Letters Part 2
April 5 1941
April 5, 1941
7:30PM
Hello there!
I have been very lazy today. This is about the only thing I've done. It is a good day to be lazy. It is raining. I went down today at nine o'clock to look for a hat. I first went in [Is]abell's (1) but they didn't have a thing. All old womanish. So then I got one at the Leader (2). Finally, after trying on about 5. It's awful hard to buy something by yourself. Especially a hat. It is kind of luggage tan with light blue figured brand in the regular shape. But I think it's cute. It was $1.88. It will go nice with my shoes and purse. I'm all set for Easter except gloves and a pin or something. For my blouse. I was ready to come home about 10:00 and I stood waiting for the Diamond bus. I waited until about 20 after and I got so cold (from being wet) I walked up to the Leader. I waited until 20 of eleven and it still didn't come so I took a bus that I thought was the No. West but I apparently can't read for it went out Laurel St. I got of at 5th and Laurel and walked home (3) where I immediately went to bed and slept until 3 oclock (with a few interruptions such as baker, egg man, etc.) I don't remember when I've felt so miserable than as today. So my work didn't get done. But the house really doesn't look dirty. Ah, yes, I straightened up the desk which was a mess. I have plenty of homework to do but phooey (4).
We had a good supper tonight. Fried, canned oysters and cheese covered cauliflower. I feel awful good tonight. I thought I might call up Adeline (5) and ask her to do something but I remembered her saying she had bin out every night this week and her mother was getting mad so the next best thing I could think of was writing to you.
Dad took my shoes down to the shoe makers to have new heels and tips on them and do they look nice. I rode down with him to get them tonight. Come to think of it, I believe he left them in the car. But I don't think I'll need them for it's so rainy tonite (6) it's likely to be the same tomorrow. Dad gave me 50 cents to get one of those blue and white hats like all the kids wear at school. I got it tonight and I have it. In fact I have it on now. If anyone came in they would probably think I was nuts. (Could be?)
You know, now I have decided that I don't want one of those grey raincoats, for a lot of the girls have been getting a kind that came in pastel shades, pink, blue, aqua etc. They are so pretty. They are very light weight and only for summer. But they only cost $6.00 in Deisroth's (7). They don't look like raincoat material for they are sort of like suede. Very nice of course they aren't warm at all. Most of the girls now wear a spring coat or sweater under them. But after awhile I think they would be swell, for sometimes there is just a shower and then the sun comes out and reversibles get so hot. Then maybe in the fall I could get one of those grey reversiables. What do you think? (Don't say it)
I like this paper so much. I feel like writing and writing, It came in a big bright green box. It's very nice, Don't you think so.
In your letter, I don't remark about everything you say partly because I am in a hurry and partly because it would take up the whole letter. So don't think I don't read everything. Sometimes I read them about 3 times over again. I have all of them in the drawer (middle buffet) and they are piling up. We certainly are giving the post office a lot of business with air mail. But it certainly is worth it, for we sometimes get a letter you had written (sent) the day before.
It's funny but we never get a letter on Saturday just when I do have time to read it thoroughly the first time.
Well after all my fasting and ets, I'm still as "heavy" as ever. I guess there's no hopes. boo hoo. But I do cheat a little.
Here it is 8:30. I believe I said that same thing in my letter last night. It takes awfully long to write letters, doesn't it?
Well I guess I'm all blabbed out. Hope to be seeing you soon.
Love,
Your Phil.
xxxxxxxxx for you and a handshake for Donny with my best wishes.
6)This is an informal way to spell tonight and is used throughout the letters ("Tonite").
April 8th, 1941
April 8, 1941
My dear mother;
Sorry we did not receive a letter from you today. Probably one will arrive tomorrow.
Yesterday Dad and I went to Sunday School and church. When we left, it was snowing and when we got about half way down, it started to rain. We met Nancy Jacob's by the cemetery in their car, and they took us down the rest of the way. But we were pretty wet. Burton Hall sang the Psalms in SS. It was communion in church and it was very crowded. Dad had to be an usher again. Miss Houston told me especially that she wanted to be remembered to you and Don. (She told me about 3 times). She thought it was grand that you were in Florida. We ate down at Grandma's. We had a good dinner with delicious pie and ice-cream for desert. In the afternoon dad took Grandma and I over to Drifton (1). Grandma wanted to get some psalms. Mr. Allan had been sick for about 3 mo (2) and he didn't look at all well. We stayed about 1 1/2 hours. When we drove home, the sky had all cleared off and it was beautiful
Today was really the most beautiful day we had. Birds are beginning to sing. I saw some flowers opened up on Church street. The roads are very bad as usual. Spring is definitely here.
The laundry man was here today to ask if we had anything to be washed. I told him to come back Tuesday.
Sitting here, I can see many cobwebs on the wall. I hope Uncle Ed doesn't come in. I am thinking of cleaning up things like that for Easter.
I'm so glad we only have 2 days more in this week. We got 30 vocabulary words for French. It was a surprise test so I'm afraid I hadn't many right.
Dad is washing the dishes. He came in and ask me a trick question:
Ask it to Don! A man owned a gas station. A man cam in and bought $1 worth of gas but gave the owner $10 bill which he could not change. He ran across the street, got it changed put a dollar in his cash register and gave $9 back to the customer. A little while later the place where the gas stations owner got the bill changed sent back the $10 bill saying it was counterfeit. And the owner gave out $10. Including the gas and everything, how much did the owner lose? Ans: Can be found underlined by letters on first page of letter.
I didn't guess the one for a long time. Hope you are smarter.
Dad went down for the [illegible] because I wanted it. Isn't he nice? He goes out first as much as usual. When he's in he helps me with dishes and homework. Everything fine.
Love, Phil and Dad
2) months
April 9th, 1941
4/9/41
Dear mother,
Letter came today with pictures and figs and camphor. The pictures are swell. The one I like especially is the one "On old street in St. Augustine." It's very picturesque. Those girls did look cute. They were all nice. Send some more when you can.
Your letter was pleasant as usual. If I were you, I wouldn't come home until you're good and ready. It must be swell.
It was another nice day. It is really getting warm. I got my coat today and I love it. It is a little big but it is suppose to be. Aunt May is having a birthday party tonight for Grandma's birthday. I got her 2 pretty hankies (white, 15 cents from Deisroth's.) As if she didn't have enough hankies! I guess you never can have too many.
Here comes dad now so I guess I will have to get supper.
Friday nite
Well I've been doing everything from dying Easter eggs to working jigsaw puzzles. Betty Jean spent the day here. We had a very enjoyable day. This little card enclosed is one of the harvest. Guess you won't get for Easter. Betty made one for Don but is too big to send so i will save it.
I got the pin today and how lovely! Now I won't have to buy one for my blouse. I have it on the buffet and you should smell the dining room. It is really very nice. Also received your sweet Easter card. Thanks so much. A letter came, too. Haven't had much time to read it though.
Last night I (and dad) went over to Aunt May's about 8:00. Great Aunt Laura, uncle Bill, Grandma, and Pa were there (also Betty G.) The others liked the present. I just stayed until 9 o'clock for I went to the show with Adeline to see "Come Live With me" (1). I think you would like it a lot. It featured Hedy Lamar and James Stewart. There was a country house in it like our bungalow (2) should be. There was a grandma in it too like our grandma.
Don't have all my cleaning done. Did upstairs yesterday. Including bathroom.
Well I hope you have a nice Easter. Does Don have a vacation? Betty Jean has 10 days off! Ain't that neat. Well, i'll toddle off (3), now.
Love,
Phil
P.S. Hope you land a job.
2) The bungalow was believed to be owned by Phyllis's uncle and was located in the Conyngham valley, a few miles away from Hazleton.
April 13th, 1941
Sunday night
4/31/41
Dear Mama;
Greetings on the most beautiful Easter Day I remember. It was gorgeous. Just right for all the new bonnets etc.
Dad probably told you all the news except that he got the new hat. It is steel grey, Stetson "Playboy," with a narrow band. It looks much better on him than that other thing.
It was good to see everybody in Spring clothes and it was swell to wear them. I didn't notice anything particle out of ordinary in Easter ensembles except Lois Bauch. She had on light blue flower hat. Did she ever look neat. No wonder Ronnie likes her. She had his sailor hat to school one day.
Dinner was good at Aunt Helene's. Their house is certainly something you should see the one next to it. Is it swell! We should have moved in.
I was down with Adeline and her sister to Ruther Jenkings. Do they have a nice house. We had a good time. They have a recreation room in the cellar.
Mary Sluker got your card and was asking about you. Well, here it is 12 o'clock and I'm so sleepy.
Maybe I'll work tomorrow.
Lots of love,
Phyllis
My best to Don
Hazleton, PA
Easter - April 13, 1941
Dear Pauline + Donald,
I take my pen in hand to let you know the doings around here. First the company. Bill and Laura have been here since last Tuesday. The ship Bill was working on was finished and they had no other work to start on, so his boss told him to take a week off (with pay) using his sick leave time. He is allowed 2 1/2 days each month for illness and has accumulated about 14 days to his credit. They left this afternoon for Phila (1). Jean Obrey and Betty Jean arrived Thursday afternoon and are staying with Mary. Bob Wynings and his girl friend arrived last evening (Betty ---) and left this PM for home. Phyllis and I were to S.S. + church this AM. Before we went to S.S. we walked down to [Slikese's] + had an Easter Lily sent to Grandma Schaub's. Then Jean + Betty Jean met Phyllis at 10:55 and the three went to church. Bob + his girl friend attended also. Bob + his girl came to church which was the first I knew they were here so I seated them with Grandma. Phyllis + I had dinner at John + Helma's. We had roast stuffed chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and asparagus tips, celery, olives, + red beets. Ice cream and salted peanuts for dessert. Was very good chicken well done. We left there around 3:00 PM and stopped at grandma's for a few minutes, then went to the country in the Pontiac, where all the company was gathered. Also Betty and Mim, Ed and his family. They had an egg hunt for the children. Mary + Jack were there also. Miss Koons was at Grandma's. She asked to be remembered to you. No supper was served. We left at 6:00PM. I left Phyllis at the house and took the machine down. Hada snack to eat and went to church. Usher Fisher does not come out, so I take his place. A new usher will be elected to take his place sometime this month.
Mary had a birthday party for your mother at Steimmon's. Phyllis gave your mother two nice handkerchiefs. Phyllis entertained Betty Jean Friday from 10AM thru the afternoon. She said they did about everything. Dug up some jigsaw puzzles, dyed eggs, made cutouts, etc. Phyllis cleaned the downstairs Saturday and baked a sponge cake. Was very good but it could have raised a little more that it did, but it wasn't a bit gummy. The weather was warm and clear today. I went to church without a hat. At church this am there were the usual few outright "Easter Egg" outfits if you know what I mean. (Betty Jean had her large doll with her this morning. She looked very cute) Bill came in Friday night. He said he had the "heeby jebies" (2) and Laura wouldn't come along with him. So he + J went to the Capitol. Deanna Durbin in "Nice Girl?" (3).
They didn't have any party planned last night but they finally got together + went to Evergreen Park (4). I had gone down to get Phyllis a pair of gloves so I missed them. Phyllis had planned to go down with Adeline M. but she called and said her brother was home so she couldn't go, so Phyllis said she didn't want to go alone, hence getting the gloves. [Illegible] 59 cents.
Business is getting better (5). We have a $50.00 fence order to go out in the morning. Then we expect to sell the lumber for house #2 and have prospects of selling ho #3. With other orders coming the truck is kept busy rolling about all the time. But no big rush is on as yet. Hope Donald is prospering with his work. Will try to send you a MO (6) in a day or two. Did you receive the auto plates?
Everybody asks when are you coming home?
Well I guess this is all for the time being.
With love,
Henry
1) Philadelphia
2) During the 40s the phrase "heebie jeebies" was a relatively new phrase. It is believed to be first used by William Morgan in 1923 (The Phrase Finder).
3) Nice Girl is a musical that came out in 1941.
4) Evergreen Park was located near North St John's near present day interstate 80 and 81 (close to Conyngham). The Park became a Club in the 1940s ("Evergreen Park")
5) Henry owned a lumber business.
6) money order
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