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