Thelma and Lowell's Diary: Sept. 29, 1943

He buys Thelma's birthday presents; the President has a small dinner party

Finally, Lowell took up his fountain pen and wrote something down other than a list of expenses. “I went downtown early and bought Thelma’s birthday present. Went to work at 3:00. She, Thelma, sewed in the evening.”

His gifts included a pin and a magazine subscription, plus a greeting card. Thelma’s birthday is not until Oct. 4, so he was thinking ahead!

This cute vintage card from the 1940s is being offered by a vendor on eBay. The verses inside are all word play on “apple.”

Corny, but sweet. I bet Thelma would have liked this one.

Margaret Suckley, the president’s cousin and dear friend, arrived in Washington today for a stay at the White House. Her account of the evening’s social activities is interesting. Read on if you are a paid subscriber. If not, you can upgrade by clicking below.