a little bird told me…

Happiest Hours

Vol. 7, No. 4 [Sadie]

Oct. 10, 1943

My dear Ones:

One of the happiest hours I ever spend is the one during which I read the “chain-letter,” and each volume becomes more interesting.

The news contained in this letter is particularly significant for the family record. Dan’s deferment tops the list of good news and I am sure we are all praying that both he and Howard will be deferred indefinitely.
Don’s being sent abroad was a surprise, even tho’ it was inevitable. My prayers for his safe return will be redoubled. Nan’s engagement was a surprise, too. I am glad that Carolyn is recovering from her operation.
Katy, the description of your bed-living rooms sounds good. It gives each of you a little more privacy. You are surely “in the money” these days.

Pauly, I am going to answer you letter very soon. You always write such a “newsy” letter, and keep me up-to-date on Washington items. Keep it up!

I am glad you like the idea of our own family recollections. I think that Rose, Pauly and Kate could write some precious memories of our dear Mother, and surely no one would be better able than Shan to write intimately about both Mother and Dad. Next to them, we all owe most to him, and I think we are all most grateful to him for all he has done for the family.

Irene, your vacation sounds fine. How is Janice making out this year at Trinity? She is a Junior, I believe. Best regards to Frank.

The snap-shots of Sean and his Mother and Dad are very good, and the Chicago girls, too. You are lucky if they return with the chain. More snaps should be enclosed, I think. So Roberta is in the first grade? How time flies!

No doubt Dick will be in Miami before long. I am glad he made Cadet training, since he wanted that. Love to all the Vosses—both families.

Here I am, at the end of my page, and there is so much to say! You are all in my thoughts and daily prayers.

Love to all, Sadie

The Good China

This is an add-on letter to Pauline’s last letter, adding her Early Recollections of Home. Her memories of her mother and the breakage of so many lovely things reminds me of my mother's china, which was only used on special occasions. Of course, with six kids, several pieces were broken over the years and I don't really know if she was ever upset about it. My sister has the china hutch and all the china now. I don't think she ever uses it. Does anyone really use "the good dishes" for special occasions. I only own one set of dishes, so they pretty much have to pull duty every day.

Vol. 7, No. 3-A [Pauline]

Contributed by the member born in convulsions and who at a tender age spoiled an early family tradition by being the only one baptized in a nightgown.

My earliest recollection of hearing Papa express his sentiments and feeling for his family goes back to an evening at 541. Scott McGinnis had come over and was sitting on the porch steps with him. As usual the place was overrun with O’Connors large and small. Mr. McGinnis asked him about the chances of letting him have one of the O’Cs and Papa’s reply was: “I wouldn’t give five cents for another one, nor would I take a million dollars for any one of them.”

The biggest event in my life (and I am sure many of you will agree) was being allowed to go to his office on Main Street to watch the circus parade. It was a wonderful spot from which to see everything and I don’t remember missing a parade as long as he lived.

I can even remember his pride in the first Cadillac with its brass headlights. Only Mr. Duffield and a few other “wealthy” men in Lima could boast of anything nearly so perfect.

And before the Cadillac I vaguely remember Dick, our horse. One thing which stands out in my memory and over which I have often chuckled, is asking Mother to allow me to have a different place at the table, as I was sitting next to Shan at the time and since he was stablemaster, I was detecting that “aroma” which interfered with my appetite. I must have been all of five.

Speaking of the table reminds me of an expression of Mother’s which she used even long after we were all mature. How many of you remember being told that “there is plenty of grass outside if you cannot eat the food I have cooked?” Dan was the only one who escaped, for to this day he will not taste cheese.

The trips to Cedar Point which Sadie mentioned are also a part of my happy childhood. Once in particular when I was there with him, a picture of a large group was being taken and Father Manning wanted me to sit on his lap. I sobbed and sobbed, but Papa insisted and we still have the picture of the group with me peacefully sitting on Monsignor’s lap and my eyes are blurred from crying. That is an interesting picture as others in the crowd include Mr. & Mrs. Walter Cooney, Max Falk, Sadie and several I do not know.

Helen once told me of a useful piece of advice Papa gave her. She had lost a penny and was not trying too hard to find it. He insisted that she look for it and said: “And when you are older, try taking ninety nine of them to a Bank and getting a dollar.” Unfortunately neither he nor any of his offspring seem to be endowed with habits of thrift, but that’s a trait of the Irish I do not mind owning.

Mother’s beautiful character and self control stand out in my memory when I recall how many lovely dishes and pieces of cut glass we managed to break during her life, and while it must have caused her many an unhappy moment to see those nice things destroyed, I can still see her drop her eyes in resignation and say: “Oh well, when they are all broken, we just won’t have any more,” or words to that effect, but never any sign of anger or the anguish it must have caused her.

The above reads somewhat like an account of my life, which it is not intended to be, but it seems unavoidable to convey these memories and not inject the first person.

Pauline

Big Family

Vol. 7, No. 3 [Pauline]

Washington, D.C.
October 7, 1943

Dear Sadie and Family:

Although Shan’s letter is dated October 1st, it did not reach me until the 5th. The old stagecoach could do almost that well, and since mail all over the country is apparently slow these days, we can expect further delays in the chain for the duration. This last round took exactly two months.

Your addition called Early Recollections of Home is a wonder asset and as I was fourteen when Papa died, I count myself among the fortunate members who knew him and can recall much of his personality. Time permitting, I shall attach a few memories. I have always regretted the fact that I do not remember our grandparents on either side.

Although my vacation is now past history and each of you has heard about it individually, I want to say for the record that two weeks spent in the mountains cannot be excelled and I recommend Pocono Manor Inn to anyone who wants to rest and have plenty of fun on the side.

I was shocked to know that Donald has been shipped and will be most anxious to hear where he lands. I was afraid his good luck staying in the U.S. so long was bound to break.

And the news about Nan is also a surprise, although I have wondered all along why some chap has not claimed her before now. Time surely marches on and causes many changes in the life of a family. It makes me feel positively antiquated to realize that Roberta is in the first grade and David in High School.

Recently I read a book called “Big Family” and suggest that each of you try to secure a copy and read it. It is written by Bellamy Partridge and you will find in it many things to remind you of home in the good old days. It has many ideas I have heard Mother express, such as her theory that the older members always helped with the younger ones. Also that she never became annoyed when our yard resembled the Children’s Home, because it was better to have all the neighbors’ kids there and know her own were within calling range.

The pictures of Sean are beautiful and while David continues to be a gorgeous baby, he is faced with strong competition in the person of his young cousin who has a month’s advantage in age. I wish they could grow up closer together.

As for Roberta and Diane, I could fill pages raving about the beauty of those two young ladies. It’s a good thing this chain letter is confined to the family, as outsiders would consider us pretty smug and self satisfied.

My boss is in South Dakota hunting pheasant and I am supposed to be running his office, so my conscience will not allow me to use any more of his time and I must get busy.

Reports from Dick tell us that his Mother is improving rapidly and I know you all join me in the hope that she will be able to resume her chain letter on the next round. I recently read a quotation which says: “The more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows,” and it occurs to me that life has certainly been chiseling at Lala for several years.

My dearest love to you and everyone.

Pauline

in the present day…
In the past six years, I have been in two major car accidents. As a result, all my joints are in bad shape. I get regular massages to help work out the kinks—it seems to help. So, I had to go to Chicago today for work. I had heard about a spa in Chicago that I had wanted to try when I was in the city in August, but couldn't get an appointment then. I was able to schedule one late this afternoon after I finished up with my work. At one time, this spa has been rated ‘Best in Chicago’ by the Tribune Best of City Search. Frankly, I was a little disappointed—with the spa and the massage. The masseuse was a little chatty during the massage—I really don't want to have a conversation when I get a massage. To top it off, after the massage, I went to the valet to get my car and the valet had damaged the car—big scrape on the front wheel well and down the passenger side of the car. They had obviously hit something that had some sort of chalky residue (because it was on the car). The valet asked if I was sure that it was not like that when I dropped it off. It had been raining this morning when I left my house, and since I am pretty sure I didn't hit anything today, they obviously damaged the car. Somehow I doubt they are going to pay for it.

Brings to mind another valet story—this one is funny (to me). Last fall, I went on one of my antiquing expeditions with my BFF Mary and she invited a mutual friend to come along (I know this woman, but not very well). We antiqued all over Kentucky and southern Illinois so we stayed at different hotels each night (mostly Hampton Inns, Holiday Inn Express—nothing fancy). The last night we stayed in Metropolis, Illinois at the Harrah’s Casino (to gamble away the money we had left over from antiquing). I pulled up to the valet and our friend had never left a car with a valet before—ever! She was so nervous that I would not get my car back and she actually took all of her antique purchases out of the car and took them up to her room—so they wouldn't get stolen. She actually offered to go park the car so we wouldn't have to leave it with the attendant. The worst part was the next morning, when we were checking out. She actually said (in front of the valet attendant) “Do you guys want to check to make sure all your stuff is still in the car.” Talk about humiliating!

Twigs

For as much information as I have gained from these letters, there still remains gaping holes and unanswered questions. For example, questions from this letter. From what illness was Carolyn recovering? What did Don do at Camp Oscoda? I have no record of Nan and Bob ever having children. Why? By choice? Could they not have children? Did they have children and I just have no records?

So many answers—but yet so many more questions…

Vol. 7, No. 2 [Shan]

October 1, 1943

Dear Pauline and Family

Charge the delay to Dan. He was 3¢ light on the postage causing the letters to go back to Okla. as such mail is not accepted by State Officers.

Carolyn continues to improve from day to day gradually regaining strength. Her recovery has been normal in every respect. Don sailed from some Atlantic Port on Tuesday, Sept. 28th. About Sept. 1st. he was one of a group of about 60 officers who were sent on detached service to Camp Oscoda, Mich. (near Alpina).

Don was home last Thursday evening and had planned to be here again last week end, though he knew then he was to be alerted, he phoned Saturday evening to say they were moving out early Sunday morning. For the present he can be addressed as follow: 2nd Lt. D.H. O’Connor, AG-870-BPA-A. F.A.S.C., A.P.O 12543, c/o Postmaster, New York City. He had good reason to believe that he would land in England.

Nan broke the news to us last week of her engagement. We have suspected that it was imminent if not a fact for some time. His name is Bob Langlan, a native of San Francisco. He was located at Patterson Field as one of the executives in the same service that Nan was engaged in while there. Resigned there about two months ago and enlisted. The wedding date will most probably be some time in the future but not the immediate future. Bob visited us one week end last Spring. I would judge him to be approximately age 27. He is fine looking chap. Obviously intelligent a graduate of Leland Stamford. He made a great impression on Carolyn and me, and naturally we are very happy.

As for myself, before the chain is completed again I will have left the Insurance Department. Have resigned effective Nov. 1st. to go with The Union Central Life Ins. Co. Will be attached to the Columbus Branch for a training period and then will have a choice of 5 or 6 large city branches as manager. Will probably select Cleveland as they contemplate a change there. You may recall that John Lloyd joined the U.C. as Vice President March 1st. It was practically decided then that I would follow just as soon as I could be released here.

And that is the news of this twig of the family down to the moment.

Love to all, Shan

Lives

Lives by Hendrik Willem van Loon is quoted in Dan's letter. I researched this book. It looks really interesting! Synopsis for Lives: On the eve of war, two friends living are mysteriously granted the power to invite anyone from history to dinner. It explores the age-old question “If you could bring anyone from history to dinner, who would you invite?” I don’t have an answer right now, I will have to give this some thought.

I have been struggling with what book I will select when it is my turn at book club. I think I have just decided. Hopefully, I will have an answer as to who my dinner guests would be after we thoroughly discuss this book at book club. Speaking book club, I have to read The Great Gatsby by next Monday. I ordered it from Amazon today (the closest Border's or Barnes & Noble is 40 miles away). Hopefully it will arrive soon!

So… who would you invite to dinner?

Volume Seven

Vol. 7, No. 1 [Dan]

September 14, 1943

Dear Shan and All:

The big news from this end is of course my continued deferment until March 1, 1944. To be sure it was quite unexpected. After my diatribe on the subject in my last letter you all probably thought I had an obsession about the draft. My sentiments on the subject are much more ably expressed by Van Loon in this question from his “Lives”:

“And there you have the leitmotiv of Plato’s whole career. While the storm is raging, there is nothing a man of a contemplative turn of mind can do. Let him take shelter and there prepare for the day when the people will perhaps listen to reason. He emphasizes the ‘perhaps,’ for like Confucious he is not quite certain that day will ever come. But don’t go out on the rampart and take an active part in the battle, any well trained gladiator—some half witted but strong armed barbaric carefully trained to the use of arms—will be infinitely better at the business of fighting and killing than a man who has spent all his life playing with ideas instead of with bombs. It is not cowardice that makes the philosopher take this step. It is his sense of the fitness of things, for he realizes that, being a doctor of the soul, he is in a way not unlike the doctor of the body, who is also found behind the lines and not in the front ranks.”

At this writing, I can too hope that Howard passes his physical with a flop. The Army induction physical is really the one that tells the story tho’ and I believe Howard has a chance of failing that on his weight.

When I saw no letter from Helen in the chain I suspected something was wrong. It’s a damned shame the spell is on her again. Believe Dick’s going and her continued travel around the countryside are probably factors. Hope it’s of short duration.

Enclosed a couple more pictures of our growing Sean. He’s getting to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The one picture is in for a swim at 8 mos.

Being the caboose of the family I regret not being able to add my incident within my memory about our dad. For this we must rely on the early birds. The idea is a good one and should be continued.

I expect to strike a letter writing mood any day now. But I have been in a lethargy on the practice for many months. Life just seems to fly by and by the time I have given du Pont 8 hours a day I’m usually ready to collapse.

May I mention again it will be in order for the rest of you to forward your accumulated letters to me promptly.

What of your proposed business venture Shan? Surely am anxious to hear what you decide.

Best regards and love to all, Dan

Italian Surrender

Italy surrendered to Allied Forces on September 8, 1943. A few years later the Allied Forces (and the US Navy) established a base in Naples, Italy. This little piece of history played a significant role in my life. How? A sailor was stationed in Naples, Italy in the late 1950s and met the daughter of a Chief Petty Officer (also stationed in Naples). Six weeks later they married in Naples. Six weeks. From being total strangers to being married. I guess my parents were a couple of crazy kids.

Eleven months later, along came my sister. She always brags about being born in Italy and traveling in Europe as a child. When we were growing up, she often referred to Italy as her homeland—I would often bust her chops, telling her since she was born at the US Naval Hospital, she was actually born on US soil and not in Italy. But secretly, I was always a teeeennnny bit jealous.

Vol. 6, No. 10 [Gee]

Wednesday, Sept. 8th, 1943

Dear Dan—

Someone has walked off with my regulation size pad of paper, so pardon the business heading. The family letters arrived the day I came home from Lansing. Had a delightful full two days visit with our sweet Sister Rosella. Incidentally, she entered the Convent 32 years ago today.

The school year begins today—only four left the house this morning. Elaine, who arrived home yesterday for a 20 day vacation, celebrated by staying in bed until noon. Pauline begins her Senior year, Larry Jr. is a sophomore—Joe is in the 8th and Dan the 7th. Ronnie cried to go with them and they all thought that was very funny.

Just heard on the Radio that Italy has surrendered unconditionally—that is good news isn’t it? I am so in tune with your views regarding conscientious objection, Dan and pray every day that this mess will wind up before any of our boys—you, Howard, Don or Dick will get very far into it.

Gene mentioned their visit down here. We loved having them. The girls are so precious and Gene looks very well. How I admire her courage! You remember meeting Mr. Summers, Hank’s father. He passed away quite suddenly, last week.

Hear that you are quite a fisherman, Dandy—even catching some big enough to eat. It’s fine that you have a place so close to home.

Enjoyed Eloise’s letter. Glad to hear that she is feeling so well. I just keep thinking how happy you are going to make Sean by giving him a playmate, comes December. It’s a much more desirable setup for them, than playing up to adults all the time. All the little sacrifices you and Eloise may make in these early years, will be will balanced as you watch them go trodding along together.

We haven’t received the pictures of Elaine in her uniform, but should have them for the next round. The USNC uniform is dark grey with silver buttons, fitted top coat (for winter) and a jaunty McArthur beret. She is very much interested in every phase of her profession. She is going to write to Eloise soon, and will tell you more about it.

Our best love to you. Greetings to all the O’Connors everywhere.

Devotedly, Gee

in the present day…
Once again it is allergy season! I had to stock up on allergy supplies today. Claritin, tissues, and throat lozenges. I never had allergies as a child, but they are in full force in Spring and Fall. I love the warm weather, but at this point, I am waiting for a good frost.

Ocean City

I have been to Ocean City, Maryland—a couple of years ago. It was really cool. I loved the boardwalk. I can only imagine what it was like in the 40s. I can't imagine it being dimmed. And air raids! I wonder what that was like.

Vol. 6, No. 8 [Helen—Letter Missing]

Vol. 6, No. 9 [Irene]

September 1st, 1943

My dear Gee,

Am not so much in a talkative mood this morning. It is just 9:15. Am going over to the P.O. shortly and want to send this on its way.

Jerry and I just returned, a few days ago, from Ocean City. It is delightful there, and I just can’t imagine anything more stimulating, mentally and physically, than a couple of weeks ‘down by the sea.’ I could watch for hours on end, its ceaseless, changing moods.

We saw the planes and Navy Blimp go out to sea every eve about 6:30, to spot submarines.

We also saw the flash sent in to the coast guards, from a ship far out. It turned out that they had a man on board who needed an emergency operation and they had no surgeon aboard. The coast guard went out for him and brought him back to a beach hospital.

Ocean City, of course, is dimmed out. We were also there during an air-raid practice.

Frank leaves Friday for two weeks at Camp. Up in Rhode Island someplace. Janice leaves in about a week for her vacation. She will visit three of the boarders at Trinity in their various homes and then they all are going to New York together to buy fall clothes for school. She has been having a gay time, going to many weddings, etc. I expect to stay right here for the duration. Traveling is hectic. Our trip home was very exhausting. We stopped over in Philadelphia on their hottest day of the year to do some sightseeing. We saw everything of interest, but it took me five days to really get rested again. Wanamakers Store is really something to see. I want to go back sometime and spend a week in the vast place. Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, the home of Betsy Ross, all those things I had seen before, but was anxious for Jerry to cover them at his present age.

I have much to do in the way of getting things in order before the school year starts again.
Enjoyed all the letters so much and the next time I’ll try to have collected my few memories of 128 W. McKibben, etc.

With my love to you all, “Sam”

Time Goes Whizzing By

Vol. 6, No. 6 [Gene—Letter Missing]

Vol. 6, No. 7 [Rose]

Washington, D.C.
August 27, 1943

Have just re-read Sadie’s reminiscences, and in connection with Paulie’s being born in convulsions from the heat, I can’t resist remarking that she’s still in them!

Dearest Family—

My baby is nine months old today! Think of it. It simply doesn’t seem possible. Gee’s suggestion that I build a high wall around him had already been receiving my serious consideration. I’ve long since started to worry about some gal getting him away from me. Howard says not to worry about that—the girl who will take him away from me is still in her cradle, if she’s that far along. But the way the time goes whizzing by, it’s something to think about. I haven’t a picture of him this time. We’ve been concentrating on color pictures during the summer, and of course I can’t send those, though I do wish you all could see them.

And incidentally, Shan, I still have in mind the pictures I promised you—believe it or not. I will have them made next week, and send them along, as well as a darling one we took of Don. Paulie has covered his visit, and our sentiments about him, so I won’t go into that. But he certainly is a sweet, handsome thing.
I think the picture of the children is very cute, Gene. Diane is getting so big, and they are both so precious.

As Dan remarks, September 1st is drawing ominously near. My only hope is that since Howard has been fiendishly busy on the same matter that got him deferred the last time, the Board will again decide they really can’t do without him. He doesn’t have any such optimistic outlook, though, as it has been their policy to lean over backward in their attempt to give their all by way of personnel. I suppose I could survive—as many other have—but right now it seems like it would spell the end of the world for me.

Sadie, you reminiscences are so very interesting, and hope you will be able to recall further details later on. My recollections of Papa are pitifully few. I remember him and Shan steaming up the driveway for lunch one day—another day he was home for lunch and had brought Dan and me come candy and sat in his chair watching us enjoy it. Then I remember how on summer nights I loved to sit on the porch rail at night was how Dan came to fall and suffer the concussion. I remember Papa most vividly of all that night. And finally, when he was dead, and someone lifted me up to kiss him. This is the total of my memories of him, and all my life I mourned because I didn’t have him. As for mother, it is not so much the memories as the very fabric of my life, and many volumes would be required to set down what I feel about her.

Dan, I shall send my accumulated letters shortly, and also answer Eloise’s nice long letter. Fancy Sean standing up—or is he riding a bicycle by now? Nothing would surprise me. David is still stringing along with four teeth, and just now beginning to try to crawl. But I’m not urging him on, as he has worn me down to 106 pounds now, and when he starts traveling, I can see myself becoming more and more shadowy.

My dearest love to you all, and why can’t we move the chain along a little faster? It is such a grand thing, I think we should have it oftener. Is there any hope of stirring up your lethargy, you various lazy hounds.

Love, Rose

in the present day…
Finally back from the Windy city. Had dinner at some really great restaurants—namely Giordano’s and Wild Fire. I highly recommend both. One night we wanted to find a little local pub. Actually, we were trying to find a bar that one of my coworkers had visited a couple of years ago—and he couldn't remember the name or where it was. In the process, we found a really great little bar called Tommy's. It was on Higgins Ave. We had a really good. time.

Great Mysteries

Kay writes to my grandmother as the first anniversary of my grandfather's death approaches. Kay's fond remembrance of her mother made me think of my mom. I also wonder how my mom managed with six kids—especially when my dad was deployed. She was the ultimate cheerleader for all her kids—she always thought we could accomplish whatever we wanted. I never thought to ask her how her father's death affected her. Just like her father, she died young. So many things remind me of her, but what haunts me is my two youngest brothers don't have all those memories. They don't remember what her favorite color was, or that she like to pick up seashells on family vacations. What a shame.

Vol. 6, No. 5 [Kay]

August 19, 1943

Dearest Gene—

You know that we are all with you don’t you? I just sealed an envelope with an offering to the Franciscan Monastery for a Mass for Mother, Dan, Joe and Jack—Mother’s birthday today—Dad’s was the 14th.
Isn’t Sadie’s story of our precious heritage inspiring to read? I was pretty much of a sprout when Dad died but remember many little things about him and feel that I came to know him in hearing about him from the older members and Mother. As for Mother, she shall ever remain one of the “Great Mysteries” to me—I doubt if a more courageous, or selfless woman ever lived—there are so many times, and things to remind us of her here, and to send real stabs to our hearts. She has been spared much by way of family, and world sorrow though in the past 2 1/2 years and she had already endured more than her share. I am here alone tonight and it is almost as if she were with me.

Had a card from Paulie today from Pocono Manor and she is enjoying her vacation from the outset, and recommends the place. She has such a way with her in getting acquainted and will probably come home with many new friends added to her list. You all will be having cards from her I’m sure. We are fixing our apartment into separate rooms for each of us—making bed-living rooms instead of both sharing the same bedroom. Paulie chose the front room so I am fixing up the bedroom for mine. Rose is using the bed until we should want it again. I am buying all new furniture except for chest of drawers for mine—have already purchased a Hollywood bed, attractive throw and drapes, twin chairs, table for between the chairs. Am buying a rug from a friend of mine who is disposing of her stuff and only have lamps and mirror to buy. It is fun and I’m sure we will find many advantages in the arrangement.

My job continues absorbing and keeps me busy and I am to go into $3200.00 in September I hear—of course we have a flat 25% deduction; besides bond deductions—I purchase a $50.00 bond per 3 pay periods ($12.50 each).

I had a pleasant change in my vacation in Atlantic City. Of course Dick drew me there, i.e., I knew that I would so thoroughly enjoy him that I decided on there instead of any other near spot for relaxation. I was disappointing to have him shipped so soon after I arrived. It was an exposure to the realities of war I can assure you—Dick is a beautiful soldier! I try to write him, and so far have succeeded, at least once a week and give him the cheer he needs so much.

It is so impossible to reach each one of you with verbal sticks—except to assure you what a pleasure it is to read all of messages you send along; to keep up with each other insofar as the chain allows, and to enclose to you all, my very best regards,

Always, with love, Kate

Early Recollections of Home

This is one of my favorite letters. Sadie (the nun) added another letter with her early recollections of home. Other members of the family add their recollections in coming letters as well.

Pink lozenges—my grandfather (paternal—these letters are from my maternal side of the family) always had pink lozenges too.

Cedar Point—I know it as a huge amusement park known for its roller coasters. I wonder how many roller coasters they had back in the 40s.

Poker—both sides of my family were avid poker players. Every family get-together involved poker. I learned at an early age—and it is fun to teach all the nieces and nephews to play.

Vol. 6, No. 4 [Sadie]

Aug. 7, 1943

Dear Kay and Family:

As I just finished a “second reading” of the chain letter, I decided to answer it at once, and give it a chance to pick up a few lost days en route. As usual, I enjoyed each dear letter so much. It is the next best thing to a visit with you.

I returned from Royal Oak on Aug. 2, after a very pleasant and restful summer. We have seventeen acres there—six of them landscaped, and tho’ it is on Woodward Ave. our house is far enough back, not to be bothered by the heavy traffic, etc.

Although I am now in Lansing, we will not receive our appointments until Aug. 15, and I am liable to land anywhere, tho’, I am not anticipating a change. Like soldiers, we are subject to change at any time, and without being consulted.

When I hear about the hot weather in Washington, I am happy to be in Michigan. We have really had fine, cool weather most of the summer and often sleep under blankets.

The baby pictures enclosed are surely sweet. I would like one of you and David, Rose. He is a beautiful baby. Sorry I didn’t get to see Sean, while he was East.

I am continuing to pray that both Dan and Howard will be deferred again. Things are changing so rapidly now, that I feel sure they will not be in service long, if they do have to go,—and at their age, both should get non-combatant duties. We will just hope and pray for the best.

Too bad that Jerry was sick Irene, and I am glad that he recovered so quickly. Good for Janice—she is really going places.

Isn’t it fine that Don is in Dayton? How proud you must be of your 2nd Lieutenant, Shan. Wish I could see him. Give both he and Nan my love.

So Elaine is “in the Army” too! Gee just said she joined the Nurses Army Cadet Corps. She will finish her training, expenses paid, and serve six months after the War. That is smart, I think.

Wish I could talk to each one, but the space is used up—so—more later. God bless and keep each of you near to Him.

Devotedly, Sadie