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JAMES ALLABEN : 1932 - 1944 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY A MIDDLE AGED TEACHER OF THE ARMY NAVY ACADEMY IN SAN DIEGO WHO WE FOLLOW INTO HIS SENIOR YEARS

12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. On offer are 3 diaries spanning 12 years in the life of a teacher at a private military boarding school in California. The diaries cover the years 1932, 1939 and 1944. The first two measure 7 inches by 4 inches while the third one measures 8 inches by 5 1/2 inches. The first two each contain 365 pages with the third having 182 pages. All three are 100% complete. They are in good condition with some wear evident on the cover of the third volume. The handwriting is legible. James Allaben is a teacher on staff at the Army Navy Academy in San Diego, CA. The school follows the rank structure of the United States Army. However, it is a completely civilian organization. Allaben carries the title/rank of Major. However, that is a school position title and not a substantive rank in the armed forces. There is a card inserted in the 1932 diary wherein using his full name and rank, he expresses gratitude to the faculty of the Army and Navy Academy for their expression of sympathy on the death of his mother. Allaben was born about 1879 making him 52 in the first diary, 59 in the second and 64 in the third. Casual research did not turn up any other biographical information. He is married to Mildred, a year older than him but there are no references to children. His diaries are a study in early 20th century middle class life. He makes frequent reference to going to school to teach but is generally silent on his students. School activities such as parades are noted. His weekdays are inevitably similar: "In school all day. Walked both ways for exercise. Has early session on account of dress parade. ... Worked on papers in the evening ...Played cards. Listened to the radio, Went to bed at 10 o'clock". [Feb 25, 1932]. There is a passing reference to the ravages of the Depression: "The Seymores moved away having lost their home and all Pacific beach property" [Mar 30, 1932]. He also notes at one point having to take stock in the school business in lieu of his paycheck. He refers to the Lindbergh kidnapping: "Lindberg baby kidnapped between 7:30 and 10 P.M." [Mar 1, 1932]. He comments on the progress of the kidnapping investigation every day until the sad news reported on May 12th: "The Lindberg's baby was reported dead and left at the Estate at Hopewell. What a horrible crime!" [May 12, 1932]. Seven years later, his daily routine is little altered - up early, shave, do an exercise routine and go to the ocean for a swim. This is followed by going to school, returning home and completing various domestic tasks: "We got up at 6:15, shaved and I went to the ocean for a swim and morning exercises. Millie and Brynda (their dog) walked to school where I stayed until 3 PM. I came home in the rain, changed clothes, did some shopping and went to town for a hair cut, errands and what not ..." [Feb 3, 1939]. After dinner, they usually listened to the radio and retired between 9 and 10 o'clock. They do meet friends, either at their home or visiting them: "... down to Ogden's for supper. All were well and happy there We had a nice supper and good visit." [May 17, 1939]. His references to the school are brief. He talks about some class assignments, examinations and parades. "... I had no study hall, spending the morning with Blatt. In the afternoon I played ping pong with Lt. Hadley, Chaplin Green and Cadet Burns ..." [May 13, 1939]. In late summer, he notes the deteriorating state of affairs in Europe: "...The war situation in Europe is getting serious ..." [Aug 31, 1939]; "Germany under Hitler is fighting in Poland. England and France not in the war yet ... " [Sept 1, 1939]; "War of Germany on Poland is all over ..." [Sept 2, 1939]; "War is declared by France and Britain today against Germany. The U.S. is working out neutrality which is an embargo in arms and munitions (what are they). We have been listening to the radio reports on the war situation ... at six we listened to President Roosevelt's speech. ..." [Sept 3, 1939]. He notes the completion of the Parker Dam on the Colorado River: "The Colorado River has been harnessed at the Parker Dam ... the water will come to a reservoir in two weeks supplying 13 golden cities ..." [Oct 14, 1939]. 1944 was a very significant year for Allaben. The year began with his wife Millie obviously unwell. As the months passed, she seemed to decline steadily and finally: "... 2:30 AM Millie passed away ... and she gave me a sweet last kiss with her arms around my neck. It is such a sad time Poor dear suffered much" [Sept 17, 1944]. Much of the entries up until this time concern her health and treatment. He does note on June 6th: "Invasion of Europe by the Allies started at dawn today." [June 6, 1944]. Allaben mentions many places in the southern California region and his diaries are full of references to neighbours and friends. Although Allaben is very much a creature of routine, a social historian would easily see the world in which he lives. Mildred Allaben's life would be an excellent illustration of a woman's life in that time and place for a Women's Studies program.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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