Shortly before Europe was plunged into the Second World War, my young mother and her family traveled from their home in New York to France. This is a true story based on my grandmother's diaries, which document her daughter's early symptoms of men...
I rushed around all morning getting ready for the tea party in the afternoon. Finally had to go downtown because I didn't like the little cakes up here. I had the Mlle Meyer and Mlle De Groote to tea. Dear Polly came home to tell me that Mary Ann had gone with the school to see a castle. Fortunately Mlle Van der Linden came in. She made things gay. She is such a darling. More French than anything else—speaks perfectly French, German, and English!
Fri, Oct 29, 1937:
I worked all morning pressing Polly's dress. It's so many yards around. Then I went down to the American Express and drew out some more money. I think we're spending too much. Then to see about my passport stamps but of course the place was closed. They always are. My first glimpse of St. Gudula. What a magnificent structure. Polly and I played Russian Bank in the evening. Barb as usual went to opera or a concert.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
St. Gudula was born in Belgium. She died about 700 AD. The date of her Canonization was pre-congregation and is not recorded. The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula was constructed in the twelfth century. Russian Bank is a card game—a form of solitaire with two players.
Sat, Oct 30, 1937: Halloween—Washington Hall.
Polly's Dinner Dance in costume. As soon as we could we left to have Polly's hair done, nicely and inexpensive at Georges Avenue D'Albert. Then to Port Louise for a bite to eat. Baked Ham & celery au gratin—very good. Then to Am. Exp. & to see the decorated windows on Bon Marche. Too adorable for words; electric dolls depicting the life of the nation when knights were jostling. So amusing. Then thru the Botanical Gardens & home to dress dear Polly. She looked adorable starting off in her costume in a taxi, to Mary Ann's, first. I only hope the taxi man doesn't drive her all over town. He started in the wrong direction.
Sun, Oct 31, 1937: A nice warm bright Sunday
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I went walking in the Bois de la Cambre for about four hours. I saw so many things. All the world was about. I was sorry I hadn't brought my sketch book. When I returned I wrote a letter to Uncle Robert and one to Dottie, then went to the Meyer's (Mary Ann Middleer's grandparents) for Sunday supper. Polly had spent the weekend with Mary Ann. We had a lovely supper. They are so pleasant—I would learn French fast from them. The aunt, cousin, and a friend were there. We had great fun teasing Polly and Mary Ann about their beaux at the Costume Halloween Ball at school.
