04 Mar March 4, 1944

Letter
from: Mrs. Alyce Shonkwiler
to: Private George W. Shonkwiler
March 4th, 1944. Sat. 1:00 AM [technically Sunday March 5th]

Hello, honey,

Here I am after a gay evening at the theater with Eleanor as escort.  We went
to the Capitol and saw "Squadron Leader X" and "Princess O’Rourke".  They were
both pretty good.  Tonight was the first night out of the house in two weeks.
After reading your letter that you wanted me to get out once in a while, I
decided I’d go to a show.  We also had a hamburger, coffee, and sundae after
the show.  This was our dinner as we had only breakfast and lunch at home.

page two.
I was going to call June, but Mrs. Page said she’d be home all evening and
would look in on Ronnie once in a while.  She said he slept all evening
thru without a murmur, I saved a dollar by not having June, too.

Been cleaning house today, and in the middle of it, Galassini came in, also
Murray.  Gene stayed for a while.  I mentioned I was in the middle of the
housecleaning, or he might have stayed longer.  Both Murray and Gene said
they were going to drop you a line.  Hope they do.  Gene didn’t say a word
about Beale, or the house we told him about, and so on.

Page three.
Elinor took Ronnie out for a walk to the drugstore this afternoon.  We’ve had
a regular blizzard today.  Woke up this morning and looked out, and it had
been snowing all night, I guess, and continued all day with a strong East wind.
The temperatures about 20 degrees.  Oh, me.  Where is Florida?  Not only that,
but Elinor has cold feet.  She just can’t seem to keep me warm.

Who will I call to fix our electric pump?  The basement is continually full
of water in a circle about 10 feet in

page four.
diameter.  We’re getting a lot of little garbage flies in the house, and I
think they’re from that sewer water backing up in the basement all the time.
I start the pump going by pulling that little what’s it but the next time I
go down, the water is all back in the basement and smells awful.  Should I
call the plumber or electrician?

Did I tell you that the Pages had their living room and hall and woodwork
and doors painted?  The walls are a dark ivory, woodwork and doors off-white.
Must have cost them at least $50, because I asked the painter they had how
much

Page five.
he wanted to paint my kitchen, and he said $30 just for the walls and ceiling.
So I decided to let it ride until I make a fortune.  Guess I’ll wash it, and
let it go at that.  I’d rather get slipcovers for the Davenport if I ever
have any extra money.

Didn’t get a letter today, boo-hoo.  Guess my sweetheart doesn’t love me
anymore.  I certainly live for the mailman’s visit now-a- days.

I forgot to tell you that I received two identical letters from the government
to

page six
send them "proof of marriage".  Last night I went down to the Rev. Dack, and
he said he’d make an affidavit for me with the church seal on it, which should
be OK.  He still claims that same get-by-with "copies" like you sent in, but

others don’t.  I guess it has to be a photostatic copy, tho.  I was s’posed to
pick this affidavit up this morning, but the weather was so bad I didn’t dare
take the car.  Tonight, we used Elinor’s car for the trip to the show.

Ronnie and I are still waiting for a picture of Daddy in uniform, but I s’pose
you

page seven.
can’t get one until you get out of quarantine, but make it one of your first
stops, won’t you?  Be sure it’s an 8X10 photo so I can put it on the other
side of the mantle opposite my photo.  Just send the picture. I’ll get the
frame.

Have you been behaving, honey?  Are there any WACs there?  I’m not really
worried, but nothing like warning you anyway.

I’m getting awfully sleepy as it’s now 2:00 a.m.  I guess I’ll turn in and
goodnight

Page eight.
dear, and sleep tight and try to pretend I’m right there and Ronnie in his
crib beside you.  Guess we didn’t really appreciate how nice it was to be
together at the time, but sure wish you were with us now.

Always love and kisses,
Alyce and Ronnie