DIY History | Transcribe | Iowa Women’s Lives: Letters and Diaries | Clara Steen Skott diary, 1942-1946

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Clara Steen Skott diary, 1942-1946

December 20

1942  Only 2 deg.  53 at S.S. Read, took nap, wrote a lot of Christmas cards.

1943  22 deg. - 38 deg.  Frank to work again, 7-11 and 1-7. I washed, baked bread, cleaned his room, set up Christmas tree, wrote more cards, got 10 and 3 pkgs! Took 2 naps!

1944  Baked bread. Sgt. Cooper came in A.M. He set up Christmas tree for us, and grandma and I decorated it with cellophane shreds and painted walnuts. Shampooed my hair. Hilda here in eve.

1945  21 deg - 29 deg.  Waxed kitchen linoleum, cleaned last Venetian blind, baked chocolate chip cookies and "Spicy Fruit Bar". When Hans went to UNRRA, they started giving him his physical exam to go to China. 
No butter - can find none in stores - first time I've been out.

1946 38 deg - 43 deg.  Breakfast with Miss Farr. Got letter from Hilda of Nov. 30. Had my throat swabbed at UNRRA clinic and they gave me gargles. Went to McTyeire high school Christmas pageant at 3 P.M. Sat in balcony. Tea afterward with Miss Hsueh; the pastor of Moore Mem Meth Church brought me home afterward in car.  14 deg below zero in Peiping.

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1942 Only 2 deg. 53 at S.S. Read, took nap, wrote a lot of Christmas cards. 1943 22 deg. - 38 deg. Frank to work again, 7-11 and 1-7. I washed, baked bread, cleaned his room, set up Christmas tree, wrote more cards, got 10 and 3 pkgs! Took 2 naps! 1944 Baked bread. Sgt. Cooper came in A.M. He set up Christmas tree for us, and grandma and I decorated it with cellophane shreds and painted walnuts. Shampooed my hair. Hilda here in eve. 1945 21 deg - 29 deg. Waxed kitchen linoleum, cleaned last Venetian blind, baked chocolate chip cookies and "Spicy Fruit Bar". When Hans went to UNRRA, they started giving him his physical exam to go to China. No butter - can find none in stores - first time I've been out. 1946 38 deg - 43 deg. Breakfast with Miss Farr. Got letter from Hilda of Nov. 30. Had my throat swabbed at UNRRA clinic and they gave me gargles. Went to McTyeire high school Christmas pageant at 3 P.M. Sat in balcony. Tea afterward with Miss Hsueh; the pastor of Moore Mem Meth Church brought me home afterward in car. 14 deg below zero in Peiping.