Post #628 - April 12, 1945 Harry W. Thinks You are Mad at Him or That He Didn't Treat You Right When You Visited Him and Here on the Eve of Victory, After Doing So Much to Make It Possible, Our Great President has Passed Away

 

April 12, 1945

My darling,

I hardly know how to say this, cause I'm sure you'll feel just as badly as I do about it. I broke the bracelet quite by accident first thing this I morning and I feel so badly I can't throw off the mood. It cracked right on the side of the heart and I felt as though something inside of me cracked. I could never use the bracelet as it was, so I can't understand why I'm so let down. Can it be melted and remolded, or could you possibly have another made slightly smaller in diameter than this one? I have neither a bracelet or a wrist watch and would very much like to have one or the other. I've even thought of matching a bracelet to the moonstone set, but I wear the moonstone set so infrequently that I wouldn't think of it at the moment. Everyone thinks the bracelet is lovely and different and the workmanship is perfect. Exactly how do they shape these things anyway. Shall I send it back to you if it can be repaired! I shall be waiting your reply and hope that something can be done.

Mom and Ethel have both been asking me to write a little on Harry W. It seems that all his letters to the folks contain information that he is most disappointed at not hearing from you. He thinks you are mad at him or that he didn't treat you right when you visited him, so both Mom and Ethel have prevailed upon me to get you to drop him a line and reassure him, as he feels very, very badly about it. How's about it?

Phil, I am writing this after work - I just received the terrible news of President Roosevelt's demise and it has taken so much out of me that I am shaking. It is not even as much a blow to the nation as it is to the Jews in particular. How could God be so cruel! He was so tired! God grant that those who follow in his path be as good and wholesome as he was. It's so awful, just the thought of it. Naturally, I didn't believe it at first, but it is true and a shock to every single person who loved and respected him.

It's really difficult to say anything after the shock, but I do want to tell you that Betty Jane finally arrived and she is positively lovely. In fact she is the loveliest doll Adele now possesses. The company who forwarded Betty Jane is one of the company's from whom we purchase most of our dolls and they make nice stuff. I'm still heartbroken about the bracelet and will see If I can do anything to have it repaired. If it isn't possible, would it be asking too much to have another made? I'd also like to have two tiny hearts of plexi-glass that could be made into earrings, so that it would be a complete set. I put the bracelet together with Duco cement and it seems to be holding, but I can't wear it as it is because it is too large for me. If you will recall I have very, very tiny wrists. But enough of the bracelet. Adele is as pleased as punch with her new asset and I'm sure were you here you'd receive your full share of loving sentiments from her. In the meantime I'll have to send them along with an equal portion, and perhaps more, of my love for you. I received your v-mall of April 5th today and it requires no comment. I shall await your letter of the date previous. I am and always will be

Your Eve

12 April 1945

Dearest Darling,

I've been and come from the Davies'. That doesn't sound like much in so many words, but I assure you it was quite an experience. In the first place, it was a very long trip to make just to be able to spend a full day with my friends at Meadowcroft, but I expected the visit to be worth the trouble before I ever started, and I'm pleased to state that I wasn't one whit disappointed. There was one drawback, however, Sweet, and I'm hoping that you will overlook it. As usual, I spent the evening before going on pass getting ready for it, i.e. bathing, shaving, and getting my clothes in order. That is why I couldn't write on that date. I left camp at 12:30 on the afternoon of the ninth and after riding constantly 'til 12:15 A.M., arrived finally in Middlesbrough, where Doctor Davies and Commander Healy met me. About 8 o'clock in the evening, when I changed trains at Doncaster and had an hour to kill, I called them on the phone. Realizing that I would get into Middlesbrough about midnight, I told the Doctor that I would stay over in a hotel there and come out in the morning. But he wouldn't hear of it and insisted on meeting the train regardless of the time it arrived. Naturally, I felt rather guilty about keeping him up so late and tried to dissuade him, but he just wouldn't have it any other way. The trip up, while it was long, was neither tedious or boring. Three of my buddies were going to Doncaster, and I had them for company that far. They played pinochle while I read Thorne Smith's "The Bishop's Jaegers". It is an extremely entertaining book, and I was thankful for the opportunity to read it. I finished it just before we reached Doncaster. It was certainly good, when I was waiting my turn to show my travel warrant at the gate at the end of my journey, to see Dr. Davies and the Commander waiting just beyond. They both greeted me very warmly, and as tired as I was, I felt immediately that I had been repaid for the long trip by the hearty grip and welcoming smiles of these two gentlemen. We piled into the Doctor's car, and arrived at Meadowcroft in a matter of twenty or so minutes. Mrs. Davies was up and waiting for me and greeted me with every show of pleasure. For my part, I was so glad to see that dear lady that I had to restrain an impulse to kiss her. Next time, I'll not bother to restrain that impulse. Judith and her school chum, Elizabeth had waited 'til 11:30 for me to put in an appearance, but Mrs. Davies insisted then that they should turn in. An Australian flyer, Lt. Charles Carey, an old friend of the Davies', who was spending his twelve-day leave at Meadowcroft, was also waiting up for me. After the introductions and the usual amenities were disposed of, Mrs. Davies brought out cheese and bread and beer and I broke my long fast. I was starved, and I don't remember anything ever tasting as good as did that midnight snack. We all finally retired about 1:30. I shared Commander Healy's room with him. The beds were just big enough for one person apiece, but very comfortable. At that, I was so weary I could have slept on the floor! In the morning, I awoke about 9:30, and much as I would have liked to lay abed awhile longer, I thought I had better get up, 'cause I heard the others at breakfast downstairs. Accordingly, I made haste to shave, wash and dress. When I came downstairs and into the dining room, the others were all at table. First, I was introduced to a newcomer, an American G.I. from Mississippi who had just arrived about 7 o clock in the morning from London, where he works in the Judge Advocate's office. His name is Carl Weil, he is about 33 years old, and was a practicing lawyer in civilian life. Then I was introduced to Judith, who is deserving of a detailed and long description. She was, I noticed immediately, wearing navy blue shorts that revealed an athletic pair of legs (you can stop smirking, now, dear). Somehow, I had expected her to be dark-haired, and for that reason, I, at first glance thought that Elizabeth, her black-haired chum, was Judith. However, the girl I met had a great quantity of dark blonde hair worn loose and long (I know I don't have to remind you, honey, that I was always partial to that type of hair-do - or would "hair-don't* describe it better?). Her features, which are rather indeterminately babyish and without a trace of make-up, are attractive - even pretty, but they certainly give no indication of her temperament, as I soon found out. She seems to have a particular aversion for the womanly graces, bounds about the place like a 14-year old boy, and has no womanly sense of modesty at all. She is so unspoiled that she saw nothing wrong in inadvertently showing (during her frequent tussles with Charlie) a good deal more of her legs than is commonly considered decent. It may strike you that this display was born of vanity, but if you could see her in action, and talk to her, I know that you would dismiss this thought as unworthy. She's just a big kid who is too inexperienced to know any shame for her body, but is a very attractive and charming miss in spite of her strenuous efforts to play the rowdy. Too, she is very young for her seventeen years, and is just in that stage that despises the very aura of sophistication. Her parents, as I have told you, have their hearts set on sending her through Oxford, but whenever anyone even mentions school, she makes a little moue' of displeasure. She is fed up with schooling and makes no bones about it. I couldn't help feeling sorry for the kid. These are the years she should be riding to hounds (her first and only love, evidently) and having dates and fun generally. As far as I can gather, she has had very little fun and no dates yet, nor, if her parents plans for her materialize, will she have any of either for five years yet. When discussing this with Mrs. Davies, I remarked that it seemed a pity that Judith would be all tied up with schooling when she should be enjoying the best years of her youth. Her answer to that was "Well, Philip, we must sacrifice something if we hope to attain anything, mustn't we?". I had no answer to that one, although I might have pointed out that finding a husband and being a wife should be enough career for any girl. Certainly, Judith isn't the “career girl" type. One needs only to look at her to know that she was meant to be someone's wife. But maybe I'm prejudiced against careers for girls. To my mind, the average one has one function and purpose in life - to be wife and mother, and nothing else but. Guess I'm old fashioned, huh? At any rate, I tacitly agreed that there are two ways to look at it -. While Judith was passing me things across the table, bringing me tea, etc., I talked to Charles and Carl. - But I've forgotten to tell you about Liz. She is smaller and slimmer than Judith, but every inch a lady. The exact antithesis of Judith. I loved listening to them. They talk so beautifully, so grammatically, and so intelligently, that I couldn't help contemplating how different they are from American girls of the same age, and not only in comportment, either, but even more so in their ideas about everything and their current interests. However, lest I give the impression they are stodgy, I must admit that they are full of fun, and even Liz didn't consider it beneath her dignity to tease Charlie, who is deservedly a great favorite with the girls, and to roughhouse with "Tim” as they call the commander. The Commander, for his part, has the time of his life with the two roughnecks, and it's a real treat to see him laughing so hard that he's entirely helpless in their hands. After breakfast, the Doctor went off on his rounds, Mrs. Davies and the girls cleared away the breakfast things, and Carl, Charlie, and I adjourned to the living-room, where they immediately chose books from the well-filled book-cases and I put on the Elgar Concerto played by Yehudi Menuhin. This time I got to play all twelve sides of the set before being interrupted. The women had cleaned up the dishes, made all the beds and finished the house-work by that time. When they came in, we went out into the garden, which is just beginning to sprout a variety of blooms and is very colorful. Later, Mrs. Davies took us all down to show us to the butcher so that he might be moved to letting her have a little more meat than her rations called for. Evidently the butcher was impressed, 'cause there was enough lamb for all at lunch. After shopping, I went into the Doctor's office to visit with Mrs. Payne for a bit. I had a very nice chat with her until we were called in to lunch.

The Doctor comes home for his meals, and presided at table on this occasion. Mrs. Davies, who is a very accomplished conversationalist, and a very well informed person withal, kept the conversational ball rolling all through the meal. She has a very winning way of asking you about the things you would want at to talk about, but might hesitate to discuss spontaneously. Thus, she would ask me about you and the punkin; pop a few questions at Carl about his law practise, and pump Charlie about Australia. Altogether it was a most congenial gathering at table that afternoon. For dessert, there was delicious home-made goose-berrie pie, as only Mrs. Davies can make it, made even tastier by the addition of hot custard. After dinner, we (the girls, Charlie, Carl and myself) adjourned once more to the living-room, where we made ourselves comfortable around the hearth. The girls didn't stay long, though, 'cause they had to help Mrs. Davies clean up the dishes and prepare supper. The Doctor came in soon afterward, and started to read the paper, but dozed off directly. Carl and Charlie, who had resumed their reading, promptly followed suit, and yours very lovingly, not to be outdone, also dozed off. This pleasant interlude lasted 'til 4:30, when we were all called in to tea. There were a variety of home-made cakes to choose from, and lest I feel deprived, I sampled a little of each. After tea, during which Commander Healy returned, we went out to the lawn in the rear of the garden to play at bowls in the warm late-afternoon sunshine. Judith and Liz came up with a mug of beer for each of us and made wry faces while we drank. Carl and I (the Americans) played against Liz and Charlie in the first game. Mrs. Davies, coming out to watch, immediately began rooting for “The Empire,” and exhorted Charlie and Liz to give their best for it. However, since Carl and I were mere initiates to the game, her cheering was superfluous, 'cause we poor Americans were outclassed from the beginning. After they had soundly trounced us, Judith and Commander Healy played Liz and Charlie while Carl and I looked on. It was during the course of this game that I remarked Judith's entire lack of self-consciousness (I don't know what else to call it). She had put on a skirt over a pair of plain black cotton panties, which she displayed in their entirety every time she stooped to retrieve a bowl without any vestige of embarrassment. To tell the truth, she was so naively unconcerned with what she showed, that it was impossible to hold it against her. One might just as well chide a baby for the same sort of thing. I'm sure that she is the most innocent and unaffected and wholesome girl it has ever been my privilege to meet. Believe it or not, honey, I feel cheapened by the mere fact that I could even think of it as an indecent display! Do you begin to understand the girl I'm finding it so hard to describe and explain to you? Well, we played until it was time for supper, enjoying the competition, the lawn and the sun, to say nothing of Judith's teasing of Commander Healy. Supper consisted of Canadian bacon and fried fresh eggs, topped off by delicious pineapple sundaes, made with ice cream that Mrs. Davies made herself. After the table was cleared, we all went in to the living room, where the card table was set up, and the seven of us (Mrs. Davies, Judith, Elizabeth, the Commander, Carl, Charlie and myself) played a game of progressive rummy, which is a swell game in company, and which we all enjoyed. There was a great deal of good-natured badinage throughout, and a great deal of laughter. Mrs. Davies was phenomenally lucky, and just managed to come out ahead of me when the scores were added up. Then, at my suggestion, we all went up to the music-room (the Doctor was home again by this time ), where we spent the rest of the night singing. That is, the others sang while Mrs. Davies played the piano and I accompanied on Judith's violin. We played and sang English folk tunes like John Peel, Annie Laurie, Drink to me Only with Thine Eyes, In the Gloaming, Smiling Thru, various excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan, and sea shanties like Blow the Man Down, etc. Everyone pitched in, and we had a really merry time of it 'til midnight, when, tired but happy, as the saying goes, we sought our respective beds. Well, Chippie, there isn't much more to tell. I left Meadowcroft at 12 noon with Judith and Liz, who walked me to the bus, but not before I had made arrangements to meet the Davies' in London on the 30th when they are taking Judith back to school. I will meet them then at the Savoy, where they will stay, and we will all go out to the theater in the evening. The latter was my suggestion, and I'm hoping the Doctor doesn't spoil my treat by getting the tickets before I can. They have been so very nice to me that I won't feel exactly right until I have reciprocated in some way. The trip back was more tiresome and monotonous because it was in the nature of an anti-climax. Actually, though, I made better time on the return trip because I went by way of London. There was, in the same compartment on the train, a little girl of three, traveling with her mother and aunt, who was so cute and clever that I couldn't keep my eyes off her. Naturally, she brought thoughts of my own punkin to mind, and I wished very much that that young mother and child could somehow be supplanted by you and Adele. I arrived back in camp at 11 o'clock, and had a hell of a time making my bunk up in the dark. I had asked Dick Stahle to make it up for me if I weren’t back by ten o'clock, but he had to go off somewhere and delegated the job to Klein, who promptly forgot about it. This morning, I resumed my work where I had left off. It was a lovely Spring day, and what with the war news getting better hourly, I was in pretty high spirits all day. To add to it, there were quite a few letters awaiting me. They were your letter of 30 March, your V-mails of 31 March and 1 April, a very nice letter (with a smashing joke included) from Dot, and a belated card from Lil. This afternoon brought your letter of 25 March and your V-mail of 5 April. It is much too late to attempt to answer them now, darling, and since it is now 1:40 A.M. I know you will condone my closing this letter now.

Just got the lamentable news over the phone that President Roosevelt died suddenly tonight. That's fate at its most ironic. Here on the eve of victory, after doing so much to make it possible, our great President has passed away. It is too tragic to contemplate --

Good night, my darling. I haven't told you how muched I missed you and wanted you with me during my excursion to Yorkshire, but you may take it for granted that you were in my thoughts every minute. I adore you, my Evie. My best love to the punkin and all.

Devotedly,
Your Phil

Post #627 - April 11, 1945 April 13th will be H & G's Second Anniversary and They are Out Celebrating this Evening

 

April 11, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Well, dearest one, I must admit that your very long letter of March 20-24 nearly floored me. No, I am terribly sorry if I gave you the impression that I wanted you to have relations with other women - I don't, but definitely. As for that time in bed when I mentioned something to that effect, I said, "I don't think I would mind" - but I think differently now. I would mind, very much. The only reason why I spoke as I did was because it seemed to me that you were very, very standoffish and more or less shy with strangers, particularly women, or, at least that was the impression I had of you until I received your 22 page manuscript. What I meant, and this is the God's honest truth, was that I wanted you to relax and not be so formal and observant when you are with the opposite sex.

In several of your letters you seemed so prudish that it amazed me. For instance, dancing with other girls. I sometimes wish that you would dance, so that you'd pick it up and become more adept at it. You only learn from practice, you know, and now's your time to practice. I don't want to give you the idea that I am encouraging you to go out of your way in this connection, but it seems to me that you'd enjoy things more if you took part in them and not be too conscious of what other people would consider the formal, proper thing. Many were the times when I felt that I was "trying" you in this respect and you know darn well that I don't like to make you do things you don't want to do unless you really want to. I think you are kind of "stiff and proper" about many things and I feel you'd do better if you weren't so conscious of it. You know, sweet, in a way it would be changing you. I love you because you are you, but I feel it would be to your benefit - that's all. If you wish to pay attention to what I've said is entirely up to you. I realize how hard it is for one to change his attitude, so that's why I merely said to "relax and have fun - ”

I started this at work and am continuing at home. I do feel that a woman is more self-sufficient sexually in any case than a man (of course there may be exceptions) - but I'm sure you are one of the exceptions. There have been times when I felt very badly because you could not have sex relations or have someone to love a bit as I love Adele. However, I know that once you return we’ll make up double for all the time that passed. No, darling, everything you feel in this respect means as much to me as it does to you. I am terribly proud of you for your constancy, which brings me to quote a remark Petey once made, "I think Phil is the only guy I'd swear for -" As for your concern in connection with my constancy, let me say this: "There is and will always be only one guy in this world for me and that guy is you no matter what." Enough said?

A large portion of one sheet was cut out of your letter. You spoke about a hum in the sky and the rest was cut. Another something we'll have to save for "some day".

The "gee-gaw" arrived today and I could scarcely wait until I got home to open it. I had an idea all along that it was a bracelet and it was just what I wanted. Can you imagine my disappointment, then, when I found that the bracelet was not molded correctly and does not fit my wrist properly. In fact it falls off if I move my arm a bit. Do you think it can be remolded correctly? I'm very much surprised that you didn't notice it yourself. It doesn't even fit Mom's arm properly and she has a much heavier arm. If you had tried it on your wrist I am sure you would have noticed the defect. I'm really heartbroken, cause it is very lovely and should look very well with the heart locket. Thanks so much anyway and perhaps we can do something to have it fit properly. It should look very nice engraved with some sort of a gold finish, but I think it would be smartest to wait, because I'd like to know the bracelet fits properly before I do have it engraved.

Mom received your Jewish letter of April 1 and was quite thrilled to hear from you again. There was no mail for me, but I am looking forward to something from you tomorrow. Betty Jane still has not arrived and I hope she'll show up soon to satisfy Adele.

Yale and Shirley are in town on a surprise furlough. They were here this afternoon and promised to stop here again before leaving, so that they can see me. Shirley's sister, who used to live on 7th St., now lives in Oak Lane. Mom tells me that Shirley is carrying very small. Remember Renee and Meyer? Well, Renee gave birth to a little boy a few days ago. The Browns called to tell us that they finally had word from Syd that he landed safely,

April 13th will be H & G's second anniversary and they are out celebrating this evening. Harry had promised to buy her a good gold band for her wrist watch, but once they got in town they found the prices ridiculously high and gave it up as a bad job. So she'll settle for a cord band. Her original cord band wore out and broke.

I saw Fay yesterday and she told me that her mother has decided to take that apartment down the shore and Fay will leave for the shore next month for the entire summer. She invited me to come down any weekend I wished with Adele and she'd put me up. I thought that was kind of nice of her. Whether I'll be able to take her up on it is another question, although I hope to on at least one occasion, providing you aren't home by that time - I hope, I hope, I hope -

I'm glad you passed your test in typing. Do you mean to tell me that they as much as intended to take your Cpl. stripe away if you didn't pass! Boy the Army sure does have its nerve! It was a close call and I'm glad you made it.

I am enclosing the snap that Goldie's relatives made of Mom, Adele and myself sometime in February. Mom doesn't look bad, but Adele looks terrible. I think I look best of all - don't you - and the funniest part of it all is that I wasn't made up or combed up. How about that! Just shows to go you!

Adele is her normal self once more. I happened to get to talking with several of the mothers in this neighborhood and discovered that their children are going to receive only three scarlet fever injections and a Dick test, which is supposed to be the very latest method. I called Dr. Gayl immediately to inform him of this, as the mothers had told me that their children had no ill effects whatever. Dr. Gayl gives anywhere from five to seven shots and then a Dick test to see if it proves. He explained that the 3 shot method is brand new and hadn't been proved as yet. Since such was the case and since he knows definitely that the old system works he asked me to please continue and I shall. I told him I hated to make Adele suffer unnecessarily if it could be prevented and he told me he was doing all he could to see that she didn't. Adele is her normal self and even ate a bowl of cereal for the first time in months this morning. Her appetite was good all day and we both slept like logs from 9:30 last night till seven this morning. Need I say how good I felt after such a night of rest.

I bathed Adele, washed her hair, washed some clothes, showered myself, washed and set my own hair before starting this and because it is now 11:30 and I am falling asleep on the typewriter, I shall good night, darling, I love you dearly, and wish very much that I could cuddle up to you. In fact I think I will. - move over and make room for

Your Eve

Post #626 - April 10, 1945 Dr. Gayl Warned Me that This Shot was Three Times as Powerful as the First and That Adele Would be Very Ill

 

April 10, 1945

Dearest Phil,

If it weren't for the fact that I am able to type this at the office while waiting for Mr. Bellet to return to the store and take us home, I wouldn't be able to write at all today. He had to take his daughter-in-law to the station, as she is leaving to join her husband.

Last night was one of the most hectic I've had in months. Immediately after reading your v-mail of March 31st (no comment) and having dinner, I took Adele to Dr. Gayl's. The office was packed, so I stayed outside on the front step with Adele - and whom do you think I met? Helen Breslow had just come from the hospital, where she had been visiting her dad, who had a serious operation performed on his stomach recently. She was surprised to learn that I know her cousin and asked me to stop over. Her dad is progressing nicely.

The nurse at Dr. Gayl's, office let me take Adele into one of the inner rooms, where I played with her until he was ready to give her the injection. For the first time, she cried a bit when the needle had been injected. She stopped almost immediately after, as I let her run around at will and the nurse gave her a lollipop. However, Dr. Gayl warned me that this shot was three times as powerful as the first and that she would be very ill. He gave me a prescription to give her in case of repeated vomiting & suggested I give her aspirin. He looked at her feet at my request and said she still has a bit of tendency to turn her toes in, but that it was okay for her to wear low oxfords. He thought it would be good idea to continue with Dr. Lefkoe and have the correction put into the oxfords, providing Dr. Lefkoe will permit oxfords. When I got off the bus Adele and I walked over to Ringer's where I had the prescription filled at a cost of $1. It is a powerful prescription and can only be refilled at the doctor's written request. It was after ten, when two very tired and sleepy gals fell into the house. I gave Adele the prescription, against her will, and some tea and lemon. She was soon asleep. I lay down as I was, for I was much too exhausted for anything else. She awoke again at 1 A.M. and several times after, to throw up. When she finished throwing up, she said, "Mommy, I don't feel good." I just wish you could see how much of a soldier she is! She held it until I could get her into the bathroom and over the sink. I carried her on my shoulder after the last shot to still her and to get her drowsy. She slept peacefully the rest of the night (from 3 to 7), so you can see how much rest I had. Adele felt much better this morning, but, as the doc said, she was "peaky" and very cranky about most anything. I left for work late, as she seemed to be alright. My mom told me, over the phone, when I called, that she was cranky and wouldn't eat much and that Ruth had her out in the walker. The first day is the worst one, so I'm happy that it is nearly over. Mom called earlier in the day to tell me that your "longie" in the blue envelope had arrived, so I am looking forward to it eagerly and will respond first chance I get. I'm going right to bed this evening, cause I'm tired! Not too tired to tell you, baby, that I adore you and am hoping that you will soon be with

Your Eve

Post #625 - April 8, 9, 1945 We're Selling an Unprecedented Amount of Flags

 

April 8, 1945

Dearest Phil,

This is the first opportunity I have had to write since the 6th. On Saturday I went to work as usual and after work I had lunch at H & H with my dad and went over to see Ruth at Lerner's and select something for her to buy me as a birthday gift. I settled for an all wool, white, red and jungle green płaid pleated skirt.

By the time I got home it was much too late to visit Sylvia, as I had intended, and I called and begged off until today. Your letter of the 30th March waited for me (with proofs enclosed) and I enjoyed the contents about the seder, etc. I shall try to return the proofs one day this week, but it may have to wait until next Saturday.

Mom and Goldie and Diana had gone to visit Ethel, so Adele had dinner at my mother's. After dinner I brought her home, bathed her and put her to bed. Then I had my dinner alone (Harry went out to eat) and proceeded to sew, wash, etc. I was about to take a shower, when they returned, bringing Rae along to stay the night. I showered anyway, pressed two blouses and then had tea with them.

This morning, bright and early, I dressed Adele and myself, after having breakfast and cleaning a bit, and we went straightaway to Sylvia's. The weather today was perfect and the short ride down to Sylvia's on the 47 trolley took about 15 minutes. We spent the entire day there. Sylvia's sister-in-law Sylvia came over with her little boy (20 months) and Adele and Stephen played together. It just so happens that Sylvia's sister-in-law is a cousin to Helen Breslow (do I hear you saying this is a small world). After lunch Adele was ready for a nap, and much against her will I took her upstairs. She napped in Sylvia's kid sister's bed. When I first put her in the bed she said, "Mommy, this isn't my bed. Take me home, I want to go to sleep in my crib." However, five seconds later she was sound asleep and slept for two whole hours. Before putting her to bed we took some snaps, which I hope will turn out well.

Speaking of snaps reminds me - here are those snaps Petey made of Adele and me last Sunday. Everyone seems to think our little one looks, of all things, "skinny"! Do you??? I don't. If she does it is due mostly to the poor shadowing. The snaps are very poor, and I'm surprised, for it was a beautiful sunny day when they were made.

Tante Bosh and Uncle Nish came over to Sylvia's later in the afternoon and the day sped by quickly. We had dinner and departed for home about 7:30. Both Adele and I enjoyed ourselves immensely, especially Adele, who made herself right at home. Once home, I bathed her, washed her few pieces of clothing from the day, and am typing this before hitting the hay. Phew - I'm tired! I didn't realize just how tired I was until just now. By the way, Tante Bosh looked better than I ever remember seeing her. She wore an expensive gray gabardine suit, expensive white, laced trimmed blouse, black accessories and showed off the new watch and wedding band, which represented early Mother Day gifts. Her new band is of gold, yellow and white, The wrist watch is pink gold with six diamond chips and about ten rubies. She bought the watch from the fellow who promised to get a watch for Eddie, at only $135.00, which is darn cheap for such a wrist watch. Unc also looked well. They have not. heard from Syd as yet.

It is rather late, honey, and I'm itchin' to get to bed. Sure do wish I was havin' company - but who's to know - maybe you'll be here before we know it - "ola vie,” as Lil would say.

Good night, darling, I love you so much!

April 9, 1945 

I am continuing on this at work. Mr. Bellet went to Young's this afternoon - Goodie-goodie and we're making the most of a good thing. It was too late to post this last night anyway. There are two things I have to comment about - I'm glad the Army has finally decided to pay for your trips when you decide to travel about - that ought to get you additional pocket money and make it easier for you to "save???", if such is possible. I have been telling Adele about Betty Jane for weeks and she keeps asking me when Betty Jane will come. It seems to me that Betty Jane is overdue now. Can you do anything? Perhaps she has gone lost or something. I'd appreciate if you'd inquire. It's a mistake to tell a child anything, unless you can keep your word almost instantaneously, or they bother you no end about the promise. Adele said this yesterday, "My daddy's in the Army, he can't come home." I was in bed at 11:30 last night, but Adele and Diana both woke me last night and I awoke feeling very tired this morning. I've been feeling very tired all day long and I'm glad for an opportunity to write before going home, as I must take Adele to Dr. Gayl's this evening for her third Scarlet Fever injection. (this is suppose to be the worse shot of all) Undoubtedly I'll be exhausted by the time we get back and I intend to get right to bed. I'm hoping that Adele's reactions will be light, as she is very difficult to manage otherwise. Mom called to tell me that there is a v-mail from you. Your letter of March 20th still has not arrived.

Incidentally, does this new ruling of the Army paying for traveling expense apply to soldiers overseas only?

Yesterday I received a belated birthday card from Gloria (forever late) Strongin - a really cutie card. Whatsamatter with me - I can't type without making two errors in one word today. I also received the notice to pay Adele's insurance, which is due April 22nd. I gave notice at the bank to withdraw the money and will pay the premium next week.

I bought a 5¢ stamp at the postoffice today, intending to write to the Davies’ before the week is out. I'm having a terrible time getting any letter-writing done, so you'll have to forgive the long delay.

You say you are counting the days till the end of the war - do you really think it is just a matter of days and not weeks? I hope you're right. We're selling an unprecedented amount of flags, so plenty of other people have the same idea. As I've said before, "seein' is believin'"and I won't believe it until I see you, sweet. I guess you sort a guessed that I'm "Sweet" on you and that I can scarcely wait for the moment when I'll see you. For the moment, dearest, here's a hug and kiss - just to hold you until you can hold

Your Eve

Post #624 - April 6, 1945 Today, Incidentally, is My Brother Jack’s 17th Birthday. If the War Doesn't End Soon, the Army will be After Him

 

April 6, 1945

Dearest Phil,

No mail for four days now and I'm beginning to wonder at the hold up. I'm fairly up to date on my mail, but when mail ceases after two to three days I begin to wonder, especially when one is writing daily.

I took the J bus and the Frankford el to work today. When I got off the J bus I stopped at a shoe store and bought myself a pair of low-heeled toeless and backless black leather shoes (I had seen them several weeks ago and had decided to buy them when the opportunity presented itself) that cost me $7. While there I also bought myself a pair of black and silver beaded clips for the shoes I bought from Ruth and they cost me $2. My new shoes are very plain, d'orsay cut fronts and you'd really be surprised at the low heel. I need one more pair of oxfords and I'll be sufficiently outfitted with shoes. Those copper-colored oxfords I bought last year are the most comfortable pair or shoes it has been my pleasure to possess and I have been giving them daily wear.

Last night, rather unexpectedly, Mom and I decided to go to the movies. I don't know whether you saw "Keys to the Kingdom" (I can't keep up with you on the movie situation) but if you didn't, it’s a "must". I enjoyed it thoroughly and I'm sure you would, too. Both Mom and I didn't decide to go until after nine and we had to rush a bit to make it. As it is we came in just as the picture started. Before leaving the house I washed a few of Adele’s things. When I finished I went into our room to get my bag and Adele, who evidentally overheard us talking, sat up in her crib and said, "Mommy, I want to go to the movies wid you—" And here I thought she was fast asleep and I could leave immediately. However, I told her she had to be a good girl and go to sleep and I would take her on the bus Monday night. She agreed and I left a few minutes later. She went right to sleep. That's the kind of report I like to give. It was four weeks since I had been to the movies and the relaxation did me good. I was in bed at 12:30 and up at 7:45, so I didn't lose much sleep.

Yesterday I received a long letter from Gloria and she said that Jack gained 20 lbs. since he is overseas. On him it should look good - but I hope you haven't gained an ounce. Today, incidentally, is my brother Jack’s 17th birthday. If the war doesn't end soon, the Army will be after him. Glo’s letter contained nothing else of importance to mention, but she may be in Philly within the next few weeks for a visit with us.

I gave notice at the bank to withdraw $53.82 for Adele's insurance. I intend to write to the Benis’ when my notice to pay arrives, as I haven't written to them for months. I'm hoping, sweet, that there will be some mail for me tomorrow. I love you, dearest, and you know darn well that I am

Your Eve

Post #623 - April 5, 1945 How I Wish You Could See Adele When She’s Especially Cute and It’s Entirely Possible That We Are Now Experiencing the Final Days of the War

 

April 5, 1945

Dearest Mine,

Am starting this at the office and will have to finish at home. Today marks the 20th month of our enforced separation and I recall that you said it would be at least a year and a half to two before you would rejoin me - I wonder just how close you guessed. Will it be two - or closer to three? I'm praying that you are right and that you will be with me before the second year is up.

The news today that Russia will not renew her pact with Japan is another spirit-lifter, although it had been more or less expected. V-E day is far off - but does it mean that I'll see you - that's the burning question. Of course I'm happy that V-E day isn't far off, and I know what it will mean to the world, but do you blame me for wanting to see you so desperately. Darling, I just love you to bits and as you said in a recent letter. "It grows and grows until I don't know where I'll hold it.

I haven't had any mail from you for three days and I shall be expecting a few letters when I finally do get something. That longie you wrote on the 20th and 24th is overdue. The air-mail letter we had from Eddie Strongin yesterday was dated the 24th.

Last night I got to bed early (10:15) and was asleep shortly after I hit the pillow. Adele went right to sleep after I bathed her and washed her hair, so I had a bit of the evening to myself - and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I even knitted on her sweater a little while, but the progress on said sweater is very, very slow. It’s fine wool and takes a lot of time before anything worthwhile to see is had.

It was actually cold today and the wind howled furiously. Adele kept imitating the wind. Baby, how I wish you could see Adele when she’s especially cute. I understand most kids become very fresh when they reach the age of four (It's one of their crazy stages again) and I sure do hope you'll have plenty of time with her before then. She's very fresh at times and she knows she can't get away with much when she starts with me. The other day I gave her a book to read. Before turning the pages, she wet her forefinger and thumb, so that it would be easier to turn them. When I asked her where she learned that, she replied. "Nanmom showed me." Her tense is atrocious at times, but she'll learn.

Diana stood up in her crib alone for the first time today, and almost all traces of her cold have disappeared. I see I’m short on space, so I’ll tell you once again that I adore you, sweet Phil, and will end off with a sound hug and kiss.

Your Eve

5 April 1945

Dearest Chippie,

There is precious little to write about tonight, due to the fact that there was no new mail, and my activities today were purely routine. Nevertheless, I will try to scrape together enough news to fill this V-mail—

Last night, I didn’t get to bed ’til after midnight. I was busy ’til then typing that thankless letter to you. All day today I felt depressed by the memory of the things I said, and kept asking myself if I meant it all. I think I can now honestly state that I did and do, but that doesn't detract from the fact that I regret most bitterly that you made it necessary for me to write as I did. I'm exceedingly apprehensive, too, that you may not take my words in the spirit in which they were meant, and the possibility worries me considerably. However, I would be little better than a coward if I refrained from stating my objections merely because of the fear of repercussions. If I had that the letter to write over again tonight it would be the same word for word and I’d still place my trust in your innate sense of justice and the love you bear me. I pray darling, that you will justify that trust.

The weather cleared today. It was good to see the sun once more, and the blue skies. I was busy all day writing and typing the Company History, and had to work ’til 6:30 to get it done.

It is becoming increasingly evident, Sweet, that the jerrys have just about “had it,” and it’s entirely possible that we are now experiencing the final days of the war. I am still entirely in the dark as to what will come after that, but you know that my prayers are for that long-awaited re-union with you, my dearest, and the punkin and the family. God bless you all and keep you well for

Your adoring Phil

Post #622 - April 4, 1945 I'm Doing All I Possibly Can Do to Gain Weight and I Have Good Cause to Know, Chippie, What Store You Set by Money

 

April 4, 1945

Dearest Sweetheart:

I didn't get the opportunity to start an air-mail letter last night, as I had promised in yesterday's v-mail, so will make up for it now.

Upon arriving home and finishing dinner, I went over to my mother's to get Adele. She wasn't feeling or looking well and most of the evening was spent in trying to get her to bed. She seemed a bit feverish, so I gave her the chocolate aspirin Dr. Gayl prescribed and a warm glass of tea with lemon. Being very irritable I had a picnic getting her undressed and into her pajamas. Once she was ready for bed and had partaken of the aspirin and tea she was okay. She lay her head on my shoulder and I walked about the room with her, singing to her until she became very drowsy. She was fine all night long and awoke feeling very chipper this morning.

I rested until she fell asleep soundly and then proceeded to wash some clothes, shower and set my hair. When I finished I went downstairs, had some milk, filed my nails, knit for about 15 minutes on her sweater and listened to the radio. I purposely sat up till 11, wanting to pick her up and put her on the toddy before retiring for the night. As it was, I came upstairs to find her in a pool, almost up to her ears (from the tea) and that's the first time she's wet the bed in ages. I changed her and the bed and she went right back to sleep,

So you can see, honey, that I had a full evening and though I did want to write, I could not. Guess you won't mind too much for I shall try to make this as long as I can.

There was one other thing I didn't tell you about Jack Nerenberg. He has a new address: Pvt. J. Nerenberg, 32,983,798, Co. A, 34th Bn., Camp Crowder 8, Mo. When I told you I had received a letter from him I neglected to note the new address. I wonder what he's doing out in Missouri, especially now that he's engaged and planning marriage. I wrote him a rather lengthy letter and expect a reply with the next few days, at which time we'll both be enlightened as to his present situation.

It may interest you to know that I'm doing all I possibly can do to gain weight. I'm resting whenever possible and mean to gain weight, no matter what I have to do. Of course there are times when I have no choice, but for the most part I'm not doing anything beside my job and taking care of Adele, which is enough in itself.

We gave the parlor covers in to be cleaned and it will cost $4.50 for the job. We're all chipping in toward the total amount. It's about time the covers were cleaned anyway, as they haven't been cleaned in two years.

After days of unusually warm weather, it turned very cool today. It was too warm for this time of year anyway, so it's just as well.

I am typing this before I go to my mother's for Adele. I started it at the office and am finishing at home. We had a letter from Eddie Strongin telling us that he was going to visit Jean Levin, who is stationed at Verdun. I haven't had any mail from you for two days (ain't it arwful?) and undoubtedly there will be something for me tomorrow. So, long for now, sweetness, I "yove" you so much and I want to hold you in my arms -

Your Eve

4 April 1945

Dearest Darling,

Yesterday afternoon brought your long typed letter that you started on 3 Mar, and finished on 4 Mar. I was so burned up by it that not even some of the very nice things you say served to dampen my anger. This was the letter, too, which brought those lovely pictures of Adele taken in the house. More about them later, but right now I want to tell you, Sweet, that all last night I was so annoyed with you because of the attitude you took about my discontinuing the bonds that I didn't trust myself to write. If I had, I know I would have said a lot of things I might have regretted. Evidently, from the tone of voice you used, you considered my action in the light of a heinous crime against you. Oddly enough, I don't feel that I did anything wrong. I needed the extra money, and that was the only means I had of raising it. As for the things you said about the means I chose to buy your and the Moms' gifts, and how you felt about them as a consequence, I can only say that I could hardly believe what I read. I have good cause to know, Chippie, what store you set by money, but I never dreamed that it was more important to you than the gifts I bought with it. To be perfectly frank, for the first time since I know you, I felt a sense of shame for you. Perhaps it is my fault that I never put my foot down in matters of this kind, but I'm telling you now for the first and last time, I will not stand for you calling me to account for how I spend my money, I realize that it is as much your money as mine, but I claim the right to do with part of our income as I see fit. When I spend “our” money on extravagances, I shall expect you to criticize me for it, but when I want to give you or Adele or the Moms something, and you baldly state that you wouldn't accept it if you knew it was at the expense of the allotment I get so damned mad, I can't see. I despise the type of person who is so mercenary that he loses any appreciation for the other little things. God knows, baby, you have also spent “our” money for gifts, and to a much greater extent than I could ever presume to do without you risking your displeasure, I, too, might have pointed out that the money you regularly spend for birthday gifts and other gifts for all and sundry could also have been put in the bank, but you know I wouldn't dream of calling you to account for any amount of money you might care to spend. You know that I feel that you wouldn't knowingly spend money unwisely, nor would I question your right to do so if you so saw fit. I expect no more nor less than the same treatment. Needless to say, you have driven any further thought of gift buying completely out of my mind by your attitude. Moreover, and I can't help feeling this, I hope you gain some pleasure from the fact that you have done a very complete job of robbing me of the pleasure of giving those things you have already received and have yet to receive, When you receive the gardenia corsage, for instance, I hope it occurs to you that the money I paid for it, together with the money I paid for the Moms f'lowers and the punkin’s doll and the cosmetics (that, from today's V-mail acknowledging their receipt you said were so *wonderful") and the bracelet would have bought almost two of your precious bonds. Rarely, in my whole life, have I ever been so humiliated as I was by your letter. I can't warn you too strongly, Ev, against persisting in your attitude. More than once, I have found it necessary to caution you that your regard for money and the things it will buy is much too strong for my taste. I'm sick to death of the way you harp on it, and I don't want to hear another word about it - even by implication. Remember, Eve, that as much as you condemn my tendency to "free handedness" with our money, just so much do I decry your preoccupation with it. Unless you give me a free hand with "my” funds, as I do you with yours, we're going to have some really serious disagreements. I'm all too aware that you don't trust me with money - (at least to do as you would with it), and you have ample cause to feel that way, I grant you, but you must also concede that I also have some rights in the matter, even if I do feel justified in sacrificing two bonds for the sake of buying gifts. Furthermore, I shall spend or save my money according to my sense of values with out deeming it necessary to advise you how or why. Since we can't agree on how it is best to use money, I think it is only fair that my opinions and wishes be given equal consideration with yours. You ask me if I don't think $8 is a lot of money for the packages you sent me. Having a pretty good idea of what $8 means to you, I can only say that a lot of money is putting it mildly, it's downright exorbitant! - Much too much to spend just for the sake of giving your husband a moment of pleasure in receiving it, and I trust you didn't compute, too, what part of that $8 worth went into the bellies of my buddies! I feel downright guilty that I was the cause of you spending $8 that might have otherwise gone into the bank account - I really do. Your big gripe, I think, is that the $28 I used to draw before I discontinued the allotment for the bond was sufficient for my needs for a month. True enough - it is quite enough for my customary needs, but it just so happened (because I felt like it) that I wanted to send those gifts - but I'm talking in circles - I think you get the point. To close this miserable letter, let me say that I tried not to write it, but when I'm tread on (as I consider I have been in this case) I instinctively strike back. My instinct to spare your feelings on this occasion was overruled by the other - that is all I can apologize for. No doubt all the foregoing will make you feel very badly, my darling, even to tears, but to compensate you for that know that nothing has brought me closer to tears in years than this letter of yours. Not for any sense of guilt on my part, but for bitterness and regret that you could say what you did, you might just as well cut me with a knife as tell me you are disgusted with me. You don't know me at all, Chippie, (or you have forgotten) if you thought that I could read your letter without being very greivously hurt by it (as you so naively "hope" I won't be), - But I have said all I am going to say tonight. If I have not defended my actions to your satisfaction, Chippie, you may be very sure that it is only because I hate the thought of having to do so for you. Please, if you love me, never make me do so again.

I'm in no fit frame of mind to write of other things tonight, my sweet; at the moment I only feel an overwhelming desire to hold you close to me and let the sweet balm of your body soothe the ache of the anger and mortification that is in me. I love you so much, my Eve, - Perhaps that is why you hurt me so easily. I know that I have hurt you in turn, my darling, and I'm sorrier than you can ever know that it was necessary, but I trust you to understand the necessity for me to save my own self-respect, and, possibly, yours. I trust, too, that you are acute enough to profit from this letter. Good night, my darling, and if I've brought the tears, here's a kiss for each one, I love you - always. Try to forgive

Your Phil