Thelma and Lowell's Diary: Feb. 28, 1943

Atrocities in Ukraine related by war correspondent; they continue today

Thelma was still only listing purchases again today — rides, eats, a show, and a Sunday newspaper. The Times-Picayune had a front-page story about a big jump in the cost of newsprint — from a ceiling of $50 to $54 per ton — that would immediately result in an increase in the cost of the Times-Picayune, though the single copy price would remain 5 cents on weekdays and 10 cents on Sundays. The price had not been raised since 1939. The couple spent a dollar on the show, which is quite a lot; usually movie tickets cost them no more than 50 or 60 cents for two. Among the films playing in New Orleans that day was Casablanca, which would won Oscars for best movie, best screenplay and best director.

The city of Kharkov in Ukraine — now known as Kharkiv — was in the news then as now. To read about what was going on as the Russians drove the Germans out and what has happened since the Russians began attacking Kharkiv last year, you’ll need to be a subscriber. It costs just $5 a month, 16 cents a day, to get the full benefit of Bootleggers, Baptists and Everything in Between. Join up and be a Bootie!