  The other’s knew better.  I spent quite a while with….

Page #54

Page 54

…Miss Hampton at the “Women’s House.”  We had fun.  Nelson Bryant was all over the place.  (He’s taking me to the show again Thursday.)  I was sorry not to see the clown Otis summerville.  He was away on vacation.  All in all the day was one well spent. Uncle Ed and I had a ball.
P.S. I sighed longingly in the President’s lovely office.  Someday I hope to have a big office and a secretary too, I hope, I hope.  As evening came on Lensie called informing me that she and Arnie Cannon were coming over.  Having met Arnett the night before & Having been rather impressed, I was quite happy.  They came over here then we went to Lensie’s.  And yes Gods!!!!  What a juvenile…

Page #55

Page 55

..smoocher.  He’s around eighteen or nineteen & just at the puppy love stage.  I really believe that a girl fifteen is older than a boy eighteen.. He was naucious.  Oh he wanted to mooch, and boogie and hold hands, and hug and kiss and carry on.  Doesn’t he know that junk’s antiquated and out (but definitely out) of style as far as I’m concerned. By 13 or fourteen I would have been thrilled to pieces, but now going on 16, I’m looking for higher standards of co-ed companionship.  This “Hello messy, let’s get groovey?” stuff has got to go and so will Mr. Cannon (at least till he grows up.)   I still crown Earl & Dickie as the best.  They’re intelligent!  Thank God! 

Page #56 Top

Page 56 Top

Aunt Ivy has a boarder, namely Myrtle Gaines (Who’s a blip).  We don’t know whether she’s a dope fiend or just a happy little moron, but something tells me (no matter what she is) that she won’t stay here long.
Saw Herbert Wilkins again in church.  Then he dropped by.  Too bad he’s marrying Rita & I’m not about 8 or 9 years older.  Well so long, pal.

© Yvette Porter Moore-All Rights Reserved 

Betty Peters 1942 Journal Day #9:Amanuensis Monday

Every time I continue to transcribe my mother’s journal, I learn more about her as a child growing up in Harlem, NY.  I also have realized that the amount of journaling does not matter, it is the fact that one does journal at all is what counts.  I hope to leave something for my children and the next generations to read…and I feel that starting with my mom’s papers is a great beginning.


To read other posts of journal Day #1 Day #2 Day #3 Day #4 Day #5 Day #6 & 7  Day #8

Betty Peters & Unknown Boy

Tuesday, August 25, 1942
Page #51

I’d better make this short because I don’t have much time.  I’m up in Springfield, Mass. for the first time in 3 years.  I’m sitting on the porch.  I have just finished writing 3 letters.  One to Mommie (telling her that Ruthie can’t come up with her this weekend.)  One to Ernestine Reynolds (Who is now at Camp Atwater and whose picture along with Louise Shaw’s and many others appeared in the Springfield Union Sunday) and one to Ear Miller (A very promising fellow whom I met about 3 weeks ago at the Cosmopolitan Tennis club’s 1st Annual Dance). Sunday I met Rev. Herbert Wilkins whose going to marry Rita Davis. He’s swell.  So’s she.  Jennie? is being like a sister to me.  She’s just…

Page #52

Page 52 Top

…swell.  She’s told me about lots of people.  I have met a portion of the Edmonds Family and  also Coolerige Breathweight also plays the organ beautifully.  I have not met Buddy, Lenny, Hal, Lucious, Lindsay nor Billy Gardner (Remember him).  Tonight I’m going to the show with Nelson Bryant.  He’ll do in a rush.  Oh I shouldn’t say that.  He’s nice.  Well so long till the next time.

© Yvette Porter Moore-All Rights Reserved

Betty Mae Peters Journal: Day #8

This is a continued effort to transcribe Betty Mae Peters Journal of 1942.  To read the other posts go to:  Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, Day #4, Day #5, Day #6 & #7

Betty Peters in Springfield, MA

Day #8
Page #43 (Bottom)
April 27, 1942

Page 43 bottom

Me oh my, how time does fly.  I haven’t written in this little pad in so long that for a moment or 2, I positively forgot it existed.  Instead of writing what “has” happened….

Page 44

…in the life of me since March 1st, I’m sure it would take up much less time and space if I jotted down what hasn’t happened.  However here goes with the latest news.
Directly following Gwennies party, Barbara threw a little shindig that was quite nice.  All the gang minus Jimmy + Lloyd was there and I would have had a fine time if it had not been for Ed Watt who seemingly took a shine to me and wouldn’t give me a moments peace all night. Yesseree Gods I don’t mind being (That is I simply love being) wooed by someone I like but mushy, slushy Ed Watt Phooie!  However, all of my running away was not in vain.  I think….

Page #45

Page 45

…that he’s cured because recently he gave a party to which I was not invited.  I never thought I’d really be glad to miss an invite to a social but this time it was music to my ears!  Gods he’s naucious!!
Item 2 on the list is Dottie’s party as of last Saturday night.  I won’t go into the details lest some prying eyes should fall on this page, and the mouth belonging to the same face owning the eyes should speak a word of it to the outside would, but I will say this much.  I was doggone glad when mother came and took me out of that “place.”  Ruthie has been telling me so much about Robbie Green well I…

Page #46

Page 46

…met him at Dot’s and agree with Ruthie “he’s swell.”   He likes me too.  Well now! That’s something!

I missed the Tovanni’s this year but all who went told me it was fine.  I know it was cause Lois belongs to it.  She’s a peach.  I’m going to visit her before anyone else.  Lord knows I owe her a dozen.  Jimmie T. has finally found her and it looks like a match.  I hope so.  He’s run around with so many drips (and I do mean W.B.) that maybe someone decent can do something decent with him.  Poor lil’ fellah.  He thinks that I’m still angry about the football game.  As if anybody could stay angry with a fellah with all…

Page #47

Page 47

…his personality for very long.  He’s a devil, but I like him.  Ho-hum wonder Billy is.
I have decided that I want to be a Doctor.  It’s the greatest ambition I’ve ever had. Here’s hoping I’ll stick to it and how!  Mother thinks it’s a swell idea! Halp! We agree!!!  (I’ll have to go to Mrs. Barnes in the Main Office (She’s my G.W. 4-7 grade advisor and ask about having my Spanish changed to Latin.
Speaking of Medicine and such mess, I went to the Dentist (for the first time in 7 years) a few days ago.  Dr. Anna Johnson is my dentist; I think she’s swell.  Women make fine dentists I’LL say!!!

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The other day Ruthie and I saw Merle Oberon on fifth Avenue.  She’s stunning!  It was then that I decided to be a doctor.  Her presence gave me inspiration.  But now as I write I still know that if I thought I’d have 1/10 of a chance I’d turn all my thoughts toward Journalism, my true love.  Ah!  Life is a mudda, I can’t make up my mind about anything, career, boys, or anything.  But then there’s more variety in in changing around and oh how I love variety!
Charmaine is still running wild over Nickie Haurnakoff. Note”Twenty years from now, I’m going to have her in stitches teasing her about it.  So help me!
Likewise Muriel and Leslie only they’re both the some color (well almost the…..

Page #49

Page 49

…same) and besides that the feelings mutual.  I can see his pint but not exactly her’s.  The better for her, I’ll never try to steal him.
Ollie Stewart is Australia bound to be a Foreign Correspondent covering the war. Boy, I envy him.  I think maybe I’ll be a Journalist after all, Who knows?
JN is at a new camp, I don’t know where.
Lloyd Rogers has lost his mind again (probably over some girl).  Now he wants to join the Canadian Air Force and die before he’s 26.  Some peoples children!
My little chum (Barbara of course,) spent the weekend in Philly watching Frankie…

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…Dickson (of whom we are all proud) and dozens of other fellas do their stuff in the annual Philly Track Meet.Scottie (Gladys to you) went with her, and they stopped with her friend Valerie.  I’ll have more to tell you  after I see her (She’s coming home tonight) By the way she likes Desmond Margeston, now he’s cute.  I hope this is really a match there, both so cute.  Especially together.
Some G.W. people
Howard Edmead, Sonny Louth, Hatting Cuttingham, Gladys, Chammy of course, Niki, and lots more  but I can’t think of them all.  I’m going to Camp Atiwater “I hope, I hope”

Gee more than anything else in the world right now I want to get to know Richard well. He’s the answer to a Maiden’s prayer. 

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore

© 2010-2011

Betty Mae Peters Journal: Day #5

This is a continued  effort to rewrite my mom’s journal before it deteriorates…To read prior days Day #1 Day #2 Day #3 Day #4

Betty Peters was born November 17, 1926 in New York, and was raised in Sugar Hill, Harlem.  Betty attended NYU and double majored in English and Journalism.  Betty left NY in 1953 and moved to Los Angeles and then in later years moved and raised her family in San Diego, CA.  Betty Porter was an Elementary School teacher for over 35 years.  Betty moved on to Glory to be with her soul mate Walter Porter on January 5, 2004 at exactly 12:00am..I miss her everyday, and I am most honored to read her writings…Interesting how when one passes on you understand them better…Miss you Mom!

Betty on Tar Beach overlooking Manhattan

Page #35

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February 13, 1942

Miss Lombard was a great actress, comedian and a great person.  She was the ex-wife of Min. Powell and the present wife of Clark Gable.  She, her mother, and her press agent and 21 army officials met death when the west bound plane hit a mountain top.  All were burned beyond recognition.  The world lost a great person in losing Carole Lombard.  God rest her soul.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Today is Friday the 13th.  Tomorrow is Valentines day.  I went out this evening and bought a cute card for Mother, but she doesn’t know it yet.  I’ll show it to her tomorrow morning.  Maybe if we start out laughing, the whole day will be pleasant.  Today we all worked very hard,…

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Page 36

February 13, 1942  (contd)

(me running errands) and we were all very grumpy.  You know how some days are.  I’ll be glad when it’s over.
We are now living in “War Time” savings.  Just like “daylight savings” time the clocks have been set ahead one hour.  When I get up at 7 to go to school it’s really 6.  Gruesome!  Speaking of School, I have been going to the main bldg now exactly 2 weeks and 1 day.  I have fallen right into the general idea and feel quite at home, even on the most crowded trolley.  I jus’ luv it!  Kids at Stitt seem like infants to me now!
Muriel and Leslie are groovy.  Likewise Gwennie and Irving (he’s new to me! but not bad, not bad at all!) Muriels’ had a  fever. In fact…

Page #37

…her temperature rose to 103 and 2/10 degree.  I went to see her today and she’s better now.
The latest thing in my young life is three new boys:

1. The boy who lives downstairs in Mrs. Bradford’s Apt 52.  I don’t know what his name is ____________yet!

© Yvette Porter Moore-All Rights Reserved 

Betty Peters Journal (Day 4), January 18, 1942

Betty Peters on Tar Beach, NY

[Jan 4th journal entry continued on Jan 18, 1942]

Page 26 (end)

January 18, 1942

For Those Born Under the Sign of “Scorpio,” or on November 17

“You will get along best with persons born between June 22, to July 22 and Feb. 19 to March 20.”

“Persons who will help you most during your life will be those born between Oct 23 to Nov 21 and Dec 22 to Jan 19.”

“Most of your difficulties will come from or through persons born between March 21 to April 20th and  July 23 to August 22nd.”

Mars, the God of War is your….

Pg #27

page 27

…ruling planet.  You were born in the eighth house of the zodiac which is the house of (Wiels?) and Legacies.  Therefore you may expect a legacy sometime during your life.

“Your chart shows you to be aggressive, determined and energetic.  You have an active mind and are thoughtful, optimistic, and fearless (eh now!!!)  These are some of your inherent good qualities.  However, you may also have some faults that can develop into bad habits.  There are times when you may become pessimistic, vindictive, destructive, and suspicious.  You may delight in making sarcastic remarks (how true!!!) Take inventory of…

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Page 28

…yourself and realize how much happier and successful you could be if you would learn to develop the more positive and finer tendencies in your nature and eliminate those that are undesirable and may have caused you considerable unhappiness and embarrassment from time to time.

“According to the Science of Astrology, your Lucky day is Tuesday, your luck colors are blue and green (my bedroom is green and rose). your luck flowers are the carnation and the chrysanthemum (I love the latter); your lucky jewels are the opal and topaz (Mother gave me a topaz (my birthstone) for graduation from Stitt last year, June 1941.  I am wearing it now.  I also had a “roof”…

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Page 29

 …party. Arthur (Arizona) Littljohn was there (eh now!!!); and your lucky numbers are 3 and 6.

P.S. Our house is numbered 4 6 0; We live on the 6th floor and our apartment no. is 63!!! Oh fun! Oh Joy! Oh happy day!

In reading up I found that the following movie stars were born under my sign Scorpio. Oct 23 to Nov 21.

• Hedy Lamaar
• Judy Canova
• Jack Carson 
• Mary Beth Hughes
• Ruth Hussey
• Dean Jagger
• Veronica Lake
• Mary Lee
• Gene Tierney
• Renee Zucker*
• Walker Bacon*

*Childhood friends

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Persons I will get along with best: June 22 to July 22, February 19 to Mar. 20 are:
Desi Arnaz, John Carroll, Lou Castello, Martha O’Driscoll, June Preisser, Red Skelton
*Iva Mae Pope

Persons who will help me most during my life are all those on the proceeding page who were born from Oct 23 to Nov 21 and the following (Dec 22 to Jan 19)

Dana Andrews
Lee Bowman
David Bruce
Sussana Foster
Carole Landis

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Page 31

 Persons I may not get along too well with are those born between Mar 21 to Apr 20, July 23 to Aug 22.  Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Alan Curtis
Richard Denning
Stirling Hayden
Frances Langford
Ann Miller
Gene Reynolds
Regis Tommey
Cohina Wright Jr.
Jane Wyatt
(Unkie was born on July 29, but who say’s I don’t adore him?)

Speaking of movies I saw 2 killer dillers this week.  Tuesday the 13th, Mother and I went to see the Maltese Falcon at the (old sock) Washington, cor. 149 and Amsterdam, NYC.

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 Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor had the leads and were followed closely by Peter Lorre & Elisha Cook, Jr. (The Latter, a newcomer)  The “Falcon” was marvelous.  I give it AAA1/2.  Shortly before I saw the “Falcon”, Ruthie and I went to the RKO Hamilton (Con. 145 & Broadway-City). where “Suspicion” with Joan (Rebecca) Fountain and Cary (Penny Senenade) Grant. Nigel (Dr. Watson) Bruce gave them some competition.  The picture was fine.  I give it also AAA1/2.

Yesterday Ruthie treated me to the Roxy and dinner afterwards. I don’t know when I’ve had such a swell time.  In the lobby we saw the new 3 dimension photo’s  Gee They’re swell.  The picture was “I wake Up Screaming.”  It was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time.  Full of mystery, suspense,…

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Page 33

…The stars were:
Betty Grable-ah legs!!!
Victor Mature-Fine Phisique
Carole Landis-Up and coming
There is a new Hollywood star named Laird Cugar who played the insane detective.  He was thrilling.  So was Elisha Cook Jr. (who ended up to be the murderer).  This was my “speed” picture.  It was tense and exciting without being exaggerated and unreal.  The acting was superb and so was Ruthie for taking me.

Last Thursday, I got 9 plus in my (Mr. Martyn, Isham) oral topic.  Mr. Sidafsky informed me that my Geometry average is 90.  Next term when I am in 4th I shall be in the “Alpha” Math Class. That’s the smartest Math Class.  I hope to rate a scholarship certificate…

 Page #34

Page 34

…next term.

Getting back to movies my favorites are now:
Bette Davis
Ida Lupino               }Women
Ginger Ragens

Cary Grant                                   }The Big Six
Errol Flynn
Clark Gable             }Men

In my estimation these are the greatest actors and actresses in Hollywood.  Let’s see how my opinion changes in the future. (My opinion so often changes!!!)

Thousands of movie fans in the U.S, and other countries of the world were shocked and then deeply moved to hear that Carole Lombard was dead!!!

To read previous Diary Posts: Day #1  Day #2  Day #3