Week 39: 27th September 1959 – 3rd October 1959

 

 

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• Three days after departing the United States, where he had met with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev began talks with China’s Chairman Mao Zedong in Beijing. In 1967, Khrushchev would tell an interviewer from the West German magazine Stern that “In 1959 Mao Tse-tung said to me, ‘We must just provoke the United States into a war, then I will send you as many divisions as you need— 100, 200, 1,000’.
• The 10th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China was celebrated .
• Aleksandr Alekseyev, a Soviet KGB agent and correspondent for TASS, arrived in Cuba to forge a relationship between the U.S.S.R. and the Castro government. By October 12, he had met with Che Guevara, and by October 15 with Fidel Castro, creating a Soviet ally 90 miles from the United States.
• The ballistic missile submarine, USS Theodore Roosevelt, was launched from Mare Island. Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the 75-year-old daughter of the 26th American president, broke the champagne across the submarine hull on her second attempt.
• Celebrated senegalese singer, Youssou N’Dour, who became perhaps the first worldwide star of ‘World Music” was born in Dakar.
• A total eclipse of the sun was visible from the northeast United States to West Africa.
• ‘Only Sixteen’ by Craig Douglas was in its last of four week as UK No. 1 single.
• The Brunei Constitution and Agreement of 1959 gave the British colony of Brunei its first written Constitution and protectorate status. Great Britain was given complete control of the external affairs of the South Pacific nation, while the Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddin III, presided over an Executive Council. Brunei became fully independent in 1984.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 27th September 1959
Philip didn’t sleep so well this morning but had a good session this pm. Cyril took Jill & Sue to the station to get his ticket – so I had an hour on the bed! No visitors again today – much to our surprise. I’ve written a couple of letters this evening while Cyril nursed Phil!!

Monday 28th September 1959
The children have both been very good enabling me to do all the washing & I finished ironing this evening. We went to the village this afternoon – & the novelty has worn off the pram seat _ Jill wants to walk most of the time – making it a slow job! 

Tuesday 29th September 1959
Fred (Birthday)
Philip has been good today but Gillian has been a bit irritable & hasn’t had much sleep. We’ve been to the village – a long slow trek with Gillian walking. It makes me so tired. Have cleaned some of the windows today as the window cleaner came.

Wednesday 30th September 1959
Philip had us awake for a couple of hours during the night & hasn’t been very good this morning. We went to the clinic this pm. – he weighs 10lbs 6 now having put on another 9ozs. The health visitor thinks his crying spells are due to the fact that he is overfed! Joan sent a pretty dress for Philip today.  Gillian has been a good girl!

Thursday 1st October 1959
Defrosted the frig this am. Cyril insisted on boiling up my wash last night & rinsing it. I’m glad now that he did as Phil cried all morning & Jill joined him from about 1230! What a pantomime! We haven’t been out this pm – as Phil is asleep I’ve done the ironing.

Friday 2nd October 1959
Sue Clip
Philip has excelled himself & been very good all day – & this evening I hope he keeps it up through the night as I’m really very tired. These broken nights are beginning to tell on me! Present for Phil today from Dodo – pretty pram pillow case & feeder

Saturday 3rd October 1959
We had an awful night with Philip last night – & Cyril has bought him a DUMMY today!!! Its another hot day – I carried on with the chores while Cyril went to Esher – this afternoon Daphne & I took Gillian & Philip to the village. I bought a couple of vertex vests for Baby as I think the woollen ones are too hot – have also opened his P.O. account with Molly’s £1 note. I’m hoping the children will behave this evening as I want to have a bath & facial!!

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Week 37 & 38: 13th September 1959 – 26th September 1959

 

We’ve got a week behind with diary blog posts again, so decided to catch up and publish a bonus week. Two weeks for the price of one again. In the news this week in 2019 was the 75th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden, otherwise known as the Battle of Arnhem, in which 35,000 Allied paratroopers were dropped behind Nazi lines in the Netherlands in an attempt to open an invasion route towards Berlin. The operation was an horrific failure and 11,500 of those Allied troops, including Peggy’s younger brother Pat, lost their lives. Pat was 19. Peggy was forever grateful for the Dutch family who took responsibility for the upkeep of Pat’s grave and I know would be utterly appalled by our current politics of isolationism, nationalism and little-England neo-fascism. It’s the very thing she fought against in the war and what her beloved Brother gave his young life to stop. 

Here’s what’s going on in the world these two week in 1959

• A man-made object landed on the Moon for the first time as the Soviet satellite Lunik 2 crashed near the Sea of Tranquility. Astronomers on Earth with telescopes were able to watch the results of the impact, which spread dust and debris over an area of 40 square kilometers over five minutes, in a radius of 3.5 km.
• Television was introduced in India, with a station going on the air in Delhi as a project of UNESCO. Initially, programming was limited to 60 minutes on Tuesdays and Fridays, with 40 minutes of education and 20 of entertainment, to be seen at community viewing centres and schools.
• The first successful plain paper copying machine, the Xerox 914, was introduced at a show at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel in New York.
• A federal court in Pennsylvania struck down as unconstitutional a 1928 law that required the reading of ten Bible verses each day in US state schools.
• A British proposal for worldwide disarmament was presented to the United Nations by Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd. The three stage program called for an international control agency to oversee reduction of stockpiles of nuclear and other mass destruction weapons, and eventually reducing conventional weapons and manpower to levels required only for internal security. A Soviet proposal was presented by First Secretary Khrushchev the next day.
• Serial killer Harvey Glatman, who posed as a photographer and lured his victims through classified ads, was executed in California’s gas chamber.
• A ‘jetway’; the extending bridge that permits airline passengers to travel directly between the terminal and the airplane door without going outside, was used by airline passengers for the first time.
• Unable to persuade businesses to spend thousands of dollars to buy its copy machines, the Haloid Xerox Company introduced a leasing program that would become a model followed by other businesses. The $95 per month lease could be cancelled on 15 days notice, and included repairs and 2,000 copies each month, 4¢ per copy afterward. Created by the consulting firm of Arthur D. Little and Associates, the program increased Xerox annual revenues from $30 million to $2.5 billion by 1972.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

 

Sunday 13th September 1959
I don’t know why but I’m feeling a bit down in the dumps today – I suppose its because I’m anxious to go home – & scared in case I won’t be there for Gillian’s return! Cyril came in this afternoon – & saw Philip – but he was asleep!

Monday 14th September 1959
I’ve been waiting all day for my P.N. – & have been quite worried about not being home for Gillian! However – Sister got the Doctor to come in just before visitors & he has passed both Philip & I fit for going! So we’re off home tomorrow.

Tuesday 15th September 1959
Gillian comes home.
Another Red Letter Day in the life of the Wards. Today we brought our dear son home _ and Joan Mick & Ted brought Gillian home. Its so nice to be together again. By tea time Sue was here too. Philip has cried most of the day – and Gillian was very shy of me to begin with!

Wednesday 16th September 1959
Gillian slept all night – Philip woke at 2.20 and 6am so that wasn’t bad – he went back to sleep after a feed. He’s been very good today – sleeping out in the garden morning & afternoon. We’ve all been for a walk as far as the church.
Philip up all evening, Jill in our bed all night!

Thursday 17th September 1959
I took Jill to the village this morning & felt I’d been on a five mile route march!! Philip hasn’t had a lot of sleep this morning – he seems to be a bit windy!! Cyril has been busy again today – making cakes this morning!!!

Friday 18th September 1959
Mum (birthday)
Philip took a long time settling at quarter to three this morning but hasn’t been too bad during the day. It’s not so sunny today – we haven’t needed the canopy on the pram. Cyril went round to Browns this morning & is going to take Jill out when I rest.

Saturday 19th September 1959
Ted (birthday)
We had Gillian up all evening last night – so its Philip’s turn tonight!!! He has played up this morning – I rather think he’s been a bit over fed!! This afternoon I’ve been round to Browns & the paper shop with the children while Cyril ‘did’ Sue – he came to meet us in case I was in difficulties – as I was this morning when he went to Esher! I wonder if I shall ever manage on my own?!

Sunday 20th September 1959
Up & at it quite early this morning after having a disturbed night with Philip. We thought we would have visitors today from Frimley – but only one came! We only went a short walk with the children & Sue. 

Monday 21st September 1959
H’dresser 2.30
I wish I could feel happier about Philip – he seems to cry such a lot & has tummy troubles – I shall be glad to take him to the clinic on Wednesday to have him weighed – he seems to be losing all the feeds he takes. I’ve been & had a hairdo – poor Cyril had to cope this pm until 5.30 – he was nursing Phil & putting his back when I got in – as he had been doing most of the afternoon.

Tuesday 22nd September 1959
Cyril has done one of his jobs today – he’s cemented the path & now can hardly straighten his back. Philip has had a crying morning – & I’ve had a face lift by the Beauty Counter – & ordered lots of makeup!!!

Wednesday 23rd September 1959
I’m in tears tonight. Philip has cried all day long – & is still crying (8pm)! I’ve been to the clinic with him he’s put on 11 1/3 oz in a week so there shouldn’t be anything wrong with him! Cyril washed the rugs today – & I’ve polished the downstairs furniture.

Thursday 24th September 1959
Had quite a good sleep last night. Philip missed his 10pm & 6am feeds & seems all the better for it – he’s slept all morning & has slept out this pm. Cyril took Jill to Kingston & had her hair cut and bought his vests – at last! I was up 5 times in the night – 3 to Jill & 2 to Philip! Jill awake from 5.15 onwards & us.

Friday 25th September 1959
Molly (birthday)
Cyril took Jill up to the village this morning & bought a second hand pram seat for 7/6 – its in very good condition too. I’ve done another load of washing & have taken the children for a walk this afternoon. Card from Olly – U.S.A. this morning.

Saturday 26th September 1959
Had a terrible evening & night with the children – Cyril in a bad mood with me – & I with him. I slept under the blankets in Philip’s room in the end. Cyril has been to L’head this am. While I’ve been getting on with the chores here. Phil too tired to take his feed this am. – but he’s asleep. Slight rainfall. Gillian has gone to sleep this evening but the lad was up until quarter to nine!!!

Week 36: 6th September 1959 – 12th September 1959

 

 

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The first jet airliner landed in Honolulu, a Pan American 707. With the advent of jet travel, a trip to Hawaii was less than five hours from the mainland, turning the islands into a prime tourist destination. The same plane landed in Tokyo at 8 pm, cutting flight time between the United States and Japan from 29 hours to 17 hours.
• Eighty-one students from Kenya departed from Nairobi on the first flight of the East African Airlift, en route to New York City and then to colleges in the United States and Canada. The operation, which has been called “The Kennedy Airlift” because of its sponsorship by then-U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, would bring hundreds of young East African men and women to North American universities and colleges during 1959 and 1960.
• Prime Minister Harold Macmillan announced that a General Election would take place on October 8, with Parliament to be dissolved on September 18.
• At Mountain Lake Park, Maryland, seven children were killed when their school bus stalled on a railroad crossing and was struck by a freight train. The bus, with 26 on board, was on its way to Denett Road Elementary School in Oakland when the accident happened. The following day, a train again killed children on their way to school. Mrs. Irene Zimmerman and her six children were struck while on their way to Sacred Heart Parochial School in Waseca, Minnesota.
• Bonanza appeared for the first time on US television, on NBC. The Western, first to be broadcast in colour, ran for 14 seasons and 440 episodes until January 1973.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 6th September 1959
Today has been a sad day – there is an air of gloom – one of the Mums in our ward collapsed and died – she was almost due to go home. Its awful. Cyril came in this afternoon with Molly – she & Ted had lunch with Cyril & they brought him over. Long evening – no visitors.

Monday 7th September 1959
E.T.A.
I’m feeling much better today – and I’ve had my stitches out so can sit more comfortably. Letters from Joan & Mur today & I’ve had the message to Joan, Mur & Dodo – & Cyril! Gillian is still very happy – & Philip has quite good today. I think I’m allowed to change him from now on.

Tuesday 8th September 1959
Another very hot day – Philip has been a bit unhappy this morning & cried rather more than usual – but I think he’s OK this pm. I’ve changed him myself today for the first time – found I managed quite well! Gave Cyril a ring this pm & am looking forward to seeing him tonight. 

Wednesday 9th September 1959
I was supposed to have my Post Natal today to determine when I should go home but Dr. Lindsay hasn’t been near the place. Very hot still – I think we feel it more spending so much of the day in bed. Philip doing nicely. 

Thursday 10th September 1959
It’s 3.30 now – & we’re still waiting for our Post N’s – two of us in here. Cyril was hoping I’d be able to tell him when I was going home. Heard from Joan that they are bringing Gillian back on Tuesday. Very hot again.

Friday 11th September 1959
Still haven’t had my Post N! Still it doesn’t matter so much now as poor little Philip has some sort of infection in his mouth which has cleared up – and that will probably take a few days. Feeling a bit depressed about it.

Saturday 12th September 1959
Eileen C (birthday).
I don’t like Saturdays in hospital! I keep wanting to go round the shops!! – & here I am still waiting for “Horace” to do my post natal! Philip has been very good today – in the ward all day without crying! He’s taken his drops so I’m hoping his mouth infection will soon clear up. We’ve been sitting out in deck chairs today – very nice its been too – & I’ve even done some knitting.

Week 34 & 35: 23rd August – 5th September 1959

 

 

Somehow we’ve got a week behind with diary blog posts, so we’ve decided to catch up and publish a bonus week this week. Two weeks for the price of one. But there’s another reason to catch up: the first week of September 1959 was a really significant one in Peggy’s life as she gave birth to the son who’s sitting here writing this now, the day before his 60th birthday. Happy Birthday to me! So, read on….

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The wives and daughters of senior government officials in Afghanistan appeared in public without veils. After initial resistance by Islamic scholars, the controversy over the unveiling ceased within a month.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first President of the United States to fly in a jet airplane, as a new Boeing VC-137 (military counterpart to the Boeing 707) transported him to Bonn, West Germany, with a stop at Newfoundland for refueling. The presidential jet was nicknamed “Queenie”.
• The Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, was introduced by the British Motor Corporation. Issigonis’ concept of front wheel drive combined with a transversely mounted engine remains by far the most common configuration for compact and mid-size European cars.
• The Polaris nuclear armed missile was successfully launched for the first time. Designed to be fired by a submarine from underwater, the Polaris was tested above the surface from the ship USNS Observation Island. The 8.5m missile was fired by compressed air, with engine ignition at 21m.
• Supported by the Communist government of North Vietnam, the first mass uprising began in the South Vietnam, starting in Trà Bồng District in the mountains of Quảng Ngãi Province. Sixteen villages were taken over by rebels, and the revolt spread to the neighboring districts of Sơn Trà, Ba Tơ and Minh Long.
• The Casbah Coffee Club, located at West Derby in suburban Liverpool, opened for business. The Les Stewart Quartet had been scheduled to play on opening night, but the group broke up after an argument. Instead, Quartet members George Harrison and Ken Brown teamed up with two members of The Quarry Men, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the four guitarists played the opener. Dissatisfied with the pay, Brown quit The Quarry Men after six weeks, while Lennon, McCartney and Harrison went on to greater fame.
• David Carr, a 25-year-old English sailor, died at the Manchester Royal Infirmary from an unknown disease that destroyed his immune system. Tissue samples were saved for future study and thirty years later, a team of researchers would conclude that Carr had been infected with HIV, more than 20 years before the virus’s identification as the cause of AIDS
• At a conference in Edmonton, Dr. Linus Pauling said that 290,000 people then living would eventually die of cancer due to fallout from atomic blasts since 1945, and that another 30,000 to 60,000 would die for every nuclear bomb exploded in the future.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 23rd August 1959
Here it is Monday – I’m a day late!! Poor Cyril is still being troubled with very bad back ache – & he has so many of my jobs to do! I’ve been to bed this morning – & afternoon. Cyril took Jill & Sue out, unfortunately lost his pen & pencil from his pocket. Jill up all evening.

Monday 24th August 1959
Cooler this morning – but very hot this pm. Cyril put the washing out before going to the office. Jill & I didn’t come until 8.30 – she doesn’t seem very happy today. I had instructions to leave the ironing so have only done the starched things. Card from Joan.

Tuesday 25th August 1959
A/NC (ante-natal clinic)
I’ve had my orders today – I have to ring up the hospital tomorrow about going in. I shall be terribly unhappy at leaving Gillian. Had a long wait at the clinic this afternoon & its been so hot. Cyril had the half day. Oh – he found his pen & pencil in the woods yesterday – wasn’t that lucky!

Wednesday 26th August 1959
Another scorcher. I wonder if I’ll be able to keep cool in hospital! I rang from Epsom this am. but have to ring again tomorrow to make sure there is a bed for me. We also went to the clinic – Jill weighs 31 lbs now! 

Thursday 27th August 1959
I’ve had a days reprieve. Rang the hospital this am but they had no spare beds so I’m to go tomorrow. I don’t mind. Cyril is at home & has been able to go to the bank – & to Surbiton to arrange about the car for Monday.

Friday 28th August 1959
Hospital.
Well here I am – & I suppose I got here just before 11 – left Gillian with Mrs Mott – we had a coffee in Epsom & I had a walk round the shops. It seems very pleasant in here – a little lonely perhaps as I’m in a room on my own. The phone trolley has just been round – perhaps I’ll be able to ring Cyril next week!

Saturday 29th August 1959
It’s been a long day & I was so pleased to see Cyril this evening – of course I was dying to hear all about Gillian. It seems she has been very good – not missing her Mummy very much. Cyril said she has asked “Where’s Mummy gorn” once or twice. Anne was there today & was putting her to bed this evening – I wonder if she went down all right?

Sunday 30th August 1959
Another long day! Apparently Jill went down all right for Anne last night but spent from 11.30pm onwards in bed with Daddy!! Cyril came this afternoon. Mrs Chapman had Gillian as Anne couldn’t come over. I haven’t done any letter writing again today!

Monday 31st August 1959
I’m dead lazy! Have managed one short letter to Dad. Cyril came this evening – he had taken Jill to town today, met Anne – then they went to Kingston had lunch – back to Surbiton where he picked up the car ready for tomorrows journey to Sedgeberrow. I believe he’s started Jill’s packing.

Tuesday 1st September 1959
A/NC (ante-natal clinic)
Jill goes to Auntie Joan today!
I was surprised & delighted to see Cyril & Anne this evening. They left Sedge at 3pm in order to get back for visiting time! I had previously rung Joan to see if they had arrived. Cyril looked

Wednesday 2nd September 1959
tired, upset (at leaving Gillian) so I didn’t tell him I had started labour pains!! Anyway our darling son – weighing in at 9lb 1oz was born at 12.20 this morning. No instruments this time & I was conscious at the time of birth. Cyril was in a daze when I rang him at 9.30 this morning with the news. He couldn’t believe it!!

Thursday 3rd September 1959
Feeling better today than I did yesterday. I’m allowed up this evening – & shall probably go into the big ward tomorrow. I’ve written all the birth announcements & have seen quite a lot of Philip! – he has been lying in my room in his cot. He really is a darling.

Friday 4th September 1959
I’m in the big ward now – at least we call it a big ward but it only has five beds!! Buster has been crying a bit today so he’s been put in the Nursery! He’s a lovely baby. Cyril has been in this evening. he doesn’t look so tired tonight. 

Saturday 5th September 1959
I’m having to have some horrid pills today to contract the uterus. – they make you feel ghastly. Anyway as long as they do the trick!! Cyril came tonight – poor old boy – he had done a huge wash this morning & ironed for two hours this afternoon. Philip is a very good boy – feeding well & thriving. He seems much more contented than Gillian ever was at this age. 

Week 33: 16th August – 22nd August 1959

 

 

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• Television arrived in the Australian State of Queensland, as QTQ Channel 9 started broadcasting in Brisbane. TV had been operational in New South Wales (Sydney) and in Victoria (Melbourne) since 1956.
• Measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, an earthquake struck the Madison River Canyon in Montana at 11:37 p.m., near Yellowstone National Park. Lasting 8 seconds, the tremor toppled 80 million tons of earth into the canyon, killing 28 people, and creating Quake Lake.
• In Kandy, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where 200,000 were gathered at the Temple of the Tooth for the Esala Perahera ceremonies, an elephantcharged into a crowd and killed 20 people and injured hundreds.
• The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights was signed by 21 member states of the Organization of American States. The OAS’s “Declaration of Santiago” came at the conclusion of the Fifth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in Chile.
• Hawaii was proclaimed the 50th state of the United States of America. At 3:14 p.m. Washington time, 10:14 a.m. in Honolulu, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called William F. Quinn, who was then administered the oath as the first state governor. Quinn had been the last territorial governor, appointed by Eisenhower in 1957. Eisenhower then issued Executive Order 10834, prescribing the standards for the 50-star American flag.
• Hawaii was proclaimed the 50th state of the United States of America. At 3:14 p.m. Washington time, 10:14 a.m. in Honolulu, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called William F. Quinn, who was then administered the oath as the first state governor. Quinn had been the last territorial governor, appointed by Eisenhower in 1957.
• Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra played at the Moscow Conservatory for their first visit to the Soviet Union. The orchestra performed Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony in the presence of its composer, Dmitri Shostakovich. For Mozart’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G Major, Bernstein played the piano and conducted at the same time.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 16th August 1959
Cyril was up at seven this morning & polished the floors & did the Hoovering before breakfast. He has an awful black eye – where Jill’s head came into contact with it. Anne left soon after three – & Cyril has been washing since then.

Monday 17th August 1959
Jill had me up several times last night – consequently we’re both very tired today. Cyril’s eye looks awful – all colours & so sore. Its been a fine day – I had a sleep this pm while Cyril took Jill & Sue out in the woods. I wonder what tomorrow holds for us all. Letter from Joan.

Tuesday 18th August 1959
A/NC (ante-natal clinic)
Mrs G. Jim (birthdays)
Very hot again today – it would be for my first day out! I’ve been to the clinic – & I haven’t got to go to hospital yet!!! – I still have to rest as much as possible. Cyril will go in tomorrow so I shall have to cope on my own. He’s taken Gillian to Anne’s office this pm.

Wednesday 19th August 1959
I’ve been in charge again today – and it hasn’t gone down very well. I feel awfully tired & don’t seem to be able to do very much. Mrs. Mott has been very good – she fetched the shirts & pyjamas & washed & ironed them for me. Its very hot again today – unfortunately!! Letter from Dodo.

Thursday 20th August 1959
I don’t seem so tired today & its just as hot – couldn’t sleep last night for the heat. Jill has been very good – I went to bed while she rested. Cyril put most of the washing out before he went to the office & I’ve done a bit of ironing – just the starched. No doubt I’ll cop it.

Friday 21st July 1959
There has been a threat of thunder today – but it hasn’t come to anything so far. Its very close – I’ve been trying to find the energy to make cake but have only washed the fruit. The things came from Gamages this pm. I’ve just taken Jill & Sue for a walk round the block but its given Gillian the miseries – she didn’t want to come in!

Saturday 22nd August 1959
If it wasn’t for my two hourly ‘trots’ during the night we should have good nights as Gillian is sleeping well. Its hot again this afternoon after a cool morning. Cyril went to L’head & since his return he has laid the lino in the spare room – it looks very nice too. I can begin to get it ready for Philip/Linda now! This afternoon he is laying the lino tiles on the landing. I’ve turned out Cyrils chest of drawers & transferred all his things to his wardrobe & can now use that chest for the babe. Gillian is to have the whitewood chest – painted

Week 32: 9th August – 15th August 1959

 

 

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The SM-65 Atlas, America’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, with a range of 4,350 km, was declared to be operational after successful testing.
• Four of the five singers for The Platters, who had hit No. 1 earlier in the year with “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”, were arrested in Cincinnati and charged with soliciting prostitutes and using drugs. The charges were eventually dismissed, but the group’s concert dates were cancelled, and disc jockeys refused to play their records, for several months.
• North Korea and Japan agreed on terms for repatriation of Koreans living in Japan. For two years, thousands moved back to their homes in North Korea, even with an option to live in South Korea.
• The Earth was photographed for the first time from an orbiting satellite, Explorer 6, which had been launched on August 7. The first image, taken from an altitude of about 27,000 km, showed the clouds over the northern Pacific Ocean. Although the photo was crude, it demonstrated the potential of observing weather patterns from orbit.
• The first fatal crash of a passenger jet killed five American Airlines crewmen, who were on a training flight of a Boeing 707. The crew were practicing landings at a private airfield owned by Grumman Aircraft when the jet crashed in a potato field at Calverton, New York, at 4:40 pm.
• ‘Living Doll’ by Cliff Richard & The Shadows was No. 1 in the UK.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 9th August 1959
Hot, thundery today – in fact we’ve had a storm about 5pm – didn’t last  long & hasn’t cooled the air much. Cyril took Jill & Sue out for a couple of hours – we were expecting Anne but she didn’t turn up – maybe she will come tonight with her parents.

Monday 10th August 1959
I wouldn’t have got the washing dry today without the spinner – it poured all morning & I wasn’t able to hang out much after lunch. It’s still very close though & I’m still perspiring!! Anne didn’t come after all yesterday – she sent three dresses she’s made for Jill & they’re very nice.

Tuesday 11th August 1959
A/NC (Ante-natal Clinic)
Not very good at the clinic today – Dr. B. wanted me to go into hospital but has given me a week’s grace as long as I stay in bed! – so Cyril is going to have some time off. I’m feeling very depressed.

Wednesday 12th August 1959
Mrs. G & Celia arrived soon after 11.30 & we’ve had a good gossip! It was nice seeing them again & Gillian hasn’t been at all shy. Celia took her out this afternoon. Cyril has been to Gamages & ordered lino etc for upstairs – he was home soon after 3pm looking very hot & tired.

Thursday 13th August 1959
Have had my first full day in bed today – & haven’t minded a bit. – except that I’ve been sorry for Cyril having to cope with everything – & a “trying” Gillian! I’m taking the pills the doc prescribed & I can only think its them making me so tired and listless.

Friday 14th July 1959
Another lazy med day in bed! Gillian has been happier today so it has made things a bit easier for Cyril – also Mrs. Mott took her out for an hour this afternoon – while Cyril was BAKING & cleaning windows.

Saturday 15th August 1959
I got up for a couple of hours this morning to cope with Gillian while Cyril went to L’head to do the shopping. I only pottered round but I was jolly glad to be able to get back to bed!! We’re expecting Anne in the afternoon.
Anne arrived about three. Just as Cyril was taking the girls to meet her_ they all went for a walk then. I sat downstairs for a short while this evening.

Week 31: 2nd August – 8th August 1959

 

 

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The US Army’s Combat Development Experimentation Centre unveiled the “Soldier of Tomorrow”, described in a press release as “America’s ultimate weapon – the man.” The soldier of 1965 would have “a helmet with a built-in radio, infra-red binoculars and his own rocket device”, a “jump belt”, which “will enable him to cross streams and cliffs with ease”.
• U.S. Secretary of State Christian Herter presented a check to Carlos P. Romulo, President of the Philippines for $23,862,751 for damages caused by the 1934 devaluation of Philippine currency, caused when the U.S. abandoned the gold standard. The U.S. also agreed to pay $73 million for war damages, but rejected fifteen other claims totalling $950 million.
• Three months of negotiations between the Soviet Union, and the United States, Great Britain and France, ended in Geneva with no resolution on the future of Berlin.
• After more than 1,000 performances in the London production of My Fair Lady, Julie Andrews retired from the role of Eliza Doolittle, freeing her to go on to a career in film and television.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 2nd August 1959
We’ve had a busy day today so that we can take it easy tomorrow – have also had an unusual Sunday lunch – braised steak. Very nice it was though. We had a late tea – I got the girls out for a short walk. Olive & Frank turned up about 6.15 until 9pm

Monday 3rd August 1959
Mum & Eileen
Mum & Eileen arrived about 11.15 & Anne at 11.45. Its been quite a nice day & they all (except Mum & I) went for a walk this afternoon. I had a sleep. Jill is playing up now (8pm)& wont settle. M & E left at 6.45 & Anne ?? 8pm. I’m hoping to get into the bath – if Jill will settle.

Tuesday 4th August 1959
A/NC (ante-natal clinic)
Very hot again Today. Jill had a very disturbed night last night – over tired and excited from all the visitors I expect. I’ve been to the clinic – have to go again  next week. Anne was going to come and have Jill but I was surprised to see Cyril get off the train – Anne couldn’t get off.

Wednesday 5th August 1959
Gillian has been rather irritable today – in spite of the fact that she had a good night last night & and a couple of hours sleep this morning. Its quite warm again so maybe thats why she’s cross. We haven’t been out – I’ve just written to Joan. Osmans have collected the T.V. for repair.

Thursday 6th August 1959
Jill was in bed by 6.15 last night
& she slept right through until 6.45 this am & still seems tired. Its very hot again. I do hope we’re not in for another hot spell or I shall give up!! We’ve had a walk as far as Browns this afternoon & now Gillian is quietly eating an ice cream. Peace for 5 mins!!

Friday 7th July 1959
Another hot one. I’m feeling very lazy after walking up to the village. I haven’t done any baking! Jill walked all the way home from the Post Office & was ready for bed when we got in. Heard a news flash this afternoon that the Queen is expecting a baby – so I’m in good company.

Saturday 8th August 1959
It feels as though its going to be another scorcher today. Cyril has been to L’head on the early bus. I did the chores then took Jill to shop in the village & we met Cyril off the bus. Hope we don’t have any visitors today as I’ve done no baking yet. Have got on & done my a/cs (accounts) up to date though. Put Jill to bed early so we had a longer evening. Cyril very head-achey after his busy day in the garden.