22 Feb February 22, 1944

Letter
from: Alice Shonkwiler
to: Pvt Geo. W. Shonkwiler
February 22nd, 1944, 3:30pm

Darling,

Didn’t get a chance to write yesterday as I was busy cleaning out closets and
so on for Elinor, and went up on the Avenue to do some shopping.  I bought a
chenille doll for Tommy Tosti and a slip for Elsie’s (Beloit) birthday.  My
money’s going fast.  Sure hope the allotment comes along soon.  Of course,
I’ll have the rent next Sat. I hope.

Mrs. Page gave Ronnie a book for his birthday yesterday.

Page 2.
It has dogs, cats, chickens, and pigs to cut out and paste together as little
coverings for each finger.  For example, five pigs on his hand and then has
a story to go with each set of animals.  Real cute.  Came from the Palmer
House book shoppe -- I s’pect.  I stayed up cleaning and so on until 2:30
last night and then I couldn’t sleep when I got to bed.  Can’t seem to keep
my feet warm.

It’s been raining today all day. Rather dreamy. Elinor worked last night and
couldn’t sleep this morning, so she got up at 11:30.  She’s reading and
Ronnie’s sleeping right now.

I just finished baking a

page 3
cake.  The layers are pink sponge with lemon filling and butter icing with
pecans on it. It tastes pretty good.  Want a piece?

Ronnie has been a pretty good boy.  Eats all the time and drinks cod liver oil.
Elinor bought some too and is making me take it.  Maybe I’ll be a chubby girl
when next you get to see me.

Say -- Ronnie received your postcard today.  You certainly got right out in
front, didn’t you?  Pretty nice picture, tho, altho I’ll have a hard time

Page 4.
explaining to Ronnie that you’re a soldier.  Look more like a Pullman
aircrafter in that outfit.  Be sure and have a nice photo taken in your dress
uniform so I can show Ronnie his soldier Daddy.  Your card is postmarked
"Jackson, Tennessee".  Is this on your way or are you stationed in Tenn.?

Ronnie just woke up and I (showed -- bad English?) let him see your picture.
I was afraid he’d tear it, so I took it away, but had to give it back as he
started to cry and said, "More see Daddy".

Saw Murray and Marge last night and he’s going to quit Pullman as
Dr. Mc Kamana said it wasn’t doing his lungs any good.

Well, bye, dear and write, right away.

Love always,
Mom and Ronnie