September - December 1939.

   September 10th. Packed and left for nursing school in Red Wing. Schedule  will be 1/2 work, and 1/2 classroom. Much of the month of September is spent learning to take temperatures, make beds, give baths, and general patient care. For a break we walked down town Red Wing, where we would pick up nursing uniforms and go to a movie at the Chief for 12 cents per show. Met Bob on the 23rd at the movie. Went home on the 24th for the weekend and attended church with the family.
   October. A busy month where we settled into the routine of classes and work. Most of our time off was spent studying. Went to a movie at the Chief " The Rains Came", it was "very nice". My room mate is Leila Bremer, I went to school in every grade with her and we were confirmed together.
   November. The dumbwaiter broke and we had to carry patients trays for several days--very busy.    Nov. 7, I worked all day and received a blouse and socks from Jean and Leila, Two dimes from Aunt Ethel.  "I grumbled all day, and studied in the p.m." Nov. 11-17 Bob stopped by the dorm, and we walked to Red Wing. Nov. 20 I have been moved to the third floor. "a terrible place." "Cleaned out a mouse nest in a patient room." "Mr. Jones smells terrible." "I think I will quit!" . Nov 22. Mr Jones died, Nancy and I laid him out. Nov. 24. Mr Woodward brought in, we had to place him in restraints to keep him in bed. Nov. 28. A date with Bob.
   December. I was warned not to sleep through breakfast any more. Very busy: studied for tests, glee club Bible class, dates with Bob. Dec. 20 Christmas party. Some students left for vacation as they had long distance to travel. Eleanor stayed until the 25th. "Worked in the morning and Margaret picked me up in the afternoon." Dec.28 Dance in Goodhue, returned to Red Wing the following day.  Dec. 31. New Years Eve movie double header at the Chief:" Daytime Wife, and Eternally Yours" , stayed out until 2 a.m..
   I guess in today's world of 24/7 news, it is surprising to me that Eleanor made no mention of World war II beginning on September 1, 1939. I was surprised by her reaction to the Third Floor. I suppose everyone has a "third floor experience", where one is tested and tempted to quit. Eleanor mastered the challenge and wound up working quite a bit for others on the Third Floor. She doesn't have much of an opportunity to get back to Goodhue, I found only 4 entries where she went home in the last 4 months of the year.
Budget for December: 3 Movies @ 12 cents each. Ice cream 8 cents. Stamps 2@ 6 cents. Church 5 cents. Flowers 5 cents. Blouse 50 cents. Birthday card 5 cents, and candy 5 cents.