a little bird told me…

Lovely Things

Vol. 28, No. 3 [Gene] 

Bellflower, Calif. 
Aug. 12 – ‘47 

Hello Everybody: 

The chain seemed to arrive on schedule, but I sure missed Rose’s, Kate’s and Shan’s letters—What happened to them? By the time this reaches you Shan, most of the family will be in Anderson for Elaine’s wedding. Would sure love to be there, but our thoughts will be will all of you. 

I received the pictures Dan and thanks—I had really forgotten what they were like. I received a nice long letter from Aunt Ellie about two weeks ago and I will answer it on Aug. 16th as you suggested. She has really been faithful about writing and sent Diane a beautiful little statue about two months ago. 

We have been having some pretty hot weather out here—Everyone says it is the hottest they have ever experienced. The beauty of it is, we can sleep under blankets at nite and the sleepings are really grand. 

It won’t be long before the girls will be going back to school—think they are getting a little tired of the vacation. They have been going to a Park not too far from home, a couple of days a week, where they are learning Art and Craft work. They have really made some lovely things. 

I have been working steady for the last couple of months—Dr. Nichols’ wife had a breast removed. I have been there for the last two weeks and expect to be there a couple more. She is getting along fine and is really a wonderful person. Dr. Nichols’ practice is so heavy he is having a young Dr. from his home town come out to assist him. He was here all last week and went home to close his office there and get set to move his family out. 

Will be anxious Gee to have all the reports from the wedding. Think it is grand that you will be able to get away for a complete rest after it is all over. Only wish it could be California way. 

Till the next round— 

All our Love 
Gene

in the present day...

I went shoe shopping yesterday. I don't really need new shoes, but I wanted something new for an upcoming trip. I am leaving for Las Vegas in a couple of days for our National Sales Meeting. For some reason I found myself looking at shoes that had sparkly stuff or jewels on them. These are shoes I wouldn't look at in a million years and yet I was drawn to them. Maybe I feel compelled to wear something like that because it's Vegas. Maybe I have been working too much. Maybe...whatever. I walked away with strappy bronze sandals and black sandals with jewels in the shape of flowers. They were just really cute! Let's see if I still think they are cute when I get back. 

Shoe shopping brings up one of my, shall we say "quirks." I keep all of my shoes in their original boxes in my closet (and I know which shoes are in each box—people have tried quizzing me on this—I win every time, but I digress). I keep all tissue paper, etc. from the original packing and repack the shoes when I put them back in the closet. Sometimes the salesperson likes to take out all that stuff when they are ringing up the purchase. I watch them like a hawk to make sure they do not remove any of the inner packing. I don't buy shoes when I am traveling unless I can get the box in my suitcase. There, I have confessed my quirk—don't judge.  ;-)

Quite a Time

Vol. 27, No. 3 [Gene] 

Bellflower, Calif. 

July – 1 – ‘47 
(Just remembered Rose suggested I send this to you Sadie) 

Dear Shan and All O’Connors: 

Was beginning to think the chain letters got lost and I never would get them. I am so sorry about the address. Thought I had written everyone so here it is. 356 E. Artesia St., Bellflower, Calif. Phone Torrey - 7-0350. 

I enjoyed each and every letter this round and know the wedding was beautiful. Will be so anxious to receive pictures of it. By the time the next round reaches us, Elaine’s big day will have come and gone. Know that too, will be a beautiful one. 

Why don’t all of you who can accept Gee’s kind invitation for a trip out this way? It would be wonderful to see you all and I am hoping Larry has his car very soon. 

Mother and Dad came out on May 1st and both have improved in health since their arrival. They like Calif. almost as well as we do and think the trailer life is fine. They want to be remembered to all of you. My neighbors (Prendergast) came out on May 22nd and stayed for six days. We really had a wonderful visit and got around quite a bit. 

The girls continue to grow and are enjoying their vacation to the fullest. Expect to have some pictures of all of us before too long. Our neighbor’s brother takes pictures and does his own developing and has invited us over to have some taken. 

Roberta has joined the “Brownies.” They meet at some park every Tues. and have quite a time. They are to go to the mountains for a few days, the last of this month. Diane is improving in her speech by degrees and is getting so much older. She will go into the Brownies when she is seven and Roberta into the Scouts in the fall. As usual, there is never a dull moment. 

Dr. Nichols has kept me pretty busy for the last few weeks. He has a confinement case coming up in a few days. I have met some lovely people and think there is a good possibility of a good job here in Bellflower by Fall. Working for Dr. Nichols is grand, because my pay is clear profit. Get transportation to and from every day. Usually have a few days between cases which gives me a chance to catch up on my work at home. 

Will be glad to get the pictures back Dan—seems like they have been gone a long time. Received the letters this afternoon and will get them off to you Shan in the morning to avoid further delay. Till the next round—

All our Love Gene

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

Getting Sheepskin at Good Sam

Vol. 21, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 21, No. 5 [Pauline]

Washington, D.C.

May 6, 1946

Dear Gee and All;

Dan was absolutely correct in saying the last round was a little on the dull side, and as I start this without a thought to put into words, I fear that at least my contribution this time will again be labeled unsprightly.

Due to the fact that the latest member of the family to joining the Order of the S.B has been recuperating at home, our life has been a little on the unexciting side for the past month. I am glad to report that she is now up and at ‘em, and should be back to normal in another few weeks.

Thing are certainly happening fast in the Voss families, and it seems only yesterday that you were getting your sheepskin at Good Sam.

I wish very much that I could be in Madison for Dick’s big day, but with the trip in June creeping up on us, it will be impossible to make it from the standpoint of both time and money. Seeing Dick and meeting Ann, however, will make up for it.

There seems to be just one thought in the minds of everyone at this time, and all I hope is that the two days in Dayton will give us an opportunity to have a satisfactory visit. Something tells me it will be it will be all too brief.

Shan, we were glad to hear the details of your move to Youngstown and know you will feel better when Carolyn can join you. It seems too bad to have the family separated, but isn’t that life?

The pictures of Roberta and Diane are lovely and I also want to comment on the fine picture of Larry, Jr. When he was small, I thought he looked very much like John, but can see a strong resemblance to Dick in his latest photograph.

I have written to the Welsh family in Houston and although I don’t think they will make a special trip, it is just possible they may be planning a visit in Ohio this summer and will make it in June. I am so glad Aunt Margaret Mulvihill will be there.

Shan’s idea to add zest to the chain was very worthwhile and it was unavoidably delayed this time, so as soon as K. completes her letter, I take it to the corner box and send it on its way. 

Perhaps when we meet, my conversation will be more enlightening.

Affectionately,

Paulie

All in Favor, Say Egg

Vol. 20, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 20, No. 6 [Pauline]

March 14, 1946

Dearest Gee and Y’All;

I am determined to send this on its way before the Ides of March have again come and gone (I owe only $2.00 ($302 total) on mine, thanks to withholding.)

I have informed my good boss man that I am taking off for Ohio in June and the project has his blessing. With any luck at all, we hope to be able to drive out with Rose and Howard, and of course, John David. I cannot fully realize it is actually becoming  a reality and am counting the days.

I had looked forward to the descriptive adjectives and from my heart thank you all for the bouquets (even though in my humble opinion, undeserved). With Sadie, I do not sanction the brickbats, as I could not bear to know the truth.

Our sister Katey is making great strides as a musician and her lovely Stieff piano is a nice addition to our apartment. I have been completely contented with my canned music for years, but having a piano again does give me a yen to strike up a chord now and then, and I do. I wish I now had the money Papa must have spent on my music lessons when I had not sense enough to appreciate it. I may take a refresher course myself.

You would all love little Steven Walsh. He does not remotely resemble David and has Howard’s wonderfully placid disposition which manifests itself at only ten weeks. He is very pretty with blue eyes and blonde fuzz on his head and like most boys, has very curly lashes. I am getting lots of good practice and when I grown too old to grace an insurance office, it is my firm intention to hire out as a wet* nurse to new Mothers and their offspring. This I hope will satisfy the Maternal instinct in me which to date has been frittered away on policies.

We are still awaiting details of the Columbus O’Connors latest project. From the trickle which comes our way, it sounds OK.

I have tonight written to Lenore Schwartz after hearing from Lal about Frank’s death. Somehow, although I vaguely remember it, he was very close to our family at one time and mention of is death is not inappropriate in this record. Mother always talked of Papa’s very high regard for Frank.

We are looking forward to a visit from our “Dupont” kinfolk soon. Wilmington is an easy trip and it is so good to see some members of the family occasionally.

Unless we have another unseasonal snow on Palm Sunday, it looks as though Spring has sprung here. The magnolia are also in bloom and it’s a mighty purty place to be at this time of year.

Let’s get this to Lansing by Easter. All in favor say Egg.

Love and deep affection to all,

Paulie

Nice letter Commander!

*Second definition in Webster’s—to treat tenderly.

An Enviable Record

Vol. 18, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 18, No. 6 [Pauline]

Washington, D.C.
November 4, 1945

Dear Gee and Family:

I have just reread all your letters (a custom which seems to be unanimous) and hereby challenge anyone to cite a larger chain with stronger links. Do you all realize this is the 18th round, entering a fourth year? And were I a politician, I might add, “an enviable record.”

From time to time, the suggestions to have contributions from in-laws and our junior misses and misters has had a strong appeal, and I am delighted with yours Eloise. From one who has been fortunate enough to know you well, even before you braved taking on our large family, the letter is “you.” With your approval
Dan, I cast my vote to have these extra letters incorporated in the annuals. Let’s have an opinion on this from each of you,

After having jaunted to Ohio last summer and experiencing the thrill of assembly five members of the family in one place, there are times when I think I shall burst just from longing to get on a train and make the rounds. Now that it is almost a certainty that Dick and Don will be solid civilians by next summer, I think we should again give serious consideration to formulating plans for a reunion in 1946.

I like the “Who Said It” and my guess is: 1. Sadie, 2. Lala, 3. Shan, 4. Dan, 5. Gee, 6 (I remember well the day I said it), 7. Irene, 8. Rose, 9. Dan, 10. Lala.

Even though it has been almost three months since we’ve had the chain, it was a swell idea sending it to
Aunt Elllie and has set me to reminiscing. My fondest recollection of her visits to our house is the taffy she always made for us. It was the highlight of her stay. At Easter, she would send us some fresh country butter molded into the shape of a lamb. She is a living example of an Irishman surrounded by Germans (some of whom still speak very broken English), and leading a very peaceful existence.

Our life here seems to go on in what, at times, seems to me too routine, although we do manage to sandwich in some fun occasionally. My chief concern now is what, if any, contribution I can make to the chain when the time comes for me to attach a letter from a descendant. I ain’t got any!

We are counting the days with Rose and in about two months from now there should be an announcement.
All she asks now is to hold out until after Christmas.

With so many boys I know returning from service, Washington business places are beginning to look normal again. As Eloise said, it is a relief which somehow does not quite seem real, and I wonder if anyone will ever arrive at a formula for keeping peace on earth. I was at Capon Springs when V-J Day arrived and my first reaction was one of great pity for those whose boys are not coming back.

My love to each of you,

Affectionately,
Paulie

Thou Shalt Not Steal

Several things about these letters bring to mind some comments. First, my grandmother's (Gene) letter is missing. Apparently she was really bad at keeping them. I selfishly want them so I can get a glimpse of my mother growing up. Pauline's letter speaks of Diane's (my mother) illness. I have no idea what that could have been.

Pauline also writes of my grandmother having her teeth removed. She had diabetes and had many health problems over the years, with circulation being one of them. However, her dentures scared the bejezus of me when I was little. When she would visit, she would have them in a glass of water on the nightstand next to her bed. She wouldn't allow us to chew gum in her presence—it infuriated her—young ladies did NOT chew gum. She said our teeth would fall out—and the dentures were living proof. I got caught chewing gum in her presence—once—that was enough for me. Grandma O’Connor was more of a proper, cocktails at 5, dress properly, act properly at all times kind of grandma. These letters give me a broader perspective of her personality. Being around her often frightened me, but through these letters, I can see that she had a hard life. She was a single mother raising two kids at a time when most mothers were at home baking—not out in the work force. Things could not have been easy for her.

My other grandma (my Dad's mother) was the plump grandma that baked all the time (cakes, pies, cookies, noodles, you name it—she made it—from scratch). We were allowed to run barefoot all over her farm, we climbed in the barn, fed the farm animals—very different from the more “proper” O’Connor side of the family.

Vol. 16, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 16, No. 6 [Pauline]

Washington, D.C.
June 7, 1945

Dearest Gee and Family:

I am assistant nursemaid to David this week while R and H are away on vacation. The chain letters arrived on June 4th and K. forwarded them to me at Rose’s, so I’ll do my part to send it on its way.

I think Sadie’s choice of topic is very good. To me it seems that one of the major headaches is the task that lies before those responsible for rebuilding Germany. By this I do not mean its cities, but its citizens. From birth, the minds of its youth have been poisoned and saturated with such unsound principles, and you have only to look at the picture of the very young boy on Life Magazine’s cover a few weeks ago, to see the arrogance reflected in his character. Since they have been educated to believe that Germany could conquer the world, I believe that the most important problem confronting the post-war planning is to concentrate on a method to completely revolutionize the education of German youth.

Since I have no little boy of my own to brag about and send along his pictures, I have adopted Don and attach the latest one received from him. Since each of you knows that one of the most vital of the Ten Commandments is Thou Shalt Not Steal, I am saying no more on the subject. Don seems to be doing fine job and regardless of the prolonged absence from home, we can thank God he is safe.

I received the same shock as Rose when I realized Joe Voss is the tall boy standing between Elaine and Pauline. And my though when I saw the picture of Elaine throwing a snowball was that you, Cecelia, certainly retain your youth. I would have sworn it is you. It is strange that such a resemblance shows up in a picture and is not noticeable in the person herself. I have never thought you and Elaine look alike.

We have been fortunate in having Dan twice recently and when they are settled in Wilmington, I hope to make a jaunt up there to get acquainted with his small fry.

To date I have no definite vacation plans. It is hard to even realize summer is here, as the weather remains extremely cool.

We had a nice visit with Frank and Bert Callahan last week. Their eldest son graduated from Annapolis yesterday and they were here for June week. To me Bert looks the same as she did the last time I saw her.

Frank is quite happy but just as handsome as ever. Two of their girls are here working and going to American University at nights.

In rereading Sadie’s letter, I just realized that her suggested topic is national politics and not international post-war problem, so I shall just add a thought, since I got off on the wrong foot. I think there will be a terrific number of unemployed people, even though the conversion from war to peacetime production will absorb many of them. As Sadie mentioned, we should have the power to preserve our food for the bread lines that will again form in this country.

Gene, I did not realize that Diane was so seriously ill and am so glad she is getting back to normal again. I am so sorry to know you are having your teeth extracted and hope the change will not be too hard on you.

I’ll take this home tonight and turn it over to Kay so she can add her three cents worth.

How about some callers this summer? We have plenty of room and hope to see as many of you as can make it.

Affectionately and with love,

Paulie

Vol. 16, No. 6-A

Britigny sur Orga, France
25 May 1945

Dear Pauline and K,

Received your letter the other day containing the Christmas package label. It’s certainly strange that it never came through as the address was correct—my serial number is not an integral part of the address.

As you can see my address has now changed. I am no longer doing Quartermaster work, but I’m Adjutant and Squadron Supply Officer of a Material Sq. which handles all types of supplies including Qm. So far I like it very much and believe the experience will be a great help to me after my release from the service.

Another change is that I’m able to disclose my exact location here in France. We’re stationed outside of a small village called Bretigny about twenty miles south of Paris which is quite convenient as an electric train can take us to the heart of the Queen City in a little more than an hour. Our Chateau is even closer as it is about seven miles from the base in a town by the name of Epinay.

Will enclose a picture that I had taken of myself in the office. I turned out fairly well.

Glad to hear that Dan is moving a little closer to you folks. You’ll be able to see a lot of each other now.

Hope that his luck will continue to hold out as far as the Services are concerned. I would be a shame to have to go in at this time.

Give my regards to all

Love
Don

Long Live the King

Pauline's letter notes the passing of Franklin D. Roosevelt, our 32nd president (at Warm Springs, GA from a cerebral hemorrhage). Various family members have expressed their opinions regarding FDR in their previous letter, but I found it interesting that Pauline referred to him as “king.” I supposed that is why we have term limits now.

FDR repealed Prohibition (I'll drink to that!), established Social Security (an idea past its prime?), payroll taxes to fund Social Security, and withholding taxes from our paychecks. I think we all would be more interested in our actual tax rates if we had to write a check every year for what we actually owed in taxes. FDR also created the concept of a “minimum wage.”

Vol. 15, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 15, No. 6 [Pauline]

April 15, 1945

Dear Gee and Family:

The King is dead. Long live the King! The coming generation of the family who will study in their history courses, the event which all of us witnessed this past week, will never fully understand the shock to the entire world caused by the President’s sudden death. R.I.P.

Volume 14 was unusually interesting and I hereby cast my vote for your well expressed views on compulsory military training, Gee. As you say, with three boys the ages of yours, it is naturally a subject close to your heart.

I drew Sadie’s name for the Christmas exchange and am glad my suggestion for an early drawing was accepted, as you have only to shop once in this town to realize it cannot be accomplished without effort.

I am not optimistic about a reunion in 1945. Traveling conditions and hotel accommodations are too difficult to attempt any satisfactory plans, and I believe we should have an expression from each one regarding postponement until things begin to return to a degree of normalcy.

For the benefit of any of you who has not seen Nan’s article written after her visit with us, I am attaching clipping. Also the one on Sir Thomas Beecham is hers. If she progresses in proportion to her success during the first year on the Journal, me thinks some budding reporter will day wish to interview her.

I have arranged an anniversary Mass for Mother on next Sunday and fortunately Father Dougherty who was so sweet and kind to her and us during her illness, will say it for her. This time of the year is always filled with sad memories for me, and in spite of them, I am more grateful each day that Mother has been spared the sorrow which overcasts the world today. Thanks to each of your, she was happy to the end.
I too, have written congratulations to Don on his promotion and was delighted to hear it as he had told me promotions were frozen in his outfit.

Gene, I think your decision to go to California is wonderful, but please do not leave without a detour to Washington, as that is a long way across country. I do want to see you and the girls before too long. They sound so adorable.

Space is too small to permit a remark to each of you, but I shall do that in individual letters anon.
With my love to all.

Affectionately,
Paulie

in the present day…
I am sooooooo tired of the snow, ice, cold. It took me almost 30 minutes to get home tonight from a Super Bowl party, because of more snow, coupled with freezing rain.

Speaking of the Super Bowl, I wasn't really rooting for either team this year (I am a Colts and a Bears fan). However, I found myself pulling for the Giants as the game went on. Something about rooting for the underdog. I also thought it would be cool if Eli won since Peyton won last year. And they pulled it out in the end. What an exciting game!

The commercials were terrible this year. What a disappointment!

Dropping Out

Apparently in Imogene's (my grandmother) letter (which is missing), she had brought up the subject of dropping out of the chain. She was an in-law to the rest of the group (my grandfather was the sibling of the group—he had passed away just as the chain letter idea had been proposed to the group. I am glad she did not drop out of the chain, but I do wish she had kept more of her letters. A good portion of her letters are missing from the group and selfishly, I would like to have been able to read them because my mother was a child during this time period and I would love to have peeked a little more into her childhood. I am, however, grateful for all the letters (and the entire chain) that do exist.

Vol. 14, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 14, No. 6 [Pauline]

Washington, D.C.
February 10, 1945

Dearest Gee and Family:

Every time I owe you a letter, along comes the chain and saves my face.

It may be due to the fact that we have not had it since October, but I don’t know when I have enjoyed a round more completely. I hereby second Dan’s suggestion that it be resolved during 1945 not to delay it unnecessarily.

I do not know what could have happened to Don’s picture which I attached to my last letter. I can only quote from yours Gee, saying it made you want to put your arms around him, which means that it was attached when we sent the chain to you.

The big news today is that Nan arrived yesterday to spend the weekend with us. Bob is here for ten days, and even though he is stationed in Dayton, Nan says it was much easier to see him here. My swell boss suggested that I take the afternoon off and trot around with Nan, and did we trot! Having printer’s ink in her veins instead of good Prophet and O’Connor blood, we went to the Washington Post where Nan interviewed Mary Haworth. In the event the name doesn’t mean anything to some of you, she is a noted columnist and a Buckeye, having been born in Wilmington, Ohio and received her early training on the Ohio State Journal. Nan has a nice story tucked in her notebook and I hope she will send the article to all of you. Perhaps it could be attached to the chain when it reaches Columbus. Nan, having just left Antarctica, better known as Ohio, reveled in our weather yesterday. It was a beautiful sunshiney day with a temperature of 45 and we could almost see the crocus peaking out.

I have copies of the Family Register for each of you and shall send them soon. If it took everyone back, Sean’s picture which is a replica of his Dad, game me a pang around the heart. It is incredibly like you, Dan, and what a clever idea. The other snaps of the two of them are precious, and Jamie is some smart child, standing alone at 10 months. It makes me curse the miles which separate us. The Chandler Christmas picture is lovely too.

Lal, in giving your “You Too Can Be Beautiful” pep talk, I suggest that you condense it to one sentence, to wit: “See my skin?” Best of luck to you.

I want to be the first to raise my voice in protest against Gene’s dropping out of the chain. Even though you are, as you say, “only an in-law,” your girls are just as much a part of the family as any of the other grandchildren, and if Dan carries out his intention to put the letters into a volume of family portraits, they should be in it. So, please Gene, reconsider and stay with us.

Regarding the selected topic for discussion, I think compulsory military training for one year is a very good idea for young boys, inasmuch as it would teach them self confidence. This is based on a statement which Dick made in a letter to Helen and Fred recently, reminding them that he no longer (or at least for the duration) has them to help him make his decisions and must use his own judgment in many matters. I am definitely against the kind of military training which caused Mr. Hoegner to flee Germany in his youth. One of my earliest recollections is hearing Mother and Papa tell that he did this. I like Sadie’s idea that it would be beneficial to every boy leaving high school, as a foundation upon which to build a career. And if I may be permitted a bit of levity, one appeal to me would be the fact that boys would be made to keep their bedrooms neat. Every time Mother sent me upstairs to make the bed in the room which Dan and John shared, I always stood at the door and with Dagwood said: “God, give me strength!” In this respect, I am sure a good wife can do as much to remedy this situation as any C.O., but she should not be so burdened. I may give this lecture in Constitution Hall.

For the record since no mention was made of dear Beebe’s death in this round, I feel that the beautiful poem which you enclosed Irene, says everything. She was all and more than that perfect description of a Maiden Aunt, and would that I, the maiden aunt of this generation could fill her shoes.

I heartily accept and recommend Dan’s suggestion about the Christmas exchange, and should like to suggest that the drawing, howsoever it is accomplished, be at some time not too far distant, as knowing the one to whom our gift is going to would enable us to be on the alert for something extra special for that person. All in favor, etc. At this point, I must render a spanking to you Lal for your crack about the chain making this round in time to get the Christmas idea across. With only one legitimate excuse, you have twice delayed it yourself. I still love you very much, but be careful when you cast them stones.

I must beg your kind indulgence for this typewritten letter and it is not my intention to repeat, but it seems (and Shan will testify) that I have so much to say this time, I could not squeeze it on two sides with pen.

Nan is due to meet me now and we are going out to Rose’s for lunch and so that Nan will be able to uphold me in the future when I go on about John David Hackley. If he doesn’t captivate her in the first five minutes, I’ll take back most everything I’ve said.

I now turn this over to Katey. I still think it is rather stupid, if I may say so, having both of us write at the same time, as there is bound to be repetition, and when this reaches you Dan, if you have the energy after a hard day at OOW, how about a bit of rerouting?

All the best to each of you during 1945.

Love and kisses,
Paulie

in the present day…
I have been out of town for the past few days—in St. Louis on business. It was unseasonably warm there—a record high of 72 degrees on Monday! The warmth led to one of the worst thunderstorms I have ever encountered. I could not sleep last night because the storm was so loud. I was sure the weather would delay our return flights today, but we were able to get on to earlier flights and got home about 5 hours earlier than expected!

My colleagues and I determined during our trip that GPS navigational units make you stupid. I have always had a good sense of direction. I am always the navigator on our trips, making sure I have maps, directions, etc. Except now we all have our little GPS navigational systems (mine is on my phone), so this is the second trip that I didn't bother to look at maps, get directions or anything—just relied on the technology. We were so lost! To the point that we didn't even know where we were when we did get the map out. And even though we all had a sense that we were not going in the right direction, we didn't even question that the TWO GPS units we were using (giving us identical directions) could possibly be wrong. We finally called our local sales rep (already at the restaurant) to see if they could give us directions—and the best we could tell them about our surroundings was that we were in a parking lot of a Home Depot and McDonald's. Believe me, we have not heard the last of the ribbing we got for gettng so lost. These units took us over TEN miles out of our way to get to a restaurant that was just down the street from our hotel. We have all become mindless idiots!

I am heading to the East Coast next week—I am already dusting off those maps and bookmarking Mapquest.

Stupid, stupid…stupid.

60 kids in one classroom. Wow. And dividing them into two classes of 30 is the solution. Boy, times have changed. A friend of mine is a teacher (second grade). She was complaining that she has 21 students in her class this year. I thought that number was reasonable (I am not a teacher. I do not have children. I didn't know what is considered an acceptable size class)....which is why I made the stupid comment “Wow, that's great!” Stupid, stupid…stupid. It took me 30 minutes to get out of that conversation.

Vol. 9, No. 6 [Gene]

Chicago, Ill.
Feb. 8, ‘44

Dear Rose and all:—

Enjoyed each one’s letter in the chain so very much—was so glad to hear that Howard had been deferred and hope that you Dan won’t have to go come March.

John David is sure growing fast—His pictures are darling. Roberta and Diane took their pick and can’t understand why they can’t keep them cause he is their cousin. They sure love to get pictures. They run and get the one of Sean every time any one came near the door to show them their new cousin. It certainly is sweet of him and thanks a lot for sending it. Will be anxious to see one of that beautiful daughter of yours now, Eloise and Dan.

Roberta and Diane continue to grown and become more interesting every day. Because of the large class of 1st graders (60) in one room, they decided to divide them into morning and afternoon classes to enable them to receive more individual attention. Roberta now goes from 12 until 3 and is happy about not having to get up in the morning—who does that sound like?* She continues to enjoy it a lot. She is to be in a St. Patrick’s day play—and think I am as excited about it as she is. She is to sing and dance.

Diane continues to be a little devil. She sure keeps me going all day with her line of chatter. She thinks she is too big to take a nap any more, and sometimes fools around in her bed until around 2:30 or 3 which makes it bad—cause then she is never ready for bed at nite when it is time for Roberta to be tucked in.

They are both a little excited about Valentine’s day—Roberta can write her name now—so she can’t wait to get them signed and out.

Well guys looks like my page is filled up—so, so long for this round.

All our Love
Gene

**Her father, who all his life was notoriously hard to rouse from sleep.

in the present day…
Off to New Jersey and the Big Apple for the next few days vacation! I am not taking my laptop, because I would just end up working, so I be back to blogging next Monday!