It's a hectic run-up to Thanksgiving Day 1948

Mary, Sam and a friend go out for Thanksgiving dinner. Has anyone else noticed how Mary is having her hair done all the time? My mom used to get her hair done every five weeks. In between, she combed her own hair out. Clothes are important to Mary also. I think she was a person who tried to look nice all the time. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Let the holiday season begin!

Friday, Nov. 19, 1948

Arose late and made pancakes for breakfast. Then cleaned house and got my desk cleaned up. Sam paid Squires so we are all done for this year. It is a relief to have the work all done. Very wet out but mild. Looks like it will clear up. Sam piled my cedar fence rails so they won't rot. Also, he fixed the roof on the supply house over there. Then he went to Seattle to the Shrine Ceremonial. Went to Mary Ruth's and she combed my hair. It looks so nice. Then to Blanch Hackett's and she went to the church with me and Mrs. Nichols. We had a good time and a nice dinner. The program was good. The Olympic 4 sang and we surely enjoyed them. Mild out and so I may plant tomorrow. To bed early.

Saturday, Nov. 20, 1948

Today we arose late. To the beauty shop and Blanche got a permanent and oh she looks good. I made a lot of calls and wrote out most of my cards, so I accomplished a lot. We came home at 4 and ate lunch. Then got ready for the reception at Purdy. Turning cold out and a lovely sunset was seen. The Rasmussens and Blanche Hackett went with me, and Kitty Williams rode home with us. Grand Martha looked like a princess and oh what a lovely evening it was. There were so many out we knew. The Marions, Ray Balls, Hazel Nosher, all Port Orchard's line officers, all the Belfair line officers and their Grand Martha who was introduced on the floor. Floss Bush made a fine response from Past Grands and Grand Martha gave a good address. The refreshments were lovely. Meeting was at new Purdy school, and it was a fine place. Saw Ruby and she was so lovely in a brown dress.

Sunday, Nov. 21, 1948

Today we ate a late breakfast of French pancakes. They were very good. Then I planted coral bells around the place and put the flats out on the bench. Went up to Mae Hausen's and sewed up skirt hem and Blanche did the hand work so now I can wear it. We went for a ride as far as Hoodsport, where we ate a fine dinner. We enjoyed it too. Tried to rain most of the day but our ride was nice. Home and finished all the cards for the Christmas party. We went down to call on Flossie Cady's new baby boy. The family was all very happy and full of talk so we stayed longer than we intended. Took Blanche home then I went home. Took a bath and went to bed early. Very nice out. Sam still away. Called up at 11:33 so I'm to meet him at the boat 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 22, 1948

Arose early and made a quick breakfast. Then to the ferry. Saw Gladys Eile just as I was getting off. Met Sam and he took me uptown. Then I bought all I had on my list but could not find a wig or mask for Santa. Went everyplace, even to Sears. Met Sam at 2 and we ate our lunch at the Elk's Club where you can look over the bay. It was very nice, and the lunch was good too. We drove to Sears where we parted. Sam to get a cigarette machine and me to look for a Santa Claus mask. Bought Mary Ruth a plant, a beauty, for her birthday. Then home on ferry. Saw Joe Cramer and his boy. They were through fishing for the year. Put away all my stuff as soon as I got home. To bed early. Tired.

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1948

Today got up early and got my work done. Then to get my hair done. At 2:30 stopped off at Cleora's with some apples. Then to Maimee Gould's where we practiced on our conductresses work. We got along fine. She had a nice dinner and we dressed for Chapter. Met Kailers and Mayme Hanberg at the corner and then picked up Bob Marvin. We had a good seat at Pricilla Chapter. Saw a lot we knew and had a very enjoyable evening. Florence made a nice talk, best I've heard yet. The tables were very lovely with chrysanthemums and mince pie was served. The officers did very well, and we were proud of them. Home early and to bed.

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1948

Arose late and cleaned house. Then called on Mrs. Mann Sr. and saw a beautiful jacket she was making for her granddaughter. We had a nice visit. Then home and cleaned up my desk. Fixed scrapbook. Planted the primroses Cleora gave me yesterday. Cleaned some clothes and they should dry as there is a big wind. Sam left for Tacoma about 2 so I'm to meet him at Port Orchard at 9:45. To the Head of the Bay and got my hair combed. Attended Belfair Eastern Star Social Club and we planned for the Bazaar in April. They accepted Blanche and my idea of the Gay Nineties, and we were elected to decorate that eve. To the dance and met Ruby and Earl there. We had a good time although we did not know too many. Ate Chinese food and it was good. Home late and to bed. Raining hard out.

Thursday, Nov. 25, 1948

Today the sun was shining when I got up at 10:15. It was so clear out. Sam slept late and just now is drinking coffee. Seems he loses most of the day by sleeping so late. No wonder he can't reduce! About 2, I drove down to Blanche Hackett's and brought her home where we visited awhile. Then we drove down to Riverine Lodge for our dinner. On our way down we drove way off on a side road where we saw some lovely beach property. Only it is so far away. To the Lodge for dinner and it was delicious. We found them very busy for which I was glad. After a grand dinner we drove home. Very dark out. Took Blanche home and to bed early. A fine Thanksgiving Day and we all enjoyed it.

■ Clydene Hostetler is a longtime Belfair resident, local historian, media archivist and documentary filmmaker of "Hidden in Plain Sight." She has been researching Mary Theler's life for the past 14 years. She can be emailed at [email protected].