Throwback Thursday: Bowling Green life in 1943, stories from a diary
April 24, 1943: Dear diary, Euphema and I went this afternoon to the Capitol to see “Star Spangled Rhythm.” That nite, mother, Fema, and I went to the Diamond to see “Pirates of the Prairie.”
That was written exactly 82 years ago this week. Straight from the personal diary of Anna Oleda Runner – this reporter’s grandmother – who grew up in Downtown Bowling Green before moving to a farm in Warren County. Oleda would be turning 96 this year, if she was still around. This is a very special Throwback Thursday, telling some personal stories of this reporter’s family from over a quarter century ago.
This diary was written during Oleda’s teenage years, specifically when she was 13 going on 14. It tells stories of Bowling Green and Warren County life in the 1940s, in the middle of wartime. It reflects the values of the neighbors and community, and the struggles and heartaches of young people growing up coming out of the Great Depression.
Oleda’s family lived on E. 6th Avenue during this time. The pace of life was much slower. The diary says it took the family almost 7 hours to travel from Bowling Green to Indianapolis that summer. Living just a couple blocks from Fountain Square meant Oleda visited the three movie theatres on it nearly every day. She saw over 200 movies in 1943, and would often frequent the Princess theatre on Main, the Capitol on Main, and the Diamond on College on the same day.
October 30, 1943: Dear diary, Well, shows as follows: 1) “Leather Burners” at the Diamond, 2) “The Glass Key” at the Princess, 3) “My Kingdom for a Cook” at the Capitol.
Many of the moving pictures were of wartime dramas, encouraging support for troops overseas and the war effort. A USO operated on Fountain Square in what is now the 440 Main building on E. Main Avenue.
September 16, 1943: Dear diary, “Bataan” that was good. But oh! Those poor soldiers!! You know what i think I’ll do? I’ll join the army and go with them to keep them company.
Based on the battle of Bataan in the Philippines in 1942 against the Japanese, the MGM studios film starred Robert Taylor.
May 5, 1943: Well today is my birthday. 14 years old. I got a locket, skirt, compact and slip. I’m so proud of them all.
May 7, 1943: Mama, Euphema and I went tonite to see “New York Town” at the Diamond. Boy was it good. Glee Club sang at the Music Festival. Superior.
Teenage life was different then, no iPhone or tablets. That’s how it went, enjoying the moments. We are grateful that young Oleda Runner took the time to jot down a few sentences about her Bowling Green life each day in 1943.
The historic charm of Downtown Bowling Green remains, and there’s something very special in knowing the square was there generations ago, providing entertainment, shopping and dining to those who came before us. Let’s keep visiting Downtown and making memories.
