Letters Part 3
April 16th, 1941
4/16/41
4 o'clock
Dear Ma and Don;
Just read you Tues letter. My, but service is quick.
It has been very hot here. It was 86 on Monday. Aunt Mary, gram and B. and me were out in the county all day. It certainly was hot. Certainly glad I got that summer coat instead of a reversible.
I made pretty well in my literature test. Only a B but there was only one A in our room. Tomorrow we get our history exam.
Last night I went to a roller skating party give by one of the junior class homerooms. It was at W.N. (1) I didn't think much of the place but we had a swell time. I was skating with a boy from Bethlehem. He was awful nice. his name was Eddy. He had graduated in 1936. He knew Chester Wooding.
I believe I have "piles" (2) and they are bothering me very much. I can hardy sit. Can you suggest anything?
Your church service must have been very nice. Ours was lovely, too. Yes, Betty, Gram and Jean are staying all week. I must have them down for supper.
Wagner's sold their house to a Gallager. It is no rented yet. Pichard's have moved in next door.
Met Dad with car on the way home from school tonite. Was glad to see him for I was tired. Edith Boone was alone too.
Poor Jack will be disappointed because of the bike. He rode it quite often. Will it be practical for Don to have it down? Jack just called now so I told him about the bike. Told him to get all the use out of it. Is don staying long? Are you?
I just remembered to take a magazine that came here by mistake to Cogan's. It was the "Country Gentlemen." When I saw it, I wondered if dad had ordered another magazine. He gets a lumbermen's booklet every week. He never even looks at them.
The meter man was just here (3). He said he was here this afternoon about 12:30.
Haven't been eating much lately. There is still alot of Easter things here that Grandma Schaub sent up. My skirt won't stay up. Do I need the summer clothes. I was looking today in school.
Well I think I'll stop awhile to hatch up (4) something for supper. I'll be back.
10:00 PM
Dad just came back. He had to go down to the office to unload some lumber that just came in. Was he mad. He is taking a bath.
After supper I didn't do a stitch of work. I was not feeling very good. Guess I'll have to work now. Can't get over that long vacation we had and get down to work. I am reading "Forever Free," the book I got in school. It is very good. It about Lincoln and the Civil War.
Well I must leave you. Lots of work is to do.
Lots of Love, Phyllis.
P.s. Dad says to cash a check if need. Don't pawn his watch!
1) no information available about W.N. Skating
2) hemorrhoids
3) In 1940, Hazleton had it's first parking meters installed (Lubinksy)
4) come up with ("Hatch Up")
April 21st, 1941
4/21/41
Monday: 3:45PM
Dear Momsy;
Enjoyed a pleasant day at home today. I wasn't very sick. Yesterday I had a sore throat and generally wasn't feeling so good so I thought I'd better stay home today. I thought maybe I could be getting the measles. But I guess it was a false alarm for I am feeling fine now. (I also had a slight fever yesterday) Guess it was the hot weather. It was 90 on our back porch yesterday. Last night there was a terrific house fire right down from us (northwest). I didn't hear anything today about it. Last night we could hear the fire whistles and sirens going all night. Probably be in tonights paper.
It is cool today, that is cool enough for a coat. I said more then once to dad yesterday that I wished we were at the sea shore. Hope you and Don got there for I imagine it was hot down there. There is a nice breeze blowing now. We need rain bad.
Dolores also stayed home, too for she went up to the hospital to see her brother Harry. He had to have an operation for a rupture. I guess he is pretty good.
I didn't go to S.S. or church yesterday but Dad did. He was usher at both morning and evening services.
Received a letter today from you all. (Thurs) The dresses you described sounded swell. I am saving $6.50 to get one of those Carol King dresses at Deisroth's. But just now I decided with Mother's Day and Pop's birthday, maybe I shouldn't buy it. Noted the things you wanted and although Dad will be as mad as hornets he'll most likely send them. Ha.
Just finished "Forever Free." It was a very gripping story about Lincoln that makes our troubles seem so insignificant toward the ones he had.
It must be nice to see squirrels around. I remember the ones we saw up in N.Y. They were so tame.
There isn't much money floating around here. I mean not as much as you would suppose with only two people. The light bill was a dollar less that usual ('So there') tell Don) Dad hasn't been able to pay any on bills but I believe today he paid $5 on the following: Diesroth's, Matshella's Louderbach's and Genetti's(1). Got his pay on Sat. but it is all gone. I guess if we didn't have to pay this much rent, we could save more. It must be pretty discouraging for Don to spend all his pay but I do not see how Dad could send much more. Mrs. Bonnie said he (Don) could have had a job here with a gas station foe $2 a week. Pierce had it for a day and a half but because he could not drive a car he had to quit (Maybe dad told you in last letter)
I enjoyed Don's letter. Some parts are very rare. (Humorous in other words) His letters are so infrequent it is a real pleasure to hear from him.
I see Lois was home today, too. Also Peggy Bummen who's is over at Lois' now. I also saw the Hemmeely girl over at Helen's today. So there must have been a lot of hookey (2) playing around. Must be contagious. I was scared to death the truant officer (3) would come but the school called. I think I will iron a spell now. I haven't it done yet.
Uncle bill called so dad has to take the car down. What a shame for her was cleaning up the back porch. He won't be home until late.
For supper we boiled cabbage made with ham bone from yesterday. Also french fries. (at least dad thought so) We had a can of peas, too.
It was funny today. I was going on a fruit and vegetable diet. When your letter came and I read you had Spaghetti and meat balls I opened a can we had here and ate the whole can. How's that for self control. It was a good intention anyway even if it didn't work.
No, my dress is not finished. Aunt May has been busy with her company and now the house cleaning. Here's what has to be done: (hem, neck finishing zipper and belt.) It would take a good day, I guess.
I hate to think of going to school tomorrow. School certainly gets one down. Yesterday I figured Don went to school in 9 years 1594 1/2 days and all totaled 2100 days. In nine years I went to 1570 1/2 days. That a lot of educating. Hope they haven't all been wasted.
Still have my dishes to do so I'll be going. I close with "Keep happy and healthy and some day you'll be wealthy." P.A.S. (4).
With 2/3* my love,
P.A.S.
*The other 1/3 belongs to Daddy.
2) first known use of the word hookey was in 1842
3) The truant officer was in charge of making sure children attended school
4) This is actually a phrase that my family still uses today.
April 27th, 1941
Saturday
10:30 AM
Dear Mommy,
Just received your Thursday letter so I thought I'd take a few minutes out to write a note. I have the up stairs clean, the bathroom scrubbed and the down stairs run over with the cleaner.
When I saw the return address on your letter I tho't maybe you had a job (Ha). Imagine a store having a waiting room. Must be some store. Thank you so much for sending me a pi. (1) of panties. I'm getting low on them.
It's been quite cool all week with a little frost at night. We had to have a furnace fire. Dad had to get coal. (1 ton)
I received your Wed. letter Fri. It would be swell if Don could get an airplane and fly home every week end. Thanks for W. letter recipe. I often have lettuce left over and I would like to have it a different way. In your Mon. letter (received Thurs) your guests sound nice. Especially those 2 young ladies.
I am having Aunt May's over for tomorrow's dinner. It won't be such a wonderful meal. I am having streak potatoes dried corn a salad and either cauliflower or brussels sprouts. And desert. Maybe ice cream.
Dad and I were out at Grandma Hess's last night. Aunt May has been out there since Wednesday and they housecleaned the upstairs. Aunt May got your letter and she enjoyed it alot. She said she would like to write when she has time. (Granddad says he can't make out your writing (Ha) but Grandma reads them) We were looking over all the old family pictures which gives you ceaseless pleasure. They're rare. The mayflowers are almost gone. They didn't come out until a week ago Friday but this hot weather ruined them. Granddad has a cold. He says he changed his underwear too soon. We got home last night at 10:30. Dad would like to go out again some night and work a little on the swimming pool. Grandma said we should call her up and come for supper. So maybe we will.
Thursday night Ady and I went to Alton (2) and saw "Western Union" (3) which was quite good. I think Don would like it as there isn't much love in it and lots of laughs. Well, here it is 11 o'clock. I have a little wash to get started also rest of cleaning. I want to go down town about 3 o'clock. Will be back.
Just got done with dishes. You know what I was doing before that? Reading your old love letters to Pa. They were quite cute. I always pictured you two as uncompassionate souls but I have changed my mind. Don't worry, I only read 1 or 2 or 4. I couldn't resist.
Just made some fruit cocktail salad with gelatin. It came alright. I was going to wash my hair but it is getting late so maybe I won't.
I didn't go downtown aft.(4) Dad took me down after supper. Was looking at some sweet dresses in Dieroth's for $3.98. (Over in the house dress dept) I pd $5 to Dieroth's. Dad and I bought groceries at ASP on alter. They came to $2.39. I am not going to church tomorrow just S.S. Aunt May is coming over at 11 o'clock. She is bringing new potatoes (which she picked up in Middle of the highway) and a diced peach pie which Grandma made. She says their Don's peaches. Probably he went for them.
We are getting quite homesick for you all. Of course we do not want you to come until you are ready for we are getting on fine. I get my work done better, I think. (Na) I have the little radio up in my room. It's swell.
Sorry we couldn't send the bike basket and your stuff but Dad tho't the bike was enough to send in one trip. Maybe later. Dad is out now. He has been helping me good this week with dishes and such. We get our reports next Thurs. I'm afraid to look at mine.
Sent a card to B.G. today. Maybe you could send her one. Maybe you did. Aunt K was delighted with her card. Grandma's were in on her birthday for supper.
And Gram, Carl and his wife is coming next week end (I think it is next week end) Wish you were coming.
I am getting a whim to learn to drive so tell my dear bother that when he comes home he's going to teach me. If he can. (Ha)
I asked Janice today if she got a card from Don and she said no but she got one from you.
Well, I must get my beauty sleep.
Your loving daughter,
Phy
P.S. Give my love to my brother and tell him not to work too hard.
P.S. Write soon.
1) pair
2) The Alton was located on 618 Alter Street in Hazleton. It opened in 1939 and was converted into a bowling alley in 1959. Today the building is vacant ("Alton Theater").
3) Western Union is a western movie that came out in 1941
4) after all
April 28th, 1941
April 28, 1941
Monday 12:46PM
Dearest Ones;
I am writing this in study hall as I have nothing to do to keep me busy for an hour.
It is swell out today. There is a warm breeze blowing.
I got the panties today and they are sweet. I believe they will be big enough. The bee on them is very pretty.
I went to Sunday School yesterday, not church. Dad went to church. He had to Usher again. He ought to have the whole summer off ch. I didn't go to church because I had to go home to get dinner started. Aunt May came over about 11:15 to help. Dinner was good. The steak was delicious. I had asparagus tips and a large platter of raw vegetables. Aunt May brought new potatoes which we fried whole. Grandma's pie was grand and we had ice cream on top of it (yum). Pete had to go to work at 1 o'clock. Aunt May and I sewed in the afternoon a little. I must put the hem in yet. We slept almost all afternoon. Jack and A.M. stayed for supper. They went home about 9 o'clock. Mrs. Stiemman was sick all day yesterday. She couldn't keep anything in her stomach.
I am going to get Dad a pi. of pajamas for his birthday. What size should I get?
The white blouse I got for Easter, I washed and it shrunk. I wore it today under my jumper and only buttoned the top button so it's ok.
We had a little test in Geometry today and was I in luck for all the answers were in my book. Aren't I awful?
Adeline and I are going to the Capitol (1) tonite to see the "Ziegfeld girl" (2). I don't think it will be so good because there are too many big stars in it. I don't think I will have any homework.
I have to work a few things out after school or on Sat. the fire went out when I was writing you and there wasn't any hot water.
The Richards took dad and I to church on Sun. and mis Richards said Jimmy was at Lakehurst (3) where he had a job.
Probably Dad will write you a letter tonight so I won't seal this.
Thanks again for present
With lotions of love,
Phyllis
2) Ziegfeld Girl is a romantic musical that came out in 1941
3) Lakehurst is a township in New Jersey
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| Add for Henry's lumber company and blank check he references in the letter. |
Hazleton Pa
Monday April 28, 1941
My Dearest Pauline,
Phyllis has gone to movies so i am free to write without interruptions. She has a letter written and I will send this along. Yesterday a.m. I went to SS + church. I am still an usher. We are to have a meeting this Friday to elect one in the place of the fellow who does not come around. Phyllis was to S.S. only. May + Peeps + Jack were here for dinner yesterday. We had steak, boiled potatoes, brewed in butter. Your mother sent an apricot pie for dessert + Peeps purchased the ice cream for pie ala mode!(1) Peeps had to got to work at 1:15 in the afternoon. Jack went out and the three of us took a nap. Then the four of us had supper. Jack + May went home about 9:00 PM. Then Phyllis got out to cash book and we went over the bills. We made out some checks (or rather Phyllis did) for the bills we will pay on next. (When the money in the bank( Had to buy a ton of coal Friday. I built a fire in the furnace which we needed until today. The furnace out now but it got very warm today. Altho I wore my topcoat to work this AM. Friday evening Phyllis + I went out to the bungalow. May had been out 2 days helping Phyllis with some problems in Geometry and worked at them until 11:00 PM and then she didn't need them!!
Work is going along on the same even keel. We are selling quite a bit of fence material. No cars in to unload. The next one will get in about 10 days. Hope Donald received the bicycle alright and got it to gether in good shape. Tell him to be sage and get the pedals on right + tight. Does he still want the basket and you the other things? We haven't had much rain for over two weeks. The woods are still dry and lots of forest fires. The is lots of dust around when the wind blows. Haven't seen Ed + his family for some time.
We talked about going down to Fred's yesterday but I couldn't get the machine. Mis Koone was up yesterday and Will took her home last evening. She asked how you two were and wanted to be remembered to you. Tell Donald to send a post card to Janis.
Phyllis sees to it that some church envelopes (past + present) are filled each week and the saving acots. are kept up to date. Enclosed is a blank check just in case. Will try to send a M.O. this week.
The road to Conyngham from West Hazleton was closed today. You know they are going to connect the road. Will make a quick drive to Berwick when finished. (Your mother received the letter Friday that you send them last week.)
The minister was around today with tickets for the spaghetti + meatball supper at the Italian Pres. Church I suppose Phyllis + I will go unless she decides it is too fattening.
I guess this is about all the news, so I will close, "with lotions of of love" (2)
Henry.
1)Pie a la mode is pie served with ice-cream
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