Post #631 - April 16, 1945 I Listened to a Rebroadcast of President Truman's Address to Congress and I Still Find It Difficult to Picture You as a Mother

 

April 16, 1945

Dearest Phil,

I am starting this at work, a few minutes before leaving work and there isn't much I have to say. Mom called this afternoon to tell me that there was a V-mail from you. I happened to comment, just before she called that here it was the 16th of April and I had only received one communication from you dated in April. So now it's two and I hope to hit a belated jackpot one of these days.

The weather was bad all day and my feelings matched perfectly. I had a dull headache and was thankful for the fact that there wasn't any work of important nature to be done.

Tonight I must take Adele to Dr. Gayl's for her fourth injection and I'm dreading the visit already. Poor kid - I'll be glad when it's all over for her, too. Most likely I'll get the opportunity to write a little when I get back, providing I'm not too exhausted. The trip always tires me greatly and I'm very happy when I can "hit the sack".

Well, honey, it's "all over” for tonight. She cried before he even as much as touched her. Before injecting the needle he stuck a lollipop into her mouth and I distracted her as much as possible and it worked. It was drizzling when I left and when I returned. I got a nice bus driver going down and he left me off right in front of Dr. Gayl's office, which is a half block past Broad and Allegheny. I have to give her two more injections and bring her back a month later for her Dick test. Need I tell you how happy I shall be when this is all over!

Your v-mail of April 2nd, received today, informed me that you had seen "Mrs. Parkington" and that you enjoyed it as much as I did. Outside of that I can find nothing to comment on. I stopped at the bank this morning to withdraw $53.82 for Adele's insurance and malled off the check this evening. This payment was our third. It seems like we took the policy out last week when you look back on it. When I look ahead that much time it is ages and ages away. I listened to a rebroadcast of President Truman's address to Congress. He's not the speaker Roosevelt was, but I feel certain that he will prove himself in due time.

Darling, I am so tired I can't sit up, so I know you'l excuse me if I cut this short with a hug, a kiss and my usual, I love you, baby, so much and I'll be so happy when it will no longer be necessary to express ourselves through this medium. Good night, sweet, I am and adore being

Your Eve

16 April 1945

My Darling,

Received the package containing the candies, cigarettes, and Adele’s picture. Thanks for the package, Sweet, and especially for the picture, ’cause to date this is the one I like best of all. Even if the quality of the picture is bad, the punkin was caught in a perfectly spontaneous pose, and I think she looks sweet enough to eat, and altogether adorable. My thanks to Eddie, too, for the trouble he took to wrap and post the package. It arrived in perfect condition. There was also your V-mail of 10 Apr., which told me all about your latest trip to Dr. Gayl with the punkin. I’m sorry, honey, that I couldn’t have been there to give you a hand (I’m hoping to be on hand when it’s time for Adele to have her tonsils removed), and I realize how very trying and tiring it must be for you, but I’m glad that you are taking such good care of her. I only pray that I will be able to acquit myself as nobly as a father as you have thus far as a mother.—Believe it or not, Chippie, after all the time I’ve had to get used to the idea, I still find it difficult to picture you as a mother.—Guess I’ll never be able to get over the feeling of amazement that you are capable in the role. Somehow, the image of the kid in the “cowgirl dress” who was always so delightfully “around” at Chestnut St. keeps recurring to me, and I find it impossible to identify her with the charming young mother who is my wife, and who so easily adapted herself to the job of rearing her daughter and mine. You must think I’m nuts that I think about all this as I do, but it does seem so wonderful to me—I think it always will!

The weather was ideal today, but my activities were nothing if not unremarkable. Still very busy, and trying to catch up. Enjoyed “Murder my Sweet” last night. It was a very cleverly produced action film. The acting was excellent and the story interesting.

My best love to you, my Evie, a kiss for Adele, and my love to all.

Ever,

Your Phil

Post #630 - April 15, 1945 Mom Spent the Weekend with the Bader's and I'm at My Wits' End About What to Do to Catch Up with My Correspondence

 

April 15, 1945

My darling,

My visit with the Browns yesterday turned out very nicely. Sylvia came over and before I left Yale, Shirley, Uncle Sam and Pauline came in. It was good to see them once more and we talked about many things. During the discussion I learned that Lena is pregnant (three months). She wants another girl, but Bob will kill her if it is. Yale gained a lot of weight. Among other things, Yale told me that Billy Cooper was shipped overseas on March 15th and is at the fighting front in Germany. Shirley Is carrying very nicely, but, in my opinion, doesn't look so well. I don't think Yale is as good-looking as he used to be. His face is too full and not as handsome as it once was. Bob is taking on jobs singing in night clubs, etc. and ought to make some headway as a singer, cause he is good. Uncle Nish made a wonderful job on Adele’s shoes, as is usually his custom, refused payment for his work. I feel funny about his doing it for me and hate to ask him, but in this case I felt I could rely on him better the the shoemakers around here. Yale and Shirley drove me to the 47 trolley (they were using Yale's car) and I was home at 4:45. Adele and I had dinner at my mother’s cause I didn't feel like fussing with food. Mom spent the weekend with the Bader's and came home just a short while ago. Mom asked me to ask you whether you remember a Mrs. Garfinkel, who used to live upstairs when you lived at 3rd and Cantrell. Mom saw her yesterday and recognized her, although they had not seen each other for 28 years. The Baders took Mom to a Jewish show and showed her a good time. After dinner, Adele had her daily bath and so to bed. I spent the balance of the evening taking a shower and ironing. By the time I had finished ironing I was so tired I didn't know what to do with myself. Since It was after 11 I went straight to bed. Today I became unwell, so now I know why I was so tired yesterday. Fay came over about 10:30 with Marcy and I was just about ready to take Adele out, so we walked together for a while and then went over to sit on her porch. An open porch is a blessing with a child in the house! When the kids tired of playing they came over and wanted to be hugged. We each took our respective kids and lay them in the crook of our arms and swung slightly back and forth on the glider, singing lullabyes the while. Fay was in a very dejected mood. I left at 12 to give Adele lunch and stopped at Betty’s before getting home. After Adele had lunch and was in bed I ironed two more pieces, had my lunch and then took a nap for 3/4 of an hour. When Adele awoke I gave her some milk and let her run around in the driveway. She had dinner at six, had her bath, and so on, bringing me up to date. I have a splitting headache and intend to go right to bed when I finish writing this. I listened to the radio until the burial of President Roosevelt was over and even stood at attention for one minute as they asked. By the way, Yale makes plexi-glass jewelry and promised when he next visits us that he will see if he can do anything with the bracelet. If not, perhaps he will be able to make up another. I told Adele that I'm taking her on the bus tomorrow to see Dr. Gayl. She didn’t get as excited as usual. Instead, she said quietly, “Mom he hurt me." I explained that he's trying to make her well, etc. to get her to understand. I love you so much, baby, and am wanting you so acutely at this moment that I could cry. Night, honey.

Your Eve

15 April 1945

Dearest Chippie,

Fresh out of Air-Mail envelopes, and because I didn't write last night, I thought I'd sorta compensate by typing this V-Mail. Didn't write last night because, after getting back from the movies, I suddenly got very tired and the sack looked too tempting to resist. It had been a very lovely but very busy day for me and I really needed the rest. The picture was one you saw a long time ago and liked very much - Summer Storm. I think they would do well to film more of Chekhov's stories, 'cause they lend themselves very well to screen adaptation. I've often wondered, too, why they never made movies of some of Balzac's works. Certainly some of his more “innocent” stories would make wonderful films. Tonight, after I finish this, I'm going to see a picture I've heard nothing about - “Murder, my Sweet", with Dick Powell, Claire Trevor, Anne Shirley, Otto Kreuger, and a guy I used to see wrestle in the Philly Arena - Mike Mazurki. Tell you about it tomorrow -.

Ran into Marty Weinstein in the Mess Hall this afternoon and he showed me a letter from his mother saying that she and Mr. Weinstein were going to visit you that evening (6 Apr). I don't remember you mentioning that the Weinsteins live near "us", honey, but I do remember that I mentioned Marty on at least one occasion (he shared the food package you sent). We have also played ping-pong together, and I think I mentioned him in that connection, too. He is a very nice kid, a great thinker (even though he thinks too much about the wrong things ), and a very interesting conversationalist. I've spent more than one evening talking to him. His folks might be interested in knowing that he is having far less trouble with his speech these days than when I first met him about a year ago. His tendency to nervous habits is lessening too, I think, although he hasn't quite conquered it. However, I noticed that he is much more at his ease when absorbed in conversation than he is at other times. On second thought, Ev, maybe you'd better not talk to his folks about his nervousness lest it distress them. However, if they bring up the subject, you can tell them what I've said. I really do think he is improving.

Your V-mail of 6 Apr, which arrive yesterday, said nothing about the Weinsteins, so I gather they either came after you had posted your letter, or they postponed the visit. There was no fresh mail today.

Still reading your last batch of letters, and I note that you, too, have been neglecting Jack N. I'm at my wits' end about what to do to catch up with my correspondence. Even Dottie, whom you must have told why I haven't been able to write, in her latest letter implies (with reason, of course) that I've been neglecting her. I can just imagine what both Jacks, Milt Brown, Clara Wagman, Goldie, Eddie and others who have written to me without reply must be thinking! Truthfully, Sweet, there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day for me. I'm busier than ever before in the Orderly Room, which makes writing during the day out of the question. In the evening, I simply have to have a few hours “away from myself" to keep my nerves within bounds. That is why I go to the movies so frequently. The remaining hour or two is set aside to get off my daily letter to you. If we were only on a 6-day work week basis, I'm sure I wouldn't be having this trouble with my correspondence, but every day is "Monday" around here. However, if the war in Europe should end within the next few days or weeks (as it looks very much like it will), there is a possibility that we will have a day off each week, Halevei Gottenu! Just room and time enough to wish you a very fond good-night, my darling. You know I love you - A kiss for my (all right - our) adorable punkin. Love to all.

Devotedly,

Your Phil

Post #629 - April 13, 14, 1945 Was Surprised to Learn that Brother Jack Gained 20 Pounds and Whoever Thought that Roosevelt would Die before Hitler or Hirohito! and A Letter from Seymour Paller

 

13 April 1945

Evie, darling,

In looking over your recently arrived letters, I note only a few questions that require answering—yes, Sweet, you may tell Eddie that all the packages arrived in perfect condition, and yes, I saw “Keys to the Kingdom” about a week ago and liked it very much—but I thought I wrote about it at the time (on the 5th or 6th April). Was surprised to learn that brother Jack gained 20 pounds. I always thought that the tendency in tropical climates was to lose weight rather than gain. I note that you are readying a coupla more packages for me. After reading what I said on the subject of packages in a recent letter, I rather think you’ll think me an ungrateful hound, but I do feel guilty about accepting any more, and wish that you would discontinue the practice. I can get along very nicely without them, and since they run into important sums, with which you might buy more practical things, I can’t help feeling that you are depriving yourself and the punkin for my edification—and I’d much rather you wouldn’t. I’m happy to report that I’ve managed to get a few pounds ahead in my finances. I’m almost tempted to send my savings off to you just to show off, but I’ve thought better of it. You may depend on it, though, darling, I won’t sacrifice my savings again by “squandering” them on more gifts. You’ve cured me of that reprehensible trait for good and all. Does that please  you, honey? I’m sorry, Sweet, if I’m bitter about it, but the whole rotten business keeps eating my heart out— Besides, it’s much too nice an evening to feel bitter about anything. As a matter of fact, the sweet Spring breeze blowing thru the open door have brought nostalgia crowding. At the moment, I am conscious only of an overpowering longing to have you close to me, that I might cuddle you and fondle you and show you how very much I love you, my own sweet darling— (appropriately—also distractingly—a nearby radio is giving out with “Just A-Wearying for You”). My best love to my very own punkin—forgot to tell you how taken the Davies’ were with her latest pictures. I felt very proud when everyone remarked at her resemblance to me. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I really think she looks like me, too, don’t you baby? Just room enough to say I adore you, my Evie. Love to all from

Your Phil

April 14, 1945

Dearest hubby,

I wrote a v-mail yesterday and when I read it this morning I found that I sounded too morbid, so I tore it up. Consequently, there will be no letter for the 13th. Even when I wrote to you on Thursday of Roosevelt's death it was still too unbelievable to be real. The full impact and meaning slowly and surely made itself known and felt as the radio keeps blasting away with nothing but Roosevelt. I'm wondering whether you heard the news at midnight of the 12th or the next morning. It was announced that BBC broadcast the news to London at midnight, just as Big Ben struck midnight and heralded Friday, the 13th! Riding to work yesterday, it wasn’t wasn't hard to see how much each and every person was affected. Many were red-eyed. The thick, black headlines, "Roosevelt Dead” cut deep. I can't read the story of his life or gaze at the many, many half mast flags that are hung outside of each house to his memory, without having tears come to my eyes. Whoever thought that Roosevelt would die before Hitler or Hirohito! What do you think of our new President? That is about the main topic of conversation.

All movies, department stores, restaurants, etc. are closed today, many bearing signs. "In honor to our beloved President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, we will be closed all day.” That is, every place is closed, but Bellet. I am typing this at work, just before leaving. I am going straight out to the Brown's, where I must pick up Adele's one and only pair of shoes. They had to be heeled and soled and I hated to trust the neighborhood shoemakers with the job. The shoes are worn, but they fit her and she will be able to use them for some time before I discard them. They don't look too badly when I clean them up. I am going to make an appointment with Dr. Lefkoe some time this week and I get her a much needed new pair. Eddie took her shoes out yesterday and she has had to wear her bedroom slippers since. Tant asked me to have lunch there, as Sylvia will also be there. I won't stay long, however, as I want to get home and take Adele off my mother's hands.

There was no mail from you yesterday, but I did receive a nice letter from Milt, containing two snaps. "He looks very well in spite of everything. Yesterday was Harry and Goldie's second anniversary and I sent them a card. I would have liked to give them a gift, but unfortunately I am terribly low on funds and will be for the next few weeks. I had intended to go to Lorstan's, but it will have to wait until next week. I'm sorry about the delay but it can't be helped. The bracelet is holding since I pasted it, but I still would like to know if anything can be done to make it smaller or repair it.

I hope there is some mail from you for me when I get home. Will let you know if there was tomorrow, as I want to post this immediately. Guess you know, baby, that I love you very dearly, but I'm sure you won't mind if I repeat it just once more. The war is expected to be over in a few days and though victory will be sweet, it would have been sweeter had Roosevelt been here to share it. I pray we'll soon be together. A kiss from Adele and one from

Your Eve

April 14, 1945

Somewhere in the Pacific

Dear Phil,

How are you. I’m fine and hope you are the same. Received your address from Eve for the third time today. Only this time I made up my mind to write to you before I lose it. Though many things have happened lately, there are few, if any, I can mention to you now. So far I have seen a little action, had a few experiences and saw some of the world. As Eve tells me, Adele is some devil. What a kid. They only come one in a million like this and you’ve got it. Hope you enjoyed your seven day leave in London. Phil, I wonder if there are some chances of you getting discharged after the war with Germany collapses. Maybe you’ll get one anyway. I’m hoping you do. I got a few pictures of Ed. He looks pretty good. I’m sure glad he’s all well again. That’s about all for now.

Love,

Brother Sy

Seymour Paller [?]

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

 

April 12, 1945

My darling,

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

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

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

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

Your Eve

12 April 1945

Dearest Darling,

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

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

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

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

Devotedly,
Your Phil

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

 

April 11, 1945

Dearest Phil,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Eve

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

 

April 10, 1945

Dearest Phil,

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

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

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

Your Eve

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

 

April 8, 1945

Dearest Phil,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good night, darling, I love you so much!

April 9, 1945 

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

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

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

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

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

Your Eve