1944 - Janice's last semester as an undergraduate. Shrimp is off training to become a Naval Radio Operator. Life in East Athens continues on as usual. Moon still does Janice's laundry which is shipped back and forth in a duffel bag.
Sunday 6:00 P.M. (Jan 8? ’44)
Dear Beezie,
Not a great deal has happened since you left, except that the week has swished past at a really rapid rate. Today has been a beautiful day, elegant as to weather, brilliantly sunny and calm as to events. I went to S.S. + Pop went to call on Aunt H, and brought you the little calendar enclosed, (I hope). You can throw out the other.
Not a trace of snow here, some in Syracuse + in Oklahoma, but none here. We had another letter from the Shrimp in reply to the long yellow one, + a big unfolding card of views of the campus – it is indeed a sizeable and elegant place – enormous new buildings – Cordell Hall is a vast place. (Naval training center in Norman, Oklahoma - ac) He likes it so well he fears it will spoil him + hates to think of leaving.
Red is home on a 10-day furlough.
Don’t forget to investigate the doctor question. I am glad to hear that the Army is as usual. How are all the little foresters? Not everybody looks down on them the way you do. Anne Hazard is engaged to one. He is now in the Army, a pfc. After the war they are going to live in the forest. Vary nice, but especially if one had some such vocation, as, say painting.
Sundays probably seem like a picnic to you now, with no waiting on table. I hope they are all nice from now on + you can get out a lot. You ought to get in a Sunday visit to Tully, perhaps they will invite you our at Easter – since you won’t be coming home. Goodness – its Apr. 9th not long before you’ll graduate.
C.L. Moore is home - no doubt consideration to your bear pictures.
I called on Hazards a bit Friday P.M. + obtained another issue of ‘Glencaunon’: which we had missed, + now have it all, + I am reading it. Where the Shrimp is going to, I’d like to know.
Cleaning the glads was also finished Friday, they are now in naphthalene flakes to kill the thrips. + Sat. I washed my hair. At last. Maybe that is why I feel so good today.
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| Moon's glads in bloom |
A quick trip to Sayre happened one day last week, with Helen Duggan. I took some shoes to be heeled + some to be soled, bought a pattern, + zippers + buttons for those snow suits. + dropped 2 cream puffs on the sidewalk.
I hear that the Song of Bernadette is in the vicinity, + very weepy.
Carl Wood has just been home on furlough + returned..
Yesterday I thought to make that fur toque, as planned, and a mouse or something had fell to and et that green feather spray, bit off each + every feather midships + chewed it mostly to shreds. Mac was in, but it hardly looks like his doins (sic). I will never understand it. In the cards, doubtless.
Get yourself some cod-liver tablets, + don’t put it off. They’re to be had, in capsule form, or something – Julia takes ‘em. A+D now when they’re needed. Probably they won’t be cheap.
Now write when you can, and enjoy yerself (sic) in all ways possible, within reason.
Yours with love-
Moon
Sat. A.M. Early (Jan 22 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Breakfast over, dishes done, + I will promote a letter. The most elegant beautiful weather has prevailed here. I hope the same has been the case in your vicinity + you have been able to get more good of it than I have – tho today I plan to fore forth – probably on the bike, even into Sayre, maybe. My good shoes are up in West Sayre + I shall need them.
Tomorrow we go to the funeral of Cousin Agnes Brainerd, who died, following a long illness. This will be at East Smithfield + Cousin John Brainerd drives from here.
Also I have to stop + see Gregory’s at the greenhouse. A commercial grower of glads in Waverly died recently + his stock of bulbs, to grow for cut-flowers, some 35,000 or more, are at loose ends, and it seems Gregory thought they would buy them + I would grow them, which is totally impossible as it would take an acre, besides a man + a horse. Besides, I hear the bulbs were never cleaned + are mouldy + full of thrips.
My own glads just recently got cleaned + are in naphthalene flakes. The catalogue season is on now – always a very intriguing time, when I do even more than usual loafing. This is seriously upset by those 2 snow suits I am still making – mending invisibly, piecing, pressing, buttonholes, zippers, etc. etc. interesting, but time-taking, but they’re coming.
I am now reading ‘Taps for Private Tussie” + I wish you could do the same. It’s not a war book, or sad. Hazel’s book + you can get it sometime
Hazel made us a present of that big book of Currier + Ives prints she got with her book club. It is almost exactly the size of the flower book you gave me + we suspect that gave her the idea as we also know it won’t go in her bookcase. It will in ours + thankfully received.
The news of the season: Red called on us, forsooth, he not only merely called, he spent the evening with us, last Thursday. The lad made conversation in a way that surprised me. He plans to see the Shrimp. He thinks he will be stuck at Ft. Worth for the duration – after which he wants to go to college – but for what? Forestry, he thinks. He volunteered for an Arctic rescue squad, to go to Alaska and rough it, living off the country, + was much disappointed not to be accepted. 10 went, 9 came back, too rugged. May get another chance. He yearns to get away from civilization. Since the study in Detroit he is supposed to be a corporal, but they fought to fix it so.
Did Ginny come back? Was she the one he wrote to? I said the girls were all back + on referring to your note, it seems you didn’t say so + if so I have put myself in the position of having given Red some incorrect information. Write me back a card + let me know as I must get this straightened out. Seems he didn’t hear from this girl after getting a Christmas card + wondered did she come back. If she didn’t + I said she did, how very odd that appears. Dear me sup.
Well, I have to hop back on the old tread-mill. I have a new and totally different type of garter-belt + am thinking of getting one for you.
Write soon. Have a good time.
Yours ever,
Moon
Wednesday Eve. (Jan 27’44)
Dear Beezie:
Bulletin Special Special. Your career is a-coming a-running. If you will accept it, you have a commission to paint the portrait of the son + daughter of one Lucia Reihlman of Tully, who has seen and been impressed by ‘Than’.
I don’t exactly know how old the son + daughter are, not infants. I believe, grown up maybe. You are to let me know + I reply back. No special time- I suppose after you graduate or any time. No doubt the graphs and the portrait of the professor’s mother will occupy you pretty extensively. You’re in great demand, seems as if. Cousin Ed painted a portrait of his mother from a tin-type – as you no doubt know, he wrote to learn about her hair + color of dress.
I sent for a garter belt for you. It will (probably) arrive, sometime. Try it and if you do not like it send it down in the next laundry bag. I have one of that type + like it + could use two. One I have is a little too big.
Enclosed is one of those notable notes out of the milk pail. There’s the evidence. I understand a snappy reply is coming up. I intercepted this one, yessir.
Super-Duper weather. I took a bike trip to Sayre in some of it Saturday. I dropped 2 cream puffs on the sidewalk in Sayre, recently. Also, I dropped a jar of mayonnaise on a lady’s foot, in the Acme, + not noticing it was cracked (the jar) I put it in my bag along with the meat + this + that + it discharged its contents + on arriving home could hardly tell this from that.
Red told us a little more about Andy. His folks recently had a letter explaining that he was on his way back to Australia on leave when the plane crashed. He had been on at least 10 missions.
Sunday afternoon we went to Agnes B’s (Brainerd) funeral. I had never been out that way in the winter before. It was a varying blustery day + on the way home we would encounter ice + blizzards on the hills, + drop down into spring + sunshine in the valleys. Intriguing.
C.B.S. gave ‘Waltzing Matilda’ in fine style this morning. Some more old-time favorites have come along, too. ‘My Dream Girl’ used to be most popular, + ‘In the Good Old Summer Time”. Most, most ancient.
That was a very fetching post card, your last.
Uncle Than (Pierce – ac) and his partner are selling their Garage in Vesper. Can’t do the work any more. Uncle T. isn’t any too well.
Hoping to hear from you sometime. However.
En el martes
Ni te embarques, ni te cases
Ni te muevas a otras partes
Ni te pongas alpargatas.
Adios,
Moon
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| Ever the stickler, Pop takes care of Janice's taxes. |
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| It seems so odd that Pop was listening to and making note of all this inane popular music, but as a DXer, he had to have each station verify what they were broadcasting at the time he picked up their distant signal. He got a kick out of sharing these with Janice. |
(Feb. 6 ’44)
Hello Beezie:
Enclosed please find $1.00 for which please get me some of that Scotch plaid paper to write to Shrimp on – unless it is too uncouth – also I like the sound of that yellow, with specks + brown. I wonder if that would be nice for my birthday? Yours is good – unassuming but effective, that’s what I think. Don’t mind Pop – he thought it was wrapping paper. That ink is all right on it – pencil would be good, yes.
Your cough is a development of the laryngitis. It does that. Hard to shake, too. Cod liver oil sooner might have warded it off. Should help disperse it.
Farewell, the army. I read enough pilots have been trained – others, too, maybe.
I have been putting together a jig-saw puzzle this P.M. Fun. Have 3 of ‘em.
Thanks for the Spanish Dogwood. That verse came from a book on Colombia where they regard Tuesday as some do Friday, but more so. It said, “On Tuesday do not wed, do not travel, do not put on your shoes” and so on. As much Spanish as you have had, haven’t they had you learn the days of the week?
Let us hope Alma continues with the new leaf – it looked like a tough proposition.
How comes the thesis” You’ve got plenty to do, looks like – perhaps you will have to stay on up there + finish portraits, etc.
Your Pop has just returned from a visit to Aunt H, and brung (sic) some Prince Valients. Excuse me if I close –
Yours with love
Moon
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| Pop's handwriting is so neat, there's no need to transcribe it. | Janice gets a tax refund...$7.70! |
Wednesday, no, Thursday, the 17th (Feb ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Your letter arrived yest. The laundry today. This paper is acceptable, indeed, + as you say has its virtues. No Scotch effect, tho. Has a prim, dimity look. I need paper + you can hand it all right over – or keep some – just as you wish. You acted with excellent judgment. I wasn’t desperate about it, one way or another.
What did you do with that cheese in the laundry bag? Yes that is what it was. Did it arrive in edible condition? We found it hard to take + so tried the last of it on you. (!!) It looked good but wasn’t. But last Saturday after., after some months without, we got a piece of good cheese, mild + orange colored, + made us some super duper macaroni and, as well as the terrificest (sic) cheese souffle.ever. 6” high + light as a feather. We thought of you + wished you were there, too. Here, I mean, don’t I? Well, I trust you understand.
I hear from the Shrimp that the box of eats we sent him last arrived when he had the German measles and no appetite. You kids neglected to have the German measles when you should have – this they say you can have them early and often. Once is enuff (sic) usually.
The case of the B.B. Wolf hardly constitutes a story, but if you want to know it was the most, most undignified, and a wonder that he escaped arrest. He merely (!) got drunk, went to Waverly, and answered the call of Nature right in the middle of Main St. Shows what likker will do for yuh.
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| At S.U. Janice studied human and animal anatomy. |
Your report on the Perfect Anatomy Plate is intriguing. I yearn to see that anatomy plate. I am also open-mouthed to hear of that long speech in Spanish. My! As to the picture of Salome, it should be right up your alley as many of your productions in the past have a Salome-ish look. Just let go, forget yourself, + make believe it is a paper doll. I suppose the choices are slim – but you never can tell – or whether you want the $500 worth of Art training, anyway. Nice -if-you-can-get-it, of course.
Have you any further plans about making the Tully portraits? No rush, ‘twouldn’t seem + I don’t want you to undertake too much in these last few weeks.
You seem skeptical about that garter belt. I find the one I have very satisfactory – except that H. Gray expects more to depend on one hook than any sensible person would ever consider. I put on 2 buttons - + just in time.
Do you remember hearing of one Peter Campbell of Green’s Landing, the only other member of the Empire State Gladiolus society for miles around? Well – I have always thought I ought to know Peter, + have occasionally wonder how to contact him. It has been done. It occurred. I ordered from Sears a garter belt + 2 pair of hose, of a most unglamorous type, too + the package was delivered to the home of Peter, + there opened, revealing 2 pr. Heavy weight part wool hose + a lady attired in a Helen Gray garter belt. And now, I don’t care if I never meet Peter.
I am getting to be the good-deed-Dottie type. Having just put together 2 jig-saw puzzles intended for army stations in remote places, + I found a piece missing in each. I fell to and cut out some to fit, + colored to match – fun, + I hope it will save the sanity of, say, somebody in Alaska, Corporal Dill, perchance.
Mason Hulet is in Hawaii, on his way elsewhere, likely. He is a radio technician + has been in the States all this while.
And now – you see, don’t you, why I must close?
Yours with,
Moon
Friday (Feb. 4, ’44)
Dear Beezie,
10:00 A.M. + I am ketching up on my correspondence (you + the Shrimp) previous to a shopping trip to Athens. Leahys closed up + their stock is being sold off over at the furniture store. I must take a look-see.
News is scarce. Mrs. Cilia Brown, while walking to work yesterday morning in the dark, was struck by a car + is now in the hospital, but not, I believe, seriously injured.
It has snowed steady, for more than 24 hrs. just a few flakes at a time - + now we have , I should estimate, about one inch.
We’re getting along so good here, there’s nothing to write about. Hazel was in this morning to have her hair fixed and reported on your letter to her. I would like to hear how the laryngitis came out.
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| Hazel Irene Boyd Thompson |
My main occupation of late has been making those 2 snow suits - + quite a job, starting from the ripping, pressing, darning, pressing, piecing, pressing, stitching, pressing, + occasional taking out + re-piecing, + re-pressing. They are done now, + quite nice, coats, pants, + bonnets, + I am experimenting with mittens.
Your laundry bag was rec’d Wed. + that same afternoon I went to the library + returned + renewed - + it happened to be the exact day to do the stunt, instead of 10 days or so later, as usual. But the best thing I have read since ‘The Song of Bernadette’, is one Hazel got n her book club. ‘Paris Underground’ an actual account of how many of the British soldiers left in France (there were 10,000) after Dunkirk, were helped to escape. It reads like ‘Captain Easy’ in spots.
I sent the information regarding Ginny along to Harrison, who, will, I trust, relay it to Red. Red plans to get to see H. did I tell you that?
Find a couple of clippings enclosed here – the names sound familiar – acquaintances of yours – maybe – sometimes I can’t recall which were yours + which were Shrimps’
Here, the wood-chuck saw his shadow. 6 wks more of winter like we’ve been having is nothing to worry over.
Mail just came + nothing from Beezie – I had been desiring to hear that the laryngitis was better. If such is the case, + you are able to write, fall to with a post card, or we’ll wonder.
Sun is coming out – a nice mile day. I shall take that trip to town immediately after dinner - + read the good ole Philadelphia Record. I see our own noble Senator Guffey took occasion to tick off the ‘Reader’s Digest’.
Well – this isn’t much of a letter – nut, just the same, now its your turn to write.
How does B. Duck bear up sans Gent?
Hope ‘tis as nice in Syracuse as here, + you’re enjoying the absence of waiting on table + superfluous room-mates. Have fun.
Love,
Moon
(2/25/44)
Hi Beezie:
Today I typed a good copy of that castaway rhyme, improved extended, + revised, of course, and with the illustration on the back of this, tho not as good, of course, + sent it to the N.E.G.S + maybe they’ll use it in their next Year Book -1945. (New England Gladiolus Society – ac)
I can’t advise you on the portrait business – you’re getting plenty advice. Will say, you have enough stuff to make portraits worth that price, agasting (?-ac) indeed tho it is. Will repeat. Yes, you are that good. Kids are so durn hard to do. Can’t somebody have their grand-parents painted? My advice: Don’t let it throw you if it flops. 3 kids is a tough adventure. You can do, though. I recently observed that start of Julia + it was O.K. Looked good scraped. That round, bubtle, apple look – in infants. You got it in that little colored girl.
Can’t advise on John, either. I trust you appreciate his cas, attention, and companionship. If you can’t stand him, avoid him. What if he is nice? We all have our faults. Can’t you even get him to talk about himself – or his interests?
Couldn’t find some of the anatomy plates – were those O.K.? write soonish Moon-
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| The Glad Castaway illustation |
Original ballad by Moon - The Glad Castaway - meant to be read aloud
Thurs. Eve, Mch. 2nd (’44)
Dear Beezie,
March has come in like a lion.
And Moon has gone to Young Matron’s Club, leaving me to start a letter to you. Guess she thinks that I will do most of it, so do not expect too much.
That song was heard over KHMC of Cheyenne, Wyo., a state which I need and how. Guess I have enough for a veri (verification – ac) but am rather weak on selections. The words, “there’s a new world born at dawn” were frequent and outstanding, The selection sounded lyrical (not dance) and seemed to strike me as a bit old, but maybe it was a Sinatra. Also maybe it was a Western. No great matter though.
There has been a series of deaths in the community. On Saturday, Henry Lantz died (caretaker at Jay Dell Stables). On Sunday, John Ammerman passed away and yesterday, Jim Vancise did likewise. We may attend the Vancise funeral.
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| Evelyn Spencer |
This evening, Evelyn Spencer was over. She asked to be remembered to you and reported that her youngster was threatened with mastoids, having had a long siege of ear trouble.
I recollect that Moon expressed her (and also my) great interest in any and all news about the portrait business. But we do not doubt that we will be advised of any progress.
Moon has got the toughest jig say puzzle going that you ever say in your life. I bet she is stuck.
Well anything more will appear when she takes her pen in hand.
With love, Pop
Hello B.
Seems like this is enuff letter for yuh. Just back from Young Matron’s at Jessie Hulet’s. Late. I’m full of refreshments. Lucille Daniels was out with us Young Matrons.
I went to town this P.M. mailed youse kids pkgs. + went to library – must close + hit hay.
Yrs. Ever Moon
P.S. ‘Killer’ flunked draft exam, has good job in chem. Engineering awaiting him in N.J. Sweet Pete has $5000 civilian job in England.
P.P.S Don’t lose that Castaway copy-
Tue. 2:15 P.M. (Mar. 8 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Your goodly missive arrived this A.M. + will be answered at this time.
I just packed, for the Shrimp a big box of MacIntosh apples, purchased by his Aunt H. at 2 lb. for 25¢. By the time she pays the postage on it ‘twill run into folding money. Lucky Shrimp.
That gift of 5 (five) pairs of silk (SILK) hose is absotively posilutely terrific. Just utterly totally. There are those who would be green with envy. There are those who would part with a lotta wherewithal to obtain even one pair. We can only hope that your course in the nearish future is cast in silk-hose circles – instead of sock. Or wouldn’t that suit? As the Ouija board.
Good, the letter from Elsa. I thought she would some time – probably she was just obliged to delay while saving up the postage.
Thanks for the choice green sweater. I washed and ironed yesterday + the laundry bag will arrive before long. The gun drop cake was a sugarless recipe which sounded attractiver (sic) than it was, I believe.
I sent the Shrimp a loaf of it,+ I fear me, lost me reputation as a cook.
The old Peoples’ Hospital in Sayre, where you kids were born, which has been an apartment house for some time burned down Sunday morning, starting at 6 or so A.M. 12 families lived there and everybody got out but some just in time, right out in the snow in their night wear + bare feet. It was one of those zero mornings, too, so cold it bothered the firemen.
I didn’t go to S. School that A.M. due to having had a sinus attack (not very bad, + the first I’ve had since I can’t remember when) + not having done any dish washing, etc. Sat. made up for it by attending a cottage prayer meeting at Smileys. I’m invited to another one, tomorrow night, elsewhere, but I feel I must go with Hazards to a concert of sacred music at Bethel Hall given by the Progressive Service Club (Athens Colored ladies) which occurs the same night.
That call from the Shrimp was quite a stunt. Thannie called his family from Chicago. I have new pictures of Geo. & Helen.
Nelia Hazard is the ancestor of a daughter I plan to go up to the hospital to see her, if can do.
I’m sorry to hear of the re-appearance of the aches, glad they have disappeared, hope they remain absent, + think you did the right thing to have an examination. If they ever were to persist, I should have further. No rheumatism, fine. Maybe tis the weather or perhaps you became over tired. Be sure to get your vitamins.
Seems as if those 1/3 witted room mates of yours are rushing the Apr. Fool Season. Not much you can do with such, except forget ‘em as opportunity offers. (Mrs. O may be ill?)
Alas, the Orensteins!!!! Why let it slip without a struggle? Have you reported to your various profs the results of their advice? If they offer any more, use your own judgement about taking it. Have a talk with Boekner. Were I you, I should prefer to do ‘em $40 per head, rather than not at all, because of experience, tho I think they’d stand for more, + should interview ‘em again, lay the cards on the table, + learn what they were prepared to offer + accept, or compromise. You mist do a few for somebody, for some price, as a start. Call ‘em up. Re-open negotiations.
Aunt H. has 30 jig saws. Shall I send some in laundry bag?
I do regret to hear of the concussed condition of the eggs.
The once-wuz Mrs. Gary, formerly of your street, now lives in Stillwater. Remarried.
Congratulations on successful completion of graphs. Don’t work yer-self ragged, not, on portraits or anything else. I lead a rather leisurely existence, myself, suits, too – but house-cleaning, sewing + yard raking loom in the distance. love Moon
Monday (Mar 14 ’44)
Dear Beezie,
Your cheerful, timely, chatty is at hand and much appreciated, tho I hate to be the cause at refraining you from playing ‘Road to the Isles’ on ocarina. I trust you accomplished it later.
In same mail cane a gift from Shrimp – a miniature Indian rug. I like it fine, it fits in, is usable and will give some of my favorite yellow fringed mats some competition. Quite different – grey, with design in red, white, blue + black.
Your father said it would be most improper to include any of those jig-saw puzzles – They’re too time taking and nobody in your set should spare the time. Seemed a good, sane argument. If they are still around, and you get your thesis done, etc., etc. I’ll send you some if you say so. There are dozens here, some of very fine quality, big thick pieces, ranging from fairly easy to downright tough. I have one going all the while – if not two.
Today I have been putting a few more names on the Service Rolls, including Dale Moore + Stanley Cramer. Rodney Humphrey is in the Navy, too.
Ha! I’m glad the Orenstein portraits are really in prospect + I seem to feel pretty sure they’ll be reasonably successful. Will you do ‘em right along or wait until after graduation? It wouldn’t surprise me if you could camp in Lois apartment for a spell if you wished, reasonably, doubtless, too, you could, of course if no handy place appeared in Syracuse, be accommodated in Tully, or in East Syracuse, also reasonably. Idea. How to win friends + influence people. Make the little girl a gift of one of your incomparable paper dolls.
The days of sour, coldish, windy weather we’ve had – little snow, tho. Today the sun appears now and anon. but the wind still blows. I shall soon hie me to Sayre + shop for a Spring suit. I heard Syracuse had 10 in. of snow.
Describe this John Is he in the army, or why not? At least go so far as to indicate his other name, if any.
I believe – I’m relieved to hear that the hose are ‘Realsilk’ I misjudged Aunt H.’s emphasis. Very O.K.
How elegant that you’re able to have fun with the thesis – tho those library adventures hardly sounded like it. Don’t overdo. Don’t overdo. A commercial recording advertising Raisin Bran, or something got stuck today + kept saying: “ Fruit – a -man’s food – fruit a man’s food -fr!” somebody choked it + a smooth poised voice changed the subject entirely. -
Try + give Alma a good time, if nothing else. That’s probably what she needs.
The middle sized small Emerson occurred because I was trying to make a lapel-sized one + didn’t hit it the first time.
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| An assortment of Emersons |
Good about the Thelin job. Whose job was the Graphs + whose mother is it you do? Wasn’t Thelin the crayon portrait job. I mix ‘em up, it seems. That crayon portrait was on good hit, yessiree.
I have had 2 photographic enlargements made of the great-grand-parents. One for each of you kids, + the one you did is mine.
Well supper time approaches signs indicate, + I must take suitable steps.
Your father has a cold, but went to work this morning – as for me I am in my usual health.
Send your laundry back any time you want to.
Keep on as you’re a'going. It’s good enuff.
Yours with love Moon
P.S. I remember the other professor’s name now. Hepner
(Mar. 14 '44)
Note from Pop
Dear Beezie,
We note the zone number in your address, which event we have been looking forward to. for some time.
A very snappy new tune is
"NON TEMPO LAGNINO" from "Carnival in Rio". It is too new for the books, but I guess it is spelled right.
For real heavenly music, try "Piston Packing Mama" by Vaughn Monroe + Orch. It can never be surpassed.
Dandale mis mejores desees para buena suerta. (sic)
Pop
Thursday Evening (Mar. 24 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
I have just returned from a brisk stroll of approx 2/3 mi. yes – getting the milk. The evening is before me – what there is left of it. It has been a completely rainy day, here, but this evening the sun burst out at the last minute and produced about the most gorgeous rainbow ever seen, and double, I wished on it for you and the Shrimp.
Last night I went again to Sayre and made Red Cross bandages. Sunday I collected up our street or did I tell you that? Very dull, this year, nothing like the adventure is was before.
This week has not seen much progress with the jig-saw puzzles, tho I have enlisted help on all sides – about 12 or so out of 38 or so have been certified.
I can’t remember when I wrote you that last postcard or what I wrote on it. Alternating letters to you + the Shrimp + also Katie mixes me up badly.
Monday we had quite a lot of snow + I didn’t wash, but got considerably exercise digging all the paths. The next morning about 8:30 I saw a rabbit come all the way up my path from the highway, and proceed to his residence, under the shed/
Griswold’s have a colony of o’possums. Have had for several years.
This evening I side stepped another cottage prayer meeting. I have been to two, which will serve. At the last one a certain former Athens preacher’s wife was the star. While all the others prayed, all very well-behaved and moderate, she groaned agonizingly. Just as per the stories, “Ahhhhhhhh, Lord!” very eerie. When Gene Lent did his bit, however, she shut up – this I suspect was because he has a very soft voice + spoke low + she wanted to hear what he said. When her turn came she fell to with a will. She was on her knees, having got up turned around, and she knelt at her chair at the beginning. She prayed with vim, tending slightly toward a sing-song, well rounded out with deep, earnest groans. I took a slight squint at her on one occasion, and she was waving one hand above her head. Have I bored you?
I betcha I haven’t told you about my shopping trip. I have a new Spring Suit!! The Style Center. It is a dullish, but pretty shade of medium blue called Boy Blue – a dress maker suit. I wanted one of those new yellowish shades, but none that happened in those shades happened to fit, + the blue did. I have also a primrose rayon blouse, + am advised to get some gloves of some such shade (champagne) Shall get some various dickies, too. I wish I had you here to advise me. If I had you here I would get you a suit in violet – the place is full of it in all shades – In one window is a 3 piece suit + top-coat, tailored in that shade of bluish violet I so often sought without avail – a severe bow of white at the throat, + a bunch of violets on the lapel. $50. Would have made a nice graduation gift.
Well – shoot us a post-card whenever you can. Keep the chin up, + hold to the course, relaxing now and again. All well here, + no fault to find.
Yours with love,
Moon
Tuesday early (Mar. 28 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
This + that to write about so I will inscribe a letter and entrust it to the tender care of Niles.
I had in mind a ‘long yellow; for you, but the Shrimp sprung the news of his next move which seemed to call for something at once so I wrote it to him + he will relay it to you – we wait for his address, which we can’t possibly get before the latter part of this week. He passed everything + was to leave for Frisco at 7:00 a.M. Friday morning. He is now a radio technician third class written after the name RT 3/c, which we better not forget.
He had one bad break, tough at the time – all O.K. now. In due course of time he was along with many others, promoted to seaman 1st class (S1/c) and had just written proudly home (that corresponds to corporal in the army – (12 potatoes more a month) when came an arbitrary order from Washington: All men promoted to S1/c since Feb. 1st to be reduced to S2/c. They well are boiling mad the more so because they heard that all the 17 yr. olds who were being offered the same course he is taking only lengthened out to make it easier to get, were to be made S 1/c to start, as on inducement. He now gets $18 per month, will be where he is 5-6 months, then hopes for a 15 day furlough. (He did report a rumor that the Treasure Island school was to be removed in 1 month, to Chicago – if so, back there he comes. He sent us a duplicate of the insignia now newly on his jumper. Impressive.
Last Thursday, just before the sun went down we had the most perfect gorgeous rainbow ever, clear + bight + double. I took the occasion to wish hard for you + H + hope it worked as well for you as for him. (Of course I will concede that your own + his efforts may have something to do with your success).
By this time you have according to your intentions, started the famous Orenstein portraits. Surprised me to learn that they were to be all on one canvas. Interesting. No doubt getting them situated + posed consumed much, much time. I seem to feel a vast confidence in you on this occasion, as, indeed, on any others which may occur. Since observing the lovely handling of that lovely negro girl I haven’t worried about your ability to do children, if they’ll pose. You had no trouble getting that round young look on her. Enclosed is a picture of one of your Tully prospects. Katie opines that Lucia would make a prettier portrait than either of her offspring.
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| Could these be the Orenstein boys? I think they look more like Moon's work. |
Do you want to handle the price angle of this yourself, entirely, or would you like me to confer with Katie + get some estimate of what the traffic would bear, in her opinion? I think they have plenty.
I await with utmost eagerness a postcard report of the Orenstein progress, prepared, of course to hear you opine that it will be a flop. If so, struggle on. You won’t flop every time + this is a most difficult assignment + you busy with plenty else simultaneously.
As to your thesis not going to be good, that I take with a grain of salt. It will be as good as plenty of others, I dare aver. If you feel so however, you can at least feel free to write as you please, and enjoy yourself. Just imagine you are writing a letter home + it will be OK. I think it helps to make out an outline, as we were taught in school. List items of subject matter in order of best presentation, + then (a) (b) (c) etc. items relating to each, gives a view of what you are trying to do. Where you can see it, + cause the order or sequence. Saves wondering what to put next, make thinking more coherent, all more orderly. Don’t thank me. (!)
The laundry bag will be along in due season, rags included. I know where the curlers are, when we traded the old dresser I took everything out of it, naturally, + they are in a certain big suitcase. In returning the laundry bag, don’t pin any safety pins at right angles crossways of the edges – it came with one un pinned, might have pricked some poor innocent. The strain that way, pulls ‘em open (drawing showing right and wrong way – ac)
Somewhat springlike here, but wild chill, + windy. Crocus, etc. late. Robins all about, however. I saw my running bird yesterday. Gladys Wood takes her offspring hiding about the crik + up the hill – exactly as has been the Campbell habit. She is a real country lover. I heard her mother tell once of a trip she took to the city, intending to make quite a visit. She hadn’t been there long when she wrote her mother, “I think I will come home this week. The city is too big and I am too little”. The city? Elmira.
Big news with me is : I am going to sell (?) glad bulbs in the hardware store.
Yesterday, Monday, I went to Sayre on the 9:00 bus + bought a hat, gloves, + some dickies, also a bag, having had the unusual fortune to find one of the exact color of my suit. (cheap) The gloves, leather, + the hat, nutty, are of the shade of my luggage (rust, henna) pumps. Also got a pair of wash gloves in champagne. As for your Pop, why he has 2 new pairs of sox – but – he is out after a new top coat (!!!!) Has needed one for 10 yrs.
I also have a date for a permanent, too. Apr. 18th. Don’t graduate until after that.
I fear I may not have kept you up to date on news items. I must have told you Nelia H. has a daughter? Carl Wood is in England (Many from here are) Dale Moore in Camp Meade. Homesick. Guy Munn does not like it at Parris Island. Did you now Rodney Humphrey joined the Navy? Warren Wood has been in Alabama, but Sunday, appeared to out in front here, having his picture taken with Peggy, a furlough before leaving, likely – he will maybe be around the invasion (medical corps)
-guess this letter shoulda been a long yellow.
love ever, Moon
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| Warren Wood and Peggy Moore wedding in East Athens |
Dear Beezie:
Your delightful letter following the post-card season, was refreshing as the Spring Sun, tho which we haven’t had enough of in so long we pretty near can’t remember what it’s like. Shone some today, tho.
Too, too bad about the teeth, tho, at least, apparently, the Doc. Is being thorough + I hope you won’t need many more later. I hear D. Moore had to have 4 pulled by the army + I heard of a youth in the vicinity age 16 who had ‘em all out.
Roy Bowen is the proud Pop of a son. Charles Thomas.
Various portions of your missive caused us genuine audible mirth. I think that bit on the new Spring hat is one of the durndest things ever reported.
Your Pop is talking to me on the subject of radio, the technical side.
Also the heads representing nuts convulsed us completely. I’m glad they survived. Also the titles to the Hangover were most edifying.
Thanks for the heel lining. It was some time before I observed your note concerning it, + I was a little mystified. I thought, “I suppose, probably, she just accidentally stepped on the letter + didn’t notice anything missing – “ However, it does look familiar. I remember all about it, sure, it must have happened when I was packing that last laundry bag, standing in it to stomp it down.
I sent you today a few boiled eggs, for which will, as usual, mail here with some salt and pepper – in case the other is all gone.
Treasure Shrimp’s insignia. He sent us a box of his notes + other interesting matter + it came by express + took me half the P.M. going after it, + 77¢, including bus fare, a thing not lightly:---: I couldn’t think of the word I wanted there, + must proceed.
The Orenstein business sounds progressive, considering how little time you have – are you really taking it as merrily as you sound? Treat the brat with care – he is probably the Mama’s favorite. Your Pop recently walked home from Sayre in 35 min. but it takes me 45. Your bicycle wouldn’t do you no good if you had it, dearie. The hind tire. Happened at the end of the season last Fall. Dunno what. Pop will have a go at it if he can find time.
John, maybe he apprehended your lack of appreciation.
We have had a curious windfall – notes + pictures left at her boarding place by a former art teacher + rescued from the scrap paper drive by Aunt H. Too bad it didn’t happen earlier – lots of Sculpture, + much, much in painting – I’m saving it all to show you. Old Masters, Moderns, French, Dutch, good. I will give you my animals for your crib.
Oh, I must see Jane Eyre if possible. It was just in Sayre. Can probably stand Orson. I have a cousin Orson, once removed, to you.
And, yes! How nice that the theses is accepted and finished, finished + accepted, I mean.
Hastily love ~~~~~~ Moon
Wednesday (Apr 12 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Yrs. of Apr. 8th came to hand yest. All most interesting. I’m glad the teeth are done.
Good that I’m getting to be a better boiled egg packer – one of those I cracked myself, as they were packed in terrific haste. I fear it wasn’t much as an Easter box. Circumstances. If you want more boiled eggs, say the word.
I have been looking over the paintings, sculpture + ceramics, a pile about the size of an Old Family Bible, + found nothing you want in sculpture, only a poor Lacoon (? – ac) group. Better luck in painting – a mine of Holbein + specimens of Van Eyck, Van Dyck, Velasqueth, (sic – ac) + Gainsborough. Strangely, no Picasso, no Mona Lisa, no Shrimp Girl. Hogarth. Can I instead interest you in ‘Pinkie’ by Sir Thomas Lawrence? I am sending quite a selection, which you might like for observation and study.
I like that ‘Mother from the Turquoise Land’ by F. Luis Mora. There’s a considerable Mary Cassatt. What do you think of George De Forest Brush? That panel is most decorative + rhythmic and there is effortless (apparently) treatment of a child’s face + hair. I don’t seem to like that curve of hair, tho, between the faces of the mother + child. It takes my eye + bothers me every time I look at that picture. Lots of interesting stuff. Look on the backs. Some are written on. I plan an expedition to town today and will mail it. There is here a big exhibition catalogue of works (reproductions, not in color) of Cezanne, Gaugin, Seurat, Van Gogh.
It is raining, at the moment. Yesterday was an awful day, awful. The I.R. is back on 10 hrs. (Ingersoll-Rand, where Pop worked – ac) So we ariz an hour early
Letters continue from the Shrimp, he had heard from us, last we heard + was still loafing, not assigned or in school. Letters take a week – airmail a day.
I have to shorten a coat for Mrs. Smiley, + take the cuffs off a thin blouse, cut off the sleeves, put cuffs back on. I am doing this because she wants it done, + can’t do it herself, or find anyone else to do it. It’s nothing I enjoy, + I hope she doesn’t get the habit, or recommend me to her friends, out of kindness.
Moores’ are all sick, except C.L., who is home now. Jack has grip, or something, + the others have colds in their glands, and pink eye. Peggy ran into an infection in the iris, + she had to make several hospital trips – all are reportedly recovering..
I feel for Hepner. If ye wants his mother’s portrait he ought to be able to have it. However you are a portrait painter, not a psychiatrist. That’s what he is, tho it looks like a case of black-smiths horses and shoe makers children. An interview with Harry sans the missus would be interesting, to learn if he still really wanted is mother’s portrait. Comments on the Orensteins interesting. A portrait painter would surely get to observe human nature as well as appearance. It occurs to me that Mrs. Bostick + her friends might be interested in your portrait painting abilities. Why not show her some of your work?
Don’t forget to tell us the graduation date as soon as you can.
Have fun. Love, Moon
Saw Madame Curie Monday night.
Sunday Evening (Apr 17 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
The rest of the family has gone to church, + I will bat off a brief reply to yours of the 13th which arriv Sat. Had the mail box just about all to itself. Quite a missive, too.
If you manage to make anything acceptable of the portrait of the little Orenstein dears it will be a feather in your cap, indeed, an achievement of magnitude. This a baptism of fire, as it were. You might inform the l’il rascals that spoiling their vacation was not our idea + given a choice would prefer to paint great grandparents who would be more likely to sit still. I would not permit a child to so pester an individual painting the woodwork, let alone a portrait, not to mention a portrait of said child. Probably poses of only 5 minutes at the most, interspersed with rests, would be the best way to handle a young child. You’ll earn your money all right. Try + get famous enough so that when they don’t suit you can pack your palette + paint someone else – that is the solution I suggest. The mama wanted it done, + she should see that it is possible for you to work. I marvel at you. I wish you luck, indeed. I had a lucky dream the other night. Just remembered it – dreamed I saw a rainbow – a beauty – big + broad, not where we usually see then, + ‘seconds’ of it, as far as there was room to see.
Fuller. The 25 day furlough seems to indicate that they can readily spare him. Truly, the small town situation is pathetic. Since reading a certain article on how the army weeds out the emotionally + mentally unfit, I have wondered how they ever came to take him anyway, because it said asthmatics were not accepted. Since it is now known that asthma is one of the conditions associated with instability. That’s what it said. Perhaps the officer’s training helped, + perhaps those who examined F. were not so particular + perhaps he didn’t tell. Ask him how his asthma is or did the army cure it. California climate maybe. Quite a compliment to the Army, F’s not liking it.
Yes, I did like Madame Curie. I now fear Jayne Eyre ,may up + come while I am seeing you graduate.
What do you want for a graduation present? Think hard + fast. Only thing I can think of is one of those choice, adjustable drawing tables. You give it consideration.
I grieve for poor B.Duck + her spots – tho by now they are gone. I feel sure I once introduced you to too many tomatoes in your early life + you came out in spots on your knees. One of my friends among the Young Matrons is threatened with shingles, + has terrific spots. Her back looks as if somebody had been throwing raspberries at it, columbias.
A big fire in Athens night before last, right across from B. Ducks grandmas. 2 men were killed by smoke. Mrs Woodward, landlady, badly burned. Report says one man was drunk + set his bed afire. Both were drinkers. I heard they found one in the china closet which he had mistaken for a window.
This business about eating liver is admirable, indeed, but also just utterly remarkable. I marvel. Try chicken liver.
I must close, as I am very busy reading the Apocrypha. (Do you know what it is?) also ‘The Robe”.
House cleaning proceeds apace, and one thing and another. Keep up the good work, + report now and anon. Yours with love, Moon
Sat. A.M 9:30 (Apr 22 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
I am about to proceed to town + get you the bank money order I hope you will find enclosed. Drop us a card and let us know. I had hoped the mail would arrive before I left, but so far it hasn’t. I want to hear how that fat cold or something behaved.
All well here, and no news.
How would you like a bag like the enclosed? If so, send back picture. Remember to give the gift business some thought at odd moments.
We hear regularly from the Shrimp – all seems to be well. Here comes the paper bag. So long. Carry on. Cherrio, etc.
Personally, I am moving in to a whirlwind finish of the housecleaning. Katie will be happy to put you up while you promote the Reilmann portraits. Idea. Offer to paint Fuller’s portrait, + then soak him for it.
What time of day is graduation.
Well, I must be off.
I do hope you’re better and all goes well.
Here come the mail.
Very meager results, nothing from you. Didn’t really expect it.
Well, I must be going. I really must.
Yours ever. Moon
P.S. Note on the envelope a nice sculpture clipping suitable for notebook. I will send you up the laundry bag with some of those clippings + some forage in it, shall I? Then you can ship home some more laundry or other items.
‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘
Janice
Urgent
Wed. After Supper (Apr 26 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Enclosed is an ad which C.L. Moore cut out of the Elmira paper. I sent it up so you can plan action. You can write, or go to see them, or both. I fear all your work may be in your trunk or around the house here + will dig some out and mail them to you or them if you say the word. You might write + explain when you could see them + show a sample. This might make good summer job + you might be able to handle it from Syracuse later while studying – or maybe you’re not interested, maybe, maybe……
Best wishes for your efforts in any direction.
Love, Moon
Call us up if desired. I could meet you in Elmira with stuff. Trunk hasn’t come yet. You can leave Tully at 8:22 arrive in Elmira at 11:06. Change in Ithaca, but at same station.
(note: She got the job! – ac)
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| Janice's design for Thatcher Mfg. Co. |
Janice graduated from Syracuse on May 2, 1944, with a degree in Fine Art and a major in Illustration. She was offered a scholarship to continue her Syracuse education in the fall with the aim of getting a Masters Degree.
Wed. (May 24 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Hello again. You seem to get all the mail. It came early this morning + resulting in The Pennsylvania Universalist. Rainy. I go to town in my new reversible to send you your yesterday letters. If your weather is like ours tis well you have your ol’ reversible.
I have been gardening + planting glads, instead of doing that floor-painting I had scheduled. Will try to hit it a few licks soon, tho.
We had another letter from Shrimp, too. I wrote Katie, warning her of what to expect, come the week-end.
Didn’t wash this week, only some, without the machine. Rainy, + there wasn’t much.
Must get goin’
As ever, Moon
The summer Sears Catalogue has arrove, full of right cute summer play shoes, with a new ‘baby-doll’ toe, which looks foot-shaped + suitable for such as we + us – no stamp required.
So long-
This is the Post Office pen
Moon
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| Moon and friends - Aug 1944 - Jessie's Birthday - -Burns, Myra Munn, Mary Campbell, Phebe Rolls, Maggie Rich, Hazel Boyd, Jessie Miller, seated with cat at Hazel's or Maggie Rich's house. |
Friday (Sep 29 ’44)
Dear Beezie,
Going over town to mail Shrimp a airmail – it may just reach him. Your card just rec’d the post card about the radio accident.
Shrimp leaves the 3rd of Oct. plans to arrive in Syracuse Sat. the 7th at 0258- shall hole up somewhere + look g. up in morning. I have suggested he drop off at Tully for that, get his breakfast there + come on down to Syracuse. You might go down to Tully yourself and finish Dorleon on Sat. if you could + meet him there – but – I don’t know as H’ll do it – and anyway – he’ll be starting back the 13th or 14th, so you might as well plan to be at Tully then and take plenty of time to finish the job.
Nice letter. Laundry bag arrived too.
So, H plans to see you next weekend the 7th. I think maybe he should see his Aunt K. briefly, since he is so near, if it can be managed. If not he ought to call her up – I’ll write this to him, but it may miss him – it’s possible if taking the mid-day train to bus down previously + pick it up + Tully, If he stays the 1st night or latter part of it that’ll take care of it all. This isn’t orders, of course.
Your Pop will come across with those schedules.
Hastily Moon
Sunday Evening (Oct. 2 ’44)
Dear Beezie,
Here are the schedules your Pop figured out. There remains also the standard med-day start on the D,L + W, change at Binghamton with which you are familiar.
Of course as soon as I had scribbled off your or my last missive + one to H also + mailed ‘em, I realized that he won’t be coming thru Tully on his way in and felt feerfully (sic) foolish.
He can hardly get to Tully unless he stays over Sunday nite, + of course he hasn’t any desire to, much – I told him to call his Aunt Katie up, if he could, because, coming so near by, he might. She’d like it, and is a deserving type. Call ‘em Sunday A.M. + if they want to see him they can come out to Syracuse. They often do anyway.
H. thinks he’ll land about 3 o’clock in the morning – but as such a long trip it is possible to miss a connection or two. In that case he’d likely send you a wire.
If you had an associate you might get a taxi + meet the train. Could be you could arrange for a place for him to bunk down til daylight. If the living room couch at 807 Comstock would not be allowed maybe Kleege would let him us his, or someone, of course he won’t expect to be met + can camp in the station, the park or some Sailor’s Haven, if any. I’ll be tired ‘twould seem.
If you and or he follows schedule ‘very good’ he can spend Sunday night, after having all that day in Syracuse in his own bunk . I yam (sic) excited.
A goodly letter, indeed, your last – the one begun with the egg sandwich. The laundry bag came also and will return annon.
I can’t seem to feel deeply about the Cornell game.
Jerome must at least be a change from Mr. Smith. These Earls!! Small classes have their points, indeed.
Cultivate these here persons who have coasts of arms done at $5.00 per. They are apt to be the same type who would wish ancestral portraits painted.
All is well here, nice weather here, too. I have been doing a little house cleaning + am about to paint the Shrimps floor.
The fly in my ointment at present is that I am on the dining-room committee for the Old Folks’ Supper Friday. I must close now and make the favors 25 or 30 little boats with life savers to be in ‘em, on blue paper for ocean. Like the favors I had for H’s birthday party.
Did I tell you Stanley and Lecia are going to move down to the other house? I told one kid – maybe both.
I just gave us shampoos + mine has made me sleepy. Your Pop is at church.
Must get at those favors or comb my hair, or go to bed, must decide something – must close.
Yours with love, Moon
P.S. Just coped with the hair while listening to Charley McCarthy – also my darling Mortimer Snerd at his best. Charlie was mad because some girl had called him fickle – after all the girls he’d been true to.
Your Pop is home from church. He says if you come down he’ll save some of the grapes for you, plenty for both you + also the Shrimp.
I fixed a pretty basket of glads with wild asters for church - + another one, with a lot of those odd brown ones in various shades and orange gold + scarlet, very autumy.
It is a crickety evening here tonight.
Well, here goes for the favors. Or shall I just go to bed. Must do the favors some time- also, must go to bed some time.
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| Harrison visits home Oct. 1944 |
Monday 8:35 P.M. (Oct ’44)
Dear Beezie
To
continue on with my rattle headed spiel, (this will be the last, I believe) we
got another letter from H. today + I wished
to quote a bit
“Expect to pull in Syracuse at 0258 Saturday morning” – (did I say Sunday? Well) “would like to come on home with J. same day, but she probably can’t”
I bet you can, hey? At least for the week-end.
Home in time for Sat. nite supper, if you take the noon train. Or, you might take the noon train to Tully and the 6 o’clock or thereabouts bus to Ithaca wasn’t there such on your Pop’s schedule, anyway he just mentioned that, + anytime you come will be all right, the sooner the better, + no fault found.
On his way home from work your Pop found on of the Shrimp’s letters to Peggy, airmail, opened, on the highway, down by the horse farm. He brung it home, + I thought of we presented it personally she would think we’d read it no matter how much we didn’t so I snuck down in the dark of the moon + deposited it in their drive, where it’ll be found + she’ll think maybe she dropped it there herself.
Shrimp sent us a snappy colored picture of himself + 4 pals, on a crag beside the sea.
He’s going to wire you + us. Wants to, for the experience.
If you want to let us know anything at the last minute, don’t forget you can easily call up the neighbors.
I’ve had a busy day today, washed, very nearly forgetting your stuff, but not quite, painted half of H’s floor, having an awful time, as usual getting the color mixed, as they don’t have what you want now, usually + having 2 callers meanwhile – one E. Perry with some lily bulbs which I set out, later, + one was a great big large handsome gentleman who wants me to raise glads by the hundreds for his wife’s + brother-in-law’s florist shop in Wilks-barre. A batch of tomato soup is ready to be strained, a plant we order, phlox came + had to be set out. I sprinkled the clothes, got supper, washed dishes, fetched the milk, wrote this letter, cleaned the porches, (this morning, of course, + a few other things, + now for those favors, but oh dear I’m tired + sleepy. Love, Moon
Oct 18th 1944 Wed.
Dear Beezie:
Shortly before six A.M., breakfast is over, the dishes washed + I am cuddling up to the oil heater – it’s going to be a nice day + I plan to be out, digging glads, etc. during most of it. Yesterday was swell. After an occupied forenoon, I spent the PM loafing in the hammick (sic), + digging a few glads.
Sunday night was the first real frost, and it was real. We have about a bushel of tomatoes ripening in the shed, + one last basket of glads opening from buds, after sending the last nice ones to church.
I see how you came to put yer sheet on crossways. I gave you an old reconditioned one with misleading small hems down the sides.
We suppose, maybe , you spent the week end at Tully, coping with the Dorleon portrait. A communication from you will seem good, perhaps there will be one in this morning’s mail, when I plan to mail this, with Niles.
We sent the Shrimp an airmail letter yesterday, which should get to the coast about the time he does. If you want to write him, he will be at Receiving ship Barracks, Treasure Island, San Francisco, Calif.
He went back Sunday night, leaving Waverly about 11:00, the train having been a little late. He is doubtless now on the Challenger, crossing the plains.
After you went, and I was good and disgusted with myself for not having thought in time to have biked up along with you, + carried that bag, he was wishing you had planned to be around the last of the week, and/or, However you saw more of him as it was for he gradually picked up speed and toward the last was really only here for meals. However, he stayed home all day Sunday, + your Pop took 3 days off + the consorted over the various radios to a satisfying extent. We all enjoyed ourselves. He went to that party out in Litchfield, Edwin Munro’s post-marriage splurge – his old classmates didn’t know him at first, he supped with Moore’s, he went to the Sayre-Athens football event, he went to the movies, + Sat. night got in at 3:00 A.M. A smoother job of which I never hope to hear, especially remarkable when we remember how he could come in in broad daylight and nearly knock the place down.
Mon. or Tue. night Jack came up and made conversation, a coached effect, in the course of which he offered the information that Peggy would be home that evening – She sent him a very neat birthday card, the verse of which came out with good wished for the sake of Old Lang Syne. Getting the milk Sun. night, however, was most, most protracted, _ he didn’t walk up with Jack.
H called on just about everybody anybody suggested. How he came to call on Jessie + Alice Miller, Julia Lieugue + Mrs. Peck, I will leave you to suppose. He went to Sunday School with me. Harold Isbell was there, too, tho he is about to be discharged from the Navy, due to kidney trouble. Sidney Mitchell is in, were you here when he went?
Sunday afternoon, a nice, crisp day – we took time to for for a hike in the woods, up to the bridge, a ways up the hill roads, and back along the road. The leaves were at their very best. Moore’s Maple tree was red. Its leaves have now fallen.
I took a few tries at pencil portraits of the Shrimp, and was beginning to make headway, but didn’t get any more time. He’s a fascinating subject.
Thursday at about 11:30 the Rev. Auchenbach dropped in, stayed for lunch, and engaged in conversation for several hours. When he came in there was the Shrimp cleaning his gun. The Rev. looked at him for some time, “You seem so very familiar” he said “haven’t I seen you in the movies?” Well, the Rev. is a very likeable + charming gentleman, of a liberal turn of mind, his views + ideas being in many ways quite similar to ours. He went over with your Pop to investigate the church building. They agree that it is depressing. Your father thinks that the location, what with no parking space, is against it + new building in a new location is desirable. Improbable, of course, as the congregation is so faded out it would take 3 men + a team to get it up again. However, do you know any promising young architects who have any ideas on church architecture?
You ought to see your Pop in his new specs, which he got last night. Really classy. They set him off, no foolin. He’s quite pleased. It has really bothered him to read, for some time.
Ethel Perry made the Shrimp some fudge + gave him 7 candy bars, not all of which he took. F. Perry gave in $1.00 to buy himself a dinner. (Shrimp was a bit askance) Hazel gave him a bag of gum drops (he didn’t take these. Secret) + 2 lbs of mixed nuts, which I cracked + picked + put in a cellophane bag. He had 7 apples 7 cookies, 8 sandwiches, 2 big slices of meat loaf, a big package of figs, + a hunk of cheese. He got a seat on the Buffalo train + took a couple of post cards to send en route.
Altho the leave went so fast, it was so very absorbing, that everything before it seems ages ago. Things now will be pre-leave + post-leave. Are you still there? What we need is a good letter. Haven’t heard from Katie in some time, either, but wrote yesterday.
I find myself reluctant to start wearing my good, sound, black winter coat, for its 4th season. What do you think. Is it passe, + shall I get another? I could. Never have been in this situation before. The old one is sound. I dunno. I dunno.
Well, Yours with love, Moon
(10/30/44)
P.S Your letter didn’t get off today after all. No town trip.
The watch came, all O.K. but also news from the Shrimp that he is being moved, written last Thursday - + no new address as yet. Guess he hadn’t head from us since he want back, although seems as if he should have. He and the 8 others, plus one more, go to San Diego, to be part of an amphibious outfit – to support air power. There or elsewhere, he didn’t say. That’s all he knows, as you may have heard, too.
He was temporarily back on T.I. when he wrote, still minus the dog tag, but figuring on being able to manage getting out on liberty. May see Adrian.
Red Dewitt is coming home this week or next, I hear.
Sent youse a loaf of brown bread Saturday, which I donno how good it wuz. To use some of your butter on.
Cherrio M
Oct 30th 1944
Dear Beezie:
Writing in the parlor on my favorite bench behind the register. I will treat you to a specimen of my choice seafoam yellow, or between that and chartreuse yellow paper.
Monday, but I am not washing, due to various reasons, one of which is that I expect, according to wat comes in the mail, to dash overtown. WE say an ad in th e Phila. Paper for a watch which had everything a sailor could wish. H. admired it, + we decided to get him one for Christmas, before he left the country. Investigation disclosed that Stern’s did no business by mail. Not to be foiled, we having led him to expect it, it occurred to me that B. Duck or her mom or Aunt Lois might hook onto it for us, + I wrote B. Duck and asked of her this favor. B. Duck responded nobly, got the watch, paid for it in full and wrote us (one of those goodly indeed letters of D. Duck’s) that it was on the way be insured parcel post. Should come today, seems as it, and now the question is, can it get to H. before he leaves this country?
He is helping all he can, it seems, but having lost his dog tag (!!!) and having to stay put until the replacement comes thru. So put, indeed, that he spends his liberty ‘aboard’.
Now, what can I ever do for B. Duck? There’s a problem. Do you by any strange chance know of something she would really like as a book? ER. We might kick in with a wild flower book sort of present from the whole Campbell clan, or we might do something handsome in the shape of a box of candy, having Mom + Aunt Lois in mind, too.
Your recent nize (sic) lil letter was muchly appreciated, as per usual. A big letter day Saturday. You, H., + B. Duck. Good that you’ve associated with Elsa. Don’t forget to report on how your Spanish served at her party, etc. Your report on the Dorleon portrait was a bit skimpy. Did they like it? Did you like it? And, did you get paid?
Get busy on the coats of arms. Seems a pity, you have to say with kids. No harm of course. If your finances are going to fail you before Spring, the family funds will be at your disposal. We think it would be only sensible, since you appear to be happily situated for the season.
I shall take steps with the laundry bag when next I see it, + you must take steps before returning it, to attach the tape around the stamp card. I had to pin it, in the post office. A hectic interval, that day, both packing it, + then opening it to insert the clock. The sweet man, he didn’t charge.
No Premier Mayonnaise in these parts. Go the limit. We will reimburse. Shall I do likewise for the Hepner book?
I note Hempner (well-known S.U. psychology professor – ac) just absolutely brushes off Earl’s theories of judgement by appearances. Earl would probably like that book, tho. He ought to study psychology. Adult education is the thing for Earl, yes, but college (?) I feel for Earl.
B. Perry knits? Sailors, Scotchmen + the Duke of Windsor are sid to, likewise.
Ah! The olive coat with the leopard! Yesss! The ol’ black one has come out + prevails at present.
I must write you again, yes.
With love ever, Moon
Monday Nov. 6th (‘44)
Dear Beezie:
Since I am not washing this morning, I will promote something of a letter, tearing myself away from work on the reticule.
Naturally, there is little in the way of news from here. After letters on a Saturday from you, Shrimp + Leona, we had a week of silence, nearly. Probably you have also heard from H. He hadn’t been getting any mail. The Christmas box sent by the Gas company came right back, and Mr. Morris called last night to get his new address.
You may have heard, too, but I’ll give the latest report. He is in Coronado, San Diego (55). Amphibious Training Base, Support Air Control School, Calif. That will be his address for 4 weeks. Maybe. An undesirable place. ‘Rugged’ conditions. Dusty, + bad drinking water. Also, he is disappointed to miss getting a ship, having been assigned to shore duty. We’re not sure where the sure is. (sic)
We sent him the watch we were trying to get from Philadelphia, that was after you left, I guess. We saw the ad in a paper, just what he wanted, promised it, wrote, + learned that we couldn’t buy it by mail. So I asked Leona to get it for us, if she would + could. A downright, outright favor, and she responded nobly. Well, I have just realized that this has been reported to you before. Trouble is, I wrote it twice to H, due to letters missing + thought I hadn’t yet, to you.
What do you mean Katie gave you a jar of butter, not a 5-lb jar, as the expression customarily means, surely? More probably a pea-nut butter jar? Let me know if you could use some more, as I have innocently had a unexpected windfall of some good country butter + will send some in your next laundry bag, or sometime.
Those bingo prizes finally got used up at the last community meeting. They were approved and admired.
The usual Halloween party came off at the Hall. I was asked to go to judge, so I wore your Pop’s black overcoat, a white scarf, high hat, + the spats, and went as ‘Count de Silver’. This subtle humor did not click, more than faintly.
Aunt H. has just been in to have her back hair fixed. Also front, now-a-days.
The new pastor continues to hold up well. Intellectually, he is head and shoulders above any preacher this valley has seen, in our time, his delivery is distinctive and impressive, he is sincere, and he sings a strange, vibrant bass. Frank Sinatra ain’t got nothing’ he ain’t got. The pastor of Syracuse Church was at the reception given him in Towanda. We couldn’t attend.
Well, if you will call this a letter, I will try + do better, sometime. All is well here, + as usual. Write us a nice ling letter. We like ‘em.
Lots of love, Moon
Nov. 17th 1944
Dear Beezie:
Your letter of Sat. night arrived, and your laundry bag, + yesterday your postcard to which I hasten to reply, in answer to your question, concerning the mayonnaise, yes + no. You dear little Beezie. A whole quart of Premier was a most noble + most welcome item. Well, one can was all intact, and one was, well, otherwise. The laundry bag really must have been hit hard, on one side, stepped on by an elephant, or something. Being a practical hand at coping, I saved most of the mayonnaise by dumping it all into a dish, removing the large fragments of glass, + putting it thru a sieve to remove the small. Not much got on the clothes, etc. + it seems to wash out O.K. It is never safe to mail a glass container, however, unless it is in a strong box considerably larger than it, + well stuffed. The pasteboard of the laundry bag has become so enfeebled it didn’t serve. I hope to give the outfit heavy repairs.
Interlude while I hair-dressed Aunt H.
Well! Nothing but interludes. The Theosophist (quite extended) and Mrs. Smiley flowed by ‘George’.
It is raining copiously and persistently at some times during the day. I shall go to town with the Smileys.
I will send you a length of all cross-bar-with -red linen, for a dish towel, or two – maybe Santy will bring you a new one for Christmas. Santy will also attempt to provide you with a winter sleeping outfit as soon as possible but good ones are a little hard to find, and meanwhile, the only one available here is that grey gown. Of you want it, flap back a card. Shall I color it dusty pink or blue? Would enjoy to, or would like to put red feather stitching around the yoke.
Yes – I fear the flower book for B. Duck would be overdoing it. Could you obtain in Syracuse a really choice box of candy? That would be ideal. Mom + Aunt L. could get their deserved share.
Shrimp thinks he’s stuck indeed. Francis Robinson is stuck in Corpus Christi, Texas. I believe Red is now in this vicinity.
I shall aim to see Princess + Pirate.
Watta dentist.
For what are the colored soldiers training?
I was listening to Roosevelt Sat. night, too, up in Shrimp’s room, + intended to hear Dewey, but got too sleepy. It would have been a catastrophy (sic) had Dewey been elected. Roosevelt, while no angel, is unmistakably the Man of the Age. ‘A world-minded man’ as H.G. Wells said, long ago.
Last night I went to a Young Matron’s party at Dunbars until after 11P.M. and am dopey today already yet. Expect to try to attempt to commence to work on Emersons. All is well here, and as usual, and as usual no news, so I close.
Lots of love, Moon
P.S. Mail. Shrimp has at last received a letter from home. Two letters from Peggy reached him at Market St. but none from us. Red has 15 days. Goes next to Westover field Mass.
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Wed. A.M. (Nov 29 ’44)
Dear Beezie:
Hello. Yours received yesterday. Drat it, the mail has just come, I mean gone as we got not a thing, + I planned to mail this. May adventure to town + do it tho, the duty call, in the form of all the glads still unshucked, knee deep in the furnace room.
Since having a final tussle with some left-over housecleaning, I have been doing Good Works. All Monday AM went to repairing + packing items of clothing for the Russian Relief. Mr. Donlon donated Mrs. Donlan’s + some of Inga’s things to this cause, _ what with what we had, a good, big box resulted. You don’t need your skating skirt any more, do you? Or that old grey tweed one? Of all those high socks, or that red sweater? Not as bad as the Russians, anyway. Then, yesterday A.M., the same thing occurred over at Mrs. Rogers house, where we sorted the stuff left from the rummage sale, some going to the Russians and some to the Goodwill.
Monday P.M. I went with Mrs. Rogers to Sayre to a meeting in the basement of the Baptist Church, an exhibition of and discussion on Flaumographs, I guess they call ‘em, of which, if you haven’t heard, you are most fortunate. For me, the future looks dark, indeed. I can easily make ‘em, but not so easily escape doing it.
 |
| American Universalist Women meeting at Moon's - from back left - Ann Perry, Genevieve Gore, Ethel Perry,seated. Moon, Bessy Cook, Hazel Boyd, Marion Jones. |
What a life I lead, anyway. Ethel Perry came up and invited me down to lunch the other day. It, of course, included all the afternoon. I am to return the complement, I infer, right along – her idea being, that, with our boys both gone, we might as well keep each other company, + cheer each other up, + not be lonesome, but just run in, any time. Can I do this? Must I? Should I? Of course, I do feel sorry for her, she takes it hard. For me, this business would be ab added, er effort. Ethel is lovely to me, too. She made me a gift of a cute small wooden salad bowl, with 3 little peg legs, which I admired. I ordered one like it for a gift for my pal, because Frank’s brother makes them to sell. Mine is made from black walnut from the grove. I do like it. It same accompanied by the following verse, written by Ethel.
I’m just a salid bowl you see
And get just dreadful messy
So take a paper towel, 1-2 or 3
And clean me I’m not fussy.
If water you should wash me with
I would crack right open see
So don’t forget and get me wet
You sure would then discard me.
She has written quite a bot of poetry and wants me to come down and see it all.
All yesterday PM I shopped in Sayre, for Christmas cards, + a gift for my Pal’s husband, for stuff for the Russian Relief Kit – (folder enclosed n case any group you know wants to get together on one, and by the way, could you obtain + ship me pronto a pk. Of cigarets? Probably not. I’ll probably send it too soon anyway. Well, + a gift for your young new cousin James Lewis Fellows, of whom you may or may not have heard, and particularly for a shower gift for Evelyn Spencer White, who is stepping off again. The man-power shortage hasn’t bothered her. She gets two tries, + darned if I think she deserves it. Bonnie can be conveniently left with Grandma. Well, I got a pair of crystal candle sticks, low + simple in design, + tall ivory candles, too, + signed the card from you + me. You would have been invited had you been around. Esther Campbell is entertaining. I wish the new groom happiness, + Evelyn, too, as far as that’s concerned.
Gladys Moore also has a boy friend, very devoted, something suitable in the middle aged bracket. Gladys deserves a break – her life has been tough. Not swept off her feet, yet, tho.
An aunt of Clarence’s, who is around 70, also has a boy friend, Anne was telling me. With all this, says Anne, Peggy says she feels encouraged.
Last news here from the Shrimp was an air mail Monday, written Thanksgiving day, as he was about to start a 4-day training cruise, after which anything might happen. There isn’t much that can be done for his Christmas. The watch was a graduation gift. They can’t carry anything, don’t need anything they don’t have, and don’t like anything better than letters. Christmas cards are not popular, say Red. Birthday cards are despised, say H. Maybe we can think of something mailable + desirable, but I haven’t yet. There are some lovely wooden boxes of figs in the stores, but, I learn, anything like that sent to the Pacific gets wormy. We’ll ask him to tell us what he needs, + what arrives in good condition. New socks now + then were all Adrian could make use of. I sent some, which have not yet caught up. Writing paper would be something you could send, if you want to.
Your Pop is reconciled to his old watch chain, I would say. He has bought himself (or us) a present of a desk pen + ink well, the fountain pen having gone pfft, pretty much, + he having decided there are no more good ones to be had. (High prices don’t mean good ones, says C.U.(Consumer’s Union – ac)) One thing we really could use would be one of these little porch boxes for callers to leave notes in, you know: (sketch)
We really don’t feel like bothering this year, or rather, like being bothered with. We have something for you you’re bound to like. If you can buy any cloth in Syracuse, you might get your Pop cloth for a shirt, + I could make it like the one he now has which fits extra special. A new shirt, well made would be a lovely gift. He has only one good white shirt + the collar of that has never ironed right since it was first washed. He has just 3 colored shirts, including the one I bought at the rummage sale, which is his favorite because it fits across the shoulders + the sleeves are long enough. The other two are beginning to show their age. For mercy’s sake – for my sake, get him some shirts. 14 ½ is the neck size. Pre-shrunk of possible. He would like a green one, but none has been available for years. Tan also popular. He’ll like what you’d pick, I betcha.
I must, indeed, see those vases you describe – a tall glad vase is a prime need, but not at $9.00, nothing recently that so moved me to emotion as this vase tale – the round neutral shades, etc. etc. all my life I have regretted that I didn’t get one 6 or 7 inches tall like this (sketch of a narrow cylinder) in yellow, when I bought the pink + blue ones (sketch of a short wide cylinder) in white with red glads in at the show was sumpin’.
Oh, hooray! The elderly relative let it slip! Look all your prospects over for elderly relatives. Get in touch with Mrs. Bostick and interest her. A circle of wealthy acquaintances is what you need, + few can have started in a smaller way.
Tis nice that you had a good time in Geneva (NY – ac) Yes, we went to a Glad show in the Armory, + saw the town, walking up past Hobart College, + down to the lake, + out on the pier, making a lovely day of it. We thought it a right pretty setting – boats on the lake and all.
A pity you got so skinned. In all these games, someone always has to, else no one would win, which they so enjoy, nutty as this seems to you + me, so think of all the simple joy + pleasure you have it in your power to give. You were pretty fair at ping-pong – and don’t forget your prowess at Chinese Checkers!!
In the name of the EATAG (East Athens Teen Age Group) I thank you for donating the ping-pong table. Tonight is their first night.
The 1 lb. box of candy would do, tho you could simply send 2, why not, although, if 1 has been sent, I wouldn’t suggest following it with another. Thanks.
Don’t read us any more Mozart. You seem to be doing all right in Music appreciation, dontcha?
I’m glad to hear that Kleege + Mrs. B. cooled off and warmed up, as it were. As for me and the Theosophist, a few days later I took him a choice wild-blackberry pie + we are on good terms, good enough for me, tho he has not been over, since. Yet.
The morning seems to have passed and here I am still scribbling, + it is getting to where it must cease or an extra stamp will be required. Have you followed along this far? What persistence. Here is your reward, at last. Good bye,
Yours ever, Moon
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| Fun in the Snow, Janice and friend. |
Sat. Dec 2nd (1944)
Beezie Dear:
7:25 A.M. the dishes washed, the kitchen mopped, + some corned beef + cabbage coming on for lunch, which has to happen quick, due to a hectic day ahead. I take a breathing spell to write you, having forgotten so many things in the note I wrote recently.
Your card rec’d. I believe I would like to wear smocks instead of aprons this winter, so Santy can bring me a smock. If available. Wouldn’t want to put him to any trouble. We also need another table cloth for common use. Could also use a head-scarf along the new lines.
Tonight, we step out to the young Matron’s Christmas party at the Wagner Hotel in Waverly, + the gift I had for my pal is not forth coming, so sometime today, somewhere, I must procure something else, + must go grocery shopping this A.M. + to Waverly in the PM to help decorate the tables. 3 able bodied wimmen (sic)+ I suspect the hotel decorates well, + ketch (sic) up on the housework, which has been neglected for the past 2 days while I cleaned the glads, down cellar, getting fearfully dirty, + I must take a bath + bake a pie for Sunday. Also wrap the gift, + the hubby’s gift.
Shrimp not heard from since before that cruise. May, of course, hear today.
Note the enclosed Dagwood. Translate that one into Spanish.
I don’t mind you not hooking Albert, but I wish you would get married, as I have a cute gift for you, which I purchased along with Evelyn’s, but did not think suitable for her, tho it would be good for a gift for one of your pals, the proper type. Of course, I really bought it because I wanted to read it myself.
I hear you have plenty snow in Syracuse. We have enough, here. It is 15° this morning. Never say it so wintry so early.
The dog ‘George’ must have puzzled in his dim dog mind when you called him that. It is his masters’ name. He is Georgie Furman’s dog – named ‘Tippy’.
About staying in Syracuse. Why not. We’re willing to aid you financially, it will be a few months only, anyway, + you are happily situated. Why not stay + try to work up a portrait clientele? Can you think of something else you’d rather do? In case of other plans, will delay make a difference? Just weigh your pros + cons, + decide to do what you really want to. Quite a trick, of course. How this first term has sped by!
Tweed coat given + gone.
Must close + wrap Francis’ child’s gift for mailing – nearly forgot to – Aunt H. will be here soon, soon.
Hastily, love, Moon
PS. What do you want for Christmas?
P.S. Hastily again, yrs of Thursday rec’d. Nothing from Shrimp the morning. Either that cruise lasted extra long, or he is on his way over.
However, a dashing table cloth he bought in Mexico + napkins appeared.
Evelyn’s man’s name is something like ‘Henman”.
About the shirt -get ‘em ready-made – Sanforized if possible – must be some nice shirts in Syracuse somewhere. No, I wouldn’t want cloth to make a white one.
You ain’t got no card sense. Just read the whole world is divided into those that have + those that hain’t. Like spelling, etc. etc.
Also the music appreciation!
Shrimp would love snapshots. They like ‘em above all things ‘tis said – he buys bonds hisself (sic) – we have a new $500 one.
I got the cigarettes – a stroke of luck.
Yes, I could read that. Can you read this.
We have considerable of a Snowy landscape here - + I am about to treck right out into the wind + snow + attempt to make town, and its doubtful, doubtful. Mrs. J. Boyd after having been available to take me to town on the past 17 odd Sats when it made no durn difference has not today when it matters something terrific. Such is life –
Good, the $35 remember you also have 35¢.
Here I go into the teeth of the gale.
Hastily,
Moon
Do Pose of have someone else pose in that nightie.
P.S. In the Post Office. Made it! Easy. Cheerio.
Tully N.Y.
Dec. 8 – 44-
Dear Janice –
You said something about “speak up now” or hereafter hold your peace” – but I’m not made of such stern stuff.
Dorleon’s left hand isn’t quite perfect – the 3 fingers are too large, (the little one is tucked out of sight) – By that I mean the back of the hand is the same size as the other hand which has 4 fingers – do I make it clear? It’s a small matter + may be covered by the frame- if not, could you fix it? I think the confusion of the last half hour you were working is responsible. There are brush marks to show that something was done at that point and evidently not completed. I like the picture very much and I’m so glad it was done at the particular time. Already Dorleon has changed and at times is quite grown up.-
I wanted to write you , so that this could be corrected before Christmas – but, as usual, delayed writing. If you are in Tully, that will be fine. If not, would you like to have us bring the picture into Syracuse? Later we could take it up town to be framed.-
Sincerely,
Dorothy H Baldwin
Sat A.M. early (Dec. 9 ’44)
Dear Child
Your last letter received yesterday + read and discussed at the supper table. You certainly are in a dilemma. I know the feeling, indeed, but have never been involved on so large a scale.
We incline, also, to the view that this last year is a mistake. 4 years of Syracuse art is enough. Another hardly adds as much as it takes away in dlleping you from a change, a jub, ecperience. They should have given you that scholarship to start with, instead. As for a master’s degree, I really fail to see the benefit of that in the field of Art, practically. Unless you plan to teach, ‘profess’, or possibly, write, lecture or philosophize. Experience, study in a different environment, or a few exhibitions, would be more apt to get you where you want to go.
Consider what you would like, + how to get it. There is a lot about this in that psych. Book you sent us. He holds to the view that it is usually unlikely that there is just one place + exact sort of work where a given individual can take comfort, but rather, probably, quite a variety. Probably true. I should think, for instance that if you liked it at Thatcher, you’d like it in a advertising Art office. (thatcher, by the way, is advertising for an artist)
I supposed you would have more loose time this year + might even plan to stay on in Syracuse or vicinity, where you have some acquaintance, + try to set u as a portraitist, operating in that area, + this, too – but I don’t urge it. You should know what you want to do, or don’t.
None of the above, or what follows, is intended as advice, which, if given, your father says you are sure to go to the contrary of, but just as something to consider.
If you think of staying as the easy way out it is likely you will find it difficult to approve of yourself it you stay. Remember how dubious Vera was of it?
In regard to Mrs. Reddington + the room mate, the best of friends must part - + the best of friends always desire each other’s best good. You just emerged from quite a similar situation at Thatcher. What do you mean, Kleege looked happy when you decided to go? Was he happy over your absence, or your future.
On the other hand, there are things to consider, too – but right now you seem to have the urge, and it has to be done some time. And as you say, in the Spring will come a flood of competition, rairin’ to go, while you, relaxing at Syracuse, listening to ‘A Barefoot Boy with Cheek’ will come out of it with Spring Fever instead of ambition. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ ‘Strike while the iron is hot, and ‘There comes a tide in the affairs of man, which, taken at its flood leads on to fortune, etc.’ and don’t worry, because ‘There is a Destiny which shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we may’.
There is no telling whether New York is where you want to live + work permanently, or not, but everyone should see the place. I have always felt that my sojourn there was most beneficial. It was enjoyable. The place was fun – a spectacle (sic), indeed. I had luck, fair luck, anyway. You could easily have better. In the event that no job was forth coming, + you didn’t like the big city, + (tho that’s incredible) you couldn’t find some art job, such as Thatcher’s elsewhere you could come home + try the pencil + oil portrait angle in this vicinity - + work in children’s book illustration.
How are you fixed for samples of your work? And have you samples of the types you want to do. Did you plan to try for book illustration? (Excuse me – I[m just interested)
Finally, I would not let the sum of $7.50 spent for frames influence me in a serious decision. Sell ‘em 2nd hand, or save ‘em for an exhibition of your own.
The case for leaving SU seems to have been the theme here, the advantages of staying you know yourself, being there amongst ‘em. It would be all right to, if you want to, nothing wrong with it at all and everybody in general would approve. Why decide at all until Christmas vacation, when the trip to New York would be helpful?
If you can find a flat, round powder box – you get you it – I’m not sure they’re to be had here, + send us the bill.
Love ever, Moon
Wednesday. I guess (December 1944 - ac)
Dear Beezie:
Your most nice little missive written Sunday came yesterday.
A good thing to do with your next Sunday AM would be to go to the Universalist Church. If you pull out of US, this will be your last chance + if you don’t you will have been there 4 ½ years and not gone near the place. You must hear our new pastor. He is a honey.
The black ministerial person you describe intrigues, indeed, with that name, could he hail from South America? ‘Tis said that in Brazil, there is really no color line, likewise so in Trinidad, and almost any American negro would be too self-conscious to make a business of ticking off white folks. Fair enough, of course, + he needs it himself, regarding neglect of furnace care, truly. Odd, too, to find him in a Frat.
I am about committed to give this party here for Maggie Rich. Sat the 23rd. You’ll miss it. Too bad. I wanted to have a big time painting the kitchen walls and furniture + retouching the living room floor, + have it done before Christmas + was afraid to get into it for fear of delay unforeseen + getting hung up with it for the party, or of over-doing to avoid this, + decided one way + the other, back + forth, + still am but it will soon be definitely too late to start it, + that is one way to decide things.
How much deep is your snow in Syracuse? We hear of 30 inches??? Have 8+ here + I dug paths yesterday for hours. The snow was so very heavy, + they kept filling – dug away in front of the mail box after the snow plow had made a mountain. Niles could have never negotiated, + was rewarded by a present from the Shrimp – the same as yours, elegant indeed, for me. It is really lovely. He shipped out a week ago, as you doubtless know.
Well,
must shovel to the mail box again, + I hope to beat Niles with this.
I am making serious plans to go down + invite E. Perry up for lunch to return her kind invitation. Once, anyway. Albert has just been shipped out, too.
Hastily yours,
love Moon
Dec. 14, 1944 postcard
Dear Beezie:
Yours on the D. Baldwin at hand. Such crust! I thought you were going to take precautions to prevent this? Better get it in writing. Some advise charge ‘em plenty for alterations. You can also refuse. I hear from Katie that Lucia R. has some friends interested in a portrait. Sent your address + advised immediate contact as your plans were uncertain – they were the last I heard.
I am making Emersons. Emerson after Emerson. Can one do this and retain one’s mental balance?
Well, good luck – as ever Moon
Dec. 16, 1944 postcard
Dear Beezie-
Special Bulletin. The news of the season. Herbie has been heard from – Herbie, Alma, + Herbert Jr. Got a card the next morning after wishing to know where he was.
This is to tell you you got a card from Anne Hazard. How about getting a goodly box of decent candy for a present for Pop, if you could without too much trouble.- I haven’t got anything much yet to give him. He got a belt from the Shrimp. Hastily, Moon
As you might have guessed, Janice decided to leave Syracuse and try her luck in New York City. she found a job, took art classes at Pratt Institute and the Art Student's league, sketched soldiers convalescing at the hospital on Governor's Island and began a whole new exciting series of adventures, which she described in great detail in letters home.
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