Wilson College - World War II

Later Sunday Afternoon My darling: - Ever since December 25-’42, I've been wondering just how it would feel to write this first letter to you - No I am beginning to find out - You've been gone just a very short while, and already I am beginning to wonder how long it will be before you are back again! But- how lucky we are to have such a short distance separating us, and for so brief a time - ‘Wendy-Warren’ just gave a sympathetic thump - you've [pg 2] left me in good hands honey - with ‘W-W’ Muz and KeKo to keep me from getting too lonesome - Muz is listening to “Silver Theatre” - soon we will have supper, and then to bed. Tomorrow we will make the ‘fixings’ for our room, and have an elegant idea for the two maple chairs here in the living room. Wednesday afternoon hope to have Toni and Mrs. Wilson to tea - Thursday Muz is going to Brooklyn with me, and then to have lunch with Helen. She expects to leave Friday - will fill in the 'in-betweens' as they happen - Sweety, is your other blue suit to go to the cleaners? You don't know how much of an “inner-dither” I was in before you left - or perhaps you do- and I'm so glad I didn't disgrace my-[pg 3] self by sympathizing publicly with the weather! You probably told me what to do but it just didn't register - Aunt B. just phoned and Muz had to speak to her, Helen and Anna! Muz has been telling me all about her wedding dress - perhaps Wendy will be able to wear it someday - Well darling you’re about half way there - and I'm with you every minute wishing I was along too - Hope you will be able to phone real soon, and tell me where you've settled and everything - 'Til tomorrow - and with my love - all of it - B- P.S. Found the enclosed in the Time Magazine section [pg 4] It's 8:45 now sweety - you should be in Washington, and I'm going to bed but just couldn't [?] without saying good-night - I do miss you darling - please don't think I'm a silly - it's just that I love you so much - It's a good thing Muz is here or I probably would have followed you on the next train - Hurry back to me darling - Monday Evening Hi dearest: My goodness but this has been a busy day - We got up at 9:00 and had breakfast - straightened up, and then started to work on the gingham - We got lots of ideas we worked - (KeKo is prowling around the desk chair with a piece of organdy) By 1:00 we had the draperies hemmed and all the other pieces cut out - Just wait [pg 5] til you see what we’re doing with my old dressing table skirt! After lunch we both took naps, and about four Betty and Sally came to call - About 5:00 Muz and I went out in quest of some organdy, and we ended our search successfully in Harlem! Darling, there is a wonderful inexpensive yard goods store there - where we can get anything we'll ever need - We had a leisurely pick-up supper - apple juice, scrambled eggs and green beans, toast and jam, Napoleons and coffee. Now we’re hard at work sewing again, and Muz is giving me tips on baby care. It's so good to have her here - [pg 6] Tomorrow Muz is going downtown and will have lunch with Helen - I'm going to stay home - sew and fix a super special supper - Wednesday afternoon Toni and Mrs. Wilson are coming and in the evening Muz is taking Frances, Nancy and me to dinner - Thursday to Brooklyn and Friday we’re having lunch with Peg Tweedy, and then Muz is going up to Conn. You just phoned darling, and it was so very good to talk with you - I was hoping you’d call, but didn't really expect it - mmm Sweety- I do love you so very much. I'm so excited that I've forgotten all the things I wanted to tell you - guess I'll close and mail this right away quick - Muz sends love - And I'll tuck mine along too - B-

Tuesday Evening Pappy darling, You ought to see us all here in the living room - Helen came to dinner and now we’re all busy sewing, while KeKo chases whatever pleases his fancy. I've just finished two batches of icebox cookies - one for you and one for Toni and mother - Plan to mail them out tomorrow along with your collars - haven't found the tie yet……Am full of supper and so sleepy. We had U-8 broiled steak and onions, new potatoes, string beans, chocolate-coconut graham cracker pie and coffee- The day started out just fine with [pg 2] your letter waiting in the mail box. I loved it honey. haven't had time to read the article yet, but will do so before going to bed - Oh! the curtains are up and they look elegant - Helen and Muz are drinking to you “in spirit” whiskey and soda - Our turn will come soon, and won't we have fun-! (KeKo just swatted Helen in the fanny when she bent over for a cigarette!) They’re talking about you sweety, and how sweet you were when you got spanked - If I keep on laughing this way poor ‘Wendy-Warren’ is going to get an awful shaking up - Was awfully happy to hear that you got settled all right - hope it won't be too hard getting used to hotel living - you’re going to have a problem when you get home - the past two nights I've slept all over the bed and really wrecked it - Honey I can't write and listen - laugh all together (if they keep this [pg 3] up ‘W-W’ will be arriving tonight -) Just gotta stop - promise a more coherent letter tomorrow- Miss you so much darling - despite all the [l_ness?] - [h_?] you lots and lots - you must be sore from all the imaginary hugs I've been giving you - More love sweety- B-

Friday Evening My dearest darling- It's six o'clock - I've just finished a tray supper and when I finish this letter and a few odds and ends will go to bed - Have been very busy today, and I'm tired - feel sort of at loose ends this first night really alone- Had your long letter with breakfast this morning-and realized that it had been written before you moved to this new place - Poor honey - I hope you won't have to [pg 2] move again while in Washington- ‘W-W’ is getting to be quite a tummy full, and spends a good part of each day pushing feet against my ribs - Makes it hard to sit still, but I wouldn't exchange the feeling for anything- After breakfast I cleaned up while Muz packed - the bassinette arrived, and then I walked Muz to the trolley - She returned to N.Y. on Monday and will stop to pick up some clothes she left here - After seeing Muz off I continued on up to Harlem for material, and got home bout noon - Spent the whole afternoon sewing, and things are just about all [pg 3] finished and ready for your approval- The Navy notified us today that they had changed our address as we requested, so our check should be sent here next month - Last night, I slept much better just thinking that perhaps you’d be here this week-end. Darling- just to have you here again for a few hours would mean so much - If I was sure ‘W-W’ wouldn't arrive early nothing could keep me away from you - Til tomorrow sweety- and high hopes that this time tomorrow I'll be all excited, and eagerly waiting for you- Goodnight-my darling- Bobby

Friday Evening Dearest:- Received your Wednesday letter plus the napkin wrapped cherry - that made me laugh and laugh together with the reference to the milk man - and put me in good humor for the rest of the day- It is much cooler and I slept well last night, but that didn't keep me from sleeping five hours [pg 2] this afternoon - ‘W-W’ is relatively quiet too - and I wonder whether we are both resting in preparation - Muz phoned this morning - am not sure I'll go out to dinner - depends on how we’re feeling, but will let her know tomorrow. Mother Carpen is coming up early tomorrow morning to spend the day and help cut the slipcovers - Hope the couch cover arrives - won't we look elegant? Betty, Sally and Rusty stopped by about five to return a book and leave addresses of several pediatricians - Don't feel at all pregnant tonight, and [pg 3] can hardly believe that ‘W-W’ is due so soon- KeKo is in the kitty house for breaking one of the geraniums, and is now warming his underside on the radio. Am waiting for Marion and Sylvia, and I hope they hurry up ‘cause I'm hungry. Will leave this letter open in case there is any International House news to relay 9:45 Sylvia and Marion left bout half and hour ago, and I've just finished washing my hair and putting it up for a date with my best guy [pg 4] tomorrow night - We had dinner at the tea room on Morningside Drive - very good and same price as Akis (which was too crowded) Must to bed go now darling; wish I could telephone you tonight! Sweety I love you - Bobby

Monday Evening 6:45 PM Darling sweety:- Lots to write about - guess I’d better start with getting up at 8:00 this morning - had a good sleep, didn't go to bed til 10:30 last night, and suspect that had something to do with it - Breakfast, and your package- Honey, how a propos - just last night I started reading through my cook books looking for new ideas - so the new addition is doubly welcome - The Canning address book [pg 2] will be the first thing to be tucked into the hand bag I've resolved to carry after ‘W-W’ arrives - You’re going to have a young lady rather than pixilated [i?] to deal with them[?]! but don't expect too much at first!! Cleaned house, washed clothes, and then tackled some ironing - The refrigerator was defrosted, and the kitchen window again measured for a shade - The john seat is promised and bathroom to be inspected by the landlord - The switchboard operator would like KeKo, but only on a permanent basis - She would give him a good home, I know, and wants to take him along [pg 3] to the country this summer - don't know what to do - Polished all our silver including that in the chest, and put what we had been using away, taking out a fresh supply - By doing that every few weeks, it should all wear evenly - Straightened out the linen trunk, and made a list of missing pieces to submit to the laundry- Mother phoned and then I put your tools way, and found the little brush for your lighter - Early in the afternoon took a brief nap, and then trotted out to do some shopping - Your yesterday letter was waiting in the [pg 4] mail box - a pleasant surprise and wasn't I ever happy to have it! There probably won't be anything tomorrow, but am looking forward to Wednesday's letter and news of your trip back to Washington - Had to get ink eradicator, and go to work on ‘The hag’ ‘cause I’d gotten dates mixed about two weeks ago, and everything was confused. Remembered to get J.J. cream and promise to use it. Ordered strawberries and the rest of the paraphernalia for making jam tomorrow - Muz phoned - she had lunch with Steve Golden today - Albert can't get a brief case for [pg 5] you, but when you are here for ‘W-W’ you can get the one you want down at Mall St. - Muz plans to come up Thursday afternoon- Phoned the bank and got our balance, which of today was $83.10 not counting the $15 check I cashed today - that I expect to last til I get back from the hospital- providing everything comes off on schedule- Baked two batches of icebox cookies for you tonight - date and peanut - will mail them tomorrow afternoon - Let me know if there is anything you’d prefer [pg 6] having- ‘W-W’ has been wriggling around a good bit since last night, and I enjoy the company. There seems to be an ‘epidemic’ of girls being born now- I really don't have any preference now- just hope the long awaited is alright upon arrival- A whole day gone by darling - and I did manage to keep busy - your presinks were a big help, and your letter- Am sleepy, but it's too early for bed- will read, listen to the radio, take a shower and then to a good sleep, and I hope dreams of you my dearest - Because I love you so- Bobby

Friday Evening 7:20 p.m. Dearest Sweety: This has been another dull day, slightly orange tinted on the inside - Recooked the marmalade, and it turned out very well this time - also candied some orange peel - and have plans for using up the remaining fourteen oranges. Woke up feeling slightly squeamish, so I made some [pg 2] strong coffee and toast - hopped back into bed after getting your letter telling of ‘Lady in the Dark’ and bringing in the paper - Got up later feeling quite fit - Did [?] week-end shopping today, because the stores were so bad last Saturday - We got the kitchen shade this afternoon all new and white, and I painted the dryer - will have a hard time finding enough odd jobs to keep me busy next week - Tomorrow after cleaning up, plan to walk down to 110th St. in quest of some oil cloth, and then take a long walk in the afternoon [pg 3] in hopes of hurrying things up - ‘W-W’ has been feeling like twins this afternoon - boxing and kicking away at a great rate. Darling, I'm sure there was lots more tell you, but I'm so excited at seeing you tomorrow, that I can't think of anything else - and the ‘Lone Ranger’ dinning in my ears isn't much help! What I have to tell you can wait - but do want you to have a letter such as it is on Monday - Go wash my hair now, a few odds and ends and to bed early to make tomorrow night [pg 4] and you come faster - For all the things you are - dearest - I love you- Bobby

Thursday Evening My darling:- It's just 9:30 and I'm ready to call it a day, tho not a bit sleepy - The apartment still swells orangey, and I'm bout ready to bust after drinking the juice of four oranges! My three large jars of marmalade look awfully liquid, but who the ---cares. I had a good laugh out of it- Weather has been cold and [pg 2] wet- gloomy at 6:00 when I woke to hear a cat serenading KeKo right outside our front door! Pussy was on the telephone table all alert-That went on for about ten minutes - was afraid to open the door lest there be a cat brawl, and I didn't think the neighbors would appreciate it at that hour - Soon however, I heard some female slippers clickety-clacketing down the stairs and then a squeaky soprano “Why Whiskey honey, what a scare you have mummy.” - So much for that - KeKo hopped off his perch with a disgusted look - stretched out full length, and then bounced into the [pg 3] kitchen in quest of something to eat - The trip to Brooklyn was uneventful - had another doctor this time - a commander - asked him if he thought sweety(ie) would come off on schedule and he said it looked that way - let's hope he's right- Got home at 11:00, and found your Tuesday letter - took a nap and Muz and Peg arrived at 2:30 - Muz came in with a double decker coffee ice cream cone and Peg with a bunch of my favorite sweetheart roses for ‘Wendy-Warren’-Muz showed the apartment off with much pride, [pg 4] and we chattered til four o'clock. It was an enjoyable visit-I do like Peg, and think she and Muz make a good pair. At 5:30 ‘W-W’ convinced me that a real dinner was in order after all the piecemeal lunches and suppers we've been indulging in this week - So over to Aki's we went feeling very strange and alone and not liking it a bit - Tried to pretend you were with me darling, but the horse-faced individual sitting opposite me reading ‘Liberty’ wasn't much help - However, after shrimp cocktail, muffins, beef stew, mashed potatoes, spinach, salad, apple [pg 5] pie and demi-tasse, I left feeling very healthy - It was then the orange episode took place - Sweety I guess I monopolized the telephone conversation telling you about it - Makes me feel good all over to talk with you, and those brief sessions give me something to look forward to all week. Oh almost forgot - during dinner I noticed one of the waiters talking to a middle-aged man who looked like a professor - thought they were speaking Japanese so I pricked up my ears, and sure enough they [pg 6] were- “So des Ka” etc. IF I see the man again when we are over there will point him out to you- Have been crampy all day and really had them bad for about twenty minutes this morning at the hospital - feeling cold and perspiring all over - Don't mind tho ‘cause surely that's a sign that something is to come off sometime in the relatively near future- Just one more day darling, til I can say - Tonight Warren will be home - I look forward to those few hours so much - Hurry home to me dearest - I love you so- Bobby

Wednesday Morning 11:00 A.M. Warren, my darling:- It was so good to talk with you last night - I don't know why but I had a feeling that you might call - Just half hour after saying good-night - we had a terrific rainstorm with lots of thunder and lightning - Somehow I felt better knowing it was raining in Washington too- Our apartment is [s?] clean, and ready for company - Muz left us [pg 2] the whiskey - so I got some soda this morning in case the gals want hiballs tonight before dinner - But never you mind I'll see that there is plenty left for you sweety- KeKo has just gone thru the [?] [?] to say howdy to his friend across the street - a very shaggy poodle who sits on a second floor window ledge- I will answer Marion's letter this morning - and tell her that we’d like to see them too after sweety (ie) arrives and you are back here to stay- Two weeks from today darling- I've got just a few butterflies fluttering around -but curiosity will overcome them- 4:00 P.M. Todd left a short while ago [pg 3] and I've just finished the dishes and straightening up to be ready for the next shift- Marion phoned this morning - said that Ward [?] just got married in Chicago and that he and the other Lang. Sch. Fellow living at [?]. H. were doing some confidential research work at Columbia - Expect to see Marion and Sylvia for dinner next week - Am going to cat nap now- 9:20 Sweety:- Have just come back from dinner with the girls - honey I do miss you so going out just isn't any fun without you - Kay [pg 4] sends her best to you - She ‘took in’ everything in the apartment as I knew she would - would love to know what went through her head! This is one of my keyed up nights - perhaps there is a thunderstorm brewing - Miss you so much if you hadn't phoned last night and if I didn't think I’d give you a false alarm -I’d call tonight -Am I a baby, darling - or is it just that I love you so much?- 'Til tomorrow - good-night sweety from ‘Wendy-Warren’ and me- Bobby

Wednesday afternoon Warren darling: Here we sit. Toni just phoned and said that they were delayed mailing a package to Hugh, and would arrive shortly. Your package and post card have been mailed out - The apartment looks so nice, and feels pleasantly cool - The venetian blind tapes turned out very well, and with the bedroom all fixed I feel pretty much settled. This morning I walked down to [pg 2] 110th St and back to do some shopping - got two darling cards for ‘W-W's’ room and some lovely daisies. Tonight we’re going to Aki's with Fran and Nancy and tomorrow night Mother and Father Carpen are taking us out to dinner. ‘Wendy-Warren’ has been exercising quite vehemently the past few days and I've noticed the food supply to be more abundant, and looks quite homogenized - Perhaps Sweetie(y) will arrive early - my guess is the 19th or thereabouts if an early appearance is forecast. Had your Tuesday letter with breakfast, and was happy to hear that the weather was spring-like - probably same as we’re having [pg 3] here - your work does sound like fun - Just don't get too tired darling cause there are lots of fun things ahead of us this summer - Every time I pass officers outside I think, another day gone by and Warren will be here again soon. Have started reading [?] Chase's “[?] Bed We Cry” - isn't as funny as “Past [S_?]” but it will make good reading to take along to the hospital tomorrow. Next week I'm going to give the apartment a thorough cleaning and write all the necessary notes to have ready - when it really is time. Am getting anxiouser and anxiouser especially what with [pg 4] hearing all the details about you, Doug and Jean - The laundry informed me that there is now a two week delivery wait - guess we'll have to spend a bit more and have things done at a hand laundry. Haven't been sleeping too well myself - tho KeKo is good company the bed is too big and cold without you to snuggle up to - and my imagination just isn't realistic enough - Another day honey and soon a whole week will have gone by - making it that much closer to your homecoming and ‘W-W’s arrival I love you - Bobby

Darling:- A few last minute notices – Have left note for milkman also Mrs. Couture about feeding KeKo – The allotment check is on the desk – better address and mail it – Tell Mrs. C. will give her the rent early next week when the check has gone thru- Hope I'm not too doped up and if anything should go wrong – please [pg 2] tell me right away – I can take it no matter what anyone says – Love you my darling – so much – B- P.S. Will you give all perishable food to Mrs. C. and the strawberries are fixed for you –