30 October 1944

In France

My most precious darling,

Well, we’re on the move again and this time we’re getting back with the outfit again.

The temporary detail proved a lot of fun and it gave me the opportunity to see a lot of France.

The weather here is damp & cold with no snow as yet. According to the “Stars and Stripes”--A.F.F. paper, snow has already fallen in New York City. I’ll bet the weather is turning bad in Cleveland, too.

I have not received any mail since those 4 letters I received 2 days after we hit England. However, since we are returning to the outfit we may have some mail waiting for us.

Most of my stationary [sic] is weather-beaten so if the letter arrives pretty soggy, please excuse, my darling.

Sweetheart, France has much appeal to me (no, not the mademoiselles, either) but the people in general. I feel very much at ease in this country and get along admirably with the language.

I’ve hunted all over here to get you Chanel No. 5 but it is not to be had in this section. The Germans probably liked it very much, too, the dogs.

It’s funny darling, but I’ve acclimated myself to a way of life here. Most of the day I’m actively engaged in activity, and when I roll into my bed roll I feel I have you with me. Your warm delicious self next to me.

We’ve gotten hold of some cots and it makes it pleasant sleeping in tents when you have a cot.

Our food is good here, plenty to eat, although sometimes we have to hit our “iron rations”--that is, canned rations.

My only hope is that you have been receiving my mail and not subject to those anxious moments I’ve had.

My fonest [sic] regards to all, sweetheart, and my all [?] to you previous.

Forever & ever,

Vic

[Transcription ends]

Monday night

10/30/44

My precious darling,

Today, I think, most of your back mail has caught up with me. I rec’d 9 air mail letters from you. The first one dated Sept. 30--& the latest dated October 13^th. I shall not try to answer or comment on all your queries tonight, cause it’s 11 p.m., & I’m working the 8:30-4:30 shift tomorrow. However, when I get home tomorrow, I’ll write you one of my “super-duper” letters.

You ask me to write to Lt. Amster--I will, if you think he will get it. Well, I’ll take a chance & send it to the 909^th F. A. Bn. APO 84, etc. However, what is Cap’t [sic] Shaw’s address? You know I think “the world” of him & would be very glad to write him; but you neglected to send me his address. Also, you sent me the names of officers to receive Xmas cards from us, but you neglected to send me their address[es]. I think we should send a Xmas card to Sgt. Earl Embry since I’m friendly with his wife, and one to Nate Morris, if you know their addresses. Huh? So please, sweets, send me names plus addresses. Thanks.

Shall not send you any packages until I hear you have rec’d some from the states--especially since everyone has sent you something for Xmas. However, shall take your request for films to the Kodak Co. & eventually, I’ll send you out some toiletries--okay, so I can’t spell!

Heard from Red Cross Clubmobile--”you are looking well” according to their form blank. So what?--Personally, I’d rather be the judge! Heard from Lolly--Jerry has been transferred to Special Service & he’s traveling Italy with USO troupers. What a life! Also, rec’d a letter from Fred Livingstone--he’s still in the hospital & plenty disgusted.

Gosh honey, before we were married, I wondered what we’d talk about all our life. And now, since we’re married, I haven’t been able to shut my mouth, i.e., supposed this short letter [?].

Met Mom in town tonite--had dinner & thought we’d do some shopping, but instead, it was so late when we finished dinner, we merely found a pair of earrings to match one of Uk’s dresses. Oh yes--spent $1.00 & bought Sadie a pr. of earrings. She has been awfully sweet about sending you “goodies” & I did want to show my appreciation!

Gee honey--I crawled into bed with your 9 letters. Not having you around, they had to do quite a bit for my morale & they did!--It was wonderful--I pretended you were merely talking to me--oh!!

I’m making application for a “B” or “C” book as it is going to be terribly hard for me during the winter months.

So far--no ill effects from the pills & physically, I feel a little lighter & much healthier.

I adore you, Bubsie--

Forever,

Edith

[Transcription ends]

1 November 1944

In France

My beloved,

The sun came out of the clouds today and warmed the damp atmosphere. It was most welcome. Well, we’re still hop[ping], skip[ping] and jumping around with the expectations of meeting up with the outfit shortly.

The days are passing uneventfully particularly since I have received no letters from you yet. The last one I received was dated Oct. 2. Don’t you worry your pretty little head since I expect to get loads and loads of mail when I do get mail. I know the temptation will be hard but I’m going to sort the mail chronologically and read the oldest mail first.

I had my first hot water shower since I’ve been in France. It was one of the portable shower units that the engineers set up and operated better than anticipated. You are allowed 7 minutes under the shower, a whistle blows, and then you’ve got to scram. It was a real treat!

My laundry, done by yours truly, has not been too bad since I don’t wait for clothes to accumulate, but wash often. Some of the men have had the French natives do their clothing but I don’t like the way they dip the clothes in a stagnant pool and beat the clothes with paddles. This process seems to get the clothes clean somehow. The food continues to be good--so far so good. I got some French bread (looks like Swedish rye) from a store and it tasted excellent as well as being a change from the regular Army bread. The military are not permitted to purchase things from French stores since it cuts down on civilian purchases & bread is rationed, however, I spoke to the woman (in French) and she gave me two large ends of the bread. Their breads are 2 feet long--really monstrous breads compared to ours.

One observation I’ve noticed between the English and the French. In England the people’s [sic] faces reflect the hardships that they have gone through. They are pale, few of them with smiles. The French, on the other hand, despite the destruction & ruin of their villages, still smile, wave their arms in salutation and use lipstick & rouge generously. These people are very much concerned with their personal appearance and I think they deserve a lot of credit.

It seems that I’m starting to bump into a lot of old acquaintances. Yesterday, I bumped into Lt. Max Friedman (Sanford knows him) whose father is in the Fruit Commission business & who attended Ohio State. I think he lives on 146th [sic] St. Kinsman Ave. & is engaged to a girl, Sylvia Jacobs, who lives on 163 St. Kinsman. Do you know the girl? If you know her tell her I saw him.

Sweetheart, I [am] looking forward to receiving pictures of you periodically. Darling, you might also be interested to know that I am cultivating a mustache. Yes, sweets, I shall have it thoroughly removed before I see you.

Your husband whose [sic] delirously [sic] in love with you.

[Transcription ends]

Wednesday Night

11 January 1944

Bubsie Darling--

Sure wish you’d keep one address. Again, I’m mailing this letter to A.P.O. 84, because I rec’d a V-mail (form blank) today saying that that is where I should send your mail until I’m notified further. The form had no date on it, but the envelope was postmarked Oct. 30^th, so I guess those are the latest orders. Huh?

Since I got that form blank (it also contained your code for a cablegram) I shall try & cable you tomorrow--I certainly want you to know as soon as possible that I’m more madly in love with you than ever!

Mom & Dad picked me up at work today & then we went to get the little car. Gosh, they “soaked” Dad $100.00 for the car & honey, I hate to say this, but the car doesn’t sound too different! It sounds as if someone might have done a little for it but not too much. Well if it holds out for the winter, I’ll be very happy!

Called your folks tonight & they wanted to know if I’d like to go to an Open House for Irv Lader tonite. I said “no” cause I was uninterested, & secondly, I had alot [sic] to do. I spoke to Sanf & told him I’d be over tomorrow night. I promised to bring him some of your letters. He got a “kick” out of your adventures and observations, & I don’t mind sharing certain parts of your letters with him. I’m sure Sanf’s “all for me”--cause, the other night he paid me a really high complement [sic]--”[I]f there was another girl like you, I’d get married.”

Honey, I’m having a hell of a time locating a play for my dramatic group because of their varied ages, plus the fact that the kids want to put little or no time into it, plus the lack of costume’s [sic] & scenery. Don’t know what I’m going to do!

Enclosed article interested me & I think you can see why. I quite agree with Ruth Mellett & really believe both of us have a new idea of what things matter--I believe we are alot [sic] more realistic because of the war, the insecurity & the need of adapting ourselves to varied circumstances at a moment’s notice.

You are the most adorable & wonderful person I know--& the very best husband I could ever want!

Yours truly

Edith

[Transcription ends]

Thursday Night

11-2-44

My Sweetest Darling,

I can’t remember whether or not I have informed you that V-mail usually reaches me sooner than air mail. I wonder which gives the fastest service to you? Again, I’m addressing your mail to APO 84, as I guess, you are back there, because this “form blank V-Mail” I rec’d from you yesterday is all I’ve gotten since Monday.

Today, I rec’d a letter from Evelyn--the baby is still “on its way”--but any day now! Gosh, I guess you just have to be patient with them even before they arrive! Evelyn wrote that she rec’d a very nice letter from you--good going--Bubsie!

This morning I sent you a cablegram--just a form blank but I hope it makes good time.

The car, so far, is okay. Tonight, I took Mom & we drove over to see your folks. Everything seems as good as can be expected. Bubsie es-has [?] a broncal [sic] cold & your Mom has been spending quite a bit of time there. I guess they write you any other news.

Honestly, honey, I try to budget my time, but I never seem to get done all I’d like to do. Nuts! I just about catch up with myself over the week--and--when Monday comes along & I’m back on the “same old grind.”

The family had a letter from Morty today & he writes that he thinks he’ll have his [T]hanksgiving dinner in the States. The kid really got a “lucky break”--God bless ‘em!

Sweetheart--if only I could give you one kiss. Gosh, sometimes I feel actually starrved [sic] for you!! There’s nothing I like to remember better than our 3 mos. in Lawton--what a darling apt.--the setting was perfect for our love--as if we need a setting! Remember those heavenly days--we certainly appreciated them & tried to make the most of our time together. I love you so very much!

Always yours,

Edith

[Transcription ends]

Friday Night 11-3-44

10:45 P.M.

My darling sweetheart,

Quite a hectic day today! Mrs. Keifer went home from work today. She felt so ill that she didn’t say a word about ever returning. Of course, rumor has it that she is pregnant! Well, to make a long story short, once again we are short of teachers--& I do mean “short!” Soo, little Edith is not having a ¼ day off tomorrow, plus the fact, that her hours will be very “screwed up” for next week, but--that’s the way it goes! Luckily, I believe, in the good, old army rule--”live from day-to-day!” Just hope I can get a whole day off in the near future!

The car seems to be doing alright [sic] by me & I keep my fingers crossed.

Heard from Helen & Julie Edelsberg today. They have a house in Carmel, Calif.--love Calif.--But don’t have much time together! They should complain! I’d give anything for a day with you! Hon--I’ll send you their letter eventually. Also--rec’d a card from the Ruebens--”Please visit me” is their manin [sic] theme. Also, heard from Bulo[v]a Watch. They are going to try to trace your watch. Dad says not to worry cause if they can’t trace it, they’ll replace it.

Sanf’s ring came today--it is lovely!--Only, I can’t figure out why it doesn’t have the yr. & degree on it--I’m positive I gave them those facts. Well, I’ll give it, as is, to Sanf on his birthday, & then, if he would still like the date & degree, I’ll return it!

The children must bring all their own costumes for our Dramatic Group. Also, I talked to the supervisor of the Center & little or no scenery is available. So--if the kids can get costumes, we’ll have a “gay Nineties Revue” (one costume a piece [sic] should do the trick). If there aren’t costumes, we’ll do “Sducl[?], Hyman Kaplain.” Tonight we did the short burlegue [sic] “Saga of Little Hell [sic].” Next week we will give it for anyone that cares to see it.

Your little girl could really use you around tonight! But--guess I’ll settle for a dream of you.

Good night, my love--

Yours,

Edith

[Transcription ends]

Saturday night 11-4-44

My darling,

This evening I got ambitious and answered five letters: Lolly, Harriet Filiurin, Kitty Speert, Rhoda Menshel, and Fred Livingston. Gosh, Saturday night seems always to be just the night I’m in the mood for answering letters.

No mail at all today. Are we slippin’?

Well, I managed to live through a whole day of work today. Things didn’t go too badly even though we were short staffed. I took about six of the older children this morning down to the basement of the church and we explored the storage room, the basement proper, and the furnace room. It was a rainy day, so it was ideal for this type of excursion. The children really enjoyed themselves. They were thoroughly fascinated when they walked into the dark furnace room and saw the fire in the furnace making shadows on the coal bin. It was beautiful to see the red flames seemingly eating up the coal bin. The children haven’t stopped talking about it yet!

Uk came down and helped out in the afternoon. Both of us took the kids (about 6 of them) for a short ride to the Art Museaum [sic] to see if the swans and the ducks were still in the pond although it was raining. They were. And the children, being smart, insisted if those white birds could stay in the rain, they could too. I had a hard time getting out of that one!

Let Uk drive the car for awhile this afternoon. She is learning! We drove up to where Dad had the car fixed and he just rechecked the motor and told me that he finds everything in good condition, and that the car would have a little more “guts” as soon as some things (I forgot the name, but I believe he said “rings”) loosen up! He advised putting in some anti-freeze, since today was really, really cold. I took it up to Dad’s station on Kinsman and he did it up with Preston[e] for me. Cost me $5. But it is suppose[d] to be good for the whole winter. Hope so!

Darling, I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had a chance to read anything but Coronet. Gosh, there are so many books I had hoped to read this winter. Bet you get more reading done than I will!

Bubsie darling, remember our Saturday night parties in Lawton--gosh, we sure did entertain expensively, but it was fun, and you learned to be a “beer guzzler.” Do you think in your middle age you will be able to cultivate a “beer belly?” I’m sure anything you will cultivate I will adore, because you [are] the most marvelous, wonderful husband I could ever wish for--even when you holler at me! Sweetheart, you also, have the cutest little “tushie” in the world. I’d show it off with the best of them, but there are none better. I love you and every little tiny part of you!

Edith

[Transcription ends]

5 November 1944

Dearest Darling,

I’ve got a chance to drop you a line so I’m taking advantage of the opportunity.

We’re going to be on the move again now that the outfit is all together again. I’m feeling OK but miss you madly.

Last night I perused through the photo album and relived some of our experiences. Sweetheart, you’re not only an adorable lover but an ideal companion. We’ve had a lot of fun together, haven’t we darling? Boy, it doesn’t compare with the fun we’re going to have, what with our family and all!

I spoke with Sgt. Embry and he told me he received a letter in which Lt. Embry told him of your meeting. I know she enjoyed your company a lot, Bubs.

Sweetheart, this note will be short since I’ve got to be going again. I’ll write again as soon as I can.

I love you, my dearest,

Vic

[Transcription ends]

Sunday, 9:30 p.m., 11/5/44

Dearest Sweetheart,

Why do little things get me cross and make me more emotional than big things? This morning I went out and cleaned the garage so that I could drive in the car. I had planned on doing just that today before the heavy cold comes. Well, Nature beat me to it--we had a violent rainstorm last night and snow flurries today. I started to drive the car into the garage and the “G, D, *##--!!++11” wouldn’t start. I pushed the starter and exactly nothing happened--not a sound issued forth. I called the garage man who had the “nerve” to charge Dad $104 for fixing up the car and told him exactly what I thought abut “his fixing,” but he put me in my place, I guess, by telling me that he didn’t do anything to the battery and that perhaps a cell was dead. I had the car recharged (I mean the battery) right after he started it for me Wednesday night. He wasn’t equipped to do that. To make a long story short, I guess I’ll have to haul it into a garage around here for another seige [sic]. I’m so mad at that damm [sic] car, I feel like “splitting a gut!!”

Since the weather was damm [sic] louse [sic] as only Cleveland weather can be, I thought I would stay at home and accomplish a few things I had been putting off; but Doris Shapiro called to tell me that Gussie Allenick had told her (because a neighbor lady had called Gussie to tell her the news), that Alice Pevsner’s mother passed away Saturday morning, and Alice arrived from Dayton late Saturday night. It was an extreme shock to everyone concerned since Mrs. had rallied from her operation (a year ago) very, very successfully. Well, I went over to see Alice and her father in the late afternoon. Thank goodness that they made no display of emotion, although I can certainly vouch for the fact that they were both very badly upset! By the way, did you know that Gussie Allenick’s mother is slowly dying of cancer? Pretty tragic, huh? Darling, if you have a minute to spare, drop Alice a line. Her address in Shaker Hts. is 2949 S. Moreland Blvd. They have a suite in the new apt. [building?] that is on S. Moreland between Shaker Sq. and S. Woodland. It is a lovely apt. and her father intends to keep it regardless of what Alice does. As yet, Alice is undecided whether to stay in Dayton or come home and be with her father. Gussie and Alice seemed very, very close. Oh yes, I think I’ll buy a fruit cake or something and bring it over some night this week when I go over there.

Also, I plan to buy a card and send it to Nanny, since she lost a daughter--a Mrs. Shapiro. However, I don’t know if it is proper to send her a card, and not send a card to Ann & Dick and also a card to Lolly, although the latter members mentioned don’t seem to be too upset by the death.

As soon as I finish this letter to you, I plan to drop an air mail letter to Lt. Amster, 909^th F. A. Bn. and to Capt. Shaw, 327^th F. A. Bn. Hope they reach the boys.

I brought Grandmother over to the house and she plans to stay overnight. You should see the fuss she made when Sadie told her she could stay over here for awhile. She has simply made up her mind to die in Sadie’s house and that is all there’s to it, and of course, she is forever dying.

Outside of that everything is running as usual--I’m typing my daily letter to you, Uk is first starting to take a shower, so, as usual will get into bed about 11 p.m., and Mom and Dad just had a “fuss” because Dad went to play pinchole [sic]. My love for you still burns madly on--I adore you my darling. You’re the finest man I could ask for!

Hope that tomorrow brings me a stack of mail from you. That’s the only reason I’ll be glad to see Monday.

I hope that you are taking good care of yourself and keeping up your weight. Honey, today when I weighed myself with my clothes on, I found I weigh 132 lbs. Before I started on the diet (it’ll be two weeks this Friday) I weighed 138 lbs. with clothes on, so I think I’m doing darn good and I may have a streamline figure when you get home. However, it still doesn’t look as if I’m taking it off where I need it most.

Well, if I want to write to Shaw and Amster, I better say “good-night.” I love you muchly!

Edith

[Transcription ends]

Monday, 9:15 p.m., 11/6/44

In bed

My precious darling--

Of course I save your letters! They are all I can have of you right now & I love to read them over & over as I did yesterday morning in bed.

Today, I rec’d your V-mail of the 19^th & honestly, I don’t know where to address your mail since that form blank I rec’d says to use APO 84. Oh well, I’ll try & write both a V-mail & air mail everyday. The V-mail I’ll sent [sic] to APO 87064 & the air mails to APO 84.

Honey--mom called the bank for me today. We got $150.00 deposit this month--that’s all. What happened to the $25.00 extra for last month? I’ll try to check on it when I go to the bank theirs [sic]. Also, so far, we have not rec’d our $50.00 bond for Nov. Perhaps, you would like to check on those matters too?

Please tell me what ETO stands for? That’s a new one--as far as I know anyhow.

Have some pictures to send you but I’ll wait until I’m sure of your address.

After I vote tomorrow, I’ll send you my sample ballot with comments. I’m very anxious to know how the election will come out!

The car was towed to the garage this morning. Oh gosh, what troubles!

Spoke to your folks this evening--nothing new, & Sanf has “car trouble”--too!

My throat has been feeling kind of “raw”--guess it is this “wet, cold spell” that did it. Also, I have to work 7:30-3:30 tomorrow, so I decided to get in bed early tonight. I was feeling so good--it would have to rain & get me down!

My darling--I dreamt you got a promotion & that the General said you should have gotten it a long time ago. What rationalization--even in dreams!--But sweets--don’t worry about the silver bar--just take care of yourself & come back to me as soon as you can cause I really, truly, honestly love you more than anyone else in the world.

Ever yours,

Edith .

[Transcription ends]

November 8, 1944

Wednesday 1:45 p.m.

Darling,

I’m starting this letter during the day because this evening I plan to go to Bedford & visit with an old high school chum of mine--Gertie Cermak Patchin. She’s the one who has her own home & twin daughters.

Enclosed is a comic strip from “Terry [and] the Pirates” by Milt Caniff. I knew you would be interested!! I get a “big kick” out of that strip.

Honey, I promised Uk I’d drive her to school this morning--thinking that, at last, my car would run, but dagone, if I don’t walk out and find a flat tire. Nuts!!! Nuts! Nuts!! I went ahead & took Dad’s car cause I had to get Uk to school--it was 8:15 & then, I took the car to work!

One of our teachers (Mrs. Kiefer) is pregnant, & oh gosh, they just don’t seem to get enough personnel to keep all these schools really well-staffed.

The weather has turned a little warmer & I think that is how I keep getting a sore throat--this continually [sic] change in temperature from one day to the next.

Honey--no moment goes by that I don’t think of you. You are a swell husband & I adore you.

Must attend to a few restless children.

Forever & ever yours

Edith

11:30 P.M.

Had a swell visit with Gert & her husband, Ralph. They remind me of June & Kenny Bjarkman. There [sic] home is very nice, but a little on the small side for a young couple who hope for more children. The twins are really, really adorable & she’s really training them--no fooling!! Ralph is some sort of “ginder” [?] in a defense plant!

By the way do you know a girl, Sara Levine--E. 147^th St.? Well, she’s a girlfriend of Gert’s & Gert has some “lush” gossip about Sara & Al Ralfe. Al wanted to marry her at one time cause he had gotten a girl in Columbus in trouble & thought that as a married man he’d be a little safer. Sara & he were datin’ for 4 yrs. So he though [sic] she’d agree to marry in the hurry--she was too smart for him! How do you like that for some real 1939 Gossip?

I got pd. today--$60.00 -$4.40 deductions. Shall put that check into our savings acc’t. per usual. However, there’s a 6^th Was [sic] Loan Drive coming up, so my next pay check I’ll put into a band for you!

Haven’t rec’d our $50.00 bond from the gov’t, plus our $25.00 added allottment [sic} money for Oct.--shall write away & find out what is what. You check up too!

Uk got a letter from Fred--he’s coming home (he hopes) for 10 days (Dec. 17-27). Uk is quite happy about it, but forlorn that he can’t come to her sorriety [sic] dance Dec. 29--but, that’s the ways of the Army. Huh?

Your little girl really keeps busy--so busy that it’s hard for her to get to do just the little things--like sewing a button on her coat!

Must go gargle my throat which feels a little better today.

All my love always,

Edith

P.S. It’s raining!!!

[Transcription ends]