...Memories and Musings of Helen Benjamin Jagen

Noteworthy journal entries from January 1957...

1 - Very cold weather - 19 degrees in the morning. Ted and I came home from Rahway(NJ) at 4:30. Had an enjoyable time with Irene and Tom, Helen and Dick, Wanda and George, Marion, Harry and the Kelly's. Went to 7 o'clock mass with the children. Betsy went to a hunt. The rest stayed at home relaxing.

5 - Betsy and Ted went to work at 8am. The remaining members dismantled Christmas tree and put away all evidences of Christmas. Rearranged living room. At 7pm began a very enjoyable evening of cocktails and buffet at the Brytczuk's. People from the plant were there. Home at 2:30.

6 - Church at 7am. After breakfast I slept on the sofa in the den with a sore throat. The family went to Bay Head to check boat. Jane went to V. Paulson's party.

7 - Snowed a little during the night. Dorothy went to tea party with B.J. at the Taylor's. Drove jane and Susan to catechism. Put ad in the paper for pink Caddy.

8 - Steak 0.69 / lb. a the A&P

10 - Sent in check for new '57 Cadillac - $4704. Cleaned kitchen thoroughly, doing stove, curtains, walls, etc.

11 - Sold '56 Cadillac to Dr. Lucier for $4350.

12 - Teddy took College Board entrance exams. Picked him and two friends up at Asbury H.S. All children went skating at the Babcock's. Dorothy and I went to the library.

16 - Six inches of snow. Went to Asbury Park to see doctor with Dorothy, who got a shot. Bought two pairs of boots - one for Dorothy and one for Ted.

17 - Teddy and Betsy went toboganning.

26 - Betsy went with Dad to work and at noon he drove her up to Penny's house for the weekend.

27 - McCarrol's came at 2:30pm Took a ride to Bay Head to see the boat.Very wet, so Helen and I stayed in the car. Had supper on return - shrimp creole and rice, salad, rolls, cake and coffee. Bill's favorite is macaroni and cheese in any for. Children spoiled.

30 - Dorothy and Ted - shots. Teddy had tests. Bought my cashmere - on sale from $150 reduced to $119. Received a package from Viola - dresses for us and a skirt. Beautiful. Betsy worked.