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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
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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
Sunday 5 P.M.
Dearest Geraldine,
This is the third day in a row now I've received mail from you. To-day's had been sent to the train and returned here. It was written March 21st. Thanks a million for being so faithful writing honey!
In your letter you say you should be over here to look after me. I only wish you were here or rather I was over there where you could do the job. Even though in the spring a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of love & romance, as you say, you have the right idea in not being very worried. The only way my thoughts turn is toward my pretty little honey, as if you didn't know. You're my first love and my last love as the song puts it.
I enjoyed the clippings you enclosed, especially the one where the soldier is having an apron pinned on by his wife, preparatory to doing the dishes. Don't think you're scaring me a bit though, for helping you will never be tiresome.
Your new hat looks very nice. I don't know where you got the idea the model was prettier than you are. T'ain't so. I'd sure like to see you all decked out in your new suit, etc. I'll bet you look smashing as the limeys say. We ought to go pretty good to-gether, you with your suits and me with my sports clothes for that's about all I ever wear as you know. We'll make a colorful looking couple. That reminds me, I have a pr. of drak green slacks I used to wear with a checkered coat. What a combination! I'm wondering if my clothes will still fit when I get back. The army claims the soldiers will all need new wardrobes when they get discharged.
Darling, I notice you say you don't see how you'll stand waiting another year for me if you have to. Well I know how hard it is for I'm in the same boat you know. Just keep thinking of all the swell times we'll have to-gether when I do get back. I promise you now that I'll make up for all the times we've lost and all the worries you've had to endure little one. I wish you knew Frankie because I'm sure you would help each other. She's worried to death about Watson. When I hear from her it helps me to realize that I'm not the only one separated from the one I love. Much as I wish you and I were already married, I guess it's a good thing we aren't yet, for you'd be worrying yourself sick then I know.
Well dear, there isn't much news as always. I did get a little ride in the wheel chair again. This time to see the dentist about a filling. I noticed it is quite cool outside despite the warm sunshine. It never does get very warm over here anyhow.
It must be about eleven o'clock A.M. where you are now since we're on double summer time. It stays light until almost ten o'clock. I remember last May up in Scotland it was light until just before midnite. It seemed very strange to me.
Now honey, I'll leave you on paper and keep you in my thoughts until to-morrow's epistle. Take care of yourself for me and know that I carry you in my heart always.
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
1945-04-22
Title
A name given to the resource
April 22, 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
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
April 23, 1945
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
1945-04-23
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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 26, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Well hon, how's my best and only girl to-day. I hope everything is going O.K. and you're not working too hard.
I noticed in your letter of the seventeenth that you don't want me to waste any time coming to see you after the war is over. Surely you didn't think I would waste any did you? You'll be seeing me not more than a day after I hit Buffalo. I figure on two nites and a day at home and then it will be Sarnia, here I come.
I'm glad that you feel very close to me hon. Knowing that makes things much easier for me. You certainly couldn't be any closer to me unless you were right here. I don't need to add anything about your prayers that we can take up where we left off - for if you're received my epistle of April tenth you should know how I stand. It won't be quite the same this time, however, for no one & nothing is going to come between us again dear. So just pray that our present separation will be soon ended so that we can be to-gether for keeps.
I don't know whether I'll be able to tell you much about your camera. Just what kind have you got now? You see Ger, I only know about 35mm cameras such as mine. The 35mm refers to the size of the film. I've got two of these cameras, the one taking a picture 3/4"x1 1/2" and the other about 3/4" by 1". Of course these are enlarged to regular size. The small negative makes it possible to take more pictures on a reel, either eighteen or thirty-six. I'll be glad to show you how to work both of the,. I'll have to study up a little as I want to get some good pictures of you and of us. My Unc is the one who can tell you about cameras. Say who are we going to get to take us to-gether? I'm thinking of the times we'll be off alone on picnics. It would be nice to have a picture to-gether to remember them by. Guess we'll just have to flag somebody & have them take it. I have an idea I may be able to fix my camera so we can get a snap without help. Time will tell.
Say hon, if I'm the lucky guy you choose, your idea of telling the folks and heading for the nearest parsonage would sure suit me. That way you don't have to be monkeying around with a whole crowd of people.
You can be alone right away and isn't that what a newly married couple wants to be? Yes sir, tear up to the parsonage, be married and then off right away in the car on your honeymoon. That appeals to me. As far as that goes through, as long as it was you I was marrying, I wouldn't care how it was done. Whichever way would make you happiest would be the choice.
Well hon, I'll let you get back to work again now. Let's not argue too much with the accountant or I may have to do some accounting with him. Take it easy little one. Say hi to your mom for me. Hoping you are well, I remain, With 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
1945-04-26
Title
A name given to the resource
April 26, 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 27, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
My morale is high again with the arrival of four letters from you. They were dated from April sixteenth through the nineteenth. Nothing cheers me up like a letter from my one and only, not to mention the snap of enclosed of Margaret and you sitting on the sand. You seem to get prettier all the time, but I don't see how you possibly can improve any more. For my money, you're perfect right now. Thanks very much for the snap little one! Wish I could send you more. Maybe I'll be able to when I get out of here. By the way, I'm still coming along OK and taking my ease in bed.
If this new hair style of yours is fluffed up over your forehead - well I was going to say I liked it better that way, but looking at the latest picture you sent I'm not sure. You're so darn cute in all styles that I wouldn't want to advance on opinion.
I hope you don't have any more of those bad headaches hon. For crying out loud take care of yourself dor I don't want anything happening to you, dearest girl in the world. I wish I could really tell you how much I love you, but Webster just never made any words that can describe it. Mathematically I'd say to the googolth power. In case you don't know what a googol is, it's 10 with a hundred zeros after it. In other words a figure beyond the imagination. It's none too much for a girl like you either. Doggone hon, you'll just have to wait till I'm back, then you won't need words - actions speak louder than they do you know. Just consider how much you want to be loved and then multiply by a googol - you'll have a pretty close estimate.
To-day is a little on the stormy side, one minute the sun shines, the next it's clouds. To top it all off, we've had snow flurries this morning. It's also quite chilly. There's a major in the next room and I had to laugh at him. Every nite the ward boy has to build a fire in the stove in his room and it's really been warm up until to-day. He also sleeps with the windows shut and two blankets on the bed. To pat myself on the back and show you what a 'rudgy' character I am - no fire, one blanket and wide open window. Proud of my hon?
Now sweet, please take care of yourself & remember I'll always be saving all my love for you. Thank you for your prayers hon, you are in mine too.
With all my love,
Always,
Your
Johnny
Excuse stationery.
It's all that is available.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
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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
1945-04-27
Title
A name given to the resource
April 27, 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 29, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
There's just no accounting for the weather over here. Yesterday it was cold and snowing, to-day is a sunny day warm enough to be out without any extra clothing. I'm lying in bed with my windows wide open and am almost too warm for comfort. A swell day for a long walk or picnic.
Everything is about the same at this end including yours truly. I'll be very glad when they let me get out of bed, believe me. I don't think I'll ever want to look at a bed again. I agree with you that it's peculiar how some people can eat without gaining weight, while others put on pounds even when they try to lose. Of course, late snakcs and second helpings don't help matters any. I've noticed this weight gaining peculiarity many times. It may be that smoking has something to do with it, though I'm not sure. My sister stayed thin when she smoked; she stopped and started to gain weight. Now on this diet I've told you about, she eats, more or less, like a horse and stays where she wants to. Last reports were 108 lbs. I imagine she looks pretty terrific at present for with her height of 5'5" with shoes that should go well don't you think? As for me, instead of eating a snack before hitting the sack back home, I'd knock off a bottle of beer and a couple of cigarettes or a pipeful. It seems that you don't desire food so much when you smoke. Most of the people I know who do are 'Pharoahs' lean kind 'like yours' truly, whether they eat heartily or not. So if you want to lose that nine lbs hon, I'd suggest my sister's diet. I'll have to ask her for it again as she hasn't sent it yet. Personally, I can't see why you want to lose anymore weight. You look just about perfect in that last snap you sent. There's nothing looks better on a woman than a few curves in the right places you know. Heh, heh!!
It looks like the day is going to the dogs now for it's started to rain. I used to love driving along at night in the rain with the radio playing sweet music. Rain makes a pleasant sound on the roof I always thought. We'll certainly have to make another trip to Detroit when I get back. Rain or shine, that's a beautiful drive down the St. Clair river and around the lake. We'll have to stop at that amusement park near Detroit if it's still there. How about a bit of canoeing around Belle Isle? The only trouble with a canoe is that you can't very well sit to-gether. We'd have to park under a tree and sit in the center of the thing I guess. Is it a date? If it is we'll probably average about ten miles an hr. coming home. Nothing like making a good thing last you know and there will be no curfew we have to follow of worry about - just take it easy and enjoy ourselves. Right. Those will be the days!
By the way hon, the Vmail type letters you sent, arrived no faster or slower than your other letters. I'd send you more V-mails only I can't get any air-mail stamps just a-m envelopes. A V-mail won't go to Canada without a stamp. I can send them home free.
Now hon, I'll finish up for this day, hoping you are well and taking care of yourself. We've come a long, long way, little one, and I've loved you all the way and will always.
With all my love,
I am, 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
1945-04-29
Title
A name given to the resource
April 29, 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 1943
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Dear Geraldine,
I was sorry to hear of your forced hospital "siege" but I sure hope you're shipshape now. You must be rather thin to be a "32". Why even I'm a '36' and you wouldn't call me fat by any means! You must be like my mother, if she weighs over 98 lbs. she starts reducing. Women are certainly strange critters but boy wouldn't we (the males) be lost without them!
You do seem a little mixed up on the school question, probably because I didn't express myself clearly Here's how it is—I'm still working as usual but go to school at nite from 7:30-10 P.M., two nites a week. The course I was taking ended last nite so I can now take a more advanced one or start a new one or of course not take any. I'm thinking of taking some more drawing as it has always been my favorite subject, my hobby, my love, etc. Need I go on? While on the subject I might add that I'm trying for a free art course. The only trouble is that it won't do me any good if I win, as I won't quit my job to go to school at a time like this. My reason for taking it amounts more or less to seeing how good I am or "ain't."
The army hasn't given me any further news in regard to my army service but I'll be ready when they are. From what my friends, who are in the Air Force, write, it isn't bad at all. The one fellow is in California and says the people are the nicest of any he has come across. He has been to the Hollywood Canteen where, according to him, the hostesses are all beautiful. He has seen several movie stars & attended broadcasts but the important thing, at least for him, is that his wife has gone out there to be near him. So he is 'on top of the world' as you might say. The other fellows I know in the Air Force are pretty much satisfied also, so I consider myself lucky to be getting in it (the Air Force) in the event that I have to go and can pass. Of course there's no question about my going, the only thing that bothers me is whether I can pass the physical. As the song says, 'say a little prayer for me.'
My sister and her two kiddies are staying with us for a month or so. Sis is going to get a job and is finished with that jerk husband of hers. He's a no-good if there ever was one. By the way, if I get in the Army I hope you'll keep on writing, as they say letters are very important to a soldier's morale, or a defense workers', heh heh.
We've gone back on our old schedule of work seven days and off the eighth. One good thing is that I'll have Easter Sunday and Monday off. Everything you get a Sunday off you have the following Monday too. The idea is that you don't get more than six days in each work week. If the seventh day fell in one work week, they would have to pay double time. So you see there's method in their madness. Bell made a profit of over four million in '42 — see what I mean.
I wish you could see my sister's youngest child. She's the cutest kid I ever saw, always laughing and full of heck.
A fellow got killed at work to-day. He was a steel worker working on the girders. He touched a live worse, fell fifty feet and landed on his head. Tough luck.
I'm still trying to get a film for my camera, but so far without success. I was going to invest in a better camera last year, but now film is getting scarce I'm glad I didn't.
It just occurred to me that if we ever get together again we'll have plenty to talk about, won't we? Maybe it will be a case of cat has my tongue, although I doubt it.
Oh, by the way, my birthday was on the 24th and I got stocked up on fishing tackle. A new rod, reel, tackle box, plugs, hooks, etc. Now all I need is a fish to catch. In a week or so a couple of fellow from work and I hope to get over on Grand Island to try our luck. I'll let you know how we make out.
Well, Jerry, I guess I'll call it a nite. My Mother sends her best regards and hoping to hear from you soon, I remain -
As ever,
Johnny
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
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John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-04-06
Description
An account of the resource
Letter from John Waller to Geraldine Rowbottom, sent from Buffalo, N.Y. to Sarnia, Ontario. Post stamped April 8, 1943.
Title
A name given to the resource
April 6, 1943
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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 8, 1945
Sunday 5 P.M
Dearest Geraldine,
Another week has passed and here I am still in bed. What a life! I have no hopes of being able to be up and around very soon either if what the nurse told me is so. Nothing like a good rest I guess.
You know honey, I really hated writing the letter I did to you last week, but I had to get you thinking practically. It seems lately that every other letter I received from you would tell about one of your girl friends getting married - reading between the lines I could see that you considered yourself more of less of an old maid of twenty-two, so I offered you the best advice I could get on paper. I hope you didn't think I was trying to give you the 'brush off.' Remember the song, You may not be an angel, but until the day that one comes along, I'll string along with you. Need I say more.
I guess one of these days I'll have to write you the love letters - strictly that you wanted if you still would like one.
Your young married friends who like hunting certainly seem to have a lot in common. I wonder how much we have in common. I'm afraid there is really a wide difference in our likes & dislikes. I'll try to name a few. First I'm crazy about the water & you as I remember, & you stated, aren't very keen about it. You prefer to don a bathing suit & sit around looking pretty. Ahem! You like tailored clothes whereas, I prefer a woman in feminine clothes. You like parties with plenty of people around - I now like to be with a few friends, after being in the army so long - and spend a quiet time. You see they don't match at all so far. I don't believe you like gold, my favourite game, either. Of yes, a little matter of wearing pajamas; I don't agree with you on that at all. I got quite a kick out of your letter mentioning Ruby and her pajamas. It will be a long time before I forget that. I believe you're just an old fashioned girl at heart, but a very dear one.
I agree with you that the fellow you mentioned was rushing things a bit. I shouldn't have thought there was any need for a slip like that, unless he's trying to raise a family to keep out of the army. Surely, they both knew how to get around, or should I say prevent a thing like that happening. I'd say the beginning of their marriage was spoiled now, as I'd want to spend mine having fun to-gether with my wife. Say we finally agree on something.
You know honey, you don't need to wonder if I think your bold mentioning such a subject. After all we're both grown-up now and responsible only to ourselves, besides, that's something everyone talks about. I don't know if I ever told you about sitting in on some classes on obstetrics while I was maintenance man on the hospital train, given by the head nurse. So you see I'm used to hearing plain talk on any subject you can mention. Anyway, I like saying what I mean without beating around the bush.
I'd sure hate to have a wrestling match with you right now. I believe you weigh as much as I do right now and I'm weak as a kitten besides. It's a good job you aren't around here in one of your good moods, although you'd probably make me feel so good I'd be out of bed in no time.
This change of address has certainly messed my mail up: I haven't written many letters so far. There isn't much you can say when you're in bed all day, still I'm going to try to write to you more often even if it's only a V-mail saying I love you honey, and hope you give me a chance to prove it, even though the future doesn't seem so bright and present. You can't tell what will come along to improve the situation. If I'm not careful I'll be having a love letter - strictly - on my hands here.
I've got a couple of swell nurses sweet. The one went to another nurse's birthday party a couple of nights ago. The next morning she brought me in a large piece of the cake. Boy, was it good! I hadn't tasted anything like that since leaving home.
It's a good job you can't drink more than one bottle of beer. Beer adds weight to the legs and tummy. Nothing looks worse to my mind than a woman with fat legs. An awful lot of nurses get that way from being on their feet so much. They say nothing spoils a pretty girl's appearance so much. You better be sure you keep yours in the good shape or you'll be hearing from me when I see you. Any comments?
Sweetheart, I'm going to have to love you and leave you. I'm sorry to have caused you worry through not writing. Will make it up to you when I see you and try to do better. Remember I love you always, even though my letters sometimes get bogged down with low morale. Keep well and take it easy.
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
1945-04-08
Title
A name given to the resource
April 8, 1945