Post #558 - January 22, 1945 We’ll Both Look Back on Our Respective Lives and Refer to It as a Bad Dream and Your Visit to the Browns to see Anita Rae (Cute Name)

 

Jan. 22, 1945

Darling Phil,

Today your letters of Jan. 5, 13 (v-malls) and Jan. 8 came through and I don't have to tell you how terribly happy I am when I receive mail from you, dearest. Your letter of the 8th dealt with your feelings in connection with being company clerk and I wasn't surprised to learn of your feelings. I've known for quite some time that you aren't too happy with the setup, nor can it be helped. Be it as it may, we must both remember that we still have each other and that we have hopes of being together some day, which is a lot more than Fay has to think about. We’ll both look back on our respective lives and refer to it as a bad dream.

I went over to Fay's with Anne last night and we stayed till 12. Then I got back I had to help Ruth with some of her homework and never did get to bed until about 1:30. Consequently, I felt a little sick all day at work and since it is now after 11 and I still have to bathe and wash my hair I hope you'll understand if this sounds a bit muddled.

I didn't get the cigarettes or candy yet, so the package will be delayed a few more days. I got out your shoes and they are really in good condition and should serve the purpose.

Jack Nerenberg called from New York while I was at Fay’s and told Mom that his hearing is vastly improved. He promised to call me some time this week and may stop at Philly before reporting back to the Oklahoma Hospital. Today is Jack's 27th birthday and I sent him a lovely card yesterday. He refused to allow me to buy him a gift and told me to save it for when he gets out of the Army. I feel funny about it, but he was so Insistent that I hardly know what to do. I'm very happy that he is improving, for he was in terrible shape mentally and this is just that he needs.

Among other things, I received mail from Gloria and Eddie Strongin. Glo sent us a snapshot of Jack which is very good.

I shall write to the Bond Office as you suggest, for both your Nov. and Dec. bonds are way overdue. It shouldn't take this long for a bond to clear the channels, so something must be wrong. I’ll let you know how I make out.

Adele, bless her widdle heart, is a regular little darling these days and smart as a whip. She loves to imitate - oh, darling how I wish you could see her! I ask her what she's going to do when she sees daddy and she replies that she’ll say "Hello, daddy, how are you feeling” and give you a kiss. I ask her If she wants to go with me to see Daddy and she gets all excited. She should know how excited I get!

But here we are at the bottom (yeh man) and I must take my leave. I adore you, sweetheart Daddy Philip and guess you won't mind too much if I just squeeze you to bits.

Your Eve

22 January 1945

Dearest Darling, 

Sorry I didn't get a chance to write yesterday, but something came up in the evening, and I had to work. Your V-mail of 11 Jan. arrived today, and now I”m “sweating out” about six air mail letters to fill in the blank dates in January. According to today's V-mail, you, too, are looking for a “jack-pot". Hope you got it before you left for New York, Sweet. The rest of your comment was mostly about your visit to the Browns to see Anita Rae (cute name). But right in the middle of the paragraph you stuck in a few sentences that I didn't take kindly to. I refer to your volunteered info that Mickey Brown and other Cpls., husbands of your girl friends, are sending home $30-40 a month. That's all very nice - for them, and more power to them if they do (though how they do I can’t understand, considering that they only draw about $44-mo., about $38, less Class F and Class N (insurance) allotments, if they are in the states, and a total of about $49 if they are overseas), but even if you didn't exactly mean to hint that I should be able to do likewise, your opinion that "I realize fully that you have more opportunity than they do in their present state to spend money, etc. -" is entirely in error. The fact is - exactly the opposite is true! However, I make no apologies for the fact that I spend the $27-28 that is handed to me each month. Nor will I attempt to justify the manner in which of spend it. If I choose to spend a month's pay “foolishly" (according to your concepts), and remain “in the hole" for a few months as a consequence, I don't expect you to call me to task for it. If you consider that this ($28) is too big a sum to “waste", then please advise me of the fact. Tell me just how much of this total you consider unessential to my needs, and I promise you, I will send it on to you, so that you may hold up your pretty head among "every single one of the girls” - (I can't help wondering who they are) - who get *$30-40 from their “Cpl. husbands” each month! But if you, on second thought, think that $28 is not too much for me to spend each month (“foolishly” or otherwise), kindly refrain from citing what other “Cpl. husbands" do. I assure you, Sweet, that such talk, if you had no real intention of prodding me to any specific reaction, bores me to death! I dislike most heartily the type of girl (or wife) who takes pleasure in discussing such mundane matters as the money her husband sends to her. Wives who would ordinarily blanch at the thought of divulging their husband’s weekly wage to their girl friends, by your admission indulge their innate feminine conceit by bragging about how their help-mates will deprive themselves in order to send $30-40 home to them. That, my dear, is what it amounts to whatever kind of arithmetic you use (unless said husbands have other sources to bolster their incomes - such as gambling, for instance). I can't, for the life of me, admire a girl who will air the fact that her husband is so “considerate" that he will struggle along on $5-10 per month in order to send $30-40 dollars home to her. To such a one there is an obvious questions, which suggests itself: Are you so indifferent to your husband’s needs or wants that you are content (even vain) to let him thus deprive himself? Chippie, I'd hate to think that you consider that I am doing you an injustice in sending home any lesser amount than other men in the same category, but what can I think when you aim so thinly-veiled an innuendo at me? The fact that you resorted to innuendo suggests to me that you weren't very sure of the reception the “$30-40 idea" would receive. I trust I have left you in no doubt. I've deplored, on a few previous occasions, your weakness for being influenced by the assertions and actions of your friends and acquaintances. Hell, Chippie, you have a mind of your own - use it ! Now that I think of it - you were so sure you didn't want me to come home from England on furlough because the ultimate parting would be so hard to take. Yet when a few of your friends or neighbors told you that I should come home if I got the chance, it immediately set doubts in your mind. You showed this clearly in your letter discussing this subject when you closed with "I wonder—". Why the indecision, Baby? You know your own mind - your own feelings - let them dictate your speech and actions - not the minds and feelings and mouthings of others. Incidentally - about this “furlough” business that seems to be increasingly a matter for discussion back there at home—I wrote, a few days ago, and once before that, that given the opportunity to spend thirty days at home, I would refuse it. At that time the inference was that on completion of the furlough I would be sent overseas to another theater. Under those conditions, I would still prefer to "sweat it out” over here. However, if I could get a furlough from my unit (meaning, of course, that I would return to my company on completion of my leave) I would most certainly accept it. I figure the anticipation and joy of coming home would more than make up for the ultimate difficulty in separating myself from you yet once again. The parting would not be nearly so hard to take in that case, knowing to what I would be returning. I speak, naturally, only for myself. You may feel differently about it, Baby. You said, in discussing the matter, that the choice rested with me. I agree that it is my prerogative to do as I see fit, but I want you to know, Chippie, that I wouldn't consider taking such a leave if you felt it would be easier on you to wait until I come home for good, rather than suffer the parting again. So you see, darling, the ultimate choice is yours to make, in any case. Do not be deluded by all this discussion into hoping that I "know something”. Frankly, I see only the barest possibility that I will ever be given the opportunity for such a leave, but the bare possibility is enough to warrant some consideration of the matter, so that I know your decision, and know what course of action to take if the opportunity should present itself. The decision, as I have pointed out, must be the reflection of your own heart and mind-  not that of the Moms or anyone else. Think it over, Sweet, and let me know how you decide. However you decide, please trust me to understand your motives.

Well - that was quite a spiel for your usually close-mouthed hubby wasn't it? Now I'm off to the movies to see "Marriage is a Private Affair” with Lana Turner, James Craig, John Hodiak and others. Sounds interesting. Tell you about it tomorrow, honey. Until then, I am

Your ever-lovin’

Phil

P.S. Best love and kindest regards to Adele Bara, the family, and the neighbors.

Post #557 - January 21, 1945 I’m Only Sorry You Couldn’t Get to Know the Both of Them As I Had

 

Jan. 21, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Last night, as I had said in yesterday’s letter, we went to the Brown’s party in honor of Syd's return home. Harry, Mom and I went and Goldie stayed in to mind the kids. We took a cab and got there fairly late.

Syd looks swell to me, though very much matured. He's just as quiet as ever and a little nervous. I’ll bet there were at least 100 people there and the din and racket made me nervous. I spent most of the evening laying in the bed upstairs, talking to Sylvia, Miriam and whoever else chanced to come up. Etta came and brought the baby and her carriage, as she had no one to leave with Vicki. They simply opened the carriage and put the baby to sleep in the bedroom, while Anita slept soundly in the next room.

Everyone and then some more people were present. I can't think of anyone who wasn't there, with the exception of those in the service. I met Sylvia's family for the first time and since Syl is so crazy about Adele and talks to her folks so much about her, they have insisted that I pay them a visit only if I bring her (Adele) along, cause they are most anxious to see her. I hope to make it some weekend soon.

We had no means of transportation to get home, as all the cars were full to capacity. Lena and Bob took Mom, and Harry and I were left on our own. Harry was a little potted at first, but snapped out of it nicely. He managed to get a cab by hailing one on the outside, for the company said there were no cabs available. Consequently, I never did get to bed till 4 A.M. and mister, I am so tired I could fairly scream. Adele did not nap today to add to the tumult and we have some company this evening, Mr. & Mrs. Bader.

I would go straight to bed were it not for the fact that I promised Fay faithfully that I would come over this evening. I did want to go there yesterday as she had no one at all, but she called an old friend of hers who came over and spent the evening with her. Guess it won't kill me to give up a couple of nights of rest if I can be of any help to her. She keeps saying that she can't understand what God wants from a little girl like her. She almost feels there isn't a God. Her mother was a widow at 39 and here she is done at 23. My heart goes out to her so much! She realizes that she isn't the only one and is so spunky that I can't help admiring her no end. She's been swell, Phil, and I'm only sorry you couldn't get to know the both of them as I had.

Adele and I were out all day long. Adele wore her galoshes and we walked around and around the block many times. We were both tired when we came in and I had no trouble getting her to bed early this evening. I couldn't get up to make her breakfast, so I just brought her juice and a glass of milk up to her and went back to bed after giving her some things to play with in the crib. I love you so much, Phil, darling -

Your Eve

Post #556 - January 20, 1945 Dr. Baron’s Youngest Son Was Killed Recently

 

Jan. 20, 1945

Dearest Sweetheart,

I can't believe it, but it's true. Today there were your two v-mails of Jan. 11 and 12th - Imagine! They contained very little in the way of news, but they certainly are a blessing.

The pin I bought in New York came today, but I'm terribly disappointed in It for they put a different color of stone in and I don't like it at all. Jack Nerenberg said he would take it off my hands if I didn't like it so I've written asking him about it. I don't feel it's worth the money either. I hope Jack wants it for his girl, or I'll really be stuck.

Well, I did get that 5¢ raise after all and it will amount to something like a $1.50 to $2.00 more each week. Every little bit counts!

I was with Fay all evening until about 2 A.M. this morning and, Phil, she's holding up well. The real impact hasn't hit her yet, for she is still receiving the most beautiful letters you ever read. Morris also sent her three packages of things he bought for her in France that haven't arrived as yet. There’s so much to say, but I'd rather not talk about it anymore, for it makes me awfully sick. She did say one thing: That she feels if you can get a furlough to take it - to take anything you can get. It's only natural for her to feel that way!

Also learned that Dr. Baron across the way received the same dose. His youngest son was killed recently. Boy the war certainly is hitting home with unequalled force! May it be short lived!

I also received a nice letter from Milt (who, by the way, is in the Dutch East Indies) stating that he had moved to another spot on the island and that for the first time in months he saw a movie. Guess his outfit is getting a bit of a rest period.

We’re all supposed to go to the Browns tonight and they are having the entire family over to visit Syd. I haven't decided yet whether I want to go, since I am terribly tired and sleepy. If I snap out of it before we have to leave, I may go, but you'll find out tomorrow.

I'm still reading your letter of the 6th, honey, for it is so terribly sweet. It's just the type I love to receive. It's the one in which you discuss the various fragrances you noticed about me and I could eat you up for the way you express yourself. Have I told you that I adore you to bits? I have! Well, I’m sure you'll enjoy my saying It once more. Darling Phil, I love you so much and I pray to God that someday we shall be reunited to carry on a normal happy life.

Your Eve

Post #555 - January 19, 1945 You Certainly can be a Cutie When You Want to! and Just Put it Down to My Unaccountable Flair for Liking the Things that No One Else Even Cares About

 

Jan. 19, 1945

My Darling,

I feel pretty good tonight, for several reasons. I finally got a good night's rest and a nice letter from you, Sweet, dated Jan. 6th. You had received four of my letters and was in quite a mellow mood, so we're even. So you think I sent you the pin-up girl to get a compliment. Well, I didn’t. I just thought she was attractive and since I enjoyed looking at her I felt you would too. I'm really happy that my letters give you such enjoyment and that you remember each little thing about me so well. I think the reason I don't member your face as well as I would like to is mainly due to Adele. Don't feel slighted, honey, for I remember you as well as I'll ever remember anything, but I see you in a different version - your daughter. You certainly can be a cutie when you want to!

When I got into work Ann told me that everyone but me was going to get a raise. She felt terrible cause she had built me up and said she had been in a terrible mood all morning. During the afternoon (and I couldn't get mad somehow) we got to talking about our past lives and she asked me if I ever worked. I told her I had for a short time, but I had to quit my job when I became ill. Mr. B. was entering the office as I spoke the last line and must have thought I had something about quitting, or something very similar. At any rate, Ann told me just before we went home and on the sly that I had received a raise of 5¢ an hour and that I was to act very surprised when he informed me of it, whlch will be tomorrow. That means I'll now be making 75¢ an hour. I can remember your making that rate when you were home, How times have changed! And I don't intend to stay at that rate for too long either! Between you and me, anyone who stays on the job with him for over a year deserves a medal. Someday when I get into the right mood I'll tell you all about him. When he's in a good mood, which to quite a rarity, he's okay, but it's more the exception than the rule,

We received a card from Rose Drucker (Genshaft to you) that she had a little girl on Jan. 15th (Marilyn Carole) that weighed 5 lbs. 1 oz. She was dyin' to have a girl and got her wish.

By the way, when I was in N,Y. Glo and I looked through the telephone directory and found many, many listings under the name (common though we think It is) of Strongin, so I gave it up as a bad job.

Dot just this instant called to inform me that Fay (through Ellie, who has been with her daily) wants to see me, so I'm going right over. Today is Harold's birthday and I am going to give Dot the $5 instead of buying him a gift. Dot has most everything she needs for him and would prefer the cash. I sent him a card last night. I also sent a card to Fay. Fay is bearing up so well that everyone is surprised. Well, I shall see for myself. She always was a trouper, but sometimes I think it's best to cry and get that terrible weight off of your chest. She talks and talks and talks about Morris, which is only natural.

Well, dearly beloved, I shall take my leave, for it is past nine now and I don't want to walk into her place at too late an hour. I adore you, my sweetheart, and can't tell you how your letter lifted the spirits of your ever lovin’

Eve

19 Jan. 1945

My Dearest,

Just received your V-mail of 8 Jan, together with a letter from Mike, dated 8 Dec. Mike's letter was very nice, and he talks like he’ll be coming overseas shortly. Did you know that Frances is expecting, and that his second child is due to make its appearance in May? As nice as his letter was, though, yours was infinitely more welcome, darling. Nothing much happened to yours most lovingly today, except that I went to see "Greenwich Village” again this evening (mainly to watch Sally De Marco dance). Very few things I have ever seen in the movies ever gave me more enjoyment then seeing her perform. She is, to my way of thinking, just about the most graceful female I ever watched dance. If l sound overly enthusiastic, honey, at something that hardly anyone else noticed, just put it down to my unaccountable flair for liking the things that no one else even cares about.

I thought I made it plain that I didn’t have to do K.P. on Xmas day, and that the only detail I pull is CQ, but you insist on harping about that "Sgt. stripe" (little knowing that many Sgts. on this base also pull K.P., Guard, and what-not.) Please, Chippie - no more needling about it - there isn't a thing that I can do about it, in spite of your rather hazy notions about the way promotions are made in the Army. About “referring to Sgt. Murphy in another connection” - the time is not yet.

I’m going to hold on to your present yet awhile ’cause I want to take it into town to get a jeweler to engrave it. Just have patience, honey. In the meantime, remember that I am your adoring

Phil

P.S. Love to Adele - and all.

Post #554 - January 17, 1945 “Killed” was So Final and The Capture of Warsaw and Cracow is the Best News I’ve Read for Months

 

Jan. 18, 1945

Dearest Phil,

No mail today, but I guess it's to be expected after yesterday's jackpot. I hope, though, that the mail will be coming through more regularly in the future. As I told you in my letter last night, I went to see "Brazil" with Thelma Levin and it was a regular stinkeroo. Imagine, after waiting three months to go to a movie, I had to pick such a rotten one! As if that weren't enough they had to show all the scenes of what occurred at Luxembourg and it made me sick in my stomach as I contemplated how Morris met an early end. I felt tears come again and that sickening fear. I am told that Fay cannot cry, for the realization of it all is not strong yet. Ellie was the only one Fay wished to see and she called Dot to tell her how everything was! A plain clothed man called at the house and told her he had telegram for her and she kiddingly told him that she didn't like telegrams. He told her she wouldn't like this one, came in, seated himself and proceeded to read. She thought perhaps he was wounded or maybe missing, but "killed" was so final, so decisive that she started babbling about "I just mailed him a package for his birthday (he would have been 25 on Jan 16th) and sent him a Valentine". She is still receiving back mail from him too and that makes it seem more unreal.

Ever since Mom owned up that it was a good idea for me to return to work, she has been the essence of consideration and even took care of Adele on several occasions. Of course she was never one to overdo those things, but I'm grateful for the apparent change. And besides, I'm not going out of my way to help anybody - If I have time I help out and if not - well that's all there is to it. So I've decided not to say anything about what we decided for a while yet and if I do decide to say something, I’ll at least know that we see eye to eye on the subject. So, sweet, please don't worry that good looking head of yours about it.

Mr. Bellet stopped over to my mother’s house last night to return an umbrella I had left in his car. Well, my mom got to talking with him on a very intimate basis. After a while they got to the subject of salaries and my mother said the following: "You know, Mr. B. we working people have funny habit, we like to eat” meaning that his salaries could stand a raise. The funniest thing is this: Today when I got in, Anne, the bookkeeper, who tells me everything, said that I, as well as all the employees, may be in for a raise, as Mr. B. had requested a list of what we make each week to determine if it is sufficient. Here's hopin' ! My Mom has had a bit of a cold the past two days and hasn't been too well, though she is up and around. Most everyone seems to have a cold these days.

The whole Feldman gang was just here to see their adored Adele. And do they make a fuss over her! Well, honeybun, I'm just about to the bottom, so before I hit it, I’ll say that I adore you, my darling, and send along a couple of hundred kisses from

Your Eve

18 Jan. 1945

Dearest Chippie,

Another mail-less day. So far this month, I have received only V-mails, those of 1, 3, 4, 7, Jan. I figure you wrote Air-Mail on the 2, 5, 6, so I should be getting them any day now. Last night and this morning, as you know, I was C.Q. Shortly after I finished writing to you, the Mess Sgt. came in to tell me to wake him at 3:00 A.M. I had hoped to sleep thru ’til 5 o’clock, when I had to wake the K.P. Instead, I slept in snatches. This morning (after I had put on the light in all the huts (6:30), and cleaned up the Orderly Room) I went back to my bunk and slept until 11 o’clock. I felt much better then ’cause my headache had disappeared. But I needed a shave badly, and looked like hell generally, so I prepared to the ablution to put myself to rights. Then, looking as well as feeling better, I woke Klein, who had been on guard during the night, and we went to dinner together. In the afternoon, I had some personnel records to check, which kept me busy for the bulk of the working day. In the evening, Klein and I went to the early show to see “Bermuda Mystery,” a typical “B” picture, but not too bad. Afterwards, we stopped in at the Aero Club for snack. There we got to talking with a paratrooper of the 101st Airborne, and a young infantryman of the 2nd Division, who were part of 90 men from the hospital who were visiting our Fighter Station. The trooper was fresh from Bastogne, where he had been wounded, and he had some very interesting stories to tell. The news of the great new Russian surge forward is the topic of the day, and everyone is following it in the papers most avidly. The capture of Warsaw and Cracow is the best news I’ve read for months, and if the Red Army continues as it started, who knows—? Just room enough to close this with a bit hug and kiss for both my Chippies. From

Your Phil

Post #553 - January 16, 1945 The War Hit Straight Home this Evening for the Sobering, Sickening News that Morris (Fay’s Husband) was Killed in Action and I Long Constantly for the Day When I will be More than a Memory to You

 

Jan. 16, 1945

My darling Phil,

You must forgive me, baby, if I sound bitter or disgusted in this letter for I'm in a horrible mood tonight - but write I must! The war hit straight home this evening for the sobering, sickening news that Morris (Fay's husband) was killed in action (I really don't know any of the details, nor do I care). Phil, how can I tell you my feelings! How can I even go to see Fay! I've been in a terrible rut for days and though my trip to New York was a change it hasn't done me a bit of good. Phil, I need you so much -

I haven't written since Friday and believe me, it hurts me not to. I always feel so much better when I have that daily letter in the mails! I had decided to let another day ride, but I guess you'll just have to put up with me this evening.

We've had nothing but snow, snow, snow until it's piled high, both here and in New York. I did not go to one movie or one show in New York. I did nothing unusual, as we did on our few trips to New York - I only visited as many of our friends and relatives as I could. The Gutkins are still very torn about Betty, and Jack's condition, though better than average, is too far from good to be encouraging. Gloria is in a rut as I am from lack of mail - (it's been at least a week or more since I had a letter from you and I doubt if I've had more than four letters in a whole month from you.)

I have so much to tell you that is interesting and I hope you'll bear with me, for my mind just won't work the way I want it to. I'm afraid my nerves are backing up on me for a change. I became unwell shortly after I arrived in New York and hardly slept both nights while there.

I went into work on Saturday morning with my dad and Mr. Bellet and left there at 12:30 to catch a 1 o'clock train. I talked to a young sailor of about 17 and a half all the way in and he helped me with my suitcase and left me at a telephone booth so that I could call Glo and then scampered off to catch another train on his way home. Glo came down in about a half hour and took me straight out to her place in the Bronx where we had dinner. After talking to her folks, I called the various relatives and found only the Gutkins at Rose Brand's place, where they have been staying since the tragedy. Gloria and I rode out there and spent all of Saturday evening there. They literally fell on me and made such a fuss about me, that Gloria felt a little out of place. Just my luck that Carl wasn't coming home that weekend. Frada cried on my shoulder, but Phil, for a sick woman, she's holding up remarkably well and seems to have become stronger from trouble. None of them look any too well and they had plenty to say, but I'm not going into details at this point. Carl was sent back because of very, very bad infected finger (which resulted from K.P. steel wool) and a touch of malaria. Rose's apartment is gorgeous and her new mahogany bedroom suite arrived the day of Betty's demise. Rose and Moe even thought enough to remember to gift Adele with a lovely pink dress and socks, which was quite a surprise to me.

I called Rose Genshaft from Gutkin’s and told her to tell her mom that I would be over the next morning. However, before Glo and I got to bed and got up it was 11 A.M. and I never did get to see any of the Genshafts. After breakfast I called Sonya to learn if, by any chance, she was going out to see Jackie, ’cause Glo didn’t want to travel out to the Bronx, as she had to study for her exams and was rundown from a slight cold. So it happened that I learned that Lizzie, Hilda and Dave were in N.Y. and the whole gang were on their way out to Brooklyn. Glo managed to get a cab and we got there in just a few minutes. I introduced Glo to the gang and then we all headed for the subway. I did more damn riding on subways than I ever did in my life. Glo headed back for home and the rest of us went out to Brooklyn. One of Jackie's cousins, a fellow (in Army outfit) by the name of Bob (from Los Angeles) was also in the crowd. He carried my suitcase and when we got to talking I learned that he visits some relatives of his that live on the 4900 block of Camac St. every weekend, being stationed nearby, though he does live in California. I gave him our address and told him to visit us next time he was in Philly.

The trip out to 60 Carlton Avenue, Brooklyn, made me ill. It was snowing like mad and the train was hot as hell. It was a relief to reach our destination and it was so good to see Jackie. The apartment is modern and very plain and cozy. Sam and Anne both look well and Arny is a regular handsome little lad. I almost ate him up! Anne is due about Feb. 12th and reminds me of a little barrel.

Jackie looks well, but he is anything but normal. I doubt if many can see how abnormal he really is, but I can. His hearing is much, much worse than ever before. I practically had to hug him in order to get him to hear me. His ear pains almost constantly and the only bad effects he really has had is his dizziness. It annoys him more than you think it does that he cannot hear well and I think it gets on his nerves every once in a while. To boot, he has fallen deeply in love with his "lip-reading” teacher, Margie, who is blonde and a college graduate, and has asked her to marry him, which she may well do, providing her parents do not object. Phil, Jack is so mixed up that nothing is really clear in his mind, as far as I can see. He expects a CDD, but that, too, may not be forthcoming. He does want to go into business with you, but I doubt if the occasion will arise for a long time, if at all. He hasn't much faith in your plan and thinks your idea of the amount to be obtained on the GI loan is way, way off and beside all this he hasn't a cent, nor has Lennie, Jack is more concerned with getting married at the moment than anything else – he wants to be loved, as I love you, darling, and he wants very much to be happily married, as he considers us a shining example. I wish very much that he would marry, for I would like to see him married before we contemplate going into business. He said as I did that now was not the time to discuss it ’cause there wasn't one definite issue that could really be discussed. We talked and talked and talked and talked about many, many things. Hilda and Dave left early to catch a train back to Philly and the rest of the gang left right after a delicious delicatessen dinner. Jack and I spent most of the evening talking, far into the night.

Phil, he misses you so much! You, of all his close friends, could do more for him now than anyone. He sort of confides in me, and tries so hard to make me enjoy myself. Please write to him and me, too, for we both need lots of mail.

Monday morning I awoke from a restless night. Jack and Anne went shopping and I tried to catch up on my sleep after breakfast. Sammy left Jack the car, with which he took me in town. I was afraid to let him drive, due to his dizzy spells, but he said he felt better at the wheel, so I let him drive. Sam's car is a little beat up, but it runs smoothly and I enjoyed the ride no end. We went immediately to the hospital, where Jack was to receive a treatment and an audiometer test, which showed that he had improved slightly.

The whole hospital simply reeked artistry. I felt that unreal feeling all the while I was there and felt as if I were in an Art Museum. There were oil paintings, needlepoint chairs, plush rugs, extremely ornate tables and knic-knacs, lamps, etc. Dr. Lempert, whom Jack was most anxious for me to see, is a little runt who looks a bit like a wild man to me, but whose hands are his fortune. One girl in particular, told me of how he saved her life when she was stricken with Scarlet Fever. All his patients, and there were very many, suffered as Jack does, and it was sickening to see. All of them were extremely wealthy as evidenced by their clothes, diamonds and furs, for they had to be to have Dr. Lempert attend them. Jack's operation cost $1000 and they even gave him a hearing aid which would cost $170 regularly.

After the hospital we drove around a bit and headed for Glo's brother in-law's place. He is a wholesale jeweler and since Anne had bought Jack a lovely sterling silver identification bracelet that I intended to get for you (they are $15 retail and $5.50 wholesale) as a birthday gift. He did not have them, so I wound up buying myself something I have wanted a long time, but never had the money for - a stunning, expensive pin. It sells for $25 in the stores and cost me $16.34 wholesale. I wanted to get earrings, too, so that they would set off my new dress perfectly, but they were much too expensive. I gave a deposit on the pin and they are supposed to send it to me C.O.D. Jack helped me select it and it isn't too elaborate. It's sterling silver, plated with gold and has a large square acqua colored stone in the center. It's more or less of a bow shape and there are also four other tiny stones of various colors. Would you mind very much, baby, if I were to consider it your anniversary gift to me? I bought it with that thought in mind. I can't ever be extravagant without feeling non-deserving and Jack noted it. He told me that if I didn't want it to merely send it to him and he would pay me for it and give it to Margie. It seemed so foolish to spend that kind of money on a pin when I need so many other things. What do you think? (I seem able to think of what I want to say clearly enough, but every time I think - oh what's the use of even thinking - you just have to take it whether you want to or not).

Jack took me to a little Italian restaurant where we had a spaghetti dinner topped off with cherry pie and coffee and took me to the train. He could not take me to the movies or really be in a crowd for fear of infection. He took me all the way to my seat on the five o'clock train and kissed me very soundly. He hated to see me go and he ended off with "I miss Phil so terribly. Eve - " and was gone. We stared at each other and he rode slowly up the escalator away from me. It reminded me too strongly of our train experiences and I wanted to cry. I gazed two seats ahead of me to see a soldier with crutches and his wife and son. The sight was a pathetic one and I watched them all the way back home. It took me two hours to get to New York, but only one and a half to get back. I was in the house by seven.

Adele still has a cold in her system and my mom kept her in bed all day Sunday. I thought my mom would be good and disgusted with me when I got back, as she usually does when Adele tires her too much, but this time she was in an unusually good frame of mind. Eddie has been formally discharged, but it will be quite a while till he actually gets home free of all Army authority. Adele wasn't feeling up to par and did greet me quite as much as I had expected her to. She insisted, however, on my holding her and she hugged and kissed me soon after. My mother had cleaned our room thoroughly and made the beds, and everything was fresh and clean. It was such a good sight, for I was so tired I wanted to scream. I found two letters for me, one from Mrs. Benis, the other from Len and Lee. I brought Adele over and went straight to bed with her.

I learned that Syd had come in the day before for a 30 day furlough and will leave on Feb. 14th. He will be stationed at Ft. Dix only as long as it takes for a ship to get ready to get him back. I called him this evening and talked to him a short while. He contracted a cold coming over and can't seem to break it. If he doesn't get here before the week is out, I'll see him Sat. when we're all scheduled to visit at the Browns.

I bundled Adele up early this morning and went to work in spite of the heavy snow. I was busy all day and practically caught up on my work. The fellow that took George Bellet’s job as shipper quit in the meantime, having been reclassified from 4-F to 1-A. Now my dad and I have more responsibilities. By the way, Harry is giving up the station this week and will go into defense work at long last, fearing a 1-A classification.

After talking to Syd, I called Dot, whom I had promised to visit this coming weekend, as it will be Harold's second birthday. I won't be able to make it, but I shall see her as soon as possible. Snuff is coming along nicely and she spoke to him via long distance.

When I had finished speaking with Dot, I called, Fay, as I usually do. Someone strange answered the phone and when I asked "May I speak with Fay" was told that she could not speak. "Why?" brought this: "She had some terrible news. Her husband was killed" when did she learn of it?" "Yesterday" and I felt I would simply faint away. I got terribly shaky and nervous all over and cold and I couldn't help the tears that wouldn't stop coming. Phil, when is this god damned lousy miserable mess going to end??????? When are people going to wake up, people who don't even realize what war is, so that so many others will not have to suffer the rest of their natural lives. Morris adored her and was an exceptionally devoted husband and father. He was so swell to me on those few occasions when I wrote of him and they were so terribly happy. They even wanted to have another baby before he went overseas. He went over in August, just a year after you did and Fay just celebrated her third anniversary in the form of a surprise party, made by her mother, on Dec. 27th. My heart bleeds for her, Phil. I shall have to pull myself together before I see her for I just can't bring myself to go there. We had been counting the days we had not received mail from our spouses together - and it makes me shudder.

It is almost twelve o'clock and I'm almost cockeyed from typing. I may have made mistakes and I'm sure I've not told you all I have to say, but we'll have to save it all for "some day". Each day makes "some day" seem more remote and unreal and I can't even allow myself to hope at times. Phil, will you please do all in your power to write to me more often so that I will not have to wait. and wait and wait and wait and wait until I think I shall burst. I know you do your best, my darling, and don't think that I don't appreciate your every effort, for I'm sure you know I do. Phil, if only you could take me into your arms, and sooth away this terrible splitting headache that just seems to have assailed me, I would be ever grateful. I love you so much, my beloved Phil, and I hurt so much in side with it. Good night, baby -

Jan. 17, 1945

Well, sweet, today I hit that long, long awaited jackpot and it consisted of my letters of Dec. 16, 17, 18, 21, 23, 22, and Jan. 4 (v-mail). It helped my spirits immeasurably and really helped to snap me out of my rut a bit. I learned that Morris died on Dec. 27th, their third anniversary at Luxemburg. Fay will not see anyone, so I guess it will be sometime before I even go over and I'm sort of thankful for that. I'm sorry, sweet, that this is becoming a running letter and that I haven't been able to get my daily letter off to you, but I expect to be able to do so starting tomorrow.

Your letters were all of the same tone as mine have been lately - no mail - black mood. I'm glad you liked the chocolate chip cookies so well and I hope I shall be able to get the chips so I can make more. Did they arrive in good condition? I shall send off your civilian shoes with the design in them along with other goodies I am trying to obtain to make up a package. I already have three large Hershey chocolate bars, one plain and two with nuts. I shall try to get my hands on a carton of Herbert Tareyton, though I doubt if I can. The package should be ready in about a week.

Thelma Levin, who used to live in your old neighborhood and whom Gloria worked with at the Signal Corps, and who moved into their own home on the 4900 block of 7th St, called me a short while ago and asked me to accompany her to a movie. I have lots to do - but to hell with it - I'm going to see a movie for the first time in three months! She wants to see "Brazil" at the Logan. It might be good for what ails me.

I had a terrible night - and tears came. Phil, I get so choked up -

But now I must run, baby, if I'm to get to the movies at all. It's funny the way your v-mail of Jan. 4th read, "this is to tell you that your hubby is still alive and well" - it sounded funny at this particular time - and may I always hear it! I love you so very much, my dearest Phil, and I cherish all that you and our love stands for. I glory in the title of

Your Wife

Eve

16 January 1945

Sweetheart, 

Today, the last of my time off until the end of the month, dawned dark and cold and damp. It was a sheer luxury to be able to lie abed until 11 o'clock, when thad to get up - or starve to death!

Today also brought your long typed letter of 17 Dec. Kinda old, but welcome nevertheless. It contained Syd's letter telling you that he is coming home on 30-day furlough. Poor Syd - he certainly sounds bitter! I'm hoping that perhaps he won't have to go back to his outfit in Italy. I can certainly understand why Syd is so disgusted - he has a right to be! With almost 12,000,000 men in the armed forces, you'd think they could afford to let a veteran of 2-1/2 years service overseas remain in the States for good! It's going to be mighty tough for him to have to leave home again after his furlough is up, and even tougher for Uncle Nish and Tante Bosh to give him up again. Somehow, I don't envy him his prospects!

Your letter told of receiving the hankie. Glad you liked it, Sweet! I'll convey your thanks to Dick. I haven't yet shown Red what Adele wrote, but I will, first chance I get.

You go on to tell me about the party over Em’s place in Phil's honor. Your mention of Etta and Nat made me wonder if they ever received my letter. Please advise, will you, Ev? Your few lines about dancing with “Phil Strongin" amused me. Just what did you expect to "feel" dancing with my namesake, anyway? Your ! description of Morty Harris’ parents was funny, too. (I’d give a nickel to know what was in your mind at the time the “thought” about the "combination” that appalled you!) - or do I do you an injustice, Baby? By the way where is Phil stationed now, and what is he doing?

Flash! Just received that piece of plexiglass jewelry I was telling you about in yesterday's letter. I'm very much pleased with the way it turned out. I hope you will be too, honey. I'll mail it off as soon as I can package it properly (it won't fit in an envelope), since yesterday, I have learned that jeweler’s rouge is not quite the thing to polish plexiglass with, but baking soda (slightly damp), or tooth powder (on a damp rag) will polish it to a fare-thee-well.

I can’t think of another solitary thing to say, darling, except - I miss you more than ever, and long constantly for the day when I will be more than a memory to you. My dearest love to Adele and all the family. Remember always dearest - with you, or away from you, I am always

Your Phil

Post #552 - January 15, 1945 Seems Like the Next Generation will be All of An Age—at Least, in Our Family

 

15 January 1945

Dearest Chippie, 

Last night, after I finished writing to you, I walked down to the mess hall with Klein for supper. I don't usually eat supper, but when someone told me hot-dogs were on the menu, I couldn’t resist. "Dragon-Seed’ which I had seen a long time ago in London, was the feature at the base theater today, so instead of taking in a matinee, I came back here to start this. Managed to get a letter off to Dot last night, so slowly but surely, I’ll be catching up. The only trouble is, once I start a letter to you, honey, I hardly have time enough to write to anyone else! However, tomorrow is another day…

The new Russian offensive, which Moscow claims will not stop before it reaches Berlin, and the elimination of "Rundstedt’s salient" is big news in the papers today, and everyone is more or less excited with the way things are going. The Allies seem to be making good progress against Japan, too. Who knows, Sweet, maybe ’45 will be the year.

I've been looking thru your letters, Baby (and they make quite a pile), but they are, for the most part, "gossipy’ letters that somehow don’t require answers, .

Your "X-mas letter,” though, was nice and long, and I enjoyed reading about the various gifts everyone received, especially about Adele's “stocking". Wish I could have been there to see how she reacted! I think you handled it all very nicely, Ev, even to convincing the punkin that there is a Santa Claus. Don't ever make the mistake of telling her there isn't - she’ll find that out for herself all too soon.

It just struck me that you are, in all likelihood, in New York at this moment. It certainly is a nice gesture on your part to make the trip at this time, and I'm sure everyone you visit will be delighted to see you, especially Jackie. I do hope you find him well-recovered from his operation, and that the Gutkins have gotten over the first shock of their grief. Need I tell you how much I would have liked to go along with you, darling?

There are a coupla specific questions in your letters which I will not risk your ire by ignoring. Eddie, when you visited him, evidently gave you the impression that I was fat! You want to know? - so I'm telling you! When I saw Eddie, I weighed exactly 182 lbs., which, if you remember, is just about what I weighed when you saw me last. Recently (the last time of was in London - when I spent the night at the Turkish Baths after leaving Harry W.) I tipped the beam at 148. Since then, I think I have dropped a few more pounds. So, after all is said and done, and in spite of the impression Eddie got, I am, if anything, thinner than you knew me. Two things may be responsible for Ed’s impression: (1) My face may be a bit fuller. (2) My clothes are very ill-fitting. But never fear, Baby - I dislike being fat just as heartily as you do, and if I do.come home looking too heavy for your taste, I’ll join up at the Broadwood immediately and get rid of the excess by swimming and playing a lot of hand-ball. Which reminds me - you mention Mr. Bellet going to Young's for a work-out. I understand they have a swell layout, including some nifty handball courts, so I’ll join up there instead if I find it to my liking. By the way, Chippie - I haven't given up hope of teaching you to swiM, so don't think for a minute that you'll be alone those evenings when I’m at the gym. You'll be with me - O.K.? (I wish it were tomorrow!) 

I'm returning the picture of Lenny and Lee and ? as you requested, Ev. They look swell, don’t they? I feel a queer premonition, though, on account of "?". There's something about Lee that makes me fear for her. I hope it's nothing more than a silly notion on my part, though. Of course, Chippie, you won't be foolish enough to

discuss my premonition with anyone—

Your V-mail of 7 Jan. just arrived. It was Sunday, and the punkin reminded you to put her “yoshes" on 'cause it had snowed during the night. It informed me that Yale and Shirley are “expecting” too! Now that is news! Seems like the next generation will be all of an age - at least, in our family. Did I acknowledge the receipt of the news that Miriam Brown had a little girl? I don't think I did - but I know about it, and I'm glad. Please tender my heartiest congratulations to Uncle Nish and Tante Bosh. Explain why it is so difficult for me to write to them under separate cover,

So you were kidding brother Jack about who would have the first little boy, eh? (And then you are naive enough to warn me not to “get any ideas"- and then, to top it off, you say " who knows??? etc.) Lady, y’wanna know what I think? No? Well, I'll tell you anyway - you don't know your own mind on the burning question - to have or not to have! Furthermore, dearest one, I'm not thanking you for continually teasing me about it. It means far too much to me to “kid" about it with equanimity. 

Well, Baby, I'm just about “writ out” for the time being, so I’ll sign off now with a big kiss and hug for you and my beloved punkin and all. I adore you, Chippie—

Devotedly,
Your Phil