Post #586 - February 21, 1945 V-Mail is Coming Through Much Better Than Air-Mail

 

Feb. 21, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Yipee, Hooray or sumpin’! I finally got another very nice v-mail dated 11 Feb. and it shows to go you that v-mail is coming through much better than air-mail. I make a motion that you try v-mail more often, though I would like to have a nice long air-mail once in a while. So you’re due for a furlough! Well, now if only you could come home! Soon, maybe not tomorrow, but soon -

It is after 11 and I had been knitting on Paul’s vest most of the evening. In fact, I’ve been knitting on it every single night this week and have been sitting up late to do it. I am just about finished with the entire thing - just one more good night's work will do the trick. It’s a good looking sweater and will give him long service. I'm sure Ethel will be crazy about it.

Today we are having a nice heavy rain (instead of snow) for a change. Boy this has been a mean winter! I’ve definitely decided to take Adele down tomorrow morning to have her picture made at Lorstan, but the weatherman may change my mind for me again. As it stands, Ed, Adele and I are going down tomorrow morning and Ed will bring Adele back while I continue on to work.

Remember the drummer who used to play with the orchestra up in Oak Lane? I believe his name was Blake. Well, I thought you might want to know that he died of a bad heart. I heard about it a long time ago, but simply forgot to mention it. Incidentally, you once spoke about Sgt. Murphy and said you’d be talking about him in another connection - how’s about cookin’ with gas, baby?

And, by the way, what ever happened with that Coronet contest? I wish you’d let me know the outcome of some of your experiences, whether good or bad. I always mean to ask you certain questions when I set out to write, but nine times out of ten they pop out of my head before I get them down on paper.

I sure do wish you’ve mailed my “gee-gaw”, as you choose to call it, off by this late date. I’m most anxious to see what it is and I do think I’ve been patient, don't you? Now how’s about it?

I've made more mistakes typing this than I make all day at work. ’Scould be that I'm very sleepy and ’scould be that I am going right to bed. Which reminds me - I called Lil the other day and she reminded me to send a birthday card to Myra, which I did, but do you think she called to thank me - nothing doing. I am finished with both of them. If either calls, okay I’ll talk with them, but from here on they are both on my blacklist, so to speak. If they want to be so independent it's okay with me. And I don't want you to write and apologize for any or everything you may believe is wrong. I think it’s time to go now, dearest one, so I’ll tell you something different - yep - yes sir ee - old, but oh so new - I love you, baby - How’d you guess it?

Your Eve

Post #585 - February 19, 20, 1945 The Time Between Us has Taught Me to Love You More Dearly than Ever Before and a Letter from Jack Nerenberg

 

From Dot and Snuff Cohen:

The signature says: I can’t help but rub the age in!

Feb. 19, 1945

My dearest hubby,

It is a bit after six and I am waiting for the others to get ready to leave (that's the first time that's happened in a few weeks) and I thought I'd take advantage of the break to get this started. Immediately after writing my letter last night I hit the hay and got a good night's rest.

I arose early today and got off to a good start. I had Adele over at my mother's by 10:15 and started for work.

I am home now (fast, wasn't it) and Adele is sleeping, I finished eating and washing and am getting this off so that I may relax. Two of your letters came today - those of 5/Feb. and 7/Feb. What happened to those written between 26/Jan and 5/Feb.? I guess they are delayed in the mail. Your letters were both short and sweet, but it was better getting them than nothing at all.

You needn't worry that I'd think you were pitying yourself when you feel lonesome. I feel that way often and I don't mind admitting it. Mom keeps reminding me how lucky I am and I keep reminding her that I know I'm lucky, but I can't help feeling lonesome anyway. After all, we're only human - or are we.

Adele didn't nap this afternoon, so I got her right to bed when I got home. I make her say her prayers every night, to wit: Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take - God Bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy, etc. When she says something and is very much pleased with herself, she laughs a cute laugh to show she is pleased. When she wants to be real cute, she says, "Mommy, ah a yiddle baked bean - or Mommy ah a yiddle meat ball". Those two were taught to her by Ruth. And by the way, I shall make every effort to see that I get her down to the photographer’s some time this week. I have so little time that I don't want to make any definite promises.

I also received a letter from Milt Brown, dated, of all things, 10/Feb. That my dear, is the mail for you! It was his usual letter, nothing exciting. He is in a quiet place for a change.

I've just decided to hold this until tomorrow, in the hope that I'll have more mail from you and can make this a real longie. Hope you won't mind, honey, for I do want to do a few other things before hitting the hay and I don't want to cut this short.

I must, before I sign off, tell you sweetness that the time between us has taught me to love you more dearly than ever before. With time to think and miss, one realizes how precious were those little things we too often take for granted. I adore you, darling Phil, and want very much to hold you close to me. Soon -

Feb. 20, 1945 

There was no mail whatever today and I'm in anything but a good mood today. I feel like screaming my head off to get some of the weight out of my chest. What the h--- is the matter with the mail??? I just can't understand it. The Bellets have had mail until Feb, 10 and received all their back mail sometime ago, but here I am - sans mail.

So rather than talk on (I'm much too disgusted to do that) I'll simply say good night - better luck tomorrow. Maybe I'll be lucky to be favored with some mail that is due me.

Eddie wrapped your package, but it was a bit too heavy and consequently he had to take it apart and start all over again. I wrote to Dot and Snuff last night and little by little I'm catching up on my correspondence.

Someone told my brother Jack that Seymour's ship, the U.S.S. New York is at Iwo Jimo. I wonder -

Good night, baby, I love you dearly.

Your Eve

Jan. or Feb. 19, 1945

Dear Evelyn,

I don’t see why Phil should pick a blonde; not that they’re not nice, mind you, but just because that’s not his preference, as  you know.

Kid, I know this is going to be a short one, so don’t expect much of a letter.

Marjorie and I are hitting it off beautifully, but I sure wish the time was here after she goes home in April. We plan on getting married then, or early May. I hope her people will accept me as she has.

She was thrilled beyond measure to have received the engagement ring and I feel the same way every time I see it on her finger. She has lovely hands, as do you toots.

I hope all continues to go well with you. As for me and my ears we’re not doing each other much good. But we hope to get on better terms in a month or so. That’s what the doctors say.

Thanks for forwarding Gloria’s letter. That was nice of her to trouble so, don’t  you think. Marge saw it and says she needs more schooling for a N.Y. job. I don’t much care. I’ll make enough money for both of us.

Well, so long for now and loads of love to you all.

As ever,

Jackie 

Post #584 - February 18, 1945 The Whole Brownie Outfit Put in an Appearance Today, including Miriam with Anita Rae, and Sylvia

Feb. 18, 1945 

Dearest Mine,

It is almost 11 and I thought I'd knock this off just before hitting the hay. I had a very full day and am anxious to get to bed. I did a bit of shopping this morning and bought a roll of some cheese (It is very close to rocquefort), butter thins (I thought they would hold up better than any other type of cracker) and about a dozen peanut chew bars. My mother has a nice hard salami which I intend to include in the package. I'll bring home a carton from work tomorrow and Ed will pack it and mail it off the following day.

Since Syd got the additional five day pass and had been able to keep his appointment to have dinner with us, the whole Brownie outfit put in an appearance today, including Miriam with Anita Rae, and Sylvia. Adele was very friendly with everyone (she loves soldiers, honey, so it looks like you're going to make a big hit with her) especially Syd. She looked cute in her dubonnet jodphurs, yellow jersey, dubonnet suspenders and her little locket. We had a delicious dinner and the Browns left about 8:30. Adele gave her permission for Anita Rae to sleep in her crib and she even went so far as to tuck the blankets covering Anita in more securely. Anita is quite a big baby and very cute.

I wrote a letter to Rose Brand this afternoon and told her that I am returning the dress and socks she gifted Adele with when I was in New York. I meant to return them some time ago, but just couldn't find the time. I've been uncommonly busy these past few weeks.

I knitted most all of last night and tonight and finished the back of Paul's vest. Tonight I managed to get around to starting the front and completed one inch of the border. I expect to finish the rest before the week is out, but I'll have to work on it daily to do that.

The news continues good, but it sets so "draggy" at times that one can't help but wonder when and if this war will ever end. (can't help chafing at the bit now and then). I'm so very anxious to see you, baby, with my very own eyes. I wonder, time and again, how our first meeting will come about, how we'll react and what we’ll say. I keep wondering if there will be any great change noticeable in either of us, for, after all, it isn't months, but years that we shall have been apart. When I say "changed" I don't mean our feelings but our thoughts and actions. I wonder about this and wonder about that and just wind up "wondering". I remember how queer you first felt when you came home after a few weeks in the service and felt embarrassed (?) about undressing in my presence. I think I shall be the embarrassed one this time. What about you? (What a question!). (Well, I had to fill this up somehow!) But before I fall asleep on you (what a prospect!) I'll say goodnight, baby, I love you dearly and wait, most impatiently, for the day when I will be

Your Eve  
All-ways.

Post #583 - February 17, 1945 Today We Had Another Heavy Snowstorm

 

Feb. 17, 1945

Dearest Darling,

No mall again today and I'm at a loss for words. Need I add how disgusted I am with the mail situation? There was your Dec. bond, so at least the matter of the bonds is cleared and you may inform them of such when they notify you.

I had decided to skip writing today, but if you will put up with these constant v-mails, I'm willing to write them. Besides, I believe they are reaching you much better than ordinary mail. Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to write more v-mail too, though I dislike it, but some mail is better then no mall.

Did I say Spring is here? Don't quote me on that - for today we had another heavy snowstorm, Snow, Snow, Snow! I worked overtime with my dad to help clean up some of the work. Adele napped this afternoon and instead of doing some work at home I felt it would be just as well to get things done at work, thereby making the coming week easier - I hope.

My dad got two more large chocolate bars for the package I am readying now and another pack of cigarettes. I'm going to try to get over to 11th St. tonight and finish buying those few things I need to complete the package, but don't be angry if I can't make it. All my plans go astray anyhow, so I’ll do my very best.

I knitted on Paul’s vest until almost 12 last night and after what seems an eternity I've finally arrived at the armhole of the back (the sweater is so long, but that's the way Ethel wants it - and it's a beauty). Paul is still wearing that little blue vest I made for him some four years ago and she expects him to wear this one just as long.

I haven't anything planned for this evening. Most likely I'll knit some more because I want to get finished, I have to make Adele something for the Spring cause she's almost bare when it comes to sweaters (yep - with all my knitting). I have to wash the sweaters daily and that's very hard on them. Hereafter, however, I shall make her dark colors, so It won't be necessary to wash them daily and then they'll hold up longer.

Tomorrow marks the year and a half mark that you are in England and the six year mark that was your Dad's passing. (Can't think of much else to say). Ed and Jack love to fool around with Adele and they have grand times together. She loves when they dance with her and I wish you could see her imitate them "jittabug". Some day -

Last night the entire Feldman [sic. clan] came over expressly for the purpose of seeing their darling Adele. It's wonderful the way the friendship continues. I adore you, baby mine, and I wish very much that I could take you into my arms and kiss you and tell you as much.

Your Eve

Post #582 - February 16, 1945 Baby, There is Nothing Like Your Own Business

 

Feb. 16, 1945

My dearest,

I'm literally fed up to the ears with the maIl situation. If there's anything that gets on my nerves It's when the mail falls behind so miserably. It's true that I received your v-mail of 6/Feb. two days ago, but what has happened to the mail between the 26/Jan and 6/Feb.? There are still plenty of dates to be filled in for January and I can't understand the ways of the post office at times, It seems to me that you are receiving my mail even though the dates are mixed up. In three weeks I've had exactly two old letters from you and the v-mall. But before I go off the deep end, suppose I change the subject.

I didn't tell you in yesterday's letter that I received a cute Valentine from Hal for Adele. Also in yesterday's mall was a letter from Milt and one from Gloria. There was no mail whatever today - but let's get off the mail question - It annoys me.

I felt sort of tired all day due to the lateness of my period, but there is no let up at the place. This is the busiest season and boy oh boy there is no end. Regardless of the amount of work expected I take my sweet time about whatever I do. I've been working on Paul's vest the past few nights and intend to work on it a while before getting to bed this evening. I had a very big week again and believe I put in something like 42 hours. Anne made a mistake of an hour in my pay last week, so that extra hour raises my pay considerably this week. In fact, instead of getting my usual 75¢ per hour, I’ll get paid for time and a half or $1.13 this week. Not bad, eh? I think i'm going to treat myself to a new dress (I should use the plural for I'm gettin' the urge to shop again). Gee, honey, Spring is in the air and it's beginning to get me. This morning when I took Adele over to my mother's, the birds were perched in the trees and were talking to each other very loudly. When I first walked out I couldn't imagine where all the racket was coming from, and was quite surprised to find such little birds making such noises. Adele was very amused with the goings on.

I believe Harry is making out fairly well now that the warmer weather is coming on. He ought to do very well this summer. He can't wait for the hot weather to set in. He leaves the house about 9 or a bit later each morning and gets home anywhere from 7 to 8 each evening. The fact that he is his own boss and whatever he makes is his is satisfaction to its utmost for him and he seems very well satisfied with the whole setup. Of course he never did like dirty work, but he likes it better than working for someone else, Baby, there is nothing like your own business and the proof of it is right under my eyes each day at Bellet's. Of course I realize that conditions today are much different from what they used to be, but nevertheless a business man is always better off than a working man. I keep wondering if it will work out for you to team up with Jack. Somehow I have my doubts. But I see I've filled in this sheet, so I'll close now, dearest one, with old but ever warming, I love you so much!

Your Eve

Post #581 - February 15, 1945 Lo and Behold, Syd Received a Five Day Pass to Go Right Back Home Again

 

Feb. 15, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Am starting to bang this out at the office just before going home. I haven't reminded you for some time that I still keep our "date" each day at 5 o'clock. At that time, honey, I take you into my arms and just love you up. I think how nice it would be if I could snuggle up close to you under the covers. I miss you so much, dearest!

I felt "extra special" lousy today. I was supposed to become unwell on Saturday and it just put in an appearance today. Each minute seemed like a year and I'm grateful that it is just about 6 o'clock. We are very busy these days and I never seem to be able to get enough done, so I've been coming in a little earlier each day.

I wrote to Seymour last night and then went over to Fay's. She was baking a cake. I watched her and knitted on Paul's vest. I left her place at 12, took a shower and went to bed.

Syd went back to camp yesterday (his 30 days were up) and lo and behold, he received a five day pass to go right back home again. Maybe he'll be lucky enough to remain in the States for some time. Need I say how happy the Browns Are!

Eddie went into town yesterday to attend to some business at the Customs House and shopped around for clothes the while. Being an ex-serviceman, many of the stores allow from 10 to 25% off. One fellow is willing to give him three stunning suits that retail for about $43 each for $100. My dad is going down with him on Saturday to have a look at them to determine whether or not it is worth the money. I'm letting Ed wear your tan coat temporarily (he doesn't wear his uniform all day cause he would need a press job daily) till he gets his own clothes, which should be sometime within the next week. I was looking at your tan felt hat with the green band the other day and it looks just as nice as it did when we bought it. Gosh but I'd like to see you in both coat and hat!

I ripped the stockings I bought the other day. It was through no fault of mine - It's just faulty stockings, Imagine, you pay $1 for a pair of stockings, wear them once and bingo! I never had that kind of trouble before, but I guess there's always a first time.

You could smell Spring in the air today and most of the snow of Tuesday has disappeared. I certainly hope it was our last snow for the season. The days are getting longer too, in fact it's still light when we get home between six-thirty and seven. Adele saw Goldie writing a letter the other night and told her to tell her daddy that "I a dood dirl". I love you, sweet, and as Adele would say, “I yove you".

Your Eve

Post #580 - February 14, 1945 I Received a Long Letter from Snuff, Baring Most of his Fears and My Life Away from You is Utterly without Meaning

 

Feb. 14, 1045 

My dearest Phil,

This morning, as I usually do, I called Fay. She told me that she received a purple heart certificate for wounds that Morris received resulting in death. Heretofore she thought he had been killed immediately, as stated in the War Dept’s telegram, but now she's wondering just what did happen and how long he had to suffer before the end came. It's all very aggravating to say the least.

Haven't heard from Dot as yet, but when I called her mother I learned that she arrived 24 hours late due to some sort of a train wreck. I hope to hear from her today. For your benefit, sweet, I am writing this prior to leaving for work and I don't have to tell you how I am looking forward to receiving some mail from you. Tomorrow will be two weeks since I had a "real" letter.

Last night I wrote to Jack N. and Milt Brown. I'm back on my correspondence and am trying to catch up again.

Hooray! Here I am back from work and there is a most welcome v-mail from you, baby, one dated 2/6. It was crammed, cause you had received my long letter of Jan 16th, which I remember very distinctly. I can't, however, recall what I said to lead you to believe that something was wrong with Jack Gutkin. There is nothing wrote [sic wrong] with him. The family is merely trying to have him transferred back to the States to help ease their feelings, if such is permitted.

After waiting all this time for a letter, I don't have to tell you, sweet, just how happy I feel about the whole thing. Gosh, what a little v-mail can do! I received a long letter from Snuff, baring most of his fears and telling me how glad he is that Dot is there. He says he can stand most anything with her around and after being with her for five minutes he felt that they had never been separated. Do you think we’ll feel that way too? I'm reasonably sure of it, though there has been quite a break, though it has just been physically.

A fellow from the Brunel Studios was around today and sold coupons for 50¢, so Mom bought one for me. Now I've got two coupons for 8x10 colored oil paintings. I intended to take Adele down today, but have again postponed the trip due to the bad weather. The ground is piled with ice and snow once more - darn it! I stopped over to Fay’s this morning and she showed me the certificate and another one signed by the President. She asked me to please drop in for a few minutes before going to work and naturally I obliged. Each time I gaze at those papers I feel a terrible catch in my heart. More tomorrow, baby mine, and I guess you know that I just adore you, yeh, just.

Your Eve

14 February 1945

Eve, Dearest,

I was sure there would be some long overdue Air Mail for me today, but nothing doing - nary a letter of any kind. Aside from the fact that I’m kept plenty busy in the Orderly Room, there isn't much I can write about. I might mention that we had one of the three or four really nice days that England has each year today. It was a sunny, spring-like day that almost made one feel alive again. However, such days are not as welcome as you might think, ’cause when the balmy breezes blow, and everything looks cheerful and green in the sunlight, it only serves to accentuate the gloominess that is within me by contrast. It sounds silly, I know, that I miss you so terribly much after all this time. You might think I would get used to being without you by now, and I've made a real effort in that direction (in self defense), but I must confess that I failed miserably to do so. If there were only something in this environment with which I could occupy myself, or someone, who, in some way, might inspire some real affection in my heart, I might not be so desolate, but the fact is that you, and you alone, are the only person or agency that has the power to bring any measure of peace to my mind, or joy to my heart. I've been foolish enough to so commit my happiness in your keeping, that without you there is no other source for me. When I say that my life away from you is utterly without meaning, I mean it literally - and realizing that is a very stultifying state of mind to harbor, I've damned myself a thousand times for being unable to shake it off - rid myself of it, as most of the fellows seem to have succeeded in doing, but - well, all I can think about when my mind is not entirely occupied with something else, is how much I want to be with you - how sweet it would be to hold you in my arms, or even to be near you, so that my eyes and heart could be filled by the sight of you, and innumerable other fancies that are born both of my sore need of you and the knowledge that I need nothing until I have you. Sometimes I wonder if Adele, in herself, could fill any part of the great void in my heart - whether she could by her precious presence, in any measure, allay my overpowering loneliness for you. That thought, my Sweet, springs from the fact that I try to visualize or imagine how much she has benefitted you in this respect. I've come to the conclusion that she could fill me to overflowing with love and affection - but only temporarily - I would still want and need you just as desperately, once she were out of sight. I love you both so much, my darlings, that I am hardly anything at all beside being

Your adoring Phil