a little bird told me…

The Day Already Has a Good Start on Me

Vol. 27, No. 2 [Irene] 

Tuesday — 9 a.m. 

Hello Everybody, 

Enjoyed all the “uninteresting” letters very much, especially Mrs. V’s vivid portrayal of Union City, Ohio. 

Just had a note from Dan, saying that they would hand us the Technicolor pictures of the wedding, as their train passes through Silver Spring. We can scarcely wait to see them. 

Janice and Jack are getting their apartment very much in order, and even though they are not quite settled, J. had a dinner party Sunday eve, and I hear that it was quite successful. It is well that she is so close-by. She stops in every other day or so. 

It was a great thrill to have so many “O’Connors” present for the 12th. And speaking of O’Connors, you should and shall see the grand pictures of us all taken at the Broadmoor that morning. I shall have some finished for each one. The candid shots are all splendid. We shall have difficulty in selecting the ones that we can afford to have finished, as there are so many of them. 

I am attaching, as per Dan’s suggestion, the notes that J. handed Frank and me before going to church that morning. They are so much “Janice” they could easily just be a “portrait” instead—and needless to say, we shall treasure them, always. 

I must go now, as the day already has a good start on me. Am enclosing a picture I recently snapped from our kitchen window and it brought to mind a poem from my scrap-book. 

Love to you all, Irene

Fifty Yards of Ruffles

Vol. 26, No. 2 [Irene] 

March 11th, 1947 

Hello Everybody, 

Even tho’ the “Bridal robe” lies before me only half finished, I’ll get this letter into the mail for I may never get back to it, as I must have the dress finished by Friday as J. has an appointment with a photographer for Sat. the 15th, just four days ahead. As I said to Gee in a recent letter, “You have no idea of the number of hours, Hail Marys and tears” that its fifty-yards of ruffles hold. It is like a “breath of Spring,” it is so lovely. I do hope that we will have a good picture of it, among the many that will be taken. 

Dan, I’m glad that you so much enjoyed the thought of the buckwheats. Why not come to see me sometime. I might even make some for you. However, I’ll send Eloise the recipe. Mrs. O’Connor’s recipe, which is unexcelled. 

Am enclosing a little poem, which keeps running through my mind these days. 

How do you like our “Bounce”? Believe me, he is an important part of the Cahill “foyer.” 

Enjoyed seeing all the pictures. Also took the address of the “Tom ‘n’ Cherries,” Shan. Your letter was grand, Carolyn. It seemed almost like you had just “dropped-in,” and how I wish that you could do that. Then we could have a good foursome. And what can top a good foursome? N’est ce pas? 

For the Xmas exchange, Kay sent me a very different and lovely pair of doe-skin gloves, which I needed very much, and have worn many times since then. Thanks again, “Katherine.” By the way, K., your wedding gifts sound as tho’ they are really “matching the occasion.” Mary M., J’s best friend, had a “shower” for her and she received practically everything for her kitchen and bath. 

I must get back to the “la robe blanche” and leave to the rest of you all those less difficult solutions, such as “atomic energy” and “cellars” n’ things. 

With love to you all, Irene 

P.S. I’m in favor of sending the chain to Aunt Ellie. I. 

When she was small, 
I tried to teach her faith 
I always held her hand to cross the street— 
And so she learned to trust. 

But now, dear Lord, 
She needs Your love to guide her eager feet. 
I hoped to make her brave, 
and when she cried From little hurts, 
I sent her back to play. 

Lord, give her courage for a shield against 
The deeper pain that life will bring, I pray. 
I told her that the world has need 
Of tenderness and son, oh, more than anything God, 
I have set the words upon her lips, 
But only You can teach her heart to sing. 

Viola Downen

Buckwheats for Breakfast

Vol. 25, No. 2 [Irene] 

January 18th, 1947 

Hello Everybody 
My last day of grace, to get this into the mail. Janice and I are outting out the “Bridal” robe today. We are going to finish it before starting on the many other details of the “Big day.” Am anxious to see just how long it will take to make it. How nice it would be if you all could be here for it. We could then continue to celebrate as a re-union. 

It was grand to have the call from Columbus on New Year’s Eve. We, Frank, Jerry and I were sitting by the open fire. We were supposed to go to a party but decided to pass it up as my operation was not yet one month old. 8 p.m. Sat. night. 

Guess what I just did? I set some old fashioned “buckwheats” for breakfast tomorrow. There is just one place that I know of where one can buy buckwheat flour so Frank stopped by there today and got 5 lbs. for me. On the way home he met a neighbor who insists that I send him some cakes for his breakfast, so I set a double recipe and about 8 a.m. tomorrow I’ll knock on his door and I hope I’ll get him up. 

How do you all like our new Secretary of State?* They just announced that he left Hawaii en route here. 

Jerry has recently gone “all out” for developing his own negatives, so I am to “black out” the room in the basement for him and the laundress is not to go near the place. Gee, I am anxious to hear the news from Sonny. It will be such a valuable experience for him.

 A friend of mine who is in Europe, tells me that American Cigarettes are selling for $5.00 per carton over there and that candy, and many other things, are still rationed. 

With love to all, Irene 

*Gen. George Marshall

Indian Summer

Vol. 24, No. 2 [Irene] 
October 30th, 1946 

Hello Everybody. 

And again, Congratulations! Kay and Am. We are looking forward to seeing Kay next week and are so anxious to hear about everything. Janice and I had such a grand time in Montreal. We bought the organdy for her wedding gown. Twenty yards of it. It will take fifteen or twenty yards, I believe, according to the picture which I am to copy. 

I found a lovely luncheon set in English china, but Janice could not find a dinner service. They have a lot of odds and ends, but no full sets of any thing. We intended going on up to Quebec, but the boats had stopped running up there for the summer season, so we decided to just skip it, as we had so little time. We flew back. It was Janice’s first flight and she was so thrilled. We made it in five hours. 

While up there I was able to get in a lot of “application” on my French. I am having only one lesson a week now. All conversation. So by spring, I hope to really have it. 

Kay Stormont and I will see Ingrid Bergman in person, in “Joan of Lorraine” tomorrow afternoon. The house has been sold out for ages for the three weeks of her run here. Janice and I will hear “Menuhin” this Sunday. We heard Artur Rubenstein a couple of weeks ago. He, of course, was superb. We have been having “Indian Summer” for days, now. 

Jerry just informed me again that tonight is “Beggars” night and I must be sure and have things in the house for the “Spooks and witches.” 

Shan, it is interesting to note the ledger from 1904 and 1914. And I enjoyed stepping back into my childhood once again as I read the names, “Hoegner,” “Duffield and Son” and “Shook’s” Ludny. But I cannot imagine your failing to take into consideration the fact that from the year 1904 to 1914 the O’Connor family increased to five extra members, which should, normally, have doubled the ledger. 

Frank and Janice say that the enclosed “advertisement” is not good looking enough for Dan. I can see quite a resemblance, and amazing one, even though he is much better looking. 

As for the “Atomic Bomb.” I sincerely wish that they would stop the manufacture of it (Russia, too.). I think that a very small percent of the people realize how really dangerous the thing is. A scientist out at the Naval Observatory was telling us quite a lot about it and what they (the scientists) really feared. 

With love to all— Irene 

Helen must have enclosed old letter by mistake—I sent it on to Dan.

in the present day...

I have been ultra cranky lately. For several reasons...

• Work is insane. The people at work are even more insane.                                                             
• I have been trying to get contractors to come out and bid on maintenance items I need at my house. Called three painters for quotes. One is booked until MAY!—but at least he gave me a quote. The other guy didn't show up. The third one didn't return my phone call. Called a concrete guy for a quote. He can't seem to show up at the appointed times to write the quote. But hey, at least he returns my calls. The other concrete company can't seem to find the time to return my call either. Come on. Do they want to work or not. Guess not.                                        
• Two of the three roads (and access to the highway) leading to my house are closed. A big box store is going in down by the highway. So I have to go THREE miles out of my way to go anywhere. Three miles. The road is going to be closed for three more months. :-(                          
• The election. I cannot stand to hear/see one more political ad. Half truths. Outright lies. So, so sick of it all. November 5 cannot come quickly enough. 

Connections

The fun part about family history research...finding long lost family connections! I recently received a call from my mother's cousin. He is retired, living in Florida and called me last week—on the very day I returned from Florida! I told him he had lousy timing. If he had called a week earlier, I could have extended my trip to visit with them. Ironically enough, they live in a retirement community where we shot a video for work a couple of years ago. They actually lived there at the time I was there. Small world, huh? Turns out his sister lives in South Bend, Indiana, which is practically in my backyard!

Vol. 21, No. 3 [Irene]

Good Friday, 1946

Ma chere Sadie et touts,

It is now 8 a.m. I shall endeavor to get this into the mail so that you may have it on Easter Sunday. I just received it today.

First of all, Janice will receive an engagement ring from Jack Zimmerman, a boy whom she has known for about six years. Ever since high school days. She says they will be married in either October or April. It probably will be in October. This has been an exciting week for us, as my attorney called and said that he, the hospital’s representative and the Doctor will be in conference all this week, and he expects them to make a settlement “out of court,” for my burn.

Janice and I will be at the reunion. We are looking forward to seeing all of you. I am so glad to know that Aunt Margaret Mulvihill will be at the reunion. Will Uncle John Walsh also be there? I do hope so. It will be a gala occasion.

I stayed for a few hours with Kay after she came home from the Hospital and she is getting along very well. She will be over it nicely by June.

Sadie, your Easter card arrived Thursday. Merci bien! And right now all the Cahills wish you a very happy Easter day. Looks like we will have a truly lovely one, with the dogwood, etc. in full bloom.

Going back to the reunion, you should know how excited Janice is, anticipating being there. The program sounds very interesting. Between now and then, I must make two bridesmaids’ dresses. Janice will be in a wedding party on May 5th and also on June 5th in West Point. We will all go up for the West Point wedding. Frank and I will stay over night in New York, and go up to the Point the morning of the 5th. “Much excitement!” around here.

I must leave you now, if this is to be in Lansing by Easter.

Au revoir mes amis, 

Irene.

Swell Idea

Vol. 20, No. 3 [Irene]

February 25, 1946

Dear Sadie and All, 

Have had house guests for the past several days, and I am a bit tired tonight, but I do not want to delay sending this on so please excuse the lack of animation, Je vous pris. 

We enjoyed the chain very much this time and the pictures are always so welcome.

Janice just returned from a delightful week-end in Syracuse, N.Y. One of her Trinity friends threw a house-party.

For Xmas Gee sent me a very lovely pale green serving tray with a magnolia in one corner, and eight matching glasses. She also tells me that eight matching coasters are on the way. I am saving it for Spring for it looks as lovely as May. All the gifts sound interesting and well selected. Let’s do it next year.

I am very much in favor of the “rump” chain. It is a “swell idea and should keep us all “young in spirit.”

Before long we all will be packing our bags and turning our faces toward Dayton, Ohio. Am anxious to hear more of the details.

Frank is in Baltimore tonight. Isn’t traveling too much these days.

I really must go now, hoping I can do better next time.

With love to you all,

Irene

Vol. 20, No. 3-A [Frank Cahill]

NAVY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON 25, D.C.

20 Feb 46

Dear O’Connors and Nee O’Connors

I have been informed that the High Command has designated me to be the next in law to write to you all.*

Vere dignum et justum est

(I’ve been helping Jerry with his Altar latin) that my initial communication should be on this auspicious day, to me, for today is my fifty-fifth natal day. I am that old, and look it and, 40% of the time, feel it.

   My  hair is gray but not from fears

It turned white from lots of years

As for information:

A Conference is a gathering of important people who singly can do nothing but in conference decide nothing can be done.

My very best regards to each of you.

Sincerely,

Frank Cahill

*For sanction of “you all”—Anthony’s speech to the crowd after Caesar’s assassination.

Climbing Over Many Things

Vol. 19, No. 3 [Irene]

Friday morning

Dear Sadie and All,

It looks as though the chain will reach Lansing one whole week before “The Silent Night.” That is good.

We had our first snow fall, and the children have taken advantage of every moment with their sleds. We so seldom have one hard enough to bother “climbing over many things” in the store room to reach the sleds. 

Frank is in Chicago now. Hopes to be back tomorrow AM. We are both going to New York Saturday AM., where we will attend a very “swanky” party on Saturday afternoon. Carolyn and Nan, it will not be another “week-end at the Waldorf” this time, for we could not get reservations, but we expect to get the “Starlight Roof” again any way and shake hands once more with the “Great Hunter” as he chases the mighty Taurus across the sky.

It was such a treat to see Carolyn and Nan again. It is a shame that we do not get together more often. Just wait ’til we all become air minded (and I am definitely not). Then, indeed, we can run back and forth, just to borrow something. In the years to come, our grandchildren will feel sorry for their Aunt Irene, that she was so old-fashioned (not being air minded). Someone said: “The air-age will not truly be here, until we see two-seated plane carrying six high-school students.” Can’t you just see them, “a Swingin’ on a Star.” Ah me!

Went to a party Monday night where Manhattans flowed from an electric fountain on the table. For re-fills, the waiters just filled our glasses with ice and we had to go to the fountain to the re-fill. I have an electric table fountain. Guess I’ll try it.

And now, little grand-child, please note above paragraph also, so that I will not be too demode.

When I heard V.J. day announced, my first thought was “Immaculate Queen of Peace, we thank Thee.” Did you all know that the war started and ended on her feast day?

Bounce has his two paws on my lap. He does that when he does not want me to be too busy to play with him.

Enjoyed all the letters (and pictures, too, Gee). They are splendid. I like especially “you and Larry” at Mt. Vernon. Did Larry make the play house?

Fred, it was good to read your letter. Why don’t you come to Washington? I, too, think you need a vacation.

Must to now, so

Au Revoir mes Ami

Irene

Shasta Daisies

Vol. 18, No. 3 [Irene]

Oct. 20, 1945

My dear Sadie and All,

It is now 8:15 AM. Janice and Jerry are still asleep. J. does not have to work every Saturday. Frank just left for a business trip by Navy Station wagon, and speaking of that, a young boy here has just purchased an Army Jeep for $100.00. We are going to try and get one, for marketing, Janice, etc., until we can feel secure in buying a car.

It was a joy to see Gee and Larry again. Although their time with us was all too short, and right now, it seems like a dream that they were here. Gee is so much like Mother, that I found myself first glad and then sad as I sat talking with her. And while I am on the subject of Gee, I like her idea of having some member of each family enclose a page. Just once on every round cannot possibly disturb the “Sanctity of the Chain.” I think that the enclosed from Eloise proves that it was a “happy thought.”

Dan, I like the “quotations” from all the letters, and as nearly as I remember, Helen has each one well placed. Shan, I was very happy to know that you sent the chain to our Aunt Ellie. We all can, well nigh, endure a worthy delay.

Aunt Ellie, when Gee was here, I told her “there is one person I am downright homesick to see and that is Aunt Ellie,” and I meant that, sincerely. Am wondering how much of your painting you are still able to do and if you still care for your flowers. It seems an eternity since I was there and you showed my your lovely “Shasta Daisies,” etc. I thought of you especially a couple of nights ago, when Judge Stephens and his wife, of California, were here for dinner, and they were both in love with my spinning wheel. I told them all about you and how you had secured several of them for the family.

When Jerry looked at Sadie’s pictures he said: “Gee, she looks like all of you mixed up together.” Sadie, you and “Our Lady” photograph well together.

Let’s not forget to keep in mind our reunion someday, and I do hope that all the grown children can be with us. It would be grand for them all to really get acquainted.

Am glad that you mentioned the Xmas gifts, Dan. It gives us a little time to select just the right thing.

Love to you all,
Irene

in the present day…
I am in the process of planning a little vacation to visit my Aunt Roberta. She is the daughter of John and Imogene in these letters. She was only 7 when these letters were penned. Bless her heart, she is 70 now. I have not seen her in a few years, but I email and speak with her on the phone on a regular basis. I spoke with her on the phone last night. She is soooooo cute! She is having her home repainted and is purchasing custom blinds in anticipation of my visit. Maybe I need to invite some relatives to visit so I can justify custom blinds..... ;-)

The Time Invites Me

Vol. 17, No. 3 [Irene]

July 25, 1945

My dear Sadie and All,

I am here at Walter Reed hospital, where I come two days each week, doing volunteer work in “Arts and Skills.” I am very much interested in the work and am learning many new and wondrous things. About the first of the year I will be ready to go on the Wards and then it will be even more interesting.

Thought I’d better dash this off here, during a brief lull, as I get plenty busy at home, once I get back at 4:30.

As usual, I enjoyed reading all your letters. Also the enclosure. I think that it is good to send along pictures. Somehow they make the miles surrender, leaving us all better friends.

Last night we were out with Col. Earl Phillips and his wife. He just returned from the So. Pacific and will now be located in Quantico. You all remember Earl, from Lima.

Janice is tired of loafing and is starting work at the Bureau of Standards on August 1st, as she had planned.

Jerry was supposed to go to a camp in West Virginia last Sunday, for the rest of the summer, but had a touch of Bronchitis, due to our vile weather of the past two weeks. One day the humidity registered 100%.
And it looked like London, outside. What is that expression? “And the fog just sat there on his haunches”—while we tried to breathe. Hope to get Jerry off this Sunday.

Frank and I may go down to Miami Beach while J. is away. It would be a good chance for me to “Scram.”
Gee and Larry, Carolyn and Nan, it will be grand to see you in Washington. Hope that you all can arrange to spend some time with us.

Janice went to a champagne dinner party, at Evalyn Walsh MacLean’s home. She throws them every Saturday eve. for the Soldiers at Walter Reed and one of the boys asked Janice to go with him. She held the “Hope Diamond” in her hand, and said that is almost the size of the bowl of a teaspoon, surrounded by 36 (at least 1 carat) diamonds. There, of course, was a plain-clothes man around at all times.

Shan, as to censoring the chain, I believe that we had better “Listen well, and reserve our judgement.”

It seems to me that our greatest post-war problem will be, for quite a long time, the Food situation. Food for body and soul.

We need it, for the body, to exist.
We need it, for the soul, to live.

As Dan had so truly expressed it, the world has been for so long without spiritual nourishment that we cannot treat it as only a post-war problem. I should like to bind your paragraph, Dan, with a favorite quotation: “He is a great man, who knows that he is small.” Oh, if we could, all of us, keep that thought “close by.” And right now, another favorite comes to me, which embraces my own sentiments. “If you have a loaf of bread, eat half of it to feed Thy body, and give away the other half to feed Thy Soul.”

“The time invites me,” so au revoir mes ami,

Irene

Perfection

Irene writes of her son, Jerry having a circumcision—Jerry is a teenager at this time. All I can say is OUCH!

Vol. 15, No. 3 [Irene]

April 3rd, 1945
Dear Sadie and All,

I wanted to get this mailed before Easter, but just could not accomplish it, as I was at the hospital with Jerry for two days after the “chain” arrived. He just had a circumcision. He is quite recovered now and will go back to school tomorrow.

And then, a gang of Trinity girls were here for dinner Easter Sunday. It was that sort of day “that makes every female feel like buying a hat that is much too young for her.” Spring in Washington was never more beautiful. The cherry blossoms have come and gone. The Dogwood is in full bloom now. And the peas in my garden are 6 in. high, also my sweet peas. Like Howard, I am “putting in” a dozen Strawberry plants. I think that I could be a real farmer if I ever had space enough. My maid, who is from “Nor” Carolina, said: “Miss Kay, your peas sure is shiny.”

We were glad to see the snaps of Nan. You are much more attractive than Ginger, Nan, so please “Be Thyself” and fix your hair like Nan O’Connor and let Ginger emulate you. “Never try to improve upon Perfection.”

In looking at the picture of Don, I understand why they have kept him safe in England, but fancy the English girls letting him get away, even as far as France? He will probably be coming home soon. Everything is pointing that way, isn’t it?

Janice is covering 100 pages per night, now, preparing for Comprehensive.

The Bureau of Standards called Trinity last week, wanting a chemist, and Sr. St. John, the Chem. Teacher, sent Janice over for an interview. She says it sounds good and she may accept, but would not start until Sept. 1st. They told here “they would be glad to have her at any time that she decides to come.” America! Period.

Oh yes, I guess it is my turn to suggest a subject for discussion. Let it be “Our Reunion.” Each one give his or her suggestion as to when and where it should take place, and how long it should last, and if it is still to be in 1945?

With love to you all,
Irene