“No Ripon College student can go to classes today with the same or similar thoughts or attitudes as he had on December 5.”
-Silas Evans, President of Ripon College
College Days
January 13, 1942
College Days Repeats Student Place in War
The statement that college students can best serve their nation’s needs and interests by remaining in school until the national finds a position in which a student may better serve has been reiterated in college chapel periods by President Silas Evans as well as several faculty members.
The College Days here promises to use its columns, any or all of them, to emphasize and to confirm student belief in that statement.
It was suggested to the student body that a new physical education schedule will be arranged, and the Red Cross and first aid classes, will be held. In these ways Ripon College and its student body will help serve its nation now at war.
By rearranging the college calendar, by setting the date for commencement two and one-half weeks ahead, Ripon is trying to aid national defense. It means more work and harder work, but one’s country must be preserved
To say that Ripon students are not hysterical over the present situation is very true. To say that Ripon students continue to attend college classes, continue to go about day after day as usual, is far from true. No Ripon student can go to classes today with the same or similar thoughts or attitude he had on December 5. He is now more aware of his country’s plight, of the part his institution must play in holding that country’s youth together, of his own part in preserving that country, his own country.
With this aim in mind, to best serve the current needs and interest of his country, every college student must realized and believe the fact that he can best follow that aim by remaining in college until his country find s apposition in which he can better serve.
Days Presents Diary of First Japanese Attacks on Hawaii;
Ballietts Send Copy
(The College Days here reprints the diary of the war in the Hawaiian Islands as kept by Mrs. Dayle Balliett. Mrs. Balliett is the former Marilyn Bruns ’41. The copy is greatly censored, but is here set in exactly the same form in which it reached the United States. Days editors receive the diary through the courtesy of Mrs. And Mrs. Fred Balliett, Augusta, Wis., and Prof. J. W. Becker.)
Sunday Morning, 7:45 a. m.
December 7, 1941
Awakened by bombers – thought it was maneuvers and all dashed out into the street to watch (in pajamas). Saw rising sun on planes and wondered? Heard rumor – could not believe it. Kept looking trying to locate machine guns. Soldiers were taken to Barracks (Bedlam), etc. Lull in afternoon so walked our dog and cleaned house. At 6 got orders to get ready to be evacuated. Left Schofield in 16 buses (ours first) at 6:10. Were in complete blackout all the way to Honolulu, roads jammed. Arrived safely at –Censored-- Before we left, Dayle was on installation guard – probably in field now. Were taken to Royal School. Fastest day in my life.
Monday, 8th
Was a hectic night. Poor women with babies. Managed to sleep off and on. Didn’t hear any bombers until this morning. Heard the Quartermasters bringing breakfast. I hope so, had chicken in Dayle’s mess yesterday noon – nothing since. This is a big school – about 20 of us here, necessary precautions as to water, etc. Heard Roosevelt this morning. Still hard to believe. Strange to think how foolish we were yesterday just standing in the street under fire. Am with 21st Ladies – Margaret Duncan especially and Jean Strecker – both nice calm gals, not any hysteria – a wee bit of weeping when good-byes were said. Didn’t (planes overhead now at 7:40 say good-bye – Dayle dashed off.
Tuesday, 9th
Slept on floor on Chinese mats and government issue blankets, have my heavy coat. Lots of rain – soldiers are glad of action – Censored– Hope they won’t bomb and ruin our new furniture and piano. (Later) Dried breakfast dishes – good to be doing something. Then Marge and I went to Queens hospital to offer some of our blood – took a test – go back later to give it. Lots of people there. Then we walked downtown – sent wires home, got some money – toothpaste, socks, etc. Had lunch downtown, were the last ones to be served – Soldiers followed us in and said: No more food. Stores are only letting a few customers in at a time and are limiting sales. Everyone is calm and taking it swell. Good morale just to see them. Still get good reports about Schofield – I’m sure Dayle is o.k. Some of the women are leaving here to go to private homes – we are staying. Best for those with babies to go. I’d give anything for a bath – All the windows are covered with dark blankets for the blackout. Babies are being fed from one electric plate and are behaving marvelously. We think we might be able to go home soon (days) I hope so – fire or not, I’d feel better at home. Funny how we all rushed around to clean our houses before we left. Think I’ll go to the kitchen now and see if I can do anything. Wonder if anything will happen tonight?
Wednesday, 10th
Here I am one pint of blood less and feeling swell. Sleep was good last night – the floor seemed to be getting softer. Babies aren’t doing too well now – upset tummies, colds, but great news came today – we are going to be allowed to go home soon (by the end of the week). Had a shower yesterday, and even the dirty old clothes felt cleaner after it. My slacks are capable of standing up by themselves now. Thank goodness I bought plenty of underthings though now they are all loaned out. Marge says my pajama top makes a good blouse. Washed some things this morning. We are eating two meals a day –so far—a little hard on the kids, but they are getting plenty of milk so are really all right. Yesterday Marge and I sliced and buttered enough bread for everyone for supper – my wrist still goes up and down automatically, in doing dishes too. Have order established now though. Regular K.P. lists and room leaders (Marge is ours). Just heard over the radio that the Lurline arrived safely in San Francisco so I guess our Christmas presents got home all right. Heard they were planning to evacuate us in January anyway.
Thursday, 11th
Can’t help but be glad the Japs beat them to it – I’d rather be here. Yesterday I wrote a note to Dayle, and some soldiers took it out – I hope he gets it – also hope the wires home are there. Major Nave called and said Third battalion are still on guard at Schofield, so Dayle must be o.k. Hope he takes care of his cold. There hasn’t been any excitement here at all other than air raid practices and running out to be sure the planes overhead are really Uncle Sam’s. Have heard rumors of other raids at Schofield, but no verification of them. Golly, I’m anxious to get home. Can’t say enough good about the faculty of this school – they are “peaches” and the girls who work in the cafeteria, too. We help as much as we can. Brought my clock with the luminous dial and it’s a big help after blackouts. When we aren’t interested it makes a good toy for the babies. Lots more have gone to private homes but we’d rather stay here. Last night Marge and I put each other to sleep by playing games – writing things on each other’s backs – what are we coming to? It’s pitch black from 6 p.m. to 6:15 a.m. and that’s too long to sleep. It seems as though the kids all wait until then to get sick, too. I have forgotten what a bed feels like, but guess I’m getting along ok because I’m not tired.
Friday, 12th
Going home today – Marge to be released from hospital to go too (upset stomach, etc.) Feels good to be back here. Dayle is fine – has a mustache – fancy that Got beds out last night at Royal School – felt queer – we have blacked out Marge’s house and I’m staying with her. Have “ducky” trenches in front of each house – a hole in our roof and dining room floor – glad to have proof. Everything is fine – got Aunt Em’s letter today. Will write again though goodness knows when you’ll get it.
Bye-Love,
LYNN
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