Volume Ii (September 3, 1947
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THE DIARY OF GLADYS BOLON COOPER (1939-1989) VOLUME II (SEPTEMBER 3, 1947 -- DECEMBER 31, 1955) TRANSCRIBED BY DONALD BOLON COOPER TRANSCRIPTION COPYRIGHT, DONALD B. COOPER, 2001 INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME II (SEPTEMBER 3, 1947 — DECEMBER 31, 1955) Gladys Cooper started her diary on her 40th birthday, and would keep it up for over fifty years until the day before her death on November 19, 1969. The diary was transcribed by Donald B. Cooper, son of Gladys. The original diaries consist of 46 separate notebooks, which Gladys numbered 1-45. [The 46th book, which related to a trip taken to Arizona and New Orleans, in 1968, is labeled Book 35A.] All of the original books currently remain in Donald's possession. In making this transcription the original diaries have been copied verbatim except that certain abbreviations (such as, for example, "S.S." for "Sunday School," and "Chas." for "Charles" have been extended). In addition, certain explanatory comments, such as adding the full names of individuals, where known, or explaining the context of an entry, have been added in square brackets, i.e. "[...]." There are also a few places where the text is illegible, and this also has been noted, as appropriate. Finally, in a few places, I have typed names or sentences in CAPITAL LETTERS to highlight something or someone of unusual interest. The diary entries tend to be brief. They describe "what" is happening in Gladys' life; little is said about her own feelings or reactions to events as they unfold. Nonetheless over time a reader of her diaries would feel that he or she knows Gladys well. She chronicles in her diary her daily activities around the home, including cooking, baking, canning, cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping, etc. There is much information also about her part-time job as a substitute teacher in the Columbus Public Schools, a job she would continue for over twenty years. We learn much also of other family members, especially if they are living at home. These include Charles, her husband (of 47 years), a Professor of Engineering Drawing at Ohio State University, and their three children, Charles William ("Bill"), Dorothy Jean (Kutchera), and Donald Bolon. There is frequent mention of the Coopers' busy social life, especially their bridge clubs, activities at church and the Masonic order, and Departmental and University social functions. Finally, there is much information provided about their summer "cottage" in Northwestern Wisconsin which Charles lovingly and expertly built entirely with his own hands. In short the diaries provide much useful information on the lives of a middle-class, professional family in the mid years of the Twentieth Century. Volume II is the second of what I hope would be six or seven volumes. Realistically it may not be possible for me ever to complete the entire fifty years. Were that possible I would expect to donate a complete transcribed copy of the diary to Ohio State University, as well as all of the original books. I undertook this lengthy task when in my later years I realized that I knew almost nothing about three of my four grandparents, all three of whom died before I was born. I found myself curious about who these people were, or had been, but little documentation has survived. It occurred to me that in later years my own grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, or nephews and nieces, might have a similar curiosity about their own forebears. So I decided to try to preserve what I could just in case they, like myself, were curious about the Cooper family history. I would hope they would preserve their own stories to add to the family archives. This transcription is, of course, dedicated with eternal love and gratitude to my mother, Gladys Bolon Cooper (1899 — 1989). 1947-48 1 THE DIARY OF GLADYS BOLON COOPER BOOK XV (SEPTEMBER 3, 1947—JUNE 21, 1948 ******************************************************************** SYNOPSIS OF BOOK XV In most respects life in the Cooper family continued as before. All five members of the family were quite busy with multiple activities and interests. GLADYS, age 48, continued as a substitute elementary teacher in the Columbus Public Schools. She visited her 39th school. Usually she rode a bus, often two, and on one occasion four different buses to reach a distant school. She mentioned frequently how tiring this was, saying once "Two hours a day on bus is too much," but also lamented she was not getting more assignments. Her pay increased to $12.13 a day. At home she continued her well engrained habit of habitual washing, ironing, sewing, mending, waxing, canning, and crocheting. Once she said "[I] try to do a little extra cleaning each day I am home." On September 13 she reporting having canned 27 quarts of peaches, and 22 1/2 quarts of tomatoes, but more canning, jelly and jam making continued. As usual there was a bountiful garden, and countless flowers around the borders. Gladys continued active at Crestview Presbyterian Church, and played bridge frequently. When she had a spare moment she enjoyed a nap in the backyard playhouse, or relaxing on the front porch. She made pajamas for all members of the family, dresses for Dorothy, and cut down or remodeled older dresses or coats. Clothing beyond salvage was often cut into strips and made into hooked rugs for the summer cottage. Not much went to waste in the Cooper household. CHARLES, age 49, celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with Gladys on June 9, 1948. He purchased a set of sterling silverware for Gladys to mark the occasion, and they had a rare dinner out at a decent restaurant. At the University Charles marked his 25th year of service, and received a nice pin and certificate. His salary had increased to $6,000 a year, but in 1948 he also taught summer school for an extra $1700. There were also some royalties from his textbook and workbook, most of which were used to pay for Dorothy's expenses at Denison University. Charles continued to do himself any carpentry, plumbing, or wiring jobs that were needed. He refinished the kitchen, connected the new sink, put in new registers in the walls, and put in the wallpaper. He made new Christmas decorations, including a star and wreath, but someone stole all of their Christmas bulbs one night. A first for the family was a new radio-phonograph which they much enjoyed. No mention yet of any TV, but a friend brought over some "movies" they had taken while visiting the Wisconsin cottage. Charles and Gladys took in roomers during this period; they charged $7.00 a week and, in the case of a college student, often offered meals as well. BILL, age 24, was a student at Ohio State University. He was active there in the Acacia fraternity, and had a number of dates and 1947-48 2 social occasions. There is no mention of his motorcycle, but he did have a used car. He also purchased a gun and liked to shoot at the target range, and in the woods at Wisconsin. Through Dorothy he met her roommate, Ruth [McKinney?], at Denison, and on May 29 Bill announced that he and Ruth were engaged. (They were never married.) Bill had various part-time jobs. DOROTHY, age 20, was a sophomore at Denison University in Granville, Ohio (about 30 miles east of Columbus). She majored in education. Dorothy was active in her sorority, and attended frequent dances and social events. Gladys went to Denison for Mothers' Day events, and reported she had had a "perfect weekend." Charles went over for Dad's Day festivities. During the summer Dorothy had part-time jobs at a drug store and Department Store. DON, age 17, was a Junior at North High School. He took his academic studies very seriously, probably too seriously, but had great success and won many academic honors. He won essay contests sponsored by the Colonial Dames of America, and the Advertising Council (on "Why I would Like a career in Advertising"). Both paid $10.00. He came in second in the state in the Ohio History essay contest, and won a trip to Athens, Ohio and $50.00. He finished first at North, and first in the district in the American History competition. He was named winner in the state of the Columbus Dispatch carriers scholarship competition, and was awarded $400 to be used in any college of his choice. [The winner in the competition the following year got a trip around the world]. In addition to his paper route, Don worked odd jobs at a drugstore and icecream store, as well as mowed lawns. Idleness was frowned upon in the Cooper household. But Don did have several dates, liked to bowl, took dancing lessons (which he was given free because of his honors), played on the chess team at North and liked to debate. Once he went to Memorial Hall to hear Henry Wallace speak, who was running for president in 1948. ************************************************************ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1947 MY FORTY-EIGHTH BIRTHDAY. Charles had given me a nice reel, Bill, two boxes stationary and a lovely card from Lake Placid. Dorothy, two pair of nylons, Don, the pen I am using and a book of his poems. Edith, a linen dickey and note paper. Florence, bath salts and note paper, Mother, a dollar. Dorothy and I let out hems. In the afternoon, MOTHER CAME. Imogene and husband, Suzanne [Minister] and fiance here in evening. Had a nice day. Miss Charles and Bill. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1947 Mother, Dorothy and I planned to go downtown, but twenty after eight called to Bellows Avenue [school].