Post #605 - March 15, 1945 Gee I Hate to Go Somewhere Alone! and Today Really Took the Cake! and A Letter from Milt Brown

 

March 15, 1945

Dearest Darling,

Am knocking this off, just so you’ll have a letter dated the 15th. Immediately after work, I ate at H & H alone (gee I hate to go somewhere alone!) & met Eddie at Uncle Nish’s. Unc promised to get Ed a wrist watch through a jeweler he knows & we went out to see what he had. He had nothing to show us but promised to get us a good buy (if such can be had). I asked him what he’d give me for the gold watch I have & though he admitted it was solid gold, $15 was all he offered to pay for it. I think it’s worth much more & if I can get a good price for it I may trade it in & get some sort of watch that works. I’m lost without a watch these days. We got home by nine & I put Adele to bed. It was a very muggy day & I feel very tired—but I love you so much.

Your Eve

P.S. Received your v-mail of 7 Mar.

15 March 1945

My Darling,

I’ve been writing for a long time now about how busy I am—how “full” my days are, etc., etc., but today really took the cake! For the first time (and I hope the last) the press of business prevented me from eating dinner. No kiddin’, Sweet,—there was a report to be got out by 1 o’clock, and I had to work along with Lt. Toms right through my lunch hour to get it done. By the time we finished, it was too late to eat! That’s the Army for you! [Hand me my civvies, baby!]

Last night, after I wrote to you, I went to the dance at the Aero Club. The Club has been redecorated, and is really a nice place to relax of an evening. The large Snack Bar dining room is cleared for dancing on Wednesdays and every other Sunday. The floor is linoleum, and seems to serve nicely. (I have yet to try it, though, so I couldn’t say for sure). Anyway, about a hundred G.I.’s, and about the same number of girls usually attend. The lights are dimmed, the G.I. bands that play here are usually well worth hearing and a good time is had by all—even your ever-lovin’ hubby, who sits by and watches like the veriest wall-flower. However, I had rather watch Klein dance, anyway, so I don’t feel that I’m missing anything.

If I don’t miss my guess, honey, this should reach you just a day or two before your birthday. Therefore, permit me to take this medium to wish you many happy returns of the day, my darling, and to make a further wish that next year we shall celebrate our birthdays together—Your birthday gift was ordered about a month ago for delivery on 28 March. I hope it reaches you then, and that you will understand that it is not quite what I would want to give you in honor of the occasion, but that circumstances, unfortunately, prevent a greater evidencing of love and devotion on my part. I can duly reassert what I have told you so many times before—I adore you, my Evie—Love to all from

Your Phil

March 15, 1945

Dear Phil:

No letter from you, but I have some extra time, so I thought I’d drop you a few lines. Had a letter from Evelyn a few days ago, & everyone is fine at home. I answered her letter yesterday. The war news in Europe sure does sound good, and it looks like an all out drive to smash the Germans. If things keep up the way they are going now, it may not be too long before we see Germany fall. I’ll bet you boys are sweating it out, & hoping you don’t have to come to the Pacific after the European situation is over with. There’s no more kidding yourself though for they will send a lot of men & equipment over here so that they can clean up Japan in a hurry, & brother they surely have it coming to them. We probably have enough here now to take care of Japan, but it would take longer that way. I sure hope you’re not on the list for the Pacific, but I won’t count on it too much if I were you. Well, at the present time I’m getting plenty of rest as I’m in the Hospital. It’s nothing serious though, & I expect to join the outfit in a few more days. I have a sore on my left toe, & they put me in here to keep me off my feet, as it will heal up quicker that way. I need a little rest, & this sure is the place to get it. I’ll be glad to get out though, as I can’t stand too much of the laying around & doing nothing. They put hot towels & water bags to my toe three times a day, & it’s healing up fine now. The Company I’m in is only about a ten minute ride from the Hospital. We get our mail every day, as our mail orderly brings it to us from the Company. The food is fairly good, but you just can’t get enough of it. I stay hungry practically all the time. Asking for a second piece of bread is like asking for their right arm & I am not joking either. They have a movie here at night, but so far I have only seen one show since I have been here. The only reason why I haven’t seen any more is that it rained the other nights. I came into the Hospital the ninth of this month. They have a new U.S.O. show on the Island now, and we were supposed to see it last night here, but it rained & boy were we all sore. They say it’s pretty good & ran quite a long time in the States. You probably remember it, “Hell’s A Poppin’.” Well, Phil, that’s about all for now. Drop me a line when you have a few moments to spare, & I’ll do the same.

As Ever,

Milt

Post #604 - March 14, 1945 We're Going to Buy Our Own Place After the War and Fix It Up Right - By Ourselves and Do You Kiss Adele, Spank Her, or Just Stand Shocked and Stupefied at Her Precociousness?

 

March 14, 1945

My dearest Phil,

Today was one of those rare spring days when the weather is just "too too" and you get too much spring fever to really accomplish. Regardless, I got off a good day's work, but that doesn't stop this continual desire to want you, to see you and to be with you - actually.

I was so tired last night I couldn't wait till I got to bed. Adele woke once during the night, but for the most part I caught a fair night of rest. Adele and I went walking at about 9 A.M. I let her push her doll carriage along the sidewalk and we walked back and forth for about 20 minutes. I got to work early and had a busy day. I've informed her of Betty Jane, the doll that supposed to come and play with her, from daddy. I even showed Adele which side of the bed you'll sleep on and when she lays in bed with me, she says, "Mommy will sleep here and daddy will sleep here" (pointing to the places).

The girl who came into clean finished working today. The place looks swell, but she couldn't do either my room or Mom's. Mom told her to come next Thursday and she says it will only cost $4 and carfare. It seems that the difference the girl made has to be paid to the agency. $6 a day is certainly a good salary for her.

Today I heard Harry say to Goldie, "What do you do around here all day long?" It struck me funny that even he should ask her such a question. Goldie thinks she's the busiest girl in creation. In fact I've never seen any one be so busy with nothing. Remember, I, too raised a baby and still am, besides holding down an almost full-time job and a house. Phil, I don't mind having a girl come into the house, since we're all chipping in, but every little bit cuts very deep into savings and savings mean more to me at this time then anything else. I've given up everything, being wife, mother, housekeeper and everything I hold dear and so something has to compensate for it meantime and it's savings. I fully intend to give up 4906, as we discussed, but I am not going to say anything till after Passover, at which time I am definitely going to make a move. I've thought and thought and thought about it, sweet, and you can rest assured I'll do nothing to cause hard feelings. I'm sure each one will understand when I explain. Please do not write to Mom or anyone concerning this until I've told you in detail what happened, and how they reacted. Please do not feel badly about anything I may say, for it is for all our respective good if I do it. We're going to buy our own place after the war and fix it up right - by ourselves. In fact, we'll almost have to get married again, if’n you know what I mean and I'm sure you know what I mean. I'm in a "thinking" mood - or hadn't you noticed? In case you haven't received any mail for the past few days it's because I wrote air-mail two days in a row. I thought I'd try v-mail this evening to keep the mail steady. I think my typed v-mails would make a good sized airmail letter, don’t you? Good night, dearest Phil, I love you and want you constantly and I'll never cease being unhappy until you return to

Your Eve



14 March 1945

Dearest Wifie,

Am writing this just after work (another very full day), and before getting cleaned up and dressed to go to the dance at the Aero Club. It has been a long time since I’ve been to one of the weekly shindigs at the Club, and because I’ve seen the picture at the theater (Hairy Ape), and feeling the need for a bit of divertissement, I decided I’d go down to look on at Klein—his dancing and generally atrocious yet amusing antics. The sun continued to shine today, but there is still a chill in the ever-present breeze.

Today’s mail call brought me three very nice, fairly recent V-mails (6, 7, 8 March), which is better service than I’ve enjoyed in many months. I’ll answer as much as I have time and space for tonight, Sweet, and continue tomorrow.

No, Chippie, I guess you know by now that I didn’t feel exactly as you did on 6 March. Does the thought that I’m 30 depress you so, that you get the blues contemplating it? At least that’s what I gathered from the beginning of your letter: “Happy Birthday! I wonder if you felt as I did all day long? I had an awful case of the blues, and still have it.”!!??

The few paragraphs about Adele’s latest batch of “bright sayings” made mighty gratifying and amusing reading. She must be smart as a whip! What do you do, Ev, when she gives out with something real fresh like “I smarter than you are, Mommy”? Do you kiss her, spank her, or just stand shocked and stupefied at her precociousness? My curiosity is very much piqued on this point, and I’d really like to know.

Thanks for the 31 kisses, my darlings. (I hope the extra one is meant for good luck??) I love you both so very much—I pray to be with you before my next birthday. Good bless you both. Love to all from

Your Phil

Post #603 - March 13, 1945 Imagine Paying $6 a Day to a Girl When I Don't Even Make That Myself! and Time Ceased to Exist for Me the Moment I Left You and A Letter from Milt Brown

 

March 13, 1945

Dearest Phil,

The boss just scooted out to a quick lunch and just as soon as he "scooted" I made straight for some stationery to get this started. He grabs a bite and comes right back, so I won't have much time to really write. I hope to be able to get some real writing done this evening.

The letters I received yesterday were yours of March 2 (air mail) and March 4, 5, 6 (v-mail), There was a letter from Snuff and your Jan. bond. I'll answer your letters this evening,

Adele went to sleep soon after I got home (she had not napped in the afternoon) and Ruth and I went out to Frankford Avenue to shop. It rained lightly all evening, but we made good connections and didn't mind. We visited several stores and could find nothing. The last shop - a Ritzi shop, incidentally, (remember how I used to buy at Ritzi?) proved to be the spot we desired. I headed straight for a rack marked “drastically reduced”) and Ruth got two stunning dresses and I got myself a plaid jumper - all three items costing us $23.00. My jumper sold for $7 originally and it cost me only $2.99, so you can readily see why I bought it.

My jumper is a red and navy blue checked material with two lines of white between the squares. It's a rayon and wool mixture, has a very full gathered skirt with large pockets on either side and two large straps (about 4" wide) crisscross to compose the top. The straps meet in the front. The back of the skirt has red buttons all the way down. It’s cute and well worth the money. I'm wearing it today. It's a real pleasure to have something nice to wear to work. I've been wearing the same old two skirts week in and week out. and this new jumper lifts my spirits, even though it is so inexpensive.

Ruth’s dresses are lovely. One is a black silk with a low cut round neck, puffed sleeves, gathered skirt with slash pockets and the neckline, sleeves and pockets are trimmed with black glittering sequins and black net ruffles. I tried it on first, but I look positively horrid in black. Aqua and red are my colors, but definitely, Ruth didn't want this dress at first, because the tag said it was a size nine. After I had tried it on I was convinced that it was larger and made her try it. She looks very well in black and the dress fitted her nicely. It was a $15 dress, marked down to $9.

Just before the store closed my eye caught another number - an aqua gabardine that was positively stunning. It is made on the order of my beige sailor (what use to was) and the collar is edged with aqua fringe and has large gold hobnails all about the edge in a fancy design. It buttons down the front with large buttons that have an edge of gold, the material composes the next part and there is a large gold nail head in the center. On the sides are large pockets, trimmed the same way, with fringe and nail heads, This dress was $20 and was cut to $11. I practically had to hit Ruth on the head to get her to buy it and when she got it home, she liked it better than the black. I'd like to have it myself but it looks better on her and does more for her than it does for me. I can wear it too, but I would have to wear it with a fine gold belt. I have such a small waist that it is slightly large about the waist. All in all we got excellent buys and came home very tired, but more than satisfied.

It was way after 12 when I got to bed and Adele woke me twice. In fact, she woke me that many times the past few nights and I feel a bit haggard due to lack of sleep. Adele is getting her two year molars and is teething something awful. She doesn't eat a thing, but I don't bother to give her anything unless she asks, and she usually asks for something.

When she awoke this morning she [sic] her skin was a bit rashy, as it usually gets when she is teething. (just about the cheeks). I said that her skin looked funny and she was very hurt. In fact when we were all downstairs and eating breakfast (Harry, Goldie, Mom). I mentioned that Adele's skin looked rashy. Adele piped in with, "Mommy my skin isn't rawshy, it's chapped!" I couldn't help laughing at the remark. What a kid!

I forgot to tell you that we are all chipping in $6 a piece for a colored girl, who is working for us for three days to clean up the place, which isn't livable any longer. Well, the first day made such a difference, I almost felt at home again. Imagine paying $6 a day to a girl when I don't even make that myself! Well, it just had to be done and that's that, (That, incidentally, is why we were all eating breakfast so early, so that we could be finished before the girl came). She's a good worker and the place really should look nice when she's finished.

Today, on my way to work, I missed the el at 8th & Market and decided to roam about Gimbels basement while waiting for the next train. In those few minutes. I managed to buy myself two pairs of "third grade stockings which are perfect as far as I am concerned, for 44¢ a pair. I paid $1 a pair recently for the same junk and they ripped quickly. I'm treating myself good this month, as you may have noted. I don't have a decent bra, slip or blouse left and those three items are next on my shopping list.

I didn't mention that it is closing time and I am working on this again.

Today your V-mail of March 5th arrived and informed me that you had received two packages, one containing your shoes, the other the film, gum, etc. I'm glad you told me not to get any more cigarettes, cause I had intended buying a carton, if I could get it. I'm back home, as you must have guessed by the change of type. There isn't much in your letters that inspires comment on my part, except this: It is funny that my letter to the War Bond Office should be endorsed by you. It's nice to know that everything I do leads to you. Your birthday v-mail was very sweet and thanks for being so thoughtful as to my birthday and the doll for Adele. I'm sure Adele will take to the doll just as she will take to you - she'll take it right into her heart. I'm sorry you're so disappointed at my not taking a picture for you. I didn't have the opportunity to fix up when I decided to take Adele to Lorstan and since I didn't look too well either I decided against it. I rushed to get Adele down there and had no time for myself. As I told you, I'm having the photographer come to the house to make a picture of Adele, Mom and myself and that will probably be done about my birthday. As I've told you Adele hasn't been resting and I'm feeling sort of tired these days. I want to look well if I take a picture. You know, sweet, I still have another coupon from Brunel studios and I think I may have a picture of Adele and myself made, if you'd like that. I don't have any exceptionally good pictures with Adele. First I'll finish with Lorstan and then we'll start with Brunel, okay? Speaking of pictures - I'd like to get a gander at some of your likeness. It's been a long time since I had some pictures from you. By the way, Adele can count up to 12 by herself. I wish you could hear some of the things that come out of her. We love you, darling.

Your Eve

P.S. Didn’t get the opportunity to say as much as I wished, but want to get this off, so am posting it anyway. More, tomorrow. I love you sweet!



13 March 1945

Ev, Dearest

Seems like the only thing I have to write about anymore is the movies. Last night, as I told you in yesterday's communique, I saw (and heard) "Rhapsody in Blue.” Well, Sweet, I'd need a lot of time and space to tell you how thrilling a film this one is. Sufficient to say that I haven't enjoyed a picture more in years. The music and life of George Gershwin are superbly played and portrayed, and the cast seemed to put everything they had into it. Robert Alda is George Gershwin–I don’t believe I’ve seen a more convincing characterization. Joan Leslie is still one of the cutest and most talented gals in pictures, and Al Jolson, Charles Coburn, Albert Basserman, Alexis Smith, Hazel Brooks, Paul Whiteman, Oscar Levant and others in the supporting cast weren't hard to take either. By all means, Chippie—see this one! Just got back from seeing a picture that you might like—as it stands. I thought that it had tremendous opportunities for humor and tender pathos if they had been developed. The picture is "The Impatient Years” with Jean Arthur, Lee Bowman, and Charles Coburn. I recommend it to wives of absent soldier-husbands, but not to the soldiers (it’s a silly business as far as they are concerned—who ever heard of a soldier that would choose to sleep on the floor, even if his wife were practically a stranger to him? See what I mean?) So much for the movies—

I had half-hoped that the proofs of the punkin would be along today but I wasn’t entirely disappointed, ’cause your V-mail of 5 March was in the mail. It was written in long-hand (Eddie had taken the typewriter) so it was rather short. Was glad to learn that Jack Gutkin did get home after all. Too bad he has to come back, though—Glad to hear that you and Mom got out to the movies together, too. It warms me just to contemplate it—it really does!

In closing, you remind me that 5 Mar made 19 months since we saw each other—as if I need to be reminded! But be very sure, sweetheart, that if it takes another 19 months or 19 years, I'll return to you with all the love I ever bore you. Time ceased to exist for me the moment I left you, and the day I return will be just as 6 Aug/43—you’ll see! Just have faith in the love of


Your Phil



March 13, 1945

Dear Evelyn:

No mail from you since I wrote you last, but I have plenty of time now, so I’m dropping you a few lines. At the present time, I’m in the Hospital, & came in the ninth of this month. It’s nothing serious, though, and only have a small sore on my toe, and they put me in here, to keep me off my feet, as it needs rest to heal up quickly. I guess I’ll be in here for a week or so. I need a little rest anyway, & this sure is the place to get it, & suits me fine. To tell you the truth, though, I’ll be glad to get out, as I can’t stand too much of this laying around doing nothing. They put hot towels, & water bags to my toe three times a day, & it’s clearing up nicely now. The food here is fairly good, but we don’t get enough of it, & I stay hungry most of the time. Asking for a second piece of bread is like asking for their right arm, & I’m not joking either. The Hospital is only about a ten minute ride from where the Company is at. There are a few other boys in here from the Company, & I see them every day. We get our mail here daily, as our mail orderly brings it to us from the Company. They have a movie here also, & I have seen one fairly good show since I have been here. The only reason that I haven’t seen more is that it was raining the other evenings. It’s raining now, & it looks like no show tonight either. From the looks of the sky, I don’t think it will clear up for tonight. This sure is the life here, beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, & boy that bed sure does feel good. I sleep like a little baby at night. We even have pajamas to wear, how about that. What’s new going on around town, & how’s Harry making out these days. I still haven’t heard from Phil, & I’m going to write him another letter tomorrow. Well, Evelyn, I’ll close for now, as I’m out of news. Give my regards to all. Write you again soon.

As Ever,
Milt

Post #602 - March 12, 1945 I Promised Ruth I'd Go to Frankford Avenue with Her Immediately After Work and Help Her Select a New Dress and What I Wouldn’t Give to be Comfortably Ensconced in that “Home Sweet Home” of Mine!

 

March 12, 1945

My dearest,

This is the first opportunity I've had to write since the 9th. In fact, were it not for the fact that Mr. Bellet had to leave for about two hours, I doubt very much if I would be able to write today. I've been so uncommonly busy that I am fairly exhausted. I'm typing this on Mr. Bellet’s time and I know he'd be darn sore if he knew it. But he's such a stinker that my conscience doesn't bother me in the least.

Mom called me this morning and told me that there are three v-mails, an air-mail letter and a bond from you waiting for me, and after waiting so long for mail I'm most happy about the whole thing. It's about time I began to get some regular mail! As to the contents and answers, they will have to wait until late tonight, or possibly tomorrow.

Saturday morning I came into work with my Dad and Mr. B, as usual. Mr. B. came back from N. Y. without anything for either Ann or myself and we've both come to the conclusion that he's full of B.S. And how! This Saturday, however, was a little different. I worked overtime till 2:45, my dad, till 5:30. Mr. Bellet bought our lunches and the only reason I couldn't stay later was due to the fact that I had promised Miss Hahn I'd be over.

I headed straight for Miss Hahn's when I finished here and got there about 3:15. I hadn't expected to be so late and she was worried about me. She was really happy that I came and I got there just before a heavy rainstorm. We got right to work and by six o'clock I had finished all my work, but I had to read it back and that would take at least another hour. So, she asked me to dine with the family and stay and finish. I called my Mom and she said it would be okay to stay; that she would put Adele to bed if it were too late. I had a delicious dinner and a really nice time there. After dinner I read back the work, she paid me nicely and I got home a bit after eight.

Ruth was in the process of readying Adele for bed and I took over. After Adele had her milk and was in bed I washed some clothes, and cleaned her shoes. Adele still wasn't asleep and wanted to play. Ruth and I took her in the big bed and let her lay with us for a little while. I wanted to rest a bit too. After laying about 15 minutes I put her back in the crib and Ruth and I went downstairs, where I started to iron a few things. By the time I finished it was about ten, so I knitted until 10:30 and hit the hay.

Adele woke very early Sunday morning, (darn it) and I had cleaned our room, made our breakfast and was out with her by ten. It was cold, but we stayed out till 11:30 anyway. I had promised to deliver a book for Miss Hahn in the 5100 block of 8th St. and that's where we headed. I know the woman very well, in fact I was the one who referred her to Miss Hahn, and I sat there a short while, while Adele played with the kid's toys. When Adele and her playmate started to get out of hand, Mrs. Okun gave Adele two lollipops (which satisfied her, completely) and we left. I stopped at Fay's and Betty's and then we walked about the block several times,

Adele had lunch and was in bed by 12:15. I ate my lunch and went up to nap, feeling very tired. However, there was no sleep in Adele and she played in the crib. I lay down in Mom's room, hoping to sleep, but I heard Adele playing rather noisily and went into the room to see what she was doing. She had wet her pajamas and had taken them off (the bed was dry - evidently the pajamas had absorbed all the wetness) and was sitting there nude. She had pulled the bobby pins out of her hair and her hair was hanging in her face. Boy, was I mad! By this time it was almost 3 o'clock and she was exhausted. I put her under her covers and went to find something to put on her. When I got back she was fast asleep and I didn't want to disturb her.

Then I lay down in peace. We were expecting the Browns, but they couldn't make it at the last moment. Instead, every other member of the entire family made an appearance, You'd have thought we had a party or sumpin' from the crowd that appeared. I continued to nap, cause I was tired. When Adele awoke (about 5) I dressed her and myself and we came down. The visitors only stayed a while and left just before supper. The following were present: Uncle Sam, Pauline, Cookie, Etta, Nat and Vicki, May, Harry, Emma, Thelma (Emma's, sister-in-law with her little girl Marilyn), Lena, Barbara, Phyllis, Ethel, Al - well, I think you get an idea of what it was like. Somehow I just can't stand that many people at one time and I was glad I got down just before they left,

Uncle Sam gave Adele 50¢ for her penny "binke" and she gave him a big kiss for it. Unc is so crazy about Adele and she about him that I just wish you could see the expressions on their faces when they hug each other. In fact everyone is so genuinely crazy about Adele and it is so apparent you could see it a mile away. Everyone thinks she's "so pretty"!

Adele had her dinner and then we all ate. After dinner I bathed Adele, washed her hair, combed it with the fine tooth comb very thoroughly and set it. I washed her clothes and when I finished Mom asked me to go to the movies with her and I thought it was a good idea. We went to the Lindley to see "None But the Lonely Heart" with Cary Grant and it was entertaining, though it left one with a funny feeling.

You must be wondering why I cannot write this evening. I promised Ruth I'd go to Frankford Avenue with her immediately after work and help her select a new dress. I probably won't get back till very late and will have a few things to do when I get back. Tomorrow I'm going to get to bed early if it kills me and catch up on my rest.

Enclosed is a pin-up gal and my remark is as follows: "Is that what they call it now" Just in case I don't get the opportunity to write further this evening, I'll say I love you, darling, and I miss you so much!

Your Eve



12 March 1945

Dearest Chippie,

Received your V-mail of 1 Mar. this afternoon. It gave me the glad tidings that your darling daughter's pictures are on the way. It was most considerate of you, darling, to mention it in this V-mail rather than keep me in suspense.

Was surprised to learn that Dot is back home again, and was delighted to hear that Snuff is OK now. Give my best to Dot, and tell her that she mustn’t hold it against me that haven't written to her in so long, and that I most certainly would—if only I could!

I'm still plenty busy in the Orderly Room, and it is doubtful if I’ll be able to take a pass on the 14th, when I’m due. I would like to get in to see Bert and Evelyn about then—I haven’t seen them this year yet! 

There are two movies scheduled on the station tonight (1) “Rhapsody in Blue”, at the Aero Club, and (2) "The Impatient Years” at the theater. Since the former is only showing this one night, I will see that, and catch up with the latter tomorrow. (Isn’t it a shame how I don’t get to the movies anymore?)

What else can I tell you tonight, Chippie, unless you are interested in the fact that the weather is getting nicer each day? Any day now, I expect the ole “Spring fever” will be getting me down - (maybe in more ways than one—if’n you know what I mean!) - Which reminds me honey, that you asked in a recent letter why I didn't speak of home for so long. Well, baby, the plain truth is that it does me a whole lot of no good to even think about that sorely missed and indescribably delightful place, (of a thousand fond memories) - let alone knocking myself out writing about it—I trust you understand—But since I’m on the subject (I can see you grinning about now)—how is the old homestead? You must know, my little buckaroo, how dreadfully desirous I am of attaining to my former happy status as “head man” of that heavenly haven, that more than any other place in the world, was “home” to me—Ah, baby, what I wouldn’t give to be comfortably ensconced in that “home sweet home” of mine! Right now, tho’, you’ll have to be content with all the love and adoration I can convey by the written words: I adore you, Ev. Love to my punkin, and all from


Your Phil

Post #601 - March 11, 1945 Everything I Did Seemed to Go Wrong

 

11 March 1945

My Darling,

No mail again today, and it was such a typically routine day, that I hardly know what to write about tonight—suppose I start with the weather (maybe I’ll think of something in the meantime—). Well, there wasn’t much sun, but it wasn’t raining either, which in itself makes it a nice day (for these parts). The biting frost has disappeared, and it appears that Spring is creeping in on us. I don’t know why it has to creep—God knows, it will be welcome enough! It was a bad day for me, though, as far as my work was concerned. Everything I did seemed to go wrong, and I was as nervous as a cat by the end of the day.—Tired, too! So much so, that I lay down on a bunk to relax right after I left the Orderly Room. But I didn’t rest long, ’cause Klein wanted me to go to the movies with him, and because I can relax there as well, or better, than any other place, I went along with him—even tho’ I knew the picture was a stinkeroo. It was “One Body too Many” with Jean Parker, Jack Haley, and a mediocre cast. It was a mystery that exaggerated all the movie tricks in an attempt to make it funny, and it did have its moments, but they were too few and far between to compensate for the long dull intervals. The Snack Bar was too crowded to warrant sweating out the queue (“line” to you, Sweet), so we came right back to the company area. I started this right after I reached my hut, and I’ll be relieved when I get to the bottom of the page, ’cause for some unaccountable reason, I’m unusually weary this evening, and can hardly wait to turn in. Gee, baby, if I only had you to snuggle up to tonight—! Reminds me of those evenings when, during the process of readying ourselves for bed, we felt too weary for anything, and tacitly agreed on “nothing” (“not tonight”) but somehow always would up with “something,” and I do mean sumpin’! G’night, honey. I love you.

Always

Your Phil

Post #600 - March 10, 1945 We May Well Be Seeing the Final Phase of the War in Europe

 

10 March 1945

Evie, Dearest,

There was no mail for me again today, and because I am still trying to catch up with my work, and have very little time for relaxation, I find it more expedient to use V-mail. I hope, Sweet, that the brevity of my letters this past week is compensated for by their speed in reaching you. Last night, I told you that I was going to see “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Well, Chippie, I wasn’t one whit disappointed. It is a very clever sort of film. The humor has a  universal appeal, and the acting leaves nothing to be desired. It is very entertaining, and I enjoyed it hugely. I know you would, too, honey, so don’t pass it up if you can possibly get to see it. The concert at the Aero Club was all but over when Klein and I got there, but we did get to hear the tail end of it. At that, I think the instruments employed were more interesting than the music. The trio consisted of a harpsichord, a cello, and a seven-stringed violin of ancient vintage and beautiful workmanship. It was a very full day, and I was thankful for my bunk at the end of it.

Today, (another busy one), brought the exciting news that our bridge head across the Rhine is being rapidly exploited, and that the jerry is becoming more and more disorganized, and is surrendering in increasingly large numbers. We may well be seeing the final phase of the war in Europe, honey, and the prospects for an early end of hostilities grow brighter daily. I can well imagine what you are feeling these days, my darling, and I pray that your fondest hopes will soon find fulfillment.

I haven’t forgotten that gift of yours that Bert has wrapped and is holding for me. I expect to be able to get into town on the 14th to see the Woolfs; in which case I will surely mail it off to you on the 15th. Sorry I couldn’t mail it any sooner, darling.

Give my love to Adele. Love to all. I adore you, sweet Chippie. I am

Your Phil

Post #599 - March 9, 1945 A Short Letter Daily Would Be More Welcome than Any 22 Page Letter and There is Nothing in This World as Precious to Me as Your Love

 

March 9, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Today, after an eight day wait, I finally received "a" letter! At the moment, I am so very utterly disgusted with you, that I could scream. I was terribly disappointed, so much so that I can't shake off the mood. I would not write at all, but I've swallowed disappointment after disappointment and apology and apology until I want no more. Your v-mail, dated March 1, was the first inkling I had that you had even taken a furlough. The last letter I received from you, some eight odd days ago, was dated Feb. 14th and a 22 page letter, all at once, just won't make up for the time lost. Phil, when you see people all around you getting mail regularly, and knowing that they had mail up to March 2nd, what would you feel? Why is it so necessary for you to be apologizing to me so constantly for not writing? A short letter daily would be more welcome than any 22 page letter, after I've eaten my heart out daily with anxiety waiting for the letter to arrive. No thank you, I'll take the regular mail any day. Besides I don't usually have the time to write a lengthy letter in response and I dislike when queries go unanswered. By the time you answer some of my queries I've just about forgotten what I'd asked you and they are stale. I keep making excuses for you to myself, but even that doesn't help any more. All I know is that I don’t write unless I'm physically not able to or I don't want to, preferring to do something else and let the writing go, which is not the case with me. I'm tired of writing to a blank wall and I don't care to do so any more. I'm sure you have been receiving my letters at regular intervals without too much of a break in between and if I can't have yours the same way without this eternal waiting, waiting, waiting until my nerves want to crack, then I'm simply not going to write. Guess I filled this sheet pretty much to capacity already and rather than end it on a sour note, I shall let it go at that.

Mr. Bellet went to New York for the day and we had a very full, quiet day for a change. He ought to do it more often and give his employees, a break. I wonder if he'll keep his promise about the gift. He was so deadly serious, but most people usually sound better than their actions indicate.

We had another clear, sunny day that was bright, but cold. I went to work a little earlier and actually enjoyed working today. I felt so disgusted with you that tears came to my eyes before I realized just how badly I felt. Tell me, so I correct whatever misgivings you find in me or do I keep on making apologies for them?

There were no questions in your v-mail that I could answer and I shall await arrival of your 22 pager, hoping that it will not take weeks to arrive and that there will be other mail to accompany it. I'm glad you liked the snap of Adele in profile, but I can't see how you could possibly like the one of me, because it was very poor. Adele is beginning to get into everything and I think It would be good idea if I got her to bed. Good night, baby, I love you so much and want to ask you a special favor. Don't let me down like that again! I don't like it.

Your Eve

9 March 1945

Darling Chippie,

Just have time enough to dash off a few lines tonight before taking off for the movies, and then a concert at the Aero Club. The picture tonight is “Arsenic and Old Lace.” If it’s anything like what I heard about the play, then it must be worth seeing. The concert will be played by a trio using antique instruments, and should prove interesting.

It just occurred to me, Sweet, that this will reach you on or about our 4th anniversary. I’ll be missing you more than ever, baby, when 20th of March rolls around, and I’ll be remembering some of the happier times we had together, and recalling that all-pervading sense of contentment that I know when we were inseparable—that made our life together so wonderfully happy. Ev, dearest, if being away from  you so long has taught me nothing else, it has taught me that there is nothing in this world as precious to me as your love. Without it, life would be meaningless and without attraction. It is the hope that I will one day return to it and you that sustains me ever in the monotony and drudgery of my daily routine. Never, for a moment have I ever thought of you, my darling, without being conscious of a feeling of wonder at my unbelievably good fortune in being able to win your love. Little did I realize, my Evvie, that on that dream-like evening of March 20, 1941 I was securing to myself a wife that would, in the next few years, endear herself more to me than she ever did as my sweetheart. (Truthfully, Sweet, I couldn’t perceive how that might be possible—then.) Sometimes, Chippie, I find myself wondering if you can ever possibly know the fullest extent of my love for you—if you could ever actually feel exactly how I think about you—

In closing, a loving kiss and hug for our very own punkin, bless her! My love to the Moms, and all the Strongins and Pallers. Remember me to our friends the neighbors. Above all, be very sure that I am

Your Phil