Post #431 - August 5, 1944 Warrants for the Arrest of the Four Leaders of PTC Have Been Issued and A Letter from Brother Jack Strongin

 

Aug. 5, 1944 

Darling One,

Today was a real scorcher and I don't mean maybe! It was so hot that I put Adele into a pool of water and let, her stay there all day. The kids across the way have a canvas and metal pool that they place in the drive, and it can accommodate grownups too. l simply wet my feet and legs with the hose. Both Adele and l got a pretty bad sunburns and we both should be nice and tan within a few days

Fay came home this morning, having gotten a ride from S.C. in. She had it so wonderful - but I mean swell! They were able to live comfortably on $80 per month, had every convenience of home and even a nursery where they cared for servicemen's children two nights a week in order that mas and pas could get out. He expects to be shipped to POE any day. I stopped over with Adele three times today.

Goldie's stepmother sent the nighties and set we ordered for Glos birthday and also my set. It’s stunning and I won’t describe it. l’d rather show ya, honey.

I just put Adele to bed, washed and set my hair and showered and it is 10:30. I’m kinda tired, but I just couldn't pass up writing on this our year of separation. How different it is from that night one year ago when we saw “Mission from Moscow” and I couldn’t be of much help to you sexually! I just wish you were here now—I'd show you!! Yeh man! 

Harry and Goldie bought a new white bedroom set (crib and chest) for Diana at Wanamaker’s that is due to arrive in 5 days. The set cost $41.50 and the mattress $10.95.

By the way, I like the satin negligee set so well, that I am going to order another. As I told you, the set retails for $10.95 and we get the whole works for $4.

I bought a $50 bond yesterday and when your July bond arrives our total of bonds will be exactly $725. I got paid yesterday, so I have that on hand til my next pay.

The PTC strike gets worse and worse—need I add how disgusted l am with it? Fay tells me the people from the South are tickled, as they think Northerners cater to the negroes too much. Phil, on the whole, I think we’re in for some mighty big trouble. Soldiers will be stationed all over and many of them are camping at Fairmount Park and League Island. Warrants for the arrest of the four leaders of PTC have been issued.

Gee, I hate to run along, but l really must. Phil, my darling, I love you, I adore you and I want you very, very much.

Your Eve

Aug. 5, 1944 

Dear Phil,

Received a letter from you just a few days ago and up until now couldn’t find time to answer you. We over here, read and hear a great deal about those flying bombs that are whizzing around over there. Gosh, what the hell are those dirty huns going to think of next? The Japs, as yet, haven’t been so inventive, but you can never tell what they will pull out of their hats. News of Limey is in a way, good news for I doubted that he'd come back at all. Please, don't misunderstand me, Phil. I don’t mean to imply that Limey getting wounded is good news. It's just that I realize what a highly dangerous job he had and expected the worse. I'm glad to hear that he is o.k. now and hope the wound will not affect him later on in life. I just received his address today and shall write him immediately upon closing this scribe. Yes, I did meet Hesh Greenberg and just last week he spent the weekend with me, He told me that Mickey Gordin is now in the army and also that Joe Epstein was right in there on D-day. Thanks for the congratulations on my promotion, Phil. I’m a "tec 5” and not a buck. No, I didn't know that your outfit took part in the landing. Did you meet any of your old buddies? Say, Phil I meant to ask you in a previous letter: Is Red still with you? If he is, tell me how he's doing these days and give him my regards. I just received a letter from Ev today and she had enclosed two snapshots of Adele Bara and believe me, the little dumpling is really a beautiful specimen of babyhood. Honestly, Phil, she's, as Gloria would say, out of this world! Ev sent me the same picture that you had sent me, so I shall return one to you for I know you want that particular picture and anyway, I might lose it. I’m afraid, my dear brother, that you will not have the pleasure of providing the first male of the new generation, for I had made up my mind to do the providing on that score. Phil, please tell me whats buzzin’ with our New York cousins. I have been negligent in writing to them. Honestly, I just can’t sit myself down and write to everybody who I want to. You ought to know how it is. You say your days are pretty well full, well its the same with me. Yes, it certainly looks like this darn ol’ war is on the verge of coming to an end and believe me, Phil, it'll never be too soon for me and a few million G.I. Joes.

I believe that by the time Germany falls, the Japs will be pretty well out of the picture and I hope that it will only be necessary for a small portion of you guys over there to come over this side to help us put on the finishing touches. Thanks very much for the dehydrated Bulletin, Phil. I enjoyed reading it and would appreciate more of them, should you get more of them. Things are pretty much the same with me. I am rather anxious to go on furlough, but it looks like there are many G.I.'s before me. Well, Phil, I have others to write to so l say good good night and Good Luck.

As Ever,
Your Kid Brudder
Jack

Post #430 - August 3, 4, 1944 We Had to Make a Stop Near 12th & Diamond, So We Had an Opportunity to See the Section Where the Riots Occurred

 

Aug. 3, 1944

Dearest Hubby,

It is exactly ten minutes to five and I am completely finished with my work. Some small things may crop up, but the bulk of the important work is done, leaving me free to drop you a few lines.

I was glad I had the opportunity to write at work yesterday, for I spent the evening catching up with my correspondence, as did Ruth, who kept me company. I wrote to Jack N., the Benises, Gloria, Eddie and Harry W.

Today there was no mail (perhaps there was in the afternoon?) and still no means of transportation. The subway and el ran for a short while last night, but that soon stopped and we are as before. This morning Jack and I were picked up by an elderly man who drove me straight to Tenth & Market. I didn't feel like asking for a ride or accepting one when I reached there, so I walked down Market to 2nd. Jack fared well yesterday, getting a ride from Broad & Susquehanna to 22nd, and then he walked to 26th and got to work on time. I was a half hour late today, so you can readily see just how busy we are.

I wonder just how much longer this dilemma will continue? It's a plain pain in the neck. This elderly man, who drove me to 10th & Market, had to make a stop near 12th & Diamond, so we (there were two other passengers) had an opportunity to see the section where the riots occurred. All of the store windows were boarded and the section looked all messed up.

Goldie's father sent her a check for $50, so that she can have the nurse another week. However, the nurse hasn't shown up for two days, and since Goldie feels better she does not care to have the nurse. She can't stand the way the nurse tends to the baby.

Today is really the last day we saw each other - remember - it was a Thursday. It's just five and I feel you inexpressibly close to me - Phil - - -

I wonder where we'll be this time next year???? I do feel that we will be together - we better be!! Gosh, honey, a year is a long, long time to be separated, too long for me.

Oh, yes, I do want to tell you what I'm wearing - my green print dress - remember that one?

One of the pipes down the cellar was leaking badly and it cost my mom $4.50 to have it fixed. We certainly have had our share of plumbing bills.

The break of relations between Turkey and the Nazis is another bit of good news. I suppose you get the news just as quickly as we do, if you can call it quickly.

Adele, bless her widdle head, continues to pick up new words. She says tummy, toy, teps (for steps) nuts, (She heard Ruth use that one) dess (for dress), etc. I can arrange her hair into several styles, but I like it best when she has a pile of curls above her forehead (or fluff, if you prefer it that way). Ruth gave me several pretty bows (she says bow, too) and I match each to her outfit.

Well, baby, here I am fresh out of words (unusual isn't it?) but I've got a couple stored away - those few that I reserve only for you, my dearest. Do you want to know what they are (you're kiddin') - seriously, though, I love you very much, baby, and I'm looking forward to our "D" day, the day we shall be together once more.

Your Eve

P. S. Betty's brother is back in the states after 26 months overseas. He called them today & probably won’t see them for a few weeks, Boy, are they excited! 

My Mom & Pop went to Robin Hood Dell this evening (with tickets for reserved seats donated by my Unc. Maxwell) & took a cab - no less. It seems funny but it sure makes me feel good. Maybe I’ll get the opportunity to go tomorrow - maybe.

Eve

 
Aug. 4, 1944

Sweetheart,

It is one o'clock and I haven't a single thing to do. There will be several bills to make up later and some small things, but for the most part, there is no work. Mr. B. told me to relax and look the store over. He showed me the system they have of marking items, that I might determine prices without asking anyone. 

The Army took over the operation of the PTC and thus far the subway, el and several trolleys are running, which enabled me to get to work. I don't like the idea of hitch-hiking at all.

My Mom and Dad raved no end about the Dell program last night. It was, indeed, a fine program and I'm sorry I had to miss it. It was a salute to American Composers and 20 composers were present and played their particular hit number. The conductor was Sigmund Romberg. They even got around to Boogie Woogie, and I don't have to tell you how much the folks enjoyed it.

Tonight is the final program, a symphonic program conducted by Vladimir Horowitz and your favorite composer is among those whose works will be played. It's a “request" program. I get home rather late to make it, but I shall try. The tickets cost $12 a piece and my folks sat right on the front row, no less.

I received the enclosed letter from Mike Nerenberg this morning, and it explains somewhat why he probably neglected to write, though he did say he would. I can't say when I shall be prepared to take advantage of his offer, but I shall try to make it soon. I should like to take Adele along, for I'd like nothing better than to have moving pictures of her for you to see.

Mom received a letter from Palestine and her sister thinks Adele is a very pretty child. We sent her that snap of Adele in the suit I made her, the one we both thought so charming (where her face is turned sideways).

It may interest you to know that I am giving Ruth my soldier suit (providing it fits her). I'm not going to wear it any more as I do not feel comfortable in it. I didn't care for it at first, but it is a favorite of mine now and I am sorry it doesn't fit properly.

No mail from you for two days, honey - guess you didn't write - huh?

Adele says her daddy is in the Ah-mee (Ah me!) and does not confuse you with other soldiers. She recognizes your picture immediately and I'm hoping she'll do the same when she sees you. You know what else she does - She puts her fingers in her ears when she doesn't want to hear what you are saying, or if she doesn't want to hear any sound in particular. She also says "O o o h My" and "O o o h Nuts" (Ruth taught her that - Ruth would). She calls "orange" "ah in" and indicates whether she has to make a "sissy" or an "eh-eh". She likes to add "ee" to most of her words, to wit: Wat ee (for water) horsee for horse. Her walking is good at times and exceptionally poor at others.

This morning Mom and I got to talking about making a large party for her second birthday, which, as you know is scarcely four months away. I told Mom I would see and I should like to make it, especially if I knew you would be coming home, even if I did have to wait several months. Adele would get a big.kick out of such a party and so would I. Let us hope we can look forward to your homecoming at that time.

I wonder if you've heard about the new secret weapons of the Nazis? How about those radio controlled tanks that seem to have amazed everyone? It sounds incredible! And the robots seem to be playing havoc with the English civilians, as the newspapers have disclosed of late. I think they are more troublesome than we are led to believe.

I had a terrible case of the blues last night and hit the hay early. Phil, I miss you so keenly and it's so hard for me to express my exact feelings! I love you so much, honey! When I started this I couldn't think of a single thing to say - not doin' so bad, am I. Guess, sweet, that we'll have to call it a day once more, I'm looking forward to our five o'clock date you can be sure. How's about some lovin'? I always ask Adele to give me some "lovin" and sho nuff she gives me a hug and kiss. Just think, sweet, you'll get twice as much "lovin'”once you do get back with both me and Adele to contend with. She's an exceptionally affectionate child, as manifested by her actions and I like it very much.

However, I was supposed to stop somewhere along the line a while back. Goodness, but I've come a long way! I guess you know that I'm

Your Eve

P.S. all transportation stopped again and my dad and I had to hitch hike again. I think the leaders of PTC will face arrest.

Am enclosing clipping from newspaper showing sign that appeared on all cars, Eve.

Post #429 - August 2, 3, 1944 This Morning the Martin Milkman Gave Us a Ride in His Truck to Broad and Lindley and A Letter from Jack Nerenberg

 

Aug. 2, 1944

Dearest Phil,

Not one vehicle of the PTC is moving today, but that didn't stop anybody. The streets and thoroughfares were crowded to capacity with autos, taxis, horse and buggys and whatnots. As if that weren't enough, it has been raining all day long.

Mr. B. asked me to try to come down, so that I wouldn’t fall behind in my work. My brother Jack and I leave the same time for work and today we managed to get together. Sometimes he leaves earlier than I do, as he has to be in at 11:45. He works part time in Sy's place (from 11:45 to 5:45) and goes to summer school in the morning, taking an advanced course in physics that will help him to graduate.

This morning the Martin Milkman gave us a ride in his truck to Broad & Lindley. All the way down we sang, "Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet" and had lots of fun. At Broad & Lindley a girl driver asked us if we cared to go into town with her and naturally we did. Along Broad St., she helped many people out of their respective dilemmas and kept picking up and dropping off all along the way. At any rate she dropped me off at Broad & Vine where I walked to Broad and Race. There was a red light at Broad & Race and a car with a couple sitting in the front was first. I asked if they were going to 2nd St. They were going to 8th St, and picked me up. They took me to 8th & Market and I walked to 2nd, getting to work ten minutes early,

It isn't funny at all, but that is exactly what the situation is at present. How long it will continue remains to be seen. Most defense plants have arranged some sort of system to transport the bulk of their workers to and fro. A truck crowded to capacity with people is becoming a common sight. What a city! Phooey! I wouldn't care if I left this city tomorrow.

I had some mail this A. M., yours of the 26 July, Ed's of 24 July, and two checks (one from S & D). Not bad, eh? I intend to do what I did last month - buy a $50 bond with the remainder of my allotment check and live on my salary. The check for $3.45 will be used to pay for insurance.

I almost bought Adele a snowsuit last night, but decided to look around before buying so quickly. Mr. Gorin (across from my mother) manufacturers coats, suits, snowsuits, etc. and showed me a nice outfit for Adele. However, I thought it was too boyish for her, even though it will cost me exactly $5 less than if I buy retail. I had Adele up to Herman's Kiddie Shop on Broad St. where I tried on a red snowsuit with a hood, trimmed with white fur. It would cost $15, but I don't care for the fur (it is pretty though) cause it won't hold up. I'll shop around first and satisfy my curiosity concerning snowsuits.

Ruth is going back to the shore today. In the meantime she has been a big help with Adele.
I typed this during a lull & never did get the opportunity to finish. I took home a few small items, to wit:
a nice white enamel pot, cost $1.12
2 cards bobby pins
1 scoop spoon
1 deodorizer for toilet

Ruth isn't going to the shore til Friday due to the heavy rain.

In spite of all this (& keeping it on the sly) Harry took himself off to the race track (he hopes to become a millionaire from it) & from what l gathered had a bad day.

Even the nurse couldn’t get in today - I guess she didn’t try hard enough. Goldie seems fine from what I can see.

Adele can walk up and down the steps alone (but l’m right in front of her and will be til she is more sure of herself.)

Guess that finishes me for today, sweetness, so with a fond hug and lingering kiss I remain


Ever
Your Eve

Aug. 3, 1944

Dear Evelyn,

I feel properly ashamed of myself for delaying so terribly long this letter to you. I consider it self punishment when I take this means of typing correspondence to you,

First of all, how is Phil? I haven't heard from him in a dog's age. How's your new niece? How's her old man and old lady? How're your Moms? How's Jack and what is Gloria doing these days? And lastly but by far not leastly how are you and Adele?

As for me, EXCEPT THAT I'M PRACTICALLY ENGAGED there isn’t a thing that is different. In the Near Future, I hope, I shall have more to tell you. Suffice it to say for now, we are of different religion (Marilyn is Baptist) but we have enjoyably attended each other's services.

In the beautiful words of my 154 I.Q. cousin It Sure Makes Life lure lovelier.

Army and I are getting along grandly. In all seriousness I am very fortunate to be able to continue in photography and am indeed grateful for the good deal that has escaped far too many of us G.I.’s,

Len and Lea are doing O.K. according to last reports. Sam, Anne and Arnie are O.K. too. Now that I've bought a '31 Chevy we all three have cars.

Ev, dear, I have high hopes of seeing you all before the summer is out, I sure have my digits ‘entwerlaced'.

The days here are NUTS! gloriously beautiful and evenings are pervaded with a coolness for summer that is out of this world. I know, after and during what you’re sweltering through that's downright mean of me.

If you'll excuse me now I’ll end this self torture typewriting now and I do mean now.

My love to you all.

As ever,
Jackie

Post #428 - August 1, 1944 The PTC Went On a City Wide Strike (Protesting the Employing of Negro Workers) that Paralyzed the Whole City and We Are In the Throes of a War-Bond-Selling Campaign

 

Aug. 1, 1944

Darling Phil,

Well, sweet, here is August again. It's just one single year since that bright, sunny Sunday morn I met you at the Logan station with Adele. I wonder how much longer it will be - -

Today was a hectic one for Philadelphians. The PTC went on a city wide strike (protesting the employing of negro workers) that paralyzed the whole city! The subway and el ran til about 12. I was lucky enough to get to 8th & Market (the last el pulled out as I got there) and then I had to walk to 2nd St., which wasn't too bad. Coming home with Mr. Perry was a revelation - the city was simply over-flooded with cars and traffic was terribly snarled. I hate to think what it will be like when the war is over and everyone starts buying cars.

You know, dear, this sort of thing can lead to race riots, etc. cause many, many people are burning already. The negros, like the Jews, want to have their rights, so I can't rightly blame them. The nurse that comes for Goldie burned like anything. She's a regular Father Divine follower and never says good-bye. She says "Peace" instead. Someone told me that Father Divine is a Nazi, but I haven't read enough about him to make a definite decision,

Let's talk about nicer things - for instance, dear, I received your very nice letter of 25 July. I'm happy that you finally received some “real" mail and that you did like the snaps. No, dear, Adele's features aren't changing, in fact she looks more like you every day - even I can see it now. My soldier suit is very snug and is serving its last season, I assure you. In fact my whole summer wardrobe is in its last season. I need a complete new wardrobe of dresses, both summer and winter and I've simply put it off, hoping you could select them when I did buy. Here's hopin'!

No, $8 isn't a lot for a pair of shoes, especially when you consider that everything is just about double and sometimes more. I sure do wish I could spend the summer with you in England, cause I'm sick and disgusted with this darn heat - all you do is sweat, sweat and then sweat some more. I shall use my judgment about the chocolates, honey, and as you know, I just mailed off a box of 5th Avenues.

I think I explained a bit about Mom's going to Browns Mills and I'd rather prefer not to go into detail cause I'm afraid I would say things I don't care to say at the moment. At any rate, that seems to be straightened out and Mom will remain home until such time as she can find it convenient to leave again.

I'm sorry about my negligence in advising you of my apparel each day, but I wear the same cotton dresses over and over again, week in and week out, first that yellow piqué I told you about (I'm wearing it today), that green check print Ruth gave me and a red check gingham, fly-front sports dress Ruth also gave me. If it isn't one of those it's a skirt and blouse. And when I'm home it's indubitably a pinafore—so there now.

Adele calls her rear a "tou see" and calls everyone she sees by name, For instance, she calls each and every kid in the neighborhood by name, such as Howard, Marsa (for Martha) Ellen, Estelle and she has even learned to call Diana "dee annie", which should prove to you that she is making oodles of progress. And, dear, her two bottom teeth came through, leaving her just the top two to finish her set. She now has 14 in all. I certainly hope I won't have to go through a similar night like Sunday with the next two teeth. Adele even somersaults herself! She gets even sweeter with her new actions and speech and I long to have you see her more and more. She even shows us what she's going to do to you! She's going to give you the hardest, biggest squeeze you ever got and a great big kiss to boot. Now ain't that sumpin'.

I typed the enclosed letter at work yesterday and never did get around to mailing it, feeling too tired to do anything but go straight to bed last night, Adele tore the top, so here's what's left.

Due to the strike business was at a standstill, so we took advantage of the break and changed the office completely. My desk is now where the bookkeeper's was, and he's where I was. The new arrangement is much better for all of us. Everything in the office was changed, so that it would be used to the best advantage. You should have seen Market St.! It was deader than a doornail.

Well, sweet, it is after ten and I am anxious to get to bed. If only it weren't so darn hot! Sleep is almost an impossibility these days - you're usually too busy perspiring to get any sleep.

I feel better about Eddie since the good news of the break through at Normandy occurred. Sure do hope you're right about making it home for Adele's second birthday! However, I'm sticking to my original statement that I won't see you in ’44. It may be one day, even the first day, but it will be ’45.

Our checks didn't come today and will no doubt show up tomorrow. And now that I've managed to fill up the second page too, I'll take my leave. Not before saying once again that you're so sweet my dearest, and I love you so very much. Phil, we’ll be starting our lives anew when we are once reunited and it's going to be fun learning to undress before one another and learning to make love anew. Gosh, it even sounds funny talking about it! I'm so used to "girls" if’n you know what I mean (and I'll bet you do!). Like Adele says "O o o o o h Boy!". Mind very much if I give you a nice, long kiss, huh -

Your Eve

1 August 1944 

Dearest Darling,

All day yesterday, and far into the evening, I was very busy. In fact, when I had got some semblance of order out of the maze of war bond orders, allotments, soldiers' deposits etc., I was so weary, that I hardly entertained the thought of writing. You see, Sweet, we are in the throes of a war-bond-selling campaign, and yesterday was pay-day, and one must strike while the opportunity affords—see what I mean? Anyway, the task of collecting money, making change, noting beneficiaries or co-owners' names, addresses, and so forth, is no easy one.

Today, I was even busier, 'cause, in addition to picking up a few more sales, and collecting money for soldiers’ deposits, I also had to start gathering the data for the company history, which is due at HQ tomorrow, but which they can't possibly get 'til the next day, so, I’ve hardly had a chance to draw a long breath yesterday and today. I've already postponed my pass for two weeks, and I had planned to take it tomorrow, but now, there is so much paper work to be got out, that I'll be well satisfied if I can clear it up this week. It is three weeks or more since I've as much as left the station even for an evening in town. Now it looks like I won't be able to get away yet for another week. The station itself is all very nice, even restful, most of the time, but need I change of scene badly; even a few hours in town would be enough. I know when I need this “change,” because I find myself feeling low and dispirited at too frequent intervals. Oh well—I hope I can manage to get away before I must get busy on the payroll again.

I want to tell you about this bond drive, Sweet, 'cause I must ask a favor of you in that connection. The VIIIth Air Force, at the behest of our commanding General (Doolittle) is going to try to raise six million dollars to purchase enough planes of all types to make up what will be known as the “Victory Squadron.” Each unit has its quota to fill (ours is $1821.00), and each command is offering prizes to be drawn by lottery. The main prize is a five-minute call via transatlantic phone to anyone back home (and how I'd like to be the lucky winner!), Chances in the lottery are to be awarded on the basis of the amount of bonds bought. The more a fellow invests, the more chances he gets—catch on? Well, Chippie, I did pretty well the first day of the drive (yesterday, getting rid of $985.00 worth. I added another 205.00 today. But not one penny of that total was mine. As you know, if already have an allotment for a bond each month, and each pay-day I am left with about 28.00 to see me thru the following month, which precludes any bond buying on my part. Still, I would like to make a personal contribution in this very worthy endeavor, and that is why I am asking you to help me do so. The drive ends on 2 Sept. I was wondering if you wouldn't withdraw 75.00 of our cash savings, forward a money order to me in that amount, thus enabling me to acquire a $100 bond, which, of course, will eventually (within six weeks) find it's way back to you. I would greatly appreciate this favor, Baby, and though the greater part of our savings is already in war bonds, I know you won't begrudge converting another $75.00. You must lose no time, Sweet, 'cause the mails are still unpredictable. By a strange coincidence (speaking of bonds and the foibles of the mail system), your letter of June 29 arrived today. Among other bits of information, you tell about the bond-rally held in honor of Mayer Taylor, and the fact that your boss, Mr. Bellet, bought the first bond for $10,000. This made me wonder if Mr. Bellet would care to have a share in the “Victory Squadron.” I'd like to sell him a bond, even if it's only a $25 one. For that matter, Baby, you might explain the situation to some of our friends, and ask them if they would care to "buy in.” I think Mom, Harry and Goldie, and your folks, at least, could help me out on this. You see, Honey, all the bonds we of the company sell will swell our total. I'm most anxious to make a good showing, cause I am more or less personally responsible for the success or failure of the drive in our unit. A money order in the correct amount will do in every case, and we have been told that the bonds will be delivered to the owner within six weeks of purchase at this end. If you do send any such money orders along, Chippie, they must be made out to me, personally. Enclosed with each must be the following designations: Owner (of bond); Co-owners, and beneficiary, and their addresses. This information, of course, on a separate slip of paper. Finally, I must receive them before 2 Sept., so you have no time to waste. Will you try, Chippie?

After four mail-less days, I finally received your letter of 29 June, Lady, I was fit to be tied—no kiddin! I don't mind too much when I don't receive any mail for a few days (it's happened too often before), but when the APO rubs it in by sending along a letter that was mailed 32 days ago, that is too much. I couldn't be angrier if they laughed in my face. But then, I guess any mail is better than no mail, and we should thank God for any blessing (even such a one.)

That 3-day trip that you inquire about, that I was supposed to make with Lt. Toms, fell thru, dammit! Guess I’ll never get to see Stratford-on-Avon, after all.

Your letter was a nice long one, Sweet, but most of the news is stale, and therefore doesn't inspire comment. But your closing paragraph is very sweet. You say "Gosh, how I wish we could climb the stairs hand-in-hand and go to bed together once more."—To which can only say Amen!

It is getting late, my darling, and I am tired and sleepy, so let's go to bed—shall we? Good-night, my lovely—I love you so very much! My love to the punkin-—and all.

Your loving

Phil

P.S. I had meant to write each of our friends and the family individually on the bond question, but unfortunately l am very, very busy (and will be all next week—as I've explained), and if I wait until I do have the time, it will be too late to meet the deadline. I'll appreciate anything you can do in my place, Ev honey. Did I already say I love you? Lady—you'll never really understand how much!

August, 1, 1944

Dear Evelyn:

This prompt reply will no doubt surprise you. Usually one doesn’t procrastinate so much as this individual. For some time now I had been planning things so that we could have gotten together for an evening, intending to let you know etc. During that time, many things have happened. Frances ill, my hours changed, then additional hours which kept me rather incarcerated and limited to all things. However, times have changed (except for my longer working hours which I do not mind) and Frances and myself are looking forward to our seeing you once again. Should you be able to break away from the normal working problems of a mother, and can spend an evening with us, we would be most glad to talk about your hubby and daughter.

We would like for you to arrange an evening so that you may have dinner with us. If it is at all possible, by all means, bring your daughter. You just arrange to your own convenience, the evening, time and anything you especially like in vitals. If a Sunday afternoon strikes your fancy, then ok. Course, that is subject to change since my working weekends are not known till Friday ’fore. I have a motion picture camera which I know will take lovely pictures of your daughter.

If the above sounds satisfactory, then go ahead with your planning. I hope it does. Our phone number is Baring 1636. You can call us most any time. More to be said later. Your hubby is still well, I hope—Hello to the folks for me—

Sincerely,

Mike

Post #427 - July 31, 1944 Ruth Looks Grand, Getting Better Looking All the Time and A Letter from Jack Nerenberg

 

July 31, 1944

Dearest Phil,

It is twenty minutes to six and I have completed all my work, giving me ample time to get a letter off to you, even if it does have to be a "shortie".

I am very tired again today, as I was up with Adele all night long. I sure will be glad when those teeth come through! Shortly after posting my letter to you I showered and went to bed. As soon as I became comfortable I heard a familiar voice - Ruth had just blown into town and will be here for a few days. Naturally, I slipped into a housecoat and came down to see her. Phil, she looks grand, getting better looking all the time, as well as thinner. She brought Adele a huge stuffed blue and white doll that must have set her back at least $7. She also brought a box of chocolate covered salt water taffies. We chatted a while and then I just couldn't keep my eyes open, so up I went - to rock Adele and keep her from crying. She was annoyed all night long and I was exhausted carrying her about. I simply let her cry herself to sleep when I became too tired. She did sleep for a few minutes or possibly a half hour at a time, which is better than nothing at all - I guess.

Today Goldie and Harry had a nice letter from my brother Eddie and I had a letter from Seymour. Sy is getting commando amphibious training and somehow I don't like it. From his descriptions it isn't a safe branch at all - God, what luck the Pallers have!

Ruth was supposed to take my mom back with her but my mom isn't going, not, however, at the moment. I do have every intention of taking a week's vacation, regardless of whether I have to stay home or not. So far my mom plans to go down the shore on Aug. 28th, which undoubtedly, will be the week I'll take off.

Mom received your Jewish letter, and, as per usual, cried herself silly. She asked me to tell you to forgive her for not writing, that "you know how it is" and that she'll get around to it eventually.

I love you dear.

Eve




July 31, 1944 

Dear Phil, 

There I was panning the dust after sweeping the darkroom floor, when Marilyn entered after I said, “Come in” in answer to her knock. As I looked up at her from my stooped position, my eyes must have shown in reflection of all the sweetness that was embodied in the figure that stood above me. For what then, could have made her scoop me up into her arms to be half crushed in the most endearing hug this lucky person has ever had the pleasure of being principle to. 

Phil, I've now tasted of spiritual love in even the manner that belittles your description or anyone's feeble attempts to put it into words. I thought I should like to try describing it to you, but the tantamount heights of supreme bliss Evelyn has made you partner to is explanation enough. 

Our feelings, that only true love can inspire, are so mutual, that it still astounds us to realize how easily one can describe the others emotions by the simple expedient of mirroring his own. Yet Phil, I have braced myself for the possibility of not marrying her due to the circumstance that eventuates of our difference in religion. She is a Baptist. 

The thrill encountered when hand in hand we walked down the aisle to seat ourselves at Jewish services can never be measured. She has asked me to teach her to read in Hebrew. 

Of course, the Sunday morning following that Friday night found me at her Services in acceptance of the arrangement I had proposed. It was a little difficult, I’ll admit. But never never as difficult as it would be for both of us in a future Yom Kippur or Christmas wistfully passed by without our having been to a synagogue and a church. 

After the first time, the second (we’ve only come upon two weekends thusly) was easier. We both looked forward to having a sweetheart seated anext at one another’s services. 

Yesterday, Sunday, alone together we summited by ’31 Chevy, a mountain road that rises at least three thousand feet in six miles. I then made an attempt at the impossible, that of capturing on color film, the soul inspiring beauty that too few mortals are privileged to behold, which confronted us in a panorama of brilliance that can form only from mountaintops, trees, grass, sunlit clouds, shaded trees, and the presence of your loved one. Yes, we did then kiss. Then as we lay on the grass, and eyes skyward marveled at nature's ability to dissolve and compose fleecy clouds at will, we were at peace on this earth. The fleet wind broke the spell, but not harshly, for as Marilyn lifted her head to be silhouetted against the sky, the very same wind patterned her hair in a fashion that heartwarmingly made real every love song ever written. 

Then as the clouds became tinged with the dusky colors that a westering sun imparts, and the mountain ridges took for themselves the highlights which so shortly before they shared with the trees, we knew that day was waning. However, there was yet to be a fitting close to these just past hours of loveliness. As we seated ourselves in the car and my arms cradled Marilyn, our eyes met and she said to me, “I wish I could have known your Mom.” The perceptive lump in my throat which was evoked then caused her to say the words that endeared her to me even more, (if that is possible.) “Go ahead, Jack, cry if you want to.” Then, as I wiped away the tears, her “I love you all the more for it” made it seem impossible that such as we should not wed. I think it is impossible that we won't. 

I don't quite remember at what phase of the day we discussed the problem, but her solution is so simple it is astounding. We would expose our children to the teachings of the Baptist and the Hebrew. When they feel a definite leaning towards either, if they do, then they can embrace it only. Their way will be acceptable to us unconditionally for haven’t we accepted the same in the final analysis. 

Today, at my request to Lenny, Marilyn received a letter from him. It will ever cause me to be thankful to him, it was that beautiful in its tone of acceptance of her to be loved by us all. 

Tomorrow, or tomorrow to come, Marilyn's folks will accept me. My prayers cannot go unheeded. 

Wish me luck, as you accept my wishes for a happy homecoming and my love for all of your loved ones. 

As ever, 

Your pal, 

Jackie

Post #426 - July 30, 1944 Adele is Progressing at a Rapid Speed with Speech and Actions and A Poem from Philip

 

July 30, 1944 

Dearest Sweetheart,

I'm not in much of a letter writing mood, but since I did not write since Friday, I'd better write now whether I want to or not. I'm very, very tired, feeling that way since yesterday.

To begin with, the girl was supposed to come in yesterday to clean and didn't show up. Mom and I had let everything go, thinking the girl would do all, so we both worked ourselves silly yesterday, trying to get this place orderly. I was so exhausted by evening that I was in bed at 9 P.M., which is extra special early for me anymore.

Today my mom washed and I hung some of the clothes. Besides that I had pressing and a few other little things to do.

Goldie still feels very weak and the Doc thinks she may have a bit of gall bladder trouble. At any rate she just can't seem to manage, so - o - o Harry got her a nurse for this coming week, starting today. The nurse is from the Father Divine Assoc. and her name is BABY LOVEWELL. She's a nice woman and is getting a nice salary, no less than $45 for six days, 12 hours per day, from 7 A.M. to 7 P. M. which leaves Goldie without a single blessed thing to do, as the nurse does every single thing, for both baby and mother. Goldie and Harry called her folks to advise them that she wasn't doing so good and they all came arunning today, which kept us all going in an effort to get things done. Besides all this, Adele isn't feeling too good, and I think those long-awaited teeth are about to make their appearance. She has a bad nose and eye cold (which accompanies each tooth cutting) and is generally cranky. In fact it is past 9:30 and I just this minute put her up to sleep, being occupied with her from 6:30 this morning til now, except for a two-hour break this afternoon. Honey, I am tired!

I'm happy though, to report that Adele is progressing at a rapid speed with speech and actions. For instance, we repeat little ditties to her, such as ''Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool, yes sir, yes sir, three bags full, etc. Well, sweet, our little girl says, "Baa, baa, black seep", followed by "yes, sir, yes sir, and then boy" (cause one of the bags of wool is for the little boy who lives in the lane. That means Adele can say seven words in succession, which ain't hay. She's a bit of alright!

Oh yes, dear, I did forget to mention that I received your letters of July 22, 23 and 24 on Sat. morning, and I'm right up to date on my mail from you. None of them required any comment, but I can say that the lack of mail, I'm sure, was due to the fact that I had been writing more air-mail of late.

I brought home fifty letters (of the form I sent you) to type at home, so that I could catch up on my list for this month. He asked me to take it home if I wanted to make the extra money and do it in my leisure??? time. I'm going to charge him with 3 hours of work for it.

I ordered an ensemble set from Goldie's folks. They get all those things wholesale and the set I ordered, which is on the order of Goldie’s cost $10 retail and only $4 wholesale. We had made up an order of nighties and an ensemble to give Gloria on her 24th birthday, Aug. 26th, and I decided that I would like to have one too. I haven't had the opportunity to get myself that dress I want, but I will, honey, I will! I’m literally asleep on the typewriter, so I'll write more tomorrow, when I hope to be wider awake (what screwy English!) I LOVE YOU, BABY. 

Your Eve

P. S. Lena was over Sat. and gave me enclosed snap. Adele calls her “Eena”—more tomorrow.—Evvie



30 July 1944

My Sweet,

My brain is numb
My pen is dumb
And I have nothing to say
Like an empty slate
I'm desolate
—No letter came today


The sunshine shone
I answered the phone
Even as yesterday
But my mind is blank
As an empty tank
—There was no letter today

But dry your tears
My pretty dears
At this unhappy delay
For sure as you’re born!
As the sun greets the morn
—A letter will come some day!

Until then—I am, as ever
Your loving Phil

Post #425 - July 29, 1944 Mickey Brown is So Far Away, that I Couldn’t Possibly Meet Him Even If We Both Traveled to the Half-Way Point (Birmingham)

 

29 July 1944 

Ev, dearest,

Not much doing today. I received letters from Mickey Brown and Jack Nerenberg, but none of yours. I've spent most of the afternoon answering Jack's breezy 10-pages. Believe me, sweet, Jack is one soldier (civilian in uniform would be a truer appellation), who is really having a time for himself in the Army.

His only boss is the Major he works for, and though both companies he was assigned to have moved out, as has 90% of the entire camp, the Major has pulled strings to keep Jack with him. What's more, he has his own jeep to ride about the camp in, gets two and three-day passes for the asking, makes some money (you'd be surprised at the amount) doing photography for the various officers and men, and has a helluva good time generally. He's still crazy about the country out there, and I've half-promised that we would be out to look it over, once I am back in civvies. I also asked him to give me some more details on the prospects for business there, to sound out Lenny on the idea of the partnership, what kind of an investment it would require, etc., etc.

Mickey Brown's reply was prompt, but, unfortunately, unsatisfactory. He is so far away, that I couldn't possibly meet him even if we both traveled to the half way point (Birmingham), as he suggested. I couldn't possibly make it on a 24-hour pass, and for the time being, that's the best I can get. I haven't advised him of all this yet, but will as soon as I finish this.

There was no mail on the 27th either, Sweet, else I would have written again in the evening. Instead, I went to the base movie to see "Going My Way". I liked it very much, even as you did. The story was human, heart-warming; the direction perfect—I thought it was beautifully paced. That is, each scene was exploited to the full, the action moving exactly as in real life, a phenomenon not often encountered even in the best productions. The tendency is always to speed up the action. That is why the "pacing" (I don't know a better term for it) was so noticeable. The acting was consistent with the general excellence of the picture, Barry Fitzgerald, of course, walks away with the honors in this department. His fine, sensitive portrayal of Father Fitzgibbon is a masterpiece of sympathetic acting. Bing Crosby, of course, is always good. His knack of acting as if there weren't a camera within a hundred miles is one which some of our so-called "better” actors would do well to emulate. His personality is so distinctive, that no matter what role he plays, he is still the same old Bing. I remember, Chippie, that when you wrote about this picture, you mentioned Rise Stevens, but you entirely overlooked the more interesting female, June Heather. I thought her a real cutie. Her devastatingly “wicked" smile particularly impressed me. Finally, I must say something about that wonderfully tender (and beautifully underplayed) closing scene, when Father Fitzgibbon is re-united with his old mother. Bet that's the scene that made you “spill over.” It did me.

As I said before, Chippie, nothing much happened today. I put in the usual day in the Orderly Room, read about a hundred pages of Franklin P. Adams' "Innocent Merriment,” which is an anthology of light verse (humorous), took a short nap, rode to the Snack Bar for a snack of peanut butter sandwiches and coffee, and finally, settled down to write this, my daily stint. There is still some time before “lights out” and since I have nothing else to say, I thought you might like one of the verses I've been reading:

Song

William Congreve 

Pious Selinda goes to prayers, 

If I but ask a favour;
And yet the tender fool's in tears, 

When she believes I’ll leave her. 

Would I were free from this restraint,
Or else had hope to win her! 

Would she could make of me a saint,
Or I of her a sinner!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Cute—no? Anyway, I like it.

Good night, my darling. My dearest love to you and Adele. My love to all.

Ever, 

Your adoring Phil