Tuesday, June 8, 1943

Dear Diary,

Bob was at the Seabee training center at Williamsburg, Virginia, tonight. He had another guess orchestra leader named Bob tonight. This time it was Bob Chester, and I liked him better than Bob Allen last week. I think Bob’s trying to start a collection of orchestra leaders named Bob.

Vera Vague’s engagement was announced tonight, but she couldn’t resist the temptation to do a little flirting. She and Bob and Frances rowed out to an island to see her new home. B.J. said, “We can’t go all the way in that boat, Mr. Hope. I’ll carry you piggy-back on one condition.” Bob said, “Well, I kind of hate to get wet. What’s the condition?” Vera replied, “I’ll carry you piggy-back for just one little kiss. ” There was a loud splash, and Bob yelled, “Come on in. The water’s fine.”

Tuesday, April 17, 1943

Dear Diary,

Bob was at the army air base at Monroe, Louisiana, tonight. They did a play showing a southern boy courting his girl. As they were leaving the house there was a loud noise, as if something had dropped. Bob didn’t explain what it was, but as soon as it happened, he said, “Is that my option?” Bob was talking with Vera Vague, and Miss V. said, “I was reared in the South. I came down here to see some of the boys I grew up with.” Bob replied, “Yes, I saw you looking at their statues.” B.J. said, “You dear boy. You know what you look like, don’t you? You like like somethings that’s left when they drain one of these Louisiana swamps.” Bob and Wen Niles did one of their now-famous singing commercials to the tune of “Chloe” tonight.

Monday, April 19, 1943

Dear Diary,

I found out where Bob was staying down town today and went up to his room. His secretary invited us (two other girls) to come in. Bob was sitting with his chair tilted against the wall, and he was humming “I Came Here to Talk for Joe.” He gave us his autograph, and talked to us simultaneously. We were asked not to tell anyone where he was staying, and Bob added, “No, don’t tell anyone I’m staying at the Little Mothers’ Club.” (How we found out about it can be seen about six pages further on.)^[1] We promised not to tell, thanked him sweetly, and walked out. When the other girls picked me up off my knees, they left, but I hung around. Every once in a while I could hear him make a funny crack or sing something like, “Got a touch of irium on my teeth. ” When the whole gang left for Fair Park, B.J. Allen saw me and recognized me and said, “Hello there. What are you doing here, as if I didn’t know?” I said, “Just hanging around making a nuisance of myself.” She said, “Oh, no!” convincingly.

When Bob came out and got in the elevator, I stood right beside him. (It was very crowded.) I showed him the three pictures I had drawn of him. He looked at the first one I ever drew of him and said, “You know I could sue you for libel?” He laughed and showed them to Barney Dean. Barney said, “Sue her? You should pay her money!”
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1. Here’s how I found where Bob was: We went to both hotels, and no Bob, so we tried the Athletic Club. I saw a bunch of men get in an elevator, and one of them yelled, “Come on, Barney.” I recognized Barney Dean then. I followed them to the seventh floor, but lost sight of them there. I stood near a likely looking door and waited ’till General Donovan of the 8th Service Command went in. That almost cinched it. By that time the girls had followed me up. A porter came to one of the doors of the suite carrying a suit with Bob’s name on it, so that’s when we knocked on the door.

Tuesday, March 16, 1943

Dear Diary,

Bob was swell tonight. He must have read what I wrote last night, because he had several new ideas. He said something about a bugler. He then said, “You know what a bugler is.” Instead of the usual description, he said, “He is not!” Alan Ladd was Bob’s guest, and they broadcasted from Camp Callen. Bob hasn’t been there in a long time. As usual, Bob had to ask his guest how he got the girls to fall for him. After a long explanation, Bob said, “I could get hails to less me took if I carried a gun all the time.” Alan said, “Are you being funny?” in a very menacing tone. In the same tone Bob replied, “Yes I’m being funny.” Alan said, “Well it’s about time.” Bob referred to Vera Vague once tonight as B. J. I had almost forgotten that she’s really Barbara Jo Allen, a very attractive young woman.