Transcribed from her handwritten notes by Don Beck (September 2008)
RYMUR 89-4286-C-3-A-7-(1) through 89-4286-C-3-A-4-(81), handwritten draft
List of people and groups mentioned in this Journal
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December 1, 1977 – Thursday
[Page C-3-A-7 (2) of notes which begins Dec 1 of journal is missing]
…almost everything in the Russian dictionary in the library.
Went to the Temple for dinner. Sandy Bradshaw sat down opposite me and said when I finished my work at the end of the meeting I should get some money from Debbie and buy what I need. “Transportation will be arranged from the other side perhaps the first week in January” – I said, “I am ready to go at any time.”
Lu Esther Lewis, her daughter (whose name I do not know) and her son, Keith Wade, are to leave for Georgetown. Lu Esther has been working in the kitchen. She has a peculiar disposition, for a long time wouldn’t speak to me, but lately she has been friendly.
I was late in getting home as the warning that we not go home on Muni after dark results in some delay.
I put my clothes in the laundromat.
Did my exercises
Did my chores
Washed my hair. I put color rinse on but did not put my hair up.
I did my hand laundry.
Read newspapers and had a snack.
Went to bed about 12:00am.
December 2, 1977 – Friday
Did not have much work to do in the morning.
I typed the Tchaikovsky song.
Wrote to Beulah, and, a copy of the list of items each person should take with him to Guyana for her info (these are usually given out when one is getting ready to leave but I found a copy) – Also told Beulah I would probably be leaving the first part of January in case I didn’t see her before that.
I phoned the Motor Vehicle Department for a change of address form for my driver’s license as we may wish to rent a car when my sisters comes.
Phoned Kaiser to get an appointment for an eye exam to see if I need my glasses changed.
Ate my lunch at my desk early and then went to PG&E to see the film, “Voices” again about the communications satellites.
In the afternoon I spent about 3 hours on a memo for Huffman which he revised 3 times.
Didn’t go to the Temple for dinner and didn’t eat at home, as I wanted to go to the Northpoint Coop early. I had an ice cream cone, got fruit and vegetable juice and buttermilk for my diet I am starting tomorrow.
Pressed clothes – everyone in the apartment was not in or in bed.
Judy [Merriam] came up. She said Viola Godshalk was sick with a high fever but no cold. Judy talked some time. She mentioned that Yolanda [Yulanda] Crawford, Harry Williams’ daughter and companion of Ron Crawford, had left the temple with the baby. She had been a member of the Council. I had heard that Henry got down as far as Florida on his way to Guyana but then wouldn’t board the plane. Judy also said she seldom saw Wanda [Kice Johnson] and Melvin Johnson in church. But she had seen Melvin driving a Cadillac. Wanda was also on the Council [?].
I went down to see Viola. She had aspirin and Judy had gotten her vitamin C.
I did my hand laundry.
Read newspapers. Went to bed at 12:00am.
December 3, 1977 – Saturday
Up at 8am.
Today started a week’s diet in order to lose a few pounds. Basically I’m taking only fruit juices, buttermilk, and fruit in the morning. I shall have some more solid foods and some raw vegetables for lunch. This morning I had some hot cereal — even this was difficult to prepare as Wanda who usually doesn’t cook anything was in the kitchen with the rest of us.
I went to the Haight Community store about 11:00 am on Muni – bought only a few items.
On the way back I stopped at the Executive Motel on Grove near Gough to see about housing for Dor and Eddie [Edith’s sisters Dor and Edna] – a double room will be $14.85 a night, a room with a stove and refrigerator for a weekly rate is $68.00 – only in the latter case would it be necessary to make a reservation. I looked at one of the rooms and it seemed adequate. The location is fairly good. It is near a Hayes Street bus stop and only a block from Van Ness so that it would be easy for me to reach.
At home I boiled 2 eggs which had been cracked on the way with a piece of toast.
I took a nap for two hours.
Just after I got up Estelle came in. She had come on the Temple bus for the weekend and is going back Sunday night. I told her I was sleeping in her room and described the situation in the apartment. Estelle said Jossie had no relatives that would take her in, that they had in fact put her in a mental hospital. She said the difficulty about Jossie’s passport is that no record of her birth exists and she was included in the census only in 1924. Estelle confirmed what Judy Merriam had said, that Jossie was a helper of Rev. Ike.
I walked out on Geary for a Sunday newspaper.
Had some juice and buttermilk.
Took Muni to the Temple. Took some newspaper clippings to Laurie.
Turned in my check. Debbie [Blakey] told me she and her mother, Lisa Layton, were leaving for Guyana on Monday. Terri Buford will come back to take Debbie’s place. I told Debbie I was scheduled to follow sometime in January and she gave me money to buy what I needed. I thought people were given $100 but she gave me $150.
I saw and talked with Beulah who was up from L.A. She said she had been asked twice whether she could get ready to leave and she felt she had to put her transportation off because she is still trying to get her Social Security allowance for the child to which they are entitled because of their father’s disability. He is always drunk. I asked if she wanted to stay with me but she said she had other plans.
The service consisted mostly of music. Sue Ellen Williams on the trumpet and Laurie on the piano did the Tchaikovsky song but did not read the words till the end.
Some ragtime was played and some people danced.
Marcy looked very tired. She said that everyone had to get approval on the radio for any expenditures for their department, that Betty McCann had instructions to enforce this demand.
Dennis Banks asked to use our building for what Marcy thought was to be a rally to raise funds for his defense but it turned out to be a rock concert to be held next Thursday night and many problems could ensue and tomorrow night we will discuss how to handle them.
The service ended at 10:00pm.very
While waiting for a ride home I talked to Virginia Duncan. She said she was waiting to go to Guyana until her husband sold the building they loved in. Then he wants to go to Guyana and explore the possibility of investing the money there. He had put up $1500 to pay the fare to Guyana and return for the two children so that they could have a vacation there. I didn’t know how this unique approach would affect Jim nor whether the Duncans have been encouraged or discouraged but I was not surprised that transportation had not been arranged for the child!
Barbara Hoyer and Chris Kice took 1029 Geary people home.
I read a while in Estelle’s room.
Estelle spoke of the death of Earl Poplin, Oreen’s husband, in L.A. Marcy had told us about it in service. Oreen, whose name was Alexander, is the woman whose body was eaten up by bone cancer as if by termites whom Jim healed. She is very appreciative and wants all her donations to the Temple known. She dresses very spectacularly. Earl was blind and didn’t get along very well. They moved up to S.F. but did not become communal. Estelle said Hue [Fortson] conducted the funeral service. Oreen has Earl’s ashes to take with her to Guyana.
I went to bed at 12:15am. I wasn’t asleep when Judy came to ask help in getting Julie Runnels in her bed. She is so crippled she can’t get up by herself and so heavy her apartment mates can’t help her. I went down and helped them hold a chair while she pulled herself up. I scolded Judy for the impatient way she speaks to Julie. Judy says she won’t make any effort for herself but Viola says, and I agree, she can be greatly encouraged by others’ attitudes.
I slept in Estelle’s room. She was in the other bed.
December 4, 1977 – Sunday
Jossie got up and took a bath around 5:00 or 6:00 o’clock and from then on people were stirring and so I didn’t get much more sleep.
I got up at 8:00am – took a bath and had some grapefruit juice, cheese and toast for breakfast. I am going to have something substantial for breakfast every morning.
I had time to make a few notes for journal entries before leaving for the Temple service.
Before service I gave my pay check to Debbie Blakey. She told me she and her mother, Lisa Layton, were leaving for Guyana on Monday. I took some newspaper clippings to Laurie.
In the service I didn’t see Jossie. She and Virginia have places in which they usually sit. I could not locate them throughout the service.
There was a good-sized crowd in the service. Marcy issued some instructions. Among others: we are to stop using the expressions “nigger” and “honky” about each other, even in a jocular vein.
Marcy said Ever [Rejoicing] was getting ready to “go over.”
Wanda had a cold and stayed in bed all day. When I came home after the service about 2:30, she was worried about Jossie. A cousin brought her some dinner.
I went to the fruit stand on Hyde and Geary and bought some grapes.
Had a salad, fruit juice and buttermilk and some grapes for my mid-day meal. Estelle came home to eat. She has been watching her diet and has lost much weight.
Estelle and Wanda discussed Wanda’s passport problem. No record of when her birth was made and she wasn’t included in the census until 1924. Estelle suggested other acceptable sources of information, such as school records.
I took a nap for an hour and a half.
Went to the evening service at 6:30.
Visited with Lisa. She will get full retirement income from the University of California, Berkeley, also disability from Social Security. I asked what job she wanted to do in the mission, she wasn’t sure, perhaps canning or serving in the kitchen.
Most of the evening service was spent in making arrangements for the Banks rock concert next Thursday, in addition to regular security personnel, a list of volunteers was taken. I did not volunteer, as I have enough to do with my regular job, very tight and careful security will have to be maintained because the Temple might be up for a charge of law violation, particularly if marijuana is brought on to our premises. There was discussion about the age limits for attendance of our young people. It was decided that children would not be admitted under the age of 15, though there will be babysitter services provided.
The service was out at 9:00 pm. Those serving at the rock concert met in the Gold Room to get their assignments.
Mike Klingman told me that the Temple building in the Valley has been sold to another church. Mike lives at the Ranch up there. When he comes down on weekends, he spends time in the Law Offices, writing letters among other things.
Gina took us home in two loads. I was in the second.
We learned that Jossie had helped in the kitchen throughout the morning service. She was happy at feeling herself useful and also hopeful because Jim Randolph had told her they were looking at her papers.
I read newspapers, drank some Sanka and had an apple while reading newspapers.
I had trouble getting to sleep, partly because Virginia got up a good deal. I finally read from 1:30 to 2:00 am.
December 5, 1977 – Monday
Dictated a memo for O’Neill from Weinberger’s office.
Wrote a few journal entries, trying to bring my journal up to date.
At lunchtime took my diet lunch at my desk. Then tried to find the BWAA meeting in the health series but couldn’t — I learned that they weren’t having a meeting this week.
Dor Stooker is out ill, but the new young man takes care of the work. I have decided to tell Dor of my plans before the week gets around. Bob O’Neill learned because my papers were processed through Weinberger’s.
I looked for paperbacks to try to find a book Lisa Layton could read on her trip. I finally bought Third Reich by Speer.
Virginia Duncan sent me to buy stamps for her and Weinberger. There was a long line at the post office as the Christmas rush has begun.
I typed a draft of some notes for [Zaid] Jawadat and then did the final version.
Signed 2 papers for Betty Vasil in connection with my resignation.
Went to the Temple tonight to give the Third Reich book to Lisa. I saw Debbie [Blakey] who said she was asleep. Debbie was afraid the book would not be a good choice for her mother (I suppose it would recall memories which are too terrifying), so I took it back with me.
Took Muni home.
I cleaned up my dresser top, putting papers and books wither in my trunk or in dresser drawers, put some clothes in the trunk, checked my journal pages and in general put things in order.
Jossie and Virginia came home. Virginia had gotten the mail with the help of the manager (Estelle apparently took the mailbox key). I had a letter from Edna; she is arriving on the 22nd, and will leave the 28th.
I had vegetable juice and pineapple juice.
Put up my lunch. I am taking for lunch either buttermilk or hot vegetable juice, raw vegetables and an orange.
Did my exercises. Read newspapers, ate some grapes and an orange. Took a bath.
Wanda, who had been out all evening, came home. She had apparently been at the home of her cousin who is leaving tonight. She had several pieces of clothing which might fit Virginia, left by her cousin and other items. Her cousin, whose name I do not know, is non communal.
Wanda and Virginia talked a good deal until after midnight and I had trouble getting to sleep, as there is no solid wall between their room and Estelle’s, where I am sleeping.
I did go to sleep about 12:15.
December 6, 1977 – Tuesday
Jossie got up in a very bad mood this morning. She complained about the living quarters, “never had lived in such a dump.” The fellow residents – “we call people like that negroes,” lastly saying I was nice.
Dor Stooker is out again. Results of the State Bar exam are out. Dale Huffman didn’t pass and was very down cast. I worked most of the morning on my journal entries. I sent my change of address for my driver’s license.
Called Mabo [Edith’s sister]. She was in the mindset of a tutoring seminar and not take to be interrupted, but I spoke to her for a few minutes. I told her that the Temple had given me permission to resign from my job and wind up my affairs. I probably would leave the first part of January. Her only response was a sharp intake of breath. As Dor and Eddie are both coming to San Francisco for Christmas, I inquired whether it might not be possible for her to come. She said no, it might be her last chance to spend Christmas with Miranda who is going to move elsewhere. She doesn’t like her boss and has some good offers. She has a man friend, who is an environmental engineer. Mabo likes him. He is writing a book and can go anywhere. Tagare is in the first grade and doing remarkably well. When I mentioned to Dor that we might see each other soon again, and she could come to see me on a holiday trip, I thought her reaction was very cold.
I got confused about the time, ate my diet lunch and went down to see the noon film. I found that I was an hour early. I went again an hour later. It was “Sailing in Newfoundland,” and showed a family with a small boat using the waterways and harbors of the Newfoundland coast.
Spent a good part of the afternoon typing some articles for Weinberger, which he is trying to sell to a newspaper. The text was a revision of typed versions which had clearly been submitted once. They were on political subjects.
Wrote a letter to Eddie telling her Dor and I could meet her at any time.
After work I dropped my basket at home. The moment I opened the door I perceived that someone had turned the oven on for heat and left it on. And no one was home. I turned it off and opened the windows. Then I went to Safeway and got more fruit juice and buttermilk and some grapes.
Went the Temple to turn in my needs list. For some reason the bus drivers delayed about 20 minutes. I saw Vernell at the needs table. I told her about the oven being left on because I thought Jossie had done it. She said Jossie has been very unhappy at the church today and that she had told her she shouldn’t come when she didn’t feel well.
Gina Severns gave me a ride home. She said Terri Buford has arrived from Guyana. Terri says Jim wants to get people out of the States as soon as possible. When asked, “What will happen to the church?” he said “I don’t care – let them have it”
At home I learned it was Virginia who had left the oven on.
I had my buttermilk and juice.
Did my exercises.
Wanda came home and prepared her dinner. The doctor said she must eat 2400 calories a day, a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, which she finds difficult.
When she was finished, I prepared lunch for tomorrow. Estelle had cleaned out her closets and threw out a coat which Etta had. It seems to be in good condition and fits me reasonably well. The collar was dirty and I tried to clean it up with soap and water.
Read newspapers and ate some fruit.
Went to bed at 11:15.
December 7, 1977 – Wednesday
Spent most of the morning on journal items.
Dor Stooker was in and I told her of my imminent retirement. She said she had given some thought to doing the same herself. She will be 62 in February. She doesn’t like “the way things are going” in the department, meaning that Virginia Duncan’s management is unpalatable to her.
At lunch I ate quickly and went to hear the lectures of the “Bechtel Forum,” which this month featured Richard Godwin, a Director and Vice President of Bechtel Incorporated. His topic was “Focus: Middle East” and was mainly devoted to the Bechtel jobs in that part of the world. They seem to be a great part of Bechtel’s occupation at the present time. The assembly room was packed and we were taken to an additional room and heard lecture in that room.
In the afternoon I spent most of the time typing Weinberger’s articles.
When I got home tonight I ate some leftover vegetables (which were not on my diet, but I didn’t want to waste them and Jossie hasn’t been eating at home lately.). Washed and changed clothes.
Went to the Temple service at 7:30. Very few were present at the beginning, though attendance increased later.
Marcy said up to midnight last night she had received telephone calls inquiring about the supposed deaths of several people in Jonestown. All these rumors are untrue. There is daily radio communication and Father does not keep anything from us.
Marcy said visitors from other countries continually arrive in Guyana to see a model plan of living.
Terri Buford had brought a tape made by Jim for broadcasting in South America. It was played for us. On it Mike Prokes interviewed him. Jim was referred to as “Bishop Jones” and the content was geared to the religious background of the listener. Marcy reminded us that Jim starts where people are, as he did with us. In Guyana we won’t have church, just rallies.
Apparently few attended the required security meeting last night for the Banks event on Thursday. Ted Holliday started to give the instructions for security which members, all of whom with the exception of seniors, are supposed to help with. However, attention to those was not good so it was decided people would stay after the meeting and get the instructions.
The meeting was over at 10:00. I would have been in the second load, but Viola Godshalk gave me her place because I had to work tomorrow.
I prepared tomorrow’s lunch. Then pressed my coat. I had washed the collar of the one I inherited from Etta. Read the newspaper while I ate some fruit and had some Sanka. Went to bed at 11:45.
December 8, 1977 – Thursday
From Weinberger’s office — I was asked to run off on the Xerox and distribute a memo concerning the annual Christmas lunch of the Legal Department which is to be Wednesday, 21st of December at noon on the second floor – cold cuts, bread, punch and coffee are to be provided and each person is asked to bring a dish.
I wrote the names of some 70 employees on the memos and distributed them. This took about 2 hours.
Most of the rest of the day I spent typing Weinberger’s articles. There were four in all and they came to four pages each, double-spaced. Finished these in the late afternoon.
Made yesterday’s journal entry. Ate my lunch inside.
Betty Vasil asked if I would be able to go to lunch with the administrative group on Thursday the 22nd, as I had told her it depended on what time of day Eddie arrived.
Norma Bondoc asked me to go to lunch on Thursday the 15th.
I received a letter from Weinberger thanking me for my services in glowing terms.
After work I went home, ate my diet food as I didn’t know whether I would get any dinner at the Banks affair tonight. Changed clothes.
Jossie came home early, rather than staying for the concert. She didn’t feel well and was in a complaining mood.
Judy and I went to the temple tonight about 6:30. Not many people had arrived but gradually the auditorium filled up. Most of those attending were Native Americans, many with small children. They were on the whole quite well-behaved, except that there was much talking throughout all the proceedings and for a period of drumming which seemed to have religious significance. At a table downstairs there were pamphlets and other handouts on the American Indian Movement, a raffle was being conducted and petitions signed. Temple people unostentatiously watched what went on at all entrances, hallways, stairs and in the auditorium itself. Most of the people sat together near the door. I sat with Virginia. After one number I joined the food line in the lower level. Had a cucumber salad, a very hot soup, some hot mixed potato salad, an excellent bread fried in deep fat, and honey dew melon.
Dennis Banks and one of his lieutenants sat down beside me and I had some conversation with him, though I don’t think he knew me.
Several musical numbers were presented by bands and soloists — a Native American poet from Arizona, Simon Ortiz, read his material.
Banks came to the podium. He told of a Congressional proposal to abrogate all the Indian treaties and said all the donations should go toward fighting this rather than for opposing his extradition, the announced purpose of the concert. He paid a very nice tribute to the Temple and Jim Jones. He introduced his wife and some of his children including Iron Door Woman. He then took the offering and got announced sums of money. He is very natural and quite at ease.
We stayed for another number of presentations. The hall was getting crowded, the music louder and offensive in content to some Temple members. I found Gina, as I was getting tired, and she took several of us home about 10:30.
Jossie was awake and still unhappy. I prepared my lunch for tomorrow.
Read and ate fruit, going to bed about 12:00.
I awakened slightly when Wanda came in. She told me later the concert, supposed to end at 12:00 was extended a half hour and then another half hour. People were dancing and having a good time.
At 3:10, the telephone rang. Someone at the Temple was calling for Judy, who had not come to relieve him at a security post. I didn’t want to go down to the second floor and get her and told him to send someone for her.
I had a hard time getting back to sleep. It was a cold night and I had to put on an extra blanket.
December 9, 1977 – Friday
Didn’t have any work today.
Talked to Lor on the phone. She has not been at her office for some time. I called her at home. She has been suffering with an infection of the liver and the doctor says she can’t go back to work until after Christmas.
Word got around the office about my leaving. I suspect Virginia Duncan may have told Denise.
I cleaned out my desk drawers.
Went through October journal entries to find items omitted or on which I need further information.
I ate lunch at my desk.
After work I went home first. No one was there.
Took the bus to the Northpoint Coop. Had an ice cream cone. Got a few items. Bought a bottle of hair color rinse in the drugstore.
At home I had some juice. I’m still on my diet except for having had the ice cream.
Did personal chores. Washed my hair. Read and had some fruits. Went to bed at 12:00.
December 10, 1977 – Saturday
I was up at 8:00.
Wanda was getting her breakfast in the kitchen and she seemed to prefer not to be disturbed by others working around her. Since I was in a hurry I didn’t wait to get anything to eat.
I took my laundry to the laundromat on Hyde and O’Farrell. Wanda took her laundry out too but happened to go to another place.
I then took the Muni to the Haight Community Food Store. I was an hour later than usual but was able to select quickly what I wanted. Pushed the cart home. I was home only about an hour later than usual.
I had decided to stay on my diet for one more day to make up for the food I ate at the Banks affair on Thursday.
I had missed my new manicure scissors Friday night. I remember using them one day last week while sitting on my bed and I probably left them on the dresser. I looked for them diligently but didn’t find them.
I started to search again, intending to pull out the dresser and look behind and under the bed. I came upon a hamper which Jossie keeps near her bed. It was filled with small pans, some of which we have feared missing, a china bowl and plate, which I have also been missing, and several pieces of silverware, as well as 2 or 3 kitchen knives, and several paper cups. There was also a half lemon which had spoiled. I have been looking for a particular paring knife but didn’t find it. In a sack which she usually deposits near my dresser (and which I thought merely contained dry groceries, purchases and an occasional carrot or bunch of celery) there were more dirty glasses and dishes.
Jossie was at the Temple but I called Wanda. She was particularly aghast at the knives and wanted me to turn in all the knives we had to the Temple. We both felt that the mystery of the missing paring knife and probably my manicure scissors was solved; however I did not find them. Jossie’s bureau drawers are a jumble of clothes and other items, as is the floor of her side of the closet, but I did not have time to search further.
I had left a folder at the office with materials in it which I needed so I decided to go down by bus and get it. I also brought back some 3-hole binders which one of the secretaries gave me. I went down and back in less than an hour.
Napped for an hour and a half. Ate my diet meal. Went to the Temple service. Turned in my check. The service was dismissed at 10:00.
I read and had some fruit, keeping to my diet. I have lost from 2 to 3 pounds.
Went to bed at 12:00.
December 11, 1977 – Sunday
Got up at 8:00.
Broke my fast. Had grapefruit, biscuits, an egg, beef sausage.
Took Muni to the Temple service.
Marcy seemed very distraught. I feared that something had happened to Jim, but she said he was alright. She had talked to him as recently as noon Saturday.
Marcy had met recently with Dick Gregory. He is an old friend of Frances Johnson. However he said he had known of P.T. for a long time. He said he was only surprised that the harassment directed against us had not taken place much sooner. Jim had put a call through to Cecil Williams after the outbreak of the conspiracy against us and Cecil wouldn’t even come to the phone.
Marcy showed us small toys made in Jonestown out of waste wood left over from building. She also had a small black doll called a “Marcy Doll” made by Bev Livingston. It is planned to sell the dolls for next Christmas.
The service was designed to wake up fervor and loyalty. Marcy spoke strongly against materialism and preoccupation with such things as TV. Marcy had us all come up to the altar and touch Jim’s picture.
The service was out at 2:00. I went home to eat. I had steak, green beans and a salad.
Judy [Merriam] came up to use the telephone. She and Wanda had been having an argument lately. Judy wants the telephone downstairs. She says she needs one to do her work with the seniors on the second floor. Sometimes no one is in our apartment and she has trouble getting messages. Today she told me of a problem concerning a TV which was being used by Lillian Taylor, a senior who is not well. The owner returned from a long absence and took it back. Lillian is agitated and tried to get help from various people to get another TV. Judy was disgusted since people had just listened to Marcy on the subject of materialistic concerns but Wanda was sympathetic.
Instead of taking a nap as I usually do on Sunday, I returned to the Temple at 4:30.
I worked with Patti Chastain for two hours proofing the new issue of People’s Forum. We conversed a good deal, particularly on what might happen in the future. I told Patti that Judy said Mabel Johnson had remarked she thought she would wait to go to Guyana until Father provided us all with a house of our own. Patti and I agreed that it might be some time before we could have a house. It is much more likely that as persecution in this city increases, a flood of refugees will have need of all the housing we can provide; we can’t see Jim Jones providing us with separate housing while others are without.
When the service began, we could hear it over the loudspeakers. When Marcy arrived on the podium, an effort was made to get people into the service.
On the loudspeakers I heard Marcy start to tell about Chris Lewis being killed last night. He had gone to Guyana but didn’t want to stay. Against Jim’s advice he insisted on leaving. He got drunk and damaged some Guyanese property which would have hurt our relations with the government had not Jim established good feeling. Chris came back and went into areas Jim had told him not to go. So he is dead because he disobeyed instructions. He had been in and out of services. Marcy emphasized that Jim loved him and was sorrowful because of what happened to him. We love him and miss him.
I had gone into the auditorium.
I noted that Mabel Johnson was not in service, as she had not been this morning.
Marcy counseled us all to care for each other. On the occasions when she had put material things first, she had learned bitter lessons.
The service was out shortly after 8:00. Marcy asked us to shake hands with her and pass by the altar.
A man gave Wanda a ride and then me too.
I prepared tomorrow’s lunch. Read newspapers and had a snack. Went to bed at 11:15.
December 12, 1977 – Monday
Gard [at Bechtel] was back from South Africa today. He told me he was there while momentous events took place: the election returning Prime Minister Vorster to office, the Biko decision and the establishment of another native “homeland.”
Jim Mansfield had returned from his trip of several months to Saudi Arabia and asked me to type up the last page of his expense report (the major part was done in London) and distribute the total figure among the various jobs. I got the amounts by using the calculator.
I made journal notes from the weekend.
This morning I lost my Bechtel badge, missed it in the elevator which was crowded. I expected it to be turned in sometime during the day but didn’t hear anything.
I ate lunch at my desk.
Went to the BWAA meeting, another of the series on health relating to women. Attendance was very small. The speaker was Mary Foran of the Coalition for the Medical Rights of Women. She explained the meaning of “informed consent” and women’s rights in their medical treatment. A great deal of the inadequate medical care and lack of understanding she blamed on the ultimate concern for making money. She gave out some printed material for the Coalition which also emphasized that it was the desire for projects which resulted in poor medical care.
Went to the Temple to eat tonight.
Spent an hour proofing the rest of the [Peoples] Forum for Patti.
Got a ride home with Chris Kice. I told her of my sister’s visit. She was concerned that we get the apartment cleaned up and was apprehensive over their seeing Jossie. I told her both were in the educational field and used to seeing people of every type. After all, it is to our credit that we look after older people whom no one else looks after.
Work on Jossie’s passport seems to be proceeding but she is still fussing. She objects to listing information about all her relatives, why, I don’t know. Wanda told me her real name seems to have been registered as Joseph and it upsets her to use it.
I did my exercises. Prepared tomorrow’s lunch.
On Sunday at the break between services, a number of members interested in education and procurement — Andy Silver, C.J.[Jackson], Wanda [King], Carol Stahl – had met and discussed trying to get more textbooks from McGraw-Hill. We have some catalogs from them and Wanda let me have one listing their professional book titles. I wasn’t clear what they wanted but Wanda thought they wanted me to list titles of books we wanted and draft a letter to McGraw-Hill. I went through it listing books from the categories in which I have an interest.
I read newspapers, had a snack.
Vernell came up with a TV set she had gotten somewhere for Lillian Taylor.
I went to bed about 11:15.
December 13, 1977 – Tuesday
Did another short expense account for Mansfield.
Worked on a long memo for Jawdat most of the day. It was a report on a seminar in L.A.
The [SF] Chronicle ran an article about the shooting of Chris Lewis in Hunters Point.
Ate lunch at my desk early.
Saw the Bechtel film, “The Pinto Valley Project,” on copper mining in Arizona.
My Bechtel badge was found in the elevator pit by a building worker, after Betty Vasil had suggested this possibility.
Norma asked me to give her some suggestions on what I might want as a gift, leading me to think that a group of the secretaries are planning to go together to get me something.
Late in the day I was asked to put in an hour on the reception desk. I worked on journal items.
Left work. Went to the Temple to eat. Turned in my needs slip.
Jane Mutschmann took us home. I did my exercises.
Prepared tomorrow’s lunch. Did some more work on the McGraw-Hill book list.
Read newspapers and had a snack. Went to bed at 11:15.
December 14, 1977 – Wednesday
It rained most of the day.
I had no office work, except a slight revision of Jawdat’s seminar report.
Spent most of the day on a bunch of personal tasks, in particular going through the McGraw-Hill catalog choosing books which I would like to use in my teaching. I copied a sample cover letter for use in requesting the donations.
Wrote a letter to Leona Collier letting her know I would not be going to L.A. this weekend.
Made a request for four days’ vacation while my sisters are here.
Ate my lunch at my desk. Then I went down to see a short videotape on Bechtel’s world-wide construction at LNG facilities. Went to the post office to buy stamps. Because of the rain, the line was surprisingly short.
Went directly home after work. Changed clothes. Went to the Temple to eat.
Talked with Andy Silver on the McGraw-Hill book order and got his suggestions. He told me the general method we use regarding donation. Several contacts should be made by letter and phone, impressing the persons in charge with the Temple’s work and our needs. Then when they have goods which for some reason they can spare, they may let us know. We have to be ready to go after the goods immediately. We cannot expect to get precisely what we wish.
I showed Wanda the book list I had prepared. She and another nurse will be making recommendations in the medical field. I read the paper until the service started.
During the service, when Marcy appeared on the podium, she was very serious. She spoke of people who don’t do their share and are jealous of others’ imagined privileges. There is still some racism manifested. She commanded that the use of terms such as “nigger” and “honky,” even in fun, cease. “Be kind to each other.” She named some people who work very devotedly. Among them were Tim Clancey and Laurie Efrein.
As bad attendance was one cause of complaint, Marcy then called the roll. I don’t know whether it was composed only of those living communally or all those in the area claiming membership. Some were not on the list.
Those who weren’t going L.A. were asked to stand and were put on the list to do security on the weekend. I got my name on the list thinking that could spend 3 hours during the weekend.
Another serious problem was the number of members who accumulated parking tickets. The sum during the month came to $450. During the discussion on the subject, Marcy said Betty had orders to refuse a car to anyone who was delinquent in fines. Fines will be paid from people’s allowances. I suggested that those incurring fines should be brought up before the group for public examining, as children were for bad behavior. Marcy replied that no one, not even children were being brought on the floor in Jim’s absence. Jack Beam said he didn’t know how many of those responsible for the fines could stand being put on the floor.
Marcy commented on a newspaper article concerning a foundation called the Pioneer Fund which had given support for the “research” of geneticists such as Arthur Jensen [included a note from Edith Roller to add more names later — such as: William Shockley,…] who claimed blacks are racially inferior.
The service was dismissed at 10:30.
I applied to June Crym for addresses to give for official (Bechtel and other persons) use and for personal use. She will let me know. Talked with C.J. [Jackson] who is the chairman of the McGraw-Hill project committee.
The seniors were taken home. Washed my hair. Read newspapers and had a snack. Went to bed at 1:30.
December 14, 1977 – Thursday
Had no work all day. I made a revision in the McGraw-Hill list and ran off Xerox copies.
At 11:30 I left with Norma for lunch. I thought probably others were involved. In the women’s room Helen Lowe gave the plan away, saying she was sorry she couldn’t make my party. I could tell Norma was extremely annoyed but I pretended not to notice. At the elevators I saw Brenda and Bob O’Neill, dressed up and assumed they were going.
Norma and I walked to the Embarcadero and she had a little difficulty in finding the restaurant. We ran into John Foster who was looking for it too. The restaurant was Japanese, the Fujiya. When we came in, I saw two tables with approximately 24 people seated including three attorneys, Garb, Jewett and Huffner, Betty Vasil and Virginia Duncan were there also and most of the secretaries with whom I have had close relations.
A big package was at my place at the head of the table. I left it to be opened later. I ordered prawns. Other choices were steak and chicken. The food was cooked in front of us. I had a Martini. Dor Stooker arrived late. Cards for my birthday and congratulating me on my retirement had been signed by everyone. Kate Walker had written an amusing poem on my retirement. I opened my gift. It was a blue suitcase..
On my retirement plans I have told everyone that I am going to do voluntary work for an agency which has a rehabilitation project for delinquent U.S. youth “on the borders of Venezuela” and that I would be teaching English.
In the afternoon I did some work on journal entries. I was very sleepy.
After office hours went directly to the Temple where I told of the lunch and gift. Talked with C.J. on the McGraw-Hill project.
Four of us went home on the Muni bus.
I put my laundry in the machine.
Did my exercises.
Started to do my personal chores. Couldn’t find some more items: my eyebrow tweezers, razor and the holder given to me by my dentist to hold a toothpick for dental care. I told Wanda. I searched my drawers carefully. We awoke Jossie and asked her about the missing items. Wanda went through her drawers but with no luck. Jossie denied taking anything, saying she had no use for any of the items.
C.J. arrived to go over the McGraw-Hill letter. He brought letterhead paper. We discussed the wording and forms of the letter.
After C.J.’s departure, Wanda and I continued to question Jossie about my missing items. She, obviously distressed, left but Wanda was not afraid she had left the building as she hadn’t taken her coat. I was worried, however, and after a while Wanda went to look for her. When Wanda returned after some time, she said Jossie had been talking with Vernell Henderson. Vernell suggested I move my belongings to Estelle’s room and sleep there.
I continued with my personal chores. It was after 10:00.
I had a snack and read until 11:30.
I told Jossie intensely that I would like to see my things returned in the same manner as they had disappeared.
December 16, 1977 – Friday
Time cards were due early today.
Had to retype the McGraw-Hill book list because one tab was off on the column and I couldn’t find a way to correct it. Then, I typed C.J.’s letter to McGraw-Hill and ran it off on Temple stationery.
Ann Stokey is going on a vacation starting today until 12 January. She told me she is moving to Arlington where she and her son have purchased rental property. She left me a gift of a pretty engraved jade necklace. Dor has had a much better attitude toward me recently. When I told her I was resigning, she said she was thinking of doing the same thing. She will be 62 on 28 February
Dale Huffman’s wife Cynthia came in. She is a teacher of English as a second language. She is now teaching at Armstrong College in Oakland. Most of her students are Iranians who pay enormous fees. Armstrong is mainly a business college. Cynthia is putting gin an application to a foundation for teaching Vietnamese at Laney College, which would be at a good salary. I typed a resume for her at Huffman’s request.
More money came in from the legal staff as contributions to my present and Norma gave it to me.
Nora Armstrong gave me a tote bag in very good condition, which matches my new suitcase. Betty Barclay gave me a purse which I might be able to use.
Rain was heavy this afternoon.
I went home this evening on leaving to get changed clothes.
Virginia came home after me and we went to the Temple together on Muni and had dinner.
Gave CJ [Jackson] the list I had written to McGraw Hill.
Turned in my check.
Tried to find June Crym to get an answer on the address to use. Didn’t find her. Read the newspaper in the accounting office until time for service.
The service was over early but the congregation was told the buses wouldn’t leave for LA until 12.00.
I thought Ted Holliday would give me my security assignment for the weekend but I didn’t see him. I presumed there were enough people to cover the posts without using seniors.
I went home.
Read before I went to sleep.
December 17, 1977 – Saturday
Got up at 8:15. Had some breakfast.
I moved my belongings from the drawers in the room I occupy with Jossie to the drawers in Estelle’s room. Then I cleaned out both rooms and went through Jossie’s drawers and the closet. While going through my things I found my razor and tweezers, though not my manicure scissors. I couldn’t get a vacuum cleaner to clean the floors.
Left at 10:30 for the airline terminal. It was raining. Took the bus to the SF airport. Read the newspaper while waiting for Dor. Dor’s flight from Chicago was scheduled to come in at 12:05. The time was changed to 12:24, then 12:31.
Dor recognized me before I did her. She wore a long good-looking raccoon hat.
We went to get her luggage. She did not get one bag, a denim one in the shape of a large drum, containing a red cape, shoes, underwear. She put in a report at the TWA operations and they arranges for interchanging calls on the loss.
We took the airport bus into the terminal. We ate a little lunch at the Mark Twain Café near the terminal. I had a hamburger which was very good
We took the Muni to the Excec Motel, transferring twice. The motel gave her a weekly rate of $60 for a double room with a stove and refrigerator, though she did not intend to prepare any food there.
I took Muni to the Haight Community Store and bought a few things and some fruit for my breakfasts and lunches next week. Was interested in a young woman on the Haight bus who was carrying a coat in a basket over to Oakland.
Dor and I dressed and took the bus down Market to Powell. We decided to eat at Bernstein’s Fish Grotto. Price for meals were quite high and we chose the cheapest items on the menu. She had red snapper and I had cannelloni (squid) with macaroni. We had some white wine. On receiving the bill we found that together we were a little short of having enough money to pay. Dor had brought little cash and two payroll checks. We succeeded in getting the management to cash the smaller check.
I stayed with Dor tonight at the motel. The room had not been meticulously cleaned.
We went to bed at 12:30.
December 18, 1977 – Sunday
Dor and I woke in the dark and talked. My watch had stopped. We had no clock and there was no radio in the room, so we didn’t know what time it was.
Dor told me about her stay with Paul and Polly. Although she likes Polly, she said Paul was like Matthew. He can’t get along with his mother when his wife was present. However, she told me that an incident in which it seemed to me she was criticizing Polly and comparing her treatment of Paul unfavorably to Peas, his mother. Paul has apparently become quite mercenary, though as a small boy he knew how to handle money to his advantage. He suggested to Dor that she sell some property and give him half to put into his business. She had already lent him $4,000. She refused. He has his own construction business. Dor thinks Polly doesn’t have any intention of having children soon.
Dor said Mabo sees much less of Miranda and Tagare than she had hoped. Miranda is very busy.
All three of my sisters had planned to be in Colorado in a few years. Mabo plans to move to Boulder when she is 60. Dor had talked of getting into a condominium in Denver. However, she may change her mind. She likes her house and green house. She has organizations she is active in and she does some traveling. She has gone on architectural and horticultural tours. She attends the conventions of Madelyn Murray O’Hare and she goes to plays and the opera.
While it was still dark, we got up and went up to catch the bus on Van Ness. We found as the sun came up, it was about 7:00 o’clock. We had coffee in Zim’s and prepared breakfast in my apartment.
Dor telephoned the baggage claim office at the airport, but her bag had not been located. She was authorized to spend $35 to replace needed clothes. Wanda, who had not gone to L.A. either, phoned. Dor went out to buy something at the drugstore.
While Dor was gone, I suddenly remembered this was my birthday.
I prepared a steak dinner for us. Besides the meat, we had beans, corn and salad.
Frances came. Dor liked her. We then took the bus to Union Street, walking along and looking at the shops. Had coffee in a café.
We saw the film “Julia” with Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave and Jason Robards. It was based on a story by Lilian Hellman, a true happening. All the principals gave magnificent performances. The clothes and backgrounds were superb. The details of the story were gripping, though I was not sure the audience as a whole saw the significance. I was of course particularly interested because of the connection of Fonda with the Temple.
After the show we walked along Union looking for a place to eat. We wanted a light meal and couldn’t find any restaurant where the prices were not too high. When we got to Van Ness we turned and walked along it and finally turned off on Polk where we went in an Italian place and Dor had spaghetti and I had a sardine sandwich.
We walked home. Dor stayed with me in my apartment. During the night we heard as we thought, Jossie and Virginia returning from L.A. I didn’t get to sleep again until nearly morning.
December 19, 1977 – Monday
In the morning we saw that Virginia’s bed was empty and we got the impression from Jossie that she had gone to the Freedom Land. Wanda was surprised so we’d have to ship her luggage later. Dor was quite interested.
I went to work. Did several items for Gert. Dor came in to the office. I introduced her to my friends. She liked Norma, Kat and Shirley Lawry.
At lunchtime we went to the Hyatt Regency which was presenting free the Oakland Ballet in excerpts from “The Nutcracker.” We went up to the 3rd floor from which we got an excellent view.
I met Dor for dinner. We went up Polk Street looking for a good place to eat. We chose a Mexican restaurant. We shared several items and each had a little Mexican beer. For dessert we had a custard with sauce.
When we got home, we found Virginia had not left. When the buses got in last night she had merely gone to the Temple to sleep. Dor thinks she and Jossie are interesting.
Wanda suggested Dor sleep in our apartment, which she did.
December 20, 1977 – Tuesday
I woke early.
Had breakfast and prepared lunch.
Dor called some friends whom she had known in Chicago and the friends invited her to visit in their apartment.
I went to work. Left for an eye exam at 11:20 at Kaiser.
Dr. Takahashi examined my eyes to see whether I needed a new prescription. He found little difference in my eyes, but he wanted a change of prescription as it is hard for me to see small print in the telephone book and dictionary. I decided to get new frames and keep my old glasses as a second pair . The exam at Kaiser is free but the lenses and frames cost $64. A deposit of 80% was required but I had only $23 which I gave them.
Ate lunch at my desk.
I went home after work. Changed clothes. Took my needs slip to the Temple.
Dor’s friends lived near Union Street. I thought I could catch the right bus on Sutter at Fillmore, but none came so I phoned. I had to take the Fillmore bus #22 to Union and transfer to #45. Dor’s friends, a Jewish couple, had a pleasant apartment on Greenwich Street. Their daughter was also present. We had wine, crackers and cheese. Conversation was of the liberal variety about books and life in SF.
We went to dinner at a home-style Japanese restaurant.
The friends took us to the motel. As Dor had not been there for several days, the manager didn’t know what had happened to her. He said the day following her checking in, the airport had delivered her missing bag. The baggage records were not very accurate, for Dor had been phoning about it every day. She had spent some of the money authorized to replace her underwear and so on.
December 21, 1977 – Wednesday
I took a day of leave from work
Dor and I had breakfast at the Hilton near the Airline Terminal. The food and service were disappointing. Dor was sharp with the waiter because the muffins were not hot.
We took the bus to the airport and met Eddie who flew in (her plane came in at 1:00) after getting her luggage, we rode the bus back to the terminal and had a coke.
The office party was today and I had thought of coming in and seeing whether I could get some food for Eddie and Dor but I decided against it. The crowds were so dense on the public transportation that I didn’t even want to do any more traveling. I eventually bought some nuts which I had roasted to take to the office as my share, later learned that they had been used at the reception desk rather than in the party.
We went to the Exec Motel. Eddie thought it was much better than had been described. I had brought some cleaning materials and scrubbed the stove and cabinets and washed the dishes which were furnished.
We all talked about our recent activities. I went to the Temple to eat and to the Wednesday night service. Eddie and Dor ate at the place in the Civic Center area near the hotel.
December 22, 1977 – Thursday
Went to the office today. Betty Vasil gave a luncheon for the administrative staff at the Poodle Dog. We had cocktails and wine. I ordered a martini and sautéed sweetbreads.
I telephoneded the Economic Benefits office and got some advice on my retirement funds. Eddie and Dor came to the office and met various people.
We went home together. The rain was heavy. We went to Stacey’s Bookstore and I looked for a book for Lor as a gift for Christmas. I decided to buy The Book of Lists.
I went to the Temple to eat. I learned later that Dor and Eddie ate at the Chinese restaurant across the street from our apartment house only because it was raining but they enjoyed it.
At 9:00 we went to hear Anita O’Day at the Macambo, which is on Polk a few blocks up. She is a singer of another era who has “come back” after troubles with drugs. We were late and sat upstairs. She was an excellent performer with out a great deal of variety. We had two drinks apiece. At intermission we went downstairs and saw Bob O’Neill, who had told us he was coming tonight with some of his friends. We joked with them for a while.
I had Eddie and Dor take a taxi home.
December 23, 1977 – Friday
Today was a Bechtel holiday.
I shopped at Safeway for chuck steak and broccoli. I had invited Laurie Efrein, Gina Severns and Patti Chastain to lunch, thinking that Dor and Eddie would enjoy meeting them and learning of their backgrounds.
When my sisters came, we prepared lunch. They helped with salad. I intended to broil the meat but the broiler didn’t get hot enough so I had to put it on top of the stove. Laurie and Gina arrived; Patti called that she couldn’t come, as she had to make posters for a Temple march tomorrow.
The food was enjoyed but Dor was especially unpleasant with the guests. When I tried to draw Gina out about her experiences and she told of coming to the Temple, Dor thought she was being propagandized and started to tell about her association with Veterans for Peace. Laurie was very shy about revealing anything unusual about her past. Neither of my sisters were impressed with Gina or Laurie, though with Patti, they are three of the best friends I have at the Temple. Perhaps their youth and inexperience with sophisticated older was a handicap to them.
In the afternoon, Eddie, Dor and I went to the Haight on a shopping expedition. We stopped at the old Haight Community Food store on Hayes Street which is now a general coop store. I had read they had some Indian material. I bought a piece for a bedspread for my bed in Jonestown. Then we went to Haight Street. I bought some groceries at the Community Food Store, while Dor and Edna [Eddie] looked around Haight Street. Dor wanted to buy some “funky” items in a second-hand store. She bought a blouse and a felt hat. We had coffee mocha in a coffee shop which had been recommended to us.
We went home on the bus. After they got off, I rode to Geary on the Folsom bus and took the Geary bus home. On reaching home I discovered that my wallet had been stolen. It contained not more than ten dollars, I figured, my Muni pass, and my driver’s license, plus a few other docs. I imagine it was stolen when I got off the Geary bus.
December 24, 1977 – Saturday
Dor and Eddie arrived about 9:00. We rented a car from an agency on Van Ness next to Zim’s hamburger place. We got a small wagon. I had looked forward to doing some driving. If it had been a weekday I could have gone to Department of Motor Vehicles and gotten a substitute license. The man in charge of the agency especially emphasized that our insurance would be void if an unlicensed driver was at the wheel.
Edna drove. It was a beautiful day. We drove to Napa, had lunch and did some shopping. Then we went to Sonoma, did some sightseeing of historical spots, stopped at a couple of wineries and sampled wine. We visited the Vallejo home on the way back and spent some time there, then returned to SF, getting in after dark.
We went to Clement Street and looked for a good restaurant. We settled on an Armenian restaurant. We each had a lamb dish. We didn’t have any drinks as Edna was beginning to worry about expenditures.
I missed the Temple service.
Edna dropped me off at 1029 Geary and took the car to the motel.
December 25, 1977 – Sunday
Christmas Day
Eddie and Dor left the car at the agency. Everything was alright.
We had a pancake breakfast for Judy Merriam and Viola Godshalk. I invited Jossie and Virginia but they can’t eat pancakes. Dor again got into controversial matter, bringing up the subject of the Temple with Judy. But she didn’t much trouble Judy who stood her ground.
I went to the Temple at 12:00 for the first part of the service. The tables were set upstairs for dinner. Vernell Henderson knew that I had to be with my sisters. She said that perhaps it could have been arranged for them to come in the Temple and have Christmas dinner, but I think that Dor in particular would have preferred not to.
I left at 1:40 and we three left to visit Lor, who had invited us for Christmas dinner. Barbara Peas and Dor [from Bechtel] were also guests. The two young Japanese – Mari and Herm — were present and had prepared and served the dinner which consisted of Japanese food. Although interesting, I would have preferred to have turkey. Lor is having another Christmas dinner tonight for the young people, at which I believe she ordered a pre-cooked turkey. I received gifts from all, although I brought something only for Lor. Dor and Edna brought her wine.
Mari was leaving shortly for Japan to be married and home after all.
Lor is better and will be returning to work after Christmas. She had infectious hepatitis.
Dor asked Lor whether she would add the $62 I owed her (Dor) to the other money she was keeping for me for the postage as a kind of nest egg so that I would have something if I changed my mind and decided to come back to the U.S. She would give it to me only under this condition: we both agreed. Although after a passage of time, I expect to claim it, if I haven’t taken it out in books by then.
We left at 8:30.
December 26, 1977 – Monday
Today was a holiday. Eddie liked to have breakfast in the motel. We had bought some sweet rolls and made Sanka. Dor left and I took her to the airport. Eddie did not accompany us.
When I returned Eddie and I went to North Beach. We kept looking for a good place to eat, but many restaurants were closed. We especially wanted a regular Christmas dinner with turkey and didn’t find any restaurant with such a menu. We went past the Pyramid and into the Financial District and still did not find a good place to eat. We took a ride on BART so that Eddie could see what it was like. Getting off at Powell Street, we walked up to Geary. Rain which had been falling all day was heavy. We decided to eat at David’s and did have turkey, but I did not think it was exceptional.
We returned to Eddie’s motel.
There was a big color TV set in the room and we watched a film on the Strauss family, but not too attentively. I was also reading the newspaper finding that the Strauss family film was a documentary on the Greenpeace demonstrations. This was an attempt to stop the slaughtering of whales by intercepting the ships engaged in it, which were Soviet. They came very close to the ships, had some success in forcing them to abandon their purpose and got some fascinating film footage.
December 27, 1977 – Tuesday
I took the day off. Eddie and I had sweet rolls and Sanka in the hotel again.
We took the bus to Fisherman’s Wharf, walked down Beach Street. We intended to buy some seafood at dinner, as both of us were tired of eating in restaurants. We didn’t find anything but crabs and finally bought some which the proprietor cracked for us and French bread.
We went on to the coop, got some vegetables for salad and sauces for the crab and then went to Cost Plus. Eddie bought several items. They had a sale on Indian materials and I decided to buy a bedspread, although I had already bought some Indian cloth for me. I thought I could use them both. I also bought another Indian cloth bag. I had promised Viola the one I had.
We went to my apartment and prepared the crab, on which we put a sauce of ketchup and horseradish, and a salad with oil and vinegar and the bread.
No one else was at home. We went back to the motel for the night.
December 28, 1977 – Wednesday
I took this day off.
We had sweet rolls at the motel. I cleaned up and Eddie packed. Eddie checked out.
It was raining. Eddie had so many bags (she always brings much more than needed)
that we had difficulty carrying them all and I became a little annoyed with her. We took the bus to O’Farrell. I left her at the corner while I took my bag to my apartment.
We took the airport bus. Edna was short of cash, having spent more than she had counted on. I paid my own way. Edna’s plane was at 12:15. She has coffee and I had Sanka. I questioned her about the financial situation of each sister. We didn’t have much time before Edna’s plane.
I went home, then returned to the office.
Worked on the McGraw-Hill book lists until closing time.
Attended the Temple service.
December 29, 1977 – Thursday
Went to the office. Worked on the McGraw-Hill book lists. Did a page an hour.
Washed my hair tonight.
Wanda told me about Ron Owens KGO call-in radio program. Peoples’ Temple was the subject to be discussed tonight with Temple representatives to be questioned. It was scheduled to start at 10:00. I had been assigned to try to get on the line and ask a question. I was to say I saw the Temple protest march the other day and noticed a sign saying they were being persecuting; I wanted to know what they meant by that.
I got on the line by calling as soon as the program started. Marcy, Jim McElvane and Jean Brown were among the Temple speakers. Marcy opened with a statement referring to the conspiracy against us. She told how our crates had been broken into, our Social Security checks not allowed. Wanda had told me that the affidavits concerning healings had been destroyed. Ron Owens, while claiming to be impartial was unfriendly, showed little concern over the charges of harassment. He questioned Jim’s absence, kept emphasizing brain washing, wondered why anyone would want to persecute us and charges that people had been organized to call in.
After I had been on the line an hour waiting, I was cut off without explanation. I dialed again and after numerous attempts got on but had another long waiting period. When I did find myself on the air, my question seemed unnecessary because it had been already answered but I insisted I didn’t understand and was allowed to give it. This gave Marcy a chance to make some conditional points. The program was on 2 hours.
I had a snack and read an hour.
December 30, 1977 – Friday
I put in a work day today, but did no official work. I had planned to work on the McGraw-Hill book list, but did not make much progress.
I had a check list made by Cathy to take around. I was cleared on all the items. Cleaned out my desk.
Mare had arranged to take me to lunch but she phoned saying she had had trouble with her sister, had a problem with the car. She talked mostly about Deb Bower, who she thinks is malingering. She has a new job she will start on will start on. She plans to come on Tuesday and take me to lunch then.
Weinberger dismissed us at 2:30. I went around and said goodbye.
With Cathy, Brenda, Betty Barclay and a friend of Brenda’s we went to the Hyatt-Regency for drinks. I had two martinis.
I went home by bus, arriving about 6:00.
Jossie told me Oreen Poplin (she didn’t know her name but described her) had come to stay and would be in with me. I had looked forward to an evening alone. I went out again and found an Italian restaurant where I ordered dinner. Had spaghetti and meat sauce and two glasses of wine.
Oreen was in my room when I arrived home. I went to bed and to sleep. Was awakened by Judy who came in to make a phone call about 10:30. I didn’t get back to sleep for hours.
December 31, 1977 – Sunday
I was up about 8:00.
Oreen was up too. She brought much food in for herself. She talked steadily much of the time about her money.
I took my laundry to the laundromat. Went to the Haight Food Store by bus. Bought peas, vegetables for salad, grapefruit. Had lunch at the Temple.
Phyllis [Houston] lent me a tape measure to measure my suitcases. Bette Guy and Jim Randolph were not in. I started to walk home but was given a ride by Roosevelt Turner, Rockie’s friend. Slept three hours
Dressed for the temple meeting. Oreen and Virginia went to the Temple to meet people coming from L.A.
I went to the Temple with Gina at 5:30. Took my TV in for Bryan to look at. The bus from L.A. had broken down. Another bus was sent to get the passengers. I ate dinner. Attended Temple service.
==========================
Roller Journal Names December 1977
Temple Members
Oreen Poplin Alexander
Jack Beam
Bette Guy
Sandy Bradshaw
Jean Brown
Debbie Blakey
Beulah
Terri Buford
Jossie [Chambliss]
Patti Chastain
Tim Clancey
Leona Collier
Ron Crawford
Yulanda Crawford
June Crym
Virginia Duncan
Laurie Efrein
Hue Fortson
Viola Godshalk
Vernell Henderson
Ted Holliday
Phyllis Houston
Barbara Hoyer
CJ Jackson
Frances Johnson
Mabel Johnson
Melvin Johnson
Wanda Kice Johnson
Chris Kice
Wanda [King]
Mike Klingman
Bryan [Kravitz]
Lisa Layton
Chris Lewis
Lu Esther Lewis
Estelle McCall
Judy Merriam
Betty McCann
Jim McElvane
Jane Mutschmann
Earl Poplin
Mike Prokes
Julie Runnels
Marcy [Marceline Jones]
Jim Randolph
Ever [Rejoicing]
Gina Severns
Andy Silver
Carol Stahl
Etta [Thompson]
Lillian Taylor
Roosevelt Turner
Virg (Virginia)
Keith Wade
Harry Williams
Sue Ellen Willams
Non Temple Names
Dennis Banks
Dick Gregory
Biko Decision
Jane Fonda
Mary Foran
Lillian Hellman
Arthur Jensen
Madelyn Murray O’Hare
Simon Ortiz
Ron Owens (KGO)
Vanessa Redgrave
Jason Robards
William Shockley
Dr. Takahashi (Edith’s eye doctor)
Tchaikovsky
Prime MinisterVorster
Iron Door Woman
Edith’s Sisters/relatives
Dor (sister)
Edna (Eddie) (sister)
Mabo (sister)
Tagare
Miranda
Paul & Polly
Lor [friend at SF State]
Mari & Helm
Matthew
Barbara Peas
(Matthew’s mother)
BECHTEL / PEOPLE
Nora Armstrong
Bechtel LNG [world-wide construction management]
Betty Barclay
Norma Bondoc
Deb Bower
Brenda
Cathy [Costello]
Denise
Vernelle Duncan
John Foster
Bob Garb
Richard Goodwin
Dale Huffman
[Zaid] Jawadat
Kat
Shirley Lawry
Helen Lowe
Mag Card [IBM Selectric with memory]
Jim Mansfield
Bob O’Neill
Dor Stooker
Pinto Valley Project [copper mining]
Betty Vasil
Kate Walker
Weinberger
Works
“Marcy Doll” [made in JT]
“wooden toys” [made in JT]
Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer
Book of Lists compiled by David Wallechinsky, Irving Wallace and Amy Wallace
Film: Pinto Valley Project
Film: Julia
Film: on Strauss Family
McGraw-Hill
Peoples Forum
SF Chronicle
Coalition for the Medical Rights of Women
Pioneer Fund
Oakland Ballet
“The Nutcracker”
Greenpeace