1941 Personal Diary

Shirlie Montgomery's handwritten personal diary beginning January 1, 1941. The last entry is Tuesday, December 9, 1941. "To think that the first record I make for months is to record the shocking, incredible fact that we are at war! Yes -- the Japanese have bombed Hawaii and Manila, and are actually reported as having flown over San Francisco last nite. No bombs here yet, thank God!...The Civilian Defense Corps has given air raid 'directions' for blackouts. It's unbelievable. Black-outs in California -- in San Jose!" Shirlie was 23 in 1941, and the diary details her social life as well as the culture of San Jose and the United States at the time.