Beginning on November 1, which is the date of my mother’s first letter from her Hawaii trip 84 years ago, I am serializing day by day, the book, Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip, which you can obtain from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback.

I hope you enjoy the upcoming nine-months in Hawaii 1940-41. You can order the entire book from Amazon in either paperback or Kindle format, click here.

Honolulu, Friday, February 14, 1941

Friday –

And, as usual, stepping out of a whirlwind to find myself two days tardy on the letter. Guess I’d better start with Wednesday night – it was rather chilly so I wore a black dress with pearls, black shoes & coat. And have never gotten so many compliments on an outfit.

Well, anyhoo, we joined the usual “tramp” couples (ones coming after dinner for dancing at the Pavilion) – several Air Corps, Coast and Field and one or two girls I knew. But It wasn’t a very happy arrangement—I loved it but Max & Bob Dunlop don’t particularly get along, lovingly & its no fun to sit & watch them glower at each other. So about 10:30 we parted ways & Max and I went to Trader Vic’s for a while, then hamburgering to Kau Kau & so home.

Tom Wells (Navy – USS Astoria) called yesterday for a picnic Sunday & a date last night – wish I didn’t have that Sun. date with Max – I’m afraid I’ll get tired of him with all those parties & Sunday engagements for the next three weeks, nor is it a very good idea to be seen always with the same person. Anyway I had to refuse both Tom’s dates – then Carl Sanders (same ship) called for a party at the Pearl H. Officers Club St. night & last night too -- & I had to refuse.

Last night I went out with Bob (“This is Adamas”) Dunlop – and, as usual, we spent the night riding around deciding where not to go. Got a sandwich & malted milk (500 calories!) (but such good ones) at Kau Kau – rode toward town & got last – would up at Trader Vic’s. From there we went up to the Young Hotel roof garden – while Bob was getting a check cashed I had quite a little chat with the albinoish New Yorker who was at our table on the ship coming over. I’ve seen him several times but haven’t spoken -- & he fell upon me like a long lost friend last night. Also saw Zimmy – or something --- the famous legless swimmer.[1]

Editor’s Note:Charles (“Zimmy”) Zibelman (https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com/charles-zimmy-the-human-fish-zibelman-at-the-harlem-hospital-1937/)

And then the very little, very drunk Jew at the bar making fish eyes at everyone & getting very coy with the bartender who advised him against another drink. He was entertaining more of the young patrons than the six Samoan dancers were.