Dating Competition

Ralph Bozwell, a friend of mine from Provo, had become Barry’s roommate in Manhattan. We had double dated. Barry had asked Ralph if I was just a friend, or more, and would he mind if he dated me. Ralph was my good friend and had no objection. BT invited me to see a tennis match, to watch the Red Sox play the Yankees, to the Opera, to see the Rockettes at Rockefeller Center. And though he would occupy my weekends, I had other boyfriends whose company I enjoyed. He seemed a little annoyed when I wasn’t available. When he saw me at the art museum one Sunday, he chided me, "Do you do such things on the Sabbath?" (What was he doing there?)

Jack Laney had taken me to see My Fair Lady on Broadway a month or so earlier, and we were quite friendly. Barry seemed peeved. I thought,“Does he want to occupy all of my time?”

I was called to the Sunday School Board and traveled some to the wards as a teacher trainer. Brother Bennet of the Stake Sunday School Board wanted to introduce me to his brother, Bob, at the summer picnic. I was interested. Who should show up, but Barry Thompson. Of all the nerve!

In July, Janey Thompson prepared a program during which Barry and I were in a group of Square Dancers. He was good at it and so strong, as the boys lifted us off the ground during one part. He led me to believe he liked it. Actually he thought it was too hot for such things. I was disappointed. I loved Square dancing.

A friend of mine, who I had dated at the Y had returned from a mission and came to New York to visit me. Mel’s intentions were serious. He was a worthy man with high ideals. I was fond of him, but not sure.

I became ill and visited a doctor. After an examination, he asked,“Are you in love?” “I don’t know” I replied. He suggested I take a little vacation and think it over. My grandfather had just passed away, so in October I returned home for a few days. I needed to clear my head.

-Ellen