a little bird told me…

OK With Me

Volume Twenty-Three 

Vol. 27, No. 1 [Dan] 

May 7, 1947 

Dear Cahills and O’Connors: 

Life doesn’t have to be jam packed with thrills and excitement to be pleasant and interesting—thus the protests in some of these letters that they “have nothing much to say” are unwarranted. For example, Gee’s folksy description of the natives of Union City I found very amusing. I sense that the general feeling is that we should not break the chain to include Aunt Ellie—which is O.K. with me. I think it would be an undue hardship on Helen to have to take it out personally each time and suggest we skip the idea. Anyway it would just give LaLa an excuse for her usual procrastination. Hi Lal! 

By the time this letter gets around you all will probably have sent me the $19.31 share for the cemetery markers, so I’ll use this medium to say, thanks. 

I will add my voice to those who have said that Janice’s wedding was a very inspiring and beautiful thing. No one could escape the feeling that all the warmth, devotion and love of a lifetime was bearing its grand expression on this occasion. As an indication of what I mean, Irene, I suggest you attach to the chain copies of the notes Janice handed to you and Frank the morning of the wedding. The colored movies, which I took of the events, turned out beautifully and I hope you all can see them someday. 

Speaking of wedding dresses, I had a brief preview of Elaine’s when I was in Indianapolis a couple of weeks ago and it is stunning. 

Gene, I am the culprit who has the pictures of Roberta and Diane which you sent around about a year ago and I shall send them to you before much longer. I hear your mother and dad are now in sunny Calif. with you. Give them my best regards. 

Pauline, I believe the whole family is content to see you keep Mothers’ things for as long as convenient to you. 

Did you ever note such unbounded enthusiasm as Sadie’s, over her trip to the East. It was refreshing and makes me wish I could enjoy life as much. 

The D.F. O’Connors are about to embark on their semi-annual excursion to Tulsa—will be there the first 2 weeks of June with everybody, including the dog. 

The Voss boys (Joe, Dan — and David) may visit us in Wilmington in August. We hope they can make it. 

Speaking of dull letters, 

Goodbye, Dan

Why Was I Born?

Vol. 26, No. 10 [Pauline] 

Washington, D.C. 
May 3, 1947 

Dear Dan and O’Connors 

Generally and Specifically: My last letter is dated March 3d and even though this round has taken two months, my vote is that if we can give Aunt Ellie even momentary pleasure by allowing Lal to make a special trip to Salem Heights and read the letters to her, what matter a few days delay. Aunt Ellie is failing and may not have many more years and I believe all of us will be richer for having shared the chain with her. She feels very close to our immediate family and for reasons all of you must remember. 

The recent partial reunion has again made me realize that we should have been making the effort to get together regularly for the past twenty years. It always gives me a terrific lift to be with the family and this particular time provided the answer to a question I have been asking myself for years—why was I born? 

I suddenly realized that my apartment is “home.” All the things such as silver, dishes, etc., belonging to Mother are still there and with apologies to Frank Herschede, Camp O’Connor it shall remain. I have given much thought to making a distribution of certain things that each of you may have a memento, but for the present, believe it might be a good idea to have them remain intact at headquarters. I should like to have comments from each of you to help me make this decision. 

I want to add just a word to Lal’s comment and say that Janice, with only a small bunch of white lilacs in her hair, was the loveliest bride I have ever seen and the whole affair, from beginning to end, was perfect in every respect. There should be some marvelous pictures. Speaking of weddings, I hope to be in the vicinity and attend Elaine’s on August 16th. My vacation plans are tentative, but I have just about decided definitely about that week. 

Coletta Boyle is coming to visit me the latter part of May. I have written Mary Margaret Bourk and invited her also, but do not have much hope because, as usual, she has her pretty nose to the grindstone. She may surprise me and I hope she does. 

A card from Sadie today tells me she is to spend the summer in Dayton at Good Sam Hosp. That wonderful news and if your luck holds, I’ll be seeing you in Anderson on August 16th. 

One day this week, I witnessed a revolting sight on a bus. A big bully who was horribly drunk suddenly turned on an innocent passenger and beat him almost senseless, having mistaken him for another passenger who had argued with the drunk and subsequently left the bus. I hope I am called as a witness. It was enough to make me take the pledge. 

Since you are leaving for Tulsa on June 1st, I shall delay my weekend with you and Eloise until your return. 

It is Howard’s turn to add his outlaw contribution, and then, leave us hear from Mr. Bishop. 

My love to all and I hope to glimpse a few of you this summer. 

Affectionately P.

Chuckling and Upchucking!

Vol. 26, No. 9 [Helen] 

Dayton, Ohio 
April 27th 1947 

Dear Paulie and All— 

A slight delay, for which, please excuse. I did, finally, get the letters out to Aunt Ellie and read excerpts, at lest I omitted all reference to the question concerning the letters being left with her. You remarked Gee that you almost hear her chuckling over them, and chuckle she did. The pleasure it gave her made up for any delay en route and I shall make a point of it each time it comes my way. 

I could not do justice to a description of Janice and Jack’s wedding. Suffice to say it was one of the most beautiful I have ever witnessed. Janice was an exquisite bride and her dress was out to the world. Irene looked perfectly stunning. Frank was handsome and dignified. The reception was perfect in every detail, after which we all went out to Cahills where everything was beautiful and we saw the tossing of the bouquet and the “take off” of the bride and groom. May I be the first, a la the chain to welcome Jack into the family circle. He is a fine boy. It is a pity the rest of the family had to miss it all. 

Irene I can well imagine that little poem running through your mind, and while I know a few tears fell into the ruffles, you have my great admiration for the way you controlled them on that day. I hear you are busy preparing their little love nest for their occupancy on their return. 

Kay, Am, Fred and I had a delightful trip down and back. The weather was perfect and it was a great treat to be with so many of our family. We noticed a tremendous change in Jerry. He is so mature, and a handsome lad. Jamie and Sean have progressed in stature and every way since last June and so has David. Steven is precious. We were only too sorry Dan and Eloise that we could not accept your warm invitation to visit you in Wilmington. The time was all too short. 

Paulie dear, you looked so well and it was indeed a pleasure to meet Zenaida. It is easy to understand why you are so happy to have her with you. The next important things on the agenda are Paulie Voss’ graduation in May, our David’s in June and E’s big day in August. And, oh yes, Roselle’s visit to Ohio next week. We certainly are looking forward to that, and honey, you will probably be leaving just about the time this reaches Washington. 

We are anxious to repay the Hackley hospitality and we do wish Howard was coming with you. I am sure I neglected to tell you about my Xmas gift from Sadie. It was a perfectly gorgeous rosary, the beads a heavenly shade of blue and silver chain, and need I say, you are all being remembered, as I count each bead, one by one, many times. 

We thoroughly enjoy your letters Gene. Keep them coming. We are anxious to see the latest pictures of Roberta and Diane. 

Guess Sadie really did Washington, from the trend of her letters. She really had a time. 

I did not see an in-law letter this time. What happened and whose turn is it? Must be on my way. 

Dearest love to all of you, 
Helen

in the present day…

I have been terribly sick these last few days. Not sure if it was food poisoning or just something going aroung. It affected six people in my office on the same day (and we had all had lunch together the previous day), which makes me think it was something we all ate (sushi). But then, it won't let go (of any of us)! I haven't been able to eat more than dry toast and Sprite. Let's hope it subsides soon!

Observations While Sitting in a Parked Car

Of all the letters, this is one of my favorites. I feel like I can visualize every scene she describes. It's like taking a step back in time...

Vol. 26, No. 8 [Gee] 

Anderson, Ind. Union City, Ind. 
Apr - 15 - 1947 

Dear Lal and Family of O’C’s 

This being a lovely Spring day, I stacked all of my household tasks and came with Larry on a trip to Union City. The car is parked just about where we met a few years ago, Lal—remember? It’s in Indiana, but just a few feet away, it’s Union City, Ohio—the State Line cuts the town in two. 

Since you are due back in Dayton today, I will have this at 1520 to greet you Wednesday morning. It reached me Apr. 12—about the time Janice and Jack were being married. 

The Shanahans and Mulcahys came last Saturday afternoon and were here all day Sunday. We had a lot of fun including a good ole poker game and some bridge­­—a lot of water has passed under the bridge (the other kind) since we last played poker with them, 23 years ago. 

Observations while sitting in a parked car. —This is a typical mid-western small town. —Small groups of farmers gathered at different places in this block, evidently intent on talk of crops, etc., but not too intent to let their gaze follow a pretty girl in a sweater and pedal pusher, displaying a pair of shapely legs.—A recently discharged soldier, wearing an army coat, walking down the street with a father who appears to be happy and proud to be by his side. He reminds me of a last line in a chapter of “Beach Red” by Peter Bowman—“A Battle doesn’t determine who is right. Only who is left.”—A small fat girl running out of a restaurant—followed by an equally fat Mama (not running)—A man emerging from the door of a coffee shop carrying two steaming a brimful cups of the liquid, spoons in cups.—Another man coming out of a tavern, his steps a bit uncertain in the noonday, ­—etc, —etc. 

Perhaps I should have warned you in the first paragraph, as Shan did, that this letter would be of little interest—by comparison his is most interesting. Neither has there been any change in our family set up, since the last round. Pauline and Tom drive over once a month or so. She will graduate from the Good Samaritan on May 25. It is on a Sunday evening at the N.C.R. Auditorium in Dayton. Any of the family who can conveniently come are cordially invited to be present. Lal has graciously informed us that she is having open house in honor of the occasion. Thanks, Lal. 

Larry, Jr. managed to get 60 miles away from Camp Chinhae, to a town called Puson, to have his glasses fitted. To break the monotomy, he is applying for a furlough so that he can go to Tokyo to see his good friend Harry B. O’Connor, who is at GHQ there. 

Elaine and I are going to Indianapolis tomorrow to shop around for wedding ideas. “Her day” is to be four months from tomorrow. Perhaps Lal can arrange to take the letters out to Aunt Ellie next round, and read them to her while they sit out under the trees. I can just hear Aunt E. chuckling Then the delay would be a minor one. An occasional delay to enable the offsprings to keep pace with their elders, should not be frowned on. I promise not to send them to Korea, Dan. 

Gene, if we are fortunate enough to have a new car after Aug. 16th, Larry and I may accept your invitation. Any members of the family desiring to ride the points West about that time, please get in touch with me. 

Dearest love to all— Gee

Folks from Ohio

Vol. 26, No. 7 [Sadie] 

Washington D.C. April. 7, 1947 

Dear Gee and Family: 

Little did I think a month ago, that I would be writing my contribution to the chain in Washington! It just seems too good to be true, and when I give you a brief account of my first four days here, you will know how thoroughly I am enjoying every minute here. 

Howard and David met me at 8:10 Thursday morning. After visiting with Rose, I went to St. Ann’s in the p.m. for Adoration. On Good Friday, Janice and Jack took Pauline and me to the Monastery for the “Burial Service” which was very impressive, and we had a “ring-side” seat, tho’ we came too late to get in the door. The habit did that for me. (Tre ore at St. Ann’s) Thursday, P. and I visited the Mellon Art Gallery, Folger Library and Jefferson Memorial, and Howard drove us around all afternoon. Easter Mass at St. Ann’s, then to Sacred Heart for Solemn Easter Mass and it was magnificent. Spent the afternoon with Irene and P. had Hackleys and me for Easter dinner. 

The rest of the week climaxed with the wedding, and visits with the “folks from Ohio,” will be full to overflowing. But enough about me! I want to thank Kay, Pauline and Gee for making this trip possible financially, and Rose and Howard and Dan, for a lovely trip to Wimington on Tuesday and Wednesday. And the cherry blossoms will be out, which will make the trip perfect! 

The wedding is the highlight this round! We saw the gifts and pictures yesterday, but the “dress, with sixty yards of ruffles” will not be seen until the wedding day. 

All of our “Eastern branch” are in good health and spirits. Steven has had a cold, but is better now. David Hackley is a real prize. I saw his reaction to the “Easter bunny” and it was rare. Steven is a little young to appreciate that. 

Shan, I am going to the White House next Thursday. Any message for Truman, etc? This is a gorgeous spring day, (70˚) should bring out the blossoms in full bloom. After the foot of snow we had in Michigan last week, you can imagine how I love it. 

As for sending the chain letter to Aunt Ellie, I think we had better keep it in the immediate family, as it could branch out indefinitely, and become a yearly event in time. Love and continued prayers for each dear member of our devoted family. 

Sadie

Scratch Up the Necessary

Vol. 26, No. 5 [Kay —letter missing] 

Vol. 26, No. 6 [Rose] 

Washington 16, D.C. 
April 8, 1947 

Greetings, all— 

Since Sr. Rosella is visiting at the moment, I can’t very well write to her, so will just put in a page of my undying prose addressed to the family at large. We are enjoying her visit so much. She went to Wilmington this morning, and will return tomorrow night. She wrote her contribution and left it with me, and as I see she has accounted for her time thus far, I won’t go into it. Easter was a fine event, as far as David was concerned. The Bunny brought him two baby chicks, both of which unfortunately passed away within 48 hours. I seem to be having a little pen trouble tonight. This is the third one I’ve tried, Maybe the fault lies with me. 

It probably will come as a surprise to no one to learn that I am toying with the idea of making a trip next month. If I don’t come the first part of May, I can’t come at all, as Nan is taking herself to the country later in the month for an indefinite stay. So, if I can scratch up the necessary, I may see you all, or most of you, ere the next round. 

Irene’s poem was very touching. One would never guess, from her wholehearted enthusiasm and untiring zeal in the wedding preparations, that these are really the things pulling at her heartstrings. And I might add that the preparations are really fancy. Janice has so many beautiful things—including a three-skin stone marten scarf, from her parents, that fairly makes me weep with envy. And Sadie and I had a preview of her pictures. They are truly exquisite. 

Incidentally, Irene, before I forget it in the excitement, I’d love to have copies of the two snaps you enclosed. They are both darling. We are looking forward with such pleasure to the coming of our sisters and brothers-in-law. Won’t it be fun? Too bad Gee and Shan can’t be here to make it complete. Of course Gene had to go and take herself to the end of the earth, or might as well have for the purposes of incidental reunions like this. I join the majority in the opinion that the chain is for the O’Connors. Let’s keep it cozy. 

Love to all Rose

Little to Write About

Vol. 26, No. 4 [Shan] 

3/26–47 
Dear K. and Family: 

There seems to be little if anything to write about or report on. There has been no change in our status quo nor any events of not since my last contribution in January. 

I would offer a comment on Dan’s suggestion that Aunt Ellie be included to receive the chain regularly. I presume it was your intention, Dan, that she be included only to give her an opportunity to read the letters, but not as a contributor. I see nothing wrong with the suggestion provided we are all reconciled to a month or two of delay each time the letters go to her. You recall the last experience. I will refrain from voting. Would suggest, however, that Helen do not send her this round for it will contain the comments of the several contributors on the subject. With the knowledge that she may be reading it, no one would feel free to express an opinion adverse to the suggestion. In the event Helen decides to send her this round I request this letter be removed, and forwarded on to Paulie who can replace it to the others when the chain comes thru her. 

Word came from somewhere that Sadie had secured permission to visit Washington during the Easter vacation. That sounds like a good time. If she gets around the congressional halls, I warn her to be cautious. They tell me that all those newly elected republicans carry tommy-hawks. 

Irene’s Xmas gift was two very excellent books. “The Lowells and Their Seven Worlds” and one other of the then current best sellers. I have read several new books since Xmas time and do not recall the title at the moment. As I am writing this from Youngstown, cannot just glance at the book shelf to refresh my memory. In any event I read and enjoyed both while home between the two holidays. I particularly recommend “The Lowells.” 

It is a pleasure to hear how nicely Gene and the girls are adjusting themselves to their new environment. I thought from the time she first began to talk about it that it would be a smart move for her. It may require a little time to become completely adjusted, but I believe the ultimate welfare of all of them is worth the effort. 

I warned in the opening paragraph that I could find little to write about. Don’t you all agree? 

Love Shan

Close to Church and School

My grandmother, mom and Aunt led a comfortable upper middle class life before my grandfather died to just barely making ends meet a few short years later. In 1947, my grandmother packed up  and moved from Chicago to Southern California. Without a job, knowing no one—just because it was her dream to live in California. I can't decide if she was crazy or courageous—I just know their life was hard in California from the stories my Aunt tells me. Here is a photo of the three of them shortly after they moved to California.

I have often said that I find these letters utterly fascinating. My Aunt is in the process of re-reading all of the letters again. She told me about a month ago that reading them this time, the letters are making her sad. Whereas I knew some of these people—and only when they were fairly old and I was very young, she really knew them. Most of them are no longer with us. Janice, who is the previous letter was on the threshold of being married, is now in her late eighties. The 20th anniversary of my Mom's death was last week. I was traveling for work and didn't really have the time to reflect. So today, reading this letter from my grandmother, I suddenly became really emotional, and really understood what makes her so sad.

Vol. 26, No. 3 [Gene] 

Bellflower, Calif. 
March 18 —’47 

Dear Family: — 

Enjoyed this round of letters so very much. The pictures are perfect and I would sure love to have one of each of yours too Dan. 

Well to begin. We have been in California now for six weeks and love it. The weather has been ideal since our arrival. Hated like everything to leave the desert, but there wasn’t much chance of a job there so decided I had better get closer to L.A. and Long Beach. Bellflower is a lovely little town, about 35,000 population. It is independent of Long Beach, but only about 10 miles out. It is only a 45 min. run to L.A. by bus. Picked this spot for our trailer, because it was close to church and school. 

We are far enough from both L.A. and Long Beach to escape the rains and fog. Hope to get a job right here in Bellflower through a friend about April 1st. If not, figure it wouldn’t be too far to travel by bus. We like our trailer very much and it is big enough for the three of us and like a doll house to take care of in comparison to our big apt. We have all acquired a beautiful tan. The girls are out all of the time and look wonderful. I have gained 9 lbs. and feel like a million. Have a sun bath every day and sleep under a couple of blankets at nite— and I mean sleep. It is really a great country. Everything has worked out so well so far. 

Will you all say a couple of extra Hail Mary’s that I get a good job and then we will be all set. Have been wanting Mother and Dad to come out, but guess they can’t make up their minds to leave the rest of the chicks. Think it would do them both a lot of good. 

I left the last pictures of the girls with Monie, and asked her to send them to Sadie and go the rounds. Will check with her in my next letter to see if she sent them yet. Gee has been very faithful with her letters. Had one from Sadie. How about the rest of you? Sure appreciate getting letters from all of you—and I promise to answer them pronto. 

All our love to all of you for this round. 

Gene