Introduction to Lynch Clan

My Lynch ancestors from Ireland came to America in 1848. The group included my Grandfather James Lynch and his five siblings, ages 10 to 18, who sailed without their parents to New York City. Soon they were living in a tenement house in Massachusetts working in a textile mill. From there they gradually migrated west. This blog will contain information gathered by my mother, Hazel Lynch Skonberg from her father, giving details of the trip over and life in America. There is also a diary written by his son, Will Lynch, who was with the American Consular Service of the State Department, and was taken hostage on Dec. 8, 1941, by the Japanese Army who had captured Shanghai that day. I hope you enjoy this blog about the James Lynch family in America.
To receive these blogs by email, sign your email address in the space called Follow By Email, provided on the right hand side of the page. Roselyn George
Showing posts with label Japanese history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japanese history. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary

     Sometime near the end of World War II, Will Lynch was able to come back home to America.  He had a surprise for us.  The confirmed bachelor announced that he was being married, and we all wondered who could "tame" this adventurer.  The family lore was that he had been engaged to a young woman after college, but that when he decided to go to the Philippine Islands to teach school, she refused to go.  He was unhappy, but at that time the Philippines were newly opened to the world and it was like going to the moon. 
     Christi Campbell was a good match, retired from teaching and happily living in California with a busy life and many friends.  They may have met just before the war when she was on a tour of China with a group of retired teachers.  I assume the American Consulate had some kind of event for them in Shanghai, and they met there.  He did mention in his diary, shortly after the war began, wondering what the "California teacher was thinking".  They had apparently argued about the intentions of the Japanese and she seemed sure the Japanese would not attack.
     The whole family liked this very independent spirited outspoken lively retired teacher who was the perfect match for Will Lynch.  She could match wits with him and even beat him at some of the games they played.  They had similar cultural interests, both enjoying classical music, ballet, etc.  I am not surprised that he was drawn to this woman, who was not the least intimidated by him.  My parents visited them at their home in Long Beach, California, several times.
    
Letter from Will Lynch to his sister (My Mother) Hazel Lynch Skonberg

Saturday, March 24, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 236 to 240

Will Lynch arranges for more passports to include Africa and Near East.  His language shows the racial attitudes of those times.  He finds he has lost about 5 pounds.  Roselyn


July 31, 1942.  Friday.  236th Day. 
     Darky boys are coal black. 
     They bring strong tea to my room each morning.
     Got passport amended to include Africa and Near East.
     Must get a "Union of S.A." visa so we can go to Kruger Park and a return visa for Portuguese East Africa.
     Weighed 189.5 pounds--down from 195!
     Had some dental work done.


August 1-3, 1942.  Saturday,Sunday and Monday.   237th to 239th Days.  August 4, 1942. Tuesday.  240th Day.
     Dental bill Escudos  300.00 or about US$12.00

Friday, March 23, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 233, 234, and 235.

Will Lynch moves to a hotel nearer the Consulate.  He can't leave until Lisbon gives permission.  Roselyn


July 28, 1942.  Tuesday.  233rd Day.
     Warm. Sunny.
     SS Gripsholm is anchored "in the stream". 
Moved to Hotel Cordoza, nearer the Consulate, and weekly rate is Escudos 450.00 vs. 700.00 at Polano.  Effective at noon.     
     Got a glimpse of ship slowly putting out to sea at 3:00 p.m.
     Don't know how long I'll be here, as I can't leave until Lisbon permits.
     However, it's nice here.  Hotel is on upper level, some 200 ft and overlooks busy port and city below.
     Bought 2 straps for my suit case to replace some "taken" by Italian 
"gentleman" (sic) on the CONTE VERDE-the dern thief.  Cost was Escudos 27.50.


July 29, 1942.  Wednesday.  234th Day.
      Still at Lourenco Marques--L.M.


July 30, 1942.  Thursday.  235th Day.
     Aired and sunned clothing.  All is o.k.
     Heavy wind about 7:00--8:00 p.m.
     Cooler.







Wednesday, March 21, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 231 and 232.

Will Lynch takes a "Safari" trip to see an animal reserve 20 or 30 miles out of Lourenco Marques, Portuguese East Africa.   Roselyn


July 26, 1942.   Sunday.   231st Day. 
     Trip by motor to Vila Luisa on Incomati River, some 20/20 miles out of Lourenco Marques.
     Saw native dances, a la Duke Ellington, and native kraul-huts, but no wild Hippo, due to lack of time.
     Drivers held to 20 miles per hour.
     The ASAMA MARU and CONTE VERDE ships left about 10:00-11:00 a.m. for Japan. (These were the ships that took American and other diplomats and families to the area of repatriation).
     Tried to chow on the GRIPSHOLM, but could not, as they have a check system now in force and it debars me.


July 27, 1942.  Monday.  232nd Day.
     Fine weather.
     Began eating at this Hotel Polana.
     All ships' leave finished by 1:00.  I left about 5:00 p.m.







Tuesday, March 6, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 214 and 215

Ship taking Will Lynch from captivity in Shanghai to East Africa, crosses the equator.  Another death on board--wife of another Consul.   Roselyn


July 9, 1942.  Thursday.  214th Day.
     Sailed from vicinity of Singapore between 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., the Asama Maru leading.
     Never saw Singapore, now called by Japanese, Shonan.
     All glad to be moving again.
     9:00 p.m.  The ASMA is lit up like a High Mass, about a mile ahead.
     Crossed equator in afternoon, my first;  usual certificates by Neptune Rex are being prepared.


July 10, 1942.  Friday. 215th Day.
     Good weather.
     Our route is southerly, to pass between Java and Sumatra.
     Clocks were set back one hour.  Heretofore we've had Tokyo day-light saving time, and it was "cockeyed".
     Another death, Mrs. Roberts, wife of Consul Roberts, Chefoo, China, hailing from Texas.     
     9:00 a.m.  Rainy and squally.  Must be nearing Sunda Straits, between Sumatra and Java.     12:00 Noon.  
     Quite cool.   

Sunday, March 4, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 204, 205, 206207, 208 and 209

Will Lynch finally boards the ship that will take him away from Japanese captivity in Shanghai, China.    Roselyn


June 29, 1942.  Monday.  204th Day.
     Rain!
     Up at 4:30 a.m.  Sailing for repatriation via Lourenco Marquest Portuguese East Africa, on Italian SS Conte Verde.
     Said to be 636 passengers aboard.
     Good ship, good food, good cabin.  Cabin mate is Mr. Altaffer, American Consul from Amoy.
     Table mate is C. H. Williams, Clerk American Consulate, Shanghai.


June 30, 1042.  Tuesday.  205th Day.
     Warm, cloudy, but no rain.
     Can't locate my trunk, but many thousand or so pieces are in freight hold, so mine must be there.  If not, ye Gods!  I'll be short of winter gear.
     Met fellow from Canton, China, named Maiskie, I knew there in 1920-21.  He beat me badly at cribbage.
     Orchestra, some 5 or 6 pieces, gave good 1 1/2 hour concert of salon music at 9-10:30 p.m.
     No war news.


July 1, 2, 3, 4,  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.  206th, 207th 208th, 209th Days.
     Buried a missionary one day.
     No celebrations on 4th.  In fact, I quite forgot till July 5th.

Friday, March 2, 2012

WR Lynch Days 200 and 203

Will Lynch is packing to leave his Shanghai "jail"  and has his cabin assignment on the ship leaving soon.  Roselyn


June 27, 1942.  Saturday  202nd Day.
     Fine weather.
     Though I applied yesterday for a pass, none was granted.  Went down town anyway.  All afternoon leave cancelled.
     About 6:00 p.m., 2 men from Swiss Consulate brought down our tickets and red ribbon badges--to indicate "Officials".  I have Cabin 201, Bed A, on B Deck, First Class, with bath and toilet.  Seems ok.
     Killed time by winning cribbage from Messrs. Groves and Hinke, and checkers from JBS.  Lost a rummy game to JBS, supposed to be Championship of Cathay Mansions.  (Where he was living during captivity by Japanese in Shanghai).
     War news from North Africa continues "lousy".
     I'll probably draw Cairo as a post, in time to get "captured" again.
     I weigh 185 pounds, or a loss of 25 pounds.  Walking did most of it.  
     Feel fine.


June 28, 1942.  Sunday.  203rd Day.
     Wet.
     Had roast goose with J.J. James, wife and daughter, Henry Frances Parks and Hal Mills in Jimmy's Kitchen, owned by Mr. James.
     Movie in afternoon with A.M.  
     Whew!  Packing!  What a job to get all in 3 pieces.
     1:00 a.m., in morning.  
     Bath and to bed as will be wakened by 4:30 a.m.
     
     

Thursday, February 23, 2012

WR Lynch Days 199, 200 and 201

Will Lynch buys more shorts, preparing for warmer weather in new post--perhaps Cairo, Egypt.  He hears that probable sailing date for repatriation of diplomats will be June 29.  Roselyn


June 24, 1942.  Wednesday.  199th Day.
     Good weather.
     Sailing date still indefinite.
     Called at American School where Farina, Rolled Oats and Cracked Wheat are still being doled out.


June 25, 1942.  Thursday.  200th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Delivered another suitcase to Schrapf-Guenther & Co., as only 3 are said allowable on the bus to the boat, now said to sail next Monday, 29th of June.
     Bought from Wm. Yu, for CRB$20.00 (China Bank), another pair of khaki shorts.  He will put on a buckle strap and another hip pocket, and have it ready tomorrow by 10:00.
     Beat A.M. at rummy.


June 26, 1942.  Friday.  201st Day.
     Nice weather.
     Got another pair of shorts, khaki from Wm.Yu--CRB $20.00 .  Seems we are to embark next Monday, 29th--maybe?
     British in North Africa seem to have taken a licken'.  Wonder what ails 'em?


     

Saturday, February 18, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 195, 196 and 197.

As the American Consular diplomatic exchange in Shanghai nears, the people are exchanging "gifts" to "remember you by".   The definition of a "topee" is that it is a pith helmet.  I never did learn the identification of A.M.  Roselyn


June 20, 1924.  Saturday.  195th Day.
     Warm.
     Recovered my topee, and will give it to Bg. for similar one received from him.
     With A.M., saw "Private Life of Henry VIII" at Cathay.  
     A.M. now lives at the Berkeley and is more content.
     Tomorrow is last day to exchange old Fapi for new Chinese Bank money.


June 21, 1942.  Sunday.  196th Day.
     ?     ?   Missed!


June 22, 1942.  Monday.  197th Day.
     Warm.
     Capt. Tornroth wanted my parasol to "remember you by".  I similar countered, and he gave me a good suit, 2 pieces, of silk pajamas, pongee (silk).  A.M. got a big doll, Chinese, rag.  A.M. somehow had a pair of men's silk pajamas, and insisted I take 'em.  I did.
     At 6:00 had tea at Circle Sportif Francaise.  Did quite well today.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 192, 193 and 194.

Will Lynch is late reporting in, and found Japanese guards were looking for him.  Roselyn.


June 17, 1942.  Wednesday.  192nd Day.
     Rained.
     Had super-excellent chow at Jimmy's "Mandarin Inn".  Gorgeous joint.  Present were Mr. and Mrs. James, A. Murphy, Mr. Parks and myself.
     Was late reporting back and Japanese guards were looking for me at my room 903.


June 18, 1942.  Thursday.  193rd Day,
     Some rain.  Warm.
     Tonight's paper says we embark June 24, next Wednesday.
     Helped A.M. move today to "Berkley", No. 12 Seymour Road.
     Won cribbage 3-2 from Mr. Groves and lost one, tied one and won 3 checkers off JBS.
     
June 19, 1942.  Friday.  194th Day.
     Rainy and warm.
     Had new rubber heels put on my shoes.
     Saw G. Giliberto, 112 Vallon.
     Much talk anent impending repatriation, now scheduled for next Wednesday, 24th June.
     Am not sure how much Military Yen to take as I don't know whether stewards will be Japanese or Italian.  (I assume he means for tips and paying the stewards).

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 189, 190 and 191.

Will Lynch buys clothes more suitable for the warmer climate he expects later.  He sees Japanese planes fly in formation over his hotel in Shanghai.  Roselyn


June 14, 1942.  Sunday.  189th Day
     Cooler.
     Saw the movie "Hollywood Party" at Roxy.  It was for the "eye and ear".
     Played checkers with JBS.  I won 4 games and drew 1 or 2, forget which.


June 15, 1942.  Monday.  190th Day
     Warm.
     Wore first "shorts" today and like them o.k.
     Had one pair of khaki long pants cut down.  Plus a Hawaiian coat shirt and am quite cool.
     Beat JBS at checkers 3-1.  
     Got two free tickets for chorus at Roxy next Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m.
     Butterscotch at Chocolate Shop is CRB (China Bank) $18.00 a box.  I got 1/4 pound today for CRB $3.60, as it was sale day, at 20% discount.


June 16, 1942.  Tuesday.  191st Day.
     Warm.
     Bought coat shirt for CRB $3.30.
     Omitted dinner (supper) as tummy wasn't too good.  Also bad throat.
     Much talk of date of departure.
     Saw 14 Japanese planes pass over our hotel in formation about noon.

Monday, February 13, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 186, 187 and 188.

To his dismay, Will lynch learns departure date has been postponed for 10 days.  Roselyn


June 11, 1942.  Thursday.  186th Day.
     Warm to hot.
     Our baggage was taken by Schraff, Buenther to their godown.  I had 1 trunk, 2 bags, and a suitcase.
     In afternoon we were informed sailing date postponed from 16th to 26th.   Darn!  I have retained enough gear, so I can "live out of my retained gear", fortunately, for a while.
     A.M. called
     I still have a bit of a sore throat.


June 12, 1942.  Friday.  187th Day.
     Hot.
     Bought a Hawaiian "coat shirt" for CRB $28.50 (about US 80 cents.) at Wing Sun Co., 155 Seymour Road.  Quite a good garment.
     Good chow at 3:00 p.m., at Mrs. J.J. James.  A. Murphy and 2 James girls present.
     Back to cell 903 (his hotel room) by 7:30 p.m.


June 13, 1942.  Saturday. 188th Day.
     Nothing to report.
     Cocktail party at Stanton's to "drink up the remains".









Saturday, February 4, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 172 and 173.

Will Lynch, in captivity in Shanghai, puts his furniture up for auction, sailing date may be June 14, so repatriation may be near, found a worm in his oatmeal!  Roselyn


May 28, 1942.  Thursday.  172nd Day
     Fine weather.
     Sent my furniture to Central Auctioneers and Adjustors, 160 Canton Road, to be sold next Tuesday, June 2nd.
     Mr. Lockhart showed me a typed notice he is circulating.  Sailing date is stated to be June 14th or 15th.  We are to submit by tomorrow, a luggage statement.  Looks like we may be going ere long.
      Found a worm in my oatmeal at breakfast--after eating all--less the worm.  Showed it, the worm, to the Chinese waiter and he showed the worm to head waiter, a Russian, and he took up matter with the chef.
     Couldn't get to sleep till 3:00 a.m., 29th.


May 29, 1942.  Friday.  173rd Day.
     Nice weather.  
     Got vaccinated for small pox.
     Walked downtown and back.  Coat--CRB $10.00.  Borrowed off JBS.
     Beat Brookhart 2-1 at rummy and JBS 1-0.  Beat JBS at checkers.  He won one game and I won several games.

Monday, January 30, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 165, 166 and 167.

Will Lynch writes about the prices of things in Shanghai, where he is being held by the Japanese along with other State Department people.  As an unattached bachelor, he seems to be invited to quite a few teas, parties and other social events.  Roselyn


May 21, 1942. Thursday.  165th Day.
     Fine weather.
     Sold radio for Chinese $600.00.  Bought it in November 1938, for US$20.00.
     Had tea with Mrs. Mary Kramahdoff, a widow with two daughters in early 20's, at French Club.
     Repatriation looks like a possibility in June, but uncertain.


May 22, 1942.  Friday.  166th Day.
     Fine weather.
     Mr. Howe of Cathay Theatre gave me a pass, and we saw "Blood and Sand", a wonderful picture.   Best I've seen in a long time.
     Bought a used leather suit case for Chinese $210.00, about US$7.00.
     I must rent a radio.  
     C.R.B (Chinese Bank) against FAPI (old Chinese $$) was 77/100 (1.30)
     Today it is 66/100 (1.51) and falling.  It is a racket.  A loaf of bread formerly Chinese $4.00 is now Chinese $6.00.


May 23, 1942.  Saturday.  167th Day
     Rainy.
     Met A.M. at Sea Captain's Shop, where her friend sold check of $200.00 by Mr. C.G.  We then walked back via wet streets.  Celebrated ABC's birthday.  
    FAPI vs Chinese Bank is 1.90, though it is supposed to be 66 or 1.66. Looks like NCS will pass out.  I have Chinese about $400.00 left.  Darn it!
     I won several sprigs of mint at ABC's cocktail party and many women swiped the leaves, leaving me only the stem.  They liked the odor.
     Looks as thought we sail June 15th.  Mebbe. (Maybe)
     Tried to rent a radio, but the shop was closed.  Price quoted a few days ago was Chinese $.35--(35 cents) a month.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 163 and 164..

Will Lynch hears more news about repatriation.  Cereal still being issued to Americans who need food.   He is a farmer's son, long removed from the Kansas farm but he always gives the weather conditions!  Roselyn


May 19, 1942.  Tuesday.  163rd Day
     Cool and Sunny.
     Much repatriation talk, via Italian SS Conte Verde, said to being readied to sail about June 14, 1942, or later.
     Bought 6 bananas for Chinese $.30 and 40 cents, or thereabouts.
     Tonight's broadcast on French station seems Russians are winning around Kharkov.


May 20, 1942.  Wednesday.  164th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Was offered Chinese $600.00 for my radio.  May accept.
     Walked out to American School where cereals were being issued to Americans by Red Cross.
     Met A.M.  We walked down LaFayette.   Stopped in at Mrs. Bell's, 1261 LaFayette.  Mrs. B. had us stay for tea. I got some mint.
     Much talk about repatriation.
     I hear Mr. McMun, a Standard Vacuum (Oil Company) accountant, had committed suicide, as he had been summoned to the Bridge House, in Hongkew, for questioning by the Japanese.





Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 160, 161 and 162.

Will Lynch says the papers report that the Axis (enemies Germany, Japan, Italy, etc.) are not doing very well.  Food situation is bad--scarce and expensive. Note that he always shows address of where he goes.  Perhaps for information in case he does not survive.  Roselyn


May 16, 1942.  Saturday  160th Day
     Hot at mid-day.
     Had lunch with Mr. and Mrs. A. Bagg, 367 Roi Albert, Apr. 4.  Very good.
     Met. A.M. in lobby, after 2:00 p.m.  Lost rummy 2-0.
     After supper JBS won last leg on rummy "super series".  He is tickled "pink" as he's always been losing.
     Judging from papers and radio, "Axis" ain't doing so well.
     JBS says repatriation now set for June 10th.  I am undecided regarding my furniture--to auction or not.


May 17, 1942.  Sunday.  161st Day.
     Cloudy, rainy a bit and very cool.
     Broke even at Hai Alai.  Good concert.
     No particular news.


May 18, 1942.  Monday.  162nd Day.
     Rainy, cold and bad.  
     Beat Brookhart (another of the Consulars) 4-0 at rummy and JBS 5-1 at checkers.
     Food is better at this hotel, Cathay Mansions.  Food situation outside is still bad.  Food is scarce and expensive--as are all articles--priced in "Fapi" (Chinese scrip of sorts).  Exchange shops offered me Chinese $32.30 for US $1.00.
    Seems much U.S. money is taken into "Free China".  Bought 13 handkerchieves for Chinese $7.00, about US 40 cents.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 153, 154, 155 and 156.

Will Lynch keeps hearing rumors of sailing dates for repatriation, but doubts most of them.   Roselyn


May 9, 1942.  Saturday.  153rd Day
     Fine weather.
     Talk is about repatriation.
     Japanese had big flag up at Race Course, celebrating alleged victory in Coral Sea.
     Am having ear trouble.  Darnit.  I wonder what is cause of it.


May 10, 1942.  Sunday.  154th Day
    Warm.
    Good orchestra concert today, with ballet.   Well done.
    Date for sailing is now June 14, 1942, on Italian SS Conte Verde.  Seems a bit "fishy" as she might turn raider.
     Ear continues to bother me.


May 11, 1942.  monday. 155th Day. 
     Good weather.
     Saw British picture "Dark Eyes".  Good music.


May 12, 1942.  Tuesday.  156th Day.
     Warm.
     Entered office today.  Swiss now have charge and have the keys.  Put copy of Will and copy of Assets into safe.  Seems Japanese want to get the office, or as much as possible.  Lease expired about April 1, 1942.  I am thinking of sending my furniture to auction.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 150, 151, and 152.

Will Lynch, Vice Consul with the American Consulate in Shanghai, China, remembers that the war began five months ago.  Roselyn


May 6, 1942.  Wednesday. 150th Day.
     Rainy in morning, but sunny and chilly in afternoon.
     Spring Champs run today, but I had no chances.
     Got third typhoid "shot" today.  Arm tonight is sore and I'm a bit dizzy.
     Had tea at A. Murphy.  A strange set up.
     Rummy score with JBS was 1-1.


May 7, 1942.  Thursday.  151st Day.
     Nice weather.  Cool.
     Rumor that Corregidor has fallen.
     Much speculation about repatriation.
     Bought a jar of Chinese honey for Ch.$18.50.  Pretty good as a "smear" (spread).
     Finished the application by G. Giliberto for renewal of his master's license.
     Lost rummy 2-1 to Brookhart.


May 8, 1942.  Friday.  152nd Day.
     War started five months ago today.  Seems like a long time ago.
     Nice weather.  Evening paper says we are to leave in June.  I'm in no hurry.  I'd like to be here when the "break up" comes.
     JBS won 2-0 at rummy.
     Saw "Ben Hur" at the Roxy.
     A.M. is a bit of a nuisance.
     



Saturday, January 14, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 144, 145, and 146.

Will Lynch donates money to help native staff and is still paying his "boy" --former manservant.  He read "Mein Kamph".  Hitler (dictator of Germany) and Mussolini (dictator of Italy) have a meeting, causing rumors.  Roselyn


April 30, 1942.  Thursday.  144th Day.
     Warm.  No particular news.  Beat JBS 2-0 at rummy.
     Bought CRB$50.00 for Chinese $66.50 from an Exchange shop.  Bought CRB$10.00 for Chinese $13.00, from a woman at the same time.  Donated CRB$100.00 to help native office staff when need aid.  Paid my boy (manservant) Chan, Chinese $150.00.


May 1, 1942.  Friday.  145th Day.
     Warm.  
     Saw a movie at Cathay.  
     Radio says 
big" news to break soon from Berlin.  No what?
     Finished "Mein Kamph" (My Struggle) today.  Phooie!


May 2, 1942.  Saturday.  146th Day.
     Rainy.  Rumors are rife, due to Madrid's radio of "Something big to pop" caused supposedly by meeting of Adolph (Hitler, ruler of Germany) and Musso (Mussolini, ruler of Italy).  Methinks    ??.
     Beat JBS bad;y at checkers, some 7 or 8 to 0.
     Repatriation    ?     Allegedly to sail end of May.  But----very indefinite.





Thursday, January 12, 2012

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 136, 137, 138, and 139.

The American School in Shanghai was established in 1912 to serve children of missionaries and other foreigners in the country.  It closed in 1949 but was reopened in 1980.  Food more scarce.  Roselyn


April 22, 1942.  Wednesday.  136th Day.
     Fine weather--a bit warm.
     Got a pass and called on Sasson's re a refund due and was told it had been allowed and would be paid soon. I hope early next week.
     Went to American School and got a cholera typhoid "shot".  Will go again next Wednesday.  Nurse was Miss Hirst and doctor was Dr. W____?
     Saw many Americans call to get food supplies, a la Red Cross.  Food is scarce and almost impossible to obtain some items.
     Very nice at the school--quiet and sort of "academic".


April 23, 1942.  Thursday.  137th Day.
     Fine weather--a bit warm.  Beginning today we get hot water from 6:00-10:00 a.m. only.  Coal shortage.
     Played many checker games with JBS.  Won most of them, but not all.
     No startling news on tap.  Put on a lighter suit.
     Saw W.C. Ball of Standard Vacuum Oil Co.  Loaned  Mrs. H. Dively of NCDN "Europe in the Spring" and "Options".


April 24, 1942.  Friday.  138th Day.
     Fine warm spring weather.  
     Manager, Mr. Howe, of Cathay gave me a pass for two to "Great Guns" by Laurel and Hardy.
     News?   Well?


April 25, 1942.  Saturday.  139th Day.
     Cloudy and warm.  Some rain in afternoon.
     A.M. and I saw "On With the Show", a local amateur of short vaudeville skits.  Good entertainment.
     No good news yet.  Wonder if America is still snoozing--or just talk-talk?