Jul 31 - A $10 bill in the mail -- HOORAY!**

Monday, July 31, 1972 - Page 213
LOCATION: Chicago

The pics on this page were actually taken earlier in
July when Sue was at Bethlehem, South Dakota 

(7:00 PM 8/1/1972)
Larry & Mark dropped by to see my sketch and they were satisfied if not impressed. Read Niven's story in the anthology -- he's still my favorite writer (he writes exactly like me -- I like him anyway). More happened on Monday but I can't recall what -- oh yeah, I got a letter from mom -- plus $10. That's helpful. I offered to paint an octopus on Ken's helmet. I'll be pretty busy here, artistically speaking.

FUN FACTS: UNITED STATES TEN-DOLLAR BILL (wikipedia)

A 10-dollar bill in 1972 would be equal to $56.50 in 2014 dollars.
Thanks mom! calculation

COUNTERFEITERS BEWARE

The redesigned 10-dollar bill entered circulation on March 2, 2006

TOMORROW: Being an artist

Jul 30 - U.S. 30 Dragstrip

Sunday, July 30, 1972 - Page 212
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois & Gary, Indiana

7:30 PM
Me, Ken, Larry, and Sue (& Marcus) drove to U.S. 30. We got there at about 1:15 P.M. (U.S. 30 is a drag strip in Indiana). We watched the cars for a few hours. The only good ones were the Funny Cars which went over 215 mph. One of the fastest ones lost its chute while it was trying to stop. That was the only interesting thing that happened, really.

Uploaded on April 23, 2011

Video that was taken back in the 60s at US 30 Dragway

While we were driving back, the water began leaking a lot from a busted hose (we were in Mark's Cutlass). After a while we got more water in it, drove to a Burger Chef, ate, and drove home with no more trouble -- we got home at 5:30. It was a warm (80°) sunny day, so Peg was sleeping in Ken's room (that's where the air conditioner is), and Ted (Mr.) was sleeping in the parlor. That's how Sunday is. We had dinner, and I worked on the Labyrinth Game again -- only got up to 50 (there are 60 holes) -- Ken is sleeping now.

(7:00 PM 8/1/1972)
Got to work on the Phredee Phrogg poster for the band. Did Larry's portrait and Ken flipped. -- Me, Peg, Mr. & Mrs. went out to buy a rainbow cone.

TOMORROW: Mom sends a $10 bill

Jul 29 - Flat broke in Chi-Town

Saturday, July 29, 1972 - Page 211
LOCATION: Chicago

This page shows a building I can't identify
 and a shot of Ken

10:45 PM
I've finally caught up. Ken went to work at 7:00, got back at 10:00 -- he & I drove to Old Town to buy a couple of Frazetta posters (we used up all our money -- the posters cost $2.50 each -- parking cost $1.25 at least -- all we had left for parking was 80¢. He let us go anyway). Drove around, and I used up the rest of my pictures. I'm completely broke -- Ken got a $53.00 check from work. After we got home he went to work, from 2 to 6. I sunbathed and read two stories in the anthology -- Farmer's & Sturgeon's. Peg washed her car. [Photos of me & Peggy from this day appear in the July 22 entry]

Frank Frazetta Posters

Apparition

Cave Girl

I stayed home whilst Sue, Ken & Larry went to Mark's for band practice. I stayed home to catch up on the book -- I talked with Peg some more, and I played a Labyrinth game for a while (I mentioned that on 202 [see July 20]) -- tomorrow Ken & Me & Larry & proly Mark & maybe Sue are going to U.S.30 -- that's a drag strip. Oh, goody. Blah. -- Okay, I'm up to date. There is much in the past 10 days which has been left out. So be it.

Labyrinth

11:45 PM
Everyone got back from practice. Ken, Larry & Marcus went to Barnaby's -- Sue came up and talked with me for a half-hour. There she sat in her minnie skirt, and here I lied with my hands to myself. Arrgh! Such restraint. If only she wasn't going with Mark. Rats! Mark stepped on her ruined toe, and burned her wrist with a cigaret. Accidental of course. She should dump the klutz!

TOMORROW: U.S. 30 Dragstrip (with YouTube video)

Jul 28 - Larry breaks a thug's leg**

Friday, July 28, 1972 - Page 210

LOCATION: Chicago

Field Museum of Natural History

Shedd Aquarium

(10:30 PM 7/29/1972)
Got up at around 9:30. I got Mom's letter today. Ken & I drove to the store to put in his movie film from his vacation. I bought a roll of film cause he loaned me his Kodak Instimatic. Then he drove me to the Field Muse -- I took a few pictures, went through the mammals & birds, went to the Shedd Aquarium, took the bus back home. While waiting for the bus at Shedd, I helped a Black tow-truck driver find Roosevelt Drive. On the last bus transfer on Kedzie I met a University student and we talked till I got off at 81st. I learned conclusively that it's impossible to safely drive a car into a tornado (that alters one of my plots in Time Fall).

Got home at 10:00 P.M. Everyone had been worried. I ate, and Peggy and I talked some more in my room -- she drops by whenever I'm in my room alone. I listened to a recording Joan (Peg's friend) had made for her 21st birthday. It was funny.

Larry & Ken came back with a Pizza (a guy started getting mean with Larry while Ken was getting the Pizza -- so Larry broke his leg with a karate kick -- Ken came out with the pizza and kicked the guy's friend in an uncouth area, and they quickly departed. Larry was very shook up about it). I had a piece of pizza and left -- Marcus was in the room. [Larry was a gentle, kind human being -- and he'd also had extensive formal karate training. It was a bad idea to pick a fight with this guy. Karate experts don't fight -- they instantly deliver a decisive blow. Problem solved.]

TOMORROW: Flat broke in Chi-Town

Jul 27 - Learning the bus routes**

Thursday, July 27, 1972 - Page 209
LOCATION: Chicago

DELIGHTFULLY SUBVERSIVE

MUSIC VIDEO: Alice Cooper "School's Out" (BBC 1972)

The original album sleeve opened like an old wooden school desk
with the vinyl record inside wrapped in a pair of girl's underpants

(10:30 PM 7/29/1972)

Mrs. Latka drove me to the Field Muse, before she went to work, at around 9:00 A.M. (She went to work for a day at the School she works at -- she owed them a day).  I concentrated on the Prehistoric area, and obtained some post cards. I left at 4, tho the place closes at 6. I had to take the bus back -- Mrs. had written down the routes I would take, and I managed fairly well (not too well, tho), and got back by 6:00.

I ate and went out to trim the grass -- conscientious soul that I are. Then Ken, Me, & Larry went to a shopping center so Larry could buy the new Chi Chan Chong (???) album. Ken bought Alice Cooper's "School's Out" album. I bought a battery for my watch, plus a pin for my watch band (I had broken it the day before), and I bought an S.F. anthology. We drove around for a while -- went to McDonald's. Marcus was over again, and as usual we ignored each other.

TOMORROW: Larry breaks a hostile thug's leg

Jul 26 - Beverly Hills mud

Wednesday, July 26, 1972 - Page 208
LOCATION: Chicago

Rod Serling's NIGHT GALLERY
ran on NBC from 1970 to 1973

(10:00 PM 7/29/1972)
Sue had to stay home from work cause of her foot. Ken & I cut the grass -- I was sposed to trim it but it started raining. Peg came over at lunch (12:45) to pick me up (Ken worked at his Gas station from 1 to 9) and she dropped me off at the Beverly Art Center, but their gallery was closed so I walked a few miles back to BAPA along Longwood Drive. I took shelter from the rain in a small tow-behind vehicular contrivance on the lawn of one of the palatial mansions. I tracked mud into Peg's office's carpet.

Watched Night Gallery. Marcus & Sue amused themselves in the basement. Larry came over, and Ken, me & he amused ourselves in Ken's room. -- Saw Ken's movies before he went to work in the daytime. I called mom after talking with Sue in an enlightening conversation. I talked to mom about 8:30 P.M. and hung up around nine. It was invigorating talking to the folk back home.

TOMORROW: Learning the bus routes

Jul 25 - Sue's toe crushed by bowling ball

Tuesday, July 25, 1972 - Page 207
LOCATION: Chicago

(10:00 PM 7/29/1972)
Me, & Ken went to see Jean but she wasn't home -- Then we & Larry went driving around, following girls. Got back around ten thirty -- Marcus & Sue stayed in the parlor together (it was this fateful day that Sue decided she loved Marcus). Me, Ken, Larry & Ron read Mads in Ken's room.

I think I went to the Field Museum on the 25, concentrating primarily on the Stone Age Man section. Mrs. dropped me off there, and Ken picked me up at six. Sue works at Day Camp which takes care of kids during summer to keep them out of their parents' hair -- today she got a bowling ball dropped on her large toe. She had to go to the hospital. Afterwards Sue & Peg took the dog, Brandy, to the vet for her distemper shot. On the way back Brandy threw up over Sue. It definitely was not her day.

TOMORROW: A muddy walk in Beverly Hills

Jul 24 - Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum

Monday, July 24, 1972 - Page 206
LOCATION: Chicago

(9:55 PM 7/29/1972)
Peggy & I went for a drive through Beverly Hills, the exclusive area of Chi which Peg's company is in charge of. We got back around 8:00, then Sue and I walked to the Drugstore where I bought a couple of Mad mags, and we picked up Ron on the way (he's a young bearded amiable fellow whose kids Sue has baby sat for). He was at a gas station amongst more Sue Friends.

Peggy at work

Ken got home and he and me went to McDonald's, then we went to see a girl (I'm not sure what her name was), and then we drove around for a while and ran into Nancy & Jean. We talked to Jean until about 11:30 P.M.

Receipt and ticket stub for Ripley's

In the daytime, me and Ken drove around some. We went to Old Town to check the bookstore for the posters. Then we went to Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.

A Century of Progress (Wikipedia)
1933 Chicago World's Fair Poster by illustrator Glen C. Sheffer

Ripley's Odditorium first appeared at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933, but I can't find any info on a museum in Chicago today. However, there are now more than 30 Ripley's Museums (or Odditoria) worldwide.

Here is a Ripley's museum in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

TOMORROW: Sue goes to the hospital  

Jul 23 - Visiting Playland Amusement Park**

Sunday, July 23, 1972 - Page 205
LOCATION: Chicago

Playland Park opened in the 1950s in the unincorporated area of Willow Springs which is now called Justice, Illinois. After a history of serious customer injuries, it closed in 1979 to be replaced by a mobile home park.

Playland Park in Justice, Illinois

From CHICAGO TRIBUNE NEWS
Playland beloved by kids, but injuries led to its closing
June 12, 2009

Rick Symonds, who was a firefighter in Justice during Playland's tenure, remembers his department being called to the park regularly to deal with accidents and injuries. One ride in particular, the Mad Mouse, seemed to be problematic because it didn't have the safety precautions you'd see in amusement park rides today, said Justice Village Trustee Michael Murray, who has lived in the community for 42 years.

"It wasn't very big news when there was an injury," Murray said. "Somebody would get hurt and the fire department would get called."

But lawsuits from those accidents made it hard for Playland to stay afloat. When a developer offered to buy the property to expand the neighboring mobile home park, the owner agreed, Murray said.

(9:40 PM 7/29/1972)
Me, Ken, Sue, Mark, Mary Ann, Bob, Kathy & Larry went to Playland in two cars -- Me, Lar, Ken, & Kath in one -- the rest in the other. Our two gangs stayed separated in Playland, and elsewhere that night. We drove around for a while, along Lake Shore Dr. and elsewhere. Got back about 11:00 -- During the day Ken B. was over for dinner, then he & Peg went out. They got arguing, and Ken got mean. She's been trying to break up with him sporadically for years -- it's a very strange relationship. Typical.

Mark, in the morning, was infuriated at "The Kid from California." He was planning various ways to do away with me -- but Sue talked with him and calmed him down. As I learned from Sue in an "enlightening conversation" Wednesday, other enemies I'd created were Larry (who was on Mark's side), Kathy (who doesn't like anybody), and Ron (who's a nice guy but doesn't like my relationship with Sue). Most of this has changed as of now -- the 29th. I'm not exactly certain of my position here -- I'll be leaving the first week of Aug, I guess.

Copy of a letter asking for money from Home

The following songs was heard often during 1972. They always made people happy and provided an appropriate soundtrack for the summer.

Saturday in the Park (1972) plus

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (1969)

TOMORROW: Ripley's Believe it or Not

Jul 22 - Complicated relationships

Saturday, July 22, 1972 - Page 204
LOCATION: Chicago

(9:30 PM 7/29/1972)
Mark came by in the morning before I was officially awake. He left for a dentist's appointment. I got up at around 10:00 A.M. I continued to translate Michele's letter (result attached in pg. 203 [July 21]), and finished it while sun bathing in the back yard with Sue & Peg. Ken & Mr. washed their cars. Ken & Mr. bought an air conditioner to replace the dead one, so he and I could sleep up there.

Grady sunbathing at the Latka's while petting their dog, Brandy

Peggy at left washing her car

Me, Ken B., Sue & Peg drove to Old Town while Ken L. went to Mark's house to practice (Band practice, that is). Talked with Sue till 11:00 A.M. getting enlightened and straightened out on our relationship. She wasn't too affectionate at Old Town because she's in between three guys: Me, Gil (he's virtually out by now), and Mark. Since she's going steady with Mark, she's gotta be true to him. Before the next week was up she decided she Loves Mark. Typical Lyda Luck -- It's a replay of the Meg fiasco. Blah. ---

Business card for their aspiring
rock band "Phredee Phrogg"

Oh yeah -- Mark came here after practice (Ken wasn't here or with him -- he was with Kathy -- his semi-ex girlfriend). I left the room when Mark arrived. She insisted I return, but I din't -- eventually Peg appeared and force-ably took me into the parlor with Sue & Mark (I knew Mark was hostile, so I wanted to make myself scarce). Sue was unsociable to Mark, and he left in a huff. He's disturbed about me. Jealous, temperamental fellow.

TOMORROW: Visiting Playland amusement park

Jul 21 - STYX performs at High School dance**

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Jul 20 - Arriving in Chicagoland

Thursday, July 20, 1972 - Page 202
LOCATION: Chicago

Chicago - Dialogue Part I & II (1972) -- Hear it now: Shelf3D.com

Will you try to change things?
Use the power that you have, the power of a million new ideas
What is this power you speak of and this need for things to change?
I always thought that everything was fine... everything is fine
Don't you feel repression just closing in around?
No, the campus here is very, very free
Don't it make you angry the way war is dragging on?
Well, I hope the president knows what he's into, I don't know... 
Oooh, I just don't know
Don't you see starvation in the city where you live
All the needless hunger, all the needless pain?
I haven't been there lately, the country is so fine
My neighbors don't seem hungry 'cause they haven't got the time... 
haven't got the time...

(9:00 PM 7/29/1972)

(Between the beginning of the last sentence and the end, Mrs. Latka gave me a game -- the Labirynth, which consumed a great deal of my time [see July 29]) -- On with the notes:

Woke up on the floor, and we went to eat breakfast. Afterwards I called mom on the hotel phone, then we left. During most of the trip, Ken drove, & Me, Sue, and Mrs were in the back seat. She & me slept most of the time (I never really slept tho).

We got into Chi about 9:00 or 9:30 P.M. It was very hot and muggy. Mark & Larry came over for a little while, and left at about 11:30. Larry & Mark are the two other guys in Ken's band -- Mark is the leader. He's also going steady with Soo, and therefore hates my guts -- this would become apparent as the days went on -- Ken's air conditioner was busted so it was very warm in his room (approx 95°). I slept on the cot, and Ken slept on the bed (I insisted).

TOMORROW: Rock band Styx performs at High School dance

Jul 19 - Trip to Chicago begins*

Tuesday, July 19, 1972 - Page 201
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota and Sioux City, Iowa

(7:30 PM 7/29/1972)
(I haven't been bothering to write in this book -- instead I just wrote notes on any pages I had handy, [example attached] making this task easier and less obvious -- here are those notes, put down in this book -- they are obviously very sketchy)

Example of first-draft note pages

The 19th was McGovern's birthday. It also was the day me and the Latkas left. Bruce woke me up at 6:00 A.M. as I asked, and he wandered off around 6:45 to read the Bible, and I walked out to the woods to contemplate. I walked up to the house at 7:30 for breakfast. M.R. [Mrs. Rogers] was stunned to see me up so early -- so was everyone else.

Sue Latka in front of main building

Sue and Grady crossing washed-out road

The Latkas and I left at about 9:00 A.M. We all said goodby to everybody quite extensively. We drove till about 7:00, usually with Me, Ken & Sue in back. We slept some. -- We stopped in Sioux City, Iowa at a Western Motel. We three kids went swimming, and afterwards Ken & I went to a nearby Pizza Parlor. The others ate at a restaurant near the motel. There were lots of fireflies there by the pool -- it was the first time I'd seen them.

Ken and I played tether ball by the pool. I took a shower, and by 11:00 we all were in bed -- Sue on the cot, Mr. & Mrs. were in the center, and Me & Ken in the second double bed. Early in the night I moved to the floor to sleep to avoid Ken's snoring and moving.

TOMORROW: Arriving in Chicagoland

Jul 18 - About Bethlehem Cave & The Shrine***

Tuesday, July 18, 1972 - Page 200
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BETHLEHEM CAVE

I've recently learned a lot about this cave that I didn't know in 1972. The current owner of Bethlehem discovered my blog and has been kind enough to exchange emails with me. He told me that the sidewalks we built are still in good condition -- except for one section that has reverted to gravel. That's the part Father Gilbert was rightfully complaining about. He sent this PDF (2.6 MB) of Conception Abbey's newsletter for Summer 2010 that features an excellent article about the cave on pages 12 thru 14 (Conception History: Bethlehem Cave). Below is the Bethlehem area as it appears today on Google Earth.

Bethlehem, South Dakota, as seen on Google Earth (copyright 2013) 

1876 - Discovered by early pioneers, the McBride brothers (Adolphus & Charles), who called it "the Crystal Cave Area."

1892 - The first owners of the cave, "Keith & Allabaugh," began providing tours. They also removed 15 tons of natural formations from the cavern that were transported to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago to be set up in an artificial cave exhibit. The owners continued to sell crystal specimens at other fairs and exhibitions until 1910.

1919 - A real estate developer, Loui Storm, purchased the property.
1923 - A diesel engine and generator were installed to provide electricity for Crystal Cave tours. This attraction proved so popular during the 1920s and 30s that many commercial caves in the US were inspired to use "Crystal" in their names.

Entrance to Crystal Cave (Photos courtesy Conception Abbey 2010)

1952 - In January, Crystal Cave was deeded as a gift to Conception Abbey, Order of St. Benedict of the Catholic Church. The specific reason for this is unclear. Perhaps the aging owner experienced religious inclinations before his death.

1957 - In February, operation of the cave was turned over to Father Gilbert Stack, O.S.B., who renamed it Bethlehem Cave. Under his direction, priests and Benedictine monks built living quarters, repaired washed-out roads, and established "The Shrine of the Nativity" within the cave's entrance. Tourism was encouraged and services were held twice each morning during the summer and on special religious holidays throughout the year.

Father Gilbert at The Shrine of the Nativity in Bethlehem Cave (circa 1960)

1959 - In October, Father Gilbert was authorized to establish a tiny post office with Bethlehem's own zip code (57708). Utilizing his training as a printer, Fr. Gil initiated a successful source of donations for the Church by creating Christmas cards, postal envelopes, and other material that promoted the Shrine of the Nativity and Bethlehem Cave.

Collection of postal "cover" envelopes from the Shrine of the Nativity, as seen in Tower Topics - Summer 2010 (PDF 2.6 MB)

Here are some slides that were sold in the Gift Shop. The colors have faded with age.

PANA-VUE SLIDE 401
BETHLEHEM CAVE
The Shrine of the Nativity 

PANA-VUE SLIDE 402
BETHLEHEM CAVE
Flowstone Formation

PANA-VUE SLIDE 403
BETHLEHEM CAVE
Statue of St. Benedict

PANA-VUE SLIDE 404
BETHLEHEM CAVE
Leaning Tower of Pisa

PANA-VUE SLIDE 405
BETHLEHEM CAVE
Prayer for Peace

NOW, we return to today's brief 1972 posting (most of this journal page was devoted to events that overflowed from the previous entry, July 17):
(Notes regarding July 18, written into the book at 9:00 PM 7/29/1972)
Mrs. Latka's birthday. I read "I'm OK, etc." out on the cliff. Wandered around a bit, saw the lights on in the cave, went in and found Mike & Sue, then we took a short cut and joined Ken, Stephanie [Mrs. Latka], Ted [Mr. Latka], and Tom. Then we went on the tour.

Sue Latka in Bethlehem Cave

Sue supervising the sidewalk crew

TOMORROW: Trip to Chicago begins