a little bird told me…

Bear Trap

Vol. 12, No. 10 [Shan]

9-19-44

Dear Family-

I seem to have placed myself in a “Bear Trap.” Have mercy—I did nothing but throw out a suggestion.

Dan it is your turn, pick some subject less controversial if you know what is good for you.

Some one along the line suggested rebuttal. I dissent, we have all had our say and rebuttal is not appropriate here. On to the next subject.

I cannot pass until I say my hat is off to all of you for saying what is in your mind. Kate I take my summer and winter hat off to you for what to my way of thinking was the most intelligent expression of the lot.

For the most part thought seems to have run to personalities rather than principles. So to extricate myself from that said “Deer Trap” permit me to say that I shall vote for that administration whom I believe will administer the affairs of the people of this nation according to the established laws of this nation. For those of you who can read and think, no more need be said. For those of you who can’t—anything that I may say would be superfluous.

Now for family news—Don’s position unchanged except for detached service somewhere north of Oxford, Eng. He gripes and we gloat. If any of you had a son over there you would know what I am talking about.

I am sure that Paulie, our beloved chatterbox, has passed on to all of you the word that Shan “Looks better and is in better spirits than she has known him to be in six years.” I know that, for (God bless her) she passed that on to Don and it came back to me from him. What a lift it gave that boy. Don’t any of you ever discount Paulie (for the record).

Carolyn, Nan and I remain in status (ink out) quo. Status “not bad quo” and “always looking forward.”

And love to all of you
Shan

Rosie: Settle down and say something
Shan

Disenfranchised Body

Vol. 12, No. 9 [Rose]

Washington 16, D.C.
September 13, 1944

Dearest Shan;

I am still feeling a glow of pleasure from the remembrance of talking to you and the assembled members of the clan. Your ”Godammit, this is great” echoed my feelings exactly—it was the next best thing to being there. My only regrets are (a) that I didn’t get to talk to Sadie—I had no idea she was still there—and (b) that it was a spur-of-the-moment idea, as otherwise we could have arranged for Kate to be in on it.

I’d like to go on record at this point with my congratulations to Twerp, for his splendid idea. Hasn’t it worked out well, and isn’t it a joy.

I know you and Carolyn are relieved and thankful that those fiendish robot bombs have stopped flying over England. I hope they have stopped for good, and that the pretty minds which thought them up will be exterminated before they have a crack at something worse.

Do you mind if I do a little quiet bragging about my husband? I’m so proud of him I could bust. Sometime ago the editor of the Virginia Law Review asked him to submit an article on a subject to be selected by himself. Since he had been doing much work recently on a matter dealing the absorption of exchange charges by banks, he used that and proceeded to write a bang-up article, which he modestly insists could have been better if he’d had more time. I might as well admit right here that the material is conduit as far as I am concerned, and any other layman, I suppose, would agree. But he recently had a letter from the editor saying it is the best organized, most lucidly written and in general the finest article they have ever printed. In fact, he waxed lyrical in his praise and said it would lend honor and prestige to the Law Review. Fancy! The father of my child! His superiors at the Board are so pleased with it, also, that they are ordering several hundred reprints for distribution to the banks of the Federal Reserve System. Ain’t he wonderful?

And while we are on the subject of him, Paulie tells me you have never even seen a picture of him. That shall be attended to, and soon.

The political views of a disenfranchised body like me must of necessity be purely academic, but even if that were not the case, I should steadfastly refuse to risk a rise in blood-pressure by taking part in the sort of acrimonious contention which, it seems, must inevitably split friends asunder in every presidential campaign. I think that the present administration has been too long with us, that it has many faults and inefficiencies (as which one has not?) and that a change would be salutary and beneficial on general principles. But I am not so naive as to assume, as some of the brethren seem to do, that the mere electing of a Republican president would solve our problems and cure our ills, since I believe that they are for the most part evils inherent in our civilization and not bred of the administration.

Incidentally, I hereby add my endorsement of your suggestion. I should prove vastly interesting in future years to go over this airing of our opinions. That the chain itself will be a fascinating relic was indicated when Paulie recently found the letters Kath mislaid a couple years ago. Seems that I was griping then (October 1942) because the stork was so long in arriving. For the record, my chief current gripe is that we can’t get him to play a return engagement!

However, what he brought us the first time continues to be our hearts’ dear delight. He is a bird—talks up a storm and can say anything he damn wants to. He even had a go at “hallucination” last week—and didn’t do so bad, either! Yes, here I go bragging again, and in my insufferable pride I am enclosing more pictures of him.

Dearest love to you all, and long my the chain flourish unbroken.
Rose

Note to Mrs. Cahill—Don’t be writin’ on the pictures!

American Way of Life

Vol. 12, No. 8 [Gee]

Sept. 9, 1944

Dearest Rosellen,

Let me tell you how very much we enjoyed seeing the pictures of your lovely boy. Even without commentator Pauline to do them justice, we can plainly see why you and Howard are gaga about the child David. It was very thoughtful of you to call the night we were gathered at O’Connor’s in Columbus. When Dan’s call followed it was almost too much. It is a good thing Kato waited until Sunday evening. A heart can hold just so much emotion you know. It’s a swell family we’re after havin’ and that’s sartin.

Permit me to step into a by-path of our family group, and pay tribute to a sincere and genuine woman—Mrs. F.P. O’Connor. After our recent visit with them, I told Carolyn, (and it bears repeating) that whenever I have basked in the warmth of her hospitality and observed her gracious manner, I am ready to tackle my next job with greater enthusiasm and courage than I did before. I salute a valiant lady.

The splendid idea of Shan’s to discuss current topics has and will continue to add zest to these letters.
Last night I listened to Mr. Dewey’s speech and tonight to Mr. Bricker’s—I believe it is unfair to pass judgment on any administration during War years. I have always felt that the most good for a greater number of people is accomplished under Democratic regency. Maybe “the tired old man” hasn’t done such a perfect job, but, as Mother used to say, I’d like to see any one else accomplish what he has under the same circumstances. All of us have to admit we still have an American way of life. We have all developed a higher sense of values. The important thing is to continue this progress. A competitive political set up is as important as a competitive economic system. The whole country was ready for a change after the Harding Coolidge Administrations. (Incidentally some the vices Dan mentions were born and flourished during those years, for instance, high pressure salesmanship). Maybe the same number of people are ready for a change now. If the European War is ended by November and God grant it will be—the barometer seems to indicate that Dewey will be in. I believe he will be more sincere and level-headed in the matter of International Peace than his Republican contemporary of four years ago.

Pauline has returned to Dayton after a three week vacation. Elaine will be here another week. The boys are starting on another school year. Larry Sr. is busy digesting the post war plans of the S.R. Co. Ronnie John is keeping his Mother in grey hairs by being so active.

Thanks for reminding us of Don’s birthday Paulie—It just occurred to me that some of you might like to copy the complete list of family birthdays—I’ve fallen down on a few—Anyone able to fill in, please do so.

Goodbye now—Dearest love to all of you.
Gee

Keen Interest

I completely agree with Kay’s description of politicians—each claiming to take the high road, and then beating each other to “a mummy.” As we have grown closer to the primaries in January, we have certainly seen the gloves come off in both parties. Apparently politics has not changed much in the past 60 years.

Vol. 12, No. 7 [Kay]

Thursday, August 31

Dearest Gee, et al

Our big brother’s suggestion to add stimulus to the chain has been pounced upon with great enthusiasm and I join the crowd in voting for its adoption. It will then reflect our thinking and growth, as well as our regard for each other. After reading the contributions already given, it seems a shame it cannot be in the form of an open forum. Perhaps in the next round, in addition to the new subject, we could each devote a paragraph of comment on our observation of the combined viewpoints. A summing up of our reactions. As a result of this added interest, it should provide many interesting discussions at our “Reunion in ’45.” We could plan a forum as one of the events.

My definition of National Politics is a burning for power by an individual and/or group—in Peace or War. The Democrats and Republicans each claim, as a party, high principles in order to achieve that power. Then one side sandbags the other, trying to beat it to a mummy, so that only a vestige of principle remains. I think Roosevelt is one of the most shrewd, if not the most shrewd politician who has ever “sat” in the White House; that he probably will be reelected primarily because he chooses to be for another little while, until he works out the plan by which he hopes to gain the covetous chair in the International League, and resign the presidency to accept it. I feel it is a question of deciding on Dewey or Truman, as to which is the most fit to rule in the time of Peace. It seems logical that Roosevelt should be in a position to carry the war to a conclusion more skillfully than Dewey. Personally, I have not as yet concluded how I think it should go this term. I detest the Eleanor-scheme to go down in history and feel she has hurt the administration gravely. I plan to take a keen interest in learning more about Dewey and Truman as the campaign progresses and then draw my conclusions.

The August 12 weekend in Columbus was a pushover for success according to Pawya’s report (that’s what the “little King” calls her). We had a little dinner celebration at R. and H’s the evening she returned and at 10:30 she was still talking, telling us everything. Rose, Dan’s and my 1944 vacations were all planned and taken, by the time the plan for that meeting gained momentum, but we are earnestly talking the grand gathering for next year. And wouldn’t it be perfect if Don and Dick could be here for it. Let’s pray for the game to be over, so that they can be. I’m still looking to grabbing off a few days this Fall and head Columbus way. I had a delightful rest on Lake Champlain—Adirondacks on one side and Green Mts. on the other—truly a beautiful spot. I likes new England!

Dan is to be congratulated on his new success with Dupont. I can just visualize him in the role, and the Irish charm that trickles out on the way. I know he is thanking his stars he made the wise choice of Dupont vs. OPA back in ’42. Aren’t the special pictures treasures? I had a bit of luck with my first try at Kodacolor film in my little box camera. A darling one of Lala.

It is wonderful to know that Elaine is safe and gaining weight. You deserve that Gezzer and you must be eating up hers and Paulie’s “furlough.”

I’m writing you re: the stuff I’m sending sometime before the weekend is out. I’ll drop this in the box tonight for the 11 p.m. pickup and you’ll have it Saturday.

Dick had written a note to Shan for a slant on politics—I thought he might enjoy the opinions in the chain and copied those paragraphs to send to him.

The gong again! Till next round.

Love to all
Kay

in the present day…
I just returned from a (really cold) weekend in Chicago. My nephew wanted to go to the Museum of Science and Industry (or as he called it in his journal—the Museum of Service and Manufacturing) to see the Star Wars exhibit. So being the great Aunt that I am, I took him to Chicago for the weekend for his birthday. My sister (his mother) and my little brother (who was probably more excited than anyone to see the SW exhibit) came along with us. My nephew actually liked the U505 submarine better than the SW exhibit. We also did the usual Christmas stuff in Chicago—we looked at the department store windows, shopped, went to Navy Pier, Build-A-Bear, Winter Wonderfest, ice skated, and then drove home in freezing rain—so now I am exhausted.

My nephew surprised me is a couple of different ways this weekend. First, while we were shopping, we were coming down an escalator in a department store when my nephew screams out “Mom, there’s the kind of hat I’ve been looking for.” I kept looking to see where he was pointing—he was point to a Fedora. Not kidding. He was so excited to get off the escalator to get to that hat. My sister (being her practical self) did not want to buy the hat, so he bought it with is own money. It was a little too big for him, but he wore that hat all weekend. People complimented him on that hat everywhere we went.

Second, I had never taken him to a Build-A-Bear store because I thought he wouldn’t be interested—he is more of the Matchbox and Lego kind of kid, but he was so excited to build his bear. Then he when it came time to dress the bear, he made a beeline for the bear clothing and without a second of hesitation, picked out the US Navy uniform for his bear. He did this because one of my other brothers is in the US Navy and he wanted his bear to look like “Uncle Patrick.” I thought I was gonna cry.

Third, he announced at dinner he had decided where he wanted to live when he grew up and where he wanted to work. I thought “Great, something on this trip has made an impact on him.” Could it have been something he saw at the Museum of Science and Industry? No, of course not. We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and he decided then and there that when he grew up he was going to move to Chicago and work as a waiter at the HRC. Because he thought the waiter had a really fun job. And if I thought that he would have forgotten all about this dream after he left the restaurant, I would have been dead wrong. Today, on the way home, he asked me if I thought the HRC would still be open when he grew up—because he really, really wanted to work there.

Firewater

Good Lord, these people like their liquor. I've said before, but that is one of the things that sticks out in my mind from when I was a child. These relatives would have “cocktail hour” and I just thought it was so very glamorous.

I think their political discussion is interesting. It has a factor we no longer even consider—a president with the possibility of a fourth term. History portrays FDR as a beloved president that brought the nation through the Great Depression and the WWII. It is interesting to see him portrayed as power-hungry, yet practically unbeatable.

Vol. 12, No. 3 [Irene]

Aug. 19, 1944 Saturday

Dear Sadie and All,

It is just 9 a.m., although that seems quite a late hour in Washington these days with Janice leaving every day at 7:05 and Frank at 7:20.

Frank has been at Camp Endicott for the past week and is due to stay for another week. Jerry will be at Camp until the 31st., unless the “Polio Epidemic” here grows worse. A notice in “the Star” last night said that District Schools may not open on schedule in Sept., because of it.

Janice has only until Sept 1st. at the Interior Dept. Then she has to start working on the “Trinity Times,” as she is business Manager, and has many ads, etc., to secure for it. Of course, she has her “little men” out working for her but she is responsible for its getting to Press on time. She receives her cap and gown the last Sunday in September.

Shan, I don’t blame Sadie for using caution in holding one of your Mint Juleps. I have never had the pleasure of sipping one, but can imagine the sensation. We have long since changed its name to “Fire-water.”

Enjoyed reading all the family news. Sadie, I am glad to know that you have avoided an operation.

Forty-five sounds good at the re-union year. Something tells me it will be a year to celebrate, anyway.

It is difficult to tell just which way the November wind will be blowing. I do not think that nay man should have a fourth term, but I don’t believe that Dewey and Bricker can lick Roosevelt. They would have a better chance if Bricker were not so anti-Catholic. Any man who tries to buck the great Catholic church is defeated before he even starts.

“He is a great man, who knows that he is small.”

With love to all of you—Irene

in the present day…
We have had a couple inches of snow in the last day or two. I was walking across the icy parking lot at work so carefully this morning. Just as I was relieved to be inside the door, I slipped and fell on my a**. I also have a huge bruise on my knee. :-(

Sooooo graceful I am! That's what I get for wearing the cute shoes instead of ugly boots. What a great way to start off the day!

God’s Country

Hmmmnnnn...I guess Dan didn't vote for FDR in 44!

Volume Twelve

Vol. 12, No. 1 [Dan]

July 30, 1944

Dear Helen and family:

Appreciate the kind word about the origin of the chain. I guess we would all agree that it is successful, but the credit there belongs to each member of the family. Keep it up and don’t forget to send me the back copies. I’m missing many of them.

Our two weeks at Estes Park were superb—Ah that is God’s country. We both feel 100% better.

Well now this is getting to be quite a family; Shan an Insurance Executive, Nan a Society Editress, Dick an Army pilot, Don a full fledged soldier in the Combat Zone, Elaine and Paulie nurse cadets, Sadie a teacher, Frank a Lieutenant Commander, Howard a lawyer, Kate a new dealer and Dan half lawyer half du Ponter. Some crew!

Helen it was typical of your generous nature to give Rose and Howard the helping hand and I know what it meant to them.

The war news is surely good isn’t it. May it fold and fold fast!

Shan’s suggestion regarding our individual comments on a selected subject impress me as a keen idea and I hereby cast my vote in favor of adoption. Let the first subject be “National Politics,” as suggested, and the following is my paragraph:

There are certain things in life that I value highly. Among them are intellectual honesty, freedom from prejudice and pressure, dignity of conduct, opportunity to display initiative and enterprise and to be rewarded for them. There are certain things I loathe. Among them are high pressure salesmanship, arrogance and deception, disregard for established principles and laws, indispensable humans, moral codes based on expediency, and government by indirection. To my mind the Roosevelt administration stands for these latter things—and to a larger extent the Democratic party has always stood for them. Therefore, I am a Republican, because I believe that those things I value so highly are much more likely to prevail under Republican government.

I still think the chain should be confined to one page, to preserve interest, to encourage quality and to
lessen burden. It’s tough on Shan because he writes larger than most of us.

Before too much longer I will send Sean and Didalee’s baby album to be routed along the chain. You will enjoy it.

Reunion in ’45 is O.K. by us. We’ll be there! As to a time—believe that should depend upon whether the “boys have come home yet.”

Love,
Dan

National Politics

This is the letter that begins some of the most interesting letters from the chain. Shan throws down the gauntlet to include a paragraph on an assigned topic. Some members rise to the occasion, others do not. It does however make for interesting reading. This first topic "National Politics" comes at an appropriate time as our own Presidential primaries are heating up. One major difference, FDR is going for his fourth term as President (unprecendented to this point, and never to be again because the fear of a "permanent president" resulted in the 22nd Amendment).

There are ten members of the chain—all with varying opinions...all of which remind me of the old saying “the more things change, the more things stay the same.” Many members of the chain have the same frustration with partisan politics that we have today.

Stay tuned for the comments from the chain...

Vol. 11, No. 10 [Shan]

7-21-44

Dear Dan and family

First a report on the status-quo here. Don continues in England. He seems to get around the country quite a bit with what he describes as land convoys. His letters are written almost daily, but received spasmodically. None received all of last week, then three on Monday and no more to this date, Saturday.

Nan is still with us, having landed happily as Society Editress on the Ohio State Journal. Recognized as a very fine paper throughout Ohio. We received it in Lima every morning for more than fifteen years. She seems very happy with the work and associations.

Since the last time around our affairs have gone on without unusual event other than Sadie’s visit early this month. Believe she enjoyed the occasion, except for the effect of the one (maybe two) Mint Julips. She took it like a true sport, but handled it as though it were an old fashioned giant firecracker with the fuse buzzing.
I believe someone has been maligning that delicious beverage. Anyway, we all had a delightful visit. This chain letter idea has really developed into something worthwhile. The hat is off to you Dan for the idea and promotion. You will recall, at the beginning I was impressed with the idea, but skeptical of its success. I have long since conceded success.

At this time I have but one criticism, intended constructively. “We seem to talk of nothing but us.” There is nothing wrong with that, for it is creating a family record. It just occurs to me that it would enhance the interest and at the same time record our way of thinking, if from here on each of us would devote one paragraph to an expression of individual opinion on the National or International development most prominent in the news. Not at the time each individual is writing, but on the subject selected at the beginning of the round. In that way each of our views will be recorded on the same subject.

On the chance the idea will stick, I suggest that Dan fire the opening gun and that the first subject be “National Politics.” I chose that because it will become increasingly prominent throughout the period required to complete this round. Our comments will have no value, currently or as a record, unless our thoughts are honestly expressed without being influenced by what has been said by one of the others. If such a procedure proves of interest, let it be understood that Dan select the subject for the next round—and that his immediate succeeding correspondent open the discussion and so on so long as interest is maintained.

For the second time I have stepped over the line on allotted space. There may be a good reason that has not occurred to me. Why should we be limited in that respect?

Physically and otherwise we are all “In the pink.”

Love to all
Shan