Chapter 49: 1948/49 • Sonora ~ Just three months after my arrival, my mother—along with losing her mind—lost her brother, Gordon Gregory Chatfield. He died in Letterman's Veteran's Hospital in San Francisco at the age of 42 from his WWII injuries (he fell off the... Continue
Rude Awakenings
Chapter 48: August 16, 1948 • Sonora ~ I was welcomed into the family two years after Mom’s first breakdown, though not by her. She didn’t want another child, she wanted out. As far as she was concerned, I was a fifth burden tacking on... Continue
Chapter 47: 1948 • Sonora My brother did not keep a diary for much of 1948; between April 2 and December 31 there are only six entries. Our parents were going through difficult times and the household was in chaos. Dad was selling the store,... Continue
Chapter 46: 1948 • Sonora Note: my brother did not keep a diary for much of 1948. Many entries were typical posts about Boy Scouts, band, and building bookcases, some days were missed, and some weeks and months were completely blank. 1948 • Larry’s diary... Continue
Chapter 45: 1947 • Larry’s diary (age 13) -- Dec 1 Bought Daisy air pistol. It is 117 caliber and shoots small sized BB’s. Dec 2 Was sick today and missed school. I may have the flu mom has just gotten well from. Rained. Dec... Continue
Chapter 44: 1947 • Larry’s diary (age 13) Nov 1 Very busy washing windows today. All windows in town were done before noon hour. Nov 2 Sunday: Raked up half the leaves in front yard and mowed lawn. Tore down grape arbor in back Nov... Continue
Chapter 43: Late 1940s • Sonora ~ Lorna Harrington, Betty’s best friend since kindergarten, was unusually shy. My sister took her under her wing, and as birds-of-a-feather they flew everywhere together. Betty saw no reason why she and Lorna shouldn’t participate in all school activities. In... Continue
Chapter 42: 1947 • Larry’s diary (age 13) Oct 1 Went to Mrs. Rossoci's house to see her about some stamps but she was busy Oct 2 Had scout meeting tonight. Got our Spanish textbooks in class, I got a book in very bad condition. Oct... Continue
Chapter 41: 1947 • Larry’s diary (age 13) -- Sep 15 First day of high school was today. Sep 22 My father finished buying Tibbit's and will take over in October Sep 23 A big article was in tonights Democrat and Daily about Dad buying Tibbits Sep 25 It is... Continue
Chapter 40: 1947 • Larry’s diary (age 13) Aug 1 Got paid for morning route and paid off my $15 clothing bill at Baers Aug 2 Paid dad $5 and I still owe him $10 for my radio Aug 3 Went swimming nearly all day... Continue