a little bird told me…

All of you are swell

Vol. 21, No. 7 [Kay] 

Monday — May 6, 1946 

Dear Gee, and family I hope to soon forget my operation (and heart-rending outlay of folding money) as a conversation piece. This week begins the “one for good measure” and I’m really feeling pretty good. However, my blood count is a little discouraging—just came from Dr. Dowling. It is only 64 and he said before he can give me the “green light” that it will have to come up considerably. New pills! It is okay for me to return to the office next week, with instructions to continue to take it easy. I have thanked you individually but I want to say publicly how much your thoughtfulness, by way of cards, gifts and flowers, contributed to the cheerfulness of my soul during convalescence. All of you were swell! 

The Washington members (including Howard) lavished kindnesses of all kinds on me. Spent a very pleasant Thur—Sunday with the Cahills. I received gifts and/or flowers from 29, cards and/or letters from over 60, exclusive of flowers or fruit from the people at the office. I shall not ever forget the feeling of such genuine affection as bestowed on me these past few weeks. 

Intended asking Janice to be my guest in the chain and took a regulation sheet of paper out with me, but she happened to be particularly busy, rehearsing for and serving as bridesmaid for one of her friends. I saw the wedding Sat. a.m. and in my opinion J. outshone the other attendants by far. She herself has a lovely ring and a grand boy. He and his family were over Friday evening and we had a lot of fun. 

Have been reading to my heart’s content and can recommend the following: “Enrico Caruso—His life and Death,” written by his wife. It is the essence of his splendid and tragic life. “The Kings General”—du Maurier keeping you on the edge of a precipice of suspense, as usual. “Three O’Clock Dinner” by J. Pinckney. One of best novels I’ve read for real life characterization. On the humorous side: “The Egg and I” which everyone should read, and “Laughing Stock,” full of “chuckles” by B. Cerf (and sent to me by Dan and El). 

Dan, the binding of the letters for each of us is a wonderful plan. How about it if I get my own typed up, since I am one of us who hasn’t sent you back letters? The D.C. members—even David said yesterday he wished June would come—are all enthused about the reunion. It will have been, by the time the chain comes around again. 

Til then Love, K.

Love and Frequent Thoughts

Vol. 20, No. 7 [Kay]

Thursday 3/14/46

Dear All—

By the time this rolls again, we will all be just a few weeks from the great reunion. Looks like everyone can make it. Don’t you all think a full day should be planned at Salem Heights (with the nuns permission of course). Weather permitting, it should be the place to “spread out” and really have a big time. Lal, don’t forget to order some of that brown bread for the occasion—and you better think ahead on hotel reservations for those of us who will need it. (I rec’d your letter today and hope to answer it before this gets to you)

P. will give you a first-hand report on the Hackleys. My activities for the past three weeks have kept me from going over—however we are having a birthday dinner celebration over here Sunday for Howard, so I’m looking forward to seeing them and Nana.

True to federal procedure, and because of the discharge of a high official in the Maritime Commission, another reorganization is taking place. It gets to be a joke and sometimes I wonder how I can resign myself to such upheaval, so constantly. If I didn’t like Washington so well I would be tempted to explore private industry possibilities elsewhere. A good job, such as I have, is hard to get or give up, but I’ll make quite sure I don’t get grooved in federal gov’t for life (if I have to sell peanuts).

Washington is blooming spring again—forsythia, willow trees, etc.—the cherry blossoms are due April 2.

I have to make this brief contribution—P. wants to get it off and I’m due at someone’s home in twenty minutes. Fortunately it is within walking distance.

Love and frequent thoughts

K.

I'll frow her out!

Vol. 19, No. 7 [Kay]

New Year’s Day — 1946

Dear Family:

Steven Walsh Hackley is mighty cute! He seems (5 lbs. 2 oz.) to look exactly like Howard. David, in my opinion, is looking like Rose all the time, so it should be an interesting foursome. I went out to see her this afternoon. Pawya, H. and David went to the country. They got back in time to see her between 7 and 8 p.m. while I watched David. Aside from the usual after-aches and pains, Rose is in fine spirits, but will be glad to get home next Monday. As most hospitals go these days, the service is only fair. Says she’ll have to try again for that baby sister. When she left for the hospital, she told David where she was going, and that she would bring back a baby sister. He said: “I don’t need one, and I’ll frow her out!”

Your enthusiasm and delight with the miniatures of Mother and Dad enhance the extreme pleasure it was for me to be able to give them to each of you. The hard part for me was to keep the secret since September. I had them when Nan and Carolyn were here and I almost showed them but I wanted it to be a surprise to them too. I spent a happy afternoon and supper-time with the Cahills Christmas Eve and they were crazy about it. Rose, Howard and P are in love with it. Then I was sure I had selected good coloring, frames, etc., and that you all would be pleased. I wanted them to be a deep pleasure to all of us, and a lasting tribute to Mother and Dad.

I have received your very lovely letters, Sadie, Lal, Gee, and Dan (Geezer, you hadn’t opened yours yet). I want you to all know that I am looking upon my disappointment in Bernie as another experience. I am not lost, and my point of view is right side up. My combined experience to date have given me the capacity to throw things off; the ability to distinguish the important from the unimportant, and to capture the spiritual significance of each one.

Gene dear, we missed your contribution to the chain, and hope your father is completely well again. Your crown should be emeralds.

The important public issue of the day is surely some system and pattern which can be taken through the complicated maze of the world as we find it at present. The great domestic question seems to be how much more intimate a part the Government can take in the regulation of individual lives. Its a intervention is well illustrated by GM’s refusal to work with the President’s fact-finding board. A complete triumph for GM would seriously weaken unionism, and a complete victory for the CIO branch of unionism would cripple private enterprise. Since a fight to the finish would have disastrous effects, it seems necessary that the Government exercise a large measure of influence in the struggle, just as it is their business to preserve the peace (?) in the wider realm of international relations.

I’ll be happy to “fly” to Dayton for the family reunion and do you all think it would be nice to invite Aunt Marg. Mulvihill?

Will you permit Janice to route the “Rump Chain” to P., R. and me? The idea is good, and I’d hate to miss it.

We had a wonderful Xmas and I know you all did with your family groups! An abundance of friendship, good luck, and happiness to all of you during 1946!

Love, K.

P.S. Lala’s “draw” gift to me went astray. I’ll tell you about it later, when I hear.

Let's Don't Buy em...

Vol. 18, No. 7 [Kay]

Monday
November 5, 1945

Dear Gee, and family

Gee you seem to be the only one of these birds who really read my letter. And it is reassuring to know what I said was not only stated clearly, but also nice to know that you agreed with me. Well, we ain’t the majority. I still think it was a good point. Dan, I can’t understand why you couldn’t dope it out.

Your restatement of the previously made remarks was clever. As I remember, they were by the following: (1) Sarah, (2) Lal, (3) Shan, (4) Dan, (5) Gee, (6) Pawya, (7) Irene, (8) Rose, (9) Gee, (10) Sarah.

Gee, your suggestion is really swell. Timely and sprightly El.

I just finished “Cass Timberlane.” Have any of you read it? It is a story of husbands and wives, by Sinclair Lewis. If you like Lewis’ style, you will enjoy it, otherwise you may not. It is an interesting, if sometimes crude, character sketch of quite a variety of husbands and wives, and a facile character study of his, i.e., Cass T. and his wife. “They do say” it is his own life.

P. and I had 2 bountiful feasts over the weekend. R. and H. had us over Sat. eve for a beef roast dinner, and yesterday Loretta Kelly and her husband had us up for a turkey! Not only did we feast on it, they gave us slabs of white meat to bring home. The Hackleys have a turkey ordered from Capon Springs for Thanksgiving and we ordered one for Xmas, which we will all share. Rose and I were discussing whether we would rather have sables, minks, or white fox furs and saying how expensive sables were, are—David was busy playing, but apparently taking in every word—he piped up, “Well, Let’s don’t buy ‘em—they’re too a pensive.” He is really entertaining.

Washington is getting some good shows as usual. I finally saw “Oklahoma” and can understand all the raving about it now. It is not overrated, and truly the best musical comedy you can imagine. Saw Spencer Tracy in “Rugged Path,” Fay Bainter, in “The Next Half Hour” and this week have tickets for “State of the Union” with Ralph Bellamy and Rush Hussey. It opened in Philadelphia last week and the Sunday papers here carried excellent press notices—by Lindsay and Crouse, same collaborators as “Life with Father.”

Before the chain arrives here again it will be 1946. I think Sadie’s suggestion that it reach here by Xmas is a good one. She sees the family less often than the rest of us, and it can serve as a Xmas visit from us.

Love to all
K.

in the present day…
New TV shows are back! Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother. The Tivo is full again! Back to being a couch potato.

No Announcement Yet

History was one of my favorite subjects in school (I rule in Trivial Pursuit!). I always knew that two Atomic Bombs had been dropped in Japan to end WWII. I never knew that the plan had been to drop NINE A-bombs on Japan. NINE! I can't even fathom what that kind of devastation could have been.

Vol. 17, No. 7 [Kay]

Sunday
August 11, 1945

Dear Gee, and dear family

Guess I’ll just have to succumb to getting hell for using this paper, cause I just plain ain’t got any of the regulation size. Rose gave me a sheet yesterday and I came home without it. I firmly resolve to sin no more—at least on that score.

Looks like Gee may get her open wish that V-J day would be here by “another round or two” of the chain. Do you all agree that the counter-terms are good ones? I do—because the Emperor can be used as a tool to accomplish Allied objectives. I am writing this letter about the exact time of Pearl Harbor was struck on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7, 1941. “No announcement yet” the radio keeps reporting. I just finished listening to the University of Chicago Round Table on “Atomic Energy.” 1:30 every Sunday, and verra good!

Pawya got off on her vacation at noon. Mr. Lipscomb picked her up, to take her to meet the people she is caging a ride with to Capon Springs. R.H., David and I had a good weekend visit with Dan and his loves two weeks ago. You can see from the pictures attached this round how precious his babies are. And they are! The four of them are in N.Y. this weekend. Fancy their (atomic) energy!

I can appreciate Shan’s proposal on our individual reactions to the chain, because just this time, even before coming to his letter, I experience the subconscious reaction of listening to a group, each one having his say, and that’s that. Without comment or further discussion on what each had said—this particularly applies to the “topic.” Otherwise we all seem to artfully acknowledge personal topics, insofar as space permits. (Even though I agree with Rose on the merits of precise, effective expression, maybe one page is too limiting for achieving the best results of a chain letter the size of ours.)

I believe I suggested sometime ago, shortly after the topic feature was injected, that we each devote a paragraph, in addition to the suggested one, stating your reactions to the other individual reactions. This would be done, for example, only when it is your turn to suggest the topic to be discussed, at which point you have had the opportunity to read and digest all comments. I believe also that no one commented on this suggestion.

During this round, if we all hadn’t given thought to post-war problems before, we were certainly made aware of some of them. Thus our minds grow and our hearts, and souls. I thought Gee’s point, and her question to Dan on it, were interesting, and that he should have elaborated on it, if he felt the chain permitted at least some brief comment, and perhaps some helpful suggestions on how those interested in the subject might best pursue it, in his estimation.

P passed the topic to me and I suggest, since world affairs are for the moment keeping everyone planted in mid-air pending Tokyo’s answer, that we keep the subject open on how to improve the chain even further than it has been developed. I don’t think we should adopt a cut and dried statement as to whose letter we think is “best,” but that we should think up less direct ways to establish an alertness to each other and still keep within confines of chain requirements as to space, etc.

You will be glad for a follow-up on Paulie’s report that Rose was ordered to bed for a few days. We spent yesterday afternoon and evening over there and she was without pain when we left, and expects to get up this afternoon (per Howard this a.m.) The doctor prescribed some neat pills at $4.00 a dozen. I’ll let her announce her reactions to “Roseanna.”

Sarah, did you take Shan again? Lal reports you all are having fun. Things look better now for that reunion—with Dick and Don’s chances of being available improving—Don and his gang are O.K.

Geezer, we are still looking forward to your fall visit. Also that of the boys anytime they can make it. I repeat P’s sentiments on the Columbus O’Connors. Gene, why don’t you settle here instead of Calif?

Goodbye for this time, with love

K.

in the present day…
Budgets are due soon at work. I have been crunching numbers non-stop. There is a game in corporate America. It's called "Figure out how much you need for the next fiscal year and then pad the budget so when they cut your budget, it is the number you really needed in the first place." Surely we are fooling no one, but I suppose we feel like we won when we get our target number approved and the finance department feels like they have done their job when they cut our budgets. Everybody wins...I think. ;)

The Veteran Betrayed

I cannot believe Veteran's hospitals were a problem in 1945 and they STILL have problems in 2008. I would think we would value our veterans more than that. They deserve the very best health care treatment.

When my father (who had spent 20 years in the military) had a stroke 15 years ago, he really wanted to go to the VA hospital. I told him that I had heard horror stories about the VA and he was NOT going there. He was convinced he would get the best care at the VA, because after all, he had spent 20 years serving his country. What a huge disappointment!

Vol. 16, No. 7 [Kay]

Dear Family

To follow up Paulie’s invitation for some “callers” this summer, I reckon she, well I don’t know how she reckoned, and she’s putting David to bed at this point, or I’d call her up and find out—she didn’t mention about you, Larry and Joe coming, Geezer—since receiving your letter saying you could make it, I’ve been planning to write you to say that the only thing wrong with the time you have suggested is that it isn’t long enuf and I definitely think and hope you will plan on 10 days and if possible 2 weeks, instead of 1 week. I haven’t made any final plans either so stick to this time and we will be guided accordingly in making them. The door is open for any and all others!

It was wonderful to see Dan after 2 yrs. Seemed like old times having him around. He looks marvelous and seems relaxed and happy. We are looking forward to seeing more of them when Eloise and the children come, by way of visits back and forth. Maybe they can make it the weekend you will be here Gee.

Will let Rose “adjective” their week at Capon Springs. They are due home tomorrow eve. Am going over after Church tomorrow for dinner and the day so will be there to greet them. When I can determine the appropriate time for me to get away from the office, I’m going to try to get a reservation there, but I think
I’m an optimist to even mention it ‘cause they are usually booked solid early in the season for the whole season.

Gee I’d love to have 3 of those pictures if you can send them. The one of E, P, and Joe; Ronnie throwing the snowball, and E. throwing the snowball,—(all of them are throwing plenty of sparkle,) and we all agree that we thought it was you at first glance. And doesn’t Don look like Shan? That is a wonderful expression of him. A nice little hut he lives in—maybe if they reduce the no. of points as is rumored, we will be seeing him sooner that we hoped.

The most serious national post-war problem is in my opinion, for the present, the treatment of World War II veterans—particularly the soldiers whose wounds are of the mind, thousands of whom are locked away in mental mantraps without adequate treatment. “For them and then tens of thousands who will follow them—there is no hope unless the Veterans’ Hospitals are cleaned up—drastically, thoroughly, and promptly.” The article “The Veteran Betrayed” I and II in the April and May Readers’ Digest present the problem forcibly and should be read by all. I have also had the benefit of first hand reports from 3 doctors from St. Elizabeth’s who are treating them—and they bear out the horrible statistics as given in the articles. I met 2 of them through going to G.W. University, and the 3rd one on the golf course this week. He has just returned from 22 months in the South Pacific, was treated, and was with Harry Hopkins’ son when he died.

Speaking of veterans, Bernie B. is being discharged and expects to be a civilian within 90 days. Guess I mentioned that he has been in Cuba since April.

Lal, you have been doing yourself a jewel in your crown in assisting the Dohans. Having seen them so recently makes me fully sympathize with them. What a tragic end to a tragedy beset family! When are you sending those letters you spoke of from your beautiful air cadet? We had a nice one from him recently.

Looks like I’ve reached or touched each unit except Irene and Sadie and Gene. Am writing you—Sarah, and
Gene—and for your information, all of you— on this business of resemblances between parents and children, you should see how much Janice looks like Irene.

A happy summer! Long may it stay as cool here as it has been to date!

Love,
K

Congratulations Dan

Vol. 16, No. 2 [Helen]

Troy, Ohio

May 16th, 1945

Dear Irene and Family—

Yes, I am guilty again, because although I received the chain letter on May 10th, I had no time to write, as much as I wanted to do so. I was in Springfield, Fred and I having been called there, due to critical illness in the Dohan family. Tom Sr. was in the hospital there, Marie in Good Samaritan in Cincinnati, Marjorie, who as you all know is an invalid (as a result of Polio years ago) was home and Dorothy was trying to carry on Tom’s business. Tom Jr. was in Brazil, a Captain in Navy Communications. I spent the week of May 6th to 13th there, as assistance was badly needed. I was happy to be able to be of service to them, as they have been very kind to us. Once again, please forgive the delay.

Enjoyed seeing all the pictures and reading Nan’s articles. Mary Haworth’s column is in the Toledo Blade, so I often read it.

Thanks Shan for definition of feuding. Would say you are admirable adversary and create a lot of amusement.

Kay, it was sweet of you to tell us about the publicity Pauly received in Church, due to her thoughtful letter to Fr. Daugherty.

Pauly, I am sure we all shared your emotions around the time of Mother’s anniversary. Think how pleased she must have been with all the special prayers and Masses offered for her.

Irene, I wish I could be in Washington to see Janice graduate. She has always been one of my favorite people and I am sending personal congratulations to here. I liked Frank’s story.

As for “Our Reunion,” I concur in the opinion of the rest of the family, there is no alternative but to postpone it for this year and to hope for a return to normalcy, and the materialization of our plans during 1946.

Was quite surprised Gene to hear of your anticipated move to California. I know you and the girls will benefit by a change of climate and scenery and sincerely hope it will all work out for you. Need I say, we will miss you.

Congratulations Dan. Think you are smart indeed to take advantage of such a fine opportunity for post-war, even though you and Eloise do experience pangs of regret in having to leave Tulsa and her family. I know they have loved having your children near them, and it will not be easy for them to see you go, however, with the accelerated travel and transportation of today, you can undoubtedly see them quite often. Your proximity to Washington will prove a great pleasure to the girls.

Sadie, I do not like to think of not seeing you during your vacation, and if you do spend it in Michigan, your well known love for the state gives assurance of a pleasant summer for you.

Gee, the consensus of opinion so far points to you as the winner, on your ability to discuss the topic suggested for the various rounds. Aren’t you proud of yourself. You really should take a bow.

Roselle, I am sorry to hear Little David had been ill. You had not mentioned it in any of your letters. Glad you saw Dan, but can well imagine how he mowed you down and I’ll wager Pawys and Kay added their bit, when they found they had missed him.

Dan, we will be looking forward with pleasure to having you drop in on us for that free meal.

Dearest love to all of you,
Lala

Universal Respect

Vol. 15, No. 7 [Kay]

Sunday 4-15-45

Dearest Gee, et al

I’m proud to be among those who wept genuine tears for the President’s going, brought on by genuine feeling for his greatness. D.C. has been shrouded in gloom. I think the grief of the Nations reflects the universal respect and love for him as a man, and a close, personal feeling, in addition to the kind of respect the high office commands. A soldier who will not be forgotten! The Arlington Cemetery inscription can be appropriately twisted—“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known to God and men!”

Paul was so busy making up for Shan’s sins the last time that she unwittingly caused my omission. The chain arrived Thursday and when Sunday came and my contribution was not yet offered, off went the letter on Monday a.m. However, in reading her letter of that round when the chain arrived this week, I decided that if all of you enjoyed and shared my reaction to it, that my part constituted but a slight omission. It was a delightful letter, wasn’t it?

She is being quoted publicly now. She wrote a letter to Holy Trinity asking for a Mass for Mother’s Anniversary. It was written two days after Easter and in it she commented as follows on the Solemn High Mass on Easter “Will you please tell Fr. McCarl (pastor and celebrant) that the Solemn High Mass on Easter was the most magnificent it has ever been my pleasure to attend—The Altar, vestments, choir, and sermon were perfect. I have never felt nearer Heaven in my life and was reluctant to leave the Church.” They liked it so well that they read it from the pulpit the following Sunday. I would have added a P.S. and said “Why can’t we do this more often.”

Aside from working like a beaver, my life is made up of school—going to GW University—reading; the theatre, and going to bed. Saw the magnificent Elizabeth Bergner in “The Two Mrs. Carrolls.” She is touring in it so if it comes you-all’s way, try to see it. Seeing Cornelia O. Skinner this week in “The Searching Wind.”

I share Gee’s sentiments on compulsory military training and as has been said, she covered it adequately and well. This time, I share Paul’s on Reunion—unless Don is home and Dick can come—no.

In lieu of my letter in the chain last time, I wrote separate letters to most of you. Dan I meant to get to you too—and thank you for the pictures for my books. Now I’d like to add my name to the requests for “Sell-a-pape.” As you remember, the original graces one page, and it’s only fitting that Sean should be placed in the album in that light.

Let’s all join in solemn tribute to our Mother next Sunday.

Love,
K.

in the present day…
Water in my basement again. Again. What the hell? Several times this winter we have had inches and inches of snow, but instead of melting slowly, we have a drastic warm up and all the snow melts during a severe thunderstorm. The ground is so saturated here, there is just no place for the water to go. My basement does not usually flood, but here I am again faced with water. I guess I should be grateful that nothing was ruined this time—oh yeah— that's only because everything was ruined a month ago.

Flying's for Me

I love Kay's enthusiasm for flying. Commercial air flight was relatively new at the time and I can just imagine how exciting it would be to experience something like that. Although I fly pretty regularly now, I can remember the first time I flew on a plane, I was excited, but did not necessarily feel exhiliration. These days, Kay would have to tack on additional time for her trip for airport security, connections, waiting at baggage claim, etc. It might take less time in the present day to drive from Columbus to Washington, D.C. No one marvels at the wonder of air travel these days...

I had no idea cigarettes were in short supply during the war. Funny, no talk of quitting smoking, only that they were willing to stand in line for their cigarettes. I found this commercial for Camel cigarettes produced during the war.

Vol. 13, No. 7 [Kay]

Washington, D.C.
October 26, 1944

My dear Gee and all—

Paul is right about giving me time to settle down to earth again. Flying’s for me! I haven’t been so genuinely thrilled by a material experience ever. And like most genuine experiences, I already long for the thrill of it again. (“and again and again”). And as long as I remain well and solvent, I plan to have it. To get down to earth, partially, and for the benefit of the ones who do not know what a quick trick it is, the trip out took 2 hrs. 10 minutes (1:35 p.m. — 3:45 p.m.). Coming back, the stewardess shocked us all from our after-dinner nap by announcing we were a little ahead of schedule and were arriving at Wash. D.C. Had left Columbus Airport at 6:50 p.m. and landed at 8:35 p.m. — 1 hr. 45 minutes. You all express it!—I can’t— adequately.

Combined with the complete joy of that were (1) my delightful visit with Shan, Incorporated and (2) The Troy Vosses, including a/c Dick. Since the allotted space in the chain does not permit me to say in detail how much I enjoyed it, I shall quote Dan’s tribute to the Columbus O’Connors which he inscribed on the refrigerator bulletin “With the O’Connors”—“There is no compromise with quality with the O’Connors—here you will always find it.” I would extend the tribute to the Troy Vosses. Nan and Dick are young, gay, charming, intelligent, strong, and inspiring, to say the very least—likewise Don, with Dave fast growing into the same stuff. As for fond parents, they are mellowed and lovable. In other words, I enjoyed myself and have come back refreshed, after the sharing of your hearths. You can sent the quarters on and to show you my heart’s in the right place, I’ll buy you all cigarettes with them. Never have I seen such a painful shortage and Carolyn, you and I can vouch for how we looked like we were in the familiar bread line to purchase them. Which reminds me to remind Paulie not to let Sadie’s compliment about our “very fine English” go to her head and to watch how she spell “familiar.” Twice she sinned—familiar— I s’pose I sinned by not waiting until the next round to even read her letter, but you all know me better than that.

I like Dan’s question. Leave it to him to stimulate thought. My immediate answer was “Nothing Else.” My amended thought was “Scotch” (although I know I don’t have to put it in writing that that is and will be one of my life’s most abiding pleasures). Well, he stated the question “For an abrupt change,” and maybe he meant for us to be humorous—give it the ole light touch—in addition, I will be very serious. I would say for the “one more thing”—isolationism—I say and feel this because I think it would be possible under such circumstances (and perhaps desirable). Under our present circumstances, I can’t say or feel this, because I don’t think it would ever be possible or desirable. Shan: please note!

I want to thank both of you, Shan and Dan, for your complimentary comment on my unbiased slant on National Politics—coming from you gentlemen, for whom I hold enormous respect, it warms me heart.

However, I agree with Dan that Rose, in her inimitable manner of expression of words and thought, gave the most concise, lucid and penetrating message. I do not think, Shan, that your P.S. to her is justified, but knowing her, I think she can deal with you herself.

I love you all—completely—K.

in the present day…
I am glad the holidays are over. I hate taking down the Christmas decorations. Someone should have a business that would come in, take down all the decorations and store them. I would pay for someone to do that.

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.