8/30-9/5/53

Aug 30 Sunday The parakeet chirped this morning. At noon Sam Mencher met us here and we taxied to Woodlawn where I lost to him in 95.8° heat. I also played some with Eugene. Lil Harry and the kids dropped over too as they were in the Bronx. We couldn't make Richie's birthday party near the Golfhouse as it was too hot. Sam came home with us where we found Sylvia temp. 103°. Bishop Haas is dead at 64.

Aug 31 Temp 97°. Dr. Holzman came this morning as Sylvia's temp was 101°. He diagnosed a virus of the throat; gave her a shot of penicillin prescribed aureomycin, gargling with Lavoris liquid diet ... The parakeet takes food now of its own volition.

Sept 1 Sylvia's temp remained at 102° yesterday but came down to 99.8° this morning. Dr Holzman ordered the same treatment today. The temp reached 97° yesterday.

Sept 2 Sylvia was perfectly well but still did not get dressed. The temp. hit 93° to end a five day streak of 95° temps which set a record.

Sept 3 The temp hit 99° yesterday, a record for the summer and the date. General Wainwright is dead at 70 and Jacques Thibaud was killed at 73 in a plane crash with all other occupants. We both read Alfred Karin's "A Walker in the City". Lillian read Irwin Shaw's short stories, "Mixed Company".

Sept 4 The temp hit 91.6°. East German Communists entered the West zone to disrupt elections there. Gen. Dean was released by the "Reds" in Korea after a three year captivity. Lil and Madeline went to Joyland on Upper Broadway as they had some half price tickets. The kids enjoyed themselves. In the morning I took Norma and the kids to the library where Sylvia drew "Ginnie Joins In" C. Wooley, "Family Grandstand" C.R. Brink, "Sand in her Shoes" M. Lawrence (again) and "A Little Princess" F.H. Burnett. Eugene "The Great Baseball Managers" C.B. Cleveland, "The N.Y. Giants" F. Graham, "State Champs" L.E. Burgoyne, "The Angry Planet" JK Cross, "When the Stars Come Out" R. H. Baker.

Sept 5 The temp hit 87° breaking a string of successive 90° temperatures at 10. Silvia and Norma went to the Fordham to see "Second Chance" and "Sea Devils". We watched the Forest Hills matches on television. Jack Pfiester is dead at 75, Richard Enright at 82 and Buck Herzog at 68.

8/23-8/29/53

Aug 23 Sunday We went to Woodlawn where I beat Walter Waldman and played with Eugene. He had his new racket we got him Hy Eisenberg - $8, Eugene and I picked berries as Sylvia didn't have her slacks. Jim Taber [?] is dead at 36.

Aug 24 Sylvia played with Susan K. had lunch at her house then went skating with her. Eugene played punchball with his boys at the St James playground.

Aug 25 Split with Berman. Sylvia went swimming at Walton. In the morning she went to the library where she drew "Triumph Clear" L. Beim, "Nelly's Silver Mine" H.H. Jackson, "A Present From Rosita" C. Edell, "Larry's Luck" M. Urmston.

Aug 26 Last night we marched in and gave Lillian her presents. Sylvia had a set of necklace and ear-rings which she had bought in Alexander's all alone. Eugene and I had shopped together at Alexander's where we bought an umbrella and three handkerchiefs. The American Bar Ass'n voted to oust Communist lawyers from the profession. Communist strikers followed non-Communists in the return to work in France. Results have been insubstantial. New Premier Pella was confirmed in Italy.

Aug 27 Eugene played punch-ball in St James in the heat which reached 95° today.

Aug 28 Temp. 95.5°. India failed to win the necessary 2/3 vote to participate in the Far East Conference of the U.N. which includes Korea. Two C.P. fugitives - Bob Thompson and Sid Sternberg were captured by the F.B.I. in the Sierra Mts. 100,000 East Germans defied their gov't to seek food in W. Germany on the plan sponsored by the U.S. Nicolai Berezowsky is dead at 53.

Aug 29 Yesterday Lil and the kids went to the Kingsbridge to see Brandon DeWilde in an excellent 'Western' "Shane" and "The Lady Wants Mink". Last week they saw the French picture "Fanfan the Tulip". The heat today which reached 97° kept us quiet. We sat across the street and played "charades". I bought a parakeet today for Sylvia as she has been after us for a pet. It was $14 including cage and food. Eugene was the first to feed her tonight. We named her "Prissy". 

8/16-8/22/53

Aug 16 Sunday We went to Woodlawn where we picked our first berries of the season. I also played tennis with Eugene.

Aug 17 Eugene played with Bobby and Sylvia with Norma. We had a tube replaced in our television $5.50. Lillian read "East Side General" - Frank G. Slaughter. I read "On Our Way" Patterson, Mebel, Hill (Young Pages from American Biography [sic]).

It was actually ... American Autobiography. 

Aug 18 Sylvia went swimming at Walton (the summer school). I went to the library with Eugene where he drew "Men of Other Planets" K. Heuer, "The Story of Bobby Shantz" as told to Ralph Bernstein "Adventures in Time & Space" Healy & McComas, "Jill & I & the Salmon" Jack Russell, "The Exploration of Space" A.C. Clarke.

Aug 19 Eugene visited Bobby after the latter called up. Lillian went to see Sarah also. Sylvia went to Tibbetts with the vacation school group. I beat Burd at St James. Riots in Iran have cost 300 lives and the successive flight of Shah Pahlevi and Premier Mossadegh. Premier Laniel demanded French strikers return before talks are resumed. The biggest 1-man holdup in years saw $191,000 stolen in a Floral Park bank. Ed Flynn is dead at 61 and Bishop McConnell at 82.

Aug 20 Sylvia and Susan K went swimming at Walton then to the Fordham to see the three dimensional "The Charge at Feather River" and Count the Hours". I played tennis with Eugene then lost to Freddy Katz. Russia announced it had exploded an H-Bomb. This was confirmed by us.

Aug 21 Non-Communist gov't workers in France returned to work but the strike spread in private industry.

Aug 22 I beat Baldi at St James. Eugene and Sylvia looked for friends in the park in vain. Former Rep Knutson is dead at 72, Bert Andrews at 52 and Malcom [sic] Bingay at 68.

8/2-8/15/53

Dad made one long diary entry for our vacation in the Catskills, but then also made a few other entries.

Aug 2-15 We spent this period at "The Cranes", Kerhonkson, NY. We found a group of progressive people there with whom we had a pleasant time. In the morning I usually played tennis with Harry, Vicki and Eugene. Later there was horse shoes, badminton, volley ball, ring toss. Lillian participated in all these sports. We went to the pond before lunch. In the afternoon we usually sat around and chatted. After supper we all met at the barn where we had a delightful time with folk dancing, charades, cards, anagrams, ping pong and various other games. We saw Stalag 17 in Ellenville with Harry and Lee. Sylvia went to the day camp but usually was on the outskirts as she was older than the others. Eugene had no one but Peggy near his age. He played chess with me in addition to the tennis and I had a slight edge. We had a great time at the farewell party where we all loosened up a little. Eugene and I had two stomach upsets and Sylvia one. The food was not very good. The cost to us was $280. Sylvia and Lil went home with Harry & Lee. Among the other new people there were Murray and Barbara, Syma [?] and Harold, Minna [?] and Herb, Phil and Shirley, Vicky, Rae Greenberg and Mr Katzman and Sam and Fan. Sylvia learned to swim by herself. 

Aug 7 The Exchange of Communist and UN Pow [sic] began and continued daily. Returning Americans told stories of hardships and cruelties charging many died in prison. They stated many were being held to finish out prison sentences for various crimes and the U.S.threatened to retaliate if all Americans are not returned.

Aug 13 The Carpenters Union left the A.F.L. in protest against a no-raiding pact with the C.I.O. A French general strike in protest against raising of retirement ages and economy discharges started a week ago then waned and waxed with Communists pulling for an all out effort to overthrow the gov't.

Aug 15 We returned to the City and had supper at the Tuxedo. Friedrich Schorr is dead at 64.

7/26-8/1/53

July 26 Sunday Al & Edith picked us up in their car and we went to Woodlawn. Danny is gentle and adorable. Debby is cute and wanders about getting into everything. I won a chess game from Al and beat Warren Burd in tennis. Mom and pop came up also. I played with Eugene also and we quit when the courts closed. Sylvia went on for a while and Eugene chased. Previously I had volleyed on the grass with Lil and then with Sylvia. Eugene did most of the chasing.

July 27 Eugene played punchball in the park play ground, having finally contacted last years' boys. The three year war in Korea ended with the signing of a truce. An attempted revolution in Cuba saw many killed. I played some tennis at St James. Gen Plastiras is dead at 69 and Jennie Moskowitz at 85. 

July 28 Our table came today from Mallory - $69.50. I went downtown with Eugene to Harry Ross where we picked up the Stellarscope $16.50. He carried it home. I also deposited some bonds at the Fed. Res. Bank. 100000 East Germans crossed to the West Zone to get free food. Lieut. Arthur Miller was ousted from the police force as a "Red". 

July 29 We went to the library with the kids and Eugene drew "The Midnight Colt" G. Balch, "The Moon is Hell" JW Campbell, "Between Planets" RA Heinlein, "Fighting Sheepman" R.P. Tracey and "Say it Aint So, Joe -                       . Sylvia drew Hans C Andersens Fairy Tales, "Lou Gehrig, Boy of the Sand Lots" G Van Riper, Jr, "Sand in her Shoes" M. Lawrence, "Peachtree Island" M. Lawrence (again), "Everybodys Island" A.M. Lillie. We bought a tripod for Eugene's stellarscope which he'd assembled, in Camera Craft - $16. DeGasperi resigned. 

Dad left space, but apparently never got around to entering the author of "Say it Aint So, Joe".

July 30 Evelyn and Isabel came over bringing various sundries and apparel for Eugene and Sylvia.

July 31 Rev. Jack McMichael, before the "House" Committee denied he was a Communist and denounced the Committee.

Aug 1 Mom and pop came over as they are leaving on their vacation tomorrow morning also. We had lunch on the new table. Then they dropped us off at Molly's to say good-bye. Senator Taft is dead at 63 of malignant tumors. 

7/19-7/25/53

July 19 Sunday It was a record 96° yesterday. Today we were tired of Woodlawn so we went to the Surrey to see Danny Kaye, Farley Granger and JeanMarie in "Hans Christian Anderson" and "Seminole". Last night Lil and I visited Molly as she had a severe attack and was in for the day.

July 20 Eugene and Larry went to the Fordham to see "The Beast from 20000 Fathoms" and "Kansas Pacific". Sylvia and Norma went to the summer playground. In the evening pop took the family to Lil's for Peggy's fifth birthday. Norma went along as Madeline had gone to the hospital to see Pearl. Maurice Tobin is dead at 52.

July 21 Russia resumed diplomatic ties with Israel. East Germany outlawed strikes as "fascist provocations". Jan Struther is dead at 52 and Walter Herrick at 76.

July 22 The kids are playing in the tournaments at the vacation playground - checkers, ping-pong, shuffleboard, knock-hockey, etc. I beat Jablonsky today at St James. Bishop Oxman denounced the "House" inquisition and criticized the Communists at a hearing. Russia demanded that we stop free food to East Germans.

July 23 In a torrential rain everyone was in. Sylvia played here with Norma.

July 24 Lillian read "The Caine Mutiny" H. Wouk. We both read "Dance to the Piper" Agnes DeMille's Autobiography. Eugene also read the former book.

July 25 We spent the day at St James, going home for lunch. The hot spell has broken for the second time this summer and it was glorious. I beat Mac Cohen and played with Eugene. We had sodas and then Salami and eggs for supper. Sylvia has been pestering Lillian for a bicycle. She puts on a very sad act. The Subway and city bus fare became 15¢ today. Senator Tobey is dead at 73.

7/12-7/18/53

July 12 Sunday To Woodlawn where I beat Feiner and taught Eugene. We all played ball and volleyed off court. Sylvia as usual wanted to play on the courts but she is not ready yet. Al Shakhet took us home. Red Worthington Giant rookie won his second successive start by a shutout tying a record. He gave 2 and four hits. He also stopped Brooklyn's bid for the A.L. record of home runs hit in 25 successive games. B'klyn broke the N.L. record by hitting homers in 24. 

July 13 Eugene played with Larry in summer school then had lunch at his house. Lillian read "The Sadness in Lexington Avenue" M. Brinig and "The Dream Merchants" H Robbins.

July 14 The kids went to summer vacation play ground., North Koreans made their strongest attack in two years and gained 2-4 miles. Herbie Rawlinson in dead at 67.

July 15 Sylvia drew "The Dooleys Play Ball" - M. Renick, "Ballet in the Barn" R.J. Woody, "Roommates" L.C. Rendina, "Daniel in the Cub Scout Den" J.H. Kohler and two "Story Parade" magazines. Harvey O'Connor and Leo Huberman refused to answer questions about their Communist affiliations. I played tennis with the girls. Eugene and Larry went out to the park.

July 16 Beat Herb Levitt. The kids played in the Summer school and entered the ping-pong tournament.

July 17 Eugene and I went to E 163st for a telescope kit and found it included only the mirror. The temp. hit 95.8°. Hilaire Belloc is dead at 83. 

July 18 Pop took us to and from Woodlawn in 95° heat. I beat Warren Burd and played chess and tennis with Eugene. Sylvia amused herself with the chess, played checkers with pop, ball with us and went to the spring with us where she watered the parched grass. Lillian read "The Caine Mutiny" in the park. Maude Adams is dead at 80.

Although he didn't write anything about it, the box score of the MLB All Star Game (which was actually played on Tuesday, July 14) was taped in over this and yesterday's entry, and scanned in below. 

7/5-7/11/53

July 5 Sunday Another fine day and we went to Woodlawn where we were found by Molly and Sam. I planed with Eugene and he did well, hitting his first decent backhand shot. Maureen Connolly won her second successive Wimbledon title beating Doris Hart in a tremendous match 8-6, 7-5.. D. Hart and S. Fry won their third consecutive title over Connolly and Julia Sampson 6-0, 6-0. Rosewall & Hoad defeated Rose and Hartwig to win the Mens doubles 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5. Miss Hart & Seixas beat S. Fry and E. Morea in the mixed 9-7, 7-5. In Hungary Rakosi was replaced by Imre Nagy in a move to placate the people. Collectivization was relaxed and heavy industry subordinated to agriculture. In Poland, battles were reported between Russian soldiers and Polish soldiers and civilians.

July 6 Eugene played tennis with Larry then they watched the Giants - Phila. game here. Sylvia played in the park. Romania joined the satellites in easing things for the population due to the general unrest in the East.

July 7 Eugene and Larry went to the school for activities. Sylvia planed in the park. Six Local 65 leaders some of whom have disavowed Communism and who have been admitted to the C.I.O. refused to answer questions about their "red" affiliations at the House inquiry. They included Paley, Osman, Livingston and Michaelson. Titta Ruffo is dead at 76.

July 8 Played tennis with Eugene and he developed a hitch in his swing. Police made 95 raids on "bookies" arresting 72. Czecho rescinded the decree penalizing absentees. Strikes were reported in Hungary. Mrs Paul Robeson and Arnaud d'Usseau refused to answer questions at the Senate investigations. Temple Bailey is dead at 80+.

July 9 Eugene and Larry went to Walton again for ping pong and shuffleboard. In the afternoon we had to fight to get him out of the house. He finally went to the library and read in the park. He drew "Great Negro Baseball Stars" Doc Young, "The Magnificent Yankees" Tom Meany, "Line Smasher" D.Friendlich, "Adventures in Tomorrow" K.F. Crossen, " Best Science Fiction Stories - 1949" Bleiler & Dikty.

July 10 Played some tennis with Micky. Eugene and Sylvia went to Walton separately but played ping pong together. Beria was ousted as Chief of the Secret Police and held for trial as a foreign agent and enemy of the Soviet. 

July 11 Beat Daniels at St James. While Sylvia went to Rockaway with her friend Susan Kahn and her parents, mom, pop, Lil and the kids came over here. We then took a ride, took Lil home, then came back home. JB Matthews appointed to his committee by McCarthy had to resign when Pres. Eisenhower indirectly attacked his article which had charged Protestant Clergymen were the largest single group supporting the Communist apparatus. Ben Hogan became the third player ever to win the British and U.S. Open titles in the same year. He won it with a 282 on his first try.

6/28-7/4/53

June 28 Sunday Pop and mom took us out to Palisade Amusement Park where we all had a good time especially Sylvia. First we had a picnic lunch which we had at the picnic tables. Then the kids went to town. Sylvia went on rides mostly while Eugene preferred games. Eugene went on a few rides but the exciting ones find him a little timid. Sylvia however will go on anything and looks for more thrills. She got a hat monogrammed with her name and was the only one to win anything at the games. She won one dog race and got a pad and pencil. The kids won tickets at skee ball and got some whistles. We had drinks of all kinds and ices. We played miniature golf, saw an aerial act and took pictures. Going home the car wouldn't start and we called the A.A.A. Pop had a dispute with him but it was soon straightened out. A terrific shower started the moment we got upstairs. 

June 29 Eugene and Larry went to the movies.

June 30 It was Sylvia's last school day. She was out playing all day.

July 1 Eugene played tennis with Larry. Sylvia went to the movies with Betty-Ann and Arlene. We put up wallpaper in the foyer.

July 2 Eugene played ball with Larry. Sylvia kept cool in the yard shower with the other girls.

July 3 We got our foyer and living room linoleum today. Eugene played ball with Larry. 

July 4 On a gorgeous day, cool and not humid, we went to Woodlawn with Sam Mencher who came over from Queens. Sam and Molly and pop came over later. I broke even with Sam. Eugene won a chess game from pop. We played some ball on the lawn and listened to the ball games on our portable. Sam Mencher came home with us and stayed the evening. Vic Seixas won the Wimbledon title beating Kurt Nielson 9-7, 6-3, 6-4. 

6/21-6/27/53

June 21 Sunday Father's Day The family got me a wallet and slacks. We got pop a terry robe and liquor. Eugene saw this game Friday with his class.

Dad drew an arrow to the box score, which, again, was taped in over the diary entry, this time with one tape that could be lifted off so that the entry could be read.  

June 22 Here yesterday 93.7° - record for date. 10,000 attended the Rosenberg's funeral where a photographer was assaulted. Several other disturbances occurred and defence counsel Emanuel Bloch called the executions 'murder'. Books of 40 authors have been banned by U.S. libraries abroad. Russia said the East German uprisings were instigated by provocateurs sent by the West. Strikes, imprisonments and shootings continued.

June 23 Eugene and I got sneakers at Davegas. The painters came for a 3 day stay. The government made many concessions to the workers in East Germany. There were trials of accused instigators of the riots. Many workers participated in "hunger marches". Ignatius Wilkinson is dead at 66.

June 24 The UN after two years of investigation charged that forced labor existed in Russia.

June 25 While the painter finished our apartment Lil and I and mom attended Eugene's graduation at Creston Jr. High School. Sylvia had complained bitterly because she couldn't go as we had only three tickets. Eugene had parts in the N.Y.C. "tapestry". After the exercises we all had lunch at "Carols" Concourse & Fordham Rd. We had hamburger steak sandwiches juice, coffee, milk etc. Sylvia joined us so she did not return to school in the afternoon. Afterwards I taught Eugene and beat Herb Levitt and Mac Cohen. Hundreds were rounded up in East Germany and some executed.

I do not remember what the "tapestry" was. The program from my graduation was taped into the diary here. 

June 26 The American Library Assoc'n criticized the State Dept's purge of our libraries abroad. Nationalism was criticized in Russia.

June 27 Eugene went out to play Larry while I played Phillips and Trillich [?]. After lunch we went out to St James then had sundaes at Addie Vallins. Joseph Laniel became premier of France after a 30 day search for a head of the government. Former Gov Miller is dead at 84 and Ewing Galloway at 71.

6/14-6/20/53

Beginning of Book 9

June 14 Sunday I went to St. James with Eugene and gave him some tennis instructions. He has no back-hand as yet. Sylvia got on the court for a while. We had to play on the asphalt. After lunch we went to the Museum of Natural History, on a cool day. We saw giant fishes; tropical birds. Eugene got a book of stars. We stopped off in Central Park for a while for a catch. Dr Douglas Southall Freeman is dead at 67.

At the time that I stopped playing tennis because of spinal stenosis, I still didn't have (much of) a backhand. But I think that astronomy book is still around someplace. 

June 15 Communists made heavy attacks in Korea rolling back US and South Korean troops. Moscow asked Tito to resume normal relations. Gen'l Pinilla seized the Columbian gov't in a coup. Eisenhower attacked "book burning" here.

June 16 The Supreme Court denied two "Rosenberg" pleas. It freed Bridges on a revocation of citizenship under the Statute of Limitations. Ben Fielding is dead at 44.

June 17 Justice Douglas gave the Rosenberg's a last minute stay. Eisenhower, visited by minsters refused clemency. Revolution threatened East Germany as thousands of workers demonstrated and rioted against the gov't, the Russians, increased work norms etc. Johnny Mize's 2000th hit drove in the only Yankee run as the Yanks lost 3-1 to the Browns. The Yanks 18 game winning streak and Brown's 14 game losing streak ended. Lillian got a dress and shoes for herself and a dress for Sylvia.

June 18 Rhee defied the UN by freeing 25000 Anti-Communist NoKorean P.O.W.'s. Martial law was declared and Russian troops brought in in East Germany. A hundred were killed and wounded in clashes between rival forces in the Anti-gov't uprising. Margaret Bondfield is dead at 80. Lillian went to Science with Eugene where she enrolled in the P.A. and heard speeches of the school's merits and scholarship. Sylvia went to the library with Susan and Gail on Wed. She drew  "Dina and Betsy" - A De Leeuw, "Eight Cousins" L.M Alcott, "Ellen Tebbits" B Cleary "From Bobcat to Wolf" LS Gardner and "Enchanted Caravan" DG Butters. 

June 19 The worst air crash ever killed all 129 U.S. servicemen aboard a transport train near Tokyo. Rhee refused to recapture released POW's as more continued to flee. Rene Fonck is dead at 59. The Red Sox broke the modern record for runs in one inning with 17; hits in one inning - 14. Sammy White scored three runs and Gene Stephens got three hits. 

Apparently Dad decided later to tape in the box score, but, since he didn't leave space for it, he just taped it at the bottom so the entry could be read by bending back the box score. 

June 20 Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the convicted atom spies were electrocuted at 8PM yesterday. Desperate attempts to save them finally failed. Demonstrations and protests were held all over the world. Here the main rallies were in Wash D.C. and New York. Seven Hawaiians were found guilty of conspiracy to teach and advocate the overthrow of the U.S. after a seven month trial. We went to the library where Sylvia drew "Out to Win" M. G. Bond [sic], "Steady" by J & M Renick, "The House in Robin Lane" V.F. Voight. Eugene drew "The Cleveland Indians" F. Lewis, "The St. Louis Cards" H.G. Lieb. "Ballard of the Space Patrol" M. Jameson, "The Gun Slinger" A. Herbert, "Design for Tennis" M.K. Browne. We went to Woodlawn in 93° heat where I taught both kids tennis. Ben Hogan became the third man to win the U.S. Open Golf title four times.

Events/Deaths (Book 8)

At the end of each book, Dad included summaries of significant events, and deaths, from each book of the Diary. 

                                                                        Events 1951

'51
Aug 17 Sylvia gets deep cut on leg.
        24 Evans wins U.S. chess title.
        26 Macgregor-Sedgman win U.S. Doubles title.
        28 Giants win 16 straight     
Sept   3 37 die in fishing boat tragedy
          4 Sedgman wins U.S. Singles, Maureen Connolly wins Women's
        13 Ray Robinson regains Middleweight title.
        20 Chief bookie Gross refuses to testify
        22 Eugene and I see Giant Brave game
        29 Reynolds pitches 2nd No-hitter of year
Oct    4 Giants win play-off for pennant
          6 Pop has accident
        11 Yanks win World Series over Giants 4-2
        22 Truman names first envoy to Vatican
        24 Sylvia has colitis
        26 Tories regain power in England
Nov   3 We get increased pay, sick leave and vacation
          7 Halley wins City Council pres. in upset
        16 Eugene gashes head
        20 Basketball stars jailed for "shaving" points
        25 Peggy visits us
Dec   4 Sylvia has virus of neck gland
         7 Eugene's first failure
       12 DiMaggio retires
       21 Mine explosion kills 119
       30 Australia beats U.S. in Davis Cup 3-2
'52
Jan   2 Illinois beats Stanford in Rose Bowl 40-7
Feb 10 Sylvia has congested chest
        13 Eugene has sore throat and swollen glands
        21 First "Brownie" meeting held
        25 Savitt and Mrs Kiner win tennis titles
Mar 10 Arnold Schuster murdered. He spotted Willy Sutton
        21 Sylvia has a virus bronchitis
        22 Humphrey Bogart, Vivian Leigh and "An American in Paris" win awards for 1951
        27 "Brownies" investiture is held with photographs
        31 Truman will not run
Apr 10 "I Am a Camera" wins dramatic award
        28 176 killed in destroyer plane crash
May  6 "The Caine Mutiny" and "The Shrike" win Pulitzer prizes
        10 Eugene has gland inflammation
        12 Sylvia goes to the Royal Hospital with an appendicitis and has her appendix out
        26 West German peace pact signed
        30 French crisis starts
June  3 Supreme Court upsets Truman seizure
        26 Maxim won over Robinson in 14th
July   5 Wimbledon winners Sedgman, Connolly
         20 Susan and Peggy spend two days with us
         25 Eugene goes to Boy Scout Camp
         30 South Pacific (we see)
Aug    4 U.S. is Olympics winner
           7 ...
          16 Sylvia visits her cousins
Sept    8 Sedgman and Maureen Connolly win Nat'l Singles
            5 Susan has polio
(Dad did enter this out of order)
          24 Rocky Marciano wins Heavyweight title, Ko's Walcott in 12
Oct      7 Yanks beat Dodgers in World Series 4-3
          16 Jim Carter wins Lightweight title
          20 Sylvia home with stuffed nose and belly-ache
          25 ....
          28 Eugene gets new glasses on prescription by Dr Fleischner
Nov     4 Sylvia comes home from Hospital as Eisenhower wins
           11 Lie resigns as Lillian gets coat at Kleins
           26 George Meany is new AFL president
           28 11 Czech Communists sentenced to gallows
Most of the next page (two sides) is so torn as to make transcription impossible. Dad did continue "Events" on the inside back cover of the notebook, but I have decided not to bother with it, since it's just a repetition of what he wrote earlier; perhaps he did this section in order for him to have a way to go back and find things. There is also, at the end of each book, a list of "Deaths", in which he repeated the names and dates of the notables whose deaths he recorded; this one does not seem to start at the beginning of the book, and I have decided not to transcribe it as, again, it just repeats what he wrote earlier.

Accordingly, this is the end of Book 8.

6/7-6/13/53

June 7 Sunday Eugene came home filthy as usual He had had a good time, he said. He got here about 5 o'clock. Mom, pop Rochel and Mayer came over followed by Sam and Molly. We had supper and refreshments. The kids played piano.

June 8 Eugene stayed home from school as he was all in after the Camporee. A P.O.W. agreement was signed in Korea guaranteeing no forcible repatriation. Rhee threatened to continue the fight alone. William Perl received 5 years for Espionage.

June 9 5000 longshoremen picketed in protest against the waterfront investigation of rackets. The Supreme Court ruled that Washington restaurants could not refuse to serve Negroes.

June 10 Sylvia stayed home this afternoon with a stiff neck. Tornadoes in Mass. and the Midwest killed and injhured many hundreds. South Korean deputies voted to disregard a UN truce. General elections in Italy saw the Center party coalition win 50.2% of the votes. The Left Wing slate got 34.7%. The Right Wing got 13.2%. Russia continued to make concessions in Austria. Godfrey Tearle is dead at 68.

June 11 Eugene plays tennis almost every day. Controls were eased in the German East Zone as the Communists continued their new policy.

June 12 Czech workers trampled pictures of Stalin and Gottwald and the Russian flag in protest against the recent currency reform. Einstein advised intellectuals not to testify before Congressional investigation committees.

June 13 We went to mom's for lunch. Lillian and the kids were there. Rochel and Meyer came over later. The kids played games and made up rhymes about "Grandma", Your hair is white, It must have happened during the night". "Grandma, your food is delicious, especially your ki-nishes". Peggy looked for someone to play with her as usual. Eugene won a chess game from pop while I drew with him. The Rev A.C. Powell Sr is dead at 88. 

5/31-6/6/53

May 31 Sunday It was still bad weather and we stayed in after I had gone downtown for ties. Sylvia accompanied me. I owe her a present as we could get nothing for her. On the television we saw films on spiders and lions on the Museum of Natural History's "Adventure" series, story of Marconi on "Hall of Fame", the Dreyfuss [sic] Trial on "You Are There". Dr Frederic Ernst is dead at 70.

June 1 ...

June 2 Sylvia's temp went down to normal and she watched television all day. The City leased its transit lines to a N.Y.C. Transit Authority for ten years. Mt. Everest was conquered for the first time by a British expedition. It was under the leadership of Col. H.C.J. Hunt. 

June 3 Sylvia was dressed and out of bed today. Elizabeth was crowned yesterday in Westminster Abbey as millions paid homage to her in the rain. 

June 4 Sylvia returned to school. Six men were indicted in Miami for racial terrorism. William Farnum is dead. Tilden is dead at 60. 

June 5 An important baseball trade saw Ralph Kiner, Joe Garagiola, Howie Pollet, George Metkovich going to the Cubs for Bob Schultz, Toby Atwell, Gene Hermanski, Preston Ward and Bob Addis  an option on the purchase of George Freese and $100,000. Roland Young is dead.

June 6 Sylvia and the Intermediates went to Rye by special buses where they had a great time in Playland. Eugene and his troop went to Alpine for the Annual Camporee. They slept over in tents on groundcloths. Mr Hoffman cooked for the troop. Lillian saw "Come Back Little Sheba" with Shirley Booth at the Kingsbridge.  

This last sentence was not in red in the diary, and was not transcribed here in red, but Blogger doesn't recognize the change back to black. That also applies to this comment. 

5/24-5/30/53

May 24 Sunday We went over to see Frieda as her aunt died. The kids played with Coleman and George. Leaving we rode over to Coney Island at the kids insistence. They went on the whip. Sylvia went on the carousel. Eugene tried out the bat-a-way. He hit one over the first barrier. We had ice cream, pizza and French fried potatoes. 

May 25 The I.L.G.W.U. announced it had assets of $166,000,000.

May 26 The Rosenberg's appeal was denied for the third time by the Supreme Court. An atomic shell was shot from a gun for the first time. It travelled [sic] seven miles. Max Surkont - Braves struck out 8 successive Cincinnati batters to set a new record. Jack Skelly is dead at 83.

May 27 The US expelled a Rumanian diplomat for attempting to bribe a naturalized American of Rumanian descent to become a spy. Aaron Copeland denied had had ever been a Communist. Nat Witt, John Abt and Julius Joseph refused to answer questions. Albert Spalding is dead at 64. 

May 28 Taft's suggestion for the U.S. to forget the U.N. as far as Korea is concerned and go it alone has been widely criticized. Jesse Burkett is dead at 84.

The following box score was taped in over this entry. Strangely enough, Dad left out the part as to how long the game actually was. It was 3:52, and that record has been overtaken by a lot. 

May 29 Police and firemen were put on the 42 hour week. Lillian read "Spark of Life" E.M. Remarque.

May 30 Memorial Day For the fourth time Judge Kaufman set a date for the Rosenberg's death - the week of June 15. Communists in Korea opened an attack called the heaviest since October. Man Mountain Dean is dead at 63. It was a rainy day and we went to the Coliseum to see "Call Me Madam" with Ethel Merman, George Sanders, Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen - Ethel Merman as the vivacious ambassadress to Lichtenburg who falls in love with its Prime Minister and "The Silver Whip" an interesting "Western". After the movies we went to visit Sam and Molly. We had hot dogs, salami also some vegetables. Sylvia had strawberries and cream.

5/17-5/23/53

May 17 Sunday Sylvia went to the park to play. Then Lil and I picked her up and we went to Fordham for a walk. Eugene stayed home to watch the ball game. We brought up Chow Mein.

May 18 A new Major League record of 41 men used in one game. 

This box score was taped in over this and the next entry. 

May 19 Eugene went out with his permit for the first time to play with Larry R. They had to take the asphalt courts. Radescu is dead at 76.

That would be the Parks Dept. tennis permit. St. James Park had 2 groups of clay courts, and one of asphalt courts. Dad always played on the clay courts. 

May 20 Eugene went out to play tennis again with Larry while Sylvia plays in the play-ground.

May 21 The new UN Sec'y Gen'l dismissed his first U.S. employee of the UN, Eda Glaser for refusing to testify.

May 22 French Premier Mayer resigned as Gaullists joined with Rightists to outvote him. 

May 23 Mom and pop picked us up and we drove to Lil and Harry's. The kids had a grand time. I played ball with them. They romped and told riddles.

5/10-5/16/53

May 10 Sunday Lillian got a house dress, bracelet, candy and corsage from us for Mothers Day. We gave mother a jewel box. Sylvia had a crowd visit her at the hospital. She got books, bubble baths, dolls, etc Mom and pop, Abe & Blume, Anne & Mac and the kids, Harry, Lil and the kids, Evelyn Isabel and Sam came over. We then all went to Mama's house except Sam. Longshoremen in a suspect election voted to retain the shape-up.

May 11 On Saturday mom, pop and Lil went to Mrs Nadler's studio after the hospital to see the recital by her pupils. Eugene played beautifully. He gave his duet with Mrs Nadler instead of Sylvia. I had to work. Sylvia came home today as she is fine and her xrays were negative. She read her 50 odd cards at home. 

May 12 Sylvia did not return to school yet. She watched television and went downstairs with Lillian. Texas tornadoes killed and injured hundreds. McCarthy claimed another victim as Theodore Kaghan was dropped by the State Dep't as "Voice of America" official in Germany.

May 13 Sylvia returned to school and came home with her friends Susan K and Harriet S. Eugene left his briefcase on the subway station for the second time. The man who found it - Mr Arons of the Concourse called up and Eugene went over and got it. After supper we went out to National Shoes and got Eugene sneakers $2. for his baseball and tennis.

May 14 Both the UN and the Koreans turned down each other's truce plans. Victor Perlo refused to talk about his Communist affiliation. Lillian read Quiet Street - Z. Popkin.

May 15 Senators led by McCarthy attacked Churchill and Attlee's recent statements urging compromises with Korea. Cedric Belfrage and James Aronson of the National Guardian defied the Senate Investigations Committee.

May 16 Eugene drew "The Secret of the Undersea Bell" JS. Douglas "The Illustrated Man" Ray Bradbury "Best Sports Stories - 1948" Marsh & Ehre "Thunder Road" W.C. Gault and "Gridiron Challenge" J Scholz. Sylvia drew "Whirligig House" - A.R. Wright "Boarding School" R. Woody, "This Boy Cody and his Friends" Leon Wilson and "Teeny Gay" C.M. Simon. We went to the Lido to see "Tonight we Sing" with David Wayne as Sol Hurok, and Ezio Pinza as Chaliapin and "Brandy for the Parson". Then we ate in Bickfords at the kids' insistence. William Oatis imprisoned by the Czechs for espionage was pardoned unexpectedly. Rocky Marciano, heavyweight champ retained his title by a K.O. over Joe Walcott in 2:25 of the first round. Walcott, said to be over 40, claimed he got a short count. 

5/3-5/9/53

May 3 Sunday Sylvia complained of a little pain in her stomach. ... Mom and pop came over bringing my pyjamas for my birthday. The kids played their concert pieces. Dark Star won the Kentucky Derby over undefeated Native Dancer who was second in an upset. Molly and Sam came over and the kids played again. Sylvia seemed better.

May 4 We woke at 7:00 AM ... 10000 attended a "Free The Rosenbergs" rally at Randalls Island.

May 5 Sylvia was in pain most of the day. ... She had slight portions of soda, soup, etc ...Her highest temp was 100°. Pulitzer Prize winners were William Inge for his play Picnic, Ernest Hemingway for his novel "The Old Man and the Sea", Archibald MacLeish for poetry. Bandleader Artie Shaw testified he was duped into being a "fellow traveller" [sic] before the House "UnAmerican Activities Comm." Mrs Dorothy Funn named 60 people she knew as Communists. Harold Riegelman was named acting N.Y. Postmaster.

May 6 Dr Holzman came to see Sylvia this morning and ordered her to Lebanon Hospital. There she had xrays and Dr Sherman saw her. She was in pain most of the day. However, ... John Frances Kelly, pier hiring boss was murdered. Jerry Robbins said he had been duped into joining the C.P. He named associates, Cedric Belfrage and Arnaud D'Usseau balked.

May 7 We visited Syl in the hospital and mom also there. Sylvia was still in pain. She is having various xrays taken. Lionel Stander took an aggressive stand against the "House" committee at his hearing. Jay Gorney refused to talk. Mrs Abe Burrows named many Communists she had known as did Robert Gladnick. Millen Brand, Herb Aptheker, William Gropper and Phil Foner refused to talk at the McCarthy hearings.

May 8 Lillian and Molly saw Sylvia today and she was a new person. She had unaccountably improved although no medication had been given to her. We are still awaiting xrays. Robert Rossen told how he had contributed $40,000 to the C.P. before disillusionment. He named associates. Lee Sabinson [sic] refused to talk. Atomic scientist Dr Philip Morrison said he had been known to be a Communist when hired on the Atomic bomb project. Angus Cameron defied the investigation.

This box score was taped in in the middle of this entry. Not very many people saw that no-hitter!

May 9 We saw Sylvia at the hospital and she was still fine. Mom and pop also there. Sylvia is on a soft diet.

4/26-5/2/53

Apr 26 Sunday On a beautiful warm day we went to Bronx Park Botanical Gardens. We saw the wild plants at the Rock Gardens, also tulip beds. We measured the depth of the pool near the hot houses with a stick and played some ball. At home, delicatessen. Russia voiced its willingness to talk peace with us.

Apr 27 The U.N. opposed the Communists truce plan over the time involved in settling fate of prisoners not wishing repatriation and the neutral country which would keep these prisoners during the interim. Lillian went to a Girl Scout Neighborhood Association. Eugene went to the Museum of Natural History and Central Park with his class.

Apr 28 Eisenhower announced a new Security Plan for government employees to replace Truman's Loyalty Program. The U.S. offered $100,000 for the first Communist pilot who brought in a M.I.G. and $50,000 for every other one. Sarah Adler is dead at 95.

Apr 29 Eugene brought home a Spanish test marked 32% - awful. He is to study every day now berore listening to ball games. Communists said they would agree to an Asian country to act as custodian for unwillling prisoners. French elections saw Communists retain their vote as the largest party in Paris. Pinay's Independents made the greatest gains and De Gaulle the greatest losses.

Apr 30 The Allies rejected the Asian country as custodian of prisoners on the grounds of possible domination by Communist countries because of proximity to them. Returned Americans continued to tell about "Red" atrocities against helpless P.O.W.'s. Att'y Gen'l Brownell added 62 organizations to the 192 groups already designated as Subversive. The May Day Committee bowed to the police ban on a parade but will concentrate on the Union Square demonstration which was sanctioned. Joe Adcock of the Milwaukee Braves because the first player to hit the ball into the Polo Grounds bleachers in a regular league game. Lillian read "The Immigrants" [sic] - V Moberg "Written in the Stars" - about Albrecht Durer - F Hope Fisher. We both read "Between Sittings" Jo Davidson's Autobiography. We went to the Boy Scout Troop 189 - 18th Anniversary. Mom and pop also came. Eugene got prizes for his model city, honor patrol, getting out the vote and reaching the age of 13. Mom and pop gave Sylvia another doll for her collection - Miss Israel and brought the bag Mr Rothbaum had made for her. 

May 1 I was deluged with presents from the family. A raincoat, belt, pajamas and denims for tennis. Edwin Berry Burgum was dismissed from N.Y.U. for refusing to testify. We went to the "Grand" to see Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin in "The Stooge" - quite funny and "Tropic Zone" with Ronald Reagan and Rhonda Fleming. At supper the kids had been frolicking and Sylvia began to cough strenuously ...

May 2 The kids went to Mrs Nadler for their rehearsal for the concert. Estimates of 5 to 25000 attended the Union Square rally on May Day. Robeson and Howard Fast spoke. Robeson sang.

4/19-4/25/53

Apr 19 Sunday Eugene was much better today. Mom and pop came over and had some supper. Sylvia played "Valse" by Durand and we had some nice conversation.

Dad taped in the three box scoress scanned in below with the comment: All in the first week of the season.

Apr 20 Eugene was up and around today. The first prisoners were exchanged today - 100 Allied soldires (30 American) for 500 Communist P.O.W.'s

Apr 21 Eugene still out of school but went to Boy Scout patrol meeting. He is now patrol leader. The S.A.C.B. ordered the C.P. to register as a Soviet organ. This includes listing of members names. Cotton Tierney is dead at 58.

Apr 22 Lillian went downtown and bought Sylvia a girl scout blouse and shorts. Also some candles for mom. Returning P.O.W.'s charged hundreds of Allied soldiers died in forced marches by Communist captors. Sylvia, Susan K and Paula K went to the library. Sylvia drew "The Mitchells" H van Stockum, "The Saucepan Journey" E. Unnerstad, "The Patchwork Quilt" A. De Leeuw, ["]Willy Wong " [sic] American" V. Oakes and "The Middle Moffat" E. Estes. 12 groups were called Communist fronts and ordered to register by Att'y Gen'l Brownell. These included the I.W.O.[,] Labor Youth League, Civil Rights Congress, Nat'l Council of American Soviet Friendship.

Apr 23 The House "UnAmerican Comm" continued to hear ex-Communists some of whom reneged and testified while others refused to talk.

Apr 24 The Court of Appeals ruled that the I.W.O. should be dissolved for Communist activities.

Apr 25 Lil went to Fordham with Sylvia and got her shoes at Miles. Sylvia insisted on "loafers". She also got pants and a lightweight jacket for Eugene. A permit has been refused for the May Day parade for the first time.

4/12-4/18/53

Apr 12 Sunday We stayed in all day in the usual rain. Mrs. Oveta Culp Hobby became the first Sec'y of the Dep't of Health Education and Welfare. Kid Nichols is dead at 83.

Apr 13 Seven human skulls upon which artists of the Neolithic Age had modeled lifelike features with plaster were unearthed in Jericho - It was called the most important archaelogical find of modern times.

Apr 14 Eugene has become very interested in astronomy. He watches the sky often and reads books and articles on the stars. Sylvia had the first meeting of her newly formed hobby club here. Present were Lynn. Sylvia, Susan Kahn and Stephanie Muchnik.
Joe Ryan was indicted on thirty counts of larceny in the misuse of union funds. Prof Lindeman is dead at 67.

Don't know why Dad started a new paragraph in the middle.  

Apr 15 New York Drama Critics Awards: Best American play "Picnic"' Best foreign play "The Love of Four Colonels" Best Musical "Wonderful Town".

Apr 16 The children were punished by going without supper and television for getting into a noisy quarrel while Lil was on the phone. Bombs killed 5 at a Peron rally and injured others. Riots followed. Malan's Nationalist Party easily won the South African elections.

Apr 17 Eugene complained of a headache and had 102°. Lil gave him several one aspirins ... . Eisenhower in a major speech asked Russia for deeds to prove her peaceful intents. He asked for an armistice in Korea, universal disarmament and use of military funds for reconstruction and welfare.

Apr 18 Lillian called Dr Holzman as Eugene had temperature again. He said it was a congested chest due to a virus. He prescribed mustard plasters, ..., Aureomycin. Bucklin Moon was fired summarily from Colliers because of protests over his "communist affiliations" Sailor Tom Sharkey is dead at 79.

4/5-4/11/53

Apr 5 Sunday Eugene went on a hike to Alpine with the Boy Scouts. They didn't do much but cook their food and eat. Lil Sylvia and I went to Mom's where Uncle Abe and Tante Blume also came. They brought Barbara to play with Sylvia. Rachel, Mayer and David also came with the new relatives, Mayer's nephew wife and daughter Rosalind. They are here four years from Europe. David discovered in the Foward [sic] they were seeking Mayer. Romania followed Russia's amnesty with one of her own.

Apr 6 UN and Communist delegates began negotiations again for the exchange of sick and wounded POWs. Russia named deputy chief of the State Security Minister Ryumin as the one responsible for the false accusations against the doctors. His [?] chief Ignatiev was called neglectful in following his lead. We started a championship match in shooting the checkers to the edge of the table, interrupted to see "'Wuthering Heights". Sylvia saw "Peter Pan" at the "Fordham" with the Girl Scouts in the morning.

Apr 7 An all day rain kept us in. The kids gave a concert. U.N. and Korean delegates agreed to voluntary repatriation of sick and wounded POW's. In Russia Ignatiev was relieved of his post.

The following scanned in page was taped in on this diary page. It appears that it was a "program" I wrote for the concert. From the entry for April 9, below, it appears that I was the performer identified as "Syl Eh As", and Silvia was "Stu Pid Knut"

Apr 8 Eugene went to see an Automobile Plant in New Jersey with Mr. Kaplan and several other Scouts.
Lillian and Syl and the Brownie group saw "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" at the 92nd st. "Y". In the evening Lil Molly and I saw "The Love of Four Colonels" with Rex Harrison and Lili Palmer. Dag Hammarskjold of Sweden succeeded Trygve Lie as UN Sec'y Gen'l.

Don't know why Dad started a new paragraph in the middle. 

Apr 9 Sadie came into New York and spent the afternoon here. The kids came in from their play and delighted us all with their piano playing. Sylvia played Durand's Valse, Eugene - La Zingara - Bohm and then "Tales of the Vienna Woods" duet. London's worst subway wreck killed and injured scores. A leader of the Mau Mau Society in Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta was sentenced to seven years hard labor. Coast Red hearings closed with 28 out of 46 witnesses having refused to answer questions. Lil Sylvia and I went out to Fordham at night while Eugene went to his Scout meeting. I got a jacket $6 at Alexanders while Lil got some nylons.

Apr 10 Eugene and I went to the 69th Regiment Armory to see the Knicks lose to the Minn. Lakers 91-84 to lose the play offs 4-1. It was a thriller with the Knicks falling far behind as usual and just failing to come through.

The box score of the game was taped in here, and scanned in below. 

Apr 11 Mama came over and went shopping with Lil. Then she had lunch with us. The kids went to the library where Eugene drew "Rocket Ship Galileo" and "Red Planet" both by R.A. Heinlein, "My Kind of Football" Steve Owen "My 50 Years in Baseball" E.G. Barrow, and "Warren of West Point" R.G. Emory. Sylvia drew "Downtown" M.H. Lovelace, "The Latch Key Club" E. Clymer, "Ginger Pye" E. Estes, "Mary Poppins" P.L. Travers, "The Girl Without a Country" M.L. Poston. We went to the park where Eugene decided to stay and play ball while Lil , Sylvia and I went to the "Lido" to see "Eight Iron Men" a war picture and "My Cousin Rachel" a very good mystery. Dr Cyril Joad is dead at 61. Eugene got brown shoes an McCann's $7.70.

3/29-4/4/53

Mar 29 Sunday Eugene played with Larry again today outside. Sylvia played school with Norma here. North Korea agreed to exchange sick and wounded P.O.W.'s. Jim Thorpe is dead at 64.

Mar 30 The American Theatre Wing gave awards to Arthur Miller's drama "The Crucible" and the musical "Wonderful Town". Einstein announced his new theory unifying the basic concepts of the Universe. Alva Bradley is dead at 69. In the evening we went to Molly's for the Seder. Mike, Ev, Isabel, Milton and Mildred there. Seth had a cold.

Mar 31 Evelyn and Isabel slept over here. In the morning the kids played here and in the park. Bobby was also here. Colleges voted against the right of Communists to teach but called for free expression and academic freedom.

Apr 1 Eugene went over to Bobby's to play. The Pier Union Council ordered an end to the shape-up. Dag Hammarskjold of Sweden succeeded Trygve Lie as UN Gen'l Sec'y. Gene Weltfish was dropped by Columbia. She had refused to testify. She had refused to testify although it was claimed this was not the reason for dismissal. A performance of the show "Wonderful Town" was cancelled when it was found 300 tickets had been bought for a benefit by the 'National Guardian'. Russia again made 10% to 15% cuts in food and clothes.

Apr 2 Eugene lost another hat in school this time and did not go back to look for it, for which we gave him a severe bawling out. The Communist peace offensive continued with Russia supporting China's peace proposal. Lillian read ""Catalina" - Maugham and "Signal 32" Kantor. I read "The Great Mouthpiece" - Fowler.

Apr 3 The first troopship landed here from Korea with 2000 GIs aboard. Grace Lumpkin recanted on her Communist past while Morris Schappes refused to answer questions on his politics at the Senate nivestigations. Sylvia drew "The Snowed-in Family" M.C. Hill "The Moffets" E. Estes (both repeats) "Packet Alley" E. Meg and "The Least Land" [?] D. de Jong [?].

Unusually, I could not find that last book and author.

Apr 4 We started the first day of my week's vacation by going down-town. We got theatix [sic] and basket-ball tickets, spent an hour in play-land, ate chow-mein in the Garden Cafeteria. In a sensational reversal Russia freed the 15 doctors who had been accused of plotting [against] the lives of Soviet leaders and arrested their accusers. It was disclosed the original confessions had been extorted by force. King Carol is dead at 59 and Larry Benton at 55.

I remember getting the basketball tickets, for the NBA finals between the Knicks and the Lakers. We talked about which game to go to, and picked game 5.

3/22-3/28/53

Mar 22 Sunday We went to Minnie's house with Sam and Molly to pay a condolence visit. Then to mom and pops where Harry Lil and the kids and Abe & Blume were also present. Zapotocky succeeded Gottwald as President of Czechoslovakia. Sylvia cajoled Lillian into taking her to the temple for the last day of the bazaar as she wanted to see the raffle which she expected to win and there were still things to be bought. Sylvia gambled another 60¢ away. Lillian bought her another doll for her collection - her fourth.

Mar 23 Raoul Dufy is dead at 75.

Mar 24 The heaviest fighting of 1953 opened in Korea. The South African Supreme Court ruled that Natives must receive equal facilities with whites or be freed from segregation.

Mar 25 Lillian went downtown and got an umbrella for Sylvia and cup and saucer sets for Mike and Sam. The City approved Dewey's proposal for a Transit Authority but rejected the payroll tax. Paris raided Communist offices for the Party's stand against the war in Indo China. Israel at the UN denounced the Soviet Bloc's anti semitism. Browder, William Mandel and James Allen clashed with McCarthy at hearings before his Committee. A Czech plane landed in Germany with 26 passengers. The four who seized the plane and three passengers elected to seek political asylum. Hollywood hearings before the "UnAmercan" Comm. heard the same old stories of Communist domination of the movie industry in the 30's and 40's. Queen Mary is dead at 85.

Mar 26 Sylvia and others in her class are resentful of their teacher Miss Dunn. They charge her with favoritism and call her Miss Dumb.

Mar 27 Korean fighting has reached a bitter tempo in the last week as hundreds are killed daily in battles for hills. A vaccine against 'polio' was announced. Dr Jonas Salk headed the scientists who developed it. Dashiell Hammett, Langston Hughes and Ed Seaver testified before the Senate Committee. The latter two said they had lost their sympathy toward Russia.

Mar 28 Sylvia went on another cook-out to Staten Island. Eugene went out to play ball with Larry when the latter called him up.

3/15-3/21/53

Mar 15 Sunday Eugene's hike was called off again on account of rain. Last night Sylvia played the wheels at the bazaar for about 75¢. She won two dolls. Sylvia got two argyrol packs today as her cold was worse again today. Klement Gottwald is dead at 56. Seton Hall won the N.I.T. defeating the "Cinderella" team St Johns 58-46. Walt Dukes won the M.V.P. award. "All American team" Dukes, Gola, Beck, Houbregs, J. O'Brien,  

Mar 16 Malenkov offered to settle all issues with the West by peaceful means. His speech - to the Supreme Soviet was received with cautious optimism by Western diplomats. Herman Baruch is dead at 80.

Mar 17 Austin, Gold, Bressler, Shaftel, Gustafson and Young were discharged following their suspensions by city colleges for refusing to answer questions about their politics.

Mar 18 Lillian attended Zev Margules [?] funeral who died suddenly of a bleeding ulcer. Sylvia announced that she had a boy friend at last - Kenneth Walzer. A U.S. plane, fired on off Alaska by a MIG returned the fire. The State Senate voted a 15% rent increase. Millions on T.V. saw [an] explosion that rocked a desert like a quake when a trial atom bomb was exploded in Yucca Flat, Nev. 1500 troops were present in trenches two miles away. They felt shock but no heat. Seth Richardson is dead at 73.

Mar 19 The first franchise shift in Major League baseball since 1902 saw the Boston National League team transfer to Milwaukee. Picasso and Aragon were criticized for their drawing and publishing of an unflattering picture of Stalin. Indiana won the N.C.A.A. basketball Championship over Kansas U 69-68. Schlundt scored 30 points, Born - 26. 

Mar 20 The Board of Transportation proposed discontinuance of the 3rd and Myrtle Ave Els, elimination of free transfers and free passes for police and firemen, elimination of free rides for school children, dropping of 3,200 employees to save $24,800,000. A Turkish earthquake killed 500-1000 persons. West Germany ratified the Allied-German treaties in the face of riots by Communists. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose "The Greatest Show on Earth" as the best picture of 1952. Gary Cooper won the Male acting award for "High Noon". Shirley Booth won the Actress award for "Come Back, Little Sheba". Irene Bordoni is dead at 59.

Mar 21 Eugene went on a hike to Van Courtlandt [sic] Park with four other boys in his patrol. They built a fire, cooked food, played soft ball and he lost his hat. Lillian and Sylvia visited Sarah R. Sylvia played with Danny and his friends dodge ball, hide and seek and box ball. I changed the Three Bears to poetry for my girl scout writers badge. Sylvia. 
                                      The Three Bears
Mama bear was making porridge for herself, papa and baby.
It was too hot, so papa said, we could take a walk, maybe
There was a girl named Goldilocks who was taking a walk, too
She came upon the three bears house and walked in, now would you?
She saw three bowls of porridge and tasted them one by one
Until she came to baby's porridge, she said it was Yum, Yum
When she finished the porridge she went into the living room
She sat down on baby's chair and it fell down - boom!
So she went into the bed room she was tired you see
So she laid down on baby's bed and began to sleep soundly
Now the three bears were coming home thinking their porridge was cooled
but when baby saw his bowl, he knew he had been fooled
So they went into the living room and found damage there too
They went up to the bed room on baby's bed was their last clue
Just then Goldilocks awoke and when she saw the three bears
She jumped right out the window and went home to her own affairs
                                           Sylvia Edelstein

The intro line to the poem was written in the diary by Silvia, and scanned in below. Dad then wrote in her poem, and Silvia signed her name, also scanned in below.

3/8-3/14/53

Mar  8 The family met me at Al & Edith's. Eugene got his portable radio and Sylvia some scatter pins. We got Danny a basketball game and Debby a stuffed animal. She is adorable, crawling into everything, understands a lot and speaks many words in her own way. Al beat us both in chess. 23 more "Red" prisoners were killed in Koje prison riots.

Alan Pope was a childhood friend of Dad's; we often visited the family. 

Mar 9 Sylvia stayed home with an irritated throat and I with indigestion. Malenkov, Beria and Molotov gave the eulogies fo at Stalin's funeral. 25000 were in Red Square and another 10000 in the stands. Sergei Prokofieff is dead at 61.

Mar 10 Sylvia's ideal meal is meat loaf, beets and potato pancakdes. Anything made of potatoes is heaven. Both kids love pancakes, blintzes, etc. Eugene has Chopin's "Polonaise" now. Sylvia was still home. She gargles often and is champion of the family. Lil counts her gargling time. Her record is 100. She was dressed today.

Mar 11 Sylvia was still home although better. Eugene lost his second temporary mouthpiece. Dr Robbins will arrange to work on him without the need of any more. Two Czech Migs shot down an American jet fighter plane in the U.S. German Zone. Bella Dodd asserted that Communists had infiltrated high national posts including advisers to the President. A policeman charged with brutality was indicted by a grand jury. N.Y.U. "dropped" football.

Mar 12 Sylvia still home with her cold coming out now. She is writing a new story. Fred Toney is dead at 64.

Mar 13 Russian jets shot down a British bomber killing five airmen. England called it murder while Russia claimed the plane was violating its border. We both read "Lena Horne - In Person" - Moss &

Dad presumably intended to add the other writer of the book - Arstein. 

Mar 14 We went to the library where Eugene drew "Flashing Spikes" F. O'Rourke, "O'Henry" J.C. Nolan, "Space Cadet" RA Heinlein, "Mike Maroney Raider" D. Lavender "Story Magazine" Whit & Hallie Burnett. Sylvia drew "The Peterkin Papers" L.P Hale, "Danny's Country Store" HF Orton, "Petar's Treasure" C.I. Judson, "Jimmy's Own Basketball" M Renick. Then we got sodas and sundries and went to the Lido to Charlie Chaplin in "Limelight" and Charlton Heston and Jennifer Jones in "Ruby Gentry". Sylvia and Lil went to the Temple's bazaar at night while Eugene and I saw the N.I.T. final.

3/1-3/7/53

Mar 1 Sunday The kids participated in the Purim carnival. Sylvia was dressed as Queen Esther in the grand march. There were the usual games of chance. There were hamantaschen for sale. Ass't US Atty Greenberg testified Police Comm. Monaghan had told him of an agreement to keep the FBI out of civil rights probes involving police. Monaghan has denied this in a telecast. "Trigger happy" cop Stanley Davis was found guilty of killing a Bkl'yn Negro into whose home he had broken. Playboy Minot Jelke was found guilty of compulsory prostitution. Thje Senate unanimously condemned "Red" persecution of minorities. Mobs stormed Premier Mossadegh's home in Iran forcing him to take refuge. They are loyal to Shah Pahlavi on the oil and land redistribution questions.

Mar 2 Lillian went downtown for Scout supplies.

Mar 3 Americans were stoned in Tehran as Mossadegh regained control of the country. Voice of America officials continued to be grilled by the McCarthy Committee. Barrows Dunham, Temple professor was suspended for refusing to talk about his Communist affiliations.
Moscow announced that Stalin was seriously ill, having had a brain hemorrhage.

The last sentence was clearly written in later, hence the start of a new paragraph. 

Mar 4 A fire in the Utility Prod. Co 150 st & River Ave cost seven lives and injured 15. Brooklyn College instructors Murray Young and Elton Gustafson were suspended for refusing to talk about Communist affiliation. Jim Jeffries is dead at 77 and Clyde Milan at 65.

Mar 5 Stalin is worse.

Mar 6 Cornelius Hall died. Stalin is dead at 73. He never regained consciousness after his stroke. Millions passed his bier as he lay in state. Plans to raise rents 15% were held up by great protests by City residents. Eugene took the High School of Science entrance exam.

The first death was actually written in above the line of Stalin's death. 

Mar 7 Eugene went to Larry R's Bar Mitzvah. The services were at the Tremont Temple and the reception at the Park Terrace. Eugene and a couple of the other boys had the band play "They told us we were too young"as a joke on Larry and Jill Holland, his girl friend. Georgi Malenkov succeeded Stalin as Soviet Premier. Herman Mankiewicz is dead at 55 and Philip Rosenbach at 89. James Dawson is dead at 57.

It was a very fancy Bar Mitzvah; I remember it as the first time I saw an ice sculpture on the table; it was of a swan. As Dad wrote, we did have the band play that song, with the first line "They tried to tell us we're too young". We actually had to scramble, as Jill had left the room, and we had to tell her some story to get her back, so the band could play the song for her and Larry Rubinstein. 

2/22-2/28/53

Feb 22 Sunday The wallet came yesterday from Mrs Doherty. It contained $23. rather than $10. Lillian sent her six pairs of nylons. The family met me on Allen St again at 1:45 and we went to Yoneh Schimmels for sour milks, cheese potato knishes, cheese bagels milk and coffee.  Sylvia didn't like the sour milk while Eugene had only half. Then we bought a bed spread on Orchard St. $8. - asked $9.50, a brief case for Eugene and lunch bag for me $5, and a Mackinaw for Sylvia $6. A purge was reported in Hungary in which thirty Jewish Communist leaders were either dismissed or jailed or committed suicide.

I remember liking the sour milk a lot; maybe in later years. 

Feb 23 Wash Birthday Sylvia went on a cook-out to George Washington Bridge with her troop. About 12 girls came. They cooked stew and had a great time. She was home at 3 o'clock. Kid McPartland is dead at 78 and Allan Haywood at 64. Lost another chess game to Eugene. We all played some word games then the shooting the checkers close to the edge of the table.

I doubt that the cook-out was actually on the bridge, but that's what Dad wrote. 

Feb 24 Nationalist China denounced its friendship pact with Russia. National Indoors: Larsen d. Nielson 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. 6-3. Womens. Mrs Thelma Long d. B Schofield [sic] Davidson 5-7, 6-1 [sic], 9-7. Larson & Nielson d. Golden & Noel Brown 3-6, 12-[1]4, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Women's Doubles -  Long & Davidson d. Joan Piken and Betty Coumbe 6-0, 6-1 

Feb 25 The Jelke vice trial was opened to the public. 23 out of 29 policemen tried for taking graft from Harry Gross were found guilty and dismissed from the force. Von Runstedt is dead at 77 and Ex-Sen. Bob LaFollette Jr committed suicide at 58.
Sylvia went to the library with Susan and Herbert Howard after school. He treated them to 5¢ sodas. She drew "Araminta" by Eva K. Evans, "Bells for a Chinese Donkey" E.F. Lattimore, "Wendigo" [K]. Pinkerton and "A Month of Christmases", Siddie Joe Johnson. We both read "The Marx Brothers" Kyle Crichton. Lillian read ":Morning Journey" James Hilton and "The Sure Thing" Merle Miller.

I suspect that the new paragraph starting with "Sylvia" was an accident. The correction of "Herbert" to "Howard" is clearly done in different handwriting, surely Silvia's!

Feb 26 Henry Cabot Lodge, U.S. rep. to the UN warned Russia it would never capitulate on Korea. The N. Car. Supreme Court voided the conviction of Mack Ingram for "leering"at a white girl. Many articles were de-controlled with most of them announcing price rises. Prof Robert Gorham Davis named a score of professors as Communists while he was a "party" member at Harvard.

Feb 27 New reports of police brutality continue to be brought forward. In one case a Federal grand jusry refused to indict Patrolman William Brennan for the alleged beating of two Negroes for lack of evidence. Eugene drew "When Worlds Collide" Wylie & Balmer, "Famous Plays of Crime  and Detection" Cartmell & Cerf (for a school report on a play) "Center Ice" P. Harkins, "Army vs Notre Dame" 1913-1947 Beach & Moore and "Be Prepared" Rice E. Cochran - humor in Boy Scout life.

Feb 28 Mom and pop drove us to Lil and Harry's. The kids played in the basement. Peggy inveigled Lil and myself into playing with her - concentration and bouncy ball. Susan could not break into the game.

2/15-2/21/53

Feb 15 Sunday Sylvia has been troubled with an irritable throat for some time. She "clears" it frequently We renewed Dr Holzman's prescription of a mixture to relieve her. Eugene's habit of continually rubbing the back of his hand or else rubbing the tips of his fingers together is not better. Police Commissioner Monaghan and his two top aides viewed a secret film showing open activities of gamblers on city streets.

Feb 16 Sylvia stayed home today with her cold. She gargles, gets nose drops and vaporizer.

Feb 17 Sylvia was still hoarse. The Rosebergs were slated to die on Mar. 9. Many rallies were held to protest Soviet anti-semitism and to ask Russia to release its Jews. Bressler, Gold and Austin, employees of City Colleges were discharged for refusing to talk about their Communist affiliations.

Feb 18 Eugene lost his temporary appliance for his teeth and it was $15. to replace it. Lillian lost her wallet with about $10 today and fell low about it, but at 6 PM she got a call from a Mrs. Doherty in L.I.C. that she had found it (at Kings Rd. & Creston Av.) and was mailing it back. The Rosenbergs received another "stay" until at least Mar. 30 for another plea. Provoo received a 'life' term for treason. At the Amer. Assoc'n of School Admin. convention Mrs Agnes E. Meyer denounced the activities of McCarthy, Jenner & Velde as an inquisition menacing academic freedom and our democratic way of life. The State Supreme Court reversed the reversal of the referee's decision of the Giardello - Graham fight restoring the decision to the former. State Supreme Court Justice Schreiber upheld the ban on the press and the public at the Jelke vice trial imposed by Judge Valente, since sodomy was involved.

"L.I.C." would presumably have been Long Island City, although the abbreviation could have been "L.J.C."; I don't know what that could have stood for. 

Feb 19 I stayed home from work today. Sylvia returned to school. Eugene has a stuffed nose.

Feb 20 It was disclosed that five people had died recently after being refused admission to Fordham Hospital. Many cases of police brutality are again being publicized and demands for Monaghan's dismissal are mounting. It is also charged that the latter had made an agreement with the Justice Dep't, to refrain from investigations of police brutality. Three more U.N. employees refused to state whether they were Communists. Probers of the "Voice of America" heard employees charge there were many whitewashes of Communist activities. It was charged that Howard Fast's writing had been approved for broadcasting.

Feb 21 Lillian now has a cold. Anheuser-Busch bought the St Louis Cardinals from prison-bound Fred Saigh for $3,750,000. The latter was sentenced for income-tax evasion. Three "Voice" officials, Goldman, Berman and Taylor denied accusations of communist bias in their broadcasts. Former Italian Premier Francesco Nitti is dead at 84. Sylvia sent in this poem to Playmate Magazine
                                         Seasons
First comes summer when the air is burning hot, you see
And all the biting insects come out, such as the bee
Then comes autumn when the leaves fall down to the ground
And it gets cooler, that I've also found
And then before you know it winter's here at last
And the winter winds blow while the snow comes down fast
Then after winter comes the spring when it isn't cold at all
And many people think it is the best season of all

2/8-2/14/53

Feb 8 [Sunday] Lil and the kids met me on Allen St at 1:30 and we went to Katz's for hot pastrami sandwiches, soda, french fries. Sylvia didn't like the pastrami so we had to get her tongue. We then went into an Orchard St. store and got Eugene a coat $12 - asking price $14.
Lil took Eugene to Dr Holzman's for his final basal metabolism. The result was favorable. He can quit the pills except vitamin pills. 

This is not the way I remember things; I had a claustrophobic reaction to my second basal metabolism test, so it was not completed. Also, in addition to taking pills, I was also give injections of some sort. Unless, perhaps, that came later. 

Feb 9 Lillian had another bad day. Eugene visited the Hayden Planetarium with his class.

Feb 10 Eugene stayed in bed today with a stomach ache. The Russian legation in Israel was bombed in retaliation for the Soviet purge of Jews. Several were injured.

Feb 11 Eugene went to school as it was only a stomach ache. Lillian went to Eugene's school at night with Madeline to hear several speakers on various professions offered by colleges. The 10 day tug strike ended with a 17¢ per hour pay rise. Four N.Y.C. college employees refused to answer the Senate Internal Security Sub-Committee on Com their communist affiliations: Dr Oscar Shaftel, Joseph Bressler, Hyman Gold and Richard Austin. Bonn banned the Neo-Nazi secret society Freikorps Deutschland and seized four of its leaders. 30 were arrested in Israel on the bombing of the Soviet legation. Former Sen Reed is dead at 72 and Willy Meehan at 62.

Feb 12 We went to the Lido to see "Kon Tiki" the film of the historic voyage on a raft by Norwegian explorers from Callao, Peru to the Polynesian Islands on a raft. They were on the ocean for over 100 days in an effort to show that 1500 years ago South American natives may have migrated to the South Seas in this fashion. Two short films by Ben Hecht "Woman of Sin" and "Actor's Blood" both horrible we also saw. A cartoon "Droopy" was the hit for the children. Former U.F.A. head Gerard Purcell got 2 1/2 to 5 years for theft of the Association's funds. John D. Provoo was found guilty on four of seven treason counts while a Japanese prisoner. Russia broke off relations with Israel over the bombing of its legation. Eisenhower refused to grant clemency to the Rosenbergs. Former Sen. Elbert Thomas is dead at 69. Kid Gavilan retained his welterweight crown by a T.K.O.  over unbeaten Chuck Davey in 10 rounds. University educated Davey, floored four times, was unable to come out for the tenth.

Feb 13 46 Nazis received sentences by a French court for the massacre of 642 natives of Oradour-sur-Glane in 1944. Many were sentenced to death "in absentia". Two who were present also received death sentences. George Cranmore was killed in an auto accident at 36. Former Rep Roy Woodruff is dead at 72 and Raymond Knight at 54.

Feb 14 We shopped in Fordham, buying a light system, rye and juice glasses. Eugene got a jig saw puzzle, Sylvia a doll cut-out. It was revealed that the Pope has asked reported he has received many requests for clemency for the Rosenbergs although no record is present at the White House. It was revealed to have been oral. 1000 were killed in an Iran quake. Lev Mekhlis is dead at 64. I got Lillian candy for St. Valentines Day. Sylvia sent us both cards.

2/1-2/7/53

Feb 1 Sunday We spent a quiet day at home. Lil's back began to bother her again. Sylvia made cupcakes for her girl scout group bazaar. Former magistrate McQuade testified that "Mr Big" extorted $81,500 from Tex Rickard in 1923. He denied it. The ferry Princess Victoria sank off Northern Ireland with about 130 dead. Union tug workers struck.

Feb 2 Western Europe's worst flood disaster ever has cost hundreds of lives. Holland and England are worst hit as hurricane lashed seas smashed and inundated coastal towns. A million are homeless. Eisenhower's message to Congress advocated freeing of Chiang's Nationalists on Formosa to raid Red China. He also hinted at the end of wage and price controls.

Feb 3 Lillian bought a special corset for her sacroiliac. The flood death toll neared 1500 in Europe.

Feb 4 Sylvia came up here with her friend Susan and Howard whom she introduced as Susan's boy friend. She wants to know at what age it is all right to go steady. The 13 C.P. leaders got terms ranging from one to three years and fines totalling [sic] $64,000. Tenants and landlords lobbied in Albany on rent increases.

Feb 5 Remington was sentenced to three years for perjury in his retrial. Steve Hannigan is dead at 53 and Ben Ames Williams at 68. Sylvia and Norma went to the library by themselves where Sylvia drew "The Lost Treasure Box" H. Rushmore, "Busby & Co." H. Coggins "The Windy Hill" C. Meigs &

Looks like Dad thought there was another book to add. 

Feb 6 Lillian went downtown to get Eugene a coat but could find nothing.

Feb 7 We stayed in on a rainy day. We played anagrams, made up riddles. Dr James Bryant Conant was confirmed as High Commissioner for Germany after some Senate opposition for his "radical" views. The vice trial of Mickey Jelke started with a request for secrecy.

1/25-1/31/53

Jan 25 Sunday Mom & pop, Molly and Sam over and we had a nice chat over coffee and cake. Also read the nursery rhymes. Sylvia played "In Sunny Italy" by Heller and Eugene played "La Zingara" by Boshin [?]. They they played a duet "Tales of the Vienna Woods" All selections were played beautifully.

La Zingara was written by Gaetano Donizetti; while I can't be sure of the name Dad wrote, it definitely wasn't that. 

Jan 26 Things began to clear up as Eugene went out for the first time to the library and drew "Organized Labor and Production" M.L. Cooke (for his report) "Rose Bowl All-American" C.P. Jackson, "Son of Tomorrow" E.R. Silvers, "Best Sport Stories - 1950" Marsh & Ehre and "Mr Basketball" G Mikan's story as told to Bill Carlson. Lillian also felt better and went to a meeting. Prof. Walter B. Pitkin is dead at 74. Mike Jacobs is dead.

Jan 27 Lillian had a bad day. ... Dr Holzman, over the phone, advised heating pad and some empirin compound. She spent most of the day in bed. The three [sic] had supper at Madeline's. The Vietnam government won a decisive electoral victory. The Vietminh rebels battling the Nationalists and militarily and banned from the ballot, failed to disrupt the voting. Remington was found guilty of perjury again in his second trial.

Presumably, Dad left out "of us". 

Jan 28 Lillian collected for the "March of Dimes" in the building. Teamsters Union official Joe Papa was accused of taking thousands in graft. Susan Woodruff [?] is dead at 83.

I could not find an obituary for "Susan Woodruff", or a name like that, near that time.  

Jan 29 Mama came over with a dress for Sylvia. Buses in the city, idle since New Year's Day began to roll as strike issues were given over to arbitration. Bishop Wurm is dead at 85 and Gen'l Wingate at 91. Lillian read Waltari's "The Egyptian". We both read John D. Carr's "Life of A Conan Doyle". The Siamese twin died.

Jan 30 We had our Bar Mitzvah in the Beth Israel Temple. Lillian and Eugene were better and the affair came off beautifully. Everyone raved about Eugene's appearance and speech; also about the entire affair. We had rye, scotch, wine, soda, cakes of all kinds, coffee, trays of hot hors d'oeuvres. Rabbi Stern officiated with Mr. Marks assistance. Jerry Gallins and Lillian and I were called up. Eugene got much cash, four wallets, five books, identification bracelet, camera, football, shirts. Guests were mom and pop, Lil and Harry, Sam and Molly, Mike and Evelyn Isabel, Abe and Blume, Anne and Barbara, Harry and Molly, Sam and Helen and Richard, Milton and Shirley, Lil Altschuler, Frieda K., Rochel and Mayer, Sandra & Edeen, Morty and Ray, Jerry Madeline and Joyce and Norma, Sarah and Irving and Bobby & Danny, Hy and Milly, Molly's sisters Rosie and Annie, Miracha [?] Dora, Milly, Mrs. Rubinstein and Larry, Morris Rose and Charles, Al and Dotty, Allen and Lilly. 

At the end of this entry, the following was taped into the diary. It's hard to read; it says "BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION OF KINGSBRIDGE 2632 University Ave. A talk on "Jewish Survival" will be given tonight by Rabbi Leonard Stern at Sabbath services. This program also includes [a?] Bar Mitzvah celebration of Eugene Edelstein, son of Mr. and Mrs. Isidore Edelstein, and an Oneg Shabbat. 

The people mentioned included "Mr. Marks", who was the president of the temple, and our neighbor.
The guests listed were:
"mom and pop" - Dad's parents, Barney and Becky Edelstein
"Lil and Harry" - Dad's sister Lillian and her husband Harry Thaw
"Sam and Molly" - Mom's brother Sam Modelson and his wife Molly
"Mike and Evelyn Isabel" - Mom's other brother Mike Modelson, his wife Evelyn and daughter Isabel
"Abe and Blume" - Barney Edelstein's brother Abe and his wife Blume
"Anne and Barbara" - Abe and Blume's daughter Anne, and Anne's daughter Barbara
"Harry and Molly" - Harry Goode and his wife Molly (Harry was a cousin of Barney; we believe, but can't be sure, that they were first cousins
"Sam and Helen and Richard" - Harry Goode's son Sam, who was our piano tuner, his wife Helen, and son Richard (who became a famous pianist, and about whom my mother was always very proud that he played the piano at my Bar Mitzvah)
"Milton and Shirley" - Sam and Molly Modelson's son Milton and his wife Shirley
"Lil Altschuler" - we are sure she was a cousin of Mom's, but do not know the exact relationship
"Frieda K" - Frieda Kamen, who was a friend of Mom's
"Rochel and Mayer" - Rochel Leah Patchenik, a first cousin of Barney's, and her husband Meyer Bardes
"Sandra and Edeen" - Sandra Guzman, daughter of Rochel's sister Ida, and her husband Edeen [Eddin] Spiwack
"Morty and Ray" - we know the names, believe they were friends of Mom and Dad
"Jerry Madeline and Joyce and Norma" - Jerry Gallins, his wife Madeline and daughters Joyce and Norma; they were our downstairs neighbors
"Sarah and Irving and Bobby & Danny" - Irving Rosenberg, his wife Sarah and their children Bobby and Danny; they were neighbors in the building, and Bobby was my closest friend earlier in my childhood
"Hy and Milly" - we know the names, believe they were friends of Mom and Dad
"Molly's sisters Rosie and Annie, Mascha [?], Dora, Milly" - we believe these were sisters of Molly Modelson
"Mrs. Rubinstein and Larry" - Larry Rubinstein was my closest friend at the time
"Morris Rose and Charles" - do not know
"Al and Dotty" - do not know
"Allen and Lilly" - do not know
I also know I had other friends there; I remember Karl Levitt specifically. 

The diary entry of that day continued:

"Mr Big" of the piers, W J McCormack testified before the state Crime Commission that he knew nothing of crime and corruption on the waterfront! Bill Spivey's trial for shaving points ended in a hung jury. Dr Sam Hardy is dead..

Jan 31 Mom and pop took us to Lil and Harry's where we spent an afternoon pleasantly chatting and relaxing. Frieda who had stayed here overnight, left at 2 o'clock. Joe Ryan testified before the state crime commission that there was no more crime on the docks than in any other section!

1/18-1/24/53

Jan 18 Sunday Barry Gray was slugged for the second time in 5 months. Behind the scenes fight manager "Frankie" Carbo was arrested for defying the crime investigation.

Jan 19 A thousand convicts rioted in a Pittsburgh prison in a protest against conditions. East German police raided homes of Jews looking for "Zionist spies." Bulgaria arrested 10 U.S. spies. Guatemala's left wing regime won the election although several anti-communists were elected.

Jan 20 As Madeline and her kids and Sylvia and I watched the inauguration of Eisenhower, Lillian was examined by Dr Holzman for a back ache. He thought it was a sprained sacro-iliac. He strapped her up, told her to sleep on a board do no pushing or lifting, wear a tight girdle and take the strapping off Saturday morning. I had gone with Lillian but came home to see to Sylvia as it was raining and she still has a running nose. The State Crime Comm. spotlighted waterfront union local 920 where union leaders got lavish funds without accounting. They also got presents from shipping companies.

Jan 21 Lillian felt better today. Bulgaria sentenced one to death and nine to prison terms as U.S. spies. Jim Line & Walter Hirsch testified as to Spivey's complicity in point shaving in Kentucky basketball.

Jan 22 All 13 second team Communists were convicted of conspiring to teach and advocate the overthrow [of] the gov't by force and violence. The verdict came after seven days of deliberation by the jury after a 9 1/2 month trial. Miss Ruth Crawford was ousted by the U.N. after admission of C.P. membership for one year. The new Cabinet confirmed by the Senate: J F Dulles - Sec'y of State, Geo. Humphrey - Sec'y of Treasury, H. Brownell - Att'y Gen'l, A S [sic] Summerfield - P.M., Doug McKay - Sec'y of Interior, Ezra T Benson - Sec'y of Agriculture, S. Weeks - Sec'y of Commerce, M P Durkin - Sec'y of Labor, Mrs. O. C. Hobby - Fed. Sec. Admin. The nomination of Chas Wilson, Pres. on leave of G.M.was contested as he holds retains his stock in the company. Al Simmons and Dizzy Dean made the Hall of Fame. Eugene awoke at 4:30 AM and vomited. Later he complained of a stomach ache. His temp. was 99.4° at 8:30 AM, 100.2° at 10:30 AM and 101° at 11:30 AM. He also felt better. However his temp. began to rise and Dr Holzman came. He diagnosed a virus affecting the neck gland. Eugene was put on a liquid diet, gargling, iodex to the neck, neo-synephrin, aureomycin capsules. He also got a penicillin shot. 
We had to call off the Bar Mitzvah until next Friday and Lillian notified everyone by phone. 

Jan 23 Eugene's temp was down to normal. He won a chess game from me. Lillian felt ill in the morning as a result of yesterday's ordeal but improved later. Mike came over with half of the tremendous Bar Mitzvah cake which Evelyn had baked. The Robbs also came up to see how Eugene was. Charles Wilson agreed to sell his GM stock to become Sec'y of Defense.

I remember the Bar Mitzvah cake very well. My Aunt Evelyn was known for her baking; I remember lying in bed, and being shown this gigantic sheet cake, made to look like (half of) a book, and being told that it was only half of the cake which she had made. 

Jan 24 Eugene's temp was normal all day. We had musical contests, crossword puzzles "go to the head of the class". Sylvia made pot holders for the girl scouts' bazaar. Former Rep Eaton is dead at 84.