Post #597 - March 7, 1945 You Seem So Terribly Far Away When the Mail is Held Up and Have Faith That We are Destined for Many Happy Years Together and A Letter from Eddy Paller

 

March 7, 1945

Dearest Sweetheart,

It is now seven o'clock and I am ready to leave for home. Mr. Bellet asked us all to stay over an extra hour this evening, so that we could clean up on our work, which had piled up these past few days. He's going to New York for Friday and Saturday and wants to be sure that we're all caught up before he leaves. He promised Anne and myself a gift when he went to N.Y. and he asked me what I want. Anne wants a handbag, but I can't decide what I would like to have. He said it would be a sort of birthday gift for me, too.

It rained again today, but has cleared up now. With all this rain, I wonder what we're going to do when April rolls around.

Back home again and am disappointed to find no mall. There hasn't been any since Friday, so your last letter (14/Feb.) is now three weeks old. Gosh, can't the postoffice do any better than that. You seem so terribly far away when the mail is held up!

Syd Brown was back in Camp for five days and what do you know - he received another pass for five days. I wonder just how long he will stay here. It's almost two months now.

On second thought, I believe I shall tell Mr. Bellet that I should like to have a good black leather handbag. I intend to get a dressy pair of black leather shoes, so that I may wear them with my new black and coral colored dress and a bag is just the thing I'll need to finish off the outfit.

I've been working on the gray and fuschia sweater or Adele and while the stitch is easy enough, it requires much time to make any progress that shows. The wool is very fine and the design is lovely. I hope you get to see this outfit when it is finished, before she beats it up.

There isn't much else I can say this evening, sweet. When the mail holds up as it has been doing I find myself at a loss for words. It isn't that I couldn't think of something to fill in space, but have no desire to say anything. I'm just "filled to overflowing” with love for you, dear one and I want very much to see you. Darling, I miss you so much!

Adele was up rather early today and this has been a very full day for me. I am going to knot on Adele's sweater for a little while, listen to the radio, take a shower and hit the hay. I have another very full day ahead tomorrow and want to be up to it. Good night, baby, I'm wishing very hard that tomorrow will bring some mail from you.

Your Eve

7 March 1945

My Darling,

News is rather scarce today, and there was no mail for me for the first time in a week, so I’m continuing with the V-mail.

It was another full day for me, but I like being constantly occupied because the day goes by before I realize it, and I don’t get the chance to think too much about all the things at home that I miss so sorely.

After work I went to the first show with Klein to see Warner Baxter in a third-rate picture called “Shadows in the Night.” Klein stopped at the Aero Club after the show to take in the dance, and I came back here to the hut to get this off to you. That, my sweet, just about accounts for my day.

Forgot to tell you yesterday that I read that article in “Reader’s Digest” about Dr. Lempert. It gave me a better appreciation of how very fortunate Jackie was in being able to secure the great surgeon’s services thru the good offices of the Army. Jackie must think me an awful heel because I haven’t written to him in so long a time—but then, there are quite a few others that must have a pretty low opinion of me for the same reason. I’m trying to remember where I ever found the time before to write to everyone, but whenever it was, I certainly don’t have the time for it now.

Well, baby, here it is March 1945 (what hopes I had for this month some six or seven months ago!), but it is still difficult to imagine just how and when the war in Europe will end. However, we are in better case now than we ever were, and, by the same token, the Nazis are in worse straits than ever, and there is no telling what might happen in the very near future. The prospects certainly were never brighter than they are now! Let us, then, my darling, keep our hopes high, and have faith that we are destined for many happy years together—you and I and the punkin and all our loved ones.

Lovingly,

Your Phil

March 7th, 1945
Phila; Pa.
Wednesday-evening

Dear Phil:

As I understand yesterday was your birthday and I for one almost forgot about it maybe because I am so busy lately. Rather then send you a card, I thought I'd write this letter due to the fact that I believe that letters are much more interesting then cards, and, I am able to say more at the same time.

I don't know how long it has been since I last wrote to you but it is beginning to dawn on my mind that I have been out of the service almost six weeks already. Darn it if time doesn't fly fast. It never went that fast in the Army.

Now I have made all my arrangements toward entering college and I am just waiting to be called either in September or sometime this month. If I am not called until September, I will, beyond all doubt, take a light job for probably the six months that will elapse before starting school.

We just heard from Sy in more then a month and he was allowed to say that he was at Iwo Jima supporting the invasion. We knew he was there before he wrote because in the paper it listed his ship as one of the battleships supporting the attack. In most of his letters he often asks about you and hopes you are making out o'k.

You probably heard about the lousy weather we are having and I must say it is the worst winter I ever saw. For the past week it has done nothing but rain and that doesn't make anyone very agreeable. The streets have not been swept in ages and the trash also has not been collected. That makes Logan look kind of filthy and practically the whole city is the same way. Well, what do you know, they finally took the trash and cleaned the streets for a change. Since these heavy rain storms the streets are really spotless and everything is back to normal.

You, no doubt, received news of the new curfew they have enforced all over the country. Every amusement place or night spot must close at twelve including movies, dance halls, and hotels. Restraunts can stay open as long as they don't serve drinks nor provide entertainment. You know all horse racing is prohibited till further notice, so you see we are really beginning to feel the war here in the States.

I am now wearing civilian clothes and maybe they don't feel good. I have a few friends that have been discharged from the service also so I am not all alone.

Getting back to your birthday, I want to wish you a happy one although it would be much happier if you could be home. Regardless of the fact, we must all be thankful that we are still alive and in good health. So I hope by the time your next birthday rolls around, you will be here at home with your wife and kid and enjoying yourself for a change.

If I forgot to enclose anything of importance in this letter I will do so in my following one, so until then with all regards for your future well being and good health, I close saying regards and love from all--------------

sincerely,
Eddy

Post #596 - March 6, 1945 Adele Very Cutely Said, "I Smarter than You are Mommy" and I Can Hardly Believe that I’m Thirty Years Old Today

 

March 6, 1945

Dearest Hubby,

Happy Birthday! I wonder if you felt as I did all day long? I had an awful case of the blues and I still have it. I was going to write a lengthy letter, and decided in favor of this, so I wouldn't have to say too much. I haven’t had any mail since Friday and since you mentioned that you might go on furlough, I suppose I won't have any for a while. It rained all day long and I was kept busy every moment.

Dot gave me Snuff's new address to forward to you and here 'tis: Pvt. lrvin Cohen, 33,815,176 C.E., P.O. Box 1663, Sante Fe, New Mexico - just in case you decide to write.

I Informed your "dotter" that today was your birthday, just in case you are wondering about it. She told everyone that today was "daddy's birthday". Your dotter is very devilish these days and a bit fresh. The other day I said to her that I wanted to take her out and she said. "Go out by yourself, Mommy, I want to write on my blackboard."

Adele likes to imitate the picture of the baby hanging above her crib, by throwing her arms over her head and showing how the baby sleeps. She so likes to imitate the dancing girl" and frequently points to the picture of you and me on the chifferobe and exclaims, “that's Mommy and Daddy!" One has to be very, very careful what he says in her presence, for she's very alert and catches every little word. This morning, for instance, my mother was telling me how Adele hides very quietly and my Mother is frantic till she finds her. My mother said, "She's smarter than you are." Adele very cutely said, "I smarter than you are Mommy". Such are the remarks of your youngster, sweet.

The punkin finally broke her “fast” and decided it was about time she ate some solid food for breakfast. It was a pleasure to feed her this morning. I really do not feed her, except if it is soup or whatever I happen to be giving her is a bit too warm. Most of the time she eats by herself.

Eddie mailed off the other package he had ready (the one with the 5x7 picture of Adele enclosed) today. That's the second package he has mailed. He was unable to include the large chocolate bars, as they weighed too much, so I'm saving them for my next package. I'm going to try to get hold of some chocolate chips so that I can make you another batch of cookies.

Just consider what it would be like to have 31 kisses from yours very lovingly and 31 from your ever-lovin' dotter, Baby, we miss you so very much! Thanks so much for being such a loving hubby and daddy. We're both very, very lucky to have you and we certainly wish we will actually have you in the very near future. This is getting "very, very" so I guess you won't mind if I tell you once more that I adore you very much.

Your Eve

6 March 1945

Darling Chippie,

Today, I guess you know, marks another milestone for me. I can hardly believe that I’m thirty years old today—it seems only yesterday that I was nineteen and going out on my first date. Believe it or not, I don’t feel any older right now than I did then. But I do wish I were in a position to prove it (if’n you know what I mean!) Incidentally, Chippie, your birthday present is on the way, so don’t think I’ve neglected you if it’s a few days late reaching you. While I was ordering it at the PX, a very attractive doll in the catalogue caught my eye, and I ordered it for Adele. Her name is Betty Jane, and I hope the punkin takes to her.

My birthday was the typical routine day, so there’s nothing interesting or new to report—unless it might be the fact that we actually had nice, sunny weather, which, in case you haven’t noticed, is quite a novelty in these parts.

Your V-mails are coming through with the regularity of clock-work. I hope you are getting mine just as regularly, Sweet. It was dated 25 Feb., and since you didn’t write on the 24th, I presume that you wrote a “regular” letter on the 23rd (I hope, I hope).

Was delighted to read that you had more pictures taken of the punkin. I can hardly wait to see them! C’mon sumpin! But I do wish you’ll consider my wishes a little more in the future, baby, and take a few pictures yourself whenever you get an opportunity like you had both times you had Adele photographed!—Since when did you get backward about being photographed? I’m deeply disappointed at your indifference in this matter, Chippie, and you can console me only be doing as I ask. Will you, honey?

It’s time to hit the hay now, Sweet, and time to keep our date. I love you so much, Ev—Kiss Adele for her adoring dad.

Your Phil

P.S. Love to all.

Post #595 - March 4, 5, 1945 Bet Seymour Will Have Some Exciting Stories to Tell Some Day! and a Letter from Goldie Strongin

 

4 March 1945

Dearest Evie, 

Still very busy in the Orderly Room, and the work keeps coming in faster than we can get it out. There are a number of things to be done that I just can't seem to find the time for. My remedy for that is to take care of the more pressing things first and let the others wait until I can get to them. For instance, I usually have the Company History finished by this time of the month, but one thing and another that had to be done earlier than the 5th (when the History is due) kept popping up, with the result that I'll probably have to put in a few hours on it tonight in order to meet the deadline tomorrow. (The hell of it is that I don’t get paid time-and-a-half for overtime—hell, I don’t even get paid for overtime!). The foregoing should serve to explain why I am writing V-mail tonight.

Received your “disgustipated” letter of 19-20 Feb. just now, which, outside of taking issue with the Post-Office authorities, tells me next to nothing. However, there were two things I might comment on—The first was the information that you have taught the punkin to say her prayers before going to bed. That’s nice, Sweet, and you can thank her for me for remembering her Daddy in her prayers. Tell her that her Dad prays for her, too. The second item! Yes, I, too, read that Seymour’s ship is at Iwo Jima.—Bet he'll have some exciting stories to tell some day!

There was a very teasing birthday greeting from Dot and Snuff, too, and it made me wonder if they realized how close to the truth it hit—I do wish I could find a few free
moments to dash off a few lines to them—

For your sake, honey, I’m wishing that the delivery of mail improves. For my part, I am doing my very best to write daily, however little time I have for it.

Well, Chippie, I must sign off now—so give my love to all, and remember always that you, my darling, are the embodiment of everything that is precious and dear to

Your adoring Phil

March 5, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Ed took the typewriter over to the house to catch up on his correspondence, hence the penmanship. No mail from you (my last one was dated Feb. 14) but there was a card from Rose Brand. I had returned the pink dress & socks she gifted Adele with & today I received a royal blue sun dress & white socks in larger sizes. The sun dress will come in handy during the summer. Jack Gutkin is home on furlough (due to Betty’s death) but has to return to England on March 16th. I understand that Ben Genshaft will have to go into the Army.

Mom & I went to the Lindley last night & saw “Tall in the Saddle” with John Wayne & Ella Rains. It was a regular rootin’-tootin’ cowboy picture, but it made good entertainment & we both enjoyed it. I also heard that Bob Lieberman is taking singing lessons. The pen I am using does not write—it scratches—and I’m having a time getting it written.

Tonight is 19 months since I “saw” you—and I miss you so much—I love you so much, sweet. A hug & kiss from Adele & one from

Your Eve

March 5, 1945

Dear Phil,

Tonight I am in a writing mood & decided to sit down & write to my two brother-in-laws. Harry decided to go to the Lindley to see “Tall In the Saddle” & I thought I would stay home & write. We are all well at home & hope that you are in good health.

Mom right now is listening to the radio to Gracie Allen & George Burns & I can hear her laughing all the way in the kitchen.

Ev is doing a little washing & the two little darling girls are sleeping. Oh! how quiet it is with them sleeping.

Adele is quite a young lady as you will see from the recent pictures of her. She is so sweet that you can eat her up. She speaks very nicely & understands everything. She likes Diana & Diana likes her. Tonight Ev was in her room giving Adele a glass of milk & Ev was singing. All of a sudden Adele stops drinking & says to Ev “keep still Mommy Diana is sleeping.” We don’t see too much of Adele as she is most of the time over to Mrs. Paller.

Diana is almost 9 months & a little darling. Everybody says she looks like your father. She is very clever for her age & understands everything. She loves Adele & keeps looking after her.

We ask her where is the light & she looks up to the ceiling light. She knows who everyone is. I can keep on writing & writing about the two little Strongin girls, but I hope this war ends darn soon so that you can come home & see for yourself.

I am enclosing a picture of Diana & myself that I had taken in the home.

Everything is the same here. Ev keeps you well posted with the latest news.

Harry is doing fairly well at his gas station. I will close now with best regards & fondest love from all here.

Love,

Goldie

5 March 1945

My Own Darling,

Some very nice things happened to me today, and I’m in a better humor, as a result, than I have been for weeks. First, I got a lotta work done (altho’ there is still plenty to do)—then, early in the afternoon, four bags of packages came in. Among them were two packages for me. The first contained my shoes, and the second, the candy, gum, film, and those scrumptious pin-ups. Thanks a million for everything, darling. I’ll certainly make good use of everything, and if I can find a “620” camera, I’ll take some snaps and send them along to you. Don’t, by the way, send any more cigarettes, baby, ’cause we get seven packs a week now, which is about three more than I smoke.

Later in the afternoon, the first-class mail arrived, and with it your V-mail of 22 Feb. On that day, Sweet, you took Adele to Lorstan to have her picture made, and I don’t have to tell you how happy I was to learn it. Your description of the punkin’s attire and her behavior at the photographer’s made very pleasant reading. Naturally, I’ll be looking forward eagerly to the letter that will bring the proofs. However, I was greatly disappointed that you didn’t see fit to grant my request to have your own picture made at the same time. Don’t you realize, honey, that the punkin’s picture will make me feel the lack of yours the more keenly? I’m sure I asked you on more than one occasion to have your own picture taken whenever you got Adele to the studio. I’m hoping that you did so, and only refrained from mentioning it because you want it to come as a surprise. Am I hoping in vain? I wonder!

I’m still waiting the opportunity to get two things done: (1) To visit Bert and Evelyn, and (2) To write to Mom, Jack S., Jack N., Dot, Mike, Lil, Gloria, etc. etc. Maybe soon the war will be over and I’ll have time to do those things—I hope, I hope! At any rate, the news is such, these days, that it’s not without the bounds of reason.

Just room enough and time enough to tell you the old, old story which, I trust, you will never tire of hearing—I love you, my adorable Evie. A kiss for the punkin. My love to all.

Your Phil—always.

Post #594 - March 2, 3, 1945 Five Minutes After Our Re-Union, the Phil You Always Knew Will Come “Real” for You and Dot and I Bought the Same Dress in Different Colors

 

2 March 1945

My Darling,

Another very busy day for me, and a very pleasant one, nevertheless. I was occupied every minute of the day in the Orderly Room, and managed to clear a lot of work that had been “hanging fire," as it were. In the afternoon, your V-mail of 18 Feb. arrived to swell the pile of letters I already have on hand. Il contained nothing startling, but I loved your final paragraph, Chippie. You needn't wonder anymore
about whether or not I have “changed.” I’m positive, Sweet, that five minutes after our re-union, the Phil you always knew will come “real” for you, and you'll no doubt be wondering why my absence (which will assume puny proportions in retrospect) ever seemed so hard to take. For my part, I have ever been guided in all my waking moments by the consciousness that you were, and are, constantly at my side. How then, can I have changed, since I was never really away from you? As for you, honey, I have no qualms whatever. If there is an Evie that I don't know, then I'll be very much surprised, indeed, but not disappointed, no, not disappointed! This evening I called Mrs. Davies on the phone at the Aero Club and got the connection in five minutes. She was very excited and pleased to hear from me so soon again, and was most profuse in her thanks for the bouquet (daffodils and tulips), which had just arrived a few hours before my call. She made no bones about how much she enjoyed having us last week, and made me promise that I would come and visit Meadowcroft at every opportunity. - As if I need any coaxing! Already, Ev, I miss those wonderful people, the Davies, their lovely home, and that beautiful country in the Cleveland Hills. Please try to write to them soon baby!

Forgot to say in yesterday's V-mail, darling, that besides all your letters, there were also letters from Jack N., and that very long, very nice letter of Eddie's, and the midget Bulletins from Dot. Tell Dot for me that I'm truly sorry that I've been unable to write to her for so long now (when you write), and tell Ed that I'm flattered no end that he took so much time and effort to get off such a marvelous letter to me. As you know, Sweet, I had hoped to write to everyone during my furlough, but, alas, it was all I could do to keep you posted from day to day. What really worries me, though, is that I just don't have the time to write more than my daily letter to you, honey, and I feel very badly that I have had to neglect Mom and everyone who has been good enough to write to me over so long a period, but it really isn't my fault, believe me, dear! It's almost time for “lights out"- and just time for me to keep our date, sweetheart—I love you so very much! My dearest love to the punkin, Mom, and all.

Ever,
Your Phil

March 3, 1945

Darling Husband Mine,

Never did get the opportunity to write yesterday and doubt very much if I'll have time for very much writing this evening (it is very late) but I intend to make this a real longie to make up for the intervening days.

First and foremost, here are two small shots of Adele that the man made here last Sunday. I am enclosing the 5x7 shot, which is really very nice (though not too clear) and is just our Adele, in my latest package, which will go forth this week. I hope you like them, for they ought to give you a pretty good idea of what she's like at home.

Friday night I went downtown with Fay, as I said I would.

March 4, 1945

I was too sleepy to continue and figured I'd continue on this today, hence the break. I didn't get to see the girl I hadn't seen for eight years, but I did see her folks and they recognized me as soon as I walked in. We went to another girl's house (her husband was just discharged from the Army and opened a business something like Perilsteins - glass) and there were several other girls, all in the same boat as I, present. We chatted and then we played cards. Glory be - I won 10¢. After the game, Loretta, our hostess, served some delicious sandwiches, cake, etc. and we left about 12:15. Fay and I walked home from Broad St. in a driving rain and I sure was messed up when I got into the house.

It was about 2 when I hit the sack and I was so tired I couldn't fall asleep. I was up when the alarm went off at 6:45 and was ready for work by ten to eight. Mr. B. picked my dad and me up as usual and after work I went out to West Philly where I bought two dresses. Dot and I bought the same dress in different colors. This particular dress was $9 and the color and material are very similar to the dress I wore when we were married. Mine is aqua and Dot's is rust. I wanted the rust one, but I looked better in the aqua. The other dress I bought was $13 and looks like a two piecer. It's a crepe material, the top is a coral color and the bottom is black. There are little hobnails (gold ones) stamped into the coral material. Both dresses feature the new cape sleeves (which I dislike) but there isn't much to choose from cause they all feature cape sleeves. The coral and black has a high neck which ties into a bow, the skirt has two large gathered pockets on either side and it has a wide black belt. The aqua is a button-down--the-front with a square neck that ties into a little bow. The buttons are white pearl. The cape sleeves on this one remind me of a lattice design (strips of material put together so they form little blocks).

Besides all this, I hit a large jackpot on Friday. There were your letters of 12/13/14/Feb., my check and the check from S & D. Need I add how happy I was to receive them! I seem to recall you once saying that women were unpredictable. Since that is the case, may I ask what got into you? I was in such a happy mood until I got to your letter of the 14th. All I know is that after I read it, I was so utterly disgusted with you that I was glad you were so far away, so I could not give voice to my feelings. You might have asked me whether I liked the idea of giving up the bond allotment before you did so. What made me angry though, was the fact that you did it some time ago and just got around to telling me about it. Evidently that is why you finally became cleared financially, but you didn't tell me as much. Why? You must have known what I would say, so I'm not going to disappoint you.

No, I think this business of saving with the soldier's deposits stinks, in plain words. You asked me to please stop buying bonds with the money I could save and build up a cash reserve to which we would have immediate access and I did so. What's the matter, aren't you content with buying at least one measly bond a month? Since I am able to save anywhere from $40 to $50 monthly in cash, I see no reason why we should not have at least one $25 bond. Ten years from now we'll have a sort of income from the bonds and I wanted, very much, to have one for each month, so that would be the case when they matured. Since I started to work and was able to save on my own, it meant a lot to me to know that we are each doing our bit toward providing security for all of us, but the fact that you cut the allotment without so much as asking me, cuts deep. I have never done anything without first asking you, regardless of what it is and whether we agreed, but I always asked. It's not like you and it bothers me.

There is one other thing - do you think, for one moment, that I would accept an anniversary or Mother's Day gift knowing that you stopped that allotment, which was a source of peace of mind to me, just to buy me a gift. I can assure you that neither Mom would feel right about it either. I will not accept any gifts from you if that's how you have to send them. Phil, it might interest you to know that Adele and I live on $30 each month - just for the two of us. You don't think I'd ask you to do the same if we couldn't. What's more, you at least can go wherever you want at a reduced rate, but everything here costs us double. Do you think that I could save anything if I did not budget myself. If I can't have a particular something during a particular month, I simply wait until I can, providing it isn't a bare necessity. I don't scrimp either. I simply budget myself.

You asked me if I had a spare few dollars to send you a package. It might interest you to know that the packages I put up cost me $8, which, to my way of thinking, is quite a bit - don't you think so? Two cans of tuna cost me exactly a dollar. That ought to give you an idea of how hard it is to get along on a few dollars these days. I didn't take that money out of our savings to do it either. I shall still save my $50.

I know you cannot manage as I can, but this much I know. You may save "whenever you have a few extra bucks" in the soldier's deposits, but I am going to put every single penny I can save into bonds and what's more we aren't going to cash in the bonds. If you'd prefer it as previous, okay, but that's up to you. If you had said you would save $20 each month in the soldier's deposit, I wouldn't have spent all this time and space talking. I think you will agree that you haven't heard anything out of me as concerns finances with the other arrangement, so you know how satisfied I was with it. Don't you think we're saving enough at present to be able to buy at least one bond each month? Next month, incidentally, Adele's insurance comes due so it will cut into our cash reserve. We received $3.40 interest on our bank account and the total amount on hand at the moment is $320.10. I am going to deposit the balance of my check to the account so that I'll have more cash when I pay the insurance. We have $1250 in bonds and I was trying to get it up to $1350 so that we'd have exactly $1000 invested in bonds. Guess I'll have to do it myself.

I've said much more than I intended, so we'll just drop the whole thing and let it go at that. It bothered me at first, but I'm sure that it will bother me no more. I'll certainly be happy when we can live together and not have to do things on our own. At least we'll be able to discuss what we want to do. I'm so terribly disgusted of late. I feel just as you do. The springy weather makes me blue and I find myself bitter about things I shouldn't feel bitter about. I know we're fortunate and the realization is constantly with me, but I'm dejected just the same. There'll come a day -

The family made a contribution of $5 to the Red Cross today. I know the Red Cross is a good organization and they certainly did enough for us, but I have been hearing funny stories from various sources that many of the enlisted men do not feel as such. Do you know anything of this? Most everyone seems to feel that the Salvation Army is doing much more. I couldn't help wondering about it.

It's sunny and nice out and I'm going to take Adele out when she gets up, I had a good night's rest and feel good, but I have that blue feeling. Adele and I walked over to Sarah's this morning to show her the pictures.

Sarah and Petey didn't care too much for the pictures, but the poses are cute and they do look like Adele. Adele always asks me for a pencil and paper to write to daddy, dear, I yove you, tome home". Adele and I also visited the Feldman's and Adele said to Natalie, "My mommy is home today." It is most surprising to hear some of the things Adele comes out with. She's positively eatable with her cute actions. I wish so much that you could see her -

I have some ironing to do (if I'm to have any blouses to wear to work next week) and I may try to catch in a movie tonight, if Adele will go to sleep like a good girl. She's napping unusually long this afternoon and I have an opportunity to get finished with whatever I want to do early.

Phil, please don't be angry with me for writing what I have. It wasn't meant to hurt you in any way. I realize that you may not have been aware of what it did mean to me or that you did not wish to hurt me in any way. Regardless of what may be or whether we agree upon a subject or not, I know that I love you so deeply I could die with the hurt of being separated from you. Phil, this waiting, waiting, waiting gets me down sometimes, much as I hate to admit it. I miss you so much and want so much to be with you!

If, perchance this should reach you on our anniversary, as it might, know that I shall be "with" you every single second of it, wishing, as you, that we could be together. It is just about three years since I conceived and it seems even longer since I knew the sweetness of what it is to have you "home." Darling, it is impossible for me to write further. The only thing that could do me any good now is "you" - but completely. - I love you, Phil -

Your Evvie

3 March 1945

Ev, Dearest,

Your V-mail of 21st Feb., arrived this afternoon, informs me that V-mail is getting thru to you more quickly than Air-Mail, so I'll be using it for the next few days. At that, I hardly have the time to write a “real” letter these days. I'm trying hard to catch up with my work, but somehow, no matter how steadily I keep at it, there's always more to be done at day’s end than when I started in the morning. Today, I got a real kick out of something connected with my work. Remember that letter you sent to the War Bond Office? Well, they forwarded it along to us (with your inquiry attached) asking for information. I, myself, put the endorsement on the letter telling them that the bonds had finally arrived (I’ll bet they’ll wonder how I knew that) and mailed it back to them. I’ll bet too, that it never occurred to you when you sent that letter that it would wind up in my hands.

I was very glad to read in your V-mail that you were planning to take Adele to the photographer to have her picture made. Hope nothing happens to prevent it ’cause I’m certainly most anxious to see what my punkin looks like now.

Sorry to hear the bad news about Blake. He was a nice guy, and we had some good times together.

Stop asking me what I referred to in connection with the Sgt. I’ll tell you if and when anything happens—and I had completely forgotten about that Coronet contest ’til you mentioned it. Evidently nothing will come of it.

Sorry about the “gee-gaw,” Sweet, but I sent it in to Bert to have it wrapped for mailing about two weeks ago—and have still to get the opportunity to go into town after it. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Bert and Evelyn in over two months now. But don’t you fret about your “gee-gaw,” baby, ’cause there will be a few things to cheer you up in the meantime. No—don’t coax me—I ain’t gonna tell you any more! G’night, now, sweetheart—Here’s a kiss for you, and another for Adele. I love you both so very, very much—

Love to all from

Your Phil

Post #593 - March 1, 1945 Anne had a Little Girl, Who will be Named Barbara Phyllis and I Just Thank You Most Humbly for Continuing to Write So Faithfully

 

March 1, 1945

Dearest Hubby,

Received a letter from Gloria today with the news that Anne had a little girl, who will be named Barbara Phyllis. She got her wish for a little girl and is very happy about the whole thing. The baby weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz.

And incidentally, baby, I have an idea this will reach you before the proofs of Adele's pictures from Lorstan, which I sent off with a long letter yesterday, I think they are very nice and am most anxious to know what you think of them. The other picture has not arrived yet, but undoubtedly it will be here within a day or two. Yep, I'm just as impatient as I know you must be.

After I finished writing to you last night I went straight upstairs to bed. Imagine my surprise then, when after I had reached the top of the stairway, I was called to the phone to find the party at the other end to be none other than Dot, who returned rather suddenly. Snuff is okay now and was transferred to New Mexico to do machinist's work in a civilian shop. Dot's Aunt had the baby’s picture made at Lorstan on one of the same coupons I had.

I stopped at the yarn shop before going into work today and selected some wool for a sweater for Adele. I settled for a pearly gray and an American Beauty red, which I propose to make into a tweed-like sweater. After I left the shop I thought I would like to have a hat to match and called her about it. It will probably be a dutch cap (if you know what that is) and she promised to put the necessary wool away for me. I dislike bonnets and want something nice to go with the sweater so that Adele will have a nice outfit for the spring. It's a very fine, good-looking wool and cost 60¢ for a small ball. The sweater will cost $3.00 and the hat $1.20. I hope to finish it in better time than I did Paul's vest.

The weatherman gave us a break and we had some nice weather today. It was rather cold, but it was sunny and clear.

Clara Wagman also called last night to ask after everyone and about you. She certainly has been nice.

I called Dot this evening and may go out to West Philly Saturday afternoon directly after work to get myself some dresses, providing my mother won't mind caring for Adele. I am going downtown with Fay tomorrow night, as I told you in my previous letters.

Well, dearest, I'll say good night and try to get some other letters in the ma!l. No mail today, not even the checks. Guess they'll be a little late this time, due to the shortness of February. I adore you, dearest Phil and will close with a big hug and kiss.

Your Eve

1 March 1945

Dearest Darling,

This will probably get to you before the “longie” of 22 pages that I wrote while on furlough. I know you must have been wondering at the delay, Sweet, and I’m very sorry if it caused you any anxious moments, but it was impossible for me to communicate with you sooner under the circumstances. I sincerely hope that the “longie” will repay you for the long wait. Incidentally, don’t look for any letters dated 19-20-21 Feb., because there ain’t any, and this is why: On the 19th, I spent the evening getting packed and ready to leave, on the 20th, I traveled until midnight, and on the 21st, I was getting acquainted with my hosts (as my letter will explain). The “longie” was commenced on the 22nd, and covers my activities up to the afternoon of the 27th. I departed 7:00 A.M. on the 28th, reached camp at 6 P.M., and was busy the rest of the evening getting unpacked, making my bunk, and a myriad of other incidentals. I’ve been rushed to death ever since I got back, and I’m writing this “quickie” just before turning in after a very full day in the Orderly Room. Just as I expected, there was a pile of mail awaiting me on my return, and earlier this evening, I spent a pleasant two hours reading them over for the second time—I hardly had the time to glance thru them last night. I’ll never catch up if I try to answer them individually, Sweet, so you’ll understand if I just thank you most humbly for continuing to write so faithfully—and let it go at that. I must say a word about the two snaps you enclosed in one of the letters. I think the punkin looks adorable (standing up so straight) in that profile view, and you look no less adorable in the other one. Jack looks fit, too. Just room enough left to tell you, my darling, that you and the punkin are more in my thoughts than ever (if that’s possible!)

All the love of

Your Phil

Post #592 - February 28, 1945 I Wanted You to have These Pictures as a Birthday Gift

Feb. 28, 1945

Dearest Daddy,

Here they are - the pictures you asked for. Ere you judge too strongly at first, let me remind you that they are only proofs, as the circular indicates. At first glance I was mildly disappointed, but upon looking at them many times I've come to the conclusion that they are pretty good. I don't think they flatter her in the least. They tend to make her look a little chubby, as most pictures do and that is why they do not flatter her. I don't care too much for the full length shot. Everyone, including yours very lovingly adore the sitting pose. I'm sure you didn't overlook the blur of her arm, but I feel certain they will fix it up in the final shot. I'm entitled to an 8x10 painted picture and I'm going to have the sitting pose made up. I don't intend to make up another shot except the one you want, cause Lorstan is much too expensive to suit me. I would like to have three 5x7 shots made up of the sitting pose, if that is the one you want. Undoubtedly you'll want your picture colored - right?

I wanted you to have these pictures as a birthday gift, but they probably won't reach you until after that day. In any case I'm sure they will be welcome. I expected the other picture of Adele (the one of her writing on the blackboard) but it didn't come today. It should be here tomorrow or the next day. When it does come, Ed has another package all made up for you and we'll put the picture right in the package, and sent both right off.

As if this weren't enough - I received three nice letters from you today those of 8, 9, 10/Feb., all of which were short and require no comment, except for one: Where do you get such ideas like "filling out forms"? So that's what's in that good-looking head of yours! Well, baby, I can’t say that I blame you under the circumstances - some day.

You were very sweet in every letter, honey, and your honeyed words lift my spirits no end. I want so much to love you -

The weatherman gave us a break today - with plenty more rain. It was miserable all day long, but I didn't mind. I got into work bright and early and cleaned up every single scrap of work I could find. I note that I'm making many typographical errors and it's due to the fact that I'm very sleepy. Pardon, please.

In my v-mail yesterday, I said I intended to go the Rockland with Eddie to see "Frenchman's Creek". It was playing at the Logan and that's where Ed and I went. The picture was written by Daphne DuMurier(?) and starred Joan Fontaine and Arturo DeCordova. Joan Fontaine was absolutely stunning and Arturo De Cordova is very manly and good-looking. The picture was in technicolor and was very entertaining. I think you would enjoy it and I would suggest that you see it if it plays at the base theatre,

I got to bed at 1 A.M. and was up at 7:30. I felt fine all day, but I'm so "seepy" now that I can't hold my head up. Incidentally, we had two letters from Seymour today, telling us that he was at Iwo Jima, that he saw plenty of action and that he cannot tell us anything more, except that he's darn happy that they got through, for it was a close call.

I did the same thing this evening that I did last night. I put Adele right to bed when I got home. It seems to be working, but I'm hoping it will hold for a little while. And now, baby, I'm going straight to bed. Wish very much that you were going with me! I adore you, baby mine, and will sign off with a hug and kiss.

Your Eve

Post #591 - February 27, 1945 Another Day has Passed - One Day Closer to Our Reunion - and What a Day that will Be!

 

Feb. 27, 1945

Dearest Darling,

After hitting such a large jackpot of nine letters yesterday, how can I expect mail the day after, so I wasn't disappointed when no mail showed up today. I'm still due for several letters and I’m sure I'll have to sweat them out.

The weather was the same today as it was yesterday. It rained and hailed, but it cleared up during the latter part of the day, which it didn't do yesterday.

Did I tell you that Al is giving up his gas station in favor of going into defense, for fear he may be taken? If I didn't you know now.

I typed a long letter to you last night and got to bed by 11:30. I had a good night's rest and got to work early today. For the first time in weeks again, I'm all caught up. Tomorrow we start statements for the first of the month and undoubtedly I'll fall behind a little till they are out.

Adele reached a point where she was not napping or eating. She ate so little it amazed me, so tonight I clamped down strongly. Immediately upon arriving home I stopped at my mother’s and took her right home. Upstairs we went, after taking off our outer clothes, and Adele went right into her sleepers much against her will. A quick wash and into bed, was the order of the evening. I cleaned her shoes, washed her clothes and then came down to have dinner. I’ve finished eating, but Adele is still not sleeping. I don't care about that as long as she is resting. That kid has been up from 7:30 each morning till past nine each night and that's much too strenuous for a child her age. I shall see how this new routine works out, though I do believe it will be best in the end. At least I'll have a few hours to myself each evening.

Since it is just about five weeks since I've been to movie I’ve decided to break the ice this evening and take in a show. I think I shall go with Eddie to see "Frenchman's Creek", which is at the Rockland. Whatever the case, I'll let you know tomorrow exactly what "we" or "I" did.

I had intended to write this evening, wishing to make a full night of it, getting out early and back early. However, I feel so much better knowing that I've written that I'm trying very hard to fill this sheet, in spite of the scarcity of news,

Well, baby mine, another day has passed - one day closer to our reunion - and what a day that will be! My love grows ever stronger with the passing days and I shall be so happy to give vent to my feelings in that connection. Good night, dearest, pleasant dreams, and may they be of

Your Eve