February 25, 1963
Dear Mother,
Our flight was routine except we had a little excitement before we took off. One of the last men to get on the plane went back to the lav with a briefcase. He stayed in there a few minutes and then came out. I was the only one who saw him and told Diane. (She was my roommate and there were just two of us on this plane.) The door had just shut so Diane went up to tell the captain. They already started the engines, and immediately the flight engineer came back and searched all the containers in the lav. Then they shut off the engines, pushed the stairs back up and three agents came on and searched the lav inside and out. I was the first one to go in there right after the man came out and I was sure I smelled liquor. But later, there wasn't any smell and the agents left and they shut the door. The man stopped Dianne and said he had important papers in his brief case and had to keep it with him at all times. He said that one other time he went in the lav with his brief case and the same thing happened. Later, he stopped Diane again and said he took his "important papers" out and put them in his pocket. Can you imagine? How stupid. All he was doing was drinking and I'm sure his "important papers" was a bottle or flask.
So, that's the newest and latest news.
Love, Tish
February 19, 1963
Dear Mother,
Well, one year ago today was my first day of training. I can't believe how time has flown. Yet, I can look at it as you do...it seems like ages since I lived at home and worked at Chicago Rawhide. Pretty soon it will be a year we've lived at 438 W. 62nd St.
I've got so much to catch up on with you that I hardly know where to begin. My date the other night turned out as I thought ~ he was a fink. He was nice, but far from my type. He's about 4 inches shorter than me and I felt like his mother. We went to the show and saw "Two For the See Saw" with Shirley Mclain and Robert Mitchum. After that, we went to the top of the Hilton for a few drinks and danced ~ which really made me feel funny. Hope he doesn't call again.
Friday I flew with Bob Reid again and the F/O was Gordon Macintosh. Gordon was based in ORD for 5 years and knows Kathleen. We went bowling in DAY and my legs still ache. (Dayton, Ohio - stayed at a little motel we called "Desi's" because that was the woman's name who ran it or owned it...Large lady who was always sitting at a desk which was where we "checked in". She would open the desk drawer and it was filled with cash. Oh, those simple days of long ago. Next door was a bowling alley and we always went bowling and drank beer when we had a long enough DAY layover.)
I would really like to talk to you but I figured out my phone bill and it came to $19.00! Ugh! Can't afford to call. I bet your phone bill is staggering. My paycheck was only $68.00 this week because of my personal time off. (This was a two week paycheck!) My expense check on the 25th won't be much because last month I was off sick and didn't fly much.
I'm enclosing stamps that were on the newspapers you sent me. They weren't cancelled.
More later.
Love, Tish
This is one flight I will never forget. Crew consisted of three guys in cockpit and two hostesses. We left for a three day trip - went "non-routine" and came home six days later. We had a layover in Miami and we all bought huge bags of oranges and grapefruits. We were supposed to fly from MIA back to KC. However, due to bad weather and delays, our three day trip turned into six days of dragging bushel bags of oranges and grapefruits around the country.
March 7, 1963
Dear Mother,
I made it home ~ finally. We'll never forget this flight. We had 32:14 flying hours and 124 expense hours. Let me tell you, we sure got attached to the crew. Thank God we had a decent group or we would have been out of our minds! But being with the same men for 6 days is really different. Their wives were at the airport to meet them. I'm sure they wanted to look us over to be sure we weren't "hussy" looking, if you know what I mean. It made me feel funny because they really stared at us.
Tuesday night went went out for dinner in DCA at a fabulous seafood place. We had such fun! After that, we went to a "drinking establishment" and danced. These fellas were an absolute scream! They carried us across Pennsylvania Ave. at 2:00 a.m. because it was raining and the street was full of puddles. I laughed until my stomach ached. (Well, it's no wonder their wives were worried. They were probably calling their rooms past midnight and not getting an answer and imagining all kinds of things.)
Of course, once again, we didn't get much sleep. (Gosh! I was mor of a partyer than I remember!) Because we were non-routine, we didn't know when we would leave DCA. Just after getting to our room, our Capt. called at 2:30 a.m. and told us he got word we were going out at 06:30. And not out of DCA but BAL! My hair was so dirty and grubby and we were pooped! But, we were glad to know we were going home.
This last day was a long one. We had to get up at 05:45 and take a cab to BAL (Baltimore, MD) to get the flight. The weather was terrible. It was so foggy you couldn't see a block in front of you and it was pouring rain. We didn't put the people on because it was too foggy to take off. After 45 min. the fog lifted so we loaded. We left the ramp and were warming up the engines (prop plane) and the cockpit got word that DCA - where we were landing - was below limits. So we sat at the end of the runway for an hour. I was up in the cockpit most of the time listening to jokes. Finally we took off and landed in DCA (finally!), then STL and we got back home at 4:30.
We got the oranges and grapefruits home o.k. It was so funny. I'll never laugh so hard again. We stored the them in the ramp office in DCA, thinking, of course, that we would be leaving out of DCA. But, they had us leaving out of BAL, and becasue we knew we were stopping back in DCA, we didn't take the bags with us in the cab to BAL - there wouldn't have been room anyway! So we left them there and were going to pick them up when we landed from BAL. Well, when the weather was bad in DCA, we were afraid we'd have to overfly it. Ed (the Captain) said we couldn't overfly and we would wait until it cleared if we had to wait 24 hours ~ we were not going to leave those bags of oranges and grapefruit after lugging them all over the country. That was hysterical! We were picturing all the ramp guys and agents eating our oranges and grapefruits.
I sliced and cut up three of them for the crew after we took off from DCA and even put a cherry on each of them (you taught me that!) They ordered their coffee and I surprised them taking the grapefruit up too. They couldn't get over how thoughtful that was. Dianne and I sure got some nice compliments from Ed. He said he had only been flying 3 months as Captain but had never had 2 hostesses that did as good a job. He had told me Saturday that I was a "real hostess" and I knew how to keep people happy. He said some girls don't know how to handle people from their ass (that's an exact quote.) (I can't believe I wrote this to my mother!)He gave me all those compliments after he had been in the cabin with me on the last day. I had several wings for him to sign and was holding the sweetest little boy I had ever seen. His name was Michael and he was a blonde headed blue eyed little doll. His father and mother were very good looking - both very nice and sharply dressed. (Everyone was sharply dressed in '63, I wonder what made them exceptional to me?) I wanted to take him home with home with me. Not bragging or anything, but I know I am doing a good job and some days are better than others. I can always tell when I've done my work well ~ I feel so satisfied and happy. (Gosh! I loved my job so much!)
Well, that's it for now.
Love, Tish
Pan Am, the TV series, brought renewed interest in the glamour days of flying. I began my career with TWA in 1962. In those days, it was too expensive to call long distance calls, so, as a devoted daughter, I wrote letters to my mother. Unknown to me, she saved every letter and post card. Now I share these letters, and give you a peak into the the life of an airline hostess in an era when flying was considered glamorous. Welcome Aboard TWA!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
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
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!!!!
Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, December 9, 2011
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:
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
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.
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
Monday, December 5, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
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
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
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
Saturday, November 19, 2011
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."
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."
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