In spite of the challenges Harry and Violet faced, many of Harry's photographs show a more light-hearted side to their experiences.
A number of their entries also make mention of their friends, and the numerous parties they had attended in the Soviet Union:
Sat. Attended a party at Lawson's played [crossed out: pooker] poker, Came home 3. o'clock in the morning. got home had note. from some friends inviting us to breakfast 9. o'clock Sunday [underlined: mor] [i.e. morning].
[...] a wild party. I forgot + danced
on the sore foot. Miller Danced on Table.
In addition to parties, the Byers also frequently went to see "picture shows" (i.e. movies) and stage performances. The strip of tickets on the left would have admitted three people into the Progress cinema theatre. Harry and his companions are on row 17, in seats 223, 224, and 225. Each ticket was purchased in 1930 for 35 kopeck.
went to opra [i.e. opera] tonite [i.e. tonight]. piano out of tune. large cracks in floor. it was worth 2:50 a ticket to see all this. dancers Very good.
Went to Show. half english + Russian
Very Funy [i.e. Funny] Comedy. Just a place to Pass
any time. [...]
On other days, Harry and Violet often played cards together with their companions to pass the time.
It is now 2 oclock [i.e. o'clock] in the Morning.
We have been playing Cards. [...]
In his journal (see left), Harry also kept track of books he read in 1930 while in the Soviet Union. Titles include classics like Treasure Island (by Robert Louis Stevenson), as well as novels such as The Call of the Wild by Jack London, and The Woman Napoleon Loved by Tighe Hopkins.
