Thelma and Lowell's Diary, March 3, 1943

She prepares for her parents' visit; FDR urged to run for a fourth term

Thelma’s parents would arrive the next morning for an extended visit — almost two weeks! — and she must have been so busy cleaning the apartment and preparing for them that she didn’t have time to write. However, she picked up the laundry (14 cents) and spent $1.89 on “eats,” which might indicate stocking up at the grocery store.

A rather more momentous event was happening at another house — the White House — as a delegation from the Democratic National Committee called on President Roosevelt. Paid subscribers can read about it below. This is a great month to become a “Bootie”! Join for a year for $50 and you’ll get a signed copy of my book Gertie: The Fabulous Life of Gertrude Sanford Legendre: Heiress, Explorer, Socialite, Spy. In the winter of 1943, Gertie was working in Washington for the OSS — nicknamed “Oh So Secret,” the spy agency founded by FDR and his spymaster, “Wild Bill” Donovan.

The vintage postcard of the White House dates from 1942 and is being offered by a dealer on eBay.