31 Aug August 31, 1944

letter 1.
From:
A. Shonkwiler
to: Private George W. Shonkwiler,
August 30th, 1944, Wednesday, 1.45 p.m.

Darling,

Spent a rather uneventful day today doing practically nothing. Well, that
is almost nothing. Of course, I cleaned up a bit around the house and washed
the bathroom and kitchen floors. But I was so tired all day. Must be because
I got up at 5.30 yesterday to drive into Chicago and along with continued
rain since last Saturday, I still feel tired.

I made Eleanor’s dinner. Then went over to Mrs. Evans for Ronnie’s and my
dinner.  She said, Al had written to you at Blanding, but had received no
answer as yet. So he will write again  as soon as he gets the address, I
gave Mrs. Evans, (or Frances, which is her first name). They have a five
room brick home at 10435 Prairie. It’s

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small but furnished and decorated beautifully.  They have all mahogany
furniture in Duncan Phyllis style.  The living room and dining room are
in pale pink and the bedroom and nursery are papered in a dainty floral.
She has very good taste throughout.  I guess you’ve never met her, have
you?  She looks very much like Ruth Vrooman, (Eggy’s wife), if you
remember what she looks like. Only Francis is probably a few years older.
Their boy Donald is nineteen months old and a little darling with big
brown eyes.

We had a nice dinner consisting of pork chops, fresh green peas, buttered
carrots, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade cake, and orange and vanilla
ice cream.  It was all very good.

She is working in the office of Sherwin Williams and her

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older sister keeps house for her and takes care of Donald.  Her sister
must be about 45 and is very nice.

I hear over the air that the Germans are short of guns, ammunition, guns
and transports, and tanks.  He said they might struggle through until
spring, but he doubted that they would.  I hear the Romanian Council has
resigned, also that Bulgaria may sign a armistice with the Allies by
tomorrow.

I received the photos of you and Forrest and the one of you alone today.
They stated when they sent the proofs that the photos would be returned
and so on.  On the photos I received the same marks on your face and hands
caused by your dermatitis appear on the finished photo. Otherwise it
looks very nice.  Only why did you wear GI glasses on the

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picture?  They’re such a heavy glass that your eyes aren’t very distinct.
I’m glad I have it, though, so Ronnie and I can kiss it goodnight before
we go to bed.  Temporarily I put it in my frame, (the big photo of me
that was on the mantle), but hope to get another frame for it soon.

This weekend will be Labor Day, which means two lonesome days for me, as
Eleanor will be going home.  I’ve been wondering whether to call Gladys
or not.  Don’t suppose she’d come as she was here last, but I don’t feel
like going out there either.

Well, I’ll close now as I’m so sleepy and have to wash curtains tomorrow,
and oh, I dread it.

I’m numbering my letters from now on so you can check and see how many
you receive.  This is number one, as I’ve marked on the first page in a
circle.

We miss you and love you, Mom and Ronnie.
P.S. Oralee has sold all her furniture and given up her apartment, and
is staying with Fred’s mother until September 12th when she’s going to
Washington.