Saturday, October 29, 2011

Letter 14, from Joan aka "Dusty"

Hi Sal~
Sorry about that Sally business but I just couldn't resist the temptation.
So, you finally got the table did you? Well that's good because I was just about ready to come over there and fix that guy.
It's beautiful out today. The sun is shining and the sky is nice -n- blue.
Have you seen “Take Me Out to the Ballgame?” It was swell. We saw it Friday nite. Honestly it was the best picture I've seen in a long

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time. We laughed and laughed.
By the way, just when are you coming home? The only place I can think of to go is to the movies (seeing that I love the movies so much)
I'll have you know, Mr. Coraccio that my mother is not 6'4”, and she is not a wrestler. She is 4'11” and a very pretty girl. So there.
Why should I tell my boss we graduate the 2nd? I'm not getting any vacation as it it is.
I'm afraid you'll just

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have to get used to popular music as I don't like that hill billy style.
Now, Sal you don't better make yr ms wait so long for an answer from you. Thas not nice.
Have you heard “You're so Understanding” by Billy Eggstein? (I don't know how his last name goes) It's nice.
I was going to answer your letter yesterday, but I had to go to the doctors. Somebody slammed my hand in the car door and he thought it was broken. It isn't though, just badly bruised thank goodness.

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Hope you can read this letter.
My mom is using the table, and I'm in the parlor writing on a book.
Well, see ya soon.
As Ever
Joany


It's funny how you think of popular culture like songs and movies as being so important and epitomizing of a moment in time, but in reality it may not carry over in history the way you expect. Joan really likes Billy Eckstine's version of "You're So Understanding," and clearly it was a radio hit, but trying to find that version of the song, or any other version, was a challenge! Below you can listen to Dean Martin's version and try to imagine what it would have sounded like in Billy Eckstine's voice:

 You're So Understanding by changela
Most of us know the song "Take me out to the ball game," but it's funny to imagine the time when the movie from whence the song comes was a new release. Here, you can view a number from the film:



On a personal note, having had an aversion for popular music myself, I was amused to discover that Sal clearly had a disdain for the hits of his day, and preferred a style that Joan refers to as "hill billy". I do wonder what she meant by that! This letter reflects Sal's dry sense of humor -- clearly he wasn't afraid to make jokes about his sweetheart's mother!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Letter 13, from Joan aka "Dusty"


[5 of 6. Written April 15, 1949]
Friday (before work)
(Hide this pic before anyone sees it)
Hi Sal,
It's Good Friday, and we haven't any school. Got your letter this mornin and thought I'd answer it right away. Gee, I wish I didn't have to go to work. We have no school all next week, but my boss found out so I'll be working all next week too.

It's too bad you can't be home for Easter. Everyone is going to be all dressed up (That is if it's nice) I'm just praying. If it is nice, I'll take some snaps
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and send one to you so you can see my outfit for yourself, but I'll explain it to you in the meantime. My suit is navy blue, my blouse is white nylon (very very pretty), my shoes are navy blue also (high heels okay?) my hat is white with blue trim and I'll wear white gloves and carry a navy blue pocket book. (disruptive enough?)

You really make me feel bad about not sending you a graduation picture. I'll see what I can do there are still two left and still about seven or eight promised
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What am I gonna drew?
I saw Joyce in school and told her to write to you.
Did you see the eclipse? It was really beautiful. We watched it for quite a while. When it was completely shadowed it turned the prettiest color.

Woolworth's is still going to be Woolworth's except that it's gonna be a new streamlined Woolworth's with a nice big sody fountain.

Sorry I forgot to kiss you goodnight but after all you said you hardly knew me
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so it wouldn't be very proper would it? I just don't go around kissing every boy goodnite you know.

Excuse me while I look for a snapshot. My brother dug up this one (quiet, it's a chance to show off my fur coat) Honestly sugar plum, it's the only one I have that isn't too blurry. It's not a very good pic, but you can use your imagination can't ya. I'll send another as soon as I take one, and you can disregard this one.
“Happy Easter” As Ever
---> belated Dusty.