I intend to post almost daily, and in roughly chronological order, the thousands of pages of daily love letters that my parents sent to each other during WWII and any other documents that pertain to these letters..
Just pulling out from under the pile of work, and hope to resume my old habit of writing every day now. Couldn’t write last night ’cause I had to straighten out my foot locker, barracks bags, and get my laundry ready. I haven't received any mail these past two days, so I think I’ll hunt out your last few letters and answer those. First, though, I'll tell you something of what I have been doing. Yesterday, Danner and I cleaned up what work remained on the war bond forms. In the afternoon, I wrote up the Company History, I've already told you how I occupied myself in the evening. Today, I turned in the war bond forms and the money to the Finance Dept. and typed up the History and took it down to HQ. This took up all my time today. "Melody Jim" is playing at the base theatre, so, although I had seen it a long time ago in London, I decided I'd like to see it again and went to the first show. It's a swell musical, and I enjoyed it none the less for the fact that it was the second time I was seeing it. After the show, I stopped in at the Aero club, had a coupla cheese sandwiches, a piece of cake, and a coupla cokes. Then I stopped in the lounge long enough to hear the 9 o'clock news on the radio. Evidently, the war over here is just about finished. The papers harp on the fact that the Wehrmacht is disorganised and depleted to the point where it is impossible for them to offer any real resistance to the mighty Allied Armies rolling in on them from all directions. I wish, sweet, that I could look forward to going home after the war over here is over, but I can't allow myself to build up my hopes that way. You see, we have no inkling where we are going from here once the nazis are licked. As long as Japan remains to be beaten, we must consider the possibility that the unit, of which I am a part, may be called on to help in the Pacific theatre. If such an eventuality does come to pass, Chippie, I shall expect you to be as brave and patient as you have been heretofore, so that I may continue to be proud of you. Understand, darling, I am in no way intimating that that is what will happen. I only tell you this to cushion the shock and to prepare you for another period of waiting should I ship to the Pacific Theatre. I've learned to take these things calmly, realizing that railing against the fates can in no way get me home any sooner. Let us continue to hope, then, that I will come home after the war in Europe is finished, but to keep in mind that it must not necessarily be so.
Sorry, Sweet, but it is almost time for lights out, and I won't get to answer your letters after all. Tomorrow, I expect I'll have more time. I'll try to write a real "longie" then. Until then—Au revoir, my lovely. Remember, dearest, you are hardly ever out of my thoughts. I adore you. My best love to the cheesecake and to all the folks. I am
No mail from anyone today and we’re getting sort of worried about Eddie. Gee, how I wish we would hear from him. I can't understand why I haven't had mail from you either, as my last letter was dated Aug 20th and since my mail is always five days old - well -
In yesterday's letter I asked you whether I should buy a chair and table set for Adele. I guess you'd better not bother to give your opinions, sweet, for today I bought the set. Adele simply adores it. My mother has set of metal toy dishes and a coffee pot and cups and saucers and Adele made me sit in the other chair while she poured me a cup of coffee. Yes, dear, even I can fit in those tiny chairs! We were playing house this evening. It's a solid set and I shall try to take snaps of Adele with it so that you may see what it looks like.
As if that weren't enough I also bought the following today: A stunning outfit for Adele consisting of a lovely red corduroy bonnet ($2.49) a red corduroy sports jacket and red corduroy overalls; a lovely blue sweater with tyrolean flowers embroidered on it. The jacket and overalls were $5 and the sweater $3. The table and chair set was $7.75, but I am going to pay that out a dollar a week as I am broke for the first time since I started to work. I also bought Fay’s kid a belated birthday gift - a good-looking royal blue jersey suit that Fay rather liked. That cost me $2.
All this started because I finally managed to find a ration stamp in one of my mother’s books and headed for Broad St. to order Adele’s corrective shoes. When I arrived at the shoe store, after rushing like hell, I learned from a sign posted on the door that they are closed on Weds. during July and Aug. So I'll have to go up there again tomorrow. On my way over I stopped in to see Anne and learned that Tony is now in France, having been in England for only two weeks. Boy, they didn't waste any time getting him into the thick of it!
Mom is still away at Browns Mills and we are managing very nicely with Goldie doing all the cooking. Her brother came today to pay her a visit and will be here for a day or so.
The new outfit is Adele's most flattering to date. I sincerely hope you'll have the opportunity to see her in it before the Spring weather sets in. It makes me feel very good to know that our daughter can have the things we always wanted her to have. Gosh, honey, not so long ago things were mighty different and I never believed they would change so much. Now if only you'd come home so that we could live our lives normally—some day, sweet, and I don’t think it's very far off, at least I hope not. I adore you, my darling Phil and want very much to give expression to my feelings of love. Baby, I'm just starved for the sight of you! Good night, baby, I'm always
Your Eve
Aug. 31, 1944
Dearest Phil,
It is close to a week that I haven't had mail again and I'm mighty anxious to get home to see if there was any this morning. I have a hunch there was and I can hardly contain myself. Gosh, honey, I sure do miss hearing from you regularly. It's bad enough not to see you, let alone not hearing from you.
I went to Broad St. this morning to try to get Adele shoes, but no dice. They don't even expect to have any shoes for a few weeks. Guess she'll just have to wait (after all that).
Dot called me early this morning to tell me two things - that Snuff is at Camp Claiborne, La. and that she bought herself a new winter sports coat. She still doesn't know what sort of outfit he's in, but I have an idea it's Engineers. If you will recall, Jack Nerenberg was first stationed at Camp Claiborne. We'll know soon enough.
I saw a lovely snowsuit outfit for Adele this morning and would like to get it. However, I'm sort of in a hole and will have to wait awhile before I spend any more money. It is a beige and teal blue combination, teal blue leggings and a beige jacket with collar and cuffs and pockets trimmed with teal blue. Besides the trimming it has some tyrolean flowers on it. A beige bonnet finishes off the outfit and they also have a lovely teal blue pocketbook. The suit is $13.50, the bonnet $1.50 and I don't know the price of the bag. Gee, sweet, I certainly would enjoy shopping for those things with you and I certainly hope it won't be long before we will go together. Every time I see something I'm more than anxious to know what you would think of it. I'm sure you'll adore her new red corduroy outfit and new chair and table set. I'm thinking of buying decalomanias and transplanting them onto the chairs and table for her to give her something else to interest her, not to mention how much it would add to the set.
I think the snaps I took with Jack N. should be ready by next Wed. and you can bet your boots I'll send them right along for you to see.
My cold lingers on, but I think it's breaking now. I had kept as far away from Adele as I could so as not to give it to her, and I thought she had symptoms of a cold last night, but this morning she seemed to be alright. It is two weeks since she started to cut her upper two teeth and so far only one has put in an appearance. She puts her fingers in her mouth, points to her gums and teeth and says, "Mommy, hurts".
Upon my arrival home I was sorely disappointed to find no mail whatever. However, the news just makes one glow with optimism, so I can't be disappointed for long, Honestly, sweet, I do hope it hasn't been necessary for you to skip writing often. I have to skip now and then too, but for the most part I write daily.
Goldie went to the movies for the first time since she had Diana with her brother. I don't think Mom will be back from Browns Mills much before Sept. 13th. That is when Ethel is coming back.
Nothing else in the way of news, dear, except the very old, but still very new, I love you, PhiÃ, darling, and am always your loving
I know I have neglected you these past few weeks, but you will have to accept my apologies. What I have really been waiting for was to see where Snuff would be sent. Right now he is at Camp Claybourne, Louisiana. Of course, that is for his basic training.
Snuff was at New Cumberland for over a week, so he came home on a week-end pass. He really looks nice in his uniform.
Everyone here is fine and up to now the weather has been like October. Today it started to get hot again.
Spoke to Evie, but she has been rather busy. As soon as I get a chance, I intend to go up there and spend the day.
I bought a stunning winter coat yesterday. It is moss green and is semi-sport. It is gathered in the back and has a belt in the front. There are trench pockets on the hips with a small gold button on each pocket. It is gathered on the shoulders with a gold button on each shoulder.
You know, Phil, I really didn't expect to miss Snuff this much when he went away, cause I have been expecting it for so long. I feel so terribly lonesome. If, after he finishes his training, he is sent somewhere nice I would like to follow him. The baby is older now and it wouldn't be too hard. If I don't follow him, I would like to go back to work, but then I would have to put him in a nursery. They don't take them under 2 yrs. so I would have to wait until Jan. Of course, I shall wait until I see what happens.
Right now I'm listening to “Suspense” with Brian Donlevy and it is really interesting.
I hope everything is alright with you. You must be pretty busy right now, but please drop me a line.
Ev told me that after awhile you get used to the lonesome feeling, but who wants Snuff to be away long enough for me to get used to it!
There isn't much more I can say right now except write soon.
As ever,
Dot
Aug. 31, 1944
Dear Phil:
Did you make it back alright? I hope you did. How have you been since I last saw you? I'm really so darn confused that I don’t know how to start this letter.
I hope you have written home to the folks about me for l alone can not express my feelings. I have not heard from anyone in quite sometime although they haven’t heard from me. Every time I sit down to write a letter and even when I don’t, my mind is forever wandering. Want to take time and tell you it was swell of you to come see me.
The weather here hasn’t been very good. I guess you have the same. Well Phil, take good care and till I think up more to write, I remain
I feel unusually good this evening and it's due entirely to the fact that I received two rather lengthy letters from you, sweet. They were those of 19 and 20 Aug. You go into detail about the party to celebrate your year overseas and then thank me for responding to your call for bonds. I wouldn't be too critical or disappointed in your side of the family, dear, for both Harry and Goldie said they wanted to buy a bond, to make the desired impression. I told Goldie that the money would have to be ready immediately, but she never did get it ready and I didn't want to go out of my way to bother them for it. After all, if they were that anxious to get a bond I'm sure they could have given me the money immediately. Don't you? A few days before Mom went to Browns Mills she, too, said to me that she was sorry she hadn't given me money for a bond too. That's the trouble - it's always too late. However I wouldn't feel badly about it, honey. As long as it is on their minds it shows that they are conscious of someone else's feelings.
And another reason for my feeling so good. As you know I have lots of housework and each morning, night or weekend finds me trying to get something done. I hadn't had the opportunity to wash the kitchen floor, which was really filthy, so imagine my surprise when I came home this evening to find it sparkling. Yep - Goldie washed it. Well, honey, that really made me feel good. You know, dear, I think they are really awake at last. I didn't want to tell you this, but since she did go out of her way to do it and I feel very good about it I'll tell you. When I went back to work Harry made a terrible stink, exactly like the one when we went to Columbus and I don't have to tell you how I felt. However, he has changed immensely since Diana's birth when it comes to realizing someone else's position (with a child) and he is more understanding. If you live long enough, honey, you live to see and feel everything I guess. At any rate, I know this much - I want to live in my own house some day - alone with you and our family (Mom).
Your letter of the 20th was very sweet, and I wished very much that you [were] close at hand that I might give vent to some of the loving feelings that surged forth. You asked me to give you more details as concerns my thoughts of "us". No, Phil, I never have a vague picture in my mind (did you mean me - who is so meticulous about minute details). I won't go into detail at the moment, dear, for I have many things to tell you and want to get them all said. Remind me to tell you more about them sometime. I've always been frank with you, Phil, where anything, even sex, has been concerned. I could never find fault with our sex life and when I did you did remedy it. Truthfully there is very little about you, sweet, that I can find fault with and I say that more as a friend than as your wife. Of course, being your wife does influence me to some degree in that I like the way you think and so to me it is right. I'll tell you something about you that I heartily dislike - your constant drinking of bicarb. Do you think you'll ever really break that habit? Some day I intend to help you break it by watching your diet carefully, I honestly feel it is inclined to be mental with you a good part of the time, but we'll save it for when you come home and I can do something about it.
When I bawled you out for not writing cause you weren't in the mood I meant it. I can't rightfully think of a time I'm not in the mood to write to you. I'm sure, sweet, that you do not become half as tired as I do during the course of a day and when I say it is actually an effort for me to write, I mean, that, too. It isn't that I'm not in the mood - it's just that I'm too tired physically to exert myself further. But I've been doing it all along - if I wouldn't you wouldn't be getting mail from me so regularly. Most people have marveled at my ability to do so. When I said I wasn't in the mood it was due mostly to the fact that I was exceptionally tired and meant to relax at the cost of a letter. You can count on my being frank to you, even though it may hurt you,
You must know by now that I told Jack of my true reactions. You surprised me by feeling the way you do. I told you that I, too, can see mixed marriages, but not for Jack. I don't know whether I told you or not, but her family is dead set against Jack and he is well aware of the difficulties such a marriage would bring about. However, I'd rather leave all details up to him and I'm sure he will tell you everything, as he usually does,
Betty's brother is going to be discharged. He's the only one that isn't happy about it.
As I told you in my last letter I finally visited Mike and Frances. Both Adele and I had a long nap Sunday afternoon and it was rather late when we finally left the house. I wore the red and white print (the one you remembered so well in today's letter) and Adele wore that little blue dress she is wearing in her C. P. picture. Adele also wore her blue and white bonnet. We took the 47 and the 43 and both cars literally crept along. We got out to Mike’s at 5 P.M. and he met us. Immediately after I had said hello to Frances (she was feeding Norma when we arrived) Mike hustled me and Adele outside, along with a little boy (a blond fellow with blue eyes and an adorable face) who was adopted by one the neighbors and was visiting baby Norma, to make our moving pictures (the ones he had promised). He said that these were in natural color so I certainly hope you will be able to get hold of an 8 m.m. projector and that we can send the film along. I made Adele hug and kiss the little boy in one scene. In another I'm on my knees in the grass with Adele and Tommy. In still another Adele is picking a morning glory (the grounds about the apartment house are lovely). The apartment house itself must easily be a hundred years old. The doors themselves reach from floor to celling. It's a small place, but very cozy. It's nicely furnished and nicely kept. Mike must have lost lots of weight for I remember him being heavier. He is very good looking and it shocked me when I noticed that his hair is turning gray. He looks so much like Harry Anapolsky it's uncanny. I can’t really tell them apart. I don't think Frances is more than attractive. There's something (I don't know exactly what it is) that I dislike about her. She's a good kid though and made me feel right at home. Norma is a small child and is the image of Mike - but she's not good looking. Funny, isn't it! They had a delicious meal of roast chicken (Mike did the carving) (Frances set up a table in the middle of the living room for the occasion, one of those tables that open out and accommodate quite a few people) succotash, cole slaw and some thing that consisted of wide noodles, fried onions, peppers and tomatoes. We started off with halves of cantaloupes and finished off with an open face apple pie and milk.
Later in the evening Mike ran off a few of his other movies and when he shut the projector off Adele yelled "more". Adele was a regular demon and she did everything but wreck the place. She even managed to bite Norma's hand! I can assure you I didn't relax for a moment, though it is relaxing just to be away from home for a time, I'm going to continue this tomorrow, honey, as it very late and I'm dreadfully tired. I sort of caught a cold (slight runny nose and sore throat) and I'm anxious to sleep it off. More tomorrow, loved one, and in the meantime I adore you, my darling Phil. Night, honey -
Aug. 29, 1944
This is a continuation of yesterday's letter, sweet, My cold isn't much better and it is most annoying. To go on where I left off - Mike took Adele and I to the trolley car. He said to me, "You know, Ev, when I first looked at Adele I thought she was nice enough, but as I keep looking at her she is really pretty". Mike thinks she is the image of you and it surprised me how he recalled your every feature. Adele and I didn't get home til 11:15 and she went right to sleep when I put her in her crib. That is the first time I ever kept her up that late. Adele, by the way, now calls you "Daddy, dear". I wish, honey, that you could hear Adele's rendition of "trolley car and belly button". The first runs something like this: tral tee tar and the latter: bel tee ba tin. I can carry on a regular conversation with her. Those two teeth of hers that I thought had come through are still not out. She points to her guns and says, "Mommy, hurts".
I wore my blue and grey tweed suit to work today, and as usual I wear the insignia you sent me above my heart. No one fails to notice that lovely pin and I'm very fond of it. By the way, more people have stopped me and complimented me on my suit than any other outfit I've ever worn. Most of the men and women in the drive have stopped me to tell me how much they like my suit. I mention it only because it struck me as being a little unusual. On my way to work Monday I stopped off to shop at Gimbels for a few minutes before I caught the el. I almost bought Adele a camel hair coat, legging and bonnet outfit, but I've decided against it in favor of having her set made to order. Most of the outfits I have seen do not have the lines I like. This particular outfit was $20 and was about the nicest I had seen. The reason I didn't take it was due to the fact that the leggings were not the type I desire and would be clumsy as anything on her. I didn’t get an opportunity to go to the ration board for the ration stamp, though I did call. They informed me that the party who okays the stamps does not come in every day (only Wed) and they would have had to mail it to me anyway. As it stands now I expect to go up tomorrow morning and get it once and for all.
Mr. Bellet got some nice chair and table sets for kids in and I think I'm going to get one for Adele, The sets cost $7.75 and consists of two chairs and a table. It isn't a fancy set at all, just plain polished wood, very solid and it could take a good beating. The chairs are very nicely made, the arms being made of strips of wood that form a semi-circle (such as the wood which surrounds the mirrors of our bedroom set). I wanted to get her a nicer set (one day when we could go shopping) but I think the chair and table would come in very handy when Ethel takes the high chair. What do you think of all this, honey?
Last night I knitted for about an hour and consequently have part of the sleeves of Adele's white sweater-to-be completed. This morning I sewed the buttons on and when I finish this letter I am going to Fay’s house for she promised to show me how to smock a sweater. (Smock it means to gather certain parts of it together by sewing and I shall smock the sweater with blue wool so that it will match her blue and white bonnet).
Dot called to tell me that she had a telegram from Snuff this evening from St. Louis and he is still traveling. Guess he's headed for the west coast - er sumpin'.
Still no mail from Eddie. The Wymans had another telegram from the War Dept. telling them that Harry is convalescing and is okay. Sorry, honey, but this must end off here as I haven't time to start another page this evening. I've left enough space to tell something I never tire of telling you - that I love you dearly and always will. I am
Your Eve
28 August 1944
Dearest Darling,
Sorry I couldn't tell the whole story in my last and the censor returned the post cards to me to cut out the place names on them. I'm enclosing them here. To get on with the story - I've already told you that I spent all day Friday with Ed, and that I slept in the other bunk in his room that night. In the morning, we had breakfast together, and then he walked me up the road to where I was to catch the 8:20 bus to town. I really hated to leave him so soon because I felt that my presence had done him a world of good. He confessed to me that it was the first time he had laughed aloud, or even smiled, since he came back. As a matter of fact, we both laughed quite frequently during the course of the day. I believe that the one thing that kept Ed from giving way completely over there in France, was his great sense of humor. It is almost impossible. to overestimate the value of this quality when one is immersed in the grim business of war. As long as a man can laugh, or derive some amusement, or appreciate the irony to be found in hardship and danger and the sight of death, there is very little danger of "cracking up” seriously. Ed can talk about it all quite rationally now, and even points out the amusing and ironical side of the story. That is what we were laughing about. He wasn't very happy about my having to leave so soon, bit realized that I had no choice. On parting, he promised to keep in close touch with me. He also gave me some pictures to send home. I haven’t, had time to do so as yet, but I'll try to get them off some time tomorrow. They are the studio pictures, some of which he has already sent home. Well, Chippie, it was a pretty tough trip back to camp. I got into town too late to catch the first train and had to wail 2-1/2 hours for the next one. I bought the morning papers, found an Allied canteen, and killed the time reading up on the news. The liberation of Paris made interesting reading, and all the news was most encouraging. It was a lovely morning, and I decided to get some air, so I browsed about the town which is perched on the side of the mountains we had been admiring from the hospital in the valley. Evidently, the people who live there are very well-to-do, because I passed one beautiful old estate after another. The houses are old and ivy-covered and very large, and the grounds, hedges etc., are very well kept. Waiting on the station platform, I got into conversation with two young English civilians. Yes, they have 4-Fs over here, too. We talked about the early days of the war, the "blitz,” and the current good news. The train finally arrived, jammed to the doors, but the crowd waiting at the station crammed themselves in anyway, I among them. The crush was so bad that I couldn't help wondering what the inducement was that drove everybody to jam themselves into the train for the long ride to London. The sight of mothers standing all the way with infants in arms, made me slightly sick. So, for five hours, I stood shifting my weight from one leg to the other. The English landscape was very attractive in the bright sun, but I’m afraid I was too tired to really enjoy it. I arrived in London feeling like the last rose of summer. I was weary and starved. Not bothering to inquire after the next train back, I headed for the Eagle Club to freshen up and eat. Having disposed of these necessities, I went to the desk to inquire about my train. The clerk told me the next one was scheduled to leave Liverpool Street Station at 6:22. It was just 6:05 when I looked at my watch, so I made a wild dash for the U.G., got stuck in a queue at the ticket window, and reached the station at exactly 6:23. Ordinarily, the trains are a little late arriving and pulling out. Never yet have I known one to be on time, so you can imagine how I felt when I learned that my train had just pulled out - 6:22 sharp. If there had been any point in it, I would have thrown a fit right then and there. Under the circumstances, I could do nothing but swallow my aggravation and wait for the next train - 8:45. Being at a loss for the means to kill the next 2-1/2 hours, I bought an evening paper, strolled out on the street, sat down on a low wall near a decrepit-looking character, and proceeded alternately to read and to watch the bustling traffic of the busy thoroughfare. Thank God, the weather was nice, 'cause it wasn't too bad sitting there and watching London go by. The rest of the trip back to camp was uneventful. I got a seat on the train this time, a truck from this station was waiting to take us back to camp, and I arrived in my hut at exactly 12:00 midnight, tired, but happy to be back.
I found quite a bit of work waiting for me in the morning (Sunday), and I was busy all day. In the evening, I wrote that letter. It took ’til 11 o’clock, when thad to cut it short.
Today (Monday) has been another busy one for me, but in the afternoon, your letter of the 14th that you dictated to Dottie, arrived, together with one from brother Jack. No mail from you, or anyone, had arrived all the while I was away, but there were two packages of candy waiting for me. They were the box of Oh Henry's, Peanut Chews and Suchard Chocolates, and the box of Fifth Avenue bars. Surprisingly, they got here in very good condition, in spite of the heat. Thanks a million, Sweet, for taking the trouble to send them along. You may rest assured that I will enjoy eating them.
There really isn't anything that calls for comment in your letter, although you might tell Dot that it wasn't difficult at all to pick out her comments, so I'll sign off for now with all my love. Eddie's love and mine to all the family. A long, lingering kiss for you, darling, and a big hug and kiss for Madamoiselle Cheesecake - yes, I mean our very own punkin, God bless her fat little legs. See you tomorrow, honey. I am
Your adoring Phil
28 August 1944
Dear Phil,
Just a few words to let you know I’m alright and didn’t forget about you. I hope this letter finds you in the best of health. I’m now somewhere in France and now it makes our meeting impossible until this war is over and then we can all get together for a good time. We are living in pup tents and had K and C rations for the past 10 days and yesterday we started to have regular meals. It was good to get a hot meal and since it was Sunday we had chicken. No more news and write soon.
Ev, dearest, It is so long since I have written, and I have so much to tell you that I hardly know where to begin. But let me begin at the beginning. On Tuesday last (this is Sunday), I went off on my 24-hour pass. In town, I was heading for a movie, when I ran into Rita, who was waiting for a bus to take her to Mersea, where Bert has his boat, she invited me to come along, suggesting that I book a room at the Victory Hotel for the night. However, she wasn't sure that a room was available, so I called the Hotel on the phone. There was a room, so f reserved it and accompanied Rita to Mersea. Evelyn and the baby, Aunt Til (Bert's mother) and Rita, have been living on the boat for a few weeks now, and Bert comes down in the evening to stay the night. It is a nice boat, small but neat as a pin. The cabin sleeps two, and Rita occupies the focsle. I’m enclosing two post cards which were made years ago, and which do neither the "Victory" nor the beach justice. When the tide is out, there is only a small channel of water to be seen, some two hundred yards from the wharves, and all the boats (there are many of them of all sizes and shapes) lie in a sea of mud. When the tide comes in, from about one o'clock ’til six; both afternoons and
PAGE(S) MISSING
Sunday, August 27, 1944
Dear Phil—
Just to be different—I won’t start this letter off with an apology for my lackadaisical (spelling?) correspondence. However, I resolve to do better in the future (Whom do I sound like now?)
Firstly—I want to thank you for your birthday wishes and also to congratulate you for having such a thoughtful sweet. She sure is up on her dates! Received a letter from her a day after yours. Odd how yours and her letters coincide as a rule. Since your letters are pretty infrequent and Ev’s letters getting to that stage—it’s quite a coincidence. Ev enclosed a snap of “widdle” Adele Bara—the one in her yellow pinafore. You must have this picture yourself, so I need not go into that. Suffice to say you have a daughter to be proud of and to top it off, she’s a chip off the old block. Ev slyly says she has my birthday package awaiting my arrival and then adds this picture as an added inducement for a visit. As soon as I saw this snap—even if I had not had any intentions of going a-visiting before, I would have changed my mind. It certainly is wonderful to see your adorable Adele Bara grow up and now with Diana Jean in the picture—not to speak of Mom, Ev, Go and Harry, it is not surprising that I do like to keep in close touch with “your midst.” In fact, I am planning a visit shortly, but am waiting for Mom to return from Browns Mills before I do so.
Had as nice a birthday as possible yesterday, under the circumstances. My sister Frieda and her husband took me out to see the play “Three’s a Family”—quite funny. Outside of the fact of no mail from your kid-brother it was a pretty nice day. Haven’t heard from Jack for 5 days now and after having been spoiled the past 2 weeks before that by almost daily mail, I must admit I’m disappointed. Guess the mail is being held up again.
What exactly do you do in what you term your “quiet and uneventful existence?” Do you ever get out to London—or are you restricted since this robot bombing horror? (Or could he say, Mr. Censor?) Give out with some news, brother Phil!—And don’t get modest on me by saying your account of events in your life would “bore” me. Remember—I knew you when!
Personally, there is nothing new for me to speak of and since I’ve said enough anyway, guess here’s a good spot to end off. As you know, our invasion forces are doing so well—who knows, but this correspondence business will come to a suddenly good end? Till then—try and write more often to your honestly reformed correspondent—
Loads of love and good wishes—
Gloria
P.S. Excuse this crumby stationery, am all out of regular air mail and my office doesn’t supply any better light-weight paper. (tsk tsk)
My letter tonight brings bad news. Eddie is in a hospital in England having been wounded. I suppose we should thank God he's alive, but his letter is so terribly vague and we have no idea of the extent of his injuries. He sounds terribly heavy of heart and it frightens me. He never does say much, and leaves entirely too much to the imagination. Undoubtedly we'll receive a telegram from the War Dept. I wonder if it is possible for you to look him up or to find out what his injuries are? Please write to him - perhaps he'll be able to disclose more to you. His address is: Cpl. E.P. 33732822, Detachment of Patients, 4174 U. S. Army Hospital Plant, APO 121, New York, N.Y.
I'm going down to see Lil tonight as I must get the slip I bought her and exchange it and this is the only opportunity I will have to see her. I also spoke to Dot and everything is okay with her. Do you know, sweet, that she received an allotment check today! If that is the case I think the gov’t owes me some money, which I intend to claim. I'll tell you all about it when I have all the details clear. It isn't more than $18 so don't get excited.
I just called Lil to tell her I'll soon be leaving and she told me that she was talking to a man who works for the Bulletin and that he said something big is due to break tonight, something big for headlines, such as another Invasion (more of the real thing this time) and I sure do hope she's right. God what I wouldn't give to see this god damn war over soon.
I'm sorry I must cut this short, honey, but I'm sure you'll understand. I'd like nothing better than to have you close by at this moment, honey, cause I feel that I could use some comforting words, and stuff. Mike just this moment called to confirm my invite and I've promised to go out there on Sunday.
I'm working for Miss Hahn for four hours tomorrow morning to help her out of another predicament, but more then. I love you so much, my dearest, darlingest Phil and I'm giving you the biggest hug and longest kiss you ever got right at this very moment. Now, how did you like that! Don't forget to tell me how you liked it. Baby, I almost hate to go away, but I must. I adore you, sweet!
Your Eve
Aug. 26, 1944
Dearest Mine,
This letter shall have to suffice for both Aug. 26 and 27 as I did not have the opportunity to get past the salutation last night. It is now shortly before 12 on Aug. 27th and I'm just getting around to writing. Last night I pressed and knitted, as I am anxious to finish Adele's white sweater. We are having regular fall weather and she needs some warm things. I have the back and fronts of the sweater together and even managed to put the edges where I make buttonholes on. Now all I have to do to finish the sweater is makes the sleeves and sew the buttons on. It fits her beautifully, what there is of it.
Dot called last night to inform me that Snuff was in on a 24 hour pass. Yesterday I worked for Miss Hahn from 9:15 to 1:15 and then went to Broad St, with Adele to change Lil's slip when I got back. By the way I never did tell you about my visit to Lil. There isn't much to tell, sweet, except that we gabbed and gabbed and gabbed most of the evening about everything, everyone and anything else you can think of. I didn't get home til one in morning. While on Broad St. I bought Adele a cute little pocketbook to play with and I bought myself something I had wanted for a long time - a knitting box. You know, one of those long boxes that you carry your wool in and it is quite attractive. It only cost 59¢ and I've put it to good use already. I expect to do a lot of knitting again this year, as I tried to buy Adele a nice sweater and can't get anything decent for a reasonable amount. For the price I would have to pay for one I can make her three or four, which is really something. And the bought one doesn't hold up half as well as a hand-made one.
You know, sweet, Eddie didn't say in his letter that he was wounded. He only said he was in a hospital - that's all. Perhaps he isn't wounded after all, just sick. I hope we get mail soon again to ease our minds. His letter by the way, was written about Aug. 18 or 19 and the last letter I had from you was dated Aug. 17. While out shopping yesterday. I bought a nice little rattle for Mike's baby, as Adele and I are going out to see them about three this afternoon! Gosh, but I wish you were going along with us!
In your last letter you asked me whether you should send Adele a rag doll. Honey, I don't think it is necessary, but suit yourself. She needs many other things now that the winter weather is approaching such as overalls, jerseys, underwear, sleepers, a snowsuit, a robe and some sweaters and hats. I'm sort of curious about what they charge for a doll, honey, and would like you to enlighten me. We also sell lovely dolls in our place. A rag doll would cost me about $2 and a regular doll from $2.75 up and I do mean up, for they run into the $10 and $20 if you like em that way.
I'm going up to the ration board tomorrow morning to get that shoe ration stamp for Adele, so that I might order her corrective shoes. Honestly, sweet, I'm always so darn busy I don't even have time to breathe. Time goes very quickly though and that is what I like most. I do like something better - YOU! I Love you!
Tonight my brother Seymour came in on a 10 day furlough. He looks great and is mighty happy to be home. My folks are equally happy that he is home. He told us that there are only four Jews in the whole company and shortly after they arrived the fellows made cracks against the Jews. Sy and another fellow, who is a toughy, got up and told the whole damn bunch to get up and say what they had to say about the Jews in front of their faces, so that they could be given a lesson. No one ventured to go out of his way. Sy gave me a picture of the company that was made recently.
I haven't had mail from you for five days now and I'm terribly disappointed in your negligence in writing. I'm sure if you'd go out of your way just a little bit you'd certainly be able to get a few words off to me more often. Gosh, honey, it's almost eleven - I've been busy every single moment of this day, in fact I just finished writing letters to Milt, Gloria and Ruth and I’m very, very tired. I had another v-mail from Milt today and do you know, sweet, that he writes to me every four days, which is as much as you seem to be writing to me. Somehow I'm not flattered when I compare it with your letters. I do realize that circumstances may have prevented you from writing, dear, and I'm not really angry, but please try to write more often, will you?
Milt's v-mail today wasn't good at all. He has dropped so much weight that his clothes do not fit him. In two days he had only a slice of bread, two cups of coffee and a half of peach to keep him going. I'm going to send him a package and have asked him several times to request what he desires most. He told me that Mickey Brown is going to undergo an operation for some trouble that has been bothering him from an auto accident.
Mom went to Browns Mills again last night and told me to tell you that she would write to you when she got back. She just wrote Jack a seven pager and didn't want to be partial. Mom had a letter from Zelda some time ago in which Zelda said that Carmela wants to become a nurse. Zelda thought Adele very cute in the snap we sent.
I call Dot daily and so far Snuff is still at New Cumberland. Dot went out to see him this past Sunday. She gets mail from him regularly.
Mike Nerenberg called this evening and made me promise that I would come out to see them this coming Sunday with Adele, which I fully intend to do. He promised to make moving pictures of Adele and if you can get hold of an 8 m. m. projector I would send the film along for you to see, but it would have to be returned. I think Adele's last two teeth are just about out - Thank God! I fixed my hair very nicely today and when I finished Adele looked at it and said, "Mommy - pretty". She looks at the pin you sent me and when I ask who sent it she says "Daddy". So there now! Guess she’ll know you, honey. She also says "uh-uh" instead of "no" at times and it's extra special cute. I love you, dear.
Your Eve
Aug. 24, 1944
Dearest Phil,
I was very disappointed when the mailman passed me up for the sixth day in a row this morning. However, this evening I was gratified no end to learn that he favored me with three letters of yours of Aug. 14,15 and 17 in the afternoon and a nice card from Snuff, who promises to write just as soon as he is settled. I herewith apologize for calling you down for not writing - I guess it was just cause I was so let down.
Tony is in England now and Fay’s hubby is at a POE. He sent Fay a $10 bond (did you know they were issued in that denomination?). The weather continues cool and I didn't manage to get down to see Lil this evening and I promised her I'd definitely be down tomorrow evening. I shall try to write a letter before I leave.
All your letters were very, very sweet, darling, and made me long for you more than ever. I've been sort of blue all week anyway, but your letters cheered me up no end. I'm glad you finally wrote to Glo. It’s funny, as she always says, we both think of her at exactly the same time. Proof: she always received a letter from each of us on the same day. She claims it never fails. I wrote to her yesterday and no doubt the letter you mention in today’s letters reached her today too, as mine did - so there you are. As you know by this time I am definitely not taking any vacation (I'd much rather save it for you any day, sweet) and though I had decided to splurge where clothes are concerned this fall, I'll try to keep as low as possible and save the bulk so that we may shop together. (That last sounds good enough to eat)! Yes, dear, Adele knows her Daddy's name. She even learned to say Seymour distinctly and is really getting to know him now that she is at the house all day. I do hope you've found time to write to Mike, as I'm sure he is most anxious to hear from you.
Adele is going through another stage. She becomes terribly panic-stricken at the slightest move. For instance, if the wind blows she’ll run to me and grab me and cry “Mommy - mommy - mommy”. She's deathly afraid of shadows and drives me insane when she acts thusly. I can't handle her at all and I've made up my mind not to let it bother me further. If the sky clouds up she immediately becomes frightened. I guess it's just a matter of becoming used to such new things. God, what crazy things kids do! She’s just as sweet, though, as she's ever been (after all we aren't perfect by any means) and gets smarter every day. She doesn't walk - she runs - all day long. She showed me the moon this evening (it sort of made me remember various other occasions that I'll never forget) and calls the sky "tie". Her two front teeth haven't actually cut themselves through as yet, but are merely very close to the edge, so much so that they can be felt. She's much, much better and is eating her meals nicely.
It's very late, honey, and though I'm not very tired this evening I do have to get up early, so I'm going to post this and hit the hay. Really baby, I could go on all evening telling you how much I adore you, how much I miss you and how I long to hold you close to me, once more. (Sigh - - - - - - -
I have a little spare time left and I'm going to try to get off a few words to you, Gosh, honey, I've got so much to say and so much to tell you that I hardly know where to begin, I started a letter to you yesterday, but never finished, as we had company, all of which you will learn presently,
Let's start at the beginning. I wrote to you on Sat., shortly before Jackie arrived, which was about four o’clock. We chatted, took some snaps (Petey snapped several of the three of us) and then had dinner. Adele has been teething for the past few days and didn't look well at all. Her teething is so severe that she has had to throw up on several occasions. Besides this her face was drawn and a bit rashy. I was sorry that Jack had to find her looking that way, but that's how it is. Jack looks like a million - the army sure has done wonders for him. He also mentioned having visited an ear of specialist in N.Y. and there is a strong possibility that some day his hearing might be restored. Adele would not go to sleep and it was rather late when we reached the Zaslow's house. Jack had come in with Sonya (she went there directly upon arriving, while Jack came here) and had promised to visit that very evening in order not to disappoint anyone. On the way down (via 47 ) Jack told me all about his "love" life with Marilyn and Adeline, whom he had taken out while in N.Y. I won't bother to go into detail for I'm sure he will, or has.
All the Zaslows are fine, including the newlyweds, who just can't get over their good fortune in having Dave stationed right here in Philly and living at home with his wife, As it is, Hilda is his boss. Hilda works for the meat inspection bureau and arranges the appointments for the inspectors (who examine meat consigned for Army camps) and it so happens that Dave is one of the inspectors, The other day she let him have the day off, but promised not to do it often. How's that for luck! Hilda said she used to dream in that particular vein, but never, never expected any bit of it to some day become a reality. Jennie looks exceptionally well, having lost 12 lbs. since Hilda's marriage. Jen, by the way, has broken.off with Leonard, (Dave's brother, to whom she was reportedly engaged) and Jack tells me it's due to family difficulty,
We had a nice time talking about many things and the Zaslows served fruit, ice cream, pretzels, etc. We left a 12:15 and were home by one.
I gave Jack your short story to read and am leaving his opinions for him to write, He particularly like the poem you sent me for my birthday. (so do I!)
On Sunday we all arose rather early, as Jack had promised to go back to the Zaslows and was leaving early that afternoon, intending to visit Lennie in Tennessee before heading back to Colorado. He had breakfast shortly before 12 and took his leave an hour later. All in all it was a very short visit. I told him how disgusted I was when I read of his going with a Baptist, but told him right off that I would never be the one to tell him what to do (as if he would listen) and that I wished him luck at whatever he undertook to do. This girl, by the way, is very cute and he'll probably send her picture along.
Harry got talking to Jack Sat. night and was telling him that after Labor Day he will join the union and will work on a straight salary of $14 per week, plus commission of his sales, which run up to about a $1000, and that his salary would run anywhere from $85 to $100 per week. I didn't know that, but I do now.
Jack gave Adele 7¢ on Sat, night and we all went over to Ben's. I sat Adele at the fountain and she laid her 7¢ down for ice-cream and a pretzel. She's a real grown young lady and I don't mean maybe! Jack particularly liked the way she said "Oooh Nuts!"
Sunday afternoon Adele looked cute in spite of her teething. She wore the little powder blue dress Sarah gave her, and I combed her hair into an upsweep and put a large powder blue bow on the top of her head. She looked very sophisticated and cute (if you can look those two at the same time) (and she can!) and took pains to stay neat. Mrs. Frommer's trunk came and she presented Adele with the unbreakable dolly she had brought her. Well, sweet, I wish you could see how that kid lights up every time, she gets something new! I've taught her to give each of her dollies a name and this latest one acquired the name of "Mimi.
Yale and Shirley came to town two days ago on a furlough and I decided to visit them shortly after Jack left. They made an extra special fuss over Adele, who called Yale "shale" and Shirley "sir ley". By the way, dear, Adele does not say "Sha rah" for Sarah as I told you recently - she says "Sea rah" and sometimes says Sarah perfectly.
Sunday when I awoke I became unwell, but it wasn't as bad as it used to be. Both Yale and Shirley thought I looked exceptionally well. We got to talking about Billy and Dolly and they told me that Gotham pays Dolly $90 every month. This beside her $80 allotment, said Shirley, makes it very difficult for her to get along (sarcastically) so she's down the shore all summer. Now that is sumpin! Imagine! $90 per month! Ye Gods!
It's almost time to leave so I'll finish this off at home, if I can think of anything else to say (am I kidding?)
Aug. 22, 1944
Here I am again, sweet, (aren't you sorry) to complete this drawn out missive.
I was going to send along the letter I wrote yesterday but it is so much like today's letter that I tore it up instead. When I was over to see Yale and Shirley on Sunday they asked me to accompany them to a movie on Monday night and I said I would.
However, let us get back to Sunday. Adele and I stayed at Yale and Shirley's for about an hour. Yale is trying to get a transfer to Colorado. Sunday night I let Adele eat her dinner sitting in a regular chair at the table. She did very nicely, but it is a little hard on me. Ethel will soon need the high chair, so I'll have to break her of it anyhow. My mom still has the old one, which will stay at her house, since Adele only eats breakfast here during the week.
Rae came over Sunday night and slept over. I spent the evening talking to her and Mom, as every time Rae comes over I'm busy with some thing or other and rarely had an opportunity to pay any attention to her. While talking I knitted a bit on Adele's white sweater that I mentioned a while back.
Monday I got into work at 11 and took along the nightie Mom got for Lil and the slip I got her from "us". I had them wrapped into one package at work and dropped the package off at her house on our way home. Lil wasn't there, but Jack was. Mr. Perry, who drives us home, was good enough to go out of his way so that I might make the stop. Lil called later in the evening to express her appreciation and to notify me that the slip was miles too big. I hope to get down to see her on Thursday. Naturally, I shall exchange the slip and try o get a smaller size or something else. Eddie Stolinsky is in France.
While I was talking to Lil in walked Yale, Shirley and Emma. I dashed to get dressed and would have been ready had it not been for Adele, who just can't seem to sleep these past few nights. Anyway, we wound up staying home, eating ice-cream and chatting about this, that and the other thing.
Em and Shirl went across the street to pay their respects to the grief stricken family. I was shocked to learn how bitter they are. They hope the war doesn't end, that Roosevelt doesn't get in again and they will not buy another bond. Some of the things shocked me beyond words. For this reason I have made up my mind not to go over. All that would do me a whole lot of no good. Some day I'll tell you all about this family.
Today I was in at 11 again. I do not have sufficient time to get to the ration board, but will go just as soon as I can.
I've had to use a blanket these past few nights and I simply love it. I'd love it even better if you were under that blanket with me. Phil, dear, do you realize that I haven't had mail from you since Friday? I know how you dislike writing often (I don't feel any different) but I wish you would consider, sweet, that you don't work nearly as hard as I do and have time for relaxation and recreation when your day is through, which is more than I can say for myself, so (ifn’ you won't mind too much) I'd appreciate it an awful lot if you'd write just a little more often than the twice a week you seem to be favoring me with. Getting mail from you is my one great pleasure these days -
Your Eve
Hilda's Dave thinks the war will be over in two months - Oh Baby! I love you and want you so much!
