a little bird told me…

Admitted to the Family

Vol. 27, No. 8 [Gee] 

Anderson, Ind. 

July 13 —1947 

Dear Lal and Family 

Every time I get the chain letter you are just coming home from some place, Lal. did not send it while you were up North, lest it be too long on the way and might miss you. Enjoyed your letter and Kay’s. It will be interesting to hear more details of your restful vacation. Surely enjoyed each and every letter this round. I like Dan’s description of Janice’s wedding best of all. He seemed to catch the real meaning behind the scenes. Other than to mention that the hustle and bustle of the E. Voss —Ed. Thaman wedding is in full swing, let’s not go into any more talk of it until after it’s over. Not that we haven’t thoroughly enjoyed every item leading up to and following Janice’s. We sincerely hope all of you can be here for Aug. 16 — come before and stay as long after, as possible. 

Howard’s letter (written while Rose held the whip) is the kind of a letter I like. Betcha’ each one of us will try to discover the bad qualities he mentions and go about a method to correct them. We’re glad you have been “admitted” to the family, too, Howard. You can write in the chain any time as far as I’m concerned. 

Larry, Jr., has been transferred from Chinhae to Puson, Korea—a point north on the Peninsula. They are living in reconditioned Jap barracks while waiting for some Quanset huts, sent from Alaska, to be set up. The boys expect to be back in the U.S. before the end of this year. Pauline is home for the summer. It’s like a big family again, and we love it. She is studying for her State Board Exam in November, while relaxing from her three strenuous years at the Good Sam. The Delco medical staff has invited her to step into Elaine’s place. She may do so about Sept. 1st. 

Shan, those fancy names sound like the ones that make up a large percentage of our parish. Bakinski, Sokoloski, Hosekvac, Kumkoski. Guess that is a typical set up in an industrial center. But there are some might purty gal secretaries, smart ones, too, among those folks. Did you succeed in finding one to suit you? Maybe you’re prejudiced having had O’Connors, Camerons, O’Malleys, Burkes, Cochrans, and such like, working for you in the past. 

Lal, we’ll be seeing you and Sister Rosella the week end of July 19 - 20. I’ve asked Rose Abbott to drive back to Anderson with us. Larry will take her to Dayton the following day, when he goes over to meet the new boss of Central. He’s going to miss J. W. Matthews. 

We are looking forward to seeing each and every one of you in August. 

Dearest love to all. 

Devotedly 
Gee

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

Spring Will Soon Be Here

Vol. 25, No. 8 [Gee] 

Anderson, Ind. 
Feb. 20 — 1947 

Dear Lal and Family, 

The pussy willow tree outside our dining room window has several branches filled with buds, despite the wintry look of the snow covered ground. One more Spring will soon be here—Spring is supposedly the season for young love. I wonder if each one of you finds yourself looking forward, as eagerly as I, to each new Spring, as the years come on us. Perhaps it is because we cannot help but know, when we see the beauties of nature, that the destiny of this world is not entirely in the hands of the Republicans, or the Democrats—the Hilters or Stalins. It kinda’ gives us the guarantee that if we, as individuals, do the best we can on our one or five talents, the confusion and unrest need not bother us too much. Which reminds me of the cartoon in the current issue of Colliers—two Congressmen walking along a street in Washington—one of them saying: “You’d think the people would take part of the blame for what’s wrong with the country—after all, they elected us.” 

We are looking forward to a visit from the Bishops next Sunday. Isn’t it nice how quickly adjustments can be made? It seems as though “the Bishops” have always been a part of our family. The pictures of Ann are very good, Lal. I am enclosing a picture that was on the cover of the K of C. magazine this month—show it to Dick and Ann when they come to Dayton. 

The letters seem to be making better time this round Dan. This is No. 8 so you should have them again by Mar 1st or 2nd. Larry and I spent a week-end in Detroit recently. Felice and Ernie Oliver celebrated their 25th anniversary and we were invited to the party. We went by train—via Bellefontaine, Deshler, Fostoria, etc—spots I haven’t seen since way back when. I recall a summer that Joe, Eugene, James and I spent with Fr. Joe, while some of you were vacationing with Mother and Dad. We often drove to Deshler, from Hawler, with Fr. Joe. 

We hear from Larry, Jr. about once a week. He is still in Korea—a little restless because of no definite program and too much time to spare. Elaine continues to enjoy her industrial nursing. As part of the staff, she attends quite a few out of town meetings. Pauline will take her next month’s training in Cincinatti. Joe and Dan are about to wind up a stormy basket ball season. R.J. is blissfully enjoying a normal life. 

About the only fresh news is Miss Pauline, not to be outdone by her sister, will be wearing a diamond soon. She is engaged to a boy named Tom Lauer. Tom was in the Army for 2-1/2 years. He is finishing his engineering course at the University of Dayton. They do not plan to be married until he has completed his studies. And so it goes! 

Pauline O’Connor—come to see us again—we loved having you. Mrs. F. F. Voss gave me a lovely rayon lace table cloth in the Christmas exchange. We hope that all of you will see it at Elaine’s wedding reception in August. 

Fondest regards to each of you— Gee

Lake Tippy

Gee and her family spent a few days sixty some years ago at Lake Tippy. Ironically enough, Lake Tippecanoe (Tippy) is less than five miles from my house. I was floored when I first read these letters that they vacationed so close to where I live now. I wish I had more information, where they stayed, did they rent a cottage, did they eat at any of the local restaurants that still exist, did they play golf at the Tippy club? So many questions—no answers...

Vol. 22, No. 7 [Kay — letter missing] 

Vol. 22, No. 8 [Gee] 

Anderson, Ind. July 15, 1946 

Dear Rose and family—also 

Family:— Larry, Dan, Ronnie and I just returned from a few days at Lake Tippy. We drove the other fellows, Larry, Jr., and Joe to Fort Wayne. They are attending a house party in Saginaw, Mich. We expect them home Wednesday, to continue their he-man’s job. For the past two weeks they have been working for a contractor, doing everything from clearing lots for building, to putting on house roofs. They are having the time of their lives at .90 an hour. 

Lal and I have been receiving very kind letters from all of you thanking us and our spouses for our part in the Reunion. Now it is our turn to say a profound “thank you” to each of you, for your splendid and understanding cooperation. Larry and I were sorry we could not return Saturday afternoon for the rest of the fun, but truly, we were both feeling under par. To me, the high light of the affair was the hour following the luncheon on Friday. Everyone seemed to enter into the spirit of the atmosphere created by our gracious master of ceremonies. Nan and Don, I deeply regret that you were not present for this time. We are anxious to have your report for the record, as well as Don’s pictures, which we hear are very good. 

The poem, “A Tribute to Mother,” which I wanted to read but could not, during our hour of memories, is attached. Maybe some of you anthology addicts would like to copy it. The last line of it brings me to a point I intended bringing up if we had a closed session of the immediate nine. Maybe it should be put to a committee first, but since I started I will go on. What do you think about having simple markers placed on Dad, Mother’s and Joe’s graves? The markers on the O’Connor lot are very few; I think Mae and Warren’s and the Legion Cross for Pat O’Connor are the only ones. Perhaps some of you know what Mother’s viewpoint on this was? It seems that there must have been a reason for Dad’s and Joe’s not having been marked in her life time? Uncle John has recently had new ones on the Welsh lot. They are very nice, but unpretentious. 

If all of you agree that this should be done, I suggest that those of us who played no part in financing Mother’s last illness, share the expenses. They will not be great. I have a fund saved that will take care of it all at this time, and we can settle the matter between us, at a later date. Please give your individual comments. Dearest love to each of you and your interesting families. 

Gee

A Tribute to Mother
Words can be coined and they will ring as true
As those long grown accustomed to the ear.
But we have only simple words for you
Whose hands were gentle and whose ways were dear.
All has been said a thousand times before
And yet, we cannot hope to find
A better language than we learned from your own lips, 
though year ebb slowly out of mind.
This we can tell you: we have tried to keep 
your eyes before us, clear and laughter filled.
Carried your love from waking unto sleep.
Living your pattern, strong in belief
This is a better monument than grief.

Bogging Down

Vol. 21, No. 8 [Gee] 
Dayton, Ohio May 13 — 1946 

Dear Rose and family: 

The Vosses from Anderson, with the exception of R.J., journeyed to Dayton yesterday to witness Elaine’s graduation exercises. It was sort of like turning back the pages of time. Twenty-six years ago the same day, I received my diploma at the Good Sam. Cincinatti. Elaine looked quite dignified in her graduate uniform and cap. She will continue at the hospital until August, then after taking the State Board Examination, plans to enroll at the University of Dayton for a two year course, leading to a B.S. degree in Nursing Education. 

The males of the family went home this morning, but I stayed over so that Helen and I could do several things in preparation for June 21 and 22. We accomplished quite a bit. We hope you will all be satisfied with the various plans we have made. The Hotel folks were most courteous. We have chosen the Biltmore for both rooms and the private dining room—which we will have from noon until all through the night if we so desire. Helen will send you your room verification, in plenty of time. Before this chain is half way around, the Reunion will have been—so enough about it. Your next information, or any changes that have to be made, will reach you individually. 

Before many hours we will know how our teen age Larry will be spending his next few years. He is first on a group list of inductees—as of June 9th. Because of a pronounced astigmatism (we learned from a friend who is on the draft board) he will be called for specialized service, so he may not be called before July 1, at which time the teen age boys may not have to go—what a suspense!—Anyhow, we hope he’ll be in Dayton for the Reunion. Think Dan’s idea to share the typing job of the letters is a fine one. I suggest a contribution to that worthy gentleman for handling and mailing of same. 

Everyone’s room reservations or rather requirements have been received by Lal, except Mrs. Cahill’s. How about it Sam? Now that’s a useless question. The Reunion will be history before she reads this. Hope Janice is on deck to receive our personal congratulations. Doesn’t any one know a good topic that will create a bit of friendly arguing for the next round? We couldn’t have the “bogging down,” now could we? 

This isn’t the end of the page, but we have talked prices, menus (is that the plural for menu?) and other details so many times today that my brain cells are too weary to even respond to the sulphur and molasses. 

Ronnie is expecting great things from his cousins. It’s going to be fun watching their reactions. So long folks—we’ll be seeing you. 

Love, Gee

in the present day…

Tons of fun at Davecago3! I met up with Dave, Jenny, RW and Mrs. RW, Gary, Tori (who brought yummy brownies!), Mocha Momma, Leah, Kapgar, and Suzanne. Great pizza, drinks and company!

After our hotdog brunch, I headed out to one of my relative homes in the suburbs. One of my mother's cousins (my grandma from the chain letter and his mother were sisters) is retired now and interested in genealogy. They thought I could fill in some blanks of their research. We ended up filling in some blanks for each other. They had some documents I had never seen and some family stories I had never heard! Their daughter (my second cousin) has made the trip out to Iowa and South Dakota to gather family documents. She is one step ahead of me. I have wanted to make a trip out there, but had not gotten around to planning one yet. 

Throw in my antiquing expedition from this past Friday and by all accounts, I had a really great weekend!

So sorry to have left Lynne off the list of bloggers I met!

All Eyes Toward Dayton!

Vol. 20, No. 8 [Gee]

Mar. 19 — 1946

Dear Family:

Received the letters on Mar. 18. How do you like this one day service? Find myself a lady of leisure these days, while recovering from a lung infection I picked up a few weeks ago. Thanks to the good Papa and our three six-footers, I have been able to get a lot of rest and should be in there pitching before long.

May I add one more adjective to Pauline’s list? Witty is the word. Whenever I finish reading her letters I go around for five minutes, wearing a grin. Speaking of adjectives—did you notice how few repetitions there were? Like Paulie, I feel almost weighted down by the ambiguous terms after my name. Think I shall go off on a binge to see how I’d stand up under them. Thank ye, folks. I’m agin’ the reverse words, cause:

In men whom condemn as ill
I find so much of goodness still.

In men whom men pronounce divine
I find so much of sin and blot

I do not dare to draw a line
Between the two, where God has not.

All eyes towards Dayton! Shan and Dan have seen fit to throw the chairman-ship back into the lap of the ladies. So be it. Lal and I will do our best to complete the arrangements. We welcome any suggestions. The major change is the time—June 20–21–22nd. Just as soon as we have a concrete outline, you shall be notified. Many of you will receive individual letters with assignments. Let’s make it a gala affair.

Welcome home, Donald Herbert! It’s good to hear that you are taking up where you left off. The best of luck to you. I have marked my name on all five pictures, if you please.

How far has the rump gotten, Nan? Or is the lady editor up to her pretty neck in work? Saw one of your pages lately, via Sister Rosella. It was most interesting.

Larry Voss, Jr. has an A-1 rating with his Uncle Sam. He will go to Indianapolis for his physical in April. He is a healthy looking cuss, but maybe they will find flat feet or who knows? The draft bill may die before June.

The big news in the town of Anderson this week is not the settlement of the G.M. strike. No sir! Anderson High School captured the State Basket Ball Championship—out of 776 teams, if you please. Don’t you wish headlines similar to that could always occupy the front page? People would have so much more fun.

You can prepare the names for (this/next) year’s drawing any time, Dan, or, maybe that could be a ritual at the Re-union. Anyone absent won’t get a Christmas gift.

Five people have to handle this group of letters before it reaches Sadie Apr. 31. That gives each of you six days—Surely you can do it.

Dearest love to O’Connors—

Gee

P.S. Frank Cahill’s letter was practically a snap-shot of Frank Cahill. Hi Frank!

Steven or Stephen

Vol. 19, No. 8 [Gee]

Anderson, Ind.

Jan. 10 — 1946

Dear Rose—

Congratulations Rose and Howard! Welcome to the clan, Stephen Walsh Hackley. Long may you live and prosper! (Pauline and Kay have both spelled it Steven, but I think Stephen is more distinguished.)

Guess I am just a sentimental ole fool. As I read each letter of this round something kept puffing up inside of me. By the time I had reached Sadie’s letter, the darned thing boiled over and I had to brush a couple of tears from my eyes. Silly, isn’t it? If I might be permitted to sum up Dan’s collection of adjectives even before they are written, I would use the word “swell” to describe the whole family.

That’s the spirit, Kay. I’ve already written on Dan’s list the adjective that applies to you.

Paulie, I’m quite sure your name is on the Great White Ledger next to Abou Ben Adhem for making such an effort to hear Mass Christmas Day. The terrific weather must have been general. It poured rain all day out here and the streets were treacherous. I’m quite sure we could not have made it to Church if we didn’t have the car.

Thank you, who ever you are, for making the extra copies of the Underwriters pledge. I kept one. The boys enjoyed reading the well deserved tribute to their Grandfather. Truly “his name has illumined our paths through life and we know his Faith will sustain us in death.”

Gene gave me a strand of Delta pearls in the family exchange. They are really beautiful and have already been pronounced heirlooms in our family. Paulie, I remember seeing a copy of “Christ in the Carpenter Shop.” Isn’t the Child holding a small cross He has whittled our of wood? I believe it was painted by Chambers who did the “Light of the World.”

Imagine anyone reading of Irene’s jaunts to the city, even if she does go by train instead of by air, and dubbing her ‘old fashioned.’

Looks to me like the “in-laws” are gong to steal the show, if Eloise and Fred’s contributions are examples.

Irene, tell Frank Peter to practice up on his printing. He’s next. Here’s my vote for the Rump Chain. Have you written the first letter Nan? Dan, Joe and Larry Jr. hope your will start it soon. The “cousins” may take in a lot of Vosses, but from all indications they will be scattered during the year. Elaine plans to go to Cincinnati for some psychiatry, in February. Pauline will still be at the Good Sam. Dayton. Larry, Jr., according to the whims of Uncle Sam, will either be in the Army or, we sincerely hope, in college some place in the U.S.A. Joe and Dan, of course, will be in Anderson for a couple of years longer.

We are closely associated with some of the personnel and laborers at the GMC plants (Anderson is 75% GMC). We have yet to hear one say that they wanted this strike. Nearly all of them admit that they joined the Union to avoid the unbearable pestering, it they refused. But they definitely do not want this thing. They have refused to serve on the picket lines. It makes you ill to pass the Delco and Guide Lamp and see the types of people who are picketing. The offices are operating, but under difficulties. Larry has quite a few contacts because of the different systems used out there, but they have “secret” offices in various parts of the city, or the men come here for supplies. Larry, of course, cannot cross the picket line. In our case it’s “an ill wind that blows,” etc. Several employees have started up in new business endeavors and Larry is being called in to set up their systems. It is Jan. 10th and he already has his new business quota nearly doubled for the month. Gas stations, frozen food lockers, gift shops and electrical supply shops are the leading new businesses. I agree with Dan, this strike must be a fight to the finish and I hope they finish Wm. Reuthers.

We had a Christmas card from Don. This was our first Christmas without all of our children. Paulie did not get home until the 30th of December. Even if Don is still in the Service maybe he can be back in Ohio for the reunion in June. By the time these letters reach me again, a complete outline of said reunion should be familiar to all concerned. Watch your mail for details. The end of the sheet—darn it! See you all again.

Love, Gee

in the present day…

Memorial Day Weekend. My dad used to call it "Decoration Day." It didn't officially become Memorial Day until 1967. My family (on my dad's side—grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins) had a long tradition of observing Memorial Weekend by visiting various cemeteries and decorating the graves of our various relatives. We also placed small flags at the graves of any relatives that had served in the military. My grandpa and dad always had extra flags to decorate graves of other soldiers even if they were not related to us. We also had a small hand-held grass trimmer and we would trim all the gravesites of overgrown grass and weeds. I didn't know any of the relatives of the graves we decorated. When I was little, I didn't know anybody that had died. 

My recollections of those days (in addition to visiting the cemeteries) were of listening to the Indianapolis 500 on the radio and finding the perfect picnic spot. We always visited the cemeteries on the same day as the running of the Indianapolis 500. It was not broadcast on television in Indiana in those days. I can vividly remember the announcer and any of us could say who was in the lead at any given time. Some of the names are the same today—second and third generations of racing families. Names like Al Unser Sr., AJ Foyt and my favorite—Johnny Rutherford. I just thought his name was cool. 

We also had a family picnic every year. The picnic spot would change. My favorite was a little spot near the Eel River. To me, this spot was a little slice of heaven. Secluded in the woods, just off a country (gravel) road. I lived just north of Chicago at the time, so I thought I was in the middle of the nowhere in the country down here in Indiana. We could wade in the river and someone always ended up soaking wet. 

The menu included potato salad—two kinds—one with mustard and one without (because you gotta keep everyone happy. My grandma also made ham salad—which I thought was the greatest thing ever! Of course it was just a hunk of Big Chief bologna ground up with pickle relish, mayonnaise and sugar. Pile that on Wonder bread and get ready to make me another sandwich, because one was never enough. My mom never made ham salad, so the only time I got to have this was on Memorial weekend. My grandma died in 1976—so mom picked up the tradition and kept making the ham salad. 

We stopped going on the picnics some time when I was in high school. By then, both of my grandparents had passed and I think they were the glue that held this tradition together. My mom died just after I graduated from college, so visiting the cemetery became a really sad experience for me. 

My dad never stopped visiting the cemeteries. It was important to him. So even after I moved away, I still made the trip down so I could go with him. And now he's been gone for several years. Both of my parents died too young. 

Now, just one of my brothers goes with me. The other four siblings have no interest and almost never visit the cemetery. There are four generations of my dad's family buried in the cemetery where my parents are. It is an old cemetery in the country and not kept up very well. They do manage to mow right before Memorial Weekend. But I have my own hand-held trimmer now and my brother neatly trims all the gravesites—even his namesake—he is named after my dad's brother who died as an infant in 1925. We place fresh flowers at the sites and flags of those who have served our country—and I always have a couple of extra flags, just in case I see a gravestone of a soldier with no decoration. 

On the way home today, I drove past that picnic site. The road is paved now and there is a boat launch where we used to have our picnics. As I drove by, I had a strange craving for ham salad....

;-)

A New Frontier

Gee mentions an ad she had seen for Alaska. It is strange to think that Alaska was not yet a state when these letters were penned. In fact, it would be another 14 years before Alaska joined these United States. With the lack of general travel during these times, Alaska must have been a great mystery!

Vol. 18, No. 8 [Gee]

Nov. 11 — 1945

Dear Family,

Thought you might be interested in knowing that I have unearthed another family with a chain letter. A dear friend of mine happened to mention that, following her Mother’s death four years ago, their family of ten children decided to start a chain letter. Isn’t that a coincidence? They have been quite faithful in moving it along, although it doesn’t make the rounds as often as ours. She gave me several of the letters to read and they could have been part of our own chain. In return, I gave this round to read (without delaying it, understand—I received it Nov. 6). She was completely charmed with it. The thing that struck here most forcibly was, and I quote “the command of English and the ability to express their thoughts, each and every letter displayed.” Julia wanted to know if we were all educated at the same place. I said “Yes”—insofar as we all had the same parents—a common denominator any family would be proud to claim.

Have a couple of sick pigeons this week so my letter will be shorter that I planned. Larry, Jr. and Joe have the “Flu” in a big way and there is a lot of nursing to do. Larry is better today, but Joe still has a fever. The rest of us are well and always a little too busy.

There were no pictures this round. I’ll enclose a few to start things.

At this writing I am awaiting the official information that A/C Dick Voss is now Mister Dick Voss. LaLa put a P.S. on a letter saying he was leaving Arizona for home, last Monday, but she failed to say if it was a furlough, or for keeps. You all know how I want to interpret it.

Let’s get a timely topic going. That is definitely a fine thing for all of us and, as Shan says, for those kids of our to read some 20 years hence. I don’t know whose turn it is but let’s go! For instance: “What is the most unusual or new post war article, editorial or advertisement you have read.” The following “ad” struck my fancy:

Alaska Facts
At last you can have the actual facts about Alaska as a new Frontier—
“How can I get a job in Alaska?”
“What are homestead possibilities?”
“Is Alaska really a place to get rich quick?”

Maybe Sean, Jamie, David H., Ronnie or the Hackley heir apparent will have the answers some day.
What have you read that is new and different?

Merry Christmas, Sadie—
Love to all of you— Gee

Next of Kin

Vol. 17, No. 8 [Gee]

Aug. 16, 1945

Hello Rosellen and Family —

It will be easy for us to remember the day the War ended since it occurred on Dad’s birthday, won’t it?

Maybe he will help see to it that our two soldier boys get back into civilian clothes. Long live America!

It was good old taste of home, having Sister Rosella with us last week. The years haven’t touched her as far as sweetness, kindness and Godliness goes.

Count me out, too, on judging the best letter. Even three readings could not make me decide, on this round.

I do like Kay’s idea of a summing up, or a precise comment (by the one whose turn it is to suggest the next topic) of the topic developed. As she says, this will bring out an indirect appreciation of somebody’s letter.

Frankly it amazes me how all of the letters are so personal, yet so general.

Kay asked for suggestions which might add continued interest to the chain. Would it be getting out of line, if once, each round—we have one of our “next of kin” write a supplement. For instance, starting with Letter No. 1 — Round 18 — you cannot tell me that a sheet, penned by Eloise, wouldn’t add spice a plenty. Then, in Round 19, Fred, or perhaps Dick, could voice their opinions. Why, most of us hardly know that worthy gentleman Howard! Think what a letter from him would do for us. Nan and Don (I can hardly wait) Janice, and maybe one of our Cadet Nurses. It’s merely a suggestion, after all, and that’s what Kay asked for.

We enjoyed having Lal with us for a few days while Sadie was here, but she flew off in a hurry to follow a lead on a house in Dayton. Sort of a wild goosed chase, huh Lal?

Hope you and Frank have a real time in Miami, Sam. Thanks for your invitation. Larry and I want to see you when we come in October.

Take care Rosie, ole girl. Let David help you with some of your “chores.”

Daniel, our 14 year old giant, looked at Sean’s picture and said “Gosh, he’s beautiful.” Needless to say we all agree. And that Jamie girl looks good enough to eat. We are counting the weeks until we see them.

Gene isn’t it nearly time for some snaps of Roberta and Diane?

Paulie I hope they have extra blankets at Capon Springs. This week is actually cool, out in Indiana.

Boy, that smile of Don’s! Examining that group picture, he looks to be about the youngest fellow there. Hurry home, Don. This country needs you.

Well, what to you know—the end of the page. Dearest love to all of you.

Gee

in the present day…
I have been in a warm place (for work) for the last few days…and now I am back in Indiana where it is ridiculously cold. But on a good note, all of our flights went as smooth as silk—no delays at all. We were a little afraid that our flight back home would be cancelled due to the repair issues Delta had been experiencing, but we were not affected at all.

Best Seller

Vol. 15, No. 8 [Gee]

Wednesday, Apr. 18, 1945

Dear Rose

Far be it for me to hold up the letters this round, since they are moving in record time—they arrived yesterday afternoon.

You know it strikes me that this family of ours is actually beginning to get acquainted. Some of us have been in closer contact than others, through the years, but each letter of every round has given me a better appreciation of the individual. Some little expression, some trait or characteristic; now a hidden virtue or an acknowledged fault; a sincere compliment or a barbed thrust—well, it seems to me we are unconsciously writing our own character as we endeavor to keep in touch with each other. I believe we have almost enough material to write the first few chapters, at least, of that family history. Nan, how about it, for that “best seller” you are scheduled to produce?

We are all happy to hear that Donald O’Herbert is wearing a silver bar. One of my special memories of Don is a day in Lima when he was over at Mamaw’s showing us a large volume of pictures taken during World War I—some of them, no doubt, similar to the actual views he is beholding today.

Did you hear about the newly arrived buck privates who were college graduates? They objected to taking orders from an officer who put prepositions on the end of his sentences. The next day the bulleting board carried this message: “If the insubordination is this Company does not cease, up with it we will not put.”

It was a good idea of Irene’s to get comments on the 1945 reunion. I must confess that when the idea for such a reunion was launched last year, we expected the war to be over and traveling conditions to be improved. I am in favor of postponing it for another year—but let’s try to do it then. There probably will never be a time when all of the second generation can attend but I think the immediate family should get together on a joyful occasion.

The pictures were all so interesting. If any one needs film for 116 or 120—the boys can get both (at intervals) at the Drug Store. Send your requests.

In the gift exchange, I hope to say Merry Christmas to Irene.

The L.R. Vosses are all in good health. Elaine and Pauline have each been home one weekend since Christmas. Larry the first is busy, even on Sundays. He attends a Study Group interested in pressing modern problems of Social and Economic interest. Msgr. Travers is conducting it.

Dearest love to all of you—
Gee