Post #453 - September 11, 1944 It is Surprising That I Can Find Time for Everything Somehow, Isn’t It and I Lay Down to Grab About 40 Winks—and Didn’t Wake Up ’Til I’d Grabbed About 40 Thousand

 

Sept. 11, 1944

Dearest Sweetheart

Received yours very lovingly of Sept 2 and 4, one of which contained the brooch. It is lovely and I shall get a chain for it first chance I get. Theresa suggested that I make a pin out of it, which is also a good idea. Thanks so much, honey, and if only I could hug and kiss you for it! I can anyhow, if you'll use your imagination a bit. By the way, sweet, I have another request for an 8th Air Force insignia from Ruth. If you can get one for her I'd like her to have it; if not, well that's that.

Phil, our little radio is deader than a doornail. It stopped playing several days ago and it will cost $8.50 to have it fixed. I had decided to sell the radio rather than pay that price to have it fixed, but I don't feel that it is worth $8.50 to have repaired. I could get a good price for it now and we could buy a white cased radio after the war for our bedroom and a large one for the living room. I seldom have the opportunity to play or even listen to the radio and Mom and Harry being the only two that derived any pleasure from it I thought perhaps they might chip in just a wee bit to ease the cost to me. Since such is not the case I'm not particularly fond of expending a large sum of money at the present time. My dad has promised to take it to several places to try to have it repaired at a lesser cost and if he is successful then, and only then will we have a radio in the house. Would you want me to sell it or hold on to it, sweet? Since it is yours, as well as mine, and a wedding gift in the bargain, I though it best to ask your advice. Adele once knocked it over when Mom was taking care of her, and she broke the handle on top and one of the knobs which is used to regulate the stations. Otherwise, nothing was wrong for the radio has been playing all along. I shall wait to hear from you.

I also just completed a letter to Evelyn and Bert. Since I do not have the bottles or nipples, I told them I would send them along if I could get them and if not, that I would appreciate if they would request something else for the baby. I have so little time to really shop, honey, or to do many of the things I would like to do.

I broke the ice last night by taking in a movie. I treated Ruth to a movie and some ice-cream at Ben's. The picture, “White Cliffs of Dover" was excellent, but left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. How can one person endure so much! I don't recall if you saw the picture. Did you? Irene Dunne was the star.

Phil it is positively uncanny the way we think of the same things at the same time. For instance, your letter of Sept. 4th warned me not to expect you home directly after the war in Europe ends. I think you will find that I wrote about that very same subject just about the time you did. It hurts so much to know that, Phil, and I could cry and cry and cry about it. However, we shall wait and see exactly what is going to happen. If you have to, you have to - -

We had a censored letter from Seymour today, care of Fleet postoffice N.Y. saying that he had been assigned to the U.S.S. New Yorker. I wonder where he'll wind up?

I had a flock of letters both Sat. and today from Syd, Phil, Glo, Jack N. and Milt. Phil has been transferred from Tacoma, Wash. to Atlanta, Ga. where he will attend a surgical technician school for three months. As he said, "Pop said I had mazel and I do". In case you want to write to him, his address is Pfc. P. S. 33.310,990, Lawson Gen. Hospital (ST school). Atlanta, Ga.

Jackie didn't say much, except that he was seeing a lot of Marilyn and that nothing is definite. yet. He'll probably write to you shortly. I owe him a letter, but want to wait til a duplicate set of the snaps is ready.

Syd wrote the usual letter and said he wasn't mad that I hadn't written all this time. I'm going to try to get a letter off to him tonight, if time allows. It's pretty late already.

Glo informed us that she will visit us Sept. 23rd (I wonder if you recall that particular date) and asked me to reorder some of this stationery for her.

Milt wrote the nicest letter I've had from him since he went overseas. They had moved out of the jungle onto a beach and had some decent food and a cot to sleep on for the first time in a long while. He killed several more Japs. He says the natives there are a big help, carrying their food and supplies for them.

You ask me in your letter to tell you how it feels to hug Adele "for the third time". It's hard for me to put it down on paper, but, honey, I will say that next to love of man and woman and their embrace there is no more beautiful feeling than the arms of a child. She is soft, smooth and very cuddly not to mention responsive. She loves to love and isn't at all bashful. She hugs me very tightly and kisses me on the lips just as you would. Now, ain't you jealous, Sweet?

Ruth and I got the biggest kick out of Adele last night. After her bath I let her lie on our bed and Ruth and I joined her. We sang to her for a little while, until she started to sing herself (uh uh a baby) and suddenly Ruth broke the silence. I said, Ruth, shut up and Adele piped in with the exact same words. It sounded so funny coming from her and since neither of us heard her say it before, we both burst out laughing. She also says "top it" for stop it. What a kid! Phil, if only I knew you'd come home soon - - -

Gloria complained that Jack does not receive enough mail from home. On this particular occasion I mentioned that Glo writes to Jack as often as I write to you and that you never get any mail from us at home. There are always excuses, excuses that just make me mad at times.

I promised to make Diana an outfit and intend to start just as soon as Goldie selects the wool. Goldie says she has no patience to knit, but I reminded her that I don't have the time or the patience, but no one will do it for me, which quieted her, but good. I'm most anxious to make the baby a nice outfit, especially in view of the generosity of her family as well as Harry and Goldie, and it is surprising that I can find time for everything somehow, isn't it.

I didn't get to bed til 12 for the past few nights and since I fully intend to get some semblance of sleep tonight I'm going to sign off right this minute. I worked as usual today - things are very routine at the office. Phil would you want me to work til you come home and perhaps for a short while after til we were settled financially or quit before you come home? I was wondering what you thought about it. I'd like to know where we stand before I give up this job with it's favorable hours - but we'll leave that up to you too. Baby, I love you so much I just don't know what to do or say. Darling - -

Your Eve

11 September 1944 

Dearest Evvie,

First I must explain why I didn't write yesterday. The truth is - after a pretty hectic day, I lay down to grab forty winks - and didn't wake up 'til I'd grabbed about 40 thousand. I was as mad about it as you must be, ’cause I'd received your long typed letter of 28-29 Aug 44 and your V-mail of 1 Sep that afternoon, and I had fully intended answering them in the evening. Please accept my apology, Sweet - and I'll try to make it up to you here.

Your V-mail of 3 Sep arrived this afternoon, so now, I have three of your letters to answer. Before I go into that, I flatter myself you'd like a few sentences about what I’ve been doing these past coupla days. Well - yesterday found me pounding the typewriter practically all day on a miscellany of letters, forms, etc. You already know how I wasted the evening—please, no recriminations, now! Today - same thing. I was busy typing from 8 A.M. ’til well into the afternoon. Afterwards, I played eleven games of ping-pong on our new table against five different opponents and won them all, which explains why I’m in a pretty good humor right now. Another factor influencing my rather mellow mood, is that we had ICE CREAM at supper for the first time in about seven months. It wasn't very good, as ice-cream goes, but who can be fussy after so long a time without it? Mentally, I’m pretty tired right now (do you sense it?) but I'm fighting off the desire to relax until I finish this. Now, let’s see what your letters call forth.

You were feeling "unusually good” when you wrote on the 28th due to the fact that you had received a couple of my letters that day. You explain that Mom and Harry and Goldie wanted to help me out in the bond drive, but just didn't get around to sending the money. It's good to know their intentions were good, but good intentions didn't raise our total one little bit!

But I don't intend to re-open the subject. You say that Harry made a “terrible stink" when you went back to work. He might have had some justification for his objections if you had left the punkin on Mom’s or Goldie's hands, but since you were forced to leave her in your Mom's care, I can only say he had a colossal nerve in even venturing an opinion. As to that, I have a few opinions that I never aired cause I didn't want to start any dissension among you, but don’t for a minute, Chippie, think that I am entirely unaware of what goes on back there or that I am forgetting it. Don't even give a second thought to the possibility that we will live anyway but alone once I get back. 

You declined to answer my letter of the 20th Aug as I had asked you to, but you asked me to “remind“ you to do so "sometime". - Well, I'm reminding you. Sure would like to hear what you have to say on the subject, Sweet. 

Then - you tell me all about your visit with Mike and Frances and Norma. I enjoyed reading about it, honey, and I'm glad you had a nice time. I certainly would like to see those "movies" Mike made of you and the cheesecake, but I guess it will have to wait for the duration plus—, ’cause I don't know where I could get my hands on an 8 mm projector. Have you invited them up to visit “us"? I haven’t had a reply to my letter to Mike, but if I don't hear from him within the next few days I'll write again and thank him for the good time he showed you and the punkin. By the way, how old is Norma?

Adele's new trick of saying "daddy, dear" intrigues me and makes me wonder if she enunciates the "r" in dear" (Why do I pick on these inconsequentials"?) I didn't think that 8th Air Force pin I sent you would make such an impression. Truth to tell, I've seen prettier ones, and I mean to send one along for Mom as soon as I can get into town to see Bert. He sells them. Makes me wonder how that brooch I sent along will strike you. You want to know what I think about that table and chair set for Adele - - I already knew that you had bought it, but it sounds like a good idea, anyhow.

I got an idea that Snuffy, being an experienced machinist, will wind up in an Ordnance outfit - at least, he should.

You say he wired from St. Louis, and then (naively) "Guess he’s headed for the west coast - er sumpin'," - And then, because you “haven't time to start another page this evening,” you ended your letter - rather abruptly. But I'm not complaining, sweetheart, ’cause it was quite a long one, and made delightful reading.

Sorry, honey, but I must sign off now, ’cause the guys are all in their “sacks" and clamoring for me to put the lights out. Just want to remind you that I love you very much, and that I'm keeping our "date" faithfully. My dearest love to the punkin. My love to all! Remember me to the Frommers. Good-night, baby mine - snuggle up close - closer - that’s it - ’night, Sweet.

Lovingly,

Your Phil

Sept. 11, 1944

Dear Phil,

Well, the army finally got me! I guess you have known for quite a while now. As you can see I am at Camp Claiborne, La. and if there is one place I don't want to be is down here. The sun is hot and l do mean hot and we just can't go through a day without having a good rain. You take your clothes off wet from perspiration and put them on again in the morning just as wet as when you took them off. You can't wear underwear twice even if you want to. That means that I have a good wash every week. I can't give it to the laundry as you never get back what you give them.

I hear Evvie hasn't heard from you in quite a while, so l guess that you are now in France, behind the lines I hope.

I was supposed to start basic today but went on sick call instead. I can see two black spots with my right eye whether it is open or closed and wanted to find out what caused it. All I got out of that was some drops. If that doesn't help which I don't think it will, l'll keep going back until I found out just what is wrong.

I had a nice trip coming down here from New Cumberland and had a five hour layover at St. Louis. I took a walk around the town and say they have a damn nice U.S.O. club there. I had played ping pong with one of the boys for an hour and got in a little dancing at the same time.

Well Phil let me know what is doing with you as I would like to correspond with an old friend like you.

The one and only Snuff.

Post #452 - September 9, 10, 1944 A Big Fire Broke Out Under the Vanity and We Had a “Live” Subject as a Topic: “Demobilization”

 

Sept. 10, 1944

My dearest,

It is about 4 P. M. and I have just finished cleaning. Adele woke up a short while ago and I dressed her all in pink, with a large pink bow in her hair. Ruth has her out in the walker, so that I may write this and get dressed and catch a bit of rest.

I started to write yesterday, but was too tired and went to bed instead. Ruth tells me she has described in detail the various things she brought Adele. Well, baby, I just wish you could see your dotter in the blue jersey and dubonnet jodhpurs! They fit her to perfection and then some. The blouse is adorable and also fits beautifully. Ruth brought you some salt water taffys and I shall mail them off this week along with the bottles and nipples, which I hope to get. Ruth also brought Adele a two-way doll, with a black face on one side and a white face on the other - and - a cake of soap shaped like a fish that has a very pleasing odor.)

I worked yesterday morning for four hours and shopped on Broad St. for groceries when I got off the subway. Later I went shopping with Ruth and Adele and bought Adele a lovely pair of dark powder blue corduroy overalls and myself a pair of stockings, I also bought two decals for her table and chair set and Ruth put them on the chairs. They represent the figures of a teddy bear, duck and a bunny. I'm going to get a large one for the center of the table. It makes the set more attractive. I paid Mr. Bellet another dollar and now owe only four on the set. Someday I'll tell you some stories about Mr. Bellet and that table & chair set.

You should have been here this morning. Boy was I excited! I was cleaning our room and was about to remove one of the torches when a big fire broke out under the vanity - but I mean a fire! The cord from the torch was broken right at the lamp (on the bureau) end and had been sparking. When I went to move it in order to dust I caused a short and the wall, varnish on the floor and cord created a big fire. I screamed to Mom, who was in the bathroom for water and immediately withdrew the extension from the wall (the fire broke out on the floor between the cord end of the torch and the extension cord). I spilled the water on everything, just to be sure. Boy was I nervous when it was over! Adele gets frightened when she sees I am and I was plenty frightened. Even she began to cry. Now she keeps mentioning me - Momrny - fire! When I ask her who made the fire she says, "Mommy".

And, Phil, Adele repeats after me every single letter of the alphabet. I have noticed that her only fauIt in speech is that she can not say "k" or “c". For instance, for candy, she says "tandy" and for cake, "take". I was up at the shoe store to see if the corrective shoes came in, but still no luck, So I hasten to tell you that I can notice no fault whatever with her walking at the present time. However, I shall let her wear this particular pair of corrective shoes and then I hope to get her oxfords. She also counts up to ten, but usually when I say two she follows up with six (those two seem to be her favorite numbers).

Gosh, honey, I could go on for hours talking about Adele and things I want to do, etc. I saw a gorgeous pair of vanity lamps, crystal bases with dubonnet shades and priced them, only to find that the pair would cost $26. And we hesitated to spend $22 - remember? Oh, Phil, darling what I wouldn't give to be able to take you in my arms now and tell you that I adore you and that I am and always will be

Your Eve

9 Sep. 1944 My 

Darling,

Your V-mail of 30 Aug. arrived this afternoon to brighten up a pretty dull day! This morning, after I cleared up and mopped the Orderly Room, (part of the chores of the CQ), I shifted my bedding to my own bunk and proceeded to catch up on the sleep I missed last night. I had to get up three times during the night. 2:45 to wake the cooks, 5:00 to wake the K.P.'s, and 6:30 to wake the company. I didn’t even bother to undress. This morning I slept from 8:30 to 11:00, when I went to lunch.

This afternoon, just after lunch, we had our weekly "bull session.” The Army calls them “orientation talks". An hour each week is set aside for this, and usually about half the company participates. The idea is to discuss a predetermined subject, but invariably the allotted subject is either pretty dry, or a dead issue, so we discuss anything and everything we happen to be interested in. Today, for a change, we had a "live" subject as a topic: "Demobilization. We discussed the pros and cons of the plan as we read it in the Stars and Stripes, with everyone professing a rather gloomy outlook as to his chances for getting out. It all went pretty smoothly until one of the guys took exception to the fact that married men with dependent children are given consideration over the single men. Usually, at these talks, I manage to get into the discussion. Today, I had made up my mind not to open my trap. But when that guy made that statement, I felt impelled to speak up for my side. Anyhow, while nothing is ever decided at these bull sessions, it was a pretty lively discussion, and I, for one, enjoyed it. 

Your letter started off with the complaint that my mail subsequent to the 20th Aug, was overdue. I guess you know by now, Sweet, that there just wasn’t any for about six days after that - and why. Hope the news I gave in my next made up for all those mail-less days.

You tell about buying a flock of new things for the punkin; the table and chair set, new bonnet, jacket, overalls, and sweater. As the benefacted party's father, I feel I owe you some expression of gratitude. Thanks a million, honey! And tell our little hostess (serving coffee hmm!—I might even say "fancy that"!) to wear everything well, and that her daddy will be delighted to sup with her just as soon as he can break away from the more pressing business of the moment.

I expect you'll be making and sending along some pictures of Adele in her new outfit, Baby, and I just want to suggest that you so get into the pictures. Don’t disappoint me this time, Chippie.

Sorry you're experiencing some delay in getting those corrective shoes for her, but I'm glad that we know definitely now that her trouble isn’t serious. Wish I could be there, Baby, ’cause every time I look at those chubby little legs in her pictures, I feel an urge to massage and shape them with my own two hands. I'll bet it wouldn't do any harm. Did the doc suggest anything along those lines? Seems to me regular massaging might work some of the extra weight off them and tend to tone up and strengthen the muscles. What do you think, Ev?

Bet you know what's coming next! That's exactly right! Move right up to the head of the class, Evelyn—or better yet, come on over and sit on teacher's knee. Ah yes, massage your legs isn't half bad, either! mmm! where was I? (Better cut out this foolery before I drool all over this nice clean paper.

Now that I've worked myself up into a lather of longing and homesickness, I’d better sign off right here and now. But, gee honey, if I could only—

Definitely!

YOUR Phil 

P.S. Send the candy, etc.

Post #451 - September 8, 1944 Lots of Children are Not Going to Go Back to School Until There is a Definite Decline in Cases and It Pleased Me Mightily that Everyone Goes Out of His Way to Stop In and See You

 

Sept. 8, 1944

Dearest Phil,

Last night was a killer diller. I was amazed at the way the family conducted themselves, but the trouble is I didn't come in til all the fireworks were over. To begin with my beloved Uncle Morris brought Bessie along as a mouthpiece and in the end my Aunt Sally conked my Uncle Morris on the head with her handbag. My Uncle Morris, naturally, won't agree to an amicable settlement, but the others agreed perfectly. I've begun to appreciate that my Uncle Maxwell and Uncle Harry are "menshon" and that "there is somebody home".

I started this in the office, but didn't have the opportunity to complete it. By the way, sweet, if you will look real close at the picture of me sitting behind Adele, just above my heart you will see the 8th Air Force insignia you sent me. (the pictures I sent you yesterday)

Tomorrow we start to work Saturdays and I intend to work for the next two Saturdays to make up for my two vacations - Labor Day and the Jewish Holidays. After that I'll only go in on a Saturday when there is important work to be done.

Mr. Bellet broke his heart yesterday and gave me a tea strainer for nothing. I was disappointed in him for not giving me a reduction on the chair and table set. I guess his conscience bothered him. I’m going to let him wait for the balance of $5.00.

My appetite has picked up and I expect to put on all those pounds I seem to have lost. Soon as I get the matter of Adele's corrective shoes settled I'm going to start giving her the scarlet fever injections. Have you heard about the epidemic of infantile paralysis that has swept through the state? Lots of children are not going to go back to school until there is a definite decline in cases. There have been something like 200 cases.

Do you know, Sweet, that I haven't been to a movie for two months? I’m going to try to take one in this weekend to sort of break the record.

I’m knocking this off before eating supper so that I may accomplish a few other duties in the house this evening.

Your Aug. bond came in the mail this morning and that was all the mail we had. I had mail two days ago, but I'm anxious to have some mail again. Ain't I awful!

Eisenhower states the war will be over sometime in November. I sort of figured it will be over on Armistice Day, just in time to celebrate Adele's second birthday in a big way. Gosh, honey, it's hard to believe that she will soon be two years old.

Baby, I miss you so much and am so anxious to get my arms around you that - - - 

Suppose we put it this way - I love you very much, honey, and hope that you'll soon be with

Your Eve

8 September 1944

Ev, sweetheart,

Just received your longie of 22 Aug. Toward the end you ask me to write a little more often than the “twice a week" I had been "favoring” you with. Sorry, Sweet, that I couldn’t do any better, but now that I have a little more time for correspondence, I expect to be able to write daily, as of yore. Viz., the last few days.

Your account of Jack's visit, your trips to the Zaslows, Dave's and Hilda's good fortune, the visit of Yale, Shirley and Em, etc. etc. made very cheerful reading, and it pleased me mightily that everyone goes out of his way to stop in and see you.

You mention Petey making pictures of you, Adele and Jack. - Sure would like to see 'em, Baby.

I'm waiting expectantly for Jack's letter about his trip to New York and Philly. Hope he doesn't wait too long to send it off. 

You make much of the fact that Gotham pays Dolly $90 per month (what am I supposed to do—swoon?) but not one word about what interests me far more. Namely, what is Bill doing these days and where is he? Seems like our senses of values still don't coincide, doesn't it, Chippie? I'm equally unimpressed by the fact that Harry expects to be making between $85 and $100 per week shortly. All I can say is - good for him! Believe me, Sweet, I don't envy him one little bit. Let them pile up the shekels back there - I’ll enjoy mine more - you can bet your life on it!

As for that family across the street who lost one of their men in battle, while I sympathize with them, I don't think they are very wise to express the sentiments you attributed to them. Where do they get off condemning everyone and everything because they suffered the same loss as tens of thousands of other American families. They're a disgrace to their boy’s memory, who, I’m sure could he see and hear them, would be heartily ashamed of them. Did they ever stop to think, I wonder, what would have become of them if all the sons and brothers in the country hadn't been willing to sacrifice themselves so that their dear ones might come to no harm? Bitterness is usually born of self-pity, and self-pity, like self-praise - well, you know how the saying goes. Anyhow, I have no respect whatever for people like that.

Tonight I am CQ and I hope to get off a letter or two that I haven’t had time for these past few weeks. Think I’ll write to Milt and Syd, now that I have their addresses. Come to think of it, Syd should be coming home with the first batch, as soon as the war with Germany is over. Also while I think of it, my best love to Uncle Nish, Tante Bosh, Bebe and Miriam.

Haven't done anything today that's even worth writing about, so I guess I’ll just have to call it a letter.

A kiss for your punkin and mine, A fond embrace for you, my Ev, and love to all.

Devotedly,
Your Phil

Post #450 - September 7, 1944 Tonight My Mother and Her Brothers are having a Consultation About the Affairs of My Grandmother and Playing with the Idea of Spending My Leave in London, Now that the Black-Out is Being Lifted

 

Sept. 7, 1944 

Darling Hubby,

No mail from you today, but I did have a nice v-mail from Milt Brown and my check from S & D. And besides that here are the snaps made while Jack N. was here, I think I look frightfully thin and I'd appreciate if you wouldn't show the snaps in which I appear to the Woolfs, I like the one of Adele in the vestibule of what was once Dr. Gayl's home and we caught her as naturally as one could be caught. I like the one of me, Jack and Adele the best. What do you say, honey?

I called Mike last night and was quite surprised to hear that he had a letter from you. You failed to tell me about it and here I was calling to apologize for you. I'm glad you finally managed to write to him.

I didn't tell you yesterday that I bought another $50 bond with the remains of my allotment check and when I get your Aug. bond and the $100 bond you bought with the money I sent we shall have $925 in bonds. If everything goes alright, sweet, we shall have $1000 in bonds on Oct. 1, for at that time I shall buy another $50 bond and will receive your Sept. bond. However, my goal is not $1000 in bonds, but $1000 in cash. Think I'll make it? I hope so.

I was reading about the possibilities of a GI's getting home once Germany collapses in the paper and they don't exactly make me optimistic. There is even a possibility that you may be sent to the Pacific according to this article. It says that Air Forces and service forces almost in their entirety will be shipped to the Pacific. They also advise that it will be many months before the boys will get home. Guess they don't want us to become any more optimistic than is necessary.

Tonight my mother and her brothers are having a consultation about the affairs of my grandmother and I certainly hope they settle it peacefully. I'm anxious to know about how much of an estate she left, for there ought to be quite a bit what with insurance bank accounts and clear properties.

Ethel is crazy about the sweater-set I made for Stuart and dropped Mom a hint that perhaps I would make another for him on his forthcoming first birthday. I hope I have the opportunity to do so.

Mickey returned my suitcase after her trip to Maine and made me a little sorry I let her borrow it. There is a small piece missing on the inside and it is all beat up. Oh well -

We made a snap of Diana and Goldie with the batch enclosed, but Goldie was anxious to send it home to her folks so you'll just have to wait a little while longer to catch a glimpse of Diana. I thought the snap very good and undoubtedly Goldie will send one along shortly.

Well, honey, I’m writing this early tonight and I have still to get Adele bathed and into bed. It is a bit after eight and Mom is listening to Fleisher. Adele is busy on the porch with her table and chairs and toys. Goldie and Harry went to see Goldie's doctor so that she could have her final after-birth examination. It is unusually cool this evening and I like it that way. How I wish you were draped across the sofa! I love you so much, darling Phil and I'm so anxious to get back to a normal married life! In just a few weeks it will be exactly two years since you left for the Army the second time. God grant that you be with us this time next year and that you will have been with us for some time then. Good night, sweet, I am

Your Eve

7 September 1944

Dearest Chippie,

No mail again today. It rained most of the day, and I got soaked walking to lunch. I spent most of the afternoon drying out by the stove in the Orderly Room. I'm pretty well caught up with my work now, but there are still a few things to be attended to before I get busy on the payrolls. I had meant to take advantage of the "breather" to take a pass, but Sgt. Murphy took off, so I couldn't. Guess the next chance I'll get will be about the 14th or 15th. If I could be sure that Ed would still be at the hospital, I would go out to see him again, but it would be just my luck to get there and find him gone. It is much too long and arduous a trip to warrant taking a chance on. I've been waiting for Harry W. to reply to my last letter asking him to tell me where I can meet him, but I have not heard from him as yet. So, when my next pass comes along, if I have not heard from him, I will probably spend it with Bert and Evelyn. By the way, Chippie, have you written to them yet? I have also been playing with the idea of spending my leave in London, now that the black-out is being lifted and the buzz-bombs have stopped coming over. But I won't go until you release me from my promise, Ev, so how's about it? Mickey Brown has asked me to meet him in Birmingham, but it is so far away that t'd have hardly any time with him before I had to start back.

There isn't much else to talk about, Sweet, except, perhaps, that I learned more about the demobilization plan. From what I can gather, “the priority is the thing.” In other words, it a fellow has a lot of points accrued from service, combat, and dependent children, he has a fair chance to be placed on the “surplus" list whereupon his only worry would be “sweating out” a boat back to the States. Now, the question arises - on what basis will my service time be counted? If my year in the Enlisted Reserve (on which I am currently drawing longevity pay) is also counted as "good time” in computing the points, then I have 3 yrs.-5 mos. service to my credit. This, added to the fact that I have a dependent child, would give me a rather high priority rating. On the other hand, if they do not choose to count that ER time, I will be only a little better off in the ratings than a coupla million other guys, so you see, darling, my chances for being placed on the surplus list depend very largely on that Enlisted Reserve time. As yet, there is no way I can find out about it, but as the thing develops, I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, don't give up all hope of an early reunion, 'cause I can imagine a few eventualities that could, if they materialized, bring me home before too many months have passed. Let's just hope for the best, Chippie, and try to be patient as we are able—shall we?

My dearest love to you and the lass, darling. My love to all.

All ways and always, 

Your Phil

Post #449 - September 6, 1944 Adele has Finally Cut All Her Teeth—Hooray and There is a Reason—A Good One—That Even I Cannot Tell You

 

Sept. 6, 1944

Dearest Phil,

Today I received yours very lovingly of Aug. 31st. I'm very happy to know that you doubled your quota and I'd like to know who won the long distance telephone call. Your letter was awfully sweet and made me feel good. I guess I should write to the Woolfs, but I'm afraid I'd have to write them a letter and send it addressed to you. If I find time to write before I hear from you that is how I shall send it. I have very little opportunity to shop during the week, but on Saturday I shall scan the neighborhood for pyrex bottles and nipples and perhaps some candy for you, though I'm not too happy about sending candy along since I've heard that you “gained weight".

I forgot to mention yesterday that we had a letter from Maxie Brown and that he, too, is now in France. He said he was sorry he didn't get the opportunity to see you and he "guessed it would have to wait til the war was over."

You asked me in this letter not to be mad at you for not writing. I’m not mad, honey, but how would you feel if you didn't get mail for about 12 days? Even though, in my heart, I know you are alright, it still annoys me no end not to have mail from you. I had so little mail from you last month that I couldn't help writing as I did.

In the letters I received yesterday you mentioned whether I remember Ace. Yes, Phil, I remember him well. I'm sorry but I don't ever remember his coming to 4906, but I do remember a particular Memorial Day when six fellows and I (the only girl) went to Delaware Park for the races. Do you recall that day? It poured later in the day and my white chubby and large white straw hat were almost ruined. Yes, I remember very well how you used to warm my toesies - I wouldn't mind if you were right here now to do something of the sort to me.

Adele has finally cut all her teeth - Hooray. Phil, it is remarkable how overnight (or so it seems) she knows everything. We can actually carry on a conversation with her. This morning I said something to her and imagine my surprise at her reply, which was "Yes, indeed". I always comb her hair in the upsweep now with a part down the back of her head and she looks very, very sweet and demure with it that way. You know, dear, that the quality that I dislike most of Adele's pictures is that constant reference you make to her "fatness". Phil, she isn't fat at all. In fact she’s just about right. She is well rounded and not as soiid as she appears. That is why I'm so anxious for you to see her! Just recently everyone was complaining that she looked thin. Can you imagine! They are too used to remembering her as a chubby little thing and can't see her any other way. I prefer her to be just a little chubby, cause when they start to grow in height they usually become very skinny and if she has enough weight that won't happen. But I've just about reached the end of another missive, so I'll close now Phil dear, with all my fondest love and a long, long kiss from

Your Eve

6 September 1944

My Darling,

Today brought a lull in my activities, and I didn't do much of anything, It also brought a letter from Eddie, dated the 31st August, in which he implies that nothing definite has been decided by the hospital authorities as to the disposition of his case. He also said that he is writing home very infrequently. There is a reason for this that you may not understand, but I want to impress on you that there is a reason—a good one—that even I cannot tell you. So, no matter if he does not write at all, you must rest assured that he is perfectly well, or will be soon, that he was not hurt in any way while he was in France, and that there is good reason to hope that he may be coming home soon. All you, (and I mean the family as well) must do is to wait patiently as you are able 'til that happy day, and thank God that he has been spared you, I might also add that it would be a very good idea if you at home wrote to him frequently, regardless of the sparsity of his letters. He needs, most of all, encouragement and re-assurance—give him plenty of both.

There was also another midget edition of the Bulletin, sent along by Dottie. But there was no letter from you, my sweet. Somehow, everything looks much brighter and I am in a happier frame of mind when there is a new letter of yours to be read and re-read.

This evening, I went to the first show to see Joel McCrea and Betty Field in "The Great Moment.” It was more educational than entertaining, but what's bad about being educated?

On returning from the movies, I was just in time to hear the radio give out with a general outline of the demobilization plan as made public this afternoon. I don't know all the details, Sweet, nor will they be published before Germany surrenders, (or is over-run, which is more likely), I but from what I heard, I got the impression that the procedure is eminently fair. Doubtless, there will be hitches of one kind and another, but we must realize that they cannot be helped. The main thing is that the whole program is intended to let out those men first who have the greatest right to be out first, How this will affect me personally, I cannot even guess at this stage of the game, but it is good to know that steps are being taken to let some of us out. I'll talk more about this as I learn more about the plan and what disposition will be made of “1807." It may be a long, drawn-out process, honey, so I must caution you to keep your patience well in hand. When you are inclined to feel dispirited or discouraged, give a thought to all those wives who no more have even the consolation of waiting for their men, consider yourself fortunate that you are not one of those, just as I consider myself very lucky that I am still able to look forward to an eventual reunion with all my loved ones.

There isn't much else to say right now, Baby, so I'll say good-night for the time being. God keep you all well, and keep me safe for you. I live only for the opportunity and the privilege of bringing you every happiness I can as husband, father and son. And if that sounds a bit too dramatic for your taste, it is nonetheless, no more than the simple truth, believe me. I am

As ever,
Your Phil 

Eddie address in case you've mislaid it.
Cpl. Edw. J. Paller- 33782822 

Detachment of Patients 

4174 U.S. Army Hosp. Plant
APO 121, U.S. Army

Post #448 - September 4, 1944 I Only Tell You This to Cushion the Shock and to Prepare You for Another Period of Waiting Should I Ship to the Pacific Theatre

 

4 September 1944

Dearest Sweetheart,

Just pulling out from under the pile of work, and hope to resume my old habit of writing every day now. Couldn’t write last night ’cause I had to straighten out my foot locker, barracks bags, and get my laundry ready. I haven't received any mail these past two days, so I think I’ll hunt out your last few letters and answer those. First, though, I'll tell you something of what I have been doing. Yesterday, Danner and I cleaned up what work remained on the war bond forms. In the afternoon, I wrote up the Company History, I've already told you how I occupied myself in the evening. Today, I turned in the war bond forms and the money to the Finance Dept. and typed up the History and took it down to HQ. This took up all my time today. "Melody Jim" is playing at the base theatre, so, although I had seen it a long time ago in London, I decided I'd like to see it again and went to the first show. It's a swell musical, and I enjoyed it none the less for the fact that it was the second time I was seeing it. After the show, I stopped in at the Aero club, had a coupla cheese sandwiches, a piece of cake, and a coupla cokes. Then I stopped in the lounge long enough to hear the 9 o'clock news on the radio. Evidently, the war over here is just about finished. The papers harp on the fact that the Wehrmacht is disorganised and depleted to the point where it is impossible for them to offer any real resistance to the mighty Allied Armies rolling in on them from all directions. I wish, sweet, that I could look forward to going home after the war over here is over, but I can't allow myself to build up my hopes that way. You see, we have no inkling where we are going from here once the nazis are licked. As long as Japan remains to be beaten, we must consider the possibility that the unit, of which I am a part, may be called on to help in the Pacific theatre. If such an eventuality does come to pass, Chippie, I shall expect you to be as brave and patient as you have been heretofore, so that I may continue to be proud of you. Understand, darling, I am in no way intimating that that is what will happen. I only tell you this to cushion the shock and to prepare you for another period of waiting should I ship to the Pacific Theatre. I've learned to take these things calmly, realizing that railing against the fates can in no way get me home any sooner. Let us continue to hope, then, that I will come home after the war in Europe is finished, but to keep in mind that it must not necessarily be so.

Sorry, Sweet, but it is almost time for lights out, and I won't get to answer your letters after all. Tomorrow, I expect I'll have more time. I'll try to write a real "longie" then. Until then—Au revoir, my lovely. Remember, dearest, you are hardly ever out of my thoughts. I adore you. My best love to the cheesecake and to all the folks. I am

Your loving husband,
Phil

Post #447 - August 30, 31, 1944 Not So Long Ago Things Were Mighty Different and I Never Believed They Would Change So Much and I Sold Exactly $2085.00 Worth of Bonds in a Few Hours After We Got Paid

 

Aug. 30, 1944

My Darling,

No mail from anyone today and we’re getting sort of worried about Eddie. Gee, how I wish we would hear from him. I can't understand why I haven't had mail from you either, as my last letter was dated Aug 20th and since my mail is always five days old - well -

In yesterday's letter I asked you whether I should buy a chair and table set for Adele. I guess you'd better not bother to give your opinions, sweet, for today I bought the set. Adele simply adores it. My mother has set of metal toy dishes and a coffee pot and cups and saucers and Adele made me sit in the other chair while she poured me a cup of coffee. Yes, dear, even I can fit in those tiny chairs! We were playing house this evening. It's a solid set and I shall try to take snaps of Adele with it so that you may see what it looks like.

As if that weren't enough I also bought the following today: A stunning outfit for Adele consisting of a lovely red corduroy bonnet ($2.49) a red corduroy sports jacket and red corduroy overalls; a lovely blue sweater with tyrolean flowers embroidered on it. The jacket and overalls were $5 and the sweater $3. The table and chair set was $7.75, but I am going to pay that out a dollar a week as I am broke for the first time since I started to work. I also bought Fay’s kid a belated birthday gift - a good-looking royal blue jersey suit that Fay rather liked. That cost me $2.

All this started because I finally managed to find a ration stamp in one of my mother’s books and headed for Broad St. to order Adele’s corrective shoes. When I arrived at the shoe store, after rushing like hell, I learned from a sign posted on the door that they are closed on Weds. during July and Aug. So I'll have to go up there again tomorrow. On my way over I stopped in to see Anne and learned that Tony is now in France, having been in England for only two weeks. Boy, they didn't waste any time getting him into the thick of it!

Mom is still away at Browns Mills and we are managing very nicely with Goldie doing all the cooking. Her brother came today to pay her a visit and will be here for a day or so.

The new outfit is Adele's most flattering to date. I sincerely hope you'll have the opportunity to see her in it before the Spring weather sets in. It makes me feel very good to know that our daughter can have the things we always wanted her to have. Gosh, honey, not so long ago things were mighty different and I never believed they would change so much. Now if only you'd come home so that we could live our lives normally—some day, sweet, and I don’t think it's very far off, at least I hope not. I adore you, my darling Phil and want very much to give expression to my feelings of love. Baby, I'm just starved for the sight of you! Good night, baby, I'm always

Your Eve

Aug. 31, 1944

Dearest Phil,

It is close to a week that I haven't had mail again and I'm mighty anxious to get home to see if there was any this morning. I have a hunch there was and I can hardly contain myself. Gosh, honey, I sure do miss hearing from you regularly. It's bad enough not to see you, let alone not hearing from you.

I went to Broad St. this morning to try to get Adele shoes, but no dice. They don't even expect to have any shoes for a few weeks. Guess she'll just have to wait (after all that).

Dot called me early this morning to tell me two things - that Snuff is at Camp Claiborne, La. and that she bought herself a new winter sports coat. She still doesn't know what sort of outfit he's in, but I have an idea it's Engineers. If you will recall, Jack Nerenberg was first stationed at Camp Claiborne. We'll know soon enough.

I saw a lovely snowsuit outfit for Adele this morning and would like to get it. However, I'm sort of in a hole and will have to wait awhile before I spend any more money. It is a beige and teal blue combination, teal blue leggings and a beige jacket with collar and cuffs and pockets trimmed with teal blue. Besides the trimming it has some tyrolean flowers on it. A beige bonnet finishes off the outfit and they also have a lovely teal blue pocketbook. The suit is $13.50, the bonnet $1.50 and I don't know the price of the bag. Gee, sweet, I certainly would enjoy shopping for those things with you and I certainly hope it won't be long before we will go together. Every time I see something I'm more than anxious to know what you would think of it. I'm sure you'll adore her new red corduroy outfit and new chair and table set. I'm thinking of buying decalomanias and transplanting them onto the chairs and table for her to give her something else to interest her, not to mention how much it would add to the set.

I think the snaps I took with Jack N. should be ready by next Wed. and you can bet your boots I'll send them right along for you to see.

My cold lingers on, but I think it's breaking now. I had kept as far away from Adele as I could so as not to give it to her, and I thought she had symptoms of a cold last night, but this morning she seemed to be alright. It is two weeks since she started to cut her upper two teeth and so far only one has put in an appearance. She puts her fingers in her mouth, points to her gums and teeth and says, "Mommy, hurts".

Upon my arrival home I was sorely disappointed to find no mail whatever. However, the news just makes one glow with optimism, so I can't be disappointed for long, Honestly, sweet, I do hope it hasn't been necessary for you to skip writing often. I have to skip now and then too, but for the most part I write daily.

Goldie went to the movies for the first time since she had Diana with her brother. I don't think Mom will be back from Browns Mills much before Sept. 13th. That is when Ethel is coming back.

Nothing else in the way of news, dear, except the very old, but still very new, I love you, Phií, darling, and am always your loving

Eve

31 August 1944

Sweetheart,

The last day of August was a good one for me in more ways than one. In the first place, it was pay-day. In the second place, I sold exactly $2085.00 worth of bonds in a few hours after we got paid. This is more than was sold in the whole month of August, and we have more than doubled our quota. I can't help but feel proud of the way the boys in the company responded in this drive. And last, but far from least, four of your letters arrived in a bunch today. They were your typed letters of 18th and 19th August, and V-mails of 23rd and 24th. I think you should know by now how very welcome they are. Yesterday was another very busy day for me. The evening was spent writing a long overdue letter to Limey. As you know, Sweet, I had a letter from him a little more than a week ago, asking me where he could meet me. The fact that I haven't had the opportunity to answer him is eloquent proof of how very full my days have been here of late. I could have answered him much sooner were I not so very anxious to answer Ed's summons. This precluded my reply to him for three days, and last night was really the first opportunity I had had to do so since I returned. I'm hoping that he'll be able to meet me in the near future. Did I tell you I wrote to Ed the night before? I'm expecting to hear from him in a few days, too. Today was really a killer, what with paying off, selling bonds, and finishing up the checking of the Service Records, and I'm pretty weary, but I am CQ again tonight, so I thought I'd knock out a letter before I hit the hay. In one of your letters, darling, because you had not received mail from me in five or six days, you urge me to “go out of (your) way a little bit" to write more often. In the next letter you say you received three of my letters. Please, Chippie, never scold me for not writing. When I do fail to write, you may be very sure there is very good reason for it. For instance, last week I missed writing for six whole days (and I can just imagine what you are going to say about that), but when you get my letter explaining why I couldn't write, you'll realize that there is always a reason. Now let's see what other comments your letters bring forth, shall we? Okay. Your 18 August letter advises me that the 20th August was Lil's birthday. I'm disappointed in you, Chippie. You usually give me more notice than that when somebody's birthday is coming up. However, I'm not sure I want to write to her before she condescends to answer my last letter to her, which she chose to ignore in spite of all my apologies and attempts to get into her good graces once more. Nice of you to get that slip for her, Baby. Glad the heat wave finally broke. I don't think you'll be bothered that way anymore this year. Maybe next year I'll be there to wipe your brow - I hope. Remember the swell remedy I had for warming up your toes when they got very cold? I hadn't thought about it for a long, long time. Talking about wiping your brow recalled it to me. Better not say you don't remember, 'cause I'll never forgive you if you've forgotten, Chippie. From what you say about the punkin, I gather that she has made an impression even on her blasé Mommy. When YOU start to sing her praises, that's when I start to prick up my ears. Your claim that you know "exactly where I am kinda surprised me. I thought you knew all along. Sorry you're having trouble finding some Pyrex bottles for Evelyn, but keep looking, honey, and if you don't have any luck, I certainly would like you to send along something nice for Nigel together with a letter like the first one you sent the Toppy's, (or was it the Benises?). I wish, Sweet, you could know Ev and Bert, they are such swell guys. Oh yes, it just struck me that Evelyn is at her wit's end for the means of obtaining nipples for the baby's bottles, and she told me to tell you she would be eternally grateful to you if you could send her some. Your closing paragraph in this one is very sweet, darling, and I want to kiss you for each tender word. But I'm just too tired and sleepy to continue with this tonight, so I'll have to let the other letters go unanswered until tomorrow. It is just 11 o'clock and I am remembering how heavenly it was having you cuddled up on my lap, and how sweetly exciting were your kisses, and how thrilling the feel of your velvet thighs, and how all these enchantments were the most precious things in life to me - and still are. My dreams, by day and night, are full of the adored memory of you, my darling; nor will I really live again until those dreams are once more blessed reality. Until then, I'll make do with the memories. My dearest love to my punkin. Love to all from

Your
Phil

Aug. 31, 1944

Dear Phil

I know I have neglected you these past few weeks, but you will have to accept my apologies. What I have really been waiting for was to see where Snuff would be sent. Right now he is at Camp Claybourne, Louisiana. Of course, that is for his basic training.

Snuff was at New Cumberland for over a week, so he came home on a week-end pass. He really looks nice in his uniform.

Everyone here is fine and up to now the weather has been like October. Today it started to get hot again.

Spoke to Evie, but she has been rather busy. As soon as I get a chance, I intend to go up there and spend the day.

I bought a stunning winter coat yesterday. It is moss green and is semi-sport. It is gathered in the back and has a belt in the front. There are trench pockets on the hips with a small gold button on each pocket. It is gathered on the shoulders with a gold button on each shoulder.

You know, Phil, I really didn't expect to miss Snuff this much when he went away, cause I have been expecting it for so long. I feel so terribly lonesome. If, after he finishes his training, he is sent somewhere nice I would like to follow him. The baby is older now and it wouldn't be too hard. If I don't follow him, I would like to go back to work, but then I would have to put him in a nursery. They don't take them under 2 yrs. so I would have to wait until Jan. Of course, I shall wait until I see what happens.

Right now I'm listening to “Suspense” with Brian Donlevy and it is really interesting.

I hope everything is alright with you. You must be pretty busy right now, but please drop me a line.

Ev told me that after awhile you get used to the lonesome feeling, but who wants Snuff to be away long enough for me to get used to it!

There isn't much more I can say right now except write soon.

As ever,

Dot

Aug. 31, 1944

Dear Phil:

Did you make it back alright? I hope you did. How have you been since I last saw you? I'm really so darn confused that I don’t know how to start this letter.

I hope you have written home to the folks about me for l alone can not express my feelings. I have not heard from anyone in quite sometime although they haven’t heard from me. Every time I sit down to write a letter and even when I don’t, my mind is forever wandering. Want to take time and tell you it was swell of you to come see me.

The weather here hasn’t been very good. I guess you have the same. Well Phil, take good care and till I think up more to write, I remain

Faithfully Yours

Brother-in-law,

Eddie