I intend to post almost daily, and in roughly chronological order, the thousands of pages of daily love letters that my parents sent to each other during WWII and any other documents that pertain to these letters..
Am starting to bang this out at the office just before going home. I haven't reminded you for some time that I still keep our "date" each day at 5 o'clock. At that time, honey, I take you into my arms and just love you up. I think how nice it would be if I could snuggle up close to you under the covers. I miss you so much, dearest!
I felt "extra special" lousy today. I was supposed to become unwell on Saturday and it just put in an appearance today. Each minute seemed like a year and I'm grateful that it is just about 6 o'clock. We are very busy these days and I never seem to be able to get enough done, so I've been coming in a little earlier each day.
I wrote to Seymour last night and then went over to Fay's. She was baking a cake. I watched her and knitted on Paul's vest. I left her place at 12, took a shower and went to bed.
Syd went back to camp yesterday (his 30 days were up) and lo and behold, he received a five day pass to go right back home again. Maybe he'll be lucky enough to remain in the States for some time. Need I say how happy the Browns Are!
Eddie went into town yesterday to attend to some business at the Customs House and shopped around for clothes the while. Being an ex-serviceman, many of the stores allow from 10 to 25% off. One fellow is willing to give him three stunning suits that retail for about $43 each for $100. My dad is going down with him on Saturday to have a look at them to determine whether or not it is worth the money. I'm letting Ed wear your tan coat temporarily (he doesn't wear his uniform all day cause he would need a press job daily) till he gets his own clothes, which should be sometime within the next week. I was looking at your tan felt hat with the green band the other day and it looks just as nice as it did when we bought it. Gosh but I'd like to see you in both coat and hat!
I ripped the stockings I bought the other day. It was through no fault of mine - It's just faulty stockings, Imagine, you pay $1 for a pair of stockings, wear them once and bingo! I never had that kind of trouble before, but I guess there's always a first time.
You could smell Spring in the air today and most of the snow of Tuesday has disappeared. I certainly hope it was our last snow for the season. The days are getting longer too, in fact it's still light when we get home between six-thirty and seven. Adele saw Goldie writing a letter the other night and told her to tell her daddy that "I a dood dirl". I love you, sweet, and as Adele would say, “I yove you".
This morning, as I usually do, I called Fay. She told me that she received a purple heart certificate for wounds that Morris received resulting in death. Heretofore she thought he had been killed immediately, as stated in the War Dept’s telegram, but now she's wondering just what did happen and how long he had to suffer before the end came. It's all very aggravating to say the least.
Haven't heard from Dot as yet, but when I called her mother I learned that she arrived 24 hours late due to some sort of a train wreck. I hope to hear from her today. For your benefit, sweet, I am writing this prior to leaving for work and I don't have to tell you how I am looking forward to receiving some mail from you. Tomorrow will be two weeks since I had a "real" letter.
Last night I wrote to Jack N. and Milt Brown. I'm back on my correspondence and am trying to catch up again.
Hooray! Here I am back from work and there is a most welcome v-mail from you, baby, one dated 2/6. It was crammed, cause you had received my long letter of Jan 16th, which I remember very distinctly. I can't, however, recall what I said to lead you to believe that something was wrong with Jack Gutkin. There is nothing wrote [sic wrong] with him. The family is merely trying to have him transferred back to the States to help ease their feelings, if such is permitted.
After waiting all this time for a letter, I don't have to tell you, sweet, just how happy I feel about the whole thing. Gosh, what a little v-mail can do! I received a long letter from Snuff, baring most of his fears and telling me how glad he is that Dot is there. He says he can stand most anything with her around and after being with her for five minutes he felt that they had never been separated. Do you think we’ll feel that way too? I'm reasonably sure of it, though there has been quite a break, though it has just been physically.
A fellow from the Brunel Studios was around today and sold coupons for 50¢, so Mom bought one for me. Now I've got two coupons for 8x10 colored oil paintings. I intended to take Adele down today, but have again postponed the trip due to the bad weather. The ground is piled with ice and snow once more - darn it! I stopped over to Fay’s this morning and she showed me the certificate and another one signed by the President. She asked me to please drop in for a few minutes before going to work and naturally I obliged. Each time I gaze at those papers I feel a terrible catch in my heart. More tomorrow, baby mine, and I guess you know that I just adore you, yeh, just.
Your Eve
14 February 1945
Eve, Dearest,
I was sure there would be some long overdue Air Mail for me today, but nothing doing - nary a letter of any kind. Aside from the fact that I’m kept plenty busy in the Orderly Room, there isn't much I can write about. I might mention that we had one of the three or four really nice days that England has each year today. It was a sunny, spring-like day that almost made one feel alive again. However, such days are not as welcome as you might think, ’cause when the balmy breezes blow, and everything looks cheerful and green in the sunlight, it only serves to accentuate the gloominess that is within me by contrast. It sounds silly, I know, that I miss you so terribly much after all this time. You might think I would get used to being without you by now, and I've made a real effort in that direction (in self defense), but I must confess that I failed miserably to do so. If there were only something in this environment with which I could occupy myself, or someone, who, in some way, might inspire some real affection in my heart, I might not be so desolate, but the fact is that you, and you alone, are the only person or agency that has the power to bring any measure of peace to my mind, or joy to my heart. I've been foolish enough to so commit my happiness in your keeping, that without you there is no other source for me. When I say that my life away from you is utterly without meaning, I mean it literally - and realizing that is a very stultifying state of mind to harbor, I've damned myself a thousand times for being unable to shake it off - rid myself of it, as most of the fellows seem to have succeeded in doing, but - well, all I can think about when my mind is not entirely occupied with something else, is how much I want to be with you - how sweet it would be to hold you in my arms, or even to be near you, so that my eyes and heart could be filled by the sight of you, and innumerable other fancies that are born both of my sore need of you and the knowledge that I need nothing until I have you. Sometimes I wonder if Adele, in herself, could fill any part of the great void in my heart - whether she could by her precious presence, in any measure, allay my overpowering loneliness for you. That thought, my Sweet, springs from the fact that I try to visualize or imagine how much she has benefitted you in this respect. I've come to the conclusion that she could fill me to overflowing with love and affection - but only temporarily - I would still want and need you just as desperately, once she were out of sight. I love you both so much, my darlings, that I am hardly anything at all beside being
Still no mall from you, but there were two nice letters from Milt Brown dated 1/31 and 2/5. The last mail from you stays at 1/26, so now you see just how poor my mail has been coming through. Do you know, sweet, that you have been receiving mall from me more quickly than I have been receiving it from you. I just hope that there will at least be a jackpot and that you haven't skipped writing a few days. I realize that you are kept very busy the first and last parts of the month, but I'm sure you found the time to write at least one letter. Maybe tomorrow, huh -
Seymour is in the South Pacific and is beginning to see some real aspects of the war. He has been requesting packages of can foods and the like, as the boys generally do when they get there.
Today, after a few days of nice weather, we were favored by a snowstorm that turned to rain in its late stages. We have had more darn snow this year than I ever remember seeing. I’ll certainly be glad when winter is over and we can walk on plain cement for a change. I only had an opportunity to stay out of my galoshes for just one day!
The other day Adele pulled a fast one on my mother. My mother had put her to nap on the cot and left the room. A few seconds later she returned to find no Adele. She started to yell Adele and it took a few seconds till she discovered that Adele had gotten off the cot (which is very low to the floor) and hidden behind it and all the while my mother called her name she kept very still. When my mother found her she didn't know whether to kiss her or slug her for the suspenseful moments. That’s Adele all over!
Eddle has been seeing this Ruth I mentioned some time ago about twice a week. He bought her a gorgeous Valentine gift - it's a mirrored jewel box with two pounds of candy inside. He refuses to allow himself to become serious as he wants to run around a little yet, but there is no doubt about it that she loves him. I won't be surprised if someday he marries her, but that's only what I think and I’d like it kept strictly between you and me. Her folks just can't make enough fuss about him.
My Aunt Gussie ls very well pleased with Meyer’s bride and is more than satisfied with his new status. It certainly was a rushed business, but I'm sure he knew what he was doing. Everything is so changed anymore that before you get used to one thing, up pops another. Boy I wouldn't mind getting stuck in a nice comfortable rut!
But I think I've just about had my say, don't you? So good night baby, and remember above all that I love you more each day, Darling -
Your Eve
13 February 1945
Darling Eve,
Your cheerful V-mail of 3 Feb arrived this afternoon, and it certainly made me feel good to know that you can occupy yourself with shopping for a red hand-bag and shoes, and giving dancing lessons to Jack and Eddie (although I suspect that “short pants" can show you a step or two by now)—and whaddya mean you “aim to put (me) in their class insofar as dancing in concerned"?? Are you insinuating that my dancing leaves something to be desired? Dontanswerthat! Seriously, tho’, sweetie-pants, (mind if a call you sweetie-pants?) - I'd give much to be allowed the privilege of dancing with you again, and you can tell your kid brothers for me that they’re damned lucky to have you for a sister and dancing partner, and that I envy them greatly. l am disappointed, tho’, to hear that you haven’t gotten around to having Adele's picture made. I thought you might have it in the mail by 3 Feb.! And you say nothing about having your own picture took. I’m warning you, Chippie, you’d better send them soon! My patience is just about at the end of its tether, and I don’ mean to be put off any longer, so if you haven’t already done it yet, you'd better get hot - know what I mean? Don't you worry about any birthday present for me - this package will do nicely, thank you, but I wish you could have made it the pictures instead. After reading the closing phrase of your letter tho’ I guess I could forgive you just about anything, vixen. - Å “Frenchy kiss” indeed! Is it any wonder I have trouble visualizing you as Mrs. Strongin, and think of you still (after all these years) as the naughty Chippie that attracted me so devastatingly from the moment I first set startled eyes on her? How different that Chippie from the staid young matron I said a reluctant au revoir to on that never to be forgotten night in August of 1943! I can truthfully say I love the two of you, Ev. No, t wouldn't say which of the two I love the most - even if I knew, which I don't! (I'm no fool-) -- But how the hell did I get into this? What I started out to say was - today was another nice day - and another busy one. Last night wasn't bad, either, 'cause "Up in Arms" was better than my fondest expectations. More specifically, Danny Kaye was a revelation! It is beyond my meager powers to put his talent into words (besides, I don't have the time), but take my word for it, Sweet, you have to see him to believe him! He's positively the greatest novelty in pictures since Shirley Temple and the Marx Brothers. Dinah Shore wasn’t hard to take, either. Her voice is pure velvet, and I love to listen to it. She's no slouch as a comedienne, either, and the beautiful (but more colorful than beautiful) Constance Dowling had to look plenty sharp to keep her from stealing the feminine interest. For my money, I'd much rather hear Dinah sing than just stare at Connie's cuteness. The picture has everything, Chippie, and I missed you very much all the time, ’cause I know you'd love it. See it, if you possibly can, Ev. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Take Mom - she goes for the kind of stuff that Danny Kaye puts out, and she'll love the technicolor. Klein was with me, and he just raved and raved and wanted to see it again, and Klein isn’t easily impressed, believe me.
Well, darling, that's about all there is to tell for now, and it's too damned late to do a thing but go to bed. Yeah - I know - I was thinking that, too - damn it! But - (all together now—) THERE'LL COME A DAY—you bet your sweet life there will! Until then, remember that I’m loving you every minute, baby. Kiss my punkin for me
will you, Sweet? Love to all. - One minute, though, I think I’ve had an inspiration - yep - sho 'nuff! It goes something like this:
If in your lovely bed tonight,
You chance to lie awake - while Thinking of your “soldier boy”
Yearning for a once-known joy.
Let this thought your bosom calm Grieve no more, for here's the balm:
Before leaving for the base theater to see "Up in Arms" with Danny Kaye, Dinah Shore and others, I want to make sure my daily stint is completed, so if I can think of anything to say (and I'm not at all sure that I can) I'll get on with it—
The weather has warmed up considerably, but not so much that we’re removing our jackets. We’re just not freezing anymore.
It was another busy day for me, ’cause I had the February payroll to get out. Last month I did it alone but this month Stahl helped me out. He typed as I dictated, and it went pretty smoothly except for the inevitable errors. Anyhow, this kept me occupied most of the day. Tomorrow, among other things, I have the “Bond Issuance Schedule” to type. That reminds me, Sweet—I cancelled my allotment for War Bonds. I figure it's about time I started to save some ready cash. As I told you some weeks ago, we have a great proportion of our savings tied up in bonds, and it’s high time we begin to build a cash reserve. I don’t think I’ll be able to save much; if anything, out of this month's pay, especially if I take that furlough I told you about yesterday, and I must leave myself a few extra pounds to tide me over the birthday, anniversary, Mother's Day, etc. You see, Sweet, if I'm to buy you and the Moms anything, I have to order two months in advance, so it's not going to be easy to manage this month. Once I get straightened out, though, I'll bank any excess funds I may have in “Soldiers Deposits,” which, incidentally, draws 4% interest. The last bond you receive should be dated 1 Jan. ’45.
There was no mail for me today, but if you have been writing as per usual I should be getting a slew of Air Mail letters any day now. In the meantime, I'm kinda stuck for things to tell you. You can understand from some of the above, honey, that I didn't get much of a chance to do anything about getting to the PX, and I can't find a box to ship the "whatsit” in. Right now, times a-wastin'—and if I mean to see "Up in Arms" tonight, I'd better get a move on. I'm rather eager to see this Danny Kaye (remember Helen’s records?), and I hear he's a wow in this.—Tell you about it tomorrow, Baby. Until then, I am
Your adoring Phil
P.S. Best love to the punkin, and all - of course!
Well, baby, here are two of the snaps I mentioned in previous letters. There is still another (a group snap) and just as soon as additional copies are made I shall send it along. I can't get over the snap of Adele alone, for she looks at least four years old on it. Her hair looks straight due to the fact that I removed her hood so that you'd get a better look at her. The other snap isn't good of any of us, as I'm sure you'll agree. Can you believe that the little girl in that snap is ours? I find it difficult to believe when I gaze at it and I'm with her!
Mom, Glo and I played Gin Rummy until about 12:30 and then to bed. Adele didn't nap today and kept me going all day long. I arose fairly early, as I couldn't seem to relax (I'm overdue on my period already). I cleaned our room, made breakfast for the two of us (wish I could say three) and took Adele out for an hour in the stroller. It was very springlike today and most of the snow has disappeared (thank god). Adele rested in her crib after lunch, long enough to allow me to eat my lunch. Then I dressed her in her little square-necked peasant blouse, red & green wool plaid pleated skirt (the one Fay gifted her with on her birthday), her locket and white socks and shoes. I am going to part her hair in the middle when I have her picture made and want to know how you like it. Most everyone likes it that way and I particularly like it that way. She loves to dress up and looks extremely feminine when dressed. She's "just like a woman" in all respects.
A friend of Gloria's and her hubby visited us this afternoon along with a barrage of Brownies. Uncle Nish made sure to gift Adele with money, as he so often does and this time it was a dollar. She walks around, shows it off and says she will put it in the bank. I take care of the latter for her.
Feb. 12, 1945
I never did get around to finishing this as you can see. Ethel, Mickey and Rae walked in. So did Thelma Levin, whom I've spoken about before. Adele got a Valentine package from Paul. It's a little basket of chocolate covered nuts and tiny red heart peppermints covered over by red cellophane paper and clasped with a make-believe pink plastic wrist watch. On the top is a heart and on the heart is a little boy floating in the clouds. The words go like this: I'd feel like this if you'd be mine sweet Valentine. Adele was very excited about it this morning and I wouldn't let her open it till she had shown it to everyone.
I still haven't gotten unwell and it's starting to annoy me. I have an idea I'll be "in the red" before another day is out, the way I feel now.
Much to my disappointment there was no mail today, although I had been expecting a belated jackpot. Maybe tomorrow, huh?
Anne (Richy's mother) (that's just to differentiate between the girl in our place and this Anne) took a part time job from 6 to 11 in the evenings, and is kept very, very busy these days. She has been getting mail regularly from Tony, and that is all that really matters. He's in Germany you know.
Tonight you are supposed to say kadish for your father and I'm wondering if you found out about it and said it.
Gloria slept over last night and left early this morning. I arose early, and had a very routine day. One thing was different - I ripped my stockings and had to run out a few minutes ago and get myself two pairs.
I have a nice portion of Paul's vest completed and hope to finish it shortly so that I may make a few sweaters for Adele and that handbag for me.
I'm beatin' my brains out for something to say and since I'm not able to concentrate due to a dull headache I won't drag this any further.
Good night for now, my own dearest Phil, I adore you and want you so much!
Your Eve
P. S. Guess you want to know what I think of the snaps. Neither of them do anyone justice. Ethel didn't want me to send any of them along as she doesn't feel they are true enough, but I feel that lousy snaps are better than no snaps at all.
11 Feb. 1945
Darling Chippie,
There was no fresh mail today, and because my last four or five communiques have been send "Air Mail" I thought I’d resort to to V-mail tonight so that you'll have some mail while waiting for the slower “Air Mail” letters to arrive.
Last night I went to the movies to see "Gentleman after Dark." Sure enough, I had already seen it! However, it is an interesting sort of picture, and it was so long ago that I saw it, that I had time to forget the plot and enjoy it all over again.
The Officers’ pay vouchers and sundry other things kept me busy all day today, and I still haven't found the opportunity to wrap and mail your “gew-gaw” (well, I just can’t call it a “thing”, can I?) or visit the PX. But there'll come a day - never fear! Speaking of visiting reminds me—There is a poster on the Bulletin Board in the Aero Club that interested me very much! Seems that there is a large mansion on the Yorkshire Moors (the locale of “Wuthering Heights") whose hostess, thru the auspices of the Red Cross, has invited G.I.'s in the U.K., to spend their leaves and passes there. There are many other opportunities for "hospitality" but this particular one appealed to me more than the others because it both affords an interesting change of scene, and an opportunity to lounge around and catch up on on my correspondence. Why am I telling you all this? Well - because I'm due for furlough, and I was considering taking advantage of what, to me, appears a golden opportunity. I’ll let you know what I decide to do about it, Sweet. In the meantime, I’ll be “sweating out” your letters, working, seeing a movie or sump’n - and thru it all - loving you every minute. A kiss for the lassie. My love to all.
Ever, Your Phil
Sun. Feb. 11th [1945]
Dear Phil:
I received your letter, and I don’t remember whether I answered it or not, so here I am again. I hope you don’t get tired of me.
By now you probably know that I am back in “Lousyana.” Snuff is having trouble with his leg again. He has four blood clots in his leg. They operated on him and took out one, but the other three are still there. Now he has some kind of growth between his thumb and forefinger, which will also need an operation for removal. Boy—what the Army can do to a perfectly healthy guy. No, he has no chance for a discharge. Does that answer your question?
I’ll excuse your letting some of my letters going unanswered, but don’t forget about me altogether.
Yes, I do remember that particular evening you mentioned. Gee, I certainly had a nerve, barging in like that. But I would do it again, if it would mean that you were home and Snuff on night work.
I gave Ev your message—that you love her dearly. You know what? I think somebody else told her too, because she seemed to know all about it.
My trip down here was very eventful. It should never happen to a dog! First of all, we left Philly at 7:41 P.M. on Wed. night. It was an all-coach train—reserved seats only, so at least I had a seat. We were due in St. Louis at 1:35 P.M on Thurs. and I was supposed to catch the train to Alex. at 5:50 P.M. that night. Anyhow, about 20 mi. out of Indianapolis, the car in back of us broke down and they had to disconnect it, and everything behind it and leave them there. There were about seven cars, and they crowded all the passengers from them into the baggage car, the club car, and our car. When we reached Indianapolis, they gave us a 40 min. stop-over to eat, as the diner was one of the cars left behind. Well, I don’t need to tell you that the station was a mad-house. Anyhow, we finally made St. Louis at 6:15 P.M. Our train had wired ahead to the other trains to wait, and they all did,—except ours. So I was stuck for the night in St. Louis. I stayed in a very lovely hotel. It was the first time I ever stayed in one. Just one more experience to add to my memoirs. I made a train at 8:05 A.M. on Friday and arrived in Alex. at 3:30 A.M. Saturday morning. Believe me, I would never want to go through that again. However, I must admit that I had some interesting experiences with the servicemen. On the whole, they are pretty nice guys.
The weather here is really delightful. Almost like summer. Back in Philly, they still have ice on the ground.
While I think of it, Snuff’s address is
Pvt. Irvin Cohen 33815176
Station Hospital Ward 418
Camp Claiborne, La.
Here’s a cute joke, to relieve the monotony of the letter:
A Soldier writes a letter to his wife to send him $2.25 for toothpaste and stuff. And she wrote back: “Enclosed is $.25 for the toothpaste. Come home for the stuff.”
Well, Phil, that’s about all for now. By the time you receive this letter and answer it, I’ll probably be home. So write soon. It is always a pleasure, hearing from you.
No mail from you today, and I am looking forward to something of a jackpot this coming week. I had a very busy day, what with working for Bellet and Miss Hahn. When I finished at Bellet's I had lunch at H & H with Anne, which consisted of fried liver, mashed potatoes and Harvard beets, huckleberry pie and coffee. A bit of alright, eh, what? My appetite these past few days has been enormous and I'm sure I've put on a few extra pounds as a result. Everyone notices that my cheeks are fuller, so that's enough proof for me.
After lunch I went directly to Miss Hahn's, arriving at 2:45. I worked until 6:10 and she wanted to pay me 70¢ per hour for my trouble. I settled for $2.35 for fare and my work, not wishing to take advantage of her. She was so happy I came, I can't tell you. She even gave me a lollipop to take home for Adele.
Gloria is here for the weekend and was the first person who greeted me on my arrival home. We've been gabbing about this and that. When I took Adele up to bed I tried the dress Rose Brand gifted her with on and found it is much too small (and it's a size three!). I shall have to return it to her for a larger size. I like it very much and thought I'd have her picture made in it.
The Browns, Strongins, etc, are coming up tomorrow to see the family and especially Glo. Sylvia (Milt's girl) (her folks have a grocery store) promised to get me some tuna and darn if she didn't. Harry got me a pack of Herbert Tareytons for you, so I've got two items against my next package. I'm going to send a package to Milt too, if I can scrape enough items together.
Ruth bought Adele a little toy wrist watch and Adele is proud as punch of it. She's very careful of her "wist watch" and enjoys playing with it by pulling it off and putting it back on her wrist. She wouldn't nap this afternoon and my Mom had a very tiring day of it. Now that she's getting older she won't nap each day and it's a tough grind to keep going with her all day long. I'll be glad when all the snow is gone, for then we can keep her outside and wheel her around in the stroller and she won't get into any trouble that way.
When I took her up to bed, I said to her, "Adele, who's going to sleep with Mommy tonight?" She replied, "Daddy". I said no and told her to guess again. This time she said, "Philip. So I told her that you weren't going to sleep with me tonight, but maybe tomorrow and that Gloria was going to sleep with me today. I'm "due" today, but it seems to be holding off and I feel kind of tired as a result. You know how I feel the day "before".
Well, baby, I am writing this to you as Glo writes to Jack and so that I may keep her company for a little while before going to bed, I'll say I adore you, baby and I am
Your Eve
10 February 1945
My Dearest,
Your V-mail of 30 Jan arrived this afternoon, and I'm going to try to get it answered before making the second show at the "Thunderbolt”! The picture is "Gentleman after Dark" with Brian Donlevy and Miriam Hopkins, and for the life of me, I can't remember whether or not I saw it before, and nobody seems to know what it's about, so I guess I'll have to go around and see for myself. It has been another full day for me, and I feel the need for a little relaxation - (got any good ideas in that connection, Chippie? Mm-hm! - that's what I thought you'd say). Gee, honey, how I wish I could take you up on that! Where was I - oh, yea - I was goin' to the movies -after finish this. Well, as I was saying in the beginning - I received your V-mail of 30 Jan. and I was pleased no end to note that you start right off by telling me that you mailed off a "longie" “yesterday.” I'll be looking for a nice, fat letter dated 29 Jan, you betcha! Glad to hear that you finally dragged together enough stuff to make up a package. You say that Eddie is attending the packing and mailing of it. It certainly gives me a “lift” every time I remember or am reminded that Eddie is home for good! I hope he isn't too busy to drop me a line now and then. — Which reminds me that I've been neglecting Ruth shamefully these past months. She deserves better treatment from me, I know, and I hope you have pointed out to her that the only correspondence I've been able to attend is yours. Remember me to her Chippie, and tell her for me how sorry I am that I have been unable to reciprocate in kind for her many nice letters and cards. I haven't forgotten a certain pin I promised to send along to her, either, and some day, when I have the opportunity and the money at the same time, I'll keep my promise. I got a great kick out of the second paragraph, Baby. First, you mention that the punkin is no longer afraid of the dark (she got over it a lot sooner than I did), then you go on to recount that "Tiss me, Mommy. See ya tonight, Mommy” interlude with Adele. Bet you ate her up for that, Chippie—I know I would have! Was pleased to note that the recent great news from the fighting fronts impressed you favorably and lifted your spirits. The rest of your letter is pure “love-letter,” Baby, and it’s mighty sweet music you play on your ever-lovin’ hubby’s heart-strings. Lady, you say the nicest things in the nicest way! My impulse is to reply in like vein, but I'm so full of the love of you, Ev, that I wouldn't dare put down in so many words what I am feeling at the moment - it would sound like a mixture of all the love-letters you ever read and all the love songs you ever heard. Boiled down to its very essence, it means nothing less than - I adore you, sweet wife of mine.
A kiss from
Your Phil
Feb. 10, 1945
Dear Evelyn,
I have a little extra time today so I’m dropping you a few lines. I am feeling fine & hope this letter finds you all the same. Receiving quite a good bit of mail lately & practically hear from everyone I write to. I sure have a bunch of letters to write now, but I don’t mind that when I have the time to write. I guess you are busy as a bee these days, taking care of the baby, the house & also working, leaving you hardly any time for yourself to do those little things that you like to do. Had a letter from Mickey yesterday, but he does not have much to say, & still does not know the outcome of the x-rays he had taken of his stomach. I don’t think it is serious, & I sure do hope I’m right. Also received a few letters from Sydney written from home, & he sure is enjoying his stay at home, but I guess that is only natural to him. I guess you saw quite a good bit of him. Well, Evelyn, there really is not much more I can find to write about for now, as I wrote you a few days ago, & since then there really is not much new going on around here. Give my regards to all & I’ll write you again soon.
Last night after posting your letter I went to Ben's and managed to get 10 more pieces for my package, of candy and gum. I've never tried some of the bars, but I'm sure you'll enjoy them. They have so many new things around to make up for the shortage that I can't keep up with them. Eddie is making up the package and it is being mailed today. (Mr. Bellet just walked out for lunch and I'm endeavoring to knock out this v-mail before he returns).
I shall make up another package of tuna, cheese, crackers and whatever else I can get, as you requested in the letter I received yesterday, whenever I can get the items. You must realize, honey, that I have very, very little time for shopping, and these days you really have to "hunt out" any item you desire, or get it from someone you know who handles it. I think the situation becomes worse with each passing week.
Adele's speech and activities have not been discussed for some time, so suppose I give you a little detail (got to get this filled somehow and I'm sure you won't mind). The other day she happened to notice that my loafer shoes (as they are called} have a hole in the sole. She said, "Mommy your shoes is torn. Take it to the shoemaker and have it fixed." I told her to get after Uncle Eddie today and see that he makes up the package and mails it. She said, "Wrap the package for Daddy and take it to the post office. And (afterthought) "Mommy, you gotta give me money". This morning when she awoke she was a little boisterous and I told her to keep very quiet cause everyone was sleeping. She said, "Mommy, I'll be a dood girl. I won't make Harry mad." She refers to you often now and says, "Daddy coming home soon, say hello punkin."
I feel reasonably sure that she will associate you with your picture once you do come home and I doubt if you'll have any difficulty being as friendly with her as I am. Once in a while, she’ll say, "Mommy, I yove ou, pick me up." She gets lovey dovey and wants to kiss me. Sort of reminds me of you, honey.
I notice that my mail has fallen off again, for I've only had two old letters in eight days. When you consider that I received your v-mail of 26/Jan over a week ago, it isn't any too good. Oh well, maybe tomorrow will bring something for me. Eddie mailed off the package of chocolate bars, film, "some" cigarettes, gum, etc. today and I shall try to get another with the tuna off as I promised within the week.
It was nice out today, but the snow continues to remain. It's such solid ice that it will probably take weeks for it to melt. A little more of the weather we had these past two days and it will disappear completely. I guess you know, darling, that I adore you. Not only that, but I love you, too, Surprised?
Your Eve
9 February 1945
Dearest Darling,
I'm having the darnedest time thinking of things to write about these days— You see, Sweet, I've been kept very busy in the Orderly Room for a long time now, and while I think of plenty of odd little items to tell you about during the day, they somehow escape one by the evening, when I settle down to writing. Guess I'll have to start jotting down notes on a memo pad as these things occur to me. Then, too, I haven't been off the base since New Year's Eve, and I don't have anything to tell you about my leaves, as once I had. Bert and Evelyn must think I'm dead or sump’n, I haven't seen them in so long. When the weather gets better, I’ll be going into town again more frequently. That reminds me—you remember, Chippie, that I had been holding your “doo-dad" ’til I could get to town to have it engraved, but just today I learned from one of the guys that they do a very poor brand of engraving in these parts, so I have decided to send it on to you as is. It is much too plain in its present form, but I have a hunch you'll have a pretty definite idea how you'll want it finished off, so I suggest you take it round to a jeweler and let him tell you if he can dress it up to your taste. I’ve managed to get a few pounds ahead, honey, and because this is intended as my anniversary gift to you, I want to pay the charge for the engraving, so let me know the cost, will you? I'll be sending it along just as soon as I can find a suitable box to mail it in. I'm still waiting a chance to order those things at the PX. The PX is only open from 11:30 A.M. ’til 6:00 PM, and believe it or not, I've been too busy each day for weeks now between those times to be able to knock off work long enough to get down there and fill out the necessary forms. (Talking about “filling out forms" gives me a wonderful idea, but I guess that will have to wait—) Anyway, honey, just continue to be patient, and trust me not to forget to get these things off to you—eventually. The mail is held up again - else you've reverted to using Air Mail, ’cause I haven't received any for a coupla days. On the other hand, I'm just too occupied to even attempt to drop a line to all those people whom I owe letters. Please make my apologies for me, will you, Sweet? - Especially to Mom - I know she must be pretty disappointed in me - it’s so long since I promised to write to her. I would love to start a letter to her right now, but it's 11 o'clock already, and the guys are all in bed, and beginning to look daggers at me for keeping the lights on - so I'll say a hasty good night, kiss you (not too hastily), and whisper the old, time-honored "I love you, Chippie". Just one more line in which to hug and kiss our own Adele.
