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(cover page) A Loving Birthday Greeting For My Wife
(interior page) I take so much for granted, Dear
And forget, sometimes, the words of praise I ought to speak to one whose love Is the greatest blessing of my days,
But, Dear, I do appreciate The helpful, thoughtful things you do,
And all the love within my heart
Belongs, my Dear, to you.
Ronnie and Wesley
Dearest Wes, I’m all in after a busy day. I wasn’t meant for gadding around. I can see that.
This morning I washed the walls of the kitchen, that is, two of them. Then straightened up the house, breakfast, dishes, etc. At 12:30 I brought Ronnie over to Dixon’s as she was letting him take his nap there while I attended the Women’s Club 50th anniversary luncheon with Edith. Tickets were 85 cents, but Edith insisted for it being her treat. We had a nice luncheon consisting of cream chicken on toast, rolls, jello salad, fresh peas. (altho they forgot these on my plate -- darn it!),and for dessert we had anniversary cake and
page 2 coffee. Everything was very good. After the lunch a few of the past presidents spoke, and a harpist played a couple of numbers, and we sang a few old songs like "The bicycle built for two," and "Red Wing," "the Old Mill Stream," etc. while girls made an appearance in costumes of 50 yrs ago, etc. I left before the end as Mrs. Dixon had to leave for the beauty shop at 3:45 and I had to pick Ronnie up at that time.
After I got Ronnie, I drove over to Sally Hitchcock’s, but found the house empty except for a bunch of painters, etc. I asked if anyone lived there and one of the painters said Sally had moved to California and that the father was moving
page 3 into the house. I don’t know whether he meant Sally’s or his folks. I know her folks moved to Chicago several months ago and were living in a furnished apt. It’s funny she didn’t call me before she left, but maybe she left in a hurry and didn’t have a chance. I called her when I got the War Dept. wire about you being wounded, but she hasn’t called me since even to ask if I heard from you or anything. She always said she was having us over for lunch, but never did. When I talked to her in December she was thinking of going to Calif. to live because he liked it so well there that he wanted to stay after the war.
One thing if we ever do go West
page 4 some day, we’ll have plenty of people to visit.
After dinner tonight I took off all the slipcovers on [the] Davenport and the two chairs, washed them and already have them sewed back on again, besides ironing two dinner cloths, 14 napkins and a pr of Ronnie’s overalls. So all in all I had a pretty big day for a little gal, don’t you think?
I sent you a Govt. 5 word radiogram of cheer last night. Hope you get it sometime. Sure is hard to figure out what to say in 5 words.
I called Gladys tonight to find out if she’s coming in this weekend, and she said she hadn’t had an opportunity to call because Ellen just came home from Florida. She didn’t say whether
page 5 Les came home or not. Les was home about three weeks ago for a week, leaving Ellen in Florida, so perhaps he is going overseas now. I’ll let you know more later, as Gladys and Joyce are coming in tomorrow afternoon. I think we’ll
take Ronnie and Joyce to the Chicago Theater tomorrow afternoon, and will bake a cake for Ronnie for their benefit, altho I’m having a party for Ronnie on Tuesday (the 20th) to which I’ve invited the Hayes, Campbells, and the Holmes and Pages. I’m only having coke and coffee, tho and not a big spread like when you were home. Marge is having a party for Ronnie and Tommy at their place next week-end, so that’s why I’m not asking the Tostis to my
page 6 party. I doubt if they’d come on a week night anyway.
The Pages asked me to say "hello" and good luck for them. They’ve given me several messages of greeting, but I always forget to tell you. Mr. Page also said to go see his uncle if you get a chance. Mrs. Page’s brother, (can’t think of his name, oh yes, it’s Howard Bode) is in England now and if he’s near your hospital, they’ve asked him to go see you. I met him and he seems very nice. He’s 37 yrs old, but doesn’t look it. They don’t know just where he’s stationed. I’ll get his address and maybe you can tell.
I’m enclosing a letter sent in Aug. that was returned to me today. I wonder why? Guess it’s been all over the country. I sent a lot of letters to this address, as it’s the address that was sent on the postcard from Fort Meade. Did you get the other letters?
Good night, darling. I love you Mom and Ronnie.
P.S. I haven’t had a letter for 9 days. Hope you’re on your way home.
Hello Darling, Imagine already writing a letter. Silly, isn’t it? Well you know me?
I’ve had quite a day. First of all, I left the car out in front so I could go to the store after Ronnie’s nap. While he was sleeping I went downstairs to wash some clothes, blankets, and so on. When I came up, it was snowing full blast. Great big flakes. It was about 2:00 o’clock. Did I ever
page 2 hurry out to put the car in, but already it had become too slippery to get it in the garage. It would get up to the door, all set to go in, then slide way out of the line. I was panicky, but called Mrs. Dixon, and with the help of an electrician who was there, we got it in safe and sound. It’ll probably be July, before I take it out again.
Then Edith called and insisted I come over there for chop suey. (She didn’t have half enough). Guess I’ll
page 3. have a piece of angel food (are you envious?) before I try to go to sleep? It was good, tho. I hurried home, thinking you might get to call me, (but no such luck).
Galassini called and I hadn’t called Sally yet, so I did then, and called him back. The owner is still living in the house, but it belongs to Mulholland Real Estate on 95th. (Is there such a place?)
Marge came in tonite for an hour or so, and read to Ronnie, and so on. (He’s sound asleep now.)
This noon, he kissed your photo, but tonite
page 4 he refused. (Guess he thinks it is a poor substitute for you.)
He cried for a while after you left, but ended up by consoling me. I’m so sorry, honey, I had meant to leave with a smile, but it just wouldn’t come. Guess I’m just a baby after all!
It’s 10:20 now, and I just can’t bring myself to go to bed for some reason. Would give most anything to have you back, even if you are a meanie sometimes. Guess I’d even have twins, if you wanted ’em. That is, if I’m capable. That’s going pretty far, isn’t it? Hope
Page 5. you tear this up, as it would sound pretty silly to a stranger.
Cleaned the house up today, and also the upstairs refrigerator, but the lower door (cover for the motor) has no catches to hold it up. S’pose Mr. Page can fix it up, though.
Will I have to get all your suits clean, or are some clean? (I mean, haven’t been worn after cleaning.)
Well, Darling, hope I hear from you soon, and in the meantime, Ronnie page 6.
and I love you very much, and so be good.
Always love, Mom and Ronnie.
P.S. S’pose the boys will think you have a girlfriend, as the name on the envelope is not Shonkwiler.
Hello Honey,
Well, I went downtown today, but where were you? Got all my hopes up and just had them blasted to bits again. Oh me! That’s the penalty of a soldier hubby, I guess.
A girl came up and asked me if I was Mrs. Shonkwiler and said you had phoned her too. Boy I’m jealous. I got there about 11:45 and she had been there since 11:15 and she overheard me ask the clerk about trains from Ft Sheridan,
Page 2. and thought perhaps I might be your wife and believe it or not, it was. Anyway, the agent said that no trains from Ft Sheridan stops there after 12:00 noon on Saturdays. But he said you might be at the Union Depot, La Salle Street, or the I.C., or at Dearborn and State, or at the Northwestern Depot, which gave us a lot to work on. We looked around in the I.C. Depot and went home very sadly disappointed. I knew it was a slim chance, but Mrs. Evers (is that her name?) really had planned on seeing him.
Page 3. Been spending money right and left it seems. Had June in tonight, while Elinor and I went to State Theater. I bought a bottle of hand lotion and a bottle of Listerine before going in and dropping them both on the way out, stumbling on a step. Just like me, isn’t it? Guess I’d better tell you all the silly things I do, and then you won’t miss me so much. Or do you?
Received your nice letter today before I went downtown. Gave Ronnie a kiss for you,
page 4 and vice versa. I like ’em better in person, though. What am I saying? (Might as well let you in on it, I sort of like you, honey!)
June told us her boyfriend and his <? boyfriend> [friend] came to help her with her exam tonight. I don’t know how to tell her not to bring her boyfriends here. And yet, I promised her grandmother I would. Have you any suggestions?
Well, it’s now 12:30 a.m. so sweet dreams, honey and think of us once-in-a- while.
Love, Mommy and Ronnie.
P.S. Soldiers’ Mail is free if marked, FREE, in upper right-hand corner and your address is in the left-hand corner.
Dear Alice and Ronnie,
We have to be in bed and lights out in 20 minutes, so will give you most of those few minutes. We have just come back from seeing a sex hygiene show, a must, and I am telling you we have been kept busy ever since arriving here at 11 a.m.
First we were taken into reception room - stripped and given another very fast physical - then dressed and given towel and shaving equipment, then assigned to barracks. They are 90 in this barrack 45 to a floor - we had
page 2 lunch at noon (not bad but well spiced). This afternoon we took aptitude tests. Some of them were way over my head. Some were easy. The radio and electric tests stumped me from start to end. We ate at 5 P.M. Beef stew. Show started at 6:45 and after [the] show that brings me up to now. Oh yes - while waiting for supper[,] I lost 45 cents - Poker. Tomorrow I understand we will be issued uniforms and assigned to [the] division of [the] army I am to be in.
The fellows here in my barracks are mostly my age or older and so far there has been very little rowdiness. No tough officers as yet and all in all the first day has not been too bad.
Well kid, how did you and Ronnie fare after I left you? I wonder if you put the car up and how are the fenders? It snowed all day up here. There is at least a foot of snow on the ground. I am lying in my lower bunk writing this in the very meager light. We
page 3 have just [been] waiting for orders to turn out the lights. We get up at 5:45 A.M. Time is up so that’s all today sweet dreams to both of you and give Ronnie a big kiss for me then Ronnie you give Mommy a big kiss for me. I miss you both already,
Daddy
6 A.M. Fri P.S. Will mail this when and if I get a chance today. We are still in quarantine.
Wes
Dearest,
Sure glad to get your phone call tonite. I’ll bet it cost you a small fortune, even though it didn’t seem very long to me.
Weren’t you surprised about Murray being put in 4-F? Imagine? He said he wouldn’t have to go down for his Navy X-rays unless he wanted to, as his 4-F automatically puts him out of all the services. He didn’t say whether he would
page 2 or not. Evidently, his scars on lungs weren’t too serious as they told him to report again in 6 months.
Well, darling, do you feel any different being part of our Armed Forces? I hope it doesn’t change you too much.
Eleanor seemed rather disappointed about not getting the upstairs. I told her the rent, but that would have been okay as later she’d have found someone to live with her. So far, we haven’t mentioned money, but I think it’ll be OK, if not I can always
page 3. tell her to get out. I told her if she didn’t like the arrangement, she should feel free to leave as I wouldn’t feel bad. Ronnie sure gets along with her. He was making her fetch and carry all nite for him.
I spent this morning cleaning downstairs and all afternoon upstairs. Cleaned the sink, refrigerator, tub, and the doors, and so on. Also cleaned out the dresser chest, and so on. What a job! I still have the big closet
Page 4. to do. I wish we had told them we were going to use it ourselves, as I don’t know where I’ll put all the stuff. They have one of those <? fiber> portable closets, so maybe they wouldn’t have minded either. It’s too late, now I guess.
I’m sending those snaps of Ronnie that you wanted. Can’t wait to see you in your new clothes.
Elinor said she’d stay with a friend if you come home. I have my fingers crossed. Here’s to a "date" over the week-end.
Love always, Alice and Ronnie
Dear Alice and Ronnie,
The second day is about over and it has been a busy one but not as bad as yesterday. We were up at 5:45 A.M.[,] made beds - cleaned up and breakfasted at 7 A.M. About 8 A.M., we started getting our outfits and I am telling you we got plenty. First we had to strip in an unheated room. Then we were measured and given 5 pr socks 5 suits of underwear (two winter and 3 summer) - the winter is 50% wool and 60% cotton[,] you got me, I can’t figure it out eiter, two pair shoes - both like the kind we used on the farm, not bad fit though; five pair trousers[,] five shirts (two wool, three cotton) two ties[,] wool dress coat, jacket and heavy wool overcoat[,] two over ears caps, one wool cap, one fatigue
page 2 cap, one helmet, one fatigue suit (cotton)[,] two belts, two duffel bags, eating and drinking equipment, identification tags and some other small stuff. We put it all in one bag and carried it back. And I mean it was heavy. Then we took our classification test (don’t know yet what I am going to be) took out insurance - made out allotment papers (copies of which I am enclosing). Mailed our civilian clothes home[,] got a haircut (not too bad) and just before supper moved into our present barracks. There are about 25 fellows in this barracks and we have single beds. The <? patrins> is about 50 yards away in another building where we have to go for everything. That brings me up to now. The chances are from what we can gather we will not be shipped out until the first of the week. But nothing is certain. We don’t know a thing yet about what we are going to do over the week end. They say no passes but there might be exceptions, so if I should be lucky will make it home some way. I still have practically all my money as I enjoyed a little luck today noon. They say no gambling in this barracks so I guess I will keep it, too.
page 3 Well, honey, I am going out to mail this now and will try to call you, don’t know if we are allowed to or not.
Give Ronnie a big kiss for Daddy and let him give you one for me and I hope everything is going all right. Certainly hope I will get to see you before I leave.
Keep your fingers crossed. Oh yes[,] we got our 1 st shot today. Daddy
Dearest Alice and Ronnie,
We are about 40 miles north of Birmingham, Alabama from as much as we can figure out. And from here it looks like we will end up in Florida. We have been riding all day and rode most of last night. We started leaving Fort Sheridan at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, as I told you, but we actually did not board trains until 10:30 p.m. During that time, we were standing around in the cold, waiting. They said the train broke down, but I don’t know, and way after we got on board, it took us two hours to get in Chicago. At 12.30 p.m., we
page 2 finally got our bunks made up, and we went to bed. Since I had not slept at all Friday night, I was dead and slept pretty well in my upper bunk. In the lower berth, there are two men, so I was lucky. We were awakened at 6 a.m., had breakfast, sat around all day playing cards. I am a little ahead now. The guys in our <? buvk> are waiting for me to finish this so they can try to get some of it back. It is quite hilly here and we are doing a lot of <? weaving> so don’t mind if you can’t make this out. It is warm here, but has been very
page 3. dreary all day, and the whole country is flooded. We have not been allowed out of the car at all, but I gave some [Negro] a card to mail. Now, have you gotten it? I think we were in Tennessee then.
I’m sorry you had a trip downtown for nothing, but even if we had left on time I would not have gotten to see you. I wasn’t even supposed to have called you but you know me.
The gang here all seem very nice and considerably above average. We think we are going to be in some ordinary division. Of course
page 4. it’s just guesswork. There are some paratroopers aboard. So ???
There are two new cars in this train of 16 cars. I am in one of them, so I am really riding in class. The car is really nice and the bunks are quite roomy, but hard -- softer than those damn army cots though. 400 men on [a] train.
I think we are nearing Birmingham now -- may get a chance to mail this there so will close. Give Ronnie a big kiss for me and have him give you one for me. I will try to write you tomorrow. They say we will not arrive at where we are going until Monday 9 PM. Guessing again though.
Bye, Daddy
Dear Alice,
We have just found out that we are going to Camp Brandon, 42 miles south of Jacksonville, Florida and will arrive there sometime tonight. The captain told us we would be placed in quarantine for at least three days, maybe longer, up to three weeks. During which time, we wouldn’t have a chance to do anything. So if you don’t hear from me for some time, that is the reason.
This camp we are going to is supposed to be an infantry replacement center where basic training is eight weeks. So you figure it out.
Want to try to mail this before we leave Savannah. So will stop for now. I have mailed you a card and letter on the fly so far. Hope you got them.
By now, Wes
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
(Messenger Center Divison) Dear Alice and Ronnie,
Just as I started this letter at 6:30 we were moved again - Being moved is something we already have had plenty of. We arrived here in this camp at 7:30 A.M. after being on that damn train three full nights and two full days without ever being allowed off or not knowing for sure where we were going until yesterday. Of course, we had a good idea we were coming to Florida
page 2 after we left Tenn. The train ride was not too bad. I played blackjack most of the time - am about $1 50 ahead at present.
Camp Blanding has about 40,000 men here and is located 42 miles S.W. of Jacksonville, Florida on Kingsley Lake. It is warm here about 80 degrees today. After we arrived this morning, we had breakfast, received our baggage, and then went through the Classification Center again. This afternoon we had a nice cpl [chaplain?] talk to us getting us initiated to the way they do things in the Army. After supper or chow as they call all meals in the Army, I took a shower, marked my clothes and was starting to write you when we were routed again and assigned to our permanent regiment where we now are. I am definitely going to be in the Messenger Center Division, which, we are being told by the fellows just finishing, is the best and the easiest division in the infantry. We stay immediately behind the lines and receive messages and then send them out again. We do no actual fighting. We have to
page 3 learn a little about radio, telegraphy, telephone etc. So far it sounds pretty good to me. We only have 6 weeks basic training and go to school here 11 weeks more[,] 17 weeks in all[,] then we will get a furlough and probably be shipped some place else for further schooling - at least that is what the boys here who are just leaving are getting. They are going to some camp in California. Anyhow, if I had stayed in the rifle Div of Infantry I would have had 17 wks basic and plenty of marching.
So far we have had things
page 4 pretty nice - plenty to eat - not too bad - my stomach is about the same and so is the itch. I do have a bad head cold, as everyone else has here and they say we will have plenty of them because it is so damp. So please send me that white thing in my top dresser drawer that I used to put up my nose right away.
We have 14 boys in this barracks and they range from 18 to 38 in age. However, most of us are 30 or over and married with children. Haven’t had a chance to get acquainted yet
page 5 but they seem pretty nice.
I could sure use a radio here. See if you can get that small one that i had, <? afuad> together and send it down will you.
I mailed you a card and two letters on the train - Did you get them? I handed them to some kids along the road.
How is everything at home and Ronnie are you being a good boy? Do you miss your Daddy?
Must close now - lights out in 15 minutes. And I want to mail this tonight yet.
Give Ronnie a big kiss for me Mommy and Ronnie you give Mommy one for me too and you can write me at this address now.
Daddy
Dearest Wes, Another letter! Two in one nite -- imagine!
I mentioned to Mr. and Mrs. Page tonight about sending your radio, and right away he said he’d take it down to Root Bros. and have it packed for me. They were going out tonight for a few minutes, they said, and when they came back at 9:00 he had a box, paper, and twine, and even packed it up for me, so I could send it first thing in the morning, instead of waiting. Ronnie was in
page 2. bed, but was kept awake by our talking I guess. Well he came out in his pajamas, and Mr. and Mrs. Page played with him for about 45 minutes, and then he went back to bed. I guess they love both children and dogs, so guess they’re okay. He shoveled all my sidewalks last Sunday.
Elinor is still with me. She’s working nites this week and has her car. But next weekend she’s taking it home and will ride with Murray.
I bought a house dress today for $2.98. Extravagant, aren’t I? Was looking for a spring coat for Ronnie, but even the
page three 50% wools are over $15. It’s a crime to pay that for a child’s coat. Guess I’ll have to get busy and make one. I should be able to get material for about 6 or 7 dollars and save the other 10 dollars. I may use the material Vy gave me if I can’t find any other.
AnaLee said she’d drive me to Rockford if I ever want to go. Then she can see Fred too. May even take Mrs. Evers as her husband is there too. Make them pay the gas and I’ll ride free. Not bad, huh?
Is there anyone in particular
Page four you want me to give your address to, or will you write them yourself?
Is there anything you want me to send you? The sky’s (almost) the limit. That is providing it doesn’t cost too much folding money.
I’m sending the radio in the morning. You should get it next week, I hope! Hangers are also in the box. Hope there are enough.
Well, guess I’ll go to bed now and here’s a kiss to put under your pillow and dream on tonight, Darling. And here’s another from Ronnie.
Always love, Mom and Ronnie.
Honey, It’s very nice to hear your voice again.
Isn’t it just my luck that Mrs. Evers’ husband is in camp Grant and here you’ve been way down in Florida?
Would be pretty nice if Ronnie and I could get down there before you leave. The fare is around $50, around trip I think if I remember right. We’ll see how things work out first.
page 2 Mrs. Dixon and Bobby and Ronnie and I were down to 63rd today and I just got in and was reading your letter to Murray when you called.
I’m sending all the letters I have written. You better read them all.
Don’t know how I’ll be able to ship your radio as yet, but we’ll try to find a way.
I’m enclosing your inhaler. Eleanor is mailing this, so will write more later.
Bye, darling, Always, Mommy and Ronnie.
Honey, Rec’d another letter today postmarked Savannah, Ga.
Had a pretty busy day today. Took the car out for the first time since you left. Snow is practically all gone. Got it back into the garage tonight, too. Hooray! Went down the Avenue to buy groceries and a pattern for Ronnie’s coat. Hope you like it. Looked at coats for Ronnie at People’s
page 2 store, all $16.98 and up and not good material either.
Had liver and onions tonight, gelatin sandwich, and fresh peas and cake and so on.
Marge came in for awhile. Analee called and said a man had been trying to serve a divorce summons on Fern, but she hides every time he comes. Finally he told Analee he’d serve it at the plant, then Fern accepted it as she didn’t want to be embarrassed out there. She doesn’t want a divorce now because she doesn’t know how to get along without the allotment, altho she she still won’t live with him. She’s bought three rooms of furniture from some Jew outfit (1.00 a wk, I s’pose) where they furnish even the
page 3 pictures on the walls. So far, she can’t find an apt. and Analee is afraid she’ll never leave. Must be a lot of personality to an outfit of furniture like that. Of course, I guess she doesn’t have much personality to express anyway. So much on that subject!
Still don’t know whether Judy is having a family or not! Will send you one for a mascot. Huh?
Ronnie is learning to eat better by himself now, and sure is talkative. Tonight, when I went over to Bernie’s in the car, he asked, "Where are you
page 4 going, Mommy?" (Just as plain as can be.) Elinor said, when I got in the car, he started to cry. -- Guess he thinks every time I leave, I’m not coming back.
He kisses Daddy’s photo every noon and night, and he’s also learning the prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep", and so on and at the end, he says, "God bless Daddy, and God bless Mommy". Tonight, all on his own, he added, "God bless Elinor, too". She wasn’t here at the time, but it was so cute. He kneels on his knees, and if I forget, he starts "Now I lay me down to sleep" on his own <? book>. Write.
Bye, Love, Mommy and Ronnie.
Dear Alice and Ronnie,
I’ve been in the Army one week now and I am still alive. But maybe one week from today I won’t be able to say as much. We start our regular basic training Monday with some of the fellows, not doing anything, took some exercises today Army style. They are moaning plenty tonight. I got out of it because I had a soft job stenciling duffel bags. There were four of us doing it and we do it tomorrow again, they say and I hope. All we do is sit on a bed and stencil. We don’t work any too fast. And we rest quite often. In fact on all detailed work around here, so far there is plenty of loafing on all jobs. Of course they are making up
page 2 a new class now and I think the officers are none too strick [strict] while that is going on.
They still claim around here that so long as we had to be in the infantry, the Messenger Center Division is the best of the lot. They claim your classification tests and IQ had to be above average considerably, to be assigned to this company. Of course it sounds like the boys are bragging a little bit but we’ll see. Anyhow, I accidentally saw my IQ rating and it was 123. Whether that is good or not, according to Army standards, I don’t know.
The food has been pretty good to day[,] for breakfast we had bacon and eggs and cereal, orange, toast and coffee and milk. Lunch, we had pork chops (2) baked potato and either green beans or corn and <? levia> beans, apple pie, lettuce salad[,] coffee and bread. For supper, we had beef and liver, lima beans, salad, chocolate cake, coffee. Butter (plenty), with every meal, so far we have only had milk for breakfast. I guess they want us to drink coffee as the guys all say it is doped with
page 3 salt peter. Me, I can’t tell the difference and don’t care. Of course all the meals are not as good as they were today, but they are reasonably digestible.
I am writing this in what we call the day room. It is a small building for this company only (160 men). Privates and noncommissioned officers are all allowed in here. There are writing tables, radio, ping-pong table, Coca-Cola machine, lounges, some magazines and books. It’s not bad. Then we have a post-exchange (called PX) where we can buy almost anything from beer to underwear. There are a number of theaters, bowling alleys, volleyball courts, and baseball grounds, and of course swimming. I haven’t taken advantage of any of these yet, but probably will soon. There has been no KP for me yet, but I am keeping my fingers crossed. I understand they take men for KP alphabetically unless we do something wrong.
page 4 So I am not due yet. The boys say it is not so bad though.
I called you from one of the recreation halls last night. There is one booth there and it took me 1 hr to get thru to you. How much did it cost, do you know? Certainly sounded good to hear you and Ronnie.
Well that is pretty much of the news to date. Outside of many of the small things they are teaching us every day. Yes, I can make my bed - and in a hurry. We get up at 6 A.M. - so far. Make our beds clean up barracks wash and be ready for roll call at 6:30. I make it. Most of the boys here are from the southeast. A lot of them from Georgia. They certainly are a lot of Southern drawls wherever you go.
Ronnie, ol’ boy, how is mommy treating you? I certainly miss you both. Wish I were there right now reading you all about big bad wolf - and Mama bears and then tucking you in bed after wards. The only consolation I have is that at least 75% of the men here are in the same boat I am. We all run around showing off our wife and offspring, and some of them have quite a flock. Well maybe this damn war will be over yet someday.
page 5 What is Murray going to do now that he is 4F? And have you heard any more from Ray Hitchcock? What is this fellow Evers doing in Camp Grant? Boy some guys sure as hell get all the breaks.
Well Mommy, I’ve done pretty well for one night for a change, don’t you think? I miss you lots and Ronnie more yet, if that’s possible. So take good care of yourself and especially good care of him for me and I’ll see you around July 1st all sun tanned and tough as hell. The guys going out of here now, having just finished their training, look like they could take anything.
Oh yes, the weather today was perfect. It was chilly (about 60 degrees) this morning. About 75 degrees at noon and now about 70 degrees. The only thing, there is plenty of humidity. Clothes take a long time to dry.
page 6 But the fellows who have been here during summer say it gets hot. And what I mean hot. Looks like we will get a taste of it.
Is Eleanor going to stay with you and how are things working out also with the Pages? Tell them all hello for me and I hope things are satisfactory. Did you get the letter I sent you from Fort Sheridan with the insurance and allotment papers? They were copies, and you should keep them. How are the finances holding up? I still have $14. Haven’t spent much yet. But will over week end, I suppose. We don’t get any passes for three weeks, so don’t do much at that.
I am expecting to hear from you not later than Sat. So... Lots of love, Daddy.
from: Alyce Shonkwiler
to: Private Geo. W. Shonkwiler.
February 25th, 1944, 11:30pm,
Darling,
No letter from Daddy today. I’m so lonesome! Will be all alone this weekend too, as Elinor is going home. I hate to think of Sat. night all by myself, but maybe <? Onalee> or someone will stop over.
I certainly had a hectic day today. First of all, I ironed from 9:00am until 2:00pm without stopping, [ex]cept to put Ronnie to bed, then made lunch for Elinor and I, dishes,
page 2 and then started washing in the basement. Hadn’t washed since you left, so, had plenty. Just got a good start when Dr. Elliot’s wife called me and asked if she could call and what could I say, but "yes". She was here about an hr and also brought me a jar of strawberry jam. (Shall I send it to you?) By then it was time for supper. After Elinor left I continued washing clothes, put Ronnie to bed at 8:00, then talked to Mrs. Evans on the phone. She wanted your address because Elle had asked for it. Then Sally called,
page 3 and anyway, by the time I got to washing dishes, it was 10:30. Then Mrs. Page came in, and finally I’m writing this letter. Almost a busy day I’d say.
Ray may come home within this weekend or next for 10 days. I sure envy her those 10 days. Of course, it isn’t certain, as He’s having some partial plates (teeth) made at camp and if they’re not finished by the time he graduates, he still can’t come home. What a life.
page 4 Mrs. Evans said Al had taken tests for clerking and also for x-ray work. If he gets the x-ray schooling, he’ll be transferred to some station hospital, but if he gets the clerk job, it’ll be at Camp Grant. I’m giving you his address too, so you can drop him a line. It is
Private Alfred T. Evers AFN 36-902906 Co. A, 1st Platoon 30th BN, Camp Grant, Ill
Dick, (is it Risilians?) from Sterling called and said no one there had heard a word from you and got your address. He also said to tell you to drop them a line.
Ronnie coughed a little this morning, so I put him on a liquid diet this morning and at
page 5 noon, but tonight, he ate a big meal and hasn’t coughed since, so maybe he just got some fuzzy from the blankets in his throat or something. Guess there isn’t a thing wrong with him, as he sure has had plenty of pep all day. He just brought all of his toys out to Mrs. Elliot, and she didn’t approve of the toy tank, as it killed people. He had the room all upset in 5 minutes while she was here. I’ll bet she thinks he’s a terror.
Elinor paid me $30.00 for two weeks today (a week in advance). She asked me how much I
page 6
wanted, and I asked her if she thought it was too much. She said no, but I don’t know what she really thought. S’pose I should have given her some off for being away this weekend? So far, she’s pretty nice to live with. Even made my supper one night and helps me with dishes at noon and so on. She sure makes a hit with Ronnie. She claims she took two years of child psychology at college and 1 year of child care or something on that order. She thought I had had some course of that kind as she thinks I do wonders with him.
Bye, honey. How is your cold?
Love always, Mom and Ronnie.
Hello Honey,
Here it is Sat. nite and I’m having a gay time all by myself. The Homes are out and the Pages are out. I just put Ronnie to bed after reading "Mommy Dear" to him. He got to stay up till 9:00 tonite on account of having spent all afternoon in bed, and because it’s Sat nite, I guess.
Marge and Murray stopped in about 5:00 for a few
page 2 minutes and Martha called to thank us for Tommy’s birthday dolly. Jim wanted to know how you were and whether I had my allotment yet.
Pages paid me $15.00 today for next week. I’ve spent $21.00 for groceries since you left, isn’t that terrific? That’s for only 10 days. Of course, I used up a lot of meat points and green points that were due, such as butter, sugar, canned goods, and Crisco, so it’s far from gone. In fact, I have enough groceries on hand for next week, too, so I guess it’s not so bad at that.
Page 3 Ronnie is in perfect health and as full of the old Nick as ever. I guess he thrives on having two women waiting on him.
I’m so worried about your cold. Please tell me if you’re any better. S’pose I should send you some A,B,D,G vitamin capsules to give you lots of resistance? (I mean it. I’m not kidding!)
Sure miss you tonight, honey. I keep trying to imagine myself at the theater holding your hand, but it doesn’t
Page 4 help a bit. Seems every song on the radio tonight is sad and romantic. I don’t s’pose you’re lonesome with 40,000 men there, but I hope you miss me just a little bit anyway.
I stopped in at Analee and Fern’s tonight, but didn’t stay but a few minutes, even though they asked me for supper too. Maybe if Fern hadn’t been there I’d have stayed. Analee asked if I wanted to go to show too, but Ronnie was so heartbroken when I left Sat I didn’t have the heart to leave him. I asked him if he wanted June to come and
page 5. he said, "no, no, June", and started to cry. He just doesn’t want to see her anymore, because he knows I’ll leave. He’s wise and no fooling! She felt so bad when he kept telling her to leave last Sat. He isn’t very subtle either. Just handed her her boots, coat, and hat and went to the door and kept saying, "Open door, bye, June, go away June". Isn’t that the limit? Marge and Murray’s mother were [was] here too, and they couldn’t get over it.
You know I just got your letter dated the 22nd, and it’s
page 6 the 26th today. Sure took a long time. Put Zone 28 on ’em after this, as it might speed it up.
Rec’d your clothes today. Were they ever wrinkled? Funny they didn’t get here before this.
Mrs. Page just came home and is whistling and rattling dishes up there. Sounds pretty happy. They’ve been married 21 years and evidently can’t have children, ’cause he was telling Ronnie he wished he had one, and we mentioned Dixon’s having one after 15 years and he said to her maybe there’s still hope. (S’pose there is hope for us?)
Bye now darling and sweet dreams,
Love, Mom and Ronnie
Sunday and a day of rest or nothing to do. I stayed in bed until 9 A.M. Of course I missed breakfast but who cares? That bed certainly felt nice. Besides I had an orange I had saved for just such an occasion. Last night I went to a show with one of the fellas here, saw "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." Not bad. The theater is nice and is about 1 / 2 mile from our hut. They charge $0.15. Or you can buy 10 tickets for $1.20. We got out at 8:15 P.M. and was [were] going to walk down to the lake, but finally decided we didn’t want to get lost in this place the first week. I think we will try it sometime today, though.
Before I forget, I wish you would send me about 1 / 2 dz white hankies, 1 pr shoe trees for my brown dress shoes, 1 / 2 dz or so white undershirts and underpants if you can find them, if not I can buy some here, 1 / 2 dz pr cotton and part wool white or army socks, my bathing trunks and some shower sandals. Get real thick
page 2 woollen soles if you can find them, some white towels.
It is very nice here this morning. Temperature about 70 degrees. And everyone is lazying around taking things easy. I am writing this in the day room - some one is playing the radio with victrola records and there are quite a few boys writing letters and reading. I suppose you are beginning to think I am just on a vacation. Nevertheless, I will gladly trade places with anyone that would like to come down here and take my place so I could go home.
We moved again today. About the sixth time since arriving in the Army. This is supposed to be the last time for the duration at this camp. 1st they just brought us here and dumped us into wherever they could find. Then we were put in this company, and now we have been placed in huts alphabetically where we are supposed to stay. There are 16 boys in my hut. There are 5 from Ohio,
1 from Ky, 2 from N.Y. 3 from Ga. 2 from Ill. 1 from Mich. So you see we come from everywhere. So far they seem to be pretty nice bunch. There are no real young men in our hut. One man is 36 and has 5 kids ranging from
page 3 15 yrs to 15 months. He comes from Ohio and drove a beer truck. Most of us have children. We were told yesterday that when we finished our training here we would definitely be shipped across. The bunch leaving here this last week all went to Camp Ord California for shipment to the Pacific <? Isle>. So you had better be making up your mind to the fact that in all probability that is what is going to happen to me too.
There were 180 men in the last cycle (they call it here) and out of that bunch only four were kept here. And they claim there is no rhyme or reason about the manner they used to pick those 4. I know for a fact that one of the men they are keeping is a kid from the bottom up and just as dumb.
Yesterday they issued us our rifles and assigned us to squads and the first unjust
page 4 thing in the Army I have so far run across occured. They lined us up according to height. The tallest man in the squad was automatically appointed squad leader. They say you advance upwards from squad leader. Since I am the
smallest man in my squad and on the end of the line[,] you can figure it out. We start our basic training tomorrow and here is our schedule for the first day.
Arise at 6 A.M. make beds and dress - Ready at 6:30. Breakfast at 7[,] after breakfast we have to clean huts[,] shave, etc. Inspection at 8. 8 - 9 drill, 9 - 11 opening ceremony, 11 - 12 personal and <? sex> hygiene, 12 lunch - 1:15 - 2:15 organization of army and information. 2:15 - 3:15 guerrilla exercises, 3:15 - 4:15 military discipline and art of war 4:15 - 5:15, protection of military information and censorship, 6 p.m. chow. After that we are free unless we are assigned some detailed work. And there is plenty of that. They have posted our first week’s schedule and Monday looks like the softest day.
I have received no mail yet. But then none of the boys have either so don’t feel too bad. Certainly hope to get some to-morrow though. I am interested in hearing how things are
page 5 working out at home and if anyone misses me very much. You don’t, huh? Have you been driving the car and is it still in one piece? One fellow here has been in the Army since Feb. 1st and says his wife has already received an allotment check for Feb. He says that anyone inducted in Feb. will have full allotment checks sent their wives for Feb. So according to that, you may get a check for this month. Have you gotten it yet?
Well Ronnie, ol’ boy how are you and Mommy and Bobby and everyone else getting along? Hope you miss your Daddy a little bit but not too much. I know I certainly miss you plenty. I guess you are going to be a big man before I get to see you again. You be a good boy now and do what Mommy tells you so you will be a nice big man when I do get to see you again.
New page. It’s getting close to chow time Mommy so will have to close now. I miss you too Mommy - a little bit. So you be a good girl and take care of Ronnie, and maybe someday I will be able to come home and take good care of both of you.
Oh yes, you had better send me a box of those powders. I still have a little stomach trouble occasionally.
Bye now and lots of love to both of you, Daddy. . .
. . . . . . .
Dear Alice and Ronnie,
Today is over - our first real day in the Army. And I’m telling you, I’m damn glad this day is over. I think I sent you a schedule for the day - and they carried it out to the letter plus adding some in. Those gorilla exercises this P.M. were tough. I thought when I was in school and training for track that I took and knew all the exercises that were known. The Army, I find knows them all, I didn’t. Anyhow I didn’t drop out and there were a number who did. I certainly felt sorry for plenty of those old fellas - including myself. The man in our hut with five children is also quite a beer drinker and he has all the looks of one. He had a hell of a time.
I got your first letter tonite. And frankly, I was just a little disappointed. I see you are up to your old tricks - you wrote me a letter on the 24th and forgot to mail it until the 27th - waiting until the 24th was bad enough but to top it off you failed to mail it until three days later.
page 2 Temperature here yesterday - Sun - was 85 degrees - today was just as hot or hotter. On top of that we had to wear our wool uniforms most of the day.
At our 1st barracks inspection today, I passed everything except my footlocker. Don’t know what was wrong with it, but I will learn. GWS
I was practically the only man in our hut who failed to get a letter Monday. And I wouldn’t have gotten one today now if it hadn’t been for Dick <? Briselevis> up at the office. It’s a fine thing when some friend makes enough effort to get a letter to me before my wife does. When I feel in the mood now, I’ll have to see if he isn’t on the top of my writing list
I went to a show yesterday afternoon "Friendly Comrade" ["Tender Comrade"] with Ginger Rogers. it was pretty good. Try and see it, if you can.
I’ve asked you, in my last letter, about everything at home that is going on I want to know. So far you haven’t answered any of them but I am waiting patiently. However there is one very important thing I am anxiously waiting to hear about. Thought you would volunteer the information - but you didn’t. How is Junior coming? Well Ronnie ol’ boy your old man is quite tired tonite so say an extra prayer for me and try and see that Mommy does a little better with her letters in the future.
Daddy
