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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 10, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
You've had a compliment already this morning. The nurse just came in my room and saw your pictures by my bed. She walked over, picked them up and exclaimed, "Isn't she pretty"! Of course I didn't agree with her - not much!
I'm early this morning honey. It's not quite eight o'clock yet. Now we're on double summer time it must be about one back home. I wonder if you're in bed yet.
This day has all the earmarks of being a fine one. The sun, an orange ball, is just beginning to peek over the nearby hills, the sky is a pretty pale blue with little bits of 'wool' here and there - really a pretty sight. I'd prefer to be watching a Muskoka sunset with a lovely girl named Jerry beside me though.
I had a little interruption here. The nurse came in to give me my morning clean-up, back rub and make my bed fresh. Helpless critter aren't I. I like to kid her along as she is a nice person. She's the one who likes your looks so much.
Say, did I tell you I'll soon be eligible to join some ladies sewing circle? Well not quite, but here's the story. The Red Cross provides projects for bed patients to do so the time won't drag quite so much. I chose a scarf to weave on a small wooden contraption. All it is is a board with a slot down the center. Along both sides of the slot, small nails are spaced at half inch intervals. By looping the wool thread around the nails & looping it over - presto - a scarf is born. I've just finished two, one for each of my nieces. The R.C. girl thought they turned out so well, I should make little purses to match, so now I'm struggling along with them. I'd like to make you one only I'm not sure what color you'd like, nor that a financial wizard like you would care for such a thing. I'm only kidding, honey. The nurses seem to like both scarfs & purses, in fact, some of the patients already made them both one. So I guess it would strike your fancy too. If the one I'm working on turns out well, I'll make you one. Don't expect anything too fancy now.
You know little one, I wish I could dream of you like you do me. I don't seem to dream at all. I lie awake though an hour or more each nite just thinking of you. I can't seem to get you off my mind, not that I want to anyway. It reminds me of the song - You're Always on My Mind, Though Out of Sight. You might call it dreaming at that, for wishes are the dreams we dream when we're awake. There are some other dreams I have to get after as soon as I get back so we won't have to wait so long for the day we can start being together for always. That's the day I want.
I'll leave you with that thought dear, hoping you share it with me. Keeping you in my heart and prayers, I remain,
Forever, with all my love, your
Johnny
P.S. The phrase on the flap means love conquers all things.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-10
Title
A name given to the resource
April 10, 1945, #1
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 10, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Here's that man again honey to tell you that you were very good to me to-day - eight letters no less, the latest March 26. I noticed you're still writing to 518 so you couldn't have received any mail from here yet. I hope things are better now in that respect. Maybe some of my letters are still hanging around in the box, for I have no way of knowing how soon they go out after I write them, what with censorship, etc.
I'm looking at your letter of Feb. 26 now, telling about the nite spent at young couple's apartment when you had Tom Collins. I'll never forget the New Year's (three past) when I had a pint of rum. I was over at my friend's house about eight bells - four of us fellows, each with a pint. We decided to start things odd as it was too early to go out. In about an hour mixing the rum with coke we finished the bottles. That was much too fast to drink it and we had some time with the additions with came later. However, I was able to drive my car home, but first drove twice around the park with the window vents wide, then walked around the block before going in. My mother said I looked like the last rose of summer. I prefer beer as you can drink more with less effect, so don't think you'll get me to mix you many T'C's. I don't imagine that will bother you much though. How the heck can you lounge around all day like that? I can't stay put, ordinarily, five minutes.
Now young lady, what's the idea of telling me to throw away the two snaps you enclosed if I already had them. I wouldn't do that if I had a dozen copies. It so happens that they were new to me. I can't understand all this talk you've been handing out about putting on weight. You look just perfect in the snaps taken in 1944 in the horse carriage. Likewise, in the snaps taken this year, sitting on your back steps - it makes me cuss the war which is keeping us apart. By the way, the darkness is caused by under exposure. If you use a box camera you need plenty of sunshine.
One of your letters contained some magazine cut-outs. The one with the wife telling the sgt., as they stand beside sink filled with dishes, not I'll give the orders, was very nice. You don't really think you'll be able to do that do you. Oh, you do! Well honey, I wouldn't be surprised if you could, for I'd just love to take orders from you.
I see by your letter of March 6, that you rec'd three letters from me. I'd like to see that Jr. Clerk who brought you the letters at half hour intervals. I know how I would have felt if I were you. A very pleasant surprise. I hope they all treat you as nice. Anyone that does something to please you is a friend of mine.
Your ring sounds like a very expensive one. I have only one fault to find; it's on the wrong finger; (3rd finger l. hand) I hope you won't mind moving it over. How about that? I don't mean right this instant, but no doubt you know what I mean, and I do mean it for thee I love. Sometimes I think you can love a person too much. Still I believe the joy is worth the pain of it. The "pain" comes in with wondering and worrying if you're safe from day to day the way some of these young kids seem to be going beserk these days. Don't ever go out alone at night dear if you can possibly help it. I always told my sister to use her knee or foot in the most effective spot if anyone ever bothered her. I guess you know where I mean. I could show you a lot of commando stuff if I was there, however, I pray you will always be safe until I can be around to protect you myself. That will be a privilege for me always.
Now sweetheart, I hope your blues are not with you to-day. I'll have to try to improve my letters & raise your morale. Now missing & loving you more than ever, if possible, I remain,
With all my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-10
Title
A name given to the resource
April 10, 1945, #2
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 11, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
I was reading one of your letters namely, Mar. 14, to-day. Say you had an awful time with that car. I was wondering right at the beginning if you weren't out of gas.
I intended mentioning before what you said about the fortune teller. Whether you believe in them or not, what they say will sometimes make you worry unconsciously, especially when you have no way of checking up on their predictions. I'd like to pop that guy in the nose for those cracks about me, at least if they bothered you at all. Rest assured there is no dark haired or any other color haired girl in this young man's life, except you. It's funny what he said about you marrying an engineer who wouldn't want to get married until he had enough to get along on. The time is off, otherwise it could apply to me for that's exactly how I feel. If you got married in a year, though I can't see how it could possibly be to me. Let that happen and I really will go and pop him one for putting the idea forth.
Honey, I wish you'd tell me what the things are that upset you. In the letter about the fortune teller you mention being upset. If you want to spend a lifetime to-gether, sharing each other's joys & sorrows as much as I do - then there is no better time to start letting old John's shoulder help you out. Remember this.
Yes, I think of you honey, but not just once in a while - you're always on my mind and in my heart. Gee I'll be glad when this mess is over! I believe if I'm in the army two more years (which I hope I'm not) I'll settle down as soon as I get home, although going to school and being married would be rather hard - the living expenses I mean. I guess I'll just have to wait through the first year anyhow, however, I won't like it.
That was a cute thought of yours little one - I mean the picture of the guy fishing. The part I like was what you wrote on the margin. If you really want to, sure you can come along & we'll dig the worms to-gether. I want to see you bait a hook. You won't get a kiss for every fish I catch however, but for every one I don't catch. There'll be probably no hook on my line.
I'm going to try to write you a love letter like you want to-morrow. I hope I make out better than I do with these.
Now take good care of yourself dearest, for me, just an ordinary guy who loves you dearly.
All my love, ever,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-11
Title
A name given to the resource
April 11, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 12, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
I'll be glad when I can put my in front of the salutation. You remember the song - My own, let me call you my own. Nothing I'd like better not for just a day but always. I mean that from the bottom of my heart, dearest one.
I'm going to take you up on the picnic you said we could have had in one of your letters, only I wasn't there. I'm afraid I was wrong again in my letter of the 9th when I said our likes were different, for your suggestions about a picnic in a quiet little place away from everyone would suit me perfectly. Dear when you say all you ask if for us to be to-gether you make me very happy. It will be the happiest moment of my life when I'm with you again.
You know, I won't care whether you have slacks on, your hair up in a kerchief, dirt on your face or anything else on the day I see you. It will be enough that you're you and I'm there with you. I don't know whether I'll have my car when I come up the first time or not. If I come by train & the schedules are the same, the one gets in about two o'clock in afternoon and the other about mid-nite. You'd be working for the first one and if you met the late one I'm afraid I'd keep you up too late for I won't want to let you go when I do finally get back to you. If I have my car of course, there will be no problem at all. I also wish we could meet if not away from Sarnia, at least alone. I feel just like Ann and her husband. There's no telling what I'll do when I see you - probably get a lump in my throat & not be able to speak. I mean it. If you think of anything let me know. If I came on train & could meet you somewhere alone it would be swell, even if it was only on a street corner because I'd really like to just have you there.
By the way, I'm still in the old bed. I forgot to mention how I was coming along in the last couple letters. I'm doing O.K. though honey, so please don't worry.
Did I tell you my sister plans to be married in June? The fellow is a navy man also a divorcee. When I marry it's for keeps and if I get the little gal I'm after (initials G.R.) I know I'll never regret it and will try always to keep her from regretting it. This practically amounts to a proposal honey and believe me I would do just that only I don't think it fair to you when I'm way over here. I hope you'll keep it in mind. I told my mother about us dear and I wish I could show you the letter she wrote back. She said all she wanted was to see me happy and that with you, in a little home of our own, she was sure I would be. She's always liked you, also my dad. (I guess I got my good eye for picking from him.) Before I came in the army she was always wishing you lived in Buffalo. You really made a hit with her and her son.
Well honey, I guess I'll have to sign off till to-morrow. If I've said anything you don't like, bawl me out. Take very good care of yourself precious as I always worry about you. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you. So now to you sweetheart, aloha. I'll love you always,
All my love,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-12
Title
A name given to the resource
April 12, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 13, 1945
Dearest,
I had to borrow this paper from one of my nurses as there is none available at the PX. She insisted on giving me the whole pad so I'll be able to write as much as I want to.
Well honey, how is my girls these days? - breaking more efficiency records at the bank I suppose. You should be able to manage a household budget perfectly after all the experience you're getting.
You know, my letters aren't going to be very newsy as long as I'm in here, but I'll do my best to write you daily. So if I talk a lot about us I hope you won't mind. Confidentially, that's my favorite subject. When I was on the train the fellows would often say to me, "Johnny, you are really in love aren't you." They claimed they could see it in my eyes when I'd sit down to write you a latter. Imagine that! They say the eyes are the windows of the soul and I guess that's right, for my love for you is as deep rooted inside me as my soul. To me, you become sweeter and dearer with each passing day. I'm warning you now, I'm through trying to be chivalrous telling you to go out with other guys - I'm speaking for myself from now on for I don't want the girl I love to forget her G.I.
It's going to be awful hard for me to be sensible when I get back. I'll be wanting to go right out and find a preacher. For the good of our future honey, it will be better to wait the two years which I've mentioned before. Here I am talking like everything was all settled and you haven't even said 'yes' yet. That's all you have to do though. What I said about it being unfair to you for me to ask you when we're so far apart still goes, however, with the following understanding, I think it would be fair, namely, that when I get back I'd ask you again in person, at which time you could change your mind if you wanted to. So darling, I'm asking you, "Will you marry me?" This isn't being done in the way I'd like to, but it's just as sincere. When I get back I'll do it right. Before you answer honey, remember we'll have a two yr. wait when I get back. Man, I'm going to be a nervous wreck until I get your answer!
Remember me telling you about a married couple I know who are two of my very best friends? They had a problem similar to our. I won't go into detail, but they were engaged for eight years. All that time they went together with just one misunderstanding, during which Frankie gave Wats (Francelia and Watson Campbell) his ring back for about three months. To make a long story short, now they are married and they were the happiest couple I knew until the war made them break up their home. Wats is in the infantry on the continent and Frankie is worried sick. She calls me her adopted brother since she has none of her own. I taught her how to drive as Wats was too impatient. Boy, she used to scare me half to death! I told me mother the day she took her test that if she hadn't been so pretty she would never have passed. I know you two will get along famously when you meet. There I go again getting ahead of myself. Please don't think I'm taking you for granted.
Before I forget hon, if you should day yes, don't think I'll expect you to sit around alone - I have complete faith and trust in you and leave it up to you how you enjoy yourself.
I feel like I could write on for hours, but proposing has 'kinda' taxed my strength so I better sign off until to-morrow. I love you honey more than words can say, and pray you are well. Take care of yourself.
All my love forever,
Your,
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-13
Title
A name given to the resource
April 13, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 17, 1945
Tues. 8:30 P.M.
Dearest Geraldine,
Well honey, I've still got the 'itch', doggone it, however, I don't feel so bad now because two other guys have it too. If you notice any fingerprints on this paper blame it on the lotion they've dabbed all over me. What a sight! Time out here while I drink my chocolate. We get a drink at this time every nite. Nothing like service, aye what. The nite nurse just came in and told me she's going to give me a sleeping pill to-night. I was too busy scratching last night to do much in the shut eye line. From three till four this morning I played solitaire. It helped to take my mind off the itch, and I finally got to sleep around four. Remarkably interesting letter so far isn't it.
Things went about as usual to-day, even the weather was the song - warm and sunny. Such days make me very restless and tired of this bed business. I guess I told you there were four of us in here who were confined to beds. There are only two of us now, the paratroopers and I. One fellows got up for the first time to-day and the other left last week for a rehab hospital (one where they get you ready for active duty again).
The only mail I've received to-day was a 'Get Well' card from one of the nurses. I thought it was nice of her to send it. We 'shoot a lot of bull' during the course of a day. She calls me Butch or Jr. She would make a good addition to your sorority for she's a live wire like you. Her post war plans are a career as an army nurse in Hawaii. It's a good racket in peace time, but I wouldn't want it.
Enough of that. Hpw's the prettiest gal in S. to-day? I'm a lucky guy to have a lovely girl like you for a sweetheart. It's sure hard waiting until we can be to-gether again. As you say, we'll show the other couples how to enjoy a beautiful day and if we don't draw a lot of smiles I'll miss my guess.
Honey, this will have to do for to-nite. It's not much of a letter, however, it brings just as much love as always and that's a lot. So dear little one take good care of yourself and remember me in your prayers as I do in mine.
Yours always with all my love,
Your Johnny
Enclosed snaps of Butch & me
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-17
Title
A name given to the resource
April 17, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 20, 1945
Friday noon
Dearest Geraldine,
Another day has passed, one less of war and one closer to you, dear, who have been my inspiration through all the past war weary days and still are.
Again things are about the same including my allergy. I'll certainly be thankful when this itching stops. It looks like it's going to stay with me all week like it does with our doctor's daughters. Some fun!
I've got my room in rather a mess at present. The major brought me all his medical magazines with the idea of me making bindings for them. We divided them into groups of three months issues so I only had to make five covers. I finished that and have them lying on the table. Then, one of the nurses wanted me to draw the medical insignia on a pillow cover so she could embroider it. That I have also done. She left it in here so she can get my advice in case she gets stuck. Imagine me telling a woman how to sew! Of course it isn't actually sewing honey. It's the same kind of work I did on the purses I made. Anyway, that adds to the mess. I still have the two scarves and purses I made for my nieces plus a little change purse for you. It, by the way, is coming to you via Buffalo as it needs a couple of snaps to hold it shut. The Red Cross can't get any over here. Finally, to-day I spent making a start on a snapshot album. What a job! I'm glueing little pieces of leather on a cardboard back to form the frontspiece. I don't know whether I got more glue in hod or on myself. About a tie I guess. So, you see things are more confusing than amusing as Lil Abner says. At least it helps me pass the time away.
According to the nurse I'll be in here another six weeks or so yet so don't be afraid to write to this address. When I leave they'll forward it to me anyhow.
This is just a note for now as I wanted you to know I'm doing O.K. even though there is no news. Please don't worry that pretty little head of yours honey, for aside from itching, I'm coming along fine. Take very good care of yourself little one and remember better days are coming.
All my love ever,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-20
Title
A name given to the resource
April 20, 1945, #1
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 20, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
I was a lucky guy this afternoon with a letter and birthday card from you. they came in nine days, can you beat that. I hope my mail reaches you so fast. Thanks a million for the swell card honey and especially for the message it contained - your love!
I was very sorry to hear you are feeling so low as far as morale is concerned. I have an idea that I'm to blame for it for you must have gone three weeks without mail when I first came in the hospital. That won't happen again darling even if I have to dictate the letters. No fear of that however, as I'm coming along fine. I hope you forgive my writing lapse little one for it makes me blue when you are. Anyway, I trust you're feeling better now.
Another thing honey, stop worrying about when the war will end and we can get to-gether again. I'm a good one to hand out this advice for I can scarcely control my own impatience. Maybe it will help a bit if I remind you of this - no matter how long we're apart it's not going to change my love for you. There's never been another since the day we met and never will be. Remember this and don't worry about your dreams either, because we'll make them come true to-gether. Now that's straightened out I'll continue.
I certainly was happy to receive your letter! Apparently some in between have yet to arrive so I'll be looking forward to them. Did you ever send the snaps you promised? Those taken with Harold which were so good you didn't want to risk losing them. By the way, my erratic writing is due to the fact that I'm writing on a pad held against my upraised knee as I lie in bed. Solid comfort!
Why don't you let me in on some of those picnic plans, etc, you have for us. Nothing I'd rather hear about than that. It's about time we started taking each other's dreams and making them part of our own, don't you think?
Congrats on your reduced weight! Don't overdo it though, honey, as too fast reducing is bad, besides I have a fairly long arm and am sure it will easily encircle your waist. So you're one of those 'extra helping' gals aye. My sister was like that until she became a little too big for her clothes. A letter from my mother yesterday stated that Sis now has to shorten all her dresses because she has become so streamlined. I thought she was just about right when I left home. I guess she's more so now. You never saw her honey, but she has all the looks in my family. Occasionally, I'd take her downtown on Thursday nite where the stores were open so she could shop. The guys certainly used to give her the once over. She doesn't know what I think about her though. It never does to let your sister know anything like that. Want to know something - for my money you're still the fairest one of all not to mention a few other things I can think of.
Now little one, I really hope your morale is better long before this epistle reaches you. Don't work too hard and be careful. One more little thing I notice in a postscript in your letter. Honey, I know you're sincere in what you write. Anything written sincerely is not 'mush' so don't wonder if I think your endings are that way, for I don't. Are you all straightened out now? I hope you are.
Aloha darling, for to-nite and you will and do always have
All my love,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-20
Title
A name given to the resource
April 20, 1945, #2
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 21, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Another lucky day for me with two more letters from you written the tenth and twelfth. I can't understand why my mail takes so long to get over. It seems to get to my home in about ten days. I sure wish it would reach you as fast, important one.
You and my mother are two for a pair as far as gardening goes. She's always out playing around with the lawn, the flowers or bushes. Our lawn used to look better than most on our street. The back lawn was actually the nicest of any, mostly due to her efforts, for my help especially went as far as lawn mowing.
That was a good cartoon your Mom sent - the one with the little black puppies. You know honey, it made me feel good knowing she had cut it out for you to send, because I had an idea she didn't like the idea of you and and me getting to-gether again - this time for keeps. Now I feel she doesn't dislike me and I'm glad for I always liked her a lot. When I get back and you're over here visiting the limeys, I'll be able to drop in for a cup of tea with her and maybe take her for a ride to cheer her up & me.
I'm wondering what will actually happen when we meet the first time. I was just reading the sentence where you described the Can. army officer entering the bank and mistook or rather thought he looked like me. If thinking it was me made you shake, what's going to happen when I appear in person? You better not shake too much for I'll probably need some support myself. If I can talk after five minutes I'll be doing good. Gee, I wish we could meet alone that first time! I really believe we should share those first few minute to-gether with no one near. They'll be very precious minutes to me and I think to you too. About the only solution is to meet me at the train it seems. I warn you though, you'll get hugged and kissed even if the whole town is standing around watching. It will be a case of put your arms around me honey, hold me tight, snuggle up and cuddle up with all your might. Well I guess you know the rest of the song. It just fits the above situation, don't you think or do you?
When I think how long my last epistle took in reaching you it makes me very impatient. According to that, my letter (important to me) of the tenth won't reach you until the first week in May. Woe is me. I'll probably have no finger nails left by the time I receive your reply!
You know dear, this period is the hardest in our lives. A love that can stand up under all ours has had to, can weather anything. We'll make up for all this lost time though and enjoy it all the more for the waiting. Man, I'm gonna just about burst when I do see you again! Boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!
Now until to-morrow darling, aloha again. Be very careful with my girl (you) and take it easy. As a parting thought, you are to me the loveliest, sweetest and dearest little lady in the world. I'm mighty proud of you honey.
All my love ever,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-21
Title
A name given to the resource
April 21, 1945
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
April 22, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
I'm going to answer your letter of the twelfth to-day. You should receive a letter for every one you write because I answer each one & the same.
I'll start with your comments on the group picture I sent you. I agree with you & your gal friends that Danny takes the prize for being the best looking. I think I'll tell you about them all so you'll know. First, all the fellows are protestants with the exception of Gil, Joe Krieger and Danny, who are jewish. Surprised? You guess wrong about Gil being the life of the party. He's a live wire but Paul, standing behind him and Joe Krieger on his left are the real live wires. Many's the pub Paul & I livened up with our singing. We did it to-gether, and with Johnny Bauer & Joe Krieger (Unholy Four). Danny is a swell fellow, quiet and quite intellectual. He likes concerts (like Dean Johnston did) and can give equally well an account on the communistic movement in China or the theory of relativity. I can't even spell it right. Don't think he's a bore, for he's not. When there's fun, he's there too. Oh yes, like you, a one beer man. Post war plans are co-operative farming - unattached and can be reached by placing Pvt. in front of his name & sending it to the 5th Hosp. Train APO 413. The same applies for the other guys. This information is not for you my love. Lea Like and Hitchcock are married, Craig Winters engaged. Joe Hudak is six feet four inches tall. In picture he looks about same height as other fellows but tis not so. He was standing on a downgrade. As for Paul, another A1 fellows - can drink a pint of beer in 56 seconds. We timed him. Lots of fun. Now for Kreiger, he is strictly a wit. If he can't make you laugh nobody can. By the way, it's a poor picture of him. He is quite a nice looking Joe. To end this confab, no I am not growing a mustache. The guys used to kid me that I should but not this boy. Surely you wouldn't want to be kissed with a mustache in between, would you?
Say honey, thank you very much for the snaps. I like best the one where you are sitting on the fender. I really think you look beautiful - no kidding. You're some girl dearest and I'm sure longing to hold you close in my arms again. Once I get you there I'll never let you go so if you don't plan to stay there, better not let me catch you. Don't say I didn't warn you now. You know, all my plans are centered around you, so you're a most important part of me dear. Maybe I shouldn't tell you this when I haven't heard your answer yet, however, I'll risk it. Risk isn't the right word for I don't consider it a risk to tell you anything because I trust the girl I love even with my life if necessary. I do manage to tangle my words up don't I, still maybe you see what I mean. At least I get one thing straight on paper, I hope, and that is my love for you dearest. You'll never know just how much that is, but know that it's every minute of the hour, every hour of the day, every day of every week in the year. About the only other thing I can say is, my life will not be complete till I can spend all these minutes, hours, days and years with just dear little you. If I haven't made that clear then I'm a monkey's uncle. However, seriously honey, I hope you've gathered these facts from my letters for that's what I intended you to see in them. It is hard to express things right on paper as you know.
Well darling, your GI is going to love & leave you now until to-morrow. Please take good care of yourself & say hello to your Mom. Now to the sweetest girl there is I leave
All my love always,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-04-22
Title
A name given to the resource
April 22, 1945, #1