Tutorial

Much later I asked Lorin about how it happened he seemed to be so capable along these lines [organizing parties] -- news to me -- and he said it was because of his home life.  His parents always had lovely parties, and he heard them talking about arrangements, etc.  A smart lad in many ways.

Always good

(1980 memoirs)
The fraternity brother explained:  "Kay?  Say, he may not go himself, but he sure knows how to get it ready.  He hires the hall, the band, arranges for the eats.  And everything is always good!"

Social director

(1980 memoirs)
Before I knew Lorin well, knew him just as a serious, solemn boy, I used to read published lists of officers etc. from the various dorms.  Merriman frequently had him as "Social Director" or some such title.  I asked one of the fellows about it one time -- how Lorin could fill that office when he was far from social, never had a date of any kind.

wrong way

(1980 memoirs)
Then one spring day, or week-end, we were at a Merriman [fraternity] house party, on Green Lake I think it was.  People were doing this and that on the afternoon.  Seeing an idle row boat, he asked me if I'd like to go for a ride.  I said sure and got in.  He got in too, took the oars, pushed off, and started rowing backwards!  I was dumbfounded.  A couple of his pals on shore were highly amused!  I said, before thinking, "Don't you even know how to row?"  He was laughing too and soon started pulling the right way and we had a nice row.  I often think of little things like that.

Frat party

(1980 memoirs)
[At Ripon] I went to house parties with various boys, all-day boat rides on a big boat, out-of-town frat parties-- realy a bash.  I still recall one where we all joined hands in a big circle, danced around, singing "Three Blind Mice" and other ditties -- the dance hall was dimly lit, balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling, the music was good and it was fun.

Harry the drummer

(1980 memoirs)
Before I leave off telling you about boys I knew at school, I'll have to tell you about one more, Harry.  He was a small person, a drummer in a school band that played in the gym at least once a week for after-supper dances.  I would walk back to school alone after supper and sit out quite a bit as he was busy.  Sometimes he'd get someone to play for him and we'd dance.  I never really cared for him very much, to tell the truth.

Reciprocity

(1980 memoirs)
It was fun going out with Sammy Meyers, but soon he was going with a girl from a sorority house.  I could understand this very well because by doing so he got invited to their parties, and I had no way to repay him for his invitations to West Hall, etc.  Later on the girls from town did organize and entertain, but not that year.

The Frosh Party

(1980 memoirs)
At Ripon all was new and different.  The Frosh Party was early in the fall.  The idea was the Freshmen tried to steal a march on the Sophomores and sneak out of town and have a party.  I think some of them took some food along, tho I am hazy on that.  Anyway, whether the news leaked out or the Sophs suddenly noticed the Frosh had disappeared -- whatever -- they tried to stop the cars from leaving town, bust up the party, and probably take the girls home.  We tried to have our party too, but news leaked out somehow, and suddenly we were attacked by crowds of kids.

Comedy

(1980 memoirs)
There was one time, probably the Homecoming Dance -- or a prom -- when Eleanor wanted me to get her a date with someone at Ripon.  I said yes, and did.  But Dick [her boyfriend] got wind of it and phoned me and asked if I would get him a date.  So I did.  Well, I believe Eleanor's date came, Dick's date came (I don't recall the details) and mine.  For a few minutes there Cousin Frankie's living room was very crowded.  Looking back on this I am amazed at myself.  Eleanor had been going steady with Dick for some time and I was good friends with both.   I think they rode together on the train going back and patched it up.

Celebration

(1993 February 24)

I have just come from the dining room where all the revels are held. I sat next to Margaret Scott, who was busy holding sips of a beverage, pink, to celebrate MardiGras, to the lips of a poor one who could not raise the glass herself. Our priest was here earlier with HolyCommunion for me.

Jacob's ladder

(1993 January 1)

Today we had a New Year's Party in the Dining Room and funny hats and eats and games, and I won 2 4" candy canes by answering it was angels going up and down the ladder to heaven (old Sunday School teacher). I sat next to Margaret Scott on a metal folding chair.

Apple butter glasses

(1991 September 21)

I went to Walmart with Jan to order glasses to put apple butter in when they have their semi annual Bee at the orchard. I said, "You could have done that by phone," and she was vexed she had not thot of it or the time saved.

Centenary

(1991 September 13)

Jan's church, Free Mthodist, is 100 years old this year and is having a special service at 3, and I shall try to go if not too tired going to my own.

New scene

(1991 July 26)

For lunch had 2 big square pices of fish - lengths of potatoes fried - peas - jello - bread - tea - pineapple cake. We sat in a sheltered pavilion for our picnic - hamburgers etc. A girl played old tunes on piano. Otherwise people stay in their rooms and lie down or read. It's a change of scene, and I am glad of experience. $55 a day too much, and I will take my house if I can get a helper.

Turkey talk

(1991 May 5)

[Polly is having her French class over for dinner.] Bill came to put leaves in table and put bridge table up. I am going to make a (chicken) noodle casserole and a turkey rice casserole (Jennie O turkey roasting now). It's all turkey in both. ... I told Bill my May basket story while having green tea - Bill's mistake - I let it go.

Chinoiserie

(1991 March 29)

I have the table set for supper. I thought as long as we were having chop suey, I'd set the table Chinese fashion; not hard to do, my china itself, Blue Willow, is Chinese. No chop sticks tho. Besides chop suey we have orange salad, rolls (store) and butter and cinnamon ice cream and crackers. And tea whether they like it or not (no choice).

Block Party

(1999 August 6)

Stuck in my door was a Flyer telling a neighbor is trying to get the neighbors together by having a Block Party the 26th. I am to bring $5, my lawn chair, and a dish to pass. So well meaning, I'll try to go. The trouble is, I never remember names. What to do?

Oolong

(1989 February)

Bill took me to town yesterday for the usual hair do and bank stop. He bought a coffee cake for me, and Jan came and brewed oolong tea.

Support

(1989 March 8)

The reason Jan is frequently here Sunday is she is afraid I can't walk up their inside stair, open and no bannister. But when that is put in, I'll join her. For tea.

Nicolas Nickleby

(1989 mid April)

Monday the 17th I plan to go to Jean's play, "Nicolas Nickleby," with Hirsheys - expect to wear my Xmas dress and jacket. There is a 2-hour dinner before if we care to go, but so long. Beef, Yorkshire pudding, etc., to go English. I revived a Top Hat for an actor to wear.