June 21, 1944
Dearest One,
Before I get on with my letter I do want to say that I finally managed to get that package off to you by having my Dad mail it during his lunch hour. I also managed to get a letter off to Mike Nerenberg and asked him whether I should go out to their place or whether he would prefer to come here.
Today I hit a sort of Jackpot. This morning I received your v-mail of May 26th, and letters of June 7 and 8. This afternoon your letter of the 9th came through, along with a letter written the same day by Eddie.
No comment of yours of the 26th. Yours of the 7th, which contained word of the snapshots does require some comment. I beg to differ with you about my posture in that snap with the Britisher. It's the angle and not my posture. I felt ill when it was taken and naturally wouldn't look as well as normally. Which reminds me—I got unwell today—six days late. Boy I’d be scared stiff if you were home!
One piece shorts and skirt are just what the words imply. The top garment is a blouse and instead of having a "dress" bottom it is shorts. A skirt fits over it that it might be worn in the street.
Thanks again, baby, for sending off the money for a dress and shoes. I can assure you, as yesterday, that it will be spent as you suggest.
I guess you were wrong about Seymour. He definitely does not like the Navy, but then he hasn't been in long enough to know for sure.
I think I've explained about my wanting to work sufficiently to disregard any questions you pose in your letter of the 9th. I would think it was a measly $13 a week if it weren't for the fact that it is to be savings and nothing else. That kind of saving will get us someplace someday, even though it is a drawn out process. Don't worry, honey, you can have full command when you get back—I'll be tickled to turn the burden over to you.
When I said Adele didn't want to stop jumping rope—that's exactly what I meant. Whenever she is likes something you don't know how hard it is to get her away from it. She pounds the floor with one foot to imitate jumping rope.
I forgot to tell you that Mom bought herself a lovely gray and white polka dot two piece dressy dress for $10 from a lady in the neighborhood who sells dresses, It's very good-looking and something different for her. She also bought a greenish colored pinafore that is quite attractive. Mrs. Feldman got one and Mom liked it, so Betty got Mom one, too.
1. The weather continues, cool, pleasantly so and I like it very much. That's unusual for the first day of Spring, oops, I meant Summer.
I bought Adele a walking dog toy today. I paid 90¢ wholesale (I hear it sells for more than double) and after ten minutes of play with it, Adele broke it. I pasted the foot, since it is made of some sort of plastic. She was crazy about the "dog" and made quite a fuss about it. She's in need of more toys to keep her occupied, things to put together and take apart and it's hell to find something worthwhile these days, When I stop working Sats. I'm going on a few long shopping tours to get all the little things I want for her and myself and that's when I'll get the dress and shoes.
I called Dot and Snuff this evening and learned that they returned from the shore yesterday. I think I am going out there tomorrow night for dinner direct from work, or else I won't have an opportunity to see Snuff for a long time to come.
June 22, 1944
As you may have noted, dearest, I did not find time to complete this missive. As I typed the last sentence, in walked Ethel, Al and Rae. Ethel had shopped and bought all Diana's necessities and they walked in with three large cartons that set Harry back exactly $33.49. Mickey and Rae bought Diana a lovely 100% wool pink, shawl with fringe, that is used as a carriage cover. Along with that was a silk pink bonnet. Ethel displayed all the things and then they opened a long box and brought out the great big doll they bought for Adele, which, Ethel told me, cost $6. Adele is crazy about her new doll, which has real eye lashes, eyes that go to sleep, real teeth and it even says Momma—or cries like a baby is more the correct description. The doll is almost as large as she, has a pink hat and coat on, an organdy dress and she (the doll) has the prettiest face I've seen on a doll. Adele is still too destructive to trust her with such an expensive item so I let her play with it while I'm watching. We nearly died laughing from Adele this morning. A young crippled boy lives across the street and was passing by early this morning. Adele, apparently, saw him and immediately copied his style of walking. We didn't know what she was doing until she said "boy" and pointed to him. Yep, honey, that's our offspring!
I spoke to Dot this evening and she tells me that she received a five page letter from you and that the last page must be missing, for the letter ends in the middle of a word and there is no signature. I couldn't make it out there this evening and I doubt if I'll be able to get out there at all to say so long to Snuff.
I haven't written much about our new niece nor of Goldie, Truth to tell. I've still to have a good look at her and I've spoken to Goldie very little til today. Goldie had a sort of relapse after having too much company on Sunday and I thought it better not to bother her. She walked today for the first time and said she didn't feel so good. She says she had quite a few stitches. She's been nursing the baby, but the baby has lost weight, so the doctor advised her to nurse and to get a formula for the baby. So, she's going to nurse and give the baby the bottle. Today the baby weighs 6 lbs, 9 oz. Most everyone thinks it looks like Harry. Diana is a long thin baby, according to those who have had a good look. Goldie is coming home tomorrow afternoon, so I guess I'll be kind of busy the next few days. The job of bathing Diana will probably be my lot and it should be interesting to bathe a new-born once again. G's doctor recommended a good baby doctor in the neighborhood, who has been examining the baby at the hospital. His name is Dr. Grossman and he is charging her $10 for the hospital visits. I understand he's a sort of specialist in his field so I think I'll have him take a look at Adele's legs and feet when he pays Goldie a visit. I'll probably have lots more to write about them this weekend.
I don't want to forget to tell you that I received two more of yours of the 11 and 13 June today. The mail is arriving regularly once again and I'm pleased to pieces about it. The new people sound swell and I'll make it my business to contact their relative here in Philly this weekend.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself so well at their home. You might congratulate the new parents for me, dear.
I know I don't give you much in the way of war news, honey, though I have been watching the news more closely since the invasion. Dot tells me that she wrote you most of the latest and bestest news concerning what is thought of the war's end and I doubt if there is much to add. Cherbourg’s defenses are crumbling, the Navy is doing fine in the Pacific. That item about the 29th Inf. is food for conjecture, honey. God, I shudder when I think of it.
Today was just another work day for me and the weather was rather warm today. I'm so darn sleepy at the moment, honey, that I can't see straight, so help me god! There is one other thing I want to say. I told Harry and Goldie I would buy them the bathinette as a gift. However, Harry has already purchased it. I told Goldie I was delaying the giving of our gift only as long as it took for me to know that you know of your new status. Who knows, perhaps you have a suggestion as to a gift. I was planning on spending $10 and though it is quite a bit for me at this time I nevertheless want to gift them generously as they have gifted me. I shall wait to hear from you, Uncle Phil.
Well, honey, I'm just about writ out and with a closing kiss and hug and all the love I can squeeze in I am now!
Auntie Eve
Dear Phil,
I called Dot and Snuff this evening and learned that they returned from the shore yesterday. I think I am going out there tomorrow night for dinner direct from work, or else I won't have an opportunity to see Snuff for a long time to come.
June 22, 1944
As you may have noted, dearest, I did not find time to complete this missive. As I typed the last sentence, in walked Ethel, Al and Rae. Ethel had shopped and bought all Diana's necessities and they walked in with three large cartons that set Harry back exactly $33.49. Mickey and Rae bought Diana a lovely 100% wool pink, shawl with fringe, that is used as a carriage cover. Along with that was a silk pink bonnet. Ethel displayed all the things and then they opened a long box and brought out the great big doll they bought for Adele, which, Ethel told me, cost $6. Adele is crazy about her new doll, which has real eye lashes, eyes that go to sleep, real teeth and it even says Momma—or cries like a baby is more the correct description. The doll is almost as large as she, has a pink hat and coat on, an organdy dress and she (the doll) has the prettiest face I've seen on a doll. Adele is still too destructive to trust her with such an expensive item so I let her play with it while I'm watching. We nearly died laughing from Adele this morning. A young crippled boy lives across the street and was passing by early this morning. Adele, apparently, saw him and immediately copied his style of walking. We didn't know what she was doing until she said "boy" and pointed to him. Yep, honey, that's our offspring!
I spoke to Dot this evening and she tells me that she received a five page letter from you and that the last page must be missing, for the letter ends in the middle of a word and there is no signature. I couldn't make it out there this evening and I doubt if I'll be able to get out there at all to say so long to Snuff.
I haven't written much about our new niece nor of Goldie, Truth to tell. I've still to have a good look at her and I've spoken to Goldie very little til today. Goldie had a sort of relapse after having too much company on Sunday and I thought it better not to bother her. She walked today for the first time and said she didn't feel so good. She says she had quite a few stitches. She's been nursing the baby, but the baby has lost weight, so the doctor advised her to nurse and to get a formula for the baby. So, she's going to nurse and give the baby the bottle. Today the baby weighs 6 lbs, 9 oz. Most everyone thinks it looks like Harry. Diana is a long thin baby, according to those who have had a good look. Goldie is coming home tomorrow afternoon, so I guess I'll be kind of busy the next few days. The job of bathing Diana will probably be my lot and it should be interesting to bathe a new-born once again. G's doctor recommended a good baby doctor in the neighborhood, who has been examining the baby at the hospital. His name is Dr. Grossman and he is charging her $10 for the hospital visits. I understand he's a sort of specialist in his field so I think I'll have him take a look at Adele's legs and feet when he pays Goldie a visit. I'll probably have lots more to write about them this weekend.
I don't want to forget to tell you that I received two more of yours of the 11 and 13 June today. The mail is arriving regularly once again and I'm pleased to pieces about it. The new people sound swell and I'll make it my business to contact their relative here in Philly this weekend.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself so well at their home. You might congratulate the new parents for me, dear.
I know I don't give you much in the way of war news, honey, though I have been watching the news more closely since the invasion. Dot tells me that she wrote you most of the latest and bestest news concerning what is thought of the war's end and I doubt if there is much to add. Cherbourg’s defenses are crumbling, the Navy is doing fine in the Pacific. That item about the 29th Inf. is food for conjecture, honey. God, I shudder when I think of it.
Today was just another work day for me and the weather was rather warm today. I'm so darn sleepy at the moment, honey, that I can't see straight, so help me god! There is one other thing I want to say. I told Harry and Goldie I would buy them the bathinette as a gift. However, Harry has already purchased it. I told Goldie I was delaying the giving of our gift only as long as it took for me to know that you know of your new status. Who knows, perhaps you have a suggestion as to a gift. I was planning on spending $10 and though it is quite a bit for me at this time I nevertheless want to gift them generously as they have gifted me. I shall wait to hear from you, Uncle Phil.
Well, honey, I'm just about writ out and with a closing kiss and hug and all the love I can squeeze in I am now!
Auntie Eve
22 June 1944
(P.M.)
Dearest Darling,
Here I am again, for the second time today. The reason? I just received your rather breathless V-mail of 14th June advising me that I am now an uncle. —But is my face red! After my smug assumptions in this morning's letter (none of which were right), I feel the phoniest of phony prophets. The next time I guess something right, it will be the first time. I here and now forswear predictions of any kind. Naturally, I'm delighted at the arrival of the newest Strongin (watch us grow!), and I’m equally delighted that it is a sweet little girl rather than a rapscallion boy, Looks like it's up to Jack, all right, to provide the guy who will carry on the family name. However, I warn you now, my darlingest darling, that if Jack's offspring is also a girl, I will feel myself obliged to produce that elusive male myself. So, if I were you, I would either drop a Gloria a hint, or start painting the bassinette blue. Too bad Goldie's father doesn't approve of Diana Jean—it's such a pretty name! But perhaps he would agree to a compromise. Say "Dorie”—or "Doreen." Dorie would go well with "Jean,” but if they prefer "Doreen" they can change the middle nome to fit—say “June" or “Julia" or “Judith”—I think “Doreen June" is nice—and appropriate, too. But whatever Harry and Goldie decide on, it will be O.K. with uncle Phil. You needn't bother to convey my congratulations—I’ll attend that little matter myself. Which reminds me, dear, you forgot to congratulate me, uncle Phil, the “patriarch” of our branch of the Strongin clan. Oh—how could you? And you were always so thoughtful about such things! I was always the one to forget the necessary amenities, yet here am I saying "congratulations, Aunt Evelyn,” while no one thinks to congratulate me!
(P.M.)
Dearest Darling,
Here I am again, for the second time today. The reason? I just received your rather breathless V-mail of 14th June advising me that I am now an uncle. —But is my face red! After my smug assumptions in this morning's letter (none of which were right), I feel the phoniest of phony prophets. The next time I guess something right, it will be the first time. I here and now forswear predictions of any kind. Naturally, I'm delighted at the arrival of the newest Strongin (watch us grow!), and I’m equally delighted that it is a sweet little girl rather than a rapscallion boy, Looks like it's up to Jack, all right, to provide the guy who will carry on the family name. However, I warn you now, my darlingest darling, that if Jack's offspring is also a girl, I will feel myself obliged to produce that elusive male myself. So, if I were you, I would either drop a Gloria a hint, or start painting the bassinette blue. Too bad Goldie's father doesn't approve of Diana Jean—it's such a pretty name! But perhaps he would agree to a compromise. Say "Dorie”—or "Doreen." Dorie would go well with "Jean,” but if they prefer "Doreen" they can change the middle nome to fit—say “June" or “Julia" or “Judith”—I think “Doreen June" is nice—and appropriate, too. But whatever Harry and Goldie decide on, it will be O.K. with uncle Phil. You needn't bother to convey my congratulations—I’ll attend that little matter myself. Which reminds me, dear, you forgot to congratulate me, uncle Phil, the “patriarch” of our branch of the Strongin clan. Oh—how could you? And you were always so thoughtful about such things! I was always the one to forget the necessary amenities, yet here am I saying "congratulations, Aunt Evelyn,” while no one thinks to congratulate me!
Tonight I am CQ and have the time to get off a letter to H. + G., and perhaps Mom.
Tomorrow morning I am accompanying Lt. Toms on a three-day trip. I'll write if I get the chance, but don't count on it. At any rate, I'll tell you all about it when I get back.
But if I’m to get off those other letters, I'd better conclude this right here. But not before I say yet again "I love you, my Chippie." A kiss and hug for my littler, but equally dear Chippie, your daughter and mine, Adele Bara.
Yours ever-lovingly
Phil
Tomorrow morning I am accompanying Lt. Toms on a three-day trip. I'll write if I get the chance, but don't count on it. At any rate, I'll tell you all about it when I get back.
But if I’m to get off those other letters, I'd better conclude this right here. But not before I say yet again "I love you, my Chippie." A kiss and hug for my littler, but equally dear Chippie, your daughter and mine, Adele Bara.
Yours ever-lovingly
Phil
June 22, 1944
Dear Phil,
Everytime I read one of your letters I felt ashamed of myself for not doing any writing. But you know how it is, I very seldom do any writing, and since Dot does all the writing, and by the way, so well, I could never find anything to say.
Now that I am going into the service most of the news will be as new to you as to Dot. From now on I expect to do a little more corresponding to those I know and care for. It may seem a little odd since I never even put in a line or two in all the letters that Dot has sent to you, as I said before it would be simple to say what Dot has already written. I started this letter on a rough sheet and was going to have Dot type it out for me. I decided to start right now as it was a good a time as ever.
Now that I am going into the service most of the news will be as new to you as to Dot. From now on I expect to do a little more corresponding to those I know and care for. It may seem a little odd since I never even put in a line or two in all the letters that Dot has sent to you, as I said before it would be simple to say what Dot has already written. I started this letter on a rough sheet and was going to have Dot type it out for me. I decided to start right now as it was a good a time as ever.
Dot was saying that you should feel flattered, because this is the third letter I’ve written in the last 3 years and that all took place in the last 3 days.
I hope my letter writing will progress as time goes by, because when I go to Boot Camp I won’t have my little woman doing my work for me. Consequently my handwriting will have to become a little more legible.
Until I get to Camp and you receive my next letter, be well and for God’s sake stay in England.
As ever the one and only
Snuff
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