FORMER BOYFRIENDS - NEW BOYFRIENDS - NOVEMBER 1962

This is a letter about seeing my ex-first love for the first time in two years. He came to O'Hare when I had a stop-over there. These were the good old days when people could walk right to the plane without a ticket or security.

September 27, 1962  writing from Columbus, Ohio on TWA In-Flight stationery

Dear Mother,

     Well, I really don't know what to say. I saw him and I'm glad. It's just hard to explain to you. It was just good to see  him, that's all.
     In ORD, we met Kathleen and chatted. Then I took him on the airplane and I think he got a kick out of it. I had to check my galley so he stood and watched. Then I showed him the cockpit. The cockpit door was closed and when I opened  it, the passengers had already started boarding, so I shut the door and he said, "Now what do I do?" He said he wouldn't fly on that pane for anything. I said he must be kidding. I asked him if he wouldn't feel safe with me, even if I held his hand, and he didn't want any part of it. He was so funny I almost split laughing at him.
     He may stop in KC on his way out to Calif. Boy was he nervous. I think he found it hard to look at me.
     Well, I have to board the old rattle trap now. More later, and please don't think I'm all in love again. I think I'm using my head for a change.
                  Love and xxxxxx's
                       Tish



November 13, 1962  Written on Mayfair Lennox Hotel stationery

Dear Mother,
     Today I go to PHX and I'm so excited. I hope I can get a little sun. I have 35 hours there so I plan on being by the pool the whole day tomorrow.
     We got the cookies yesterday and the girls thank you too. As usual, they are delicious.
     I got my gloves yesterday. It was so exciting to open a box from Paris. They are beautiful. I feel so elegant in them and they fit perfectly. The girls went nuts over them. Thank you very much, mother dear.
     I'm enclosing my Christmas and Birthday list. You told me to send my Christmas list - guess you forgot I'll be 21 on December 20th!!  ha ha
                       Love, Tish   xxxxxxxxx


November 16, 1962

First of all, I went to the KU-Calif. football game with George Sat. It was about 40 degrees and drizzled through the whole game. I knew, at my age, I should wear heels to a game, but I get too cold. So, I was smart. I wore a darling outfit of Jan's. It's a red plaid pleated skirt with a red plaid top that goes over the skirt to the hips with big pockets. The sleeves are black knit and it has a black knit turtle neck collar. I wore black knee socks and my new black suede boots. Actually, I looked like "Betty Co-ed", but I was warmer than Shirley, who we doubled with, in her heels. I still froze to death tho. I just can't take cold weather. (Never could and still can't!) As I sat there shivering I thought how hot I was the day before sitting by the pool in PHX.
     KU won the game and afterwards we went to this place called The Stables. It was packed with kids. I finally got warmed up. Then we went back to KC and ate at a restaurant and George brought me home. I don't think I'll hear from him again, and couldn't care less. It seems as though this boy has one thing on his mind and I just couldn't put up with it any longer. I told him several things. One, he apparently never learned how to treat a girl on a date, and he certainly didn't know how to respect a girl. I said I didn't have to put up with it and wouldn't. Shortly after that, he left.
     That's really the first time I've spoken so freely with a boy. He's only 22 and just doesn't seem grown up. You know, i used to think who was I to tell someone they're in the wrong because I never felt older, but I guess I've changed my thoughts. I'd rather sit home than fight him off!!
    Yesterday I got ambitious and cleaned the spare room. What a mess!  I just can't stand windows without curtains, so I ironed two pair of those white ruffly curtains that used to be in Dianne's room. We didn't have any rods in the spare room, so I hung them with brown heavy string. You'd be surprised at how good string works. You can't tell the difference, they look so pretty.Then I brought up an old antique chair from the basement and put that in there. I also took down the ironing board that always stayed up in that room, and now we store it in the hall by the back door. Then Diane and I ironed all the table cloths and napkins that had been on the couch in that room for about three months!
   I got the dining room table all set for Jan and Sandy's Thanksgiving. I bought two little wax turkeys and some long brown candles. Then I fixed a basket with Indian corn and fruit to put in the center. I wanted everything to look real nice for them.
   It will be hard to be flying on Thanksgiving, but I know it will be harder for you, mommy. I hope I get that trade so I can get home next weekend.
                 Love, Tish




November 30, 1962   St. Louis Layover

Dear Mother,
    I got home okay Sunday night. No snow here! It was so good to be home. Thank you for everything! I unpacked and repacked for my flight. It's a long, tiresome day on that 286. When I got home, Jan had a date and when he came over he asked me if I wanted to go to the Apartment (neat bar with couches and chairs) with them and he'd call his roommate, Tom. I can't remember if I mentioned this when I was home that Tom is a teacher at Rockhurst (Catholic) College. He called me up last week and asked me out for last Saturday. Well, I decided to go and we met Tom there. He is a FINK! - (and that means really out of it!) He teaches Latin (no wonder!) and German. He is by far the oddest boy I ever met. When he took me home he didn't even walk me to the door!
     In the course of our conversation earlier, he asked me if I would like to go to this meeting (or club) he belongs to for 21 - 34's at church. Well, I thought perhaps I could meet someone of interest there, so I said I'd go. He was also taking another fella who teaches Spanish at Rockhurst.
     So Tue. I was laughing and joking about this character and said he'd probably just honk the horn for me. Well, 9:00 rolled along and there was a horn beeping out front. I really couldn't believe it! This guy is actually 29! We all go in hysterics and I refused to go out! So, finally he gave up on the honking and came to the door. We were all so furious that the girls weren't going to let me go. Jan went to the door to tell him I wasn't here, but she couldn't keep a straight face and said just a minute.  She came upstairs laughing and said the other fella was wearing one of those gabardine type English trench coats all belted. I didn't know how I was going to regain my composure to go down there and face them....But I did, and we were off.
     After a short meeting, they dim the lights and dance. There were about 80 people there and they seem like a good group. They have beer and pop. Of course, I had to dance with Tom and he does a complete box step about a foot away from me.  He left for a minute and I was digging for a match when this fella came up to me and lit my cigarette and asked me to dance. This is really funny. We introduced ourselves and he asked me where I worked and I said TWA. He said do I know "so 'n so" who was there that night and I said no, and he said she worked in the office on Baltimore, and did I work out at MCI (the overhaul base). I said no, I'm a hostess and work in the air. Well, if you just could have seen the change of expression in his face. He completely lit up. It was a scream. Somehow, I was a different girl, entirely, to him.
     I left poor Tom in the lurch and danced with this fella the rest of the time. His name is John Franzen. He asked me out for Sat. night and I said I went out on flight Friday, so he asked me out for dinner last night. He also came over after his night classes Wed. and we went out for coffee.
  He's not real tall and not a complete doll head, but is loads of fun and very attentive and nice. We went out for dinner and I wore my gold knit dress with a scarf and he complimented me. Afterwards, we went window shopping on the plaza. The plaza, by the way, is out of this world. I've never seen decorations and lights like these. I really had a good time. He already asked me to go to the club's dinner dance at a country club on the 15th. And he wanted to meet me at the airport Sunday. It sure is nice to get all this attention all of a sudden.
      I hope I haven't been boring you with all this jazz, but it's my way of talking to you like I used to when I'd come home from a date and you'd still be awake and I'd come in your room and sit on your dressing table stool and tell you all about it.
     By the way, George didn't give up after my little talk. He's called twice. Maybe he'll take the hint now.
                               Love & xxxxxxxx's      Tish

 

I was really looking forward to reading my letters from December 1962, my 21st birthday month. But, there aren't any letters from December!  I really don't understand why.  I wondered how I celebrated my birthday and, where I was on Christmas.....I don't know. The next leter is dated January 10, 1963.

Happy New Year!!!!

    

   

I'M BROKE/NO I'M NOT! - RUSSELL STOVER CANDY - FEATHERED ENGINE! - SIX LEGS! - ALMOST 21.

October 2, 1962  

Dear Mother,
     Just a note. I got all my ironing done. Picked up my cleaning, and had anti-freeze put in my car. (I had a 1953 green Packard which I paid $50 and sold two years later for $50 to another hostess. It finally "died" while crossing the Broadway Bridge.)
Anna, her folks, Diane and Jan all went downtown shopping. I stayed here because I don't have any money to spend. I had so many expenses in Sept. - the TV, garbage disposal, dry cleaning, plus paying $12 for winter coats in summer storage, then those 2 outfits I have on lay-away. I'm never going to that darn
Country Club Plaza again!  (What a joke!)
    Would you please take $25 out of my savings and send me a check? I don't want to chance it. If I don't use it all, I'll send it back. I know the $30 broke me taken out of my check. But I can handle it this month. Don't worry. Thanks much.
                              Love & xxxxx's  Tish



October 4, 1962

Dear Mother,
     This will be just a quick note. I want to tell you, first of all, that I forgot to enter a deposit at the bank and I have $155 more than I thought! Boy, do I ever feel better! But, I sort of feel dumb. I didn't really know how I could be so broke! But, I'm not!
    I have a terrible cold. I woke up and my eyes looked real funny and I was in a miserable, grouchy mood. Then my nose started dripping. I took a steaming bath, greased my chest with Vicks and was in bed at 7:00. Slept 'til 11:00 a.m. and felt better. I went out on F/337, and today when I got in, I went to the Medic (TWA had a doctor and a nurse on staff in our main office at the airport.) and they gave me a penicillin shot. I sure hope it takes affect by tomorrow. The Dr. said if it wasn't any better I'd probably have to go off schedule. They are afraid of our ear drums, but I refuse! That not only would cut my pay check, it would also mess my schedule for next week.
     I'm going to take a bath now and go to bed. I have to unpack and repack tomorrow for this glorious
 4-day trip. Sure feel icky.
                                   Love, Tish


Found amongst the letters:  A small card with Russell Stover Candies name on it that reads:

Hi Mommy,

No special occasion. Just wanted to send some candy
 to the sweetest mother a girl could have.

Love, Tish

                            

October 7, 1962   Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge - Belleville, MI

Dear Mother,
     Just a note to tell you how happy I was to be home Saturday. It's so enjoyable to come home, especially on surprise occasions like this was. Thanks for always coming into the airport so much. It's so nice to know you'll be there.
     This motel is really nice. The rooms are very big and rustic looking.
                          Love, Tish



October 19, 1962   Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge - Belleville, MI

Dear Mother,

     We just got in the motel and decided to just sit in our bedroom and watch T.V. The Flinstones are on and I haven't watched them in ages.
     One more day, and I'll be home. This sure is a long flight. From STL to YIP it is a rough one. We have
1 hr. 45 min. to serve in a Super G - 31 first class and 16 coach. We don't have a chance to get any "lap time" in on this one. Ha Ha. (Need I explain what lap time is??? I never, ever had any lap time - well in the air that is, but I think my sister did. ha ha..she'll kill me!)
     Wed. night from STL to DAY we had a bunch of men on coming from a convention. They gave me a silly Robin Hood hat that's red with a green feather, a lighter from the Playboy Club, a ball point pen and a sample of Chanel No. 5. Quite a haul, huh? What a gay group they were!  (They were not "gay", of course. That connotation wasn't in our language in 1962.)
     The last two nights in DAY we went bowling. I'm still not much of a bowler, but it's fun.
No more news. Will write after I get home.
                           Love, Tish



October 28, 1962

Dear Mother,

Wednesday I went out on a flight with Jan. I was working galley and we were half-way through the cabin serving dinner. I was helping serve coffee when I noticed a very strange sound from the engines. The plane sort of "rocked" and the engines got very quiet. I knew immediately that something was wrong. Jan went to the cockpit and they told her they had feathered No. 1 engine and were turning back to Kansas City. This was the first time I had a feathered engine. (This a prop. They shut the engine off and turn the prop on an angle so it doesn't "blow in the wind" like a wind mill.This plane only had two engines...one was off!) We got all the trays back and sat down for landing. Of course, we were met on the runway by fire trucks, which is just routine. Then we fed the rest of the passengers on the ground, got off the plane and waited for two hours. They got it fixed and we took off again.  But, after takeoff, I knew all wasn't well because they cut the rpm down quite a bit and this is very noticeable when you're used to the normal sounds on this plane. When we landed in STL, the pilots told us they thought we would have to turn back again, but they just slowed the engine down and we would have a plane change. We finally made it to Dayton at 2:00 a.m. and we were supposed to be there at 10:30. We were on duty for 14 hours, and exhausted.
     Thursday we woke up and it was snowing! I almost died. I had a funny thought as I looked out the window at the snow. It was the first time I woke up and discovered the first snow fall by myself. You always told me before I got up. Remember? Then I'd moan and groan! It's funny how so many little things stick with a person.
     We almost froze to death because we didn't have our winter coats and it was down to 27 degrees. Well, we finally got home to Kansas City and it was much warmer here.
     Sunday night I baby sat, if you can imagine. I had this man on flight to Dayton twice and by the second time we were calling each other by first names. He works for National Cash Register and got transferred to K.C. He told me when they moved, they wouldn't know anyone and wondered if I might baby sit sometime. I said I'd be glad to. So, he called Saturday and asked if I could come Sunday, and I did. He reminds me very much of Jim McKinnon, (my brother-in-law.) the way he talks and his actions. They have a girl 3, boy 2, and a baby boy 6 weeks old. Boy, was it strange to be around such a little baby. I had to change his diapers and it really felt awkward. Then I fed him. The kids were real good and just darling. I guess this man thought I was a nurse like airline hostesses used to be, asking me to baby sit. Ha ha. Little did he know, I'm not too experienced with diaper changing!
     I got my November bids, and am so disappointed because I will be flying on Thanksgiving. I know you'll be very disappointed too and I tried so hard. I bid every flight I possibly could and couldn't hold any of those sequences. I'm just too junior, mommy. So sorry.
                           Love, Tish



October 31, 1962      Stationery from Sheraton Hotel - Philadelphia, PA

Dear Mother,
     It seems like I've been out for weeks by now. We had 6 hours in STL today so they gave us a hotel room and we went to the Holiday Inn and slept. We flew a "G" here non-stop and had a 3rd girl from IDL (NY). The crew isn't too hot this time. The Captain is a big grouch. It sure makes a difference in a trip when the crew is crabby. It sets the whole tone of the flight, really. I didn't even want to go into the cockpit.
     Tomorrow I fly from PHL to PIT, CMH, DAY, SDF, STL, and finally, MKC. 6:50 flying time. We will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and are on duty for 10 hours because of the stops and checking in an hour before flight..  Flying time is considered from the time they remove the blocks from the plane's tires to taxi out to arrival when they put the blocks on the tires. That's why flying time is called  "block to block". People will ask, "If the flying time is only 30 minutes, why does my ticket say we will arrive in an hour?" Then I have to explain the taxi time in and out. It is confusing, I know.
     I'm living in terror that they'll balance me this weekend. If they do, everything will be spoiled. I am anxious to see what this Doug guy is really like. He'll probably end up to be a real fink.
     I'll be waiting to hear all about your trip to Europe. I hope you get on all the flights okay.
                              Love, Tish

P.S.  Maybe I can work a trade to get home this month. F/22 has 23 hours in ORD. I'll try!


November 1, 1962    Stationery from Mayfair Lennox Hotels - St. Louis

Dear Mother,
     I can't begin to tell you how bad this stupid flight was today. We were on that airplane for 9 hours and 40 minutes. I couldn't wait to get my feet on solid ground! We served lunch from PHL to PIT, beverage PIT to DAY - nothing DAY to CMH, beverage CMH to SDF, dinner from SDF to STL and dinner from STL - MKC. I was working "A" and my hands were so sore from carrying those heavy trays. I figured I fed at least 160 people and gave "coffee, tea or milk" to all of them too! We had full loads on a 749 and made 40 million trips up and down that aisle. Boy! What a glamorous life I lead. I'm so exhausted I'm completely wide awake and I can't settle down at all.
     You know I have the big date this weekend, and when I got in from flight, I went to scheduling and reluctantly looked at the Hostess' Master Schedule to see if they had me set up on a balance. Well, I was set up to go out on a turn-around Saturday, and I almost died. I was afraid to say anything and wanted to pretend I never saw it. But then, I thought I just had to get out of it somehow. So, I talked to the scheduling fella (almost had tears in my eyes, I played it up so good.) I said, how can they do this to me when I just got back from a 4 day trip and just spent 9 hours on an airplane with only one day of rest. I told him this weekend was so important to me and I didn't care if they balanced me up to 85 hours on every day off I have. (I was desperate!) Well, I almost made the poor guy cry after spending at least 10 minutes talking him out of it. He took his eraser out and erased my name and set me up on a new Wichita flight Sunday. It goes out at 12:15 and comes back at 3:00 - just to ICT and back. I almost kissed him and he just said, "Have a good time, Tish." So, I got Friday and Saturday off. This is the first time I've spoken up to them or really anyone on anything. I'm sure glad I had the nerve and didn't just accept it. Boy, I'm really getting along in this world, aren't I? And, I guess it's about time, since I will be 21 next month!
                     Love, Tish

MARILYN MONROE, PENNY BEER, ROCKEFELLER CENTER

August 5, 1962  Kansas City

Dear Mother,

     I cleaned the bathroom and mopped the hall, ironed my blouse slips and generally picked up things. I tell you, this house is dirty every day. It's not messy, it's just dust all over. Jan cleaned the bathroom yesterday, but after five girls taking baths, washing hair, etc. in one room, it just needs cleaning every day.
     I heard on the radio today that Marilyn Monroe killed herself. She was nuts!
     Yesterday, we changed furniture in every room. It was 95 degrees, so we were doing all this in shorts and bras.
     Last night I went out with a friend of Charlie's and we doubled with Anna & Charlie. I used Dianne's I.D. and we went to The Heidelberg. The owner is going on a month's vacation in Germany for Oktoberfest, and wanted to get rid of all their beer. All they sell at this place is beer, and after 9:00, it was a penny a mug! Well, you can imagine the riot it was. We had eight at our table and ordered eight beers and gave the guy a dime and told him to keep the change!
   Friday night I went to the Savoy with Ed and had lobster. Afterwards, we went to his house for a party. Of course we watched the All Star Game and I had my eyes peeled on Paul Horning. It was sort of fun, but I don't like Ed at all anymore
     Will be anxious to hear from you about coming down for a visit.
                      Love, Tish

August 10, 1962   New York City

Dear Mother,
      Got up this morning and went shopping on 5th Avenue. Took a subway and went with one of the girls I flew with. We had such a good day. We stood right at Rockefeller center! I know I saw it when I was 9, but now that I'm grown up, it is so much more exciting. I couldn't believe I was actually shopping in New York! You know me, and shopping! I bought a very plain sheath dress - perfect for packing on layovers - at B. Altmans. It is beige and white stripes (real wide) short sleeves. Walked through Lord & Taylor too - the clothes!! There's so much!  Couldn't get over the people - rushing and banging into me. (I was gawking too much I guess.) And the makeup and hair-do's! Ye gads - everyone wears eyeliner galore!
     I had my hair washed and set at the hotel. Really living high!! Thank God tomorrow is pay day!! It may be a bit crazy here in NYC, but I love it!
                  Love, Tish

DRIVE-IN MOVIE, CRASH OF GLASS, DON'T THROW UP NOW, LITTLE GIRL!

June 7, 1962

Dear Mother,
     This morning Jane O'Boyle called me. She's Superintendent of hostesses, and I couldn't imagine why she was calling me. She said I had been requested for a charter to Las Vegas and wanted to know if it was o.k. I was so happy! This is the one for the Illinois Jaycees and Kathleen and Marilyn Genz are going to be on it too. I sad "yes", of course, and they'll have to adjust my schedule. I can't wait now.
    Tonight I am going to a Drive-In with Jack. I haven't been to a Drive-In since I left Ill. It's going to be a nice night to be outside.
     Buzz called . Haven't heard from him in a month. He asked me out, so I thought I might as well since Jack is getting "too steady". I am afraid he's snowed and I'm not about to have another "Jack problem". If he says I'm wonderful one more time, I'll slug him. Out of the clear blue sky last night he asked me if my father was living. He didn't think he was because I only talked about you.  Then he really complimented you, mother dear, as other boys have before. He said he certainly would like to meet you and thinks you must be a remarkable woman to raise three daughters on your own. He said he never met a girl like me with such a level head. Oh dear....here we go again! Heaven forbid!
     Jan had her kidney operation Monday. Haven't heard how she is, and am anxious to know.
                Love, Tish


June 15, 1962

Dear Mother,

You'll never believe what happened on my flight last night. Out of IDL (NY) we had 22 passengers in First Class to serve drinks and cheese and crackers in one hour to PIT. The other girl had only been flying a month. Well,we didn't quite make it. People still had drinks and stuff. I just sat down before we touched the ground, and realized I failed to shut two doors on the galley carriers, and when the thrust reversed, the doors opened and about 100 glasses came crashing out. You've never heard such a horrible crashing sound before. They kept on coming and kept on coming.  The cockpit dooor flew open and the flight engineer asked me if we were o.k. It must have been horribile for them to hear that noise on landing. I've never seen such a mess. There were cherries and olives and broken glass all over the galley. I was sick. The man who came to clean it up had to use a shovel!  Boy, was I embarrassed. That's never going to happen to me again! (And, for the next 29 years, it never did!).
     I cleaned, did my hand washing of blouse slips, cuffs and gloves. Then Jack called and wanted to know if I could get and I.D. (I was still only 20 years old.) to go to The Castaways. It's a hangout for college kids and they have three fellas who entertain and are supposed to be like The Kingston Trio. Doubt if I can get one. Anna will be home tonight, but I would never get away with using hers! (Anna was a tall blue-eyed blond.)
     Got a letter from Jan. She said the scar is quite large and to forget the 2-piece bathing suit from now on.
                        Love, Tish

June 20, 1962  Cleveland, Ohio

Dear Mother,     \
     This has been quite a day. We were up at 04:30 for our flight. Sara (my supervisor) met us at the airport as she stayed at the airport hotel instead of here. I worked "A" and Ann worked "B" - Sara observed. Oh, does she observe. I felt like her eyes were glaring at me! We had 46 passengers with breakfast to Dayton. I made all the announcements okay, and didn't' think I had done anything "wrong", but I figured she'd find something. I just figured that's what she's there for, and I was open for her suggestions. Well, when we deplaned all the passengers, she came up to me and said, "Tish, you do an excellent job. I wasted a Sunday coming out to check you. You're my prized pupil. I'm going to have to write Kathy (my sister) and tell her what an excellent job you did."  Well. I beamed from ear to ear and almost floated all day. Isn't that terrific?!
     Our next leg started with stormy weather, and the seat belt sign was on the whole way to CVG. and out of there we were supposed to serve dinner, but couldn't, as it was so bumpy. The captain was a complete nut and introduced us over the P.A. (They never did that in the  "old days".) He was so funny, the people were all laughing out loud. Then he had music playing over the P.A. practically the whole way. We finally had time to serve a beverage and the people were given meal tickets. Everyone was in such a gay mood by the time the flight was over, they didn't even care about their meals. They all said what a good flight they had when they got off. It just makes all the difference when the Captain explains what's going on, and having a sense of humor sure does help. Some of those guys never open their mouths, and we take the brunt of the passengers disappointment when we can't serve.
     One little girl was in the lav after all the turbulence and I was helping her wash her hands. I guess she was around 7 or 8, and she turned to me and said, "I'm going to throw up." I said "WHAT?"  And, she said, "I'm going to throw up." - and looked white as a ghost. I just wanted to say "No you can't NOW, little girl - not NOW!!! Well, I came to my senses, and grabbed a white bag and told her to throw up. And, she did - not once, but three times - and she hit the bag 2 out of 3 times! The one miss ran down my left leg (gag!). Surprisingly, I held up very well, and cleaned up the whole mess - on me - on her - and on the floor. I walked her back to her mother and explained what had happened.
     Other than that, everything on this flight was dull.  Ha ha. Better close as I have to get up at 04:00.         
              Love, Tish

IDLEWILD LOST AN AIRPLANE, FIND ME A BACHELOR, AND VIRGINA DARE!

April 19, 1962

Dear Mother,
         Well, I guess this reserve thing isn't so bad. I just got called out on an ALL JET FLIGHT to San Francisco. I layover and then go to N. Y. and layover, stopping in ORD.  All the way across the country on a Jet! It's a really senior flight. Won't that be something? I'll try to call from ORD when we stop for a few minutes.
                Love, Tish



April 23, 1962
Dear Mother,
      Here I am in STL. Seems like I am here more than home. We had a bad experience yesterday. Ended up working for 15 hours with a mechanical, switching airplanes, and bad weather. What a mess! We were supposed to have a 1049-G and they gave us a 749. The First Class people on the 1049G were supposed to get a meal, but no meals can be served on the 749 because there aren't any ovens. But then, we couldn't very well serve meals to some and not to others (the coach people who were now on an all first class plane - they were only getting a beverage on the 1049G.) Are you confused? It is confusing. But all the men (only one woman out of 55 passengers) were very nice about it.
               Love, Tish

May 5, 1962

Dear Mother,
     Just got in from flight last night at 12:30 a.m. I signed in as #17 on the reserve list, and they called me at 10:00 this morning to go out again. I really thought I'd get a longer rest than that. I am really beat from that flight! To top off our 1 hour and 20 min. delay in ORD, we had to hold over N.J. for one hour because Idelewild lost an airplane -- if you can imagine such a thing! Don't know if they ever located it, but we finally landed. It was so good to fall into the hotel bed, but dreamt all night that I was real crabby with passengers and was in a terrible mood when I woke up. I worked the "A" position from IDL to MKC, and the people were really nice, so it was easy to be nice to them.
                Love, Tish


May 10, 1962


Dear Mother,
     Am watching Route 66 in CLE, which I haven't watched since I was home. Did you know it's filmed on Catalina Island? Oh, what great memories I have of us being there. Taking the boat and all.
     Sure had a rough flight this afternoon. Went from IND to CVG in 28 min. and served a beverage. Then from CVG to CLE in 1 hr & 10 min. we served a meal. Was that ever fast and furious! I worked galley and I mean worked! There was a man in the first row watching every move I made and when I served him he said, "Boy, are you ever going to make a good homemaker." I was very pleased. Told him he should tell some eligible bachelor that. ha ha. Then some man in the last seat wanted fish and we were out of fish. He ranted and raved and I went back and tried to calm him down. Told him we'd give him a meal ticket in CLE. He was so nasty and I didn't have time to listen to his gripes. I mean I couldn't just stand there and listen to him because we were already descending and there were so many meal trays still out!
     Well, this morning in IND we went with the crew in a rented car to the Speedway Race Track. Watched the trial runs and now I can say I have been to the famous race track. After that, we stopped at a drive in and ate, then went to the airport, changed clothes and went on our flight.
                   Love, Tish


May 20, 1962


Dear Mother,
     Guess I'll start with yesterday. I got up at 9:00 and got dressed to go down town. The buses are heavenly because they're air conditioned. I got off at a corner near Macy's and saw this store that looked like Lerners, so I went in. It's called Virginia Dare. Anyway, I bought two pair of the cutest shorty p.j.'s for $1.99 each. I found a yellow full skirted dress with little spaghetti straps that tie in a bow, for $5.99, so I bought it. I'm beginning to get thrifty minded again - I don't have much choice!
     After I got home, John called and I went up to their house. (dental students) They have central air conditioning and their house is so cool. There were a bunch of people there, and we drank some beer. John got a phone call from friends of his who live on a lake and they invited him to go swimming. So, he asked me to go and I jumped at the chance. Two other couples went too. I swam, of course, and as usual, the other two girls didn't want to get their hair wet. The three boys and I swam across the lake and back and had a lot of fun. It ended up that they threw the girls in - they were so teed off at them. Then the girls got teed off.  Gosh, it all would have been so simple, if those silly girls would have taken a swim in the first place! Oh well. You know me and swimming!
                Love, Tish
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A clipping from the Kansas City Star (May 20, 1962) I sent to my sister, Kathleen, about a TWA Hostess who had been flying for 25 years. I sent it "tongue in check" as I never expected to fly for a long time; after all, I was going to be a "homemaker"! I flew for 29 years, which certainly was not news worthy in 1991.

"Today is the 35th anniversary of Charles A. Lindbergh's solo flight from New York to Paris. It is also the 25th anniversary of flight for Miss Jerry Marvin, a hostess for Trans World Airlines. Miss Marvin is the only hostess employed by a major airline to have recorded 25 years of uninterrupted flight service. The average length of service for a hostess is 26 months, and the principal reason for termination is marriage. Miss Marvin doesn't rule out wedding bells. "But so far," she said, "the right man hasn't come along at the right time, and until he does, I've got two other loves to keep me busy and happy - flying and nursing." The airline no longer requires hostess candidates to be registered nurses, but Miss Marvin is prepared to return to nursing if she should be grounded before she reaches the retirement age of 55. Miss Marvin takes a great deal of kidding about her age, but no one enjoys it more than she. Her favorite story is about a group of athletes who apparently had enjoyed some success in Kansas City and were returning to Cleveland. "They were in extremely high spirits, and I had to be rather firm with them." Her eyes crinkled in merriment as she related: "While changing planes in Indianapolis I overheard one of the boys say, 'Boy, that airline is smart. On the flight out they assigned us the sweetest, cutest little hostess possible, and sent an old bag to take us back."

I MET A FELLA

April 16, 1962

Dear Mother,
     I met a fella who works at Hallmark Cards. Chuck Andrews. He has a very good position at Hallmark Cards. He took me downtown this morning, which was really nice of him because I would have had to taken a bus. Taxis are so expensive. He's very sweet, but too short! (Only about 5'6"). BUT - he has a boat and a '62 Buick convertible. So, I'm up to my old tricks by getting acquainted with a boat owner and I must add, a convertible owner, for this summer. He's already asked me if I water ski, and I said , "I love it." So, I may be in for some good times. Isn't that funny?!
     I'm going to type Tom's term paper for him. I knew my ex-career would come in handy somehow. ha ha.
                          Love, Tish

MY FIRST FLIGHT ~ THEN I'M ON MY OWN

Every hostess flew her first flight with her Hostess Supervisor. It was called "Familiarization Flight". After that, she was officially "On Line" and on Reserve when she would be called out on short notice for flight duty.  

My sister, Kathleen was a Hostess Supervisor out of MDW (Midway Airport - Chicago) and requested taking me on my first flight - ORD -BOS - ORD. 

Pictures were taken by TWA.

ON THE LINE

April 2, 1962

Dear Mother,
     Here I am in St.Louis on a 20 hour layover. I was called out yesterday at 5:30. The flight from MKC left at 8:15 and we got into STL at 9:25. (prop plane.) It will be good to have some time to rest up after my big flight with Kathleen. I'll never forget that flight. It really was hard to believe that we were flying together. She has always been so helpful for me growing up, and now she was helping again. It's put me so much more at ease now.
     Thanks for the cookies - they're delicious as usual.
                                      Love, Tish

April 7, 1962

Dear Mommy,
     I can't begin to tell you how much I love San Francisco. Now I know what you mean about it.
I called Barb when I got in and she and Paul gave me a grand tour....Telegraph Hill, Fisherman;s Wharf, China Town, Old St. Mary's, Golden Gate Bridge. I was like a little kid hanging out the car window. I saw cable cars, flowers, bushes with leaves on them and everything. (After a long winter and bare trees, this looked good to me.) Oh how I'd love to be based here sometime. (That was going to be my next move from NY - then I met Jim.)
     I have really good news! I got an orchid letter from the captain on my first flight. (This was not the flight with Kathleen, but my official first flight on my own without a supervisor.) He wrote this on my flight report:
"This lady did an excellent job on this, her first trip. No one would have known it was her first flight as a reserve hostess. It was a pleasure to be in command of this ship."  Isn't that fabulous?! He also told me there was no doubt in his mind that I would make an excellent hostess. I almost cried  - I was so happy. But it seened odd to me to be called a "lady" at the age of 20! Well, maybe I have become more of a lady than I realize.
    Back to MKC tonight. Don't know when I'll get out this way again. Sure hope it's soon.
                                          Love, Tish xxoo

Would you believe I saved my first "orchid letter"?

Sara was my supervisor.

April 12, 1962

Dear Mother,

     Last night we had a lot of fun.  You know those dental students I've talked about? Well, Anna and I cooked a roast and we decided we had enough to share because Donna was the only other girl home. So, Anna called Charlie, and asked if he could bring a couple guys. We ran around here preparing the house as if JFK himself was coming. We lit the fireplace, set the lights low, set the dining room table complete with linen table cloth and napkins, candles and a flower centerpiece I bought in San Fran.  Charlie came with John and Ken. Ken is really cute. The meal was delicous. We also had corn, peas, asparagus casserole, rolls, browned potatos and carrots with baked apples for dessert. It was delicious. Of course, I made the gravy. The fellas really seemed to enjoy it too.

     Afterwards we played cards and they went home. Ken asked me out for Friday night, so I guess it paid off.

Guess I'll do the breakfast dishes. All five of us are home, which is rare.

                                         Love, Tish

MY FIRST FLIGHT ~ THEN I'M ON MY OWN

Every hostess flew her first flight with her Hostess Supervisor. It was called "Familiarization Flight". After that, she was officially "On Line" and on Reserve when she would be called out on short notice for flight duty.  

My sister, Kathleen was a Hostess Supervisor out of MDW (Midway Airport - Chicago) and requested taking me on my first flight - ORD -BOS - ORD. 

Pictures were taken by TWA.

ON THE LINE

April 2, 1962

Dear Mother,
     Here I am in St.Louis on a 20 hour layover. I was called out yesterday at 5:30. The flight from MKC left at 8:15 and we got into STL at 9:25. (prop plane.) It will be good to have some time to rest up after my big flight with Kathleen. I'll never forget that flight. It really was hard to believe that we were flying together. She has always been so helpful for me growing up, and now she was helping again. It's put me so much more at ease now.
     Thanks for the cookies - they're delicious as usual.
                                      Love, Tish

April 7, 1962

Dear Mommy,
     I can't begin to tell you how much I love San Francisco. Now I know what you mean about it.
I called Barb when I got in and she and Paul gave me a grand tour....Telegraph Hill, Fisherman;s Wharf, China Town, Old St. Mary's, Golden Gate Bridge. I was like a little kid hanging out the car window. I saw cable cars, flowers, bushes with leaves on them and everything. (After a long winter and bare trees, this looked good to me.) Oh how I'd love to be based here sometime. (That was going to be my next move from NY - then I met Jim.)
     I have really good news! I got an orchid letter from the captain on my first flight. (This was not the flight with Kathleen, but my official first flight on my own without a supervisor.) He wrote this on my flight report:
"This lady did an excellent job on this, her first trip. No one would have known it was her first flight as a reserve hostess. It was a pleasure to be in command of this ship."  Isn't that fabulous?! He also told me there was no doubt in his mind that I would make an excellent hostess. I almost cried  - I was so happy. But it seened odd to me to be called a "lady" at the age of 20! Well, maybe I have become more of a lady than I realize.
    Back to MKC tonight. Don't know when I'll get out this way again. Sure hope it's soon.
                                          Love, Tish xxoo

Would you believe I saved my first "orchid letter"?

Sara was my supervisor.

April 12, 1962

Dear Mother,

     Last night we had a lot of fun.  You know those dental students I've talked about? Well, Anna and I cooked a roast and we decided we had enough to share because Donna was the only other girl home. So, Anna called Charlie, and asked if he could bring a couple guys. We ran around here preparing the house as if JFK himself was coming. We lit the fireplace, set the lights low, set the dining room table complete with linen table cloth and napkins, candles and a flower centerpiece I bought in San Fran.  Charlie came with John and Ken. Ken is really cute. The meal was delicous. We also had corn, peas, asparagus casserole, rolls, browned potatos and carrots with baked apples for dessert. It was delicious. Of course, I made the gravy. The fellas really seemed to enjoy it too.

     Afterwards we played cards and they went home. Ken asked me out for Friday night, so I guess it paid off.

Guess I'll do the breakfast dishes. All five of us are home, which is rare.

                                         Love, Tish

GRADUATION DAY

Graduation Day - March 15, 1962

I am blessed with two older sisters. Mary Ann is nine years older, and at the time of my graduation, was living in Wisconsin with her husband and her three darling sons, Kevin, Patrick and Timothy. She wasn't able to attend the graduation, but my mother and sister, Kathleen, were there. Kathleen, who is four years older, started flying for TWA in 1957, and was promoted to Supervisor of Hostesses two years later. TWA took the opportunity to have some publicity on "sisters flying together" when Kathleen arranged to take me on my first flight. First, let me introduce you to my sister, Kathleen by way of her graduation picture in 1957. This uniform was worn for two more years, and then changed to the more "modern" look in 1960.  I love this classic "Stewardess" uniform.  

TWA PUBLICITY SHOTS

This shot was taken in cabin trainer - meal tray with plastic food.

I am sixth from left standing next to our instructor.
Notice we are mostly brunettes, which TWA seemed to favor, and all of our hair styles are the same.

The five roommates: Diane, Donna, me, Janet and Anna.

Chicago Tribune  - Monday, April 16, 1962 

 The article written under the column name "White Collar Girl" - what working women were called in 1962. The writer, Ruth MacCay traveled on board our first flight together from Chicago to Boston and back to Chicago. Kathleen and I worked First Class.

My sister, Mary Ann, brother-in-law, Jim,  and nephews drove all the way to ORD from Milwaukee to meet our flight from Boston. At that time, of course, they could go right to the gate and greet us. We have always been a close family, and continue in that tradition. Our mother instilled that in us out of necessity after our dad passed.

Dubuque IowaTelegraph Harold

 Everyone in my family was born in Dubuque except me. My birthplace was Milwaukee, WI.  My father was with the Milwaukee Rail Road, and perhaps all that train riding gave me the wanderlust for travel. Dubuque is the resting place of my mother and father (he died at the age of 44, and mother never remarried), and the home of my dear cousins, Suzy and Peter.

Mother took this picture of us in front of her apartment in Elgin, IL. We spent the night there before my first flight out of Chicago - ORD.



GLOVES, ATTITUDE, AND WINSTON CIGARETTES

                 Hostess Training Manual

06  Special Information

HINTS FOR TRAVEL

It is important that each hostess pack her crew kit in such a manner that it is not awkward for her to handle, since she is expected to carry her own kit. Wearing gloves really helped keep blisters down carrying our crew kits for "miles". When I flew International, it was different, just as it is on the Pan Am TV show - they are not carrying their crew kits on board the aircraft - we checked our crew kits (in the belly of the plane), by just putting a "Crew Tag" on the handle with our name and destination. When we arrived at the destination, the bags were removed and placed on the bus that would take us to our hotel. At the hotel, the porters would remove our bags and deliver them to our rooms.  I recall tipping the porters in Europe with Winston cigarette packages (four to a pack), which were left on the meal trays in coach.  Another popular tip was the Kennedy Half Dollar.

It is always advisable to prepare for the unexpected. Items that you should always carry are your makeup, hair equipment, the required uniform items listed in the Manual, nightwear, house slippers, and an extra pair of hose. Maybe two or three extra pairs of hose!

LAYOVER HOTEL

It is essential at a layover hotel, when sharing a room, that hostesses show consideration for each other. Be considerate of a roommate who may wish to sleep. If you want to watch TV or read, at least make an effort to keep the volume low or read by a light far enough away so you won't disturb your roommate. Pilots, of course, had their own rooms. Hostesses shared rooms on domestic layovers, but had their own room on International. Sharing of rooms continued until males were hired as flight attendants in the 70's. Actually, some time after that. You see, the males got their own room and the female hostesses were still sharing, so  the union finally persuaded the company to allow female flight attendants to have their own rooms as well.


PERSONAL CONDUCT

Travel is broadening if you undertake it with an open mind and a receptive attitude. Accept surroundings with grace and tact -- relax and learn to enjoy the new and different without making comparisons. Go to new places and new countries as if you had no set tastes and standards for judging what you see and experience -- or even what you eat. This is GREAT advice for anyone traveling outside the USA!

Whether in uniform or out of uniform -- on duty or off duty, a hostess must conduct herself as a lady at all times. Due to the very keen public interest and knowledge of the hostess position, she is under public observation constantly. Everything she does or says attracts genuine attention, consequently, her responsibilities toward TWA and other hostesses are never ending.  A poor reputation can be the end result if discretion is not used.

While on a layover, the entire crew may get together for dinner or a movie. The hostess will pay her share of all expenses since this evening does not constitute a date. What a hoot! The majority of male crew members are married and have families to support, so naturally cannot assume the burden of hostess' expenses in addition to their own. It is advisable to carry enough small change and bills to handle your share of expenses. Do not expect your crews to be able to make change for you. We were so poor when we started flying with our meager salary, that we couldn't go out for dinner or a movie the first few months. Sometimes, but it was pretty rare, the Captain would graciously pay for our meal......even though he was "supporting a family"...he he! 

A pleasant personality is certainly desirable in any job, but essential in the position of a TWA Hostess. It may be necessary to do some pretty fair acting in order to put on a cheerful front when problems plague you; but in affecting such an attitude, you do yourself, as well as everyone around you, a favor.

PERSONAL FINANCES

Live within your means -- it is never shameful to say "I can't afford it" -- nor do you need to explain why. A well-planned budget is a necessity if one is to stay on top financially. When planning a budget, remember to take into consideration fixed expenses such as rent, telephone, lights, etc.

Paying by check is no doubt the best way (from the standpoint of safety and convenience) to handle your money and keep your records straight.

WHY FIVE TO SIX WEEKS OF TRAINING?

I recall a man asking me "Why in the world do you need to go to training for six weeks just to learn how to serve coffee and donuts?" You may be asking the same thing.  During those five weeks, from 8:30 until 5:00, sometimes later, we covered the following.

TWA Hostess Training Manual  1962

01 Basic Information
     The history of aviation and TWA
      Cities, Codes, and Airports,
      Nomenclature
      Terms and Definitions Relative to the Jet
      Jet Aircraft Comparison and Characteristics
      What Makes An Airplane Fly
      FAA and CAB
      24 Hour Clock - Time Zones
      Timetables and Official Airline Guide

01 Hostess Regulations
     Uniform Procurement
     Hostess Regulations Review
     Availability for Duty Review
     Scheduling Policy Review

03 Contract Scheduling Policy
     Contract Between TWA and Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Assoc.
    
04 Flight Procedures Cabin Management
     Infant Care
     Care of Blind Passengers
     Items Found in PSK (Passenger Service Kit)
     Flight Procedures (Piston) Review
     Flight Procedures (Jet) Review
     Flight Procedures (General) Review

05 Meteorology
    
06 Special Information
     Hostess Conduct
     Ambassador Club

06 Dining and Liquor Service
     Dining and Commissary
     Galley Equipment
     General Galley Organization
     Beverage Service
     Bar Service Terms and Definitions
     Questions Regarding Liquor Service

08 First Aid
    
09 Emergency And Passenger Safety
     Passenger Safety
     Fire Protection

10 Aircraft And Emergency Equipment
     Aircraft Identification

# 10  was the "meat and potatoes" of training. We had to memorize and get tested on cabin equipment of each aircraft TWA flew at the time, and get qualified and certified by the FAA to fly them. This included location and operation of Cabin Doors, Emergency Exits, Emergency Slides at doors, First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, Portable Oxygen, Light Control Panels, Galley Control Panels, Circuit Breakers, Interphone, Microphone, Jump Seats, Passenger Service Unit, Lounge, Coat Compartment, Lavatory, Passenger Seats, Ventilation.


Some things have changed since then, but the basic job description remains the same for today's Flight Attendant:

 "BE ABLE TO EVACUATE

A FULL LOAD OF PASSENGERS

 ON A BURNING AIRPLANE

IN 90 SECONDS OR LESS".

The rest is all "GLAMOUR".


The following  seven aircraft were in service with TWA when I graduated from training.

                                                    749 & 749 A Constellation
                          56 passengers & 57 passenger - all one class - two seats on each side.

Below is a picture of the "manual slide"  on the 749 . YIKES!  No automatic inflation here.  In case of an evacuation, we would ask "able bodied men" to volunteer to "shinny" down the slide and hold it for passengers to jump.

This was a fun plane to fly. Just two Hostesses - one worked the galley, the other worked the aisle, with lots of "ups and downs" . This plane made frequent stops, but it wasn't just the landings and take-offs that made this plane "fun" to fly, it had "ups and downs" in the air too!  The prop planes were not pressurized, so they could not fly at and high altitudes....above the turbulence and wind drafts.  Believe me, the "burp bags" got used on these planes - many, many times. An oddity on this plane was the location of one of the hostess jump seats. It was behind a curtain in the women's lavatory. No joke. It was a side seat facing a mirror, and the mirror reflected the port hole window above the jump seat. I remember sitting and watching the water slosh back and forth in the sink to my left and the horizon bobbing  up and down through the window's reflection and feeling pretty queasy. On warm summer days, it was horrible; not to mention the odor from the w.c., which was behind a bi-fold door. Come to think of it, maybe this plane wasn't all that much fun to fly. When it came to serving meals, connies didn't have drop down tray tables. Instead, there were bayonet trays in the seat pocket and we had to individually place each tray for the passengers. The trays had folding arms with a knife like edge (thus bayonet) which slid into the arms of the passenger seat. I remember a couple times flying with a more senior girl who would do a big "no no" and make a P.A. announcement for the passengers to place their own bayonet trays. It certainly saved a lot of time with a full load and a quick flight, but it wasn't "regulation". No ovens or coffee makers on the connies. Food and coffee were brought on board in containers and plugged into electrical outlets in the galley.  Sometimes the electrical outlets wouldn't work and the coffee wouldn't be hot and the meals would be cold.

Below are actual pages from my manual with my graphics. Notice the first one below....the aft of the airplane (bottom right hand corner) - right lav has a "CAS" printed in a box. That's the Cabin Attendant Seat I referred to above.
 



          
                                    1049-G Constellation
                                                            33 First Class - 39 Coach

Ahhh. The "Super G Jeststream".  After the DC-3's, the Martin 404, and the 749 Constellation, this plane was PURE LUXURY for passengers and crew! TWA was the first airline to have two classes of seating: First Class and Tourist . Due to the prop noise, First Class was in the aft section and Tourist/Coach was forward.  First Class had bayonet trays in the seat pockets and in Tourist, we gave them a pillow for their lap and placed the meal tray on top of the pillow. There were overhead berths in First Class which were used when this aircraft flew International Routes. Many a movie star enjoyed the luxury of the berths when TWA was known as the "Airline of the Stars", thanks in part to Howard Hughes' connection to Hollywood.

Check this out for wonderful pictures and stories about the stars who flew TWA: 

www.twaflightattendants.com/airlineofthestars.html

                                       1649 Constellation
                                                             32 First Class 40 Coach


                                                              Convair 880 Jet
                                                               34 First Class 55 Coach

This was the airplane Howard Hughes wanted and no one else at TWA did.  He wanted to have an all First Class Airplane.  But, that didn't work, so it was converted to First Class and Coach. It had a terrific vertical climb on take off and when seated in the aft jump seats, we always thought the tail was going to scrape the ground! The cabin doors were the heaviest of any airplane we flew. In the training mock up we had to open the door unassisted, and I was very much afraid I would not be able to do it when I was tested. This was my least favorite airplane to work, but I recall the pilots liked to fly it.

                                                         Boeing 707 131-331
                                                          30 First Class and 89 Coach
                   The configuration was changed for International flights to 12 First Class, 128 Coach.

My favorite plane of all, including the wide body Lockheed 1011 and Boeing 747. I loved this plane and the way the wings would sort of "flap" when flying. It had just the right amount of seats for comfort and serving. This is the plane depicted in ABC's Pan Am. It had dome lights in the ceiling and at night, the lights looked like stars,  and included the big and little dipper. Look at the 707 mock-up in the Pan Am series - they have replicated these dome lights. Additionally, on the mock-up, one side of the galley is the actual 707 galley with coffee maker and ovens.

                                                                Boeing  720 B
                                                              40 First Class 71 Coach

I must confess I do not remember this aircraft and don't think TWA had them in service very long. If any of my TWA readers recalls, let me know.

One more week!

March 15, 1962

Dear Mother,

     We tried on our uniforms and mine fit perfect. It's unbelievable how they can take chalk and mark the skirt and jacket all up -  and then it comes back and fits like a glove. Fortunately, I didn't loose any weight since the fitting. The jackets have narrow white cuffs that snap in, so we take them off after each flight and wash them. They told us we won't have to dry clean the uniform real often and if we get a spot, we need to spot clean it. They are wool gabardine I think. The blouses have a slip attached. They're called blouse slips. This way, when we reach into the overhead rack, our blouses stay tucked in.  Speaking of that, in the winter we will be really busy getting all those coats out of the overhead rack.  Before landing, we must come through the cabin and take everyone's wraps down and hand them to them. That's after we take off our in-flight shoes, and put on our hats and high heels.  Oh, and I forgot, the summer uniforms are a lighter color skirt - kind of taupe color with a cream color blouse slip with a collar and a bolero jacket. The jacket has piping in the same material as the skirt. They are made by Don Loper in Hollywood! Lucky me. I never thought I would have something made by a designer in Hollywood.
     Tests every day. Had the dining and I think I did o.k. on it.  But, the most important ones are the Aircraft and Emergency Equipment. We have to know how to operate every slide in case of emergency evacuation. And, they're different on each kind of aircraft. We have to know where every oxygen bottle is located on every plane. In fact, when we start flying, that will be part of our pre-flight check; making sure the oxygen bottle is full (the needle is in the green zone). I wonder if I will ever have to use it on a passenger.
      I just hope I can remember everything about the Boeing 707 by the time I get to fly one. Everyone says we will be flying the Connies (propeller) because the senior girls like the jets. Fine with me. I'd rather have fewer passengers. Anyway, Cabin Management has been my favorite. Can you imagine, we even learned how to warm up baby bottles? We take a burp bag out of the seat pocket and put hot water in, only half way, we have to loosen the cap, put the bottle in the bag, and seal it and let it sit for a bit. We even test it on our wrists before we give it back to the mother. There are bassinets too, which are kind of hard to put together. They can be placed on the floor, or if there are empty seats on the seats. We put three pillows in the bottom and then a blanket at the end. There's even games for kids and diapers in our supply kit.
     I am so excited to graduate and have you and Kathleen there. We find out tomorrow what base we got.
                                            Love, Tish
P.S. Did you find my camera? Remember, the flash doesn't work.


March 16, 1962

Dear Mother,
      I got MKC! Five of us got MKC! (Kansas City, MO) Can you imagine? Jan and I will still be together, and Diane (from St. Louis), and Anna from Nashville, and Donna from Chicago. We'll have to find a big place for all of us. We are all thrilled. Don't know how we will even afford to live but we'll get by somehow. Everyone else has, so we can too. Guess I'll be eating a lot of Cheerios.
    Are you getting your grip packed for your trip to Kansas City? Won't be long now. I can't wait to see you and Kathleen. I know you are praying for me and that helps me a lot.
                                      Love, Tish