September 29, 1945 Looking for Tweed, The Cold, The Dames Need To Get On It and An Awful Silly Thing

Tweed, but not B (www.details.com)

 Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This is only Friday but we intend to go to New York tomorrow and I knew there wouldn't be time to write in the morning.  We're going to drive down so Bob & Hal are going with us.  I may get a suit if I can find one I like or a skirt and sweater.  I want a tweed suit for school and B is going to look for a suit.  He thinks he wants a tweed too.

There hasn't been much happening this week except school.  We leave the house at 8:00 and I get home around 4:00 and B comes soon after 5:00.  I have a cold and stayed home a day and a half.

Last Sunday we took a ride late in the evening.  The weather has been awfully gloomy.  It isn't cold but just cloudy and dark.

The yarn came and I have used a little of it.  There isn't much time for me to crochet now seems like.

A new Ladies Home Journal came today.  I'll send it to you in a few days.  It seems like it is a lot bigger than it has been.

Your letter will come tomorrow as it usually does but it seems so much harder to write before I get it.  Seems like it's just like talking to you when I answer a letter.

We're expecting Bob and Hal.  They said they would be over for a little while this evening.

The Dames are still trying to elect a president.  There was to be an election Wednesday night but that was the night my cold started so I didn't go.  I want them to hurry up and elect someone because I still get letters that I have to answer.  I answered three this week.  There seems to be lots of new students coming this year.  A lot of them are servicemen coming on the G.I. bill.

The day I was home sick I did an awful silly thing.  I went out after the mail and locked myself out and had no key.  The worst part was that I had on my pajamas and robe.  The woman upstairs crawled in one of my windows and opened the door for me.  I don't know what I would have done if my neighbors hadn't been home.

Are the mums out yet?  I always wish I had some of them.

Hope you are both fine."

                                  Lots of love,

                                            B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  The October, 1945 edition of the Ladies Home Journal included a lengthy article by B.F. Skinner, Baby in a Box, in which he described his "labor saving invention" in an attempt  to improve the ease of caring for his infant daughter.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uni.edu%2F~maclino%2Fcl%2Fskinner_baby_in_a_box.pdf&ei=O7x0T82WBMHg2gWDwZnjDg&usg=AFQjCNEz2_iQYxUVHZh8t173MLlMjQz4PA&sig2=bljAg1uH4arZwGc43fE7HA

For a brief description and photo of Skinner's infamous "air crib", see below:
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2010/september-10/skinner-air-crib.html


For advice on treating a cold:

September 22, 1945 The Tobacco, The Dog, The Duz and The Duet

Image courtesy of ebay

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Today is a gorgeous day but a bit snappy.  We have had real fall weather and have had to have some heat.  Our kitchen range is a combination gas and fuel oil stove and the oil part heats the kitchen real well and takes the chill off the whole house.  We really are enjoying our house.  It is so comfortable.

I had a letter from Beulah this week and I'm so thrilled about their new place.  Maybe they can get a telephone.  I hope so.  Her letter was so happy it made me feel good.  I don't envy them their job of moving one bit, but I know they'll be happy to get moved.

School is going full swing now.  Our geography class went on a field trip to the tobacco fields Thursday.  We chartered two buses and it took over half the day.  We went up around Hartford and it was very interesting but I was worn out when we got back.  Conn. grows the finest cigar tobacco in the U.S.

I won't have to read as many books this year at last--only 14 so far and I have two almost read.  The work doesn't seem too hard.

Don't you worry about those few eggs.  They are very nice and big too.  Big eggs have been around .68 here and pullet eggs are .50.

Your new dog sounds nice.  Where did you get him and what color is he?  We were saying this other day that we would like to have a nice bird dog some day.  Is he a purebred?

Would you like me to send you some Duz?  I can get all I want.

The tea last Sunday was lovely.  We really had a good time.  Mrs. Lovell said she wanted to call it a supper but didn't have the courage to put that on the invitation.  She meant it to be a supper and intended to say so the next time.  She is awfully sweet.  There was so much to eat--sandwiches, olives, cakes, ice cream, coffee, tea, and little dainty things that I never saw before.  We spent the time in visiting.  The term at Hopkins begins Monday morning so they have been having faculty meetings this week.

I've been practicing a little on the piano and last night we had a lot of fun.  B played the clarinet and I the piano.  We didn't do so badly either.

I'm still going to the dentist at least twice a week.  It is getting awfully tiresome but I want to get my teeth in good shape for once.

Come for dinner tomorrow.  I have a nice beef roast and we'd fix up this big dining table with all the trimmings.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could?

Did you want any more of the pictures?  Let me know if you do.  There isn't much news so bye for now."

B's Clarinet (Image courtesy of RBB)

                             Lots of love,

                                     B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  Connecticut is still one of the top tobacco producing states in the country.  For a brief look at it's long history, use the link.  http://www.yourpublicmedia.org/content/connecticut-historical-society/cash-crop

September 15, 1945 A Few Broken Eggs, The Visit to Mystic and The Crazy Weather

Miami Daily News, Sept. 16, 1945

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"School began Wednesday so I'm already knee deep in reading.  I haven't been to my classes enough times yet to know whether I'm going to like this year's work or not.

The weather has been sort of crazy.  Yesterday it was cool enough to need a sweater and today it's plain hot.  Maybe the Florida hurricane has something to do with it but the weatherman doesn't think the hurricane will get to New England.http://www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20303.html

The eggs came today.  There were several broken ones but I used them all but two so that's all right.  I had to throw away a filler it was so messy.  They certainly are cheap.  That will be $5.19 more on the yarn.  I don't think that will finish paying for it but we'll see when I get your afghan done.  I haven't had much time to work on it this week so it may take a long time to make it.  Send me the pink and yellow yarn you have but I don't need the gray.  Yes, you sent enough for the watch and I hope you have it by now.  It's insured.

Our house is the home of the people we rent from.  The girl lived here before she was married so everything is fixed for comfort.

We popped some of Daddy's popcorn last night.  It popped real well and was awfully good.

I wish Beulah and Nobel would rent Milton's place.  It's pretty nice and would be so near town.  You could drive out evenings and it would be nice for all of you.  I'm anxious to know what they do.  I've been looking for a letter from Beulah but I guess she's too busy.

Can you buy soap now?  The stores here even advertise it.

Bonnie at Mystic

I wish you could have been with us last Sunday.  We went to the Marine Museum in Mystic, Conn.  It is full of relics from whaling ships and they still have a whole ship that sailed about 100 years ago.  We went all through it.  Maybe we'll go there if you come to see us.  We bought some melons and 1/2 bushel of tomatoes from roadside stands.  We're still eating on the tomatoes but they keep well in the refrigerator.  Our box is bigger than yours and holds lots.  I have the whole case of eggs in there now.  We're sending the case back today.

Tomorrow we are going to a tea at the Lovell's.  We aren't very excited about going but I guess we'll have to.  We are going to a Shakespeare play this afternoon and it's about time so I better stop.

Maybe I'll have more to write about next week."

                             Lots of love,

                                       B & Bonnie

September 8, 1945 The New Place, BIG, Eggs for Yarn, Mayonnaise and All About Jello

Peach Pie recipe using jello

 Dear Mother & Daddy,

"We're all settled down now and are enjoying our new place so much.  We got a truck to bring out the desk and all the heavy stuff and we moved the rest.  We have entirely too much stuff for people who will have to move again next year.  Ha!  It took us all Saturday afternoon and part of Sunday morning to move everything.  Then I cleaned the apartment we were leaving.   I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't known the girl that was moving in.  By Wednesday we were all unpacked and I had cleaned house.  It is simply wonderful to have so much room.  In the hallway is a highboy, a gate-leg table and an old fashioned coat rack.  In the living room there's the piano, living room suite, big chair and ottoman, end table, bookcase and our radio table and lamp.  There's a double door into the dining room, which is big.  We have our desk in here and the dining room outfit is big.  It has a big table, 6 chairs, buffet and china cabinet.  My dishes sure look nice in the china cabinet.  The suite is solid mahogany and one of the nicest ones I ever saw.  There's a built-in china cabinet and a fireplace that doesn't work but looks nice.  In the bedroom is a mahogany Jenny Lind bed, dresser, chair and table and two closets (one immense one and one average size).  The bath is big but old.  The kitchen is big too and has a maple breakfast set, a combination range, refrigerator (Electric) utility cabinet, and an old fashioned wash stand.  Off the kitchen is a big pantry full of shelves for everything.  The sink is here and keeps all messy work out of the kitchen.  The house is old but is well-kept and certainly liveable.  We have a basement and backyard which needs mowing.  Maybe some of these days we can send you some pictures of the house.

We are mailing your watch today.  It runs fine but if anything goes wrong send it back with the guarantee.  I'll try to remember to put it in this letter.  The pictures are for Beulah.  We thought we'd send just one package. She'll be expecting them to come to her so tell her about it, will you?  You pick out what you want and we'll make them for you.

Our freight was fine.  We had one piece broken--one of my small mixer bowls--but I got one to replace it.  We've already used two quarts of peaches and I've really made use of my mixer.  Today I made a cake and a peach pie.  I made mayonnaise this week and it turned out fine.  We still can't get that but we do get soap.

The weather here has been so cool that I've been wearing stockings but it's warmed up again.

You asked what we did Labor Day--we labored.  We were unpacking but did go for a drive late in the afternoon.  The traffic was terribly heavy and so many cars had flats.

The yarn is just fine and I've really been making it fly.  I ordered more yarn than I think I'll need so I'll wait until I have finished yours to figure up how much it will cost.  It came in bigger sheaves than I planned for so I didn't get such a big selection of colors.  It is going to be real pretty though.  If it's all right with you we'll let eggs pay for the yarn.  That would be the easiest way.

What kind of trailer is Daddy making?  Pat him on the back for making a new cellar door.

I haven't done much shopping since V-J Day so I don't know whether goods are more plentiful or not.  It's probably a little too soon.

School starts Wednesday but I haven't been over to make out my schedule yet.  I'm putting if off as long as I can.

I think I told about enough, so write soon."

                            Lots of love,

                                   B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  Regarding the pie recipe,  family members know that Bonnie could have written a book on 1000 creative uses for Jello, and I don't know the origin of this recipe.   I don't recall ever having had peach jello (or this peach pie) and was curious about when the flavor was introduced since it wasn't one of the original 4 flavors.  I contacted the nice people at Jello.  Just for fun, see the email reply that I received. 

"Jell-O Director" <jellodirector@frontiernet.net>

Peach was introduced in 1907 and continued for several years.  Then it was introduced recently.  Our source of information is Carolyn Wyman's book, Jell-O a Biography.

If you're interested:   http://www.jellogallery.org/jellohistory.html

Mayonnaise and Cooked Mayonnaise (The New Hood Cookbook, 1939)

Mix together well, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, dash of paprika and a dash of dry mustard.  Add 3 beaten egg yolks and beat well.  Add 3 T vinegar or lemon juice and beat again.  Add 2 c. salad oil, 
drop by drop, beating constantly.  The mixture should grow thick and creamy.  Continue until all oil is used.  Keep in a cool, but not freezing place.  If the mixture curdles beat another yolk slightly, add a little oil and when blended add the curdled dressing, a small amount at a time, beating until the curdle disappears.  Then add remaining oil.

For cooked mayonnaise:  Mix together 1/2 c. cream, yolks of 3 eggs, beaten, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. mustard, 3-1/2 T whine wine vinegar and 1/2 tsp. pepper.  Cook over hot water until slightly thickened, stirring constantly; cool.

September 1, 1945 The Springless Couch, The Key is in the Mail and Practically Moved In

FILE - In this Sept. 1, 1945, file photo President Harry Truman broadcasts his message on the formal surrender of Japan from the White House in Washington. Truman called on Congress in 1945 to create a national insurance program for those who pay voluntary fees, saying medical care is a right of all Americans. The American Medical Association denounces the idea as "socialized medicine." Truman tries for years but can't get it passed. (AP Photo/File) — AP

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This has been a hectic week trying to get things in order to move.  We finally rented the apartment to a divinity student and his wife.  They bought all our furniture except the couch.  They had one so I sold it to a dealer this morning for $15. and felt lucky to get that much out of the springless thing.  I'm waiting now for them to come after it.  We kept our desk and radio table for there were none at our new place.

The woman who rented the apartment last seems to be a very stubborn person.  She has been completely moved for two weeks but since her rent was paid up to yesterday she has kept the key all that time and we're still waiting for it before we can even move one thing.  We're supposed to get it in the mail this morning but don't know yet.  It's lucky the new people didn't want to move in here until Tuesday.

We drove by the new place last night and got our mail.  Your letter will come today I guess and we'll go after it.

Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly in "Anchors Away"

We have stayed at home most of the week trying to rent this place but did go to a show with Bob and Harriet last night.  They started on vacation this morning--were going to her folks in the Catskills in upper New York.

We are going to have to elect a new Dames president and are trying to persuade Harriet to take it.  The one we had is leaving and they tried to get me to serve again but it is too much work and I said no.

I haven't been to the dentist this week because I've been recuperating from my last visit.  He filled one which seemed apparently all right.  It started to ache and after several treatments he found it had an exposed nerve and had to pull it.  It felt good to have it out--it's one of those jaw teeth that Doc filled years ago.

The yarn came this morning but I haven't even untied the package.  There is too much to do.

School starts in two weeks.  They are already making plans at Hopkins.

Your watch is supposed to be ready today but we are going to keep it awhile to see that it runs right before we send it.  We'll take it back if it doesn't.

Don't forget our phone number because it won't be listed--6-7075.

When we get moved I'll try to tell you all about our new house.

                                  Lots of love,

                                         B & Bonnie

Well, we got the key & are practically moved.  I didn't know we did have so much stuff.  Our freight came last week.  The boxes are in good shape but we haven't opened any of them yet.  Your letter came this morning.  Bye for now."

NOTE from Ann:  On September 1, 1945, Truman's radio address to the nation officially proclaimed V-J Day as Sunday, September 2, 1945.  To hear the address, use the link below:
http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3341

And about going to a show:  The movie options this week would have been "Anchors Away", with Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson, or "Call of the Wild", with Clark Gable and Loretta Young.  My bet is on "Anchors Away".  B loved to watch Gene Kelly dance and he could always do a great imitation.

August 25, 1945 The New Apartment, Send More Eggs and The Wedding Announcement

Dear Mother & Daddy,

102 Carmel Street, still there.

"This has been a busy week.  We actually found an apartment and are really thrilled about it. It is on the first floor and in a residential section.  There are four big rooms and a basement.  It is all furnished and has a baby grand piano and a very beautiful dining room set.  The rest of the furniture shows use but it is very nice and looks so homey.  We are paying $50. and have to heat it (furnace) but we will sell our furniture and that will make up the difference.  We are moving next Saturday so you can write your next letter to the new address, 102 Carmel St.  Our phone number is 6-7075.  We are subletting from a soldier but our lease will run until June 30 so we can stay there even if he should be discharged.  He said there wasn't a chance that he would be released because he has been put on a special job.

Our freight hasn't come but it's a good thing now since we're moving.  B is going to the freight office and have them hold it if it should come before we move so we won't have to carry it up and down these steps.

You can send us another case of eggs when you get one filled.  I guess the case got back to you o.k.

Thanks for sending the Springfield paper but I don't think you need to send any more.  We don't know anyone in Springfield anymore.  I got a new Journal today and will send it in a week or so.

I ordered the yarn this morning.  I can hardly wait till it comes.  You send me those three balls you have and that will go quite a ways.  I ordered all colors.

I have been going to the dentist this week and will have to go for quite a while.  He is filling some teeth and is treating that front tooth that abscessed so long ago.  He thought it was awful the way Doc had done it.  He thinks he can fix it and get it healed up and then fill it.

We had a letter from Sully & he & Be are getting married Monday.  Only the immediate families are attending the ceremony.  We sent them a nice blanket for a wedding present.  We're so glad they're getting married.  They are such nice kids.

We had a letter from Horace and they are just about thrilled to death to think we might see them Christmas.  They don't think there's a chance they can come home so we'll probably go there.  He said we'd go on to Florida if we wanted to or do anything we want to.  It would be wonderful to be with some of our own folks for Christmas.

We had such a good time at home.  It already seems like months since we were there.  Tell Beulah I'll try to write soon.  I hope you are both fine.

                                       Lots of love,

                                                 B & Bonnie          
Don't forget our new address."

NOTE from Ann:  The letter from Sully must have been the first time B & Bonnie had seen "Be's" name in writing.   So, apologies to the Sullivan's for having misspelled "Be", as "Bea", so many times!

August 17, 1945 A Good Dream, New Haven Goes Wild and The Eggs Are On the Way

August 17, 1945
Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Your letter came today and I thought I'd write today.  This has been such a different week that I can't keep track of the days.  Haven't a lot of things happened since we were home?  It still seems like a good dream that the war is over and I'll be plenty glad when the papers are all signed.

Image courtesy of www.skylighters.org

The news came at 7:00 here and the town went absolutely wild.  I didn't feel like shouting.  It seemed like we should all be very humble and thankful instead of going crazy.  We walked down to the green and I've never seen so many people in one place in my life.  They were just standing, laughing and talking.  Cars decorated with flags and crepe paper went honking along the streets and the Yale undergraduates paraded through the streets, building big bonfires which the firemen had to put out.

The students had rolls of toilet tissue and they tossed these from one to another so there were streamers hanging from wires and trees all over town.  I guess they couldn't find any real confetti.  I don't know where all the paper came from but the next morning there was a truck load of paper on our street.  Street cleaners were really having to work.  The celebration actually started about 5:30 Tuesday morning when the Japs. broadcast was first discovered.  The town really woke up and there was celebration all day but things really popped when the news became official.  The town has taken a two day vacation and with the sudden lifting of gas rationing every one has taken to the road.  Traffic has certainly increased.  We've been riding a little bit and are planning to go on a picnic Sunday.

Just about all we've done this week is listen to the radio.  We did clean up the car and Simonize it and it looks like a new car.  We've decided we don't need a paint job after all.  We also got some new seat covers.

The eggs haven't come yet but will probably get here tomorrow.  I'll save the money for the yarn if you want me to.  I can't decide what colors to get for you, though.  Do you like the samples?  Would you like these colors with a yellow center (all alike) or would you rather have it all colors?  I'll not order till I hear from you. Our boxes haven't come yet, but should be here any time.

We have been watching the paper for apartments but haven't been to look at any yet.  Our lease isn't up till Oct. 1 so we still have time to look.

We have made the negatives of the pictures we took at home but are waiting for our enlarger to get here before we can make any pictures.  B forgot to throw out some of his chemicals and left them in the basement so if they are in the way just toss out bottles and all for it's no good.

The weather has been just perfect--almost like fall.  This is all the news so write soon.  I hope you are all fine.

                                     Lots of love,

                                              B & Bonnie

Are you sure you won't need the sugar stamps?  If you change your mind be sure and tell me."

EMPEROR HIROHITO'S SURRENDER RESCRIPT TO JAPANESE TROOPS   August 17, 1945
New York Times.
TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE IMPERIAL FORCES:
Three years and eight months have elapsed since we declared war on the United States and Britain. During this time our beloved men of the army and navy, sacrificing their lives, have fought valiantly on disease-stricken and barren lands and on tempestuous waters in the blazing sun, and of this we are deeply grateful.
Now that the Soviet Union has entered the war against us, to continue the war under the present internal and external conditions would be only to increase needlessly the ravages of war finally to the point of endangering the very foundation of the Empire's existence
With that in mind and although the fighting spirit of the Imperial Army and Navy is as high as ever, with a view to maintaining and protecting our noble national policy we are about to make peace with the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and Chungking.
To a large number of loyal and brave officers and men of the Imperial forces who have died in battle and from sicknesses goes our deepest grief. At the same time we believe the loyalty and achievements of you officers and men of the Imperial forces will for all time be the quintessence of our nation.
We trust that you officers and men of the Imperial forces will comply with our intention and will maintain a solid unity and strict discipline in your movements and that you will bear the hardest of all difficulties, bear the unbearable and leave an everlasting foundation of the nation. (www.ibiblio.org)

August 11, 1945 Back in New Haven, Too Good To Be True and The Improving Food Situation

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It seems like months since we were home.  We have all our clothes put away and are back into the old routine again.  We haven't done much since we got home.  The news has been so good that we've spent most of our time listening to that.  By the time this letter reaches you the war will probably be over.  It sounds too good to be true.  There haven't been any pre-mature celebrations in New Haven as yet.  It seems that gas rationing will be ended shortly so we have already been talking about going to Horace's for Christmas.

We had a real nice time at Buddy's.  He had to work but we had a good time anyway.  Their house looked real nice.  They had the bedrooms papered and they looked real pretty.  Dana & Audrey Jean were there but we didn't see much of them.  They came in late from a show and Dana ironed in the basement the next morning.  She worked all the time and was planning to can some tomatoes for Fanny.  Fanny was in St. James.  Bessie looked a little bad but said she felt pretty good.  All they all talk about is Francis Jr. but I guess they are all happy now.  He won't have to fight.  You should write to him, Mother.  They say he never complains but just lives for letters.  He still calls on Sunday and reverses the charges.  Bessie said he paid for his first call and she told him not to do it anymore.  She had sent him several boxes of stuff--candy, cookies, a baseball & mitt & I don't know what all.

Aunt Lulu came up a few minutes.  She looked fine.

I've been working a little bit on my lunch cloth.  It won't take me long to finish it.  I already have the crocheted edge on one napkin.  The yarn samples came and are real nice.  If you're still in the notion of letting me make afghans send me the samples of what colors you want and how much, and I'll order it.  If you decide to have yours all colors I can use those three balls you have and that will help quite a bit.

The food situation seems to have improved.  I got a steak today and we got oleo last week.  There isn't soap though.  I was lucky because I had two partly filled boxes.

B took the watches to the jeweler today.  Your watch will be ready in two weeks.  It is $6.50 and guaranteed for a year.

The weather here is fine.  The sun is pretty warm but there is a good breeze and the nights are real cool.  They say it rained all the time we were gone.

I hope you're all fine.  Write soon."

                                      Lots of love,

                                                B & Bonnie

NOTES:  What was on the radio and at the movies?  See below.


And, an important day in history, note the Truman letter below and the photo of US Troops on the USS General Harry Taylor, reversing their route back to NY.  Use the link for interesting documentation on the Japanese surrender.

http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1945/450729a.html#2

www.trumanlibrary.org

US Troops headed back to NY (www.todaysdocument.tumblr.com)

July 6, 1945 Reservations at Last and A Very Short Letter

July 3, 1945 The Big Break and The Little Letter

St. Louis Union Station (Image courtesy of U. of Arizona Archives)

Monday Night

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Surprised to get a letter this time of the week?  If you haven't sent the thermos jug don't send it because we have decided to come after it.  Yes, we think we'll be starting home next week.  B saw Dr. Hill today and he told him that there probably wouldn't be any graduation in January and for him to take his time on the dissertation.  B thinks we can have about a month at home and he will still have time to do most of the dissertation before his work begins at Hopkins. 

We are going to get reservations and they can only be made 5 days in advance so we don't know just what day we can start.  If we can get them Monday (July 9) we'll be home Wednesday evening since we probably cannot make connections with the Bluebonnet on Tuesday.  If we cannot catch the Bluebonnet we'll go to Buddy's.  I'm going to write to them.  We'll write a card as soon as we find out what day we're leaving.  You needn't write after you get this.

If you have sent the jug all ready don't worry because the Coggers will take care of our mail.

Tell Beulah not to be expecting a letter because we'll be seeing all of you soon unless something happens."

                                Lots of love,

                                         B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:   The Bluebonnet was one of the connecting trains from St. Louis, part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (KATY) Railroad, which traveled south through Missouri and Oklahoma then into Texas.

June 30, 1945 No Thank You to Latin, The Bargain Health Insurance and Bonnie Eats Like a Horse

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It is early but it's already awfully hot.  The humidity is high too and that makes a person really feel the heat.  It doesn't bother me much because I just don't do very much work.  Ha!  I've really been taking life easy.  I did manage to do a good sized washing of my clothes this week but haven't tackled the ironing yet.  You should see my new table cloth.  I bought a bright oil cloth after I realized the laundry was charging me .15 each to wash lunch cloths.  The oil cloth is really a work saver, too.

I read "Walkin' Preacher" this week and it's real good.  I can't see why there was such a fuss over it, either.  He doesn't seem to be making fun of the Ozarks at all.  You would enjoy it.  We're sending the new Journal this morning.  It isn't very good this month.

My cut work table cloth is coming along fine.  I've been working on it a lot and maybe will finish it this summer.  The red checked dress is all ready to wear now and it's awfully cute.  You sew too good, Mother.  Some of the seams were as hard to rip out as machine stitching.

We get our last paychecks for the summer today--one from Yale and one from Hopkins.  We have a nice bank account though and will get along fine till September.  We still don't know what B will teach next year.  Dr. Lovell called yesterday to see if he would teach Latin but he said no.

We joined a non-profit Hospital insurance group.  Both of us are covered for only $1.75 a month.  We joined through Hopkins.  The reason it is so cheap is that you have to join with a group of people.  It pays for hospital room, medicine, anesthetic and maternity care.  We don't need that but might sometime.  Ha!  You can go to any hospital in the U.S. and they pay your bills.  So many of our friends belong to the group that we thought it would be a good thing.  It might come in handy sometime.

This next week I plan to get a permanent.  My hair is down my back and awfully hot.  At home I wear it on top of my head but it looks so awful that I don't dare go out like that.  I'm also going to have some dental work done.  There are a few cavities that need filling.  B had a tooth pulled last week and didn't have one bit of trouble.

You ought to have the towels by now.  You didn't say which size you wanted so I just got three each and I hope they're o.k.  The total with the postage was $3.83 but we belong to the co-operative store where we got them and will get a little discount on our bill so just send $3.50.  That will be about right.  I know it will be enough.

I took time out and we went to the store.  We got a nice little beef roast--the first we've had in a long time.

Do you think you could send us our thermos jug without it breaking?  We'd like to have it and the dollar is for the postage.  There isn't any hurry so wait till Daddy feels like getting it out of the attic.  It isn't packed in a box, I don't think.  Send it by express or parcel post, which ever is the easiest for you.

I'd like to have the red sacks, Mother.  They would make a nice play suit so stuff them in the jug for me.

B says you can use my bathing suit if you'll come over and go swimming in the ocean.

It would be nice for you and Aunt Cliffie to go see Aunt Jane but I would hate to think of you starting.  If you had to go on a bus or train that wasn't air conditioned it would be awful.  I don't think you could stand it.  Why don't you plan to go this fall when it gets cooler?  I don't want to spoil your plans but I'm afraid it would make you sick.

Bonnie's mother, Elizabeth and her Aunt Cliffie c 1930

Have you ever asked Mrs. Aubuchon to sew for you?  She does nice work.

No, I'm not thin and I feel fine.  I'm getting a little tanned since we go out each Sunday and I look much better.  I didn't have much color after staying inside so long.  I eat like a horse and the school doctor said I was all o.k. so just stop worrying.

I hope you're both fine.  Take good care of yourselves."

                                Lots of love,

                                            B & Bonnie

June 23, 1945 Can't Get a Life, Feedsacks, The Red Checked Dress, A Little Sunburned and Meat Pie

Image courtesy of www.newvintagelady.com

 Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It was awfully nice to have two letters this week.  One came Monday and the other one this morning.

I'm awfully glad Daddy is feeling better but don't let him go back to work until he knows for sure that he's all right.  Did the Dr. think this operation would stop all the trouble?  I hope so.  I'm glad the package finally got there.  We sent the same thing to B's dad.

When was Francis Jr. sworn into the navy?  I hope he likes it.  Did the kids come on the train?

I'll try once more to write this letter.  I started it early this morning but stopped to go to the store before everything got picked over.  I got a big chunk of beef and am going to make a meat pie.  There was lots of meat today--more than I've seen in months.  There was an egg line but I get along very well without eggs.  We have been eating lots of vegetables.  New Haven is surrounded with truck gardens so there are lots of radishes and all the others.

I'm sending you the Ladies Home Journal this afternoon.  I'm all finished with it.  You needn't buy it at all and I'll always send you mine.  I have a two year subscription and just have to throw them away when I've read them.  We can't get the Life anymore so we quit trying and that's why we haven't been sending it.  I meant to tell you last week and forgot it. I just finished Anna & The King of Siam.  If you remember that was printed in the book section of Reader's Digest a long time ago.  It was real good.

I won't have any trouble fitting the red checked dress if I ever get around to it.  It is quite a lot too big but I think I can cut out the arm holes and seam down the sides and it will fit.  Beulah must think I'm pretty good sized.  Ha!  I don't know how I'll make the other one but I'm thinking about a gathered skirt with some white eyelet trimming.  I have the plaid one about half done.  It's going to be real pretty and it's such a nice piece of material.  If you get any more sacks that are real pretty save me one or two dresses. You can't buy anything as nice as they are.

Don't try to send us any eggs.  The radio says the situation is going to improve and we get along all right.  We couldn't have many because our ice box is small and ice doesn't keep anything very well.  Potatoes aren't scarce but they are high.  There seems to be plenty of lard.

We have been having wonderful weather.  It still rains often and people complain about the heat but I like it.  Last Sunday we had the best time at the beach and took our first swim in salt water.  The beach was all white sand and the water was only about waist deep for about 1/4 mile out.  It is on Long Island sound so there are no big waves or undertow.  We're going back again before long.  It was the first time we had really been in the sun since we came here so we both got sunburned--but not like we did on the lake that time.  We know better than to do that.

We don't know whether we'll stay in the apartment or not.  There isn't a chance that we'll find a house but we keep watching for apartments and if we could find a better one closer to Hopkins we would take it.

We'll get you some towels the next time we're in the store.  It won't be any trouble at all.  I've just about run down so write soon."

                                      Lots of love,

                                             B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  A brief review of Anna and the King of Siam follows:

By 

Joanna Daneman 

The history of Anna and the King of Siam is as romantic as the story itself. Author Margaret Landon found what may have been the only copy of Anna' book, The English Governess at the Siamese court while she was a missionary in Thailand. Later, she located the Romance of the Harem in a second-hand bookstore in Chicago. She paid a $1 for the book, which turned out to be a fine investment. Landon combined the two books and added fictional elements to create a skillfully written novel. The exotic setting and romantic story so impressed the wives of both Rogers and Hammerstein that they convinced their husbands to write a musical based on the book. And thus we get the musical The King and I, plus several movies, most recently one with Jodie Foster.
Landon wrote other novels (Never Dies the Dream) based on her missionary experience but never achieved the same greatness as in Anna and the King of Siam. This is a well structured novel, with a lot of drama. The death scene of the Fa-ying is incredibly touching. Anna is believable; sometimes annoyingly persistent, other times selfless and very very brave.
The actual writings of Anna Leonowens are also available. It's fun to read Landon's book and then the source material she used. You may agree with me that Landon's skill as a novelist took Anna's story and made it unforgettable. (www.amazon.com)

Beef Pie

Mix together 2 c. diced, cooked beef, 2 c. gravy made with beef drippings, 1 c. peas, 1 c. cooked carrots, and 1 c. cubed cooked potatoes.  (OK to use canned vegetables.)  Pour into casserole dish and top with biscuit or pie dough.  Bake at 400 for about 25 minutes or until golden.

June 15, 1945 B Doesn't Make Much Headway, The Four Books and Grab-bag Meat

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"It sure is wonderful to have so much time to use as I want.  At last we have summer weather and I'm really enjoying it.  I don't care much for New England winters.  It has been in the 90's all this week but our apartment is cool and I haven't done much work.  I don't think we could find a cooler place to live than we have. 

The first of the week I spent it cleaning and getting ready for the Dames.  We had a real nice evening and I served cake, little sandwiches and coffee.  Most of the girls work and they really enjoy getting together for an evening just to talk and not have to do anything much.

I guess having to read so much for school has me in the habit for I've read four books since I finished the required ones.  One of them was The Robe and I've never read a book that impressed me more.  I even dreamed about it.  It certainly is a beautiful story.  Now I can understand why it has been a best-seller so long.  Then I just finished Farewell to Arms which is a World War II story and is pretty good.  The others were a French novel and Steinbeck's The Moon is Down.  That is about the German occupation of Norway.  It is quite short but good.

I still haven't fitted the red checked dress but I got the plaid one cut out.  I have been trying to crochet some booties for the new little Dustin.  I have a little bib to put with them if I ever get them finished.

Yesterday I stood in line at the grocery store for over an hour but came out with a big steak so it was worth it.  One woman told me they had been selling meat grab-bag style.  It was all wrapped up and you bought it and paid points without knowing what you were getting.  I'd rather know what I was getting.  Eggs are as scarce as meat but there are lots of real nice fresh vegetables.

You should see my pretty bouquet.  It is pink peonies and roses.  The lady next door gave them to me and one of her customers had brought them to her.

B bought a light summer suit yesterday.  He has been sweltering in a tie and wool suit and I have been begging him to get one.  The terrific heat finally convinced him.  It is light grey with a fine white stripe and he really looks nice and comfortable in it. 

Tomorrow we are taking lunch and bathing suits and are going to a state park and beach for the day.  It is about 25 miles from here and we've never been there.  It has been closed to the public because the army was using it, but it's open again.

Dr. Lovell told B that they wanted him to teach at Hopkins next fall but he still didn't know how much they would pay.  If they are as generous as they have been it will be fine.  So I guess we'll be here for at least another year.

B doesn't make much headway with the dissertation.  He intends to finish it this summer if it is at all possible so don't plan too much on our coming home.  It would be an awful disappointment if we didn't get to come but we aren't making any plans yet.  School starts at Hopkins Sept. 25 and if we get to come it will be late August or early Sept.  All we can do now is work and hope, but we don't want you to be disappointed.

I hope you both have a nice Dad's Day tomorrow.  We'll be thinking of you.  Take good care of yourselves and write soon." 

                              Lots of love,

                                          B & Bonnie

NOTES from Ann:  A brief review of The Robe follows:

By Lloyd C. Douglas

This review is from: The Robe 

Lloyd C. Douglas' The Robe has become my favorite book. I came upon the book quite by accident a few years ago, and I have since read it 3 times. This book is not just a great religious novel, it is a great novel. Even if the reader is not a Christian, he/she will find it hard to put down. The reader is drawn in from the very first paragraph. Douglas certainly has a knowledge of ancient Rome and Judea, and he uses historical references to great effect. The characters are some of the most richly crafted I have ever read. The tale works on many levels: a love story; a tale of suspense; a tale of political intrigue; and, ultimately, a triumph of the human spirit and the power of personal redemption. For those without a clear view of Christianity (which is easy to understand these days), this book is for you. While a novel, this book is probably a fairly accurate portrayal of the early Jesus movement in Judea and in Rome. This book should be on every bookshelf. (www.amazon.com)

For reviews of the lesser known Steinbeck novel, The Moon is Down:
http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Down-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140187464

June 9, 1945 B & Bonnie Need Sunshine, The Frozen Thread and 3 Layer Butternut Cake

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"School is out at last.  Now I can do some things I want to.  This last week has been awfully easy.  Thursday afternoon was such a nice sunny afternoon that I got energetic and cleaned the bathroom.  The best paint cleaner I know of is Soilax and it is so easy to use.  Next week I want to clean the rest of the apartment because I'm having the Dames Wednesday evening.

Today I had the new Dames president here for lunch.  We had a club sandwich, potato salad, cake and coffee.  She stayed almost all afternoon and I spent all morning making the cake so that's just about all I've done today.

Tomorrow we're going with the Coggers on a picnic.  We have made up our minds to get out in the sun every Sunday.  We stay inside so much of the time.  Yesterday we bought a badminton set.  It is something like tennis but takes less room to play.  We can play in the park.

Now that I have some time to crochet on my tablecloth I can't get any thread.  They say it is frozen so I'll have to wait awhile for it.  I have been working on that cutwork lunch cloth that I worked on last summer.  It really will be pretty.  I still haven't cut the plaid dress you sent but I have the pattern.  I really was surprised this morning when the postman came with the dress and material.  I'm still kid enough to enjoy getting a package.  The dress is real cute and I needed it.  It is too big but won't be hard to fix.  When I get the plaid and blue checked material made up I'll be pretty well fixed.  Thanks a lot.

There must be lots of gooseberries if you got six quarts out of the yard.  Will there be much fruit this year?

Do you know how Bessie is?  I got an announcement but they didn't write anything.  I sent Francis Jr. a dollar.  I knew he wouldn't want clothes if he goes into the navy and that's about all you can buy for a boy.

We didn't get any Life this week.  They just didn't come for some reason.  I take the Ladies Home Journal so if you don't get yours I'll send you mine.

Would you like me to send you some towels?  The small ones are .49 and are 18" x 36", the large ones are .69 and are 22" x 44".  All of them are Cannons and real nice--all white.

We got an announcement of Dustin's big boy but I haven't sent it anything yet.

Next Sunday is Dad's Day.  I wish we could be with you, Daddy.  Have a nice day.

I'm going to have to stop if I get this mailed in time so write soon."

                                                  Lots of love,

                                                           B & Bonnie
3 Layer Butternut Cake

Cream till light, 1 c. shortening or oleo and 2 c. sugar.  Beat in one at a time, 4 eggs.  Add alternately 2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour, 1/2 c. self-rising flour and 1 c. milk.  Add 2 T. butternut flavoring.  Grease and flour 3-8" round pans.  Bake 30 min. @ 300.  Cool on racks.  Make frosting:  Cream 1 stick oleo and 8 oz. cream cheese.  Beat in 24 oz. confectioners sugar and 1 T butternut flavoring.  Frost.

June 2, 1945 The End of School, 21 Chicken Dinners and Mystery Shopping

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Today is gloomy again but we have had some real nice days but a little chilly.  Decoration Day was very nice and sunny but awfully windy.  We took our lunch to the park and I took a good sun bath.  B worked on the car and cleaned it up.  It had been so long since anything had been done to it.  Then we went for a ride.  Everything was so quiet and peaceful.

Last Sunday afternoon we went on a picnic with the Coggers.  It rained off and on all afternoon but we had a good time anyway.

B has three days of exams this week and then school will be out.  Graduation exercises were yesterday but he didn't have to take part.  They don't amount to very much.  Five more days and I'll be through with school too.  I'm so bored with school work I can hardly wait till it's out.

Don't sell too many of those chickens.  Ha!  We still have hopes of coming home sometime this summer.  Dr. Hill gave the commencement address at Springfield and he said of the 30 meals they ate in Missouri they had chicken 21 times.  That would suit me fine.

We bought some new towels.  They are white and not very large but they are nice.  We gave .49 for them.  One big one was .69.

My reading is all finished.  I can read a book in two or three afternoons.  I read pretty fast.  I guess when you know you have to do something within a certain time you get it done.  Sometimes I wonder how I did get all my books read.  I hardly ever read a story in a magazine.

What kind of dress are you having made?  I'm going to get a pattern for the sack dress you sent.  I think I'll make it backless.

We're going downtown to do a little shopping at the grocery store and dime store.  I haven't any idea what we'll find to eat.  It's impossible to plan meals anymore but we have plenty to eat anyway.

Did you ever find out what was wrong with Bessie?  Can she be up now?  I hope so.  It seems that she is sick a lot.

Write soon.  I guess we better go before the big rush begins at the grocery store."

                                  Lots of love,

                                             B & Bonnie

May 26, 1945 The Last Yale Class, Not Enough Gas and Through With the Dames

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Today is B's last class at Yale and he's awfully glad.  He should have been home long ago but the professor is a woman who talks on and on.  He comes home awfully disgusted sometimes.  He teaches classes at Hopkins all next week and then has to help give final exams for three days.  Then that work will all be over.

I have been typing for him this morning and we have a small section of the dissertation ready to hand in for approval.

Sully is taking us to dinner today.  This is his last class too.  He didn't come until this morning and I had my lunch all planned but he resisted so I guess we'll eat with him.

At four o'clock this afternoon we're going to "open house" at one of the professors.  Tonight we're going to spend the evening with Coggers.  We'll just sit and talk probably.

I have been crocheting a little on my tablecloth and will be anxious when school is out so I can have more time.  I have all my books read except one and will do it this week.

We haven't made any plans about coming home.  It will be late summer if we do because we want to get this thesis done first.  If the boys from Europe are shipped across the country the trains may be so crowded that we can't come.  Unless the gas situation changes more than it has we couldn't possibly come in the car.  That would be wonderful if we could.  We wouldn't have enough gas even if we saved every coupon all summer.

We've been having awfully pretty days.  It is warm outside but so cool inside.  We don't have any heat now.  It stays so chilly there are lots of colds.  I have a little one but it doesn't amount to anything.

I'm so sorry Bessie is sick again.  It seems strange that Francis Jr. is old enough to be out of high school.  I hope he can get into the navy if that's what he wants.  I guess it would be better than the army.

Spring coats have been advertised since Easter but the nice ones have been sold by now.  I would be afraid to buy one for you because stores here will not give refunds or make exchanges on sale goods.  Why don't you wait till next spring?  Maybe by then you can get an all wool one.  So many of them are mostly rayon now.

I am through with the Dames' worries now.  We had our last big meeting Wednesday night.  We had a concert by one of the girls who is studying voice at Yale.  Husbands were invited and we had such a big party.  As fast as I made sandwiches they ate them up.  They were tiny open faced ones though and make about two bites.  We had cake and coffee besides.  This summer we'll meet in the girls' homes and sew or just talk.

B's mother is sick but we don't know how badly.  I hope she's better by now."

                                  Lots of love,

                                            B & Bonnie

May 19, 1945 The Roses, The Woodwork, John Hersey and The Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I wish I could see the rose bushes and have some bouquets.  We have had nothing but rain all week.  It has been just pouring today even if the weatherman did say fair and warm.

I hope Grandma is better.  I wrote her a letter the other day.  Does Mrs. Deberry have anyone living with her?  Poor old thing.  She is getting pretty old, isn't she?

Did the picture frame get there without breaking and could you get it together?  I wanted to send it all fixed up but knew if the glass broke it would ruin the picture.

You leave that woodwork alone!  I don't want you to be sick if we get to come home this summer.  Besides it probably even isn't dirty.  The woodwork in our apartment is really dirty but it isn't going to bother me any.

I'd like to have a dish of your ice cream.  I can't make it because we just have an ice box.  I cooked rhubarb with syrup and it works just as well as sugar.  Yesterday I made a real good pumpkin chiffon pie.  I used a graham cracker crust and all the filling is made with gelatin and doesn't have to be baked.

B has only two more weeks to teach and then he can really put in his time on the dissertation.  If we can only get it finished by June 30 we'll be satisfied.  We should know by the end of the month whether B will be teaching at Hopkins next year.  I'll be glad when it is settled so we can make plans for next year.

 Thursday afternoon we went to hear John Hersey talk about the Russian people.  He wrote "Bell for Adano" and has been in Russia for 8 months.  He is an editor for Life and graduated from Yale in 1936.  He is only about 31 years old but is certainly sympathetic with the Russians.  I wish you could have heard him.  If you haven't read "Bell for Adano" I hope you will.

Dr. Hill is going to deliver the commencement address at Springfield Teacher's College next week.

I hope you both are fine.  Take care of yourselves."

                           Lots of love,

                                      B & Bonnie

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie  (New Hood Cookbook, 1939)

Combine 1 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.  Add 3 beaten egg yolks and mix well.  Stir in 1-1/4 cups strained pumpkin, 1/2 cup milk and heat over hot water 15 minutes.  Soften 1 tablespoon gelatin in 1 cup cold water and then stir into hot pumpkin mixture.  Cool and fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.  Turn into crumb shell and chill until firm.  Top with whipped cream, sweetened and flavored with ginger.

NOTE: For more on Bell for Adano see this letter.  http://annbkennedy.blogspot.com/2012/03/november-11-1944-bell-for-adano.html

May 12, 1945 V-E Day, Mother's Day, Scarce Goods and Three Pounds of Lard

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I hope it will be a very happy day for you, Mother.  It will be a happy one for many mothers who have boys in Europe.  It seems like a dream that the war is over in Europe.

We all should be so very thankful.  Of course I had to go to school on V-Day but our class listened to Truman and Churchill.  Stores here all closed and it was a very quiet day.  People seemed to feel that there shouldn't be any celebrations until Japan is finished.  That will be a glorious day.

My school work has eased up a little since I got most of my reading out of the way.  I'm hoping that I'll have a little time next week to start the sack dress you sent me.  I need it because it's about too late to wear winter clothes.  I bought a yellow rayon shirtwaist last week.  It is very pretty and looks real nice.

I don't guess I'll plan to go to school this summer.  We want to get that dissertation done more than anything else and I'll probably need all my time for that.  We want to come home this summer but that depends on the dissertation and the transportation.  It couldn't be till late summer if we do come.  We want to bring back some more of our things if we plan to stay here.  Maybe when the war is over you could come to see us if we're here and you could see some of the things we have seen.  It wouldn't cost very much to make the trip in the car and would be so nice for you.

Cotton goods are awfully scarce here.  There isn't much of anything else either.  I haven't done much shopping lately but I don't think the situation has improved much.  The sheets I bought were very nice but one hem was narrow and I like the hems both wide.  That really doesn't matter much though, and they were real heavy and were 91 x 108 size.  I gave $1.89 for them.

My towel supply is getting thin too but I haven't shopped for any.  They are really high but I'm going to buy some along till I get a good supply.  It takes three weeks for laundry and it takes a lot of linen to last that long.

There doesn't seem to be any scarcity of lard here.  We buy three pounds at a time and it lasts a long while.

Soap is beginning to be scarce but I think people are getting scared and are buying too much of it.  It will probably be plentiful soon.

Sully took us to a movie last night.  We had a lot of fun.  I've run out of news so bye for now.

                                 Lots of love,

                                          B & Bonnie

Thanks a lot for the stamps.  We get along all right but they will certainly come in handy."