New York City - 1948

In 1948 Joe and Janice were newly married and Janice was pregnant with me.  They had moved into Joe's tenement apartment at 1189 First Avenue, which was a bit cramped, to say the least.  But still there was room for a mini-workshop for Joe, and room for Janice's sewing projects, a piano, and later, me.  Janice was 25, and loved shopping!  She haunted the various thrift stores, S. Klein and Bloomingdale's looking for bargains.  She often bought things for her mother, Moon, who would make braided rugs from the scraps.

I don't think my mother had a clue of how her life would change after I arrived, and her experience at Beth Israel Hospitals was positively Medieval, not being allowed to breast feed, or even hold me for a week.  My grandmother was incensed, but unable to do anything from a distance.  I was a difficult baby, apparently, though perhaps it had to do with Janice's expectations.  It is hard to say.

Oil sketch

Here is the year in Janice's letters home to her parents in East Athens, PA:

Thursday PM Jan 1, '48

Dear Folks,

We just waded home from the Uncle's house after spending a day of eating, etc. There are two new members of the family down there – their canaries had twins.

The slush in some places is, I believe, (altho I have not investigated) well over the top of my new red boots. The steam shovels + tractors have been working madly day + night + the main thoroughfares are pretty well cleared. It's been raining all day + the Central Park would be something to see when next the sun comes out. Driving is prohibited. All parked cars are to be removed from the streets or fined – heaven knows where they are to be removed to ,as garages + parking lots have always been full. Luckily there was something wrong with Betsy so Bear took her up to the Ford garage for repairs + she is still there.

We spent New Years eve with the Kestersons, playing Monopoly.

Central Park Color Sketch

I'm mailing the package tomorrow I hope. The raincoat was still in stock + is cut exactly like mine in every detail. It only came in the sugar-brown with black stripe, but I think it'll look very well on you. It's broad enough to be worn over winter coats, I'm told. It was really a bargain, + I had no trouble exchanging the other one. There are also boots, like mine only black. I'm crazy about 'em. They are 7's, but could fit as I tried 'em over my biggest flat 8's. The side zipper permits a closer fit + does away with the shucking up + down that occurs in most boots. 3 brushes you will find. I bought the 2 little ones + the lettering brush must be your old one. I had two just alike. It's a good thing I forgot you gave me 2-50¢ pieces + collected $6.00 from Pop, so the whole works did come to $7.00. good brushes are steep + bad ones are pointless.

Portraits of Janice and Joe taken by John Grabowski.

The Grabowskis gave us a lovely round glass pitcher with gold stripes + glasses to match. Something we didn't have.

I found out that a studio upright is a smallish piano, the kind that is pushed out on the floor + shoved around with ease for use in cabarets, nite clubs, etc. We've seen ads for these, quite reasonably priced. Do nothing drastic with the Mini-piano until we investigate these.

That tablecloth just fits.

Must change the bed, take a bath, + utilize the former.

love, J.

Lately I've been doing bears at work while waiting for Mr. B. to show up with a job. I know Bears are overdone, but can't resist this one.

Mon. PM Jan 12, '48

Dear Folks,

I will stop activities now + write this, knowing that if I indulge in activities first this will never get done.

The Bear has gone to school.

Well, it looks very much as it we may be on the track of a piano. We put a $5 deposit on it tonite, and will check it again after the man fixes it up a bit. If all goes well + if they can get it in, we should have it this weekend.

Al Scala and Margie Temple at my christening later in the year

The one we have deposited on is, as far as my unmusical eye + ear can detect, just the creature we want. Our pianical friend Al (Scala - ac)may be called in to give it a look + I only hope he doesn't talk us out of it. This little job seems to have spent its hard life in honkey-tonk. Perhaps I just imagine it, but there seems to be a slight list to the left.

It has been painted a peculiar maroonish shade, something between our living room floor + the color of our pink drapes. In spite of all these defects, or maybe because of them, I feel a strong affection for this object. I may have been influenced by the price, which was only $80. (They deliver for $10) I hope Al approves it, but if not, there are several others at the same price. I shouldn't allow myself to be taken in by an ugly face.

If you mail the blanket + music books, the best address would be that of Joe's uncle's store, at 1193 First Ave.  Better designate the Fruit Store. Use our name. You asked for an emergency phone no. After 6:00 PM, if you can get away with leaving a message, try calling REgent 7-0789. That's Kestersons, + I'm sure they would relay any message pronto if they're home. Later I'll send the number of the candy store downstairs but they're not very reliable. Brandford's calls are LOngacre 4-4356 + LOngacre 4-4367.

Janice's cartoon of Brandford's office, a modelling agency for African Americans

Poor old Brandford is sick in bed. Ulcers I guess, and he has reason for ulcers, as do his employees. It seems that in his bank account he has about $40. His main customer paid off, + we got our last week's checks today. Bill + John are the sole support of their families + are really in a pretty bad spot. I am personally not worried, altho I guess I should be.

The apt. was improved upon considerably this weekend. Joe washed, varnished, + waxed the floor. I dusted + rearranged things. The kitchen curtains are up, we have snazzy new living room curtains (paper) and got some bargain venetian blinds, which are a perfect fit. Dress the place up enormously. It's getting practically livable + that dear little piano would just fit into the scheme.

We had Alice + Richard for dinner Sunday. 2 large steaks broiled (?) with mushrooms + garlic. Broccoli; + was I lucky with the hollandaise sauce! I'm disappointed that the Bear won't eat it. How can people not like hollandaise sauce? Mashed potatoes. For dessert, ice cream with peaches, bananas + syrup. Best feed we've had yet.

That Spanish letter looks kosher to me. They should certainly make with an answer.

I've been to Associated American Artists. It's a gallery, catering to popular tastes.

It does seem as if the light in Mrs. Paddock's basement couldn't help but be better than that in the living room. Blue bulbs, if strong enough, are as good as daylight.

I ruthlessly weeded out my portfolio + stacked the throw-away stuff in the kitchen. Felt very good + righteous. Got rid of a lot of old classwork + scribblings. Then home comes the Bear + starts snuffling thru the pile -”What, you're throwing away this? And this?? And not that??? He then carted practically the whole works back to the portfolio. Poof.

Enuf of this scribble. goodnite.

love, J.

Mon. PM Feb. 3, 48

Dear Folks,

Not much inspiration for writing tonight, but I'll give it a try.

The Bear still sounds like Donald Duck, so is at home tonight puttering around. He has enclosed the lower half of the bathtub + sink, and is painting it to match the kitchen wall. It looks snazzy

Now he's fixing my art lamp. Joe's voice teacher tells him that half the school is having the same throat trouble he has. We're wondering if it could be a result of the teaching methods? He never had this until he started singing.

Joe's workshop in the corner of the apartment

The music came + I'm having great fun with it in my spare moments. Al, the expert, tried Piano out + approves of it.

Saturday I fell to + scrubbed, dusted, arranged, etc. all three rooms. Already they are dirty again. Silly me to hope that it would still be in evidence slightly by next weekend when we're having personable company, ie. B. Duck + Vishnu.

Vishnu Bhide

I'm trying to get tickets to a play, but it may be too late. By the way, you'd better give me about a month's notice before you come down. Brigadoon is a very popular play.

Today we got two (2) copies of the Consumer's Union catalog for 1948. We can give one to Kestersons. Our January magazine came a couple of weeks ago, too.

I'm getting fat.

Portrait by Janice of Jean Rogers, Janice's college roommate

Rogers came in last week. She's quit her job with Timely Service and is looking around. She enjoys job-hunting. Has lost weight and is looking good in the New Look, which was made for the likes of Rogers. I have just one new look model, that old Steward Plaid that I let down with a piece of your material. Just matches.

I never drew you a diagram of our apartment, did I? Here is is – We've been lucky so far getting kerosene. Hope these cold waves stop galloping up on us.

Gotta wash stockings + get together some stuff for the studio Club Art Exhibit – ta-ta

love, J.

Wed PM Feb. 18 '48

Dear Folks,

The long-postponed time of letter-writing has come. I have a whole armload of letters from you, plus several postcards and a devil.

Joe should be back from school by now. He attends quite regularly now. Hopes to make a record one of these days.

B. Duck (Leona Towner Rem) at Iowa State College, Ames, IA

B. Duck day we were on our best behavior. Picked them up at the station at 10:30, brought 'em home, (we had spruced the place up the night before) served a lunch consisting of bacon + cheese burgers and other insignificant items. Then we went to 'Happy Birthday”, which was very entertaining; after that we returned to the joint + rustled up a dinner of sorts, mainly mushroom steak (broiled) with mashed potatoes, cauliflower with hollandaise, and several other things I can't remember. Chatted a while, the Bear sang 2 songs, + it was time for them to go. B. Duck seems to be quite a success in her new job. Doesn't have the new look, though. Vishnu does, however. B. Duck was very skeptical of my culinary ability + I dunno whether Saturday's repast helped my sagging reputation any. Ah well.

Moon and Janice with Vishnu

Do you ever hear from the Shrimp? What's he up to? I haven't heard since Christmas. Not even a valentine. -Sob.

You've got yourself a job making me a navy blue swish skirt. They're terrifically expensive here. The piece I enclose is to be a skirt someday. Can't decide whether to make it straight – gathered or flared. I think it's purty but nobody else does. These are trying times.

(What's good for Pop's birthday this year? I haven't forgotten him.)

Brandford let Evelyn go, hired one Miss Walker in her place (B) There's a new addition to the art end, a Dave Ross (T). He is a business-rustler-up.

Evelyn Harding

Sorry to hear the S. club slumps. I must eat a piece of cheese with my Bear + go to bed.

Love, J

Sun. PM March 8 '48

Dear Folks,

Whew. Just polished off the ironing, which wasn't very big this week, but disgusting. It came back from the Bendix place all little black specs. Not enough soap, or rinse, or something.

Gladys (Kesterson – ac) is sleeping on the bed. She's on a hospital night shift now + got up in the middle of her night to have dinner with us. Kess too, of course. Spaghetti + meat balls, with that whipped up condensed milk jello for dessert. What is that called? (Grandma made this often and called it Foo-Doo – ac) Turned out very well. A fast, painless dinner session. Other things we've made lately are stuffed peppers, stuffed artichokes, and a sort of casserole experiment with meat, tomatoes, rice, gooey cheese. Some day I would like your meat loaf recipe.

Guess I'd better start back at the Vishnu – opera time. Vish took me to dinner that nite at the India-Ceylon Inn, near Broadway, where we had curry + rice. Very good, tho somewhat peppery. Nearly everyone dining there was an Indian or Ceylonian of some sort. The opera, Gotterdammerung, was disappointing, inasmuch as we couldn't see much more than 1/3 of the stage and had to lean forward at a back-breaking angle + peer between heads to glimpse that. It was the left hand corner, and everything, but everything happened on the right. We could hear pretty well , but it's hard to follow the plot when you don't know who is singing at who. It's surprising that a huge, lush place like the Metropolitan Opera house, renowned as it is, should be so constructed that about 1/10 of its seated audience has to practically fall out of the balcony to see the stage.

I guess Brandford has left the hospital by now. His operation was for ulcers, the second one he's had. The boys have carried on well in his absence. I hope he does not try to come back right away. I don't know whether by being here he does more injury to himself or to the business.

What's with those stamps you have requested? I shall send some along, but to me they look like any other 1¢ stamp. Perhaps it wouldn't happen again, whatever it was.

Still no word from the Shrimp. I sent him a card with a big red question mark.

Janice's brother Harrison S. Campbell, aka "the Shrimp"

I asked once before what Pop wanted for his birthday + I reiterate, realizing my plea comes a little late.

Birthday Card for Pop, I think

I have the new look Easter Outfit laid out, such as it is. Have purchased a new light gray skirt. (flannel)

+ a Gibson gal cotton eyelet blouse (white) and for $2.00 an amazing pair of bright red shoes

  Have also ambitious plans for butchering the old lightweight red coat in a perhaps futile endeavor to achieve one of these.

  If not, there is always the gray + yellow checkered one.

I'm afraid my Bear has taken himself to a movie. He drove Kess over to church for some shindig he superintends there. Or maybe he decided to decide to stay there + drive him back. The poor Bear has been quite sick since Christmas, according to the Doc, with a throat infection. He's been taking sulfa tablets lately + feels fine. He was weak + undernourished, said the doc. My fault for trying to feed him more like a rabbit than a bear. Back to spaghetti + cake, then. He is much easier to get up in the morning now, coughs less, and is hardly ever grumpy. Quite amiable. Starts school again this week.

It is important that I know when you can come down. Tickets for Brigadoon must be purchased far in advance. 2 or 3 weeks anyway. We may get a studio couch from a friend whose selling, but if not, there will be no difficulty in accommodation.

We just about finished the leather knitting bag.

Signing off now,

love, J.

Fri. Mar, 26 '48

Dear Folks,

We are spending a Friday evening at home for a change. Bath night.

Just wrote the Shrimp and it's about time. Three weeks ago I heard from him.

The E. Athens airplane service sounds most exciting. Had I known of that I might have come home for a visit and demand to be classified as an emergency.

Why didn't I think of using the Bear's pen before? It lends shall we say color? (this letter is written in alternating blue and purple ball point pen – ac)

The Bear is reading, perusing, absorbing, digesting the latest issue of Popular Mechanics. I'm somewhat discouraged about the voice. He's just about getting back to the stage of development he'd arrived at before the strep-infection set in. If only he'd practice more. I don't seem to get time to work on him, except when he isn't here. Maybe it's all a waste of time.

The blue stuff could make up purty. Seems tough enough, too. Can't quite decide on a style. How about something like the first sketch, with a solid yoke, or I dunno, I dunno. If you do have a white slip I can use it, as I have nothing suitable for under a sheer blouse.

I suggest NYC for shoes + cotton plaids.

Tomorrow I go to Brigadoon office + see if I can get tickets for the weekend of April 11^th. I doubt if that's possible, but April weekend the last (25) will be second choice.

We're negotiating for a studio couch, convertible second hand $25. Hope we get it. We'll substitute it for the stove. It's double, so Pop could come too if possible.

My Easter outfit this season consists of white flars (flowers – ac) for ye olde straw bonnet. The gray + yellow checked coat + perhaps the navy blue skirt will do the trick.

We finally took out an hospital + doctor bills policy. Mutual Health + Benefit of Omaha.

I'm quite sure we don't have the dictionary issues of CU, but will try to look it up in the library.

Fillet of Ocean Perch for supper. Delicious.

love, J.

2:00 PM Saturday, April 17 '48

Dear Folks,

Housecleaning didn't take long today for some reason, that reason being, no doubt, that I blew on things and swept up what fell to the floor. Now I am awaiting the Bear, who hasn't had lunch yet. He's working downstairs on that aged wreck. I hope he attaches the door handle. For the last week its been a case of “pass the handle” when he must get in or out, + the handle is usually in the glove compartment, which is apt to be locked. Richard is helping him, so I guess we'll have three for lunch.

I don't know what happened but Mrs. Moore didn't call this week + I didn't know where they were staying so couldn't call them. Maybe she had the wrong number somehow. I hope there are no hard feelings.

I couldn't decide whether you meant this weekend or next for the Rev. Achenbach. I'm watching the papers, but haven't found that church yet listed.. Kess knows of it. One must take a Long Island train to get to Floral Park. Maybe I can find it in the phone book. We'll see.

I've tried on the blue blouse + it is very cute + flattering. The white slip will be nice under it, and it isn't too small at all, yet. I'm nuts about that slip. Petticoat too, altho waistband is a trifle small.

Last nite I heard of a place on Madison that sells handmade articles that people bring in. I'll stop in maybe today + ask about dolls. Also leather knitting bags and little framed paintings. It's called the “Women's Exchange”.

Shall I look for those dissolving flowerpots. Are there any other items we forgot? There must be.

I go remind the Bear of the hour + mail this.

Love, J.

Friday PM, April 23 '48

Dear Folks

While waiting for the better half to appear I shall start this. We are ready to go over to the Kesterson's, where they, the Anderson's, the Joneses + us are to spend the evening playing a game called 'Horses” + knitting no doubt. I'm still on that same blasted sock.

Sat. A.M. What a pleasant surprise! I set my watch ahead an hour last night for Daylight Savings Time, consequently losing an hour's sleep. Now, after 7 hours I am up + dressed for action, only to find that tomorrow is the day and I'm darned if I'll clean house during this hour I didn't think I had.

The Joneses have a a baby girl. They are in-laws of the Kestersons some way.

I won't disturb the Bear yet. I tried to wake him up some time ago, under the impression that it was Daylight time, but he was dreaming + asked, “Which is easier?” Yesterday Am he said, “Give me a ticket if your gonna give me a ticket” and on the second attempt distinctly, “Buscabooch” whatever that is. He claims not to know. If I can understand him, it's a sure sign he's asleep.

Drat it. I missed Ashenbach. (a family friend, Lyle Ashenbach, minister) I know now that I should have asked Dr. Hersey. The church wouldn't be in the Brooklyn book, + newspapers, as it is actually out on Long Island. Will you apologize to the Rev. A for me, as I really had intentions of going out if I could have made sure of the date + location. Should have gone out anyway + explored Floral Park. Fooey on me! Went to church that day, tho.

I went to that Women's Exchange place. They weren't interested in my knitting bag, but do handle dolls. She said she'd have to see the dolls, but mentioned $6 for cloth-faced dolls. I enclose a list of addresses (Moon I forgot to get the info from you on that magazine Pop wants. Can you tell me where to send + what to send for, etc.?)

Got a letter from Shrimp the other day. Did you mention our addiction to him?

I expect Mrs. Paddock's dolls would bring more than $6.00

Finished the red coat. It's at the cleaners.

This wasn't much of a letter. Guess I'll rush thru the housework + then go down to the Museum of modern Art. S'long.

love, J.

Tuesday PM May 5, '48

Dear Folks,

A note. Enclosed (I hope) find slight Mother's Day resemblance. It should maybe go with the navy blue outfit?

Hah! Questions to answers – wooden dolls. I personally think they are worth at least $25, possibly less with mass production methods + correct tools. Wouldn't like to part with any we have, however.

Scandalous about Fleabody. There is a dog with a mind of his own, however.

Mt. Bear is nearly through with his voice lessons. Wants to take up piano now????

Sunday was lovely. We went up to Bronx Park, where the tulips are out.

Is it the flower note paper you'd like more of?

We're considering attending the Henley Regatta at Princton ( I told Shrimp we're infaticipating) (Isn't that a cute word? Courtesy friend of Brandford)

You are smothering me with peachy offers. A sewing machine head is much too much. The red coat is quite wearable. I foolishly bought a 2 piece butcher boy of aqua linenish stuff. Makes me look like all 4 sides of a house instead of the usual one. Straight cut things, flared in back seem to look best. It's very discouraging + I don't think you should make too many things. Mebbe finish a blouse (I have 3 skirts and at least 2 cotton dresses) a sport shirt with tails out I find makes for good camouflage. You'd better let me pick up a cheap jigger jacket here if the need arises + altho the coat you designed is cute. Best not do too much, as it won't be long now + these items probably wouldn't get worn later.

I would fair say more but it's Wednesday morning now + I'm late for work.

love, J.

9:00 PM Sunday, May 16 '48

Dear Folks,

It seems as if the weekend went off rather well. I guess the biggest tragedy was MIT's sad showing in the 11:40 race, due to choppy water probably. We got there a little too late to see the morning race. Just as well. I guess we'd have made it except for little nephew Jojo who came along for the adventure and apparently took an hour to put his coat + hat on. (More likely it was Joe who was drinking coffee and “shooting the breeze” with Uncle Sam – ac) He enjoyed himself immensely, running far ahead, around in circles, rolling in the green grass, shimmying up trees, behaving like a young dog. Probably never say grass + bushes before. Drove the Bear crazy with questions, a thing Bear should have foreseen when he invited the child.

Jo-jo, Joe, Janice and Harrison in Princeton

We had arranged to meet B. Duck in Princeton, + there she was, with a large corsage of salmon yellow roses for me, no less. What a beautiful day it was + Princeton is such a cute little town, about the size of Towanda + similar in aspect. The problem was, how to find the Shrimp. We stood with the crowd outside the boathouse, where nothing seemed to be happening, everybody just waiting and it was a tossup who to ask for information + what to ask. We chose at random one of a dozen young chaps wearing an orange ribbon marked “Official” who was chatting with a group of ladies, + what should he turn out to be but the coach of the light crew. He went in the dressing room + brought out the Shrimp for us. Shrimp was sporting a very long face + sharp tweed look. He had to rush off to catch a bus to the joint where the guys ate, and after lunching we looked him up again, + strolled around the campus (a lovely one) for a couple of hours. B. Duck took color photos. We didn't stay for the late races, as MIT's light crew wasn't participating. Shrimp came back with us, + we slept the 2 boys on the studio couch, the 2 gals on the bed. Had spaghetti for supper + the Shrimp broke training, eating also bananas + bread. All this time, he wasn't been drinking milk at all. It seems to me that his teeth would reflect this somewhat. He's looking well, however and B. Duck is looking extra super. He caught the 9:00 train (I hope) + B. Duck left after lunch. It rained + gloomed all day, and we attended a wake in the Bronx later on, Richard's mother died suddenly Friday.

The Decca catalog covers most of the latest numbers. Along with the Manhattan ------ as a supplement, you should do fairly well. I'll be in the neighborhood of the post office tomorrow + shall pick up the stamps. Brandford keeps bringing around Panama stamps + I guess he has repeated himself but I shall pass them along anyway.

There's no other news here that I can recall. I would tremendously like to be home for Pop's + Frankie's wedding, but guess it can't be. (Pop was acting in a skit with Frank Perry – ac) Guess you'll take pictures. I hope.

love, J.

Monday PM, May 24 '48

Dear Folks,

Those stamp sheets turned out to be rather small and unimposing. I hope they're the right thing – I showed him the article you sent + that's what he gave me.

Guess the cotton plaid has reached you by now. Coincidence that I had just seen it before getting your request. Was planning it as a birthday present, but guess you won't mind having it now. Plaids are scarce this season. I can see this made up with a circular skirt + short jacket; the new look, however might tangle with bicycle spokes.

Bear makes a point

We've had two smooth weekends in a row. Friday nite we stayed home + were unexpectedly paid a social visit by a couple from the Bronx, ex GI pal of the Bear. They brought a belated wedding gift – a stainless steel sandwich tray. Something we didn't have and will certainly use, and a pitcher + glass set similar to Grabowski's but a little less fragile. Saturday Bear worked half a day. I cleaned house, + went shopping in the PM + made a number of successful purchases, mainly a huge batch of yarn. The enclosed sample is for a little woven afghan, or carriage blanket, depending on how much it makes. Also have some fine butter yellow yarn for a sweater + whatever goes with it set. Saturday nite we stayed home, wound yarn, + I started the squares. Sunday we got up without a struggle, went to church, I walked back thru the luscious park, and stopped off at Regina's a visit I had been owing for a long time.

Regina Reynolds and me later in the year

She surprised me by coming over to dinner with us. Practiced some of her songs on the piano (she's taking voice lessons) and the meatloaf was extra successful, as were the large mess of beets + greens. After she left we sat by the river for a while, then took off at 6:30 for New Rochelle. Traffic coming back to New York was at a standstill, but outgoing we sped merrily along. Had the top down. The picture begins to look like Miss Mary.

Mary Robeson, Joe's favorite High school teacher who took all her students under her wing.

We brought it home + I'll finish it before next time. They served us strawberries + cream, and I built new ears on her miniature Chinese horse (dropped by a child visitor) with that soluble powder clay I have. No trouble at all – like a flash. Gave us a huge bunch of lillies-of-the valley; the moon shone brightly all the way home and the radio played beautiful music.

Things are back to normal now, tho. The Bear just spilled a coke in my knitting bag, on the floor, chairs, table, and on me. He's a failure at simple household chores.

I've thought of Airs + Mavis, too. I've gone over the alphabet + must have considered every name that's ever been used, besides inventing some. In desperation it occurred to me that Malice might be a rather pleasant sounding choice, and would get by 50% of the population. Along the same line – Frenzy, Morphine, and several others that I've luckily forgotten.

How are you getting around! When it gets so that you can't recall the topic of an after-dinner speech made by yourself I'd say hm???

Mr. Brandford leaves tomorrow for his 2 week Jamaica vacation. I hope to be gone when he returns. I go to bed now. Should do it more often.

love, J.

11:00 AM Monday June 7 '48

Dear Folks,

At last! Free time! I got up at the usual time this morning and instead of slogging thru the rain to 107 w 42^nd St. washed 43 socks, mopped the kitchen floor, finished reading yesterday's funny papers, plus the usual bed + dish business. It's much pleasanter washing sox in the morning than at nite. Now maybe some of those 3,000,000 little things that get thought of at 11:30 P.M. Will be accomplished. Might even read a book someday.

That portrait of Miss Mary isn't getting any better. It's the usual working without a model difficulty. Working from her is practically the same, as she is very vivaciousm esp. from the nose down.

The afghan is nearly done. It's turning out to be a winter blanket, the backing being light gray wool flannel.

I trust that Mr. Brandford is having a hard time today. He's due back from his vacation, and didn't know I was taking off this week. Poor John may suffer by this too, which he doesn't deserve. He, too, wanted to take a week's rest + now will be probably have to hang on until Brandford replaces me. John will work himself into a straight jacket at the rate he's been going and for $46.60 per week!

Mr. Bear will be home for lunch any minute, so I must make with the hamburgers.

Hamburgers ready, Mr. Bear not. The sun is coming out. One could go to the park this PM + finish afghan there.

When I saw all those clippings with your last letter I hoped to find a picture of the blushing bride + his bouquet of onions. Have you an extra, or didn't they come out. Don't say that! (Actually there is a photo clipping from the newspaper of Herbert Campbell in drag as the “blushing bride” from the skit – ac)

New stove sounds super. Florence the oil-stove will probably leave a ghost. She's older than I am, is she not, (or was)?

What's CBI?

Since Richard's mother died he's been supping with us 2 nights a week. Also breakfasting, that is coming up at breakfast time for a social call + escorting Bear to work. Often he arrives when we still have a few minutes to sleep. Usually catches me in a state of insufficient dress. This has been going on since the honeymoon, and at last the problem is solved. When I hear him ring, I just go back to bed until it blows over. He is an incessant chatterer, and you have to stay with it, as after every statement he says, “right?” again and keeps making with the rights until you give an affirmative answer. So one learns to come across with a yes right away. He's a sweet kind child though, and it's hard to be mean to him. I wish he'd get married.

Lunch has been had.

I'm glad to see that CU goes over GI insurance. Doesn't help much though, just tells what's wrong with the system. Did you fill out that questionnaire they sent last month? We haven't yet.

I don't have even a chartreuse thumb. Received a pink hydrangea for mother's day, and it lasted exactly one week, all of which was downhill. Watered it, set it a close to the air + sun as possible, but no go. The building superintendentess, (whose husband cusses + beats her next door) saw me throwing away the stalk, rescued it, and now has it starting life anew on her fire escape. Green shoots. I am very glad and altho she wants to give int back I won't take it. It wouldn't be happy.

How do you keep your trousers up when they can't be buttoned? Will have to get suspenders. 2 weeks ago they'd button all the way, + now a 4-inch gap exists. Richard gave me 3 of his mother's house dresses, which look pretty bad, but are just the thing.

Those newspaper articles on baby-feeding are fine, but both of my doctors are against it. I haven't given up the idea, tho.

I shall finish this off, then try to do the same for the afghan.

Might even take a nap.

love J

8:30 PM Monday, June 14 '48

Dear Folks,

Nothing special is doing here tonight so you will hear from me.

This afternoon I stopped over at the I. Miller display studio + had a few words with Rogers. She is looking slender + glamorous, + is leaving next week for summer camp.

The catlet, whose name I think is Rivet, is sitting alongside in a state of semi-consciousness. He's a little upset today. Has eaten practically nothing, drinks water continuously, a upchucked once, for the first time. Yesterday he stuffed himself + was in fine spirits, chasing flies, etc. I was a first rate sap to bring home this critter, but a sweeter + less bothersome kitten there never was. The only objectionable thing he does is to awake at 5:30 AM and jump up on the bed. I don't mind this procedure, but Mr. C does not go for it. I was astounded to find him housebroken at 9 weeks. Here I was waiting, with newspapers spread hopefully, for the inevitable catastrophe. Hours passed, nothing happened. Mr. Bear came home and fixed up a box of sawdust. Mr. Cat made a beeline for the box + put it to good use. It has been moved to the john. Haven't seen a mouse lately. Previously we caught 11.

Yesterday was the date set aside for a picnic at Tibbets Brook by the Tuesday nite bunch. Of course it rained, so we all had our hamburgers + lunches in the basement (of the Universalist Church of the Divine Paternity on Central Park West

- ac), after which we played something called the Game, a variety of charades + what fun! Softball was played in the basement later, and we adjourned about 6:30. No sunburn, bug-bites, poison ivy, mud. It was a surprising success.

Kesterson's leave Wednesday for Illinois, where they'll spend the summer, the lucky lugs. Bear + I are so fed up with this location that we'd pack up + depart tomorrow if it weren't for Junior.

Tenement living - Two views from the apartment on First Avenue

Winter wasn't bad, but now that people, dogs, + baby carriages have moved out to the front sidewalk, every sidewalk, the aspect is most dismal. Every time we want to use Betsey it means disturbing half a dozen semi-reclining individuals. One risks one's neck wading through furious ball games. Also there seems to be a nasty lot of tickets given out for parking on First Ave. in front of us. Ferris had 3 in 2 weeks, + Joe found one on Betsy the other day. So the question is – shall we pay $12 per month for use of an open parking lot, or stay here + hope that not more than 3 $4 tickets will be forthcoming monthly. Living does not pay.

I asked Nancy (Ferris - ac) if she'd heard of the ghastly custom you mentioned + she said it wouldn't apply to me. Her doctor was a Catholic + she a Presbyterian. I think this would take effect in case the Mother were also a Catholic, but I'd better ask Wilems anyway. I've no idea what he is. It's heard to believe that he'd be so obsolete.

Drat it, I'm stove in. My left hip has gone out of kilter + makes walking quite a job. I do it anyway. This is most annoying, but in every other respect I am most healthy. Finished the carriage quilt, + am working on the yellow sweater set. The layette so far consists of several flannel jackets hand-made by Mrs. Grabowski + little knitted shirts + similar gadgets I can't identify, also from her. Socks + waterproof panties she gave me, too. The folding bath-tub is coming from them. I have a little pink cotton blanket, present from Dot. No diapers yet. Gotta get busy – 6 weeks to go.

Last I heard, Brandford still isn't back from Jamaica. There is much dissension among his help.

Mr. Bear is soldering a big copper vase. We just heard Jane Eyre on the radio, very condensed.

Rivet upchucked again + we gave him a dose of bismuth. He clinks into the tool drawer with the hammers + monkey wrenches, + sits + peers out with large sad eyes.

Don't forget that picture of the Bride, or draw me a sketch of him.

Gotta get to work on Miss Mary.

Letter from Unc. John today. He's coming down.

love, J.

Uncle John Boyd

Saturday P.M. June 19 '48

Dear Folks,

I sat down to write to the Shrimp but just re-read your last letter + gather that he's in Poughkeepsie. I suppose he'll be home after this event, so you'll hafta relay my apologies for not writing. I also have a couple of t-shirts like the ones I got Joe, which the Shrimp saw + said he might make use of (Big sale at Gimbels) They keep slipping my mind.

The trousseau arrived in good shape – didn't even need pressing. I'm wearing the print skirt now + am sure it will see a lot of use. The pongee blouse is very cute, as is the other one, + will be useable later. All these items should carry me thru – I really won't need the black crepe you mentioned. Thanx for the cat book, but it comes a wee bit too late, as little Rivet passed away the other night in the cat hospital. He upchucked for a whole day + became very weak, so we took him back down there for observation. They didn't say what the trouble was but I suspect that he had it when I got him. He was very thin and practically lived at the water pan from the beginning. His ghost hung around for a couple of days, after he left. I couldn't have been the diet – milk, cat food, chopped liver, fish.

Can I keep that picture of Pop? Would that I could have seen that affair!

That's Pop on the far right acting as the bride in a skit with Frank Perry.

Thursday nite we went down to Grabowski's + came back with everything from soup to bathtub, and I speak literally. Shirts, sweaters, sox, bonnet, diaperwite (?), jars for things, flannel nightgowns, face mask, soup, + bathtub. I feel guilty taking all this, + she says there's more to come. Wow! Young G. is very big + cute. What a wiggler!

Miss Mary's portrait is practically done, + is a horrible thing.. Chair, table, flowers _ ugh! She may like it. It is a likeness.

We eagerly await Unc. J. + J. Louis.

Must take our Saturday nite bath now. G'nite -

love, J.

Mon PM June 21 postcard

Dear Folks,

I have had a fascinating day – doing flower studies like mad. We came home from New Rochelle last nite with the makings of 5 different flower arrangements. I can't do 'em all justice.

Moon, you're baffy. A week ahead of yourself. Thanks for the birthday wishes, however. Say did you ever consider having your sewing machine electrified? Much cheaper + result the same.

love, J

HELLO Mom. Pop. -BEAR (from Joe - ac)

Pop and Moon

Sat PM June 26, '48

Dear Folks,

I think I will dash this off + send it home by Unc. John – you'll get it a day sooner and it's certainly been long enough since last I communicated with you.

Shrimp must be home by now. Hello, Shrimp. We didn't hear the regatta broadcast, but saw the sad results next day in the paper. Could have been much sadder, though. Syracuse certainly sagged, and they can't blame it on long hours of tough study. Most of those guys are in Bus, Adm + Fine Arts.

Uncle John T. Boyd, Aunt Hazel's husband

We were thoroughly disgusted when it rained the first + second fight nights, but it was for the best, as this has been a most enjoyable week. If Unc. John had seen the fight Wednesday night and gone home Thursday, we would never have gone to the Dodger – Cardinal game this afternoon. He has been an ideal guest, whose wants + requirements are simple. Requested (1) A subway ride (2) trip to Coney island (3) Louis – Wolcott fight. All these we have accomplished, + a few more. Luckily my hip decided to go back in joint, and we did a lot of cruising around on foot. In fact, he may be worn to a frazzle. I'm not.

B. Duck was here yesterday while we were out gallivanting. I'm mad at having missed her, but she gave no warning. She sent me a luscious table cloth with huge yellow + white napkins.

I'm to blame for those scarves John is bringing back. Picked 'em out for him. They are to be treated more or less as a joke. Loud, hey?

Of course I started this mainly to thank you for that stupendous birthday present. We haven't found the machine we were looking for yet. It may have to wait a while, but those $$ go into a fund, as in the case of the Piano, until the real thing comes along. Did you ever have the Franklin looked over + analyzed? May be fixable. It's better looking than most of those rebuilt jobs. But maybe I haven't looked in the right places yet. Do nothing drastic.

Oh, yes, I questioned Doc. Wilens, who will do the job. He's Jewish, + had never heard of that Catholic peculiarity. Neither he nor any of his confederates follow that practice, says he.

If you'd like a copy of that card with modifications, send it back Pop, + I will do it again. Glad it met with approval.

Bear + John are spraying in the front room.

Time out. Mr. Bear ingeniously sneaks out, buys a 2-tone cake, lights up 28 pink candles, + calls us out to the kitchen. I blew 'em all out. The 3 extra are good wishes says Bear. I suspect he didn't have time to count 'em, fearing that I might decide to visit the kitchen at any moment. Very sweet of Bear, it's hard to pull a surprise in this place. (Unc. John even ate a little piece.)

I'm doing a couple of jobs for Brandford. Really filled up my spare time this week.

I love that white bracelet. In fact, I'm wearing it now. It's so comfortable, decorative, + summery. Do they make a neck-do to match?

Joe is just as well off without the cookies. He's getting back up to 200. I, too am putting it on – this staying home.

I shall cease now. John will no doubt give details. He has treated us swell.

Goo-bye,

love, J.

Saturday PM, July 3, '48 Beth David Hospital, 161 E. 90^th St. Bet Lex + 3^rd Ave. Rm. 601

Dear Folks,

I should have written this morning but they don't furnish paper in this joint. Bear brought this.

There's no doubt about it now – we won't have to wait as long as we thought we would. And there were so blasted many things I wanted to do first!

The young bear (female) made its entrance at about 5:00 AM today. Everybody has seen it but me, and from them I have varied reports, so will not describe until seeing it myself tomorrow. The say it has all its appendages + accoutrements, which is what matters. Haven't heard anyone mention its beauty, but then what could one expect???

I came here at 10:00 PM yesterday. Had a gay time right up to the end. It was a gorgeous day in the park + a sweet clean-smelling bush was blossoming everywhere (later note at the bottom by Janice: PRIVET (cookie-bush) she always referred to the privet hedge as a Cookie bush – ac) There was a herd of sheep grazing hither + yon – today I see by the paper that they were part of a movie set. I wandered about in a leisurely manner, trying out various sitting + lying places, and started for home about 3:30. Got there just in time to greet Jon Nielsen, who was paying me a call.

Jon Nielsen

He gave helpful advice about my various painting projects. We chatted over coffee (he made $1000 last week) + finally I bid him adieu. It was just as he was starting down the stairs that unmistakable things began to happen to me. Kept going, got supper, read a while, packed, + left with Mr. bear. The authorities said, “Oh, you'll be here for a long long time, but I fooled 'em. Can't get out of bed till tomorrow. I hear the keep me here 9 days. I shall ketch up on reading + knitting. They serve scrumptious meals. Mr. Bear was up 3 times today. This is a triple room – 2 girls left this morning + another came in. I am now an authority, telling her what to expect. Feel fine except for stitches. Have 1 doz. Red roses from admirer.

We're still struggling for a name. I like Jennifer, with Angela in the middle, but Bear pleads tearfully for Angela in front. So help me, if I hafta name it Angela I shall call her Jelly for short. 

Sorry, no twins this time.

If you are able + willing to come down for a few days, Moon (Grandma that is) we shall be very grateful. I'll bet we caught you in the busiest season.

love, J.

P.S. Sunday PM – I haven't mailed this because of a lack of stamps. Guess I won't get to see the offspring until tomorrow or the next day. That is inhuman.

In case you should want to call me long distance for some reason, the phone in our room is ATwater 9–2600 ext. 601. You'd have to ask for Sarah Kramer, my roommate. She just had a girl.

That'll be all for now – visiting hours are nearly over + I want to send this off by bear.

I'll get out next Sunday. It's certainly swell to eat somebody else's cooking. The worst item at present is the penicillin shot every 3 hours.

Bear send regards.

A list of questions written by Moon, with answers filled in by Janice. Moon was outraged with what she heard about procedures at the hospital.

1. The nurses name, to whom I phoned.

I don't think she should be involved in this. She was sympathetic to the cause, but had no say in the matter. The doctor decides. We liked her

2.The name of the nurse, or whoever was present when you first refused the pills + heard you affirm your wish to nurse the baby.

I don't remember which nurse it was. There were so many + they took turns doing things. The 2 other mothers were present.

3. Were you allowed to hold the baby at all, before you were convinced it was too late?

No, I didn't even have a look at her until we were able to walk. Didn't hold her until Saturday, when we left.

4.Were the other mothers allowed to have theirs? No

5. Did you ask to have the baby, + if so what reasons against were given + by whom? We were told that it was against hospital rules and that the only nursing mothers could have their babies . It was then that Mrs. Kramer decided she wanted to nurse, asked her doc, + he said no. The reason, as far as I could gather, for not letting us have our babies in, or see them more than once, was that they (the nurses) were too busy. The nurses told us that. I fear that I've been no help. I wasn't being observant at first, just relieved.

Wed PM July 21, '48

Dear Folks,

Tonight I saw “The Iron Curtain” downstairs + Bear held the fort. He took in the little icebox that was outside the kitchen window, sprayed it the wall color. I put two birds on the doors + tonight he installed it as a cabinet over the kitchen table. Says the cub has been yelling bloody murder until just lately. Seems to be asleep now.

Daddy and me

There were two days, Monday + Tuesday, when she was unbelievably good. Yelled only about 4 hours each day altogether. Took her to Nancy's (Ferris - ac)doctor today. He is in truth an old-fashioned character in his late seventies, with a fine handlebar mustache. He changed the formula, said that's what caused the rash. Now I'm supposed to give her what Nancy's baby started on – Similac + water – nothing else. I'm worried about one thing – he says no vitamins until next winter. Says the oil causes diarrhea in hot weather. That doesn't agree with the book which states that from the first all babies need vitamin C + D in some form to prevent rickets, scurvy,, etc. I'm tempted to go on putting a little in despite his directions. She weighs 8 lbs.

Will you thank Smileys + the Achenbachs for their cards?

It's raining like mad.

I'm sending Victoria a card. Luckily I have on on hand. When is your rummage sale? I'll mail it when I get hold of some wrapping paper. Getting things bought is a problem now. This weekend I can start taking her out.

Dr. Sprague refers to all babies as “he”.

Brandford is keeping me busy. He's gonna get a bill for $60.00, which will straighten his hair.

That will have to do for now. 2:00 feeding is not far off.

Love, J.

Sunday PM July 25, '48 postcard

Dear Folks,

I can't believe it! It can't last, this silence. Ever since we took her for a ride in Betsey this afternoon. I've increased the formula to 5 oz. + she drinks it all.

We have a bassinet, a monstrosity, but useable. Came from the Grabowski family, some branch of it.

Got a card from Mrs. Sue H. Johnson!

Shrimp, the cigar is one of the originals.

love, J.

July 27, postcard

Dear Moon,

Nice letters from you today + yesterday. Bellowed all yesterday + most of last nite. I put cotton in my ears at nite, after ascertaining that nothing can be dome. That quiets it down a little. Sounds cruel doesn't it.

Similac contains all vitamins, minerals, etc. except C + iron. It's supposed to be next best to mother's milk.

Can't imagine poor Widget finding anything to smile about by this weekend.

Seems to rather enjoy water baths sometimes.

Love, J.

Am taking it out in carriage today.

Me in the carriage

Mon. August 2 '48

Dear Folks,

Time out after supper. Widget is going on as usual + bear is reading something + listening to a radio program at the same time.

I wheeled Widget over to the doc today. It's a nice sizeable stroll. We were there from 12 to 2:30 and she was very well behaved + cute, except at bottle-time. Slept all the way home. The minute we entered this apartment she started yelling + hasn't let up since. The nurse seems to think it's hunger. She's gained 8 oz. In the last 10 days, which the doctor seems to think is alright. He had to tie off a little more navel. Guess they didn't do a very good job at the hospital. Didn't hurt at all. I can start giving her orange juice now. I'm relieved to hear that he does believe in vitamins. He's 74, and very spry, seems to be in better shape than Dittler, whose hand shakes noticeably. Dr. Sprague still performs operations. The formula is increased + the nurse seems to think it will need to be increased every few days. My theory is that she's allergic to this apartment. Can't be blamed for that. Nurse says her eyes will be the color they are now – dark gray. Very purty. She sees faces now, follows 'em around in a cross-eyed sort of way, sticking out the tongue. I'm gonna take some pictures tomorrow.

Brandford owes me $93.50 so far altogether. After a bit of repairing Betsey for the trip next month, it goes in the bank toward the vine-covered cottage. He didn't complain about the charge.

Bear is waltzing Soggins now. Maybe she's an extreme extrovert + is only happy in public.

At last I'm reading books. Just finished “The Technique of Getting Things done” By Donald A. Laird. Very interesting – short stories of important people + how they got that way by wasting no time + overcoming handicaps. I agree with him in a lot of respects, but think he carries it too far + will end up in the booby-hatch instead of the hall of fame. He would have not stand up to do sit-down jobs. I mot have an intriguing volume on spiritism, mediums, spooks, etc.

Widget is quiet now. Is chewing on Bear's bare dirty shoulder. Eating time in 15 minutes. The nurse said, “What big hands for a little girl”. She should be capable of something.

Did the Shrimp's cigar ever get there? I mailed it same time as the package.

Preacher Diamond sounds like quite a character. Does he paperhang in an artistic manner?

Nice to hear from Aunt K.

Janice's Aunt, Katherine Wands Pierce

I had to skip a word here + there. I wouldn't mind going to Tully myself. Maybe Bear could drive us up in September?

He wants to know whether Pop or somebody in the neighborhood has a ¼ horsepower motor? Hopes to spray Betsey while on vacation + doesn't know of such a motor hearabouts.

B. Duck gave us a nice gadget – a sort of baby-raft – blows up to this shape. + will be ideal for visiting + car riding.

Don't worry about your grandchild. We don't.

love, J

Tuesday PM Aug 10, '48

Dear Folks,

Spent the evening clipping for the file. At the moment (10:30), Widget the midget is charmingly silent. She's getting more settled in the yelling habits. We can definitely count on sound effects straight through from 6 to 10. After that she usually drops off, and is good all night, waking up for all feedings. Morning noise from 9 – 10. Afternoons if we're outdoors, she's okay. Of course there are exceptions to this routine. I bought that little hot water bottle (98¢). am not sure that it helps, but is good to have on hand. I personally doubt that the 6 – 10 squawk is colic. For one thing, she stretches the legs straight out.

The pictures are the best of a bunch of rather bad ones we took Sunday. We couldn't wake her up, believe it or not. I hope the ones I took today will prove more flattering.

The Greeks upstairs are having a party. What I took for a political campaign speech turned out to be some sort of Grecian drinking song rendered by a tone-deaf individual deeply inebriated + leaning out the window. Glasses, bottles or something keep crashing in the backyard. I am expecting any minute a Greek to to likewise. Guess I never did comment on that discussion you had with the doc. My RH factor is constant, whatever that means.

The refrigerator is marvelous. Not too noisy, + holds more than we will ever be able to supply. Of course it's the largest model ever manufactured + one must do a bit of fancy footwork to get to the sink from the bedroom, but no more iceman-chasing.

The Doc says we hafta take New York water to Pa. for the formula. Gad, 10 gallons, He fears diarrhea.

*Brandford came across with a small fraction of the bill. Low on funds as usual.*

He says no sun, but she's getting it anyway, since he won't give Vitamin D by oil. I'd be more afraid of rickets than diarrhea.

*Confusion up above, result of interrupted train of thought. Wish I had something more exciting to report than baby all the time.

Oh yes, the Havelock Ellis – I happened to have them because I bought 'em. I'll swap the set to Shrimp for the “book I was looking for when I got these” or he can borrow 'em for any length of time. I seem to have lost interest in the subject.

Thanx for the postcard.

love, J.

Mon. PM Aug 16 '48

Dear Folks,

Here are some more shots of Soggins. You wouldn't recognize your widget now – 10 lbs. 4 oz. This morning.

No excitement here lately.

Hope the trip to Tully was enjoyable.

Bear worked till 9:00 tonight.

I'm boiling handkerchiefs this evening.

Soggins is asleep.

Me too,

love, J.

Thursday, Aug. 26 '48

Dear Folks,

What sweltering slushy heat! 105º they say. I didn't take Soggles out, for fear of frying the poor thing.

Is that the enlargement you wanted? Too bad the negative got scratched. That full length one will make nice enlargements.

She has been quite respectable this week. Still yells about 7 or 8 hrs. a day, but the rest of her waking hours are spent practicing. When I sneak up on her she is often smiling at nothing in particular, sticking out the fat little tongue + making talking noises. She slept through the 2:00 feeding last night + I hope it happens again. This makes for bigger bottles during the day + longer sleeps.

I don't think we'll need a carriage at home. We have the inflated mattress + a folding car-bed. September can't pass too fast for me.

I'm the soggy one tonight. Bath's don't help any.

Today I chewed off her fingernails, a very simple matter. It was getting so that she slashed herself here + there while struggling around.

Gotta get to work on Miss Mary. Lighten her eyelashes a little.

Soggily yours, J.

Monday Sept. 6 '48

Dear Folks,

This is an unproductive day. Soggins is sleeping, now that its time for the 2:00 bottle. Kestersons are back from Illinois and Bear has Kess helping him polish Betsy. K has what sounds like an interesting job now – insurance investigator.

B Duck was here Saturday + stayed overnite. A lovely drive out it was with the top down. I didn't know there were so many motorcycles in the world as we passed + met on the way out. They were on their way to a motorcycle race that was being held outside Phila. Soggles was fairly well behaved. She's been getting around lately, Last week we went down to Grabowski's. We were surprised to find Mr. + Mrs. Brandford having supper down there. Dinner, that is.

Last Sunday we went picnicking in Van Cortlandt park, or did I tell you this? With the Aunt + Uncle and others. She was a model baby that day. Tomorrow I plan to pack a lunch + take her down to 42^nd St. to see Chris. We'll probably eat in Bryant park.

I am very unhappy at having completely forgotten B. Duck's birthday, Sept. 3^rd, until yesterday, too late. I will send her a record anyway. It strikes me that B. Duck isn't having a very exciting life at this time.

I'm hearing two ball games at the same time from next door. We thought we'd lose our cussin' friend next door for a while, but he's out on probation. One night we heard a man saying, in a calm + quiet voice, “So help me, Jerry, I'll hang you if it kills me”. If this statement had been bellowed forth in a resounding manner I'd have thought nothing of it, but this subdued tone – then we discovered a policeman-voice asking questions + much weeping + wailing. Anyway it seems that the cusser stabbed some gent from this building with a knife as a result of an argument with gent no. 2's wife or vice-versa. The stabbed one was removed to the hospital + the stabber to the hoosegow. He's out now, meek + mild, + is being taken advantage of – he gets poked in the jaw + can't retaliate.

If Shrimp is going back to MIT by train, perhaps he could stop off for an hour or so, + see his niece

What a messy letter,this.

I gotta do a few hairdo-heads for Brandford.

love, J.

Thursday PM. Sept 16 '48

Dear Folks,

Haven't heard from youse guys, but I guess canning has the joint tied in knots.

Has the Shrimp reported on his trip back yet? Guess he won't see his niece until Christmas.

We're keeping busy. Joe's boss has announced that from now on he must be in the shop by 7:30, and will be paid for overtime. They work every Saturday + he does not want to let him have that October vacation. Mr. Bear says he will take it anyway. He is frazzled out.

Jon Nielsen paid us another visit the other day. Stayed for lunch and sang quite a few songs, accompanied on the piano by yrs trly. Admired Soggins + kissed her hand upon parting.

Four times last week the same woman came pounding on the door calling for “Margie!” The first time she was accompanied by, I mean preceded by a drunken bum who insisted that I open the door + find out who it was. I thought he'd break the door down, and selected a large soldering iron from the tool bench. Didn't have to use it, as somebody from across the hall heard the rumpus + came out + directed them to wherever they wanted to go. So now we have posted a sign on the door, to the effect that “Margie doesn't live here” and haven't been troubled since. Now + then I hear somebody approaching, stopping a minute, + going away again. I guess she can read.

Alice Loubris Wilson

Remember Alice, my pal who had the mental breakdown? We had a letter from her mother the other day saying that Alice had come home from the hospital, and had a relapse right away + was returned to the hospital. She wants to know what caused the breakdown. I'm trying to decide what to tell her. I'm not sure I know. Alice knit Soggins a yellow sweater + soaker.

How is Victoria? Were all those operations successful?

Mr. Bear is washing his feet.

The widget weighs 12 lbs, and is 241/4 inches tall. Is off the 2:00 feeding + hasn't as much appetite as before.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Love, J.

Wed. PM postcard Sept. 29 '48

Dear Folks,

Plenty to report but no time to do so. Brandford keeping me busy.

Don't know for sure whether we'll get home late Friday nite or early Saturday morning. Bear has to drive his boss as far as liberty + will have to pick him up again on Wednesday + go back to work. They can't spare him. We girls will stay the week. Everything confusion.

love J

The cookie-face weighs 14-4 + is 24 ¾ tall.

With Mommie in the kitchen

Sat Oct. 16 '48

Dear Folks,

At last, a breather. We had visitors from the Bronx tonite – the ones that gave us the cute stainless steel tray that hangs in the kitchen + Bear left with them. That was a couple of hours ago, so I guess he's driving them home. .

Small slurping sounds come from the next room, where a little person is imbibing her supper by artificial means.

She broke her first toy today, in the person of Mr. Pelican. I guess we can fix him, but at the present he's completely unstrung.

I weakened + took her to the doc. 15 lbs 2 oz., and he says start her on halibut oil and pablum.

The other nite she was straddling Bear's leg + prattling on about this + that, when she suddenly decided to do a bit of forceful standing up. On discovering that she could do this, she guffawed, not the usual “Ha!”, but “Ha – ha”, then proceeded to repeat the whole performance, ha-haing some more.

I have a real $50 portrait commission. Richard's brother's wife from a photo. She's inspiring. So's the $50. I've practically spent it already. Here you see a piece of a frivolous + absolutely impractical  dress that I couldn't resist. Back view
 

Got a pair of shoes from Rogers. Brown suede. 

She's living on east 58^th St. and working in the same place as before. Looks positively terrific. Gorgeous, that is. Smoooooth. 

With family friends, the Hazards, who had a cabin on a lake in PA.

 

Thanx for sending the belt + to Hazards for the bib. She'll use it.

I go to bed, Bear or no bear. Here he is now. love, J

Sat PM, Oct 30 '48

Dear Folks,

This has been a behind schedule day, and not a very fruitful one. It has been climaxed by the downfall of that slanting telephone pole we hooked our clothesline to. It was spectacular. It was the usual heavy Saturday wash, after which I had never ceased to marvel that the pole still stood. Now it doesn't. Luckily it caught on something and the clothes didn't hit the ground, so I'm leaving it as is until morning.

I'm glad the Phila. visit was a success. Tell me more about the duties of a State Trustee.

The soggy member is sleeping somewhat. I gave her Pablum from a bottle yesterday, + had pretty good luck with the spoon today. I'm to give her vegetable water now. Weight – 16lbs. 10oz. Doc says next week he'll put her on cow's milk (??!?). If that 's proper it pleases me. Her arms are much smoother now. How she loves the oil. Slurps + licks the chops long afterward.

Remember when we were home a couple of times she wouldn't finish her bottle on a lap but took it from the bed with no objections? That's the regular thing now – it got so that she wouldn't even start drinking on my lap – but squawked, kicked, thrashed abound + seemed very unhappy. I would then throw her in soggy-bed, where she proceeded to polish off the bottle with gusto. That happened half a dozen times. Often she even objects to my holding the bottle. Now we prop it up on the Teddy bear + everybody's happy. No gas pains, the three little burps come up right away, very little spitting up, and we play around for a while afterward.

I've bought the last pair of shoes until some time in 1950. Just counted my collection, + there are 17 pairs. Bear has put his foot down, and he can't be blamed. The series ends with black suede crepe-soled numbers

 I suspect that they'll be fairly warm + good baby carriage-pushers.

Still no coat. I hafta wait for Richard's brother to pay off on the portrait. Klein's have some for $25 or $30. I'm not sure I should take the chance of purchasing a coat for you, as a winter coat is such a permanent thing and should be just right. Wish you could be here, I could get caracul in Gimbel's if I knew how much it would take. It's being done like your sketch.

I seem to be joining up with the Evening Guild of the AUW (Association of Universalist Women? - ac). They're just organizing, and will meet one Wednesday a month. It's composed mostly of younger church gals. Already I'm drafted to make membership cards.

Rogers + I went to the Pepsi-Cola art exhibit. Some of the paintings shown there will appear on that calendar they put out. I think you had one last year. I am inspired to compete. All the entries seemed to be bigger than anything you or I ever did, but not usually better. First prize was taken by a naturalistic brownish study of awkward log with slanting wooded hillside. Second prize was rather appealing – It was nice in color + texture – a bunch of familiar slum-buildings with little round men + women holding down the sidewalks. It was quite charming, altho not my favorite of course.

Presidential candidates are buzzing around this town at a rate of speed.

That's all. The whiffler is whiffling, expecting no doubt its eleven o'clock bottle.

Good luck with the doll's legs.

love, J.

9:00 PM Tuesday Nov. 2 '48

Dear Moon,

This is all that was left from the plaid piece. Maybe it'll help around the top of the skirt. Can you send me a sample of the other material you wanted?

Soggins will not go to sleep. Keeps making struggling noises + trying to turn sideways. I'm getting in quite a bit of pianoing. Strange as it seems, that quiets her down sometimes when she's just bored.

We drove up to Nielsen's on Halloween evening. Their two boys were still up, + Jon's father dropped in dressed up as Jon's mother (I presume) complete with earrings + pant-legs showing. Pegeen is making pottery dishes with a kit. You don't have to bake 'em, + they're waterproof. Glaze comes in sheets. I'll never understand how she does all these things + keeps two pre-school kids going, too. She models in clay, makes her own clothes, plastic jewelry, + is going to re-upholster the chairs.

I voted today, taking Cookie-face along. Was thoroughly confused by all those levers.

Bear is at church by himself tonite. We tried taking the baby again, + she was awful. So we're taking turns. 
 

Heard from Alice today. She was going to be discharged the next day, and after a few weeks at home is coming to New york to find a job again, Says she feels like a new person + seems to be raring to go. This is wonderful news, if it lasts, + I certainly hope it does this time.

Do you know of anybody we could combine with on our CU subscription? We have 2 already besides ourselves.

We finally took our winter clothes out of mothballs. They're all wrinkled up + discouraged looking.

Soggins has succumbed to fatigue + struggle no more.

Never expected to fill this sheet out, even half. Regards to all + sundry.

Love, J.

Sun PM postcard

Dear Folks,

We have received the Cookies + Carrots. What a pleasant surprise! The widget likes carrot water. Spinach water has no charm for her.

Made meat loaf today + it was almost like yours. I hadn't been putting in enough onions.

Nothing occurred this weekend – I've been making Cookie a little hood-cape, gray with red lining.

Me in the cape

love, J.

Wed. PM Nov. 25 '48

Dear folks,

There's an ironing yapping to be done, but this is a much more restful occupation. Cookie is sitting beside me, busily occupied making gestures.

Time out to entertain Richard for about half an hour. Joe is at the movies. Cookie is now in bed, and surprising enough, asleep. She's been a psychological problem lately. Is fairly good all day, and instead of yelling from 5-7, as before, then sleeping, she screams + howls from 6:30 – 10:00 or thereabouts. Picking up usually quiets her, but not always. I'm trying giving her a bath at night, and hope to introduce strained vegetables any day now. The doc says I have to cook + strain 'em myself of course, but I say phooey on that . Aren't those little 10¢ baby foods as good, + even better? I guess CU has gone over them, I must check.

Cookie weighs 18lbs. 6oz., and will sometimes sit alone for a little while. Stands up at the slightest opportunity, and it's all you can do to make her sit once she's up. Hold her hands at waist level, + she stands like a soldier. Has two new words – yggllch and b-b-b-b-bp, with bubbles. Seems to be giving up her 6:00 AM bottle.

Joe's brother, Sam on left, his bride, Lily (Cataldo), Rafaela Cataldo (Lily's sister) and Angelo Candela (Sam's brother) at right

Biggest news of the season – Returning from helping fix the Xmas bazaar, I saw that our kitchen light was on, + Bear + somebody were talking. It turned out to be brother Sam, + son Jo-jo. Bear said, “Go in + see what's the matter with Cookie” (she was widgeting, as usual) and going in, whom should I find there but Alice! She has gained about 25 lbs, which she needed, being tall + spare originally, and what a change in bearing + outlook. We hadn't heard from her in a few weeks, + I had been fearing the worst, but suddenly here she is looking for a job + a room, with a new exterior + interior. It seems to good to be true. I have my fingers + toes crossed, that it lasts. She's cheerful + gay, tho, a trifle confused as to New York. Is glad to be back in the City, tho, and is pitching right in, going to the church group, + back to the place she used to worm (no openings)

[Zounds, the brat again!]

She discusses life at the hospital, but has forgotten a lot about it. We are most happy she's back. She made a dreamy dark red suit + hat to match.

You'll be getting some material. The green may be a little brighter when viewed against a large area of the dress. Maybe you could give it a mud bath. The check was the best I could find. That hound's tooth or whatever it is is quite seldom seen hereabouts. That piece looks like a faded + dirty version of the sample. I am sending it anyway, + you can get solid brown as you suggested if it's to hopeless. I haven't found any fur fabric yet. Probably a department store will have it.

What's the good word on the Christmas present situation? I will drop some hints from here. We are out, but out of stationery. The only thing I can think of that Cookie doesn't have is a comb + brush set. Or if you see a soundproof padded cell, reasonably priced, pick it up. If she doesn't use it, I will.

Brandford has been in the hospital for a month or more. He's really bad off, I guess.

And than you tremendously for the check. Pennies from heaven, to say the least. It goes in the bank.

Widget is wailing miserably.

I keep having dreams of widget walking + talking as do you.

Tomorrow we eat Thanksgiving dinner at the Aunt's apt. (Aunt Josephine and Uncle Vito who lived on the next block south first Ave and 59^th St. He had a fruit store and the lived in a tenement apartment upstairs - ac) 

"Uncle" Vito with Joe at Joe's confirmation some years earlier

 

Wow! I think I'll let the clothes go + iron Cookie.

G'night.

Love, J.

10 Pm Thursday Dec. 10 postcard '48

Dear Folks,

Cookie is smiling from ear to ear + laughing joyously – this will go on until I put her down, a thing I must soon do.uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Your last letter was most satisfactory.

MOON DEPT – [What size does the Shrimp (+ others) take in sox, shirts, etc.? I got all the stamps except the airmail. They were all sold out. I'll try elsewhere]

I wish I had a baby-rack, built after the style of a pipe rack to keep this critter standing up + happy. There's a lot to report here, but it'll hafta wait till the current Brandford job is done.

Love, J.

Sunday we go to Phila. Alice goes along to visit her brother.

Mon PM Dec, 13 '48

Dear Folks,

I'll do the best I can, with Cookie batting the box around + grappling with the paper. She's really after the pen.

Bear + Richard are at the movies. I wish they'd taken this Cookie with them. Report on progress of baby: weight – by now she must be over 19 lbs. 27 inches tall. Her usual schedule now is as follows: 8:00 AM cereal + bottle, 12 or 12:30 – fruit or vegetable + bottle, 4:30 – orange juice – 5:30 – fruit or vegetable + bottle. 11:00 PM bottle. Then we are usually blessed with 8 hrs of silence. She doesn't sit alone yet, for more than a few seconds, and once she's on her feet, there's no sitting her. One day I endeavored to sit her in the corner of the sofa while I washed the dishes. But no soap, sitting was not for Cookie. For the next five minutes here she was – a human bridgelet

 She can roll over from her stomach to her back. Can manipulate things pretty well now – has no trouble getting a grip on objects held out, pulls dishes + utensils off the table and squeaks squeaker-toys. Mangles a funny-paper or a human nose in great style. Loves people, especially Daddy. At this moment she is beating one upon the arm, having rolled over from back to side, and is talking sternly. Now she is smiling + beating her feet – Ha-ha she says, ha-ha I say, ha-ha ha-ha she says, and starts and starts having hiccups. Plays with her feet, but doesn't eat 'em yet. Now she is manipulating my arm. Ouch. What a grip. Now I let her take over.

 A sort of spirit writing. Ah.

Have put her to soggy-bed. She cries so much now because she sleeps most of the day when we don't go out. I try to take her out every nice day, but lately there's been a horrible Brandford job. Line-drawing, + paste up. Ugh. It will probably be the last. Mr. B. is in the hospital again, + they don't expect him to recover. Barbara is taking over + swears she will pay me off. He owes over $3,000 dollars to various people, and can't pay John from week to week. He's leaving after Xmas. John, that is.

The sogger is back again – made too much noise in bed. Will I be glad when she can sit up! I wonder if all those walking super-babies can sit too.

We had a wonderful time yesterday – Alice stayed here overnite and we started about 9:30 AM. She spent the day with her Brother's family in Germantown, Phila. + the Bear and I ate with B. Duck (her mother had a heavy date) + Bear visited his friends afterward, taking Soggins along. I stayed with Duck, + just loafed. Duck seems in better spirits than when I saw her last, and turned out a marvelous feast. She presented us with a tremendous item – a grill, about 6” x11”, and equipped for making waffles, toast, hamburgers, grilled sandwiches – in fact nearly everything but coffee. Electric. We expect to have a lot of fun with it. Tried it out tonite on grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ha! The baby is drinking water. Peace for a moment.

[MOON PRIVATE] Bear can always use a shirt or undershirts, or T-shirts, which are a great favorite. Shirt size is 151/2 33. I'm getting him a couple. I investigated overnite bags and brief cases. There are several possibilities. The regular brief-case could hold a nightshirt + change of accesssories. Then there's the grip or whatever. I also saw a handsome job to this effect

These are all leather, of course.

We got a kick out of that dirty sweatshirt story.

MIGOSH! Soggins has knocked off. Could she have been just thirsty?

Sunday before last we drove sister-in-law Sadie out to the orphanage in Peekskill, N.Y. To see her three kids. It seems to be a nice place, plenty of fresh air anyway. Their main interest in mama seemed to be how much loose change they could separate her from. Poor Sadie is having financial difficulties. Being a shade below the level of a moron she can't hold a job, or maybe just won't. The electricity has been turned off in her apartment, she goes for weeks without eating. Sleeps most of the day. She paid us a visit one evening. From the MARGIE DOESN'T LIVE HERE sign on our door she deduced that my name is Margie + calls me that. It's really sad about the kids, but I don't know what can be done. We'll send them a bunch of presents this year, + I'll try to find time to make Archangel a paper doll. The youngest boy cries like the dickens every time Sadie leaves for home. He's a cute little thing – has a cookie-face.

I have two portraits to do before Christmas. Margie, or Richard's mother.

Cookie awakes!

I don't know yet when we'll be home. We'll probably drive. Bear has chains.

The Ferrises have a television set. Their baby (Laura) walks all over now, alone. Remember how really flat the back of her head was? It's all filled out now.

Laurie Ferris and me at the Ferris' apartment.  Note CBI (China-Burma-India) pillow on the couch

There's a pile of ironing half-way to the ceiling.

So----------- goodnite to youse

love, J.

Sunday PM Dec. 26

Dear Folks

The day after, and I hope all is well with you. Enclosed you will find an article I spotted under the kitchen table this AM (doesn't speak very well for my Xmas eve floor scrubbing) Hope there aren't any others strewn about, altho I suspect they are no good to you anyway, separated as they are. If this is the case, I can probably get a block somewhere else. These came from Gimbel's. (I think they must be a block of stamps for Grandpa – ac) 
 

Cookie is with us now, sitting on Bear's lap at the kitchen table and beating vigorously upon the radio section of the Sunday paper. She has pretty good control of her hands now – can reach out and grab things that you have no idea are in her range. She went into spasms of delight when first she set eyes on our little tree. It sits on a little table in the middle room, visible from all over the joint. We got a new kind of tinsel, a war-waste of some kind that instead of hanging – sits areound like so - resembling frost crystals.

Christmas day we spent at the Aunt, Uncle, + family's abode, but it was not entirely wasted, as I finished a pair of booties for the baby while there. Santy was quite generous to Cookie – she took in a wooden train, red + white dachshund, squeeking doll, beautiful pink corduroy dress, mother goose book, balloon with a bell inside, dopey-bear, schmoo, slipper, spork + foon, + there must be other items. Bear + I exchanged articles of clothing.

I just remembered I forgot to thank you for sending Joe that copy of Popular Science the other week. He loves 'em.

We were supposed to spend today too at the Aunt + Uncles. Fortunately I seem to have intestinal grippe or something. Feel as if I'd swallowed a bucket of mud. Evelyn Jones and her baby had the same thing. About time I got something – haven't been indisposed in almost a year, unless you'd call Cookie an indisposition. No mover pimples + blackheads either. Aren't you glad I didn't bring these bugs home to youse guys?

Hope you get your package one of these days, before Shrimp has to go back anyway. I got quite a sizeable reduction on the bag. Hope it will serve the purpose.

It's supposed to go down to zero in the suburbs tonite, + I shudder at the thot of airing cookie tomorrow. Guess I won't.

Send some more of those houses or lots for sale notices. Mr. Bear speaks wishfully of moving to Pa. Is there any way to tell where they are located?

(this last written on a triangular torn scrap of paper - ac)

Mighty low on stationery, yes indeed.

I just read 'Strange Fruit' a fascinating novel. About the Jim Crow situation in Georgia small town.

Whoever drew my name at the Church party gave me a piggy-bank, + all evening kind persons dropped coins into the thing. Lucky, lucky me.

The Cookie tries to see how far she can extend the tongue. Also makes many delightful Brrrrple noises. Blows bubbles. I don't have to burp her anymore.

Well, try to keep the extremities warm + Happy New Year.

love,

J.

Hello folks. Sorry we couldn't make it this year. Hope you had a good Christmas. Joey

Wed AM Dec. 28 '48

Dear Folks,

Yesterday's letter was the nicest I've had since I can remember.

Grandpa's swing has been christened. We hang it in the doorway between the kitchen + middle room. I didn't grip the top of the molding too well, so Bear drove 2 nails, and now it would support a baby elephant. It is a fine solution to the problem of how to keep Cookie entertained while we eat supper. At first she would limp down into one corner or the other with a “what-goes-on?” expression, but now she has mastered the balance technique, hanging onto the straps + using the feet to best advantage and has a good old time. I'll take her picture in it when I get some more flash bulbs.

I feel better today, + Cookie didn't catch what I had. It's raining + warm. An April day.

How I'd like to have been in on that happening! What is this practice chanter? The pipes minus the bags?

Hope Shrimp can stop by – our number is TRafalger 9-2554, in case you've mislaid the card.

I made myself a scarf out of the other half of the plaid.

Found a place that is just out of caracul cloth at $2.98 per yard. He expects some more in day or week. Shall I get a yard if this happens? It's one of the places I looked before + the black caracul has come + gone since then.

Now's the time to buy winter coats. Sure you won't reconsider, Moon? Robert Hall has beauties for $35.

That hunk of print – Pop can cut it up for bandanas, or maybe you can use it in one of your Christmas Manger scenes as head drapery or something. It has a far eastern look. Darned if I could use it.

I'm glad the present for Ant H. went over big. I have done other watercolors of her, but that one bears the strongest resemblance to the little Awful. (I think this may have been a watercolor or Aunt Hazel's cat – ac)

Shrimp – stop foozling about those H.E. Volumes. Bear in mind that they are second-hand + read through by several persons and I got 'em reduced in the first place. H.E. is much happier at MIT than here, wearing dust.

Thanx for the Pop. Science subscription. Of the two magazines, Joe prefers this one. Can't always get 'em hereabouts.

Just the airmail stamps came from Gimbels.

Hope your colds have moved out.

love, J.

Thursday PM Dec 30 '48

Dear Folks,

Cookie is kicking me in the posterior.

What a splendid array of gifts! I couldn't believe that I was pulling them all out of one medium sized box, with cookies + cards too! And finally GULLK in all his glory (Emerson Gullk, a stuffed creature made by Grandma – ac) I must admit that I recoiled, but only momentarily. Approaching bravely, but with caution, I lifted him on the end of a long stick and lost no time in transporting him to Cookie who received him with open arms. I thought the ultimate in Emersonion charm had long ago been achieved, but it seems I was wrong! This is it. Cookie likes Emersons, as they are pliable + easy to grasp. (He looks like a hockey player.) 
 

On the bed with an Emerson

 Soggins takes pen in had to express her gratitude. (sketch – scribbles) I'm sure she'd say more, but I believe you get the idea from that one paragraph.

 The comb and brush set is perfect. I optimistically tried it out, + it did the best it could with her one-inch fuzz. Does brushing + combing really lengthen hair? She took to the rubber fish right away. It's very cute.

I needed panties + a garter best, so these daffodil numbers hit the spot. Slip fits, too, better than any I've bed + such a purty color.

Perhaps I shall weaken + let Glady or Regina give me the Richard Hudnut. They've volunteered. I'd rather have you do it, as you're acquainted with the idiosyncrasies of this mop better than anybody, or doesn't it matter with a permanent whether its curled the way it wants to go? Anyway, I can wait a while. It's a very nice present.

Was I glad to see those shears! Had hinted to Bear along that line before Christmas + even for birthday, but to no avail. I'll keep 'em in the sewing box.

Of course two pairs of nylons are always doubly welcome, and dried fruits, figs, + dates, also Bear's cute fudge-box made a hit.

That necktie is a beauty – he had non similar to it, and the clasp is definitely dashing. The gloves fit, + he'll wear them to best, even tho they are washable. I'm crazy about that necktie.

Needless to say, the dry cleaning stick will see plenty of bard use. Haven't tried it yet, but that's not because of lack of practice material.

Gosh, we came out better this Christmas than anyone I've interviewed yet. Makes an impressive showing on the love-seat by the tree. Our tree isn't shedding yet, so we may as well leave it up until Sunday.

Kestersons are having a New Year's party, + I gotta get busy + make some Jello foo-doo we're taking GULK along to help out.

love, J.

P.S. Cookie rolled off the bed yesterday.

A rare letter from my dad:

The night before New Years Eve. '48

Hello Folks,

I'm happy to say that we are all well, and hope to hear the same from that end.

Today as I walked in for lunch + all the presents were under the tree, Jan and I open them up together. Everything sure is super. Many thanks to Pop, Moon, & Shrimp & Santa.

I, too must say how sorry I am for not being there for Christmas but as Jan has written why, I shall not go into it now.

Cookie at this time is on Jan's lap and the other half of this letter is in process is more in detail.

We do hope the Shrimp will stop in and see us and his niece.

Well, I've asked Jan what items she hasn't covered and it seems like she has them all, so I can't think of anything else to say.

As always,

Love,

Joey

Happy new Year:

“May it be brighter than any one yet”

Hello! To Aunt Puss & Uncle John.

We will try to be down that way in Spring.