tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11189804184460254012024-03-13T08:13:58.695-07:00Letters to SalSalvatore George Coraccio (1930-2010) was in the US Navy from 1948 to 1952. A few days before he passed away, a bundle of letters surfaced that had been sent to him during that time. This blog is about those letters and what they reveal about Sal as a young man in the post-WWII/Korean War era.
The letters also tell a story about the women in his life, for the words are theirs. Through their letters we see what life was like for a young person living in the Boston area sixty years ago.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-38442481560500616792015-01-03T13:09:00.001-08:002015-01-03T15:52:45.502-08:00Waltham High School's Yearbook, The Mirror<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a very long time since this blog has been updated, but we have an exciting development!<br />
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Several yearbooks from Waltham High School have been made available online, and we were able to locate two of our letter writers, Joyce and Joany (aka "Dusty").<br />
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Sadly, the 1950 yearbook is unavailable, so we couldn't get Joyce's Senior portrait. But before we get to the girls, we can't resist posting Sal's 1947 Senior photo:<br />
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According to someone in the family, Sal earned the nickname "Coog" from the sounds he made while imitating pigeons.<br />
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In 1948, Joyce Fucci can be found representing the Sophomore Nominating Committee:<br />
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Joyce makes an appearance in the 1949 yearbook as a member of the Junior Nominating Committee:<br />
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Next, from 1949 we have the charming and vivacious Joany Morin!</div>
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It's incredible to put faces to the names and their words, and to see them exactly at the time when these letters were penned! </div>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-35189721998435178922012-04-04T02:06:00.000-07:002012-04-04T02:06:16.666-07:00Letter 21, from Rosie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ok, dear readers. Here it is. It's THE letter. Books are written in this letter. I'm not going to lie: this letter is the reason I started this blog. If you read none of the other letters, read this one. It has everything in it -- lies, truth, love, desperation, selfishness, and so much more. This letter may be the human condition. And if you read it like a monologue in an old movie, the effect is more dramatic!<br />
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<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: always;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">137 Hancock</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dorchester</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well Sal I finally got up enough guts to write you and tell the truth about myself.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Hon I'm no good. I have been lying to you in every letter I wrote, giving you different reasons of why I haven't been writing – </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The truth is I haven't had time because I have had to much to do during the day to get myself ready to go out at night, on dates with my girlfriends and going in town to <u>pick up</u>. Get that <u>pick up sailors</u>. And all the time I was writing to you and telling you I was staying in the house nights. Sal ever since you left I have been out every night with a different guy. I been going out with gangs to night clubs, drinking, smoking, telling every guy how much we love them.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Yes I'm that sweet little girl from Boston. Thats what they all think I am. A kid thats out only tonight, to be a queen. But actually Sal I'm a terror a no good terror. Sal I never did anything to be ashamed of yet, but if I don't settle down and keep away from these girls I go with I'll be completely no good.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Hon I never trough myself down, to any guy, I should say I don't know why I am telling you. But I won't because I do know why, Because honey it took me up until last night to realize I was really in love with you. Honey you've got to help me. I don't want to do bad and go wrong. That's the last thing in the world I want to happen to me.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Sal I know what your going to write, How am I going to help you away out here in Washington. Honey write me every day and I'll write you the same give me something to do to keep me in the house.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Sal I meant it when I said I love you. Honey I really do believe me or I wouldn't have told you all this. Baby your the only one that can advise me and set me right. Hon if you love me you'll write me every day and advise me on what to do to keep my self busy until you come home.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well honey now I have told you all and I feel like a million dollars , free as a bird.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So honey please write soon,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Because</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I love</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> you, miss</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> you, and I'm</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> dying to hear from</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Please excuse the spelling and writing. I'm so upset from crying and nerved up over the things I did I'm just not myself and I won't be until I hear from you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Rosie</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. Please love me and forgive me.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Poor Rosie! She sure has flare. What's your favorite quote from this letter?</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-37761180854968522992012-02-07T16:35:00.000-08:002012-02-07T16:35:56.034-08:00Letter 20, from Rosie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: always;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope, no date]</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Honey</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I'm sorry for not writing sooner but I've been quite busy as my mother has been ill, and I have been staying with her. And my house work + family have kept me pretty busy, I haven't even had time to get dressed and go out.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well honey I'm all right now and can go back to work anytime I get ready, but I have intentions of staying home for a couple of months and collect social security.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Gee Honey there isn't anything to say because I haven't been out any place to tell you about.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Hon I'll have to send you Joe's address in my next letter because it is up in my aunts house, so by the time I receive a letter from you I ought to be back there, O'K' Baby? It will have to be.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I received a bottle of Chanel perfume from one of my lover's who hasn't forgotten me on Valintines Day, He says when he gets home its going to be him and I for keeps, What have you got to say about that? I say he's crazy. I'am right an't I?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Oh honey do I miss you if you only knew. I know you thing I'm giving you a line but I'm not Sal I never knew how to be true until I met you, but I do now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well honey I was going too write you a comical poem but I am so tired I have all I can do too keep my eyes open so I'll save it for later.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So Honey till I hear from you</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I remain Yours Until Hell</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Freezes Over</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Rosie</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. Don't write anything out of the way in your letters, like having babys because my girl friends my like to read your letters if there here.</span></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-87037661859688600782011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-31T06:00:47.058-08:00Letter 19, from Rosie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: always;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">23 March 1950</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well I tried to write every day but Sat. I went to Waltham and I came home wed which was yesterday. I didn't have much time to write so I figured I'd wait until I came home. I hope your not mad + you don't think I am not keeping my word because I am. I'm going to write every day as I said.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Nothing much has happened since I wrote you last except that my cousin Tiny got married Sunday. She had a very large reception. Glo came out there with me she only stood until monday + left she hates Waltham she said its like a morgue. I agree with her the place sure is dead. Baby you said you were going to write every day and yet I haven't received one letter not one whats happened.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> What's happened don't you care anymore do you want to call it quites or what? There isn't much more to say except that I hope you believe that I've changed.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well I'll sign off now hoping to hear from you. Rosie</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. Have you heard from Joyce? </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Write sooner than soon</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Here's where I admit that the letters from Rosie are the main reason I started this blog. She is so scattered and, well, kind of crazy! But I bet she was a beauty! Here's a couple of photos from Waltham in the 1950s, so you can see the "morgue."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jR5HsXgC4Y/Tv8UleXNO2I/AAAAAAAABsE/JOftVieZuyg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-31+at+13.52.42.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7jR5HsXgC4Y/Tv8UleXNO2I/AAAAAAAABsE/JOftVieZuyg/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-31+at+13.52.42.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mEo6S7Qt9Y/Tv8TLMnKeBI/AAAAAAAABr4/SkDhjfzydjk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-31+at+13.49.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mEo6S7Qt9Y/Tv8TLMnKeBI/AAAAAAAABr4/SkDhjfzydjk/s320/Screen+shot+2011-12-31+at+13.49.28.png" width="320" /></a></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-51504202386536265582011-12-12T08:18:00.000-08:002011-12-31T05:44:10.174-08:00A letter to Sal from his mother, translated from Italian: Letter 18<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txafdv8rkGI/TuYjjxCpc8I/AAAAAAAABrY/Yu9-OOvKIAM/s1600/SCAN0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txafdv8rkGI/TuYjjxCpc8I/AAAAAAAABrY/Yu9-OOvKIAM/s320/SCAN0004.JPG" width="313" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wD1QIq8re0/TuYjqKVWmWI/AAAAAAAABrg/4lGOzkKH7Y0/s1600/SCAN0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wD1QIq8re0/TuYjqKVWmWI/AAAAAAAABrg/4lGOzkKH7Y0/s320/SCAN0005.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Waltham Mass 29 March 1949</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dearest son I answer immediately your letter that tells me that you are well. Greetings and I can reassure you that Gioseppina said that I wanted news from you: sure I want them, because a mother that longs for her son far away is always eager to get news. So I was happy about this letter in Italian that I read with my eyes and I thank the person who wrote it for you. I see that you go to the cinema and the boys do all those evil things but you are a good boy and I hope it is really so: do not look at the girls that do wrong things, but only to good and honest boys, understanding that honesty always prevails. Bad boys one day or the other find themselves in bad troubles and you have to be watchful [inintelligible words]. I seem unable to write correctly, instead of Antonia I write Antonio as if I was a man instead of a woman, if afterwards you wrote Antonio not them but your brother but if the name is amended write A not O is it clear? Enough now. Please let me know about your health: are you always nervous or are you better? I would like to see you always in good health, because when you were here you were quite weak, and I worry that you may not be well. You should know that we have a new Corricolo*. Your father bought it and he goes to school and now I am happy that he has the Corricolo. Please let me know whether you are coming for Easter. Let us cut now, this has been too long. I send you my very best wishes and kisses. Best regards from your brothers and sisters, from your father and again from myself. I am your mother Antonia Coraccio. Please send my very best regards to whoever wrote your nice letter. See you soon. (Hope to get) good news and a timely answer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*A Corricolo is </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">a kind of tilbury: a small, light horse-drawn two-wheeled carriage designed to seat a single person.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">This letter, which is the background image for the Letters to Sal blog, was also received in the stack with the other letters. I have been trying to find someone to translate it, and finally that goal has been accomplished. I am happy to discover that the letter is affectionate and amusing to read. Antonia was wise to the ways of the world! Her personality shines through this letter, which is filled with news, worry, advice, and love.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Antonia was always worried about Sal's health -- he described himself as "the runt of the litter." She often fed him a medicinal elixer that Sal later realized was mostly alcohol, much to his amusement. "She sent me to school half drunk!" he used to joke. As it turns out, he listened to her advice to look after his health, and was able to live until the age of 80. Too young for those who loved him, but still much older than many sickly children. After his time in the US Navy, Sal returned to live with his mother until the age of 32. He never once said a negative word of her, and I don't think a son could love a mother more.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPlt38OPf40/TuYpJimiuqI/AAAAAAAABro/8ISg2o5TcxU/s1600/nonnienonon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPlt38OPf40/TuYpJimiuqI/AAAAAAAABro/8ISg2o5TcxU/s320/nonnienonon.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antonia with her husband Salvatore Sr.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Special thanks to Claudio Di Veroli for kindly translating this family treasure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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</span></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-13599127591913283852011-12-10T16:29:00.000-08:002011-12-31T05:43:22.503-08:00Letter 17, from Rosie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Monday 23, 50</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Honey</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I hope you will forgive me for not writing sooner. But you see it happened like this. Our mail was being kept at the post office. Because we had no lock on our mail box + they will not leave any mail in a box unless it has a lock on it, for there have been too many checks, and other mail stolen, from mail boxes in this neighborhood.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So Sal not knowing this until this morning when we received a notice from the post office letting us know we had mail + the reason it was being kept at post office I taught you weren't writing.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So honey thats why you haven't been receiving any mail from me + all the time I taught you weren't goneing to write. Gee hon I hope you believe me because its the gods honest truth. Gosh Sal but I miss you something awful.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> This town has gotten to be just like Waltham dead, thats as far as I'm concerned. There was lots to do before, such as, going dancing, skating, to the show, aboard different ships, swimming down the Y + so many other things. But none of them interest me now that I've met you. And now to top things off the doctor gave me a nice long rest, six months to be exacte, now I'll really go crazy nothing to do all day no money to go any place. I guess next time I'll know better and stay in the house and I won't keep such late hours + get all the rest I need. Now it's me and my radio if you ever hear that song think of me.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Hon since you left I have been out only four times, to the show twice and once out with the girls to the c.y.o. Bowling club and once with Sonny Hayes.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I still get phone calls to go out but I don't Eleanor will tell you when you get home.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well hon enough about me. How are you? And how is the pencil pushing coming allong.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The pome was very cute. And about that good offer, I had plenty, but they don't interest me. There is only one I love and thats the way it will stand unless you want it any other way.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Your dream was a lula and about another picture with freckles I don't have any, But I'll see as soon as I get some money what I can do.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> By the way what dose I.S.L.Y.F.E.A.A.D. stand for? </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well Honey I have to go to the store now for Eleanor. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So until I hear from you I'll be Yours Until Hell</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Freezes Over</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Rosie</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">What does I.S.L.Y.F.E.A.A.D. stand for, anyway? I'd like to hear your best guesses! And what do you all make of our new letter writer, Rosie? </div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-8744870834526490342011-11-13T08:02:00.000-08:002011-11-13T08:02:55.862-08:00Letter 16, from Rosie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the readers of Letters to Sal, and say that the best letters are yet to come. This letter will introduce you to Rosie, and I have to say that these are some dramatic writings. For maximum effect, read Rosie's letters aloud in the most enthusiastic Acting 101 voice you can muster!<br />
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope. Rose stationary.]</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16 March 1950</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Hello Kind Hearted</u>,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Received your letter this morning and I was a bit shocked at some of the things you wrote, not that I blame you. I guess I never did do anything respectful to expect any respect from you. Honey what did you mean when you said my mom + dad had troubles when I was a kid + I was shipped out? And Hon I never let anyone take liberty of me, that's one thing I can control. When I did go out and met fellows, Sure they called again, but just too go out and have a swell time in a desent way. As far as Frankie is concerned he has made plenty of pass's but it never got him anywhere I just couldn't take to him. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And then there is Sonny I went steady with him for over 7 months he never laid a hand on me. He'll always be around to admit it too. I also have met plenty of other guys that were swell + I met guys that did try to make me put out, but they never did succeed. Sal I wouldn't put out for anyone unless I loved him + he loved me + I never met anyone I loved enough. Yes Sal I have one half decent girl chum that doesn't go in town or out with other guys she's going steady with a solder, who's away until June of 1951, so she and I are going to novena on Monday nights to the show Wed, Fri + Sun,. Monday after novena we come home to my house and watch telly, that's T.V. Tuse. Thurs. + Sat. the same. From now on I want to be a one man's girl</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">that's if you'll have me? Honey please send me a picture of yourself? So I can show her. By the way her name is Gloria. + she lives three streets down from me.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Tell me something Hon did you really mean it when you said as far as you were concerned it was me that was being fooled? + when you said you half expected to hear what I wrote you. Hon you say that all the guys in the navy are out for one thing, and you said you were the same, if so Sal why didn't you make a try at me? I know why because your not like the rest of them and there all not alike, am I not right? </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IIII</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sal it seems as though I'm always the one who ever says how much I miss you and how I feel about you. You never once wrote telling me how you felt about me. Please Hon do in your next letter so's that I know where I stand + don't say on my feet.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Honey Eleanor received some coupons in the mail from Kays, its to have pictures taken, if you still want one. I'll send it but its a large one 9x5. Well Hon that's just about all I can think of right now so until tomorrow when I write my second dayly letter I remain.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I love you</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Rosie</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. Please write every day this is my first letter</span></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-17763954752430178712011-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:002011-11-08T11:22:31.261-08:00Letter 15, the last letter from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As I post this last letter from Joan "Dusty" Marin, I want to make an appeal to anyone in the Waltham area. Help me find Dusty! All that's known about her aside from her name comes from these letters: She lived in Waltham and graduated in 1949 from Waltham High School, which means she was born in about 1931 or so, making her about 80 years old today. Google searches have not produced any results, but given the fact that she likely got married and changed her surname, that's not surprising. But I'd love to find Dusty! So all you Waltham-ites, ask around!<br />
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<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">June 9, 1949</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thursday Nite</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Sal:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well, I'd just about given you up for lost when I got your letter. It was good to hear from you again.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I guess I expected to see you more than I did too, but, you know how the saying goes, every man to his own taste. (that goes for sailors too)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Last Thursday was a big day “Graduation.” It was really nice to see. Too bad </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">you couldn't have been here. Yesterday was another big day (yep I'm now 18) quiet, I am not getting old. Here I am the inefficient office secretary (I mean efficient).</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Say Sal, we never did get to take our walk did we? It's been kinda cold here the last coupla days. I don't think it will ever warm up enough so I can go swimming. Ya know what? Sometimes I get so disgusted. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I got lotsa nice stuffs for graduation. Beautiful pearls, a pendant and bracelet set, money and other things.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Woolworth's is coming along pretty good. They have most of the skeleton put up. They say it won't be done till around November though.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> By the way it wasn't Mr. Huff I shook hands with it was <u>The Mayor</u>.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Before I fergi, have fun at the dance. Now, now, don't give me that. You </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">can dance a little can't you?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Too bad I won't be there to see Louis Prima. I've never seen him. Oh well he don't interest me much anyhoo. Well Sal, guess that's all for now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> As Ever</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Joany</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> alias</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dusty</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's no surprise that this is the last letter from Dusty. The spark just seems to have gone out! It looks like Sal got leave for a bit to visit home, but the flirtatious tone in their letters just didn't translate to real life. And it appears that they don't have a whole lot in common, what with Sal's interest in "hillbilly" music like Louis Prima, which I can tell my readers he held for the rest of his life (with good reason). To the question, "You can dance a little, can't you?" In the 70s, he took Disco dancing lessons with his wife. They practiced in the living room to 45s like "Beethoven's 5th Symphony" and "If you want my body and you think I'm sexy" and let me tell you the practice paid off. But then disco, as we all know, had its demise. Sal later said in his dry tone, "The only dance I ever learned how to do, and it went out of style."</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a side note, the Mayor of Waltham in 1949 was John F. Devane. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PIJzpdJIdmI" width="420"></iframe></span></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-20523211515522990222011-10-29T10:36:00.000-07:002011-10-29T10:36:13.559-07:00Letter 14, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Sal~</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sorry about that Sally business but I just couldn't resist the temptation.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It's beautiful out today. The sun is shining and the sky is nice -n- blue.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">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</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">time. We laughed and laughed.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">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)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Why should I tell my boss we graduate the 2nd? I'm not getting any vacation as it it is.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm afraid you'll just</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">have to get used to popular music as I don't like that hill billy style.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now, Sal you don't better make yr ms wait so long for an answer from you. Thas not nice.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Have you heard “You're so Understanding” by Billy Eggstein? (I don't know how his last name goes) It's nice.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hope you can read this letter.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My mom is using the table, and I'm in the parlor writing on a book.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well, see ya soon.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As Ever</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Joany</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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:</span><br />
<br />
<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F26557375"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F26557375" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/changela/youre-so-understanding">You're So Understanding</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/changela">changela</a><br />
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:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JGws1yR0tg8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
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!</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-41970130103995515512011-10-21T10:37:00.000-07:002011-10-21T10:37:22.121-07:00Letter 13, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;">[5 of 6. Written April 15, 1949]</div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Friday (before work)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(Hide this pic before anyone sees it)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Sal,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 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 </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">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 <u>navy</u> 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?)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 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</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What am I gonna drew?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I saw Joyce in school and told her to write to you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Sorry I forgot to kiss you goodnight but after all you said you hardly knew me </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">so it wouldn't be very proper would it? I just don't go around kissing every boy goodnite you know.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> 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.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">“Happy Easter” As Ever</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> ---> belated Dusty.</span></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-74352209577166503112011-06-18T15:38:00.000-07:002011-10-31T08:28:14.090-07:00Letter 12, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thursday Nite</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Sal:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> How you all?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I got yr letter yest<u>i</u>day and I'm out here sitting on the porch answering it. If you find the penmanship difficult to read, you'll know why.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So you all went to that dance hey? Glad you had a good time. Keep it up and – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Murray">Arthur Murray</a> will have to take lessons from you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> My Mom is listening to the radio, and the enchanting melody of “Some Enchanted Evening” is sailing out the door right over to me sitting here on the porch. I just love that song don't you?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Did you see “Mr. Beldevere Goes to College”? We saw it last week and honestly, Sal we laughed and laughed. All that guy has to do is stand there and you can't help laughing.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> You don't have to address me as Miss Morin. Shaking hands with the mayor didn't go to my head.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Before I forget, Jack Dadonna</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">was picked president of the Senior Class.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Never mind mentioning my beauty. Eighteen is the starting of my career as a woman. So they tell me, but I never believe everything I hear. I certainly don't feel any older.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> My, my, Sal, you certainly seem to be mixed up, if you don't know what your taste is. Well anyhow, maybe we'd better drop the subject altogether, hey?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Too bad you're not out of the service now. My</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">boss was looking for a fellow for the office.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> It's nice out right now. It's kind of hot, but there is a little breeze.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I haven't been swimming yet, and, by the looks of things, I don't think I'll ever go.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Bea went to the hospital today. She is going to have an operation on her back tomorrow. That poor kid. Well guess that's all for now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> As Ever</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dusty</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gAVJaD8B7zE" width="420"></iframe></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n35hNw8_0rc" width="480"></iframe></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-16247864161825475592011-05-10T16:04:00.000-07:002011-05-10T16:04:35.991-07:00Letter 11, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[2 of 6]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wednesday morn</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Sal:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> It's only me Dusty Marin. We have all this week off from school and seeing that I don't have to go to work till two, I thought I'd answer your letter right away. I'll mail it on my way to work. (See how good I am to you?)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> It's beautiful out today. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and it's not too cold. Beautiful day for a nice drive in the country, and I had to go and let </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the chauffeur take my convertible.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I have the radio on right now and they're singin “Tulsa” have you heard it? It's cute.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Pretty soon I'll be a grad of W.H.S. My how time flies. I'm getting old. I'll be 18 pretty soon. It's pretty tough.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> You tell your bunkmate I said to let you use the table, after all we can't have you all knotted up ya kno.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Did I tell ya that Moran's Market burned down? Well</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">anyhow, there building a new one right around the corner from my house. In fact it's all built. It will open around the 28<sup>th</sup>. Real sharp.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Right now they're playing “The Mood I'm In.” And I am too. I think I have spring fever or somethin.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Went to the tote last nite to the Newton Fireman's Ball. It was pretty good. They had some nice entertainment. I was going to sing for them but I didn't feel like it. They had one gal there that</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">played music on some cocktail glasses. She was really wonderful. “Just Reminicin” (I don't know how to spell it.) That's what they're playin now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> So you're bashful huh? Well, well, so am I so don't feel too bad.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> When I take some more snaps I'll send you another one so you can get rid of that one you have. We couldn't take any Sunday because the sun wasn't out.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Guess that's all for</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> As Ever</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dusty</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I'm going to post this one with no commentary. This time, I'm going to let other people comment. What do you think of this letter from Dusty?</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-52086323358264735622011-04-16T14:37:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:37:04.376-07:00Letter 10, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope. Group of letters written in May 1949]</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[1 of 6]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Tuesday Nite</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi ya Sal:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> How's you? I guess I was wonderin wha happin to ya. I kind of figured you did somethin like that though. Of all things.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The weather here hasn't been too bad. We had a couple of real hot days then it sort of cooled off.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I heard “Gee but It's Cold Outside” I think it's really cute.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Looks like I'll have to come down and take care of that bunkmate of yours. You tell him he'd better</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">watch out or I'll come down there and take care of him.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> TIF.S.R.LH.H. Means this is for Sal, rush like holy heck.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Can't say that I like that there hillbilly music. Give me popular or light classics any day.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I didn't take any pics last Sunday. I just keep putting it off.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Aha. So you might get home next month. I don't know about sendin me folks out. Besides my mother is only a little girl 4 feet 11. Nothin to worry about. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I think the prom is around the twentieth or the 24<sup>th</sup>. I'm not sure.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> We graduate the third. Class day is the second. Just 14 more days of school. Gee Sal all the homework we get. It's awful honestly. I have practically no time to myself at all, but, as you would say, what are ya gonna drew?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> My boss asked me today when we get out of school. I said around the sixth. So he said good you can start work full time on the</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">seventh. Isn't that awful?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well Sally I guess that's all for now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> As Ever</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Joany</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> --- alias</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Duss</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. What happened between you and Joyce?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What does G.W.T.S.G.L. mean?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What happened, indeed! There seems to be a lull in their correspondence (March to May), but we may never know what happened to cause it! Was it problems with the bunk mate? Was it being moved from boot camp? Was it being on the ship? I love Joan's feisty spirit, and I bet she was (and probably is!) a lot of fun. It sounds like she knows just how to get around pushy teenage boys who want to get her alone!</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a short letter, but it sure does bring up a lot of questions. I mean, what does GWTSGL mean, after all?</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-88440250815844742252011-04-04T08:10:00.001-07:002011-04-04T08:11:25.075-07:00Letter 9, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[5 of 5. Written on March 19]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Saturday</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Howdle de do,</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Guess what!!! We had another snow storm. How do you like that? Here is the first day of spring (so called) around the corner, Monday to be exact, and we have another snowstorm. It makes me so mad.~</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Went to the show last night ~ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_of_the_Red_Witch">“The Wake of the Red Witch”</a> was playing. It was okey but nothing to really brag about ~ Naturally I got scared stiff when they showed the octopus ~ In fact I was practically underneath the</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">seat ~</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just +5 more days till we graduate ~ My how time flies~ It seems it was only yesterday we started school, then it was Christmas, and, after Christmas, the time certainly flew by~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Seeing that we haven't met officially, I shouldn't even be writing to you now should I? ~ I thought Jack introduced us, but I guess he must have overlooked that little article~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Woody was home again last Sunday, and naturally Vivian was in her glory ~ He must be stationed right around here huh ~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Before I forget, I'm sorry for calling you Mr. But gee whiz snooky you never put S.N. on your letters. How's I supposed to know?~ I put Mr. cause I didn't want to be impolite. I'm sorry, sorry, sorry ~ Forgive me?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now about your rubbers, I'm still looking~ are you positive you left 'em here? ~ Maybe it was over to Gloria's house you left em huh? ~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You know what you can do for me? ~ You can send me some snapshots of you, if you have any handy.~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Too bad you can't be home for Easter, but if you're taking a leave a little later on maybe it would be silly. ~ Are you by any chance coming home in May to take a certain person to the prom?</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well Sally oops scuse me Sal Guess that's olly for now ~</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[shorthand writing]</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As Ever</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Joany</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> alias</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dusty</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> alias</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> “The Girl with the Green Hair.”</span></div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Well, I finally decided to look up when "rubber" started to be used as a slang term, and wouldn't you know, it began in the 1930s. In this letter we realize that neither one of them could have left their rubber boots at the other's house (seeing as we learn here that Sal and Joan haven't officially met in person), so therefore this back and forth about the rubbers, well I'm sure you can agree that it's good old teenage humor at work! We think of kids from the 40s as so wholesome, but I think we can safely say that kids throughout history are up to mischief. But I do wonder what leaving one's rubbers or losing one's rubbers is supposed to be a euphemism for...</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Wake of the Red Witch </i>came out in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040946/">1948</a>, and featured John Wayne and Gail Russell: "Captain Ralls fights Dutch shipping magnate Mayrant Didneye for the woman he loves, Angelique Desaix, and for a fortune in gold aboard the Red Witch."</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/76/Wakeoftheredwitch.jpg/220px-Wakeoftheredwitch.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /> </i> Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD1Y9b5X1Ek">here</a> to see a clip of the movie (spoiler alert!).</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I was interested to read that WHS seniors in 1949 would be graduating in late March. That's awfully early, isn't it? I assume that the rest of the school went on until summer, wouldn't they?</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Is it me or does our friend Joan seem a little more interested in this letter? After all, she does ask for a photo of Sal. And is that a hint there for him to take her to the prom? </div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The end of this letter features short hand. Since I transcribed the letters and don't have scans, I am not able to get the short hand symbols translated. Perhaps in a later post!</div></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-77066622767824214132011-03-29T15:51:00.000-07:002011-03-29T15:51:02.678-07:00Letter 8, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[4 of 5. Written March 19, 1949]</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Saturday Morning</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hello honey bunny,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> How you all? Got yr letter (as you can see) and thought I'd write this morning before I do my shopping.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> My Mom is sitting here racking her brain trying to do a puzzle. She says it's the craziest thing. Scuse me while I look up a word in the Webster.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Okay, here I am again. There was a dance last night at the High School sponsored by the Commercial Club. It was pretty good. We had loads of fun. Joyce was there too. Next time I see Woody I'll say</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">“hi” to him for you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Now about those rubbers, honestly sugar foot I can't find neither hide nor hair of em. You won't be needing them anyhoo now that Spring has sprung, the grass has riz I wonder where the flowers is. (I had to put that in. corny huh)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> If yr havin troubles with yr face, Woodbury won't help. In fact it will make it worst. I can't use anythin but Ivory on my face. Those Woodbury Cocktails taste like anicette. It makes you sick. Bea gave me some once. I'll never drink it again. Oh! Horrors. Anyhow,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sal don't worry too much about the pimples. They'll go away in due time. The only thing you can do (here's some nursely advice) is to drink lots of milk and water, cut down on sweets, and get plenty of fresh air and especially sunshine. The sun dries them up. (I'll send you a bill for services.) Try it though, I'm sure it will work. (I think)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> It's really beautiful out today. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and everything looks grand. It's really nice and warm. These are the kind of days I could just walk and walk and walk especially in the country.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Know what bamby, I think me is getting spring fever. Nothin to worry about though. I gets it every year.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Now Sal, don't go saying things like that after all you hardly know me. How can you all be interestin in me?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The girl I had in mind as a “certain girl to the prom” was Joyce of course. I thought you were going to take her if you got home. I don't know if she's been asked yet or if she's accepted.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Bye for now honey-bunny. I could read the shorthand perfectly. Youse is pretty good at it ya know.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> As Ever </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Dusty</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Attempts to discover what the "Commercial Club" was have failed, so if anyone reading this knows what they were or what it was about, please comment! I also tried to find any sort of image from a Waltham school dance in 1949, to no avail!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodbury_Soap_Company">Woodbury</a> was a brand of soap, founded in 1870. Their wikipedia entry states that, "In 1936, Woodbury soap was the first product to use a picture of a nude woman in its advertisements." They had a product called Woodbury facial soap that was very popular, and though I couldn't find anything online about a tonic or medicine that one might drink, they were indeed "brought to court for practicing medicine without a license" so maybe that's the anisette-tasting cocktail she refers to.<br />
<br />
But all that is not to be confused with Woody. Woody's given name was George, and he hung around with Sal's "gang" (as he called it).<br />
<br />
Again with the rubbers talk! I think he may have actually forgotten his boots. But still, I suppose it could be an inside joke. What do you think?<br />
<br />
As I suspected, it appears that Sal might have been a little more sweet on Joan (aka Dusty) than she was on him. And notice that she doesn't ask him if he would like to take her to the prom! But yet, she is sure laying on the affectionate terms. But she broke her promise not to mention Joyce again.<br />
<br />
One thing I learned is that (at least at one time) Sal could read and write shorthand!<br />
</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-13331973301240055192011-03-29T13:30:00.000-07:002011-03-29T13:31:34.256-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In the previous post, I couldn't find a photo of Woolworth's and the surrounding stores. Well, here you go.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Woolworth's in 1909:</div><div><img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17044_1280011054724_1663493309_694180_1078355_n.jpg" /></div><div><br />
</div><div>And in this photo from the 1950s you can see Parke Snow:</div><div><img src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/30317_572591265481_13004432_33590277_4891153_n.jpg" /></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-58395116174175878812011-03-23T16:16:00.000-07:002011-03-23T16:17:06.400-07:00Letter 7, from Joan aka "Dusty"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;">[3 of 5. Written March 18, 1949]</div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Friday Night</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Evenin:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> How you all? I'm fine now thank you. You can't keep a good man (I mean girl) down.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> You should see Moody Street now. It looks sooo funny. They tore down Woolworth's completely and Parke Snowe's and Bell's look lost now. They're supposed to rebuild and from what I hear, it's really supposed to be somethin.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> We haven't started graduation songs yet, but we are going to start next Tuesday.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We graduate June 2. We're supposed to have outdoor graduation. Mr Huff says he really wants to make it a big affair. We'll be the hundredth class to comgradulate ya know!</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Guess what? We had April showers here today. It really poured and then the sun came out. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Excuse me bunny but I have to get up awful early tomorry so I'll finish this letter in the morning after I get home okey?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Good night now.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Good morning. It's nice out today. The sun is (oops it just hid behind a cloud) out. It's kind of chilly out but we can't complain.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, and we'll all go to church and get our palms. I hope it's nice out. Then next week is Easter. My, my “how the time goes by.”</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Now, the little matter of the picture. I'm in an awful fix. You see it seems I promised more pictures than I had. I had fifty made and I have two left. The trouble is though I've promised about seven more people. Honestly, Sal,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't afford to have any more made. How does a snapshot appeal to you? Let's put it this way, if I give you a big picture, it will take up more room, but, if I give you a snapshot, you can just file it away someplace. Now, if it so happens that certain other people forget I owe them a picture then you'll be first in line. Okay? </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I can't remember what I wrote in shorthand last time so I can't explain it. As for Joyce, I'm sorry. I won't say another word about it.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> As Ever,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Joany alias Dusty</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Tel. Wal. 5-6917-M</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I almost forgot to give it to you</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Telephone numbers sure looked a lot different in 1949! This letter is a little bit of a downer, though I can't quite put my finger on why. Is it the fact that Joan (aka Joany aka Dusty) tells Sal that he didn't make the cut for a photograph? Or is it the mention of Joyce, and ensuing apology? Or perhaps it's the baby talk and the diminutive term "bunny"? What do you think?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Information on Mr. Huff or the 100th graduating class of Waltham High School is eluding me. I would have liked to include some sort of image with this post, but all I have found is this old postcard of WHS:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://postalpast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/57a.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://postalpast.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/57a.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I also tried to find a photograph of the old Woolworth's, Bell's, or Parke Snow's, but could only find images of what they look like now as a Dollar Store and a Mattress Giant. So if anyone has photos or information on any of the above, I would be thrilled if they shared it. So for now, I 'll end with the song "My How the Time Goes By." I have to admit that I was shocked to see blackface in this video. But it's an interesting (if not disturbing) relic of the time, and actually a good song. The set and costumes (minus the blackface, of course) are also delightful. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MTlB8NvLVwo" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-61521660876927195822011-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:002011-03-15T08:40:16.185-07:00Letter 6, from Joan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[letter 2 of 5. written March 16, 1949]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wednesday Nite</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Howdy do Sugarfoot:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Here we are down here and we just had a nice big snowstorm, about six inches. The most we've had this year ain't it?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I'm glad you see that my beauty exceeds that of Ava Gardner (ahem, who you trying to kid? Certainly not me, I hope.)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Gee, that was a swell walk we took, weren't it? I never realized Washington was soooo beautiful. I guess we'll never find such lovely places in Waltham, so a walk wouldn't be quite</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">as nice here. Still, our little city has some interesting places hey what? Anyhow I guess I just love to walk.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> How do you know what kind of eyes I have? You've never been that close, and don't tell me you saw me in your dreams.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> You know what? I tried wheaties but it don't work. My hair is still just as dull and drab as ever. Oh well, who cares (me) (I mean I)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Saw your brother couple of times as I was shopping.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In fact, I saw him just Saturday.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The mardi Gras was last night, and they crowned the Queen; namely <a href="http://www.nardonefuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary.php?id=51105">Anna Mula</a>. I understand she is very lovely, but, of course you already know that. I didn't go to that one because I went to the French Mardi Gras (shux I din't win the television)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Before I forget, I left my rubbers up there? Will you bring them to me when you come home? Gee, tanks</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I saw Joyce today, and she said that she wrote to you I imagine you have the letter by now. So you can see she's not mad at ya (now you can sleep nights again)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Still haven't heard “Gloria” but “I'll See You in My Dreams”</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Joany</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. Thanks for the tip but I use Revlon.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hjD61YU8VYs/Sj6pBmyGcsI/AAAAAAAAJcw/_kD1CXpksfM/s320/Ava,+G.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hjD61YU8VYs/Sj6pBmyGcsI/AAAAAAAAJcw/_kD1CXpksfM/s320/Ava,+G.bmp" /></a>This letter reveals young Sal's obvious attempts at flattery and flirtation. But I fear that he may have been so over the top that he missed his mark. Joan doesn't want to accept that she might look so nice as Ava Gardner (pictured right)! And flattering the beauty of her eyes didn't seem to work, either! She really was a tough sell, it seems. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Still, Joan seems to have made a visit from Waltham, Massachusetts to Washington DC, and they seem to have had a lovely walk. But are you wondering what I'm wondering? Is it possible that leaving their "rubbers" is an inside joke of some kind? Or could both of them actually have left their galoshes at the other's place?</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And we get a bit of a glimpse of Joyce again. Clearly, there was some sort of misunderstanding between her and Sal. We may never know what it was, but it may have had something to do with her unceremonious treatment of Vic.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The "p.s." in this letter is also quite funny. I guess Revlon was a popular brand even back then! Now, for the songs. First, here's the sad song, "Gloria," recommended by Sal, followed by "I'll see you in my dreams."</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tDM_uQ6P880" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VKGohdl3ybY" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe></div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-46407295179330242502011-03-07T06:47:00.000-08:002011-03-07T06:51:28.858-08:00Letter 5, from Joan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[post marked Boston, Mass. Mar 19, 1949 9:30pm to Sal Coraccio S.M., M.S. Naval Barracks, West Potomac Park, Washington D. C. Group of letters in envelopes with days of the week inside. Also inside: one small leaf.]</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[1 of 5. Written March 13, 1949]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sunday Nite</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi You all,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> This is sort of a bad news letter. Waltham lost the finals of the Tech Tourney last night. They won they're first two games, East Boston and Quincy, and then dubbed out to Sommerville. They felt pretty bad about it.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Enough of the crying over spilled milk. I just went to the movies tonight. I saw “Enchantment.” It was wonderful. Have you seen it? Of course, practically any movie is good to me. Going to the shows is one of my favorite pastimes (next to walking</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">II</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">of course.)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Aha! Woke up with strawberry lipstick did you? It must have been someone else you dreamed about because I don't wear strawberry. (double sirup)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> It's really beautiful out tonight. The stars are shining in their full glory. (quite poetic eh. What?)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Glad my letter pepped you up, bet you say that to all your pen pals.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Gee, Sal, I'm awfully sorry I lost your rubbers, but I'll look real hard for them. They must be around here someplace.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">III</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">By the way, my hair is in its full glory now (100 stroked every night.) It shines like a light. So does my nose. As long as you're sitting there doing simply nothing wanna brush it for me? (my hair that is). If me falls asleep just slap me and me will wake up soon nuff.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Don't worry bunnykins I haven't forgotten your picture. I'll send it out soon. I've been so busy, why do you know I had a big colored one made for my Dad and I haven't even sent it to him? My Dad is in California you know in case you're </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">IV</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">wondering why on earth I'm sending him a picture.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Easter will soon be here. Got myself a new zoot suit with a reet pleat. It's really sharp. (Even though it has no pleat and is'nt zooty.)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Me is getting tired now and when me gets tired me gets silly so I better say so long for now? Besides gotta get up and go to Mass early tomorry.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Always</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Joany</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is one of the letters my sister Tina and I read aloud to Sal. However, as you can imagine, we had not had much sleep and were, let's say, not ourselves. So, when I got to the word "rubbers," I stopped, and considered it to mean quite a different thing than Joan meant in her letter. Mortified, I handed the letter to my sister, and said, "You read it!" But she, too, stopped, and awkwardly avoided the word, replacing it with "prophylactic." I don't think she finished reading the entire letter, and moved on to another one. Now, if we had just read the word "rubber," we could have all had a good laugh at the fact that Joan of course meant "rubber rain boots" (aka galoshes), and not a form of birth control. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Our temporary amnesia as to the alternate meaning of the word "rubber" only occurred to me weeks later, after Sal had passed away, but I had a good chuckle nonetheless, knowing that it's just the sort of comedy of errors he would have appreciated.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now, onto the letter! We still are not sure who Joan is. Perhaps someone reading this knows a Joan Marin from Waltham who would be nearly 78 years old now. Hopefully she still has the same playful sense of humor as she did then. What else do we know about her? Let's see, her father lived in California, so perhaps her parents were divorced. She must have had long hair, and she went to church on Sundays.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I had to look up the Tech Tournament, and could only find out that it was the high school basketball tournament. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040321/">Enchantment</a> was released in 1948, starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000057/">David Niven</a> (later from Pink Panther), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942863/">Teresa Wright</a>, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0450810/">Evelyn Keyes</a>. It's about an old guy who retires to his childhood home and reevaluates his life. But it sounds like it's more about a love triangle and jealousy between the old guy's nephews and two women. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://www.cgerr.com/ramble/twenty/teresa.jpg" /></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Mostly, I'm sure anyone reading this loves the tone of the letter as much as I do. And one can only imagine the flirtatious letter from Sal about a dream and lipstick -- how suave! It was at least suave enough to earn the term "bunnykins," which is about as rich as it gets. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What is your favorite line from Letter #5?</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-74170420869678520332011-02-28T04:10:00.000-08:002011-02-28T04:13:21.044-08:00Letter 4, from Joyce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Feb 28, 1949</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hello There:</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I just finished my homework and thought I'd answer your letter. Yep! I was really doing my homework.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> To tell you the truth Sal I don't believe you when you said the reason for our “spat” was that I was anti-social (you know what I mean) but forget it seeing we are loving friends again (til the next time)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Well I really enjoyed my week vacation. I went to bed every night at 2 and didn't get up til 10: O'clock. Vic was home most of the time. We didn't fight once!! Can you imagine? Vic gave me an orchid for Valentine's day and I still have it boy! It certainly last long.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Oh! Before I forget “Happy Birthday ___ Pappy!! I would</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-2-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">of send you a card to if I had known well whatta yah goin to do I am really thoughtless huh?!!</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Boy! Can you pour on the s___ about being in ecstasy and etc. but its fun listening to you. Once in a while Vic writes me nice letters but its mostly the same story, “I am tired,” or “It will have to be short,” sometimes I am lucky to get a letter. But what can you do. I love the big dope, probably that's why I cry when he fights with me. “I love him so much it hurts” that's the name of a song its really nice.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Mr. C., just what do you mean I hurt your feelings hun ____ you ask for it you also got your digs in so we are even. Ya! Ya!</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-3-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Boy! That south has changed you, poping up with “Honeychile” Listen Big boy you all and all that, knock it off! Just be plain old Mr. C. O.K.?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Have you heard from Joe Z. + Joe S. + Phil and and and (any more)!! Guess not.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I have a new saying now, “Pudgey” is the word, boy do I drive the kids crazy. I go to them and say oh! Your so pudgey only with more oomph. I'll show you when you come home. You will have a bird (bird that is) Well Mr C. I'll end it here. Until I here from you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. Your alright</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">no kidding <u>pappy</u>!</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> “Joyce”</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I'm sorry to report that this is the final letter in the bunch from Joyce. But it's sure got a lot going on, doesn't it? First off, we have to wonder what caused a "spat" between Joyce and Sal. And what caused him to describe her has anti-social? Could it have to do with her letters to Chris? Ironically, she doesn't mention him, but rather talks about Vic instead. The reader, at this point, might be lead to believe that she has a renewed commitment to Vic, and that they live happily ever after. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Even though this is the last letter from Joyce, do not despair! We get a little more information in subsequent letters. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Readers have commented that the language in Joyce's letters is a hoot. I think this one might surpass the previous letters! She was clearly is a zany mood when she wrote this, shown by the way she calls Sal "Pappy" and lines like "you asked for it you got your digs so we're even!" But I wonder if someone can tell me in what context you would say to someone, "You're so pudgy, only with more oomph!" </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The idea of a young Sal, having spent time in the south, jokingly using the term "honey child" brought a smile to my face also. And I was rather pleased to see Joe Z finally get his mention!</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Feel free to comment on the letter in the comments section. For now, I'll leave you with the song "I love you so much it hurts," from 1948.<br />
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</div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-22578553950287759632011-02-19T08:02:00.000-08:002011-02-19T08:02:50.612-08:00Letter 3, From Joyce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope]</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Feb 7, 1949</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Sal,</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I am answering that letter which arrived the same time as you. Boy! Your certainly a tricky character. But it was good to see you home. Where were you kids going in such a hurry? I could probably guess – </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Vic told me he received your letter. What do you mean there's things in your letters to me, that would get Vic mad!!? He asked me if I wrote you longer letters. Cripe I write that kid every minute. I get so mad (well alright) I don't think Vic would get mad at your letters if he read them. Cause there just filled with s___ well part of them </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-2-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">are anyway. Your not kidding that letter would be a “lulu” But you don't have to bother this is “Buddy Week” remember?</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Oh! By the way how do you like the stationery? This kind I use for Vic's letter, so I'll have to get another kind for yours (that sounds all mixed up huh? But you know what I mean)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I'd appreciate it very much if you didn't address me as “My Dear Miss Fucci” just say “Hi” Oh' oh! We are back where we started but its fun anyway.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Your weren't kidding when you said you don't think I'd like to talk about exams Boy! I was so stupid I just had to laugh honest.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-3-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The only one I passed honestly was Clerical Practice. The rest were just even (you know just getting by.) But what do you expect I never study, go ahead call me stupid sob! sob! See if I care. Enough of that.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I am really in agony seeing your my friend, I tell you. I got a boil on my a___ and boy does it hurt. I hate to go to school cause I look funny sitting on half an a___ but I am just a half ass anyway so it doesn't make any difference.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Its up to you not to make Chris lose interest. He's nice to loose, you </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-4-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">two made good buddies so keep him interested. But I guess it is hard to have something to talk about, seeing you both are far away. Well thats the way things go. I as usual I can't think of anything more to say, so until I hear from you</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Your Ever Loving </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Joyce</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">p.s. I wish I could sign my name as fancy as yours but your just good that all (ha)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">oh! what did you mean by, “I know I shouldn't but I do anyhow”</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A quick note about these letters: I've decided to transcribe them as closely as possible to the way they were written, with spelling errors and missing words, etc intact. I also have included other notations such as page numbers. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Letter 3 supplies us with another great slang word: "<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lulu">lulu</a>." It strikes me as another way of saying "doozy." </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We also see that Joyce's feelings for Chris have gotten stronger. She's now asking Sal to help her keep his interest, all the while sending letters to her fiancee, Vic! But while this letter, like the others, is flirtatious, Sal and Joyce are clearly just friends who are not romantically involved. Still, she wonders and we wonder along with her what Sal "shouldn't" do that he does regardless.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But clearly the most amusing thing in the letter is the paragraph about poor Joyce's boil! </div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-27932283355499805432011-02-14T07:55:00.001-08:002012-02-28T02:22:45.322-08:00New Development: Vic is found!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Many people have become nearly as interested in these letters to Sal as I have been. Your interest is both exciting and validating! Ultimately, if the people featured in the letters could be found, the mysteries of the letters would be revealed, for one single letter is only half of a conversation. Of course, half the fun of this process is to ponder the questions themselves and the many possibilities.<br />
<br />
However, I will continue my research to catch up with the people featured in the letters, for they aren't imaginary characters, but in fact real, live people.<br />
<br />
Women marry and change their names, so finding men is always easier. I googled Vic's name, and the first thing to come up was a facebook link. At first, I thought to myself, "Vic would be at least 80 years old; he won't have a facebook account!" But then I remembered that Sal, who was the same age, had a facebook account himself. Throwing caution to the wind, I sent a message with the subject, "I think I'm looking for you," and sure enough, it was indeed our Vic, alive and well, living in New Hampshire!<br />
<br />
Asking someone to relive the experience of being left by his fiance for another man might have been an awkward proposition, especially after informing him that letters, of which he'd been a subject, had been posted on the internet! But Vic is, not surprisingly, a friendly, gregarious guy who was more than happy to answer any questions I had about the letters.<br />
<br />
He sent me this photo of himself and Chris, before they parted ways after boot camp. They look like happy friends:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYEGFLXliow/TVk9Fsag7sI/AAAAAAAABi8/7cPEpsqMxYc/s1600/vic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYEGFLXliow/TVk9Fsag7sI/AAAAAAAABi8/7cPEpsqMxYc/s320/vic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Still, we'll see if the rest of the story unfolds in later letters.<br />
<br />
Vic was able to answer questions (from Letter 2) I raised about poor old Phil, and his supposed bad luck in having to spend another year in Africa. Well, we don't have to feel sorry for Phil in that regard. He loved his job in Africa delivering mail to the the fleet. He loved it so much he didn't want to come home! Vic regaled me with stories of getting into trouble with Phil, Sal, and "the gang" (as Sal called them), nude swimming in the Charles River of Waltham, Massachusetts. They often had the railroad police, the river police, and the regular police after them all at once. On one particularly memorable day, when the boys got busted for swimming in the river, they each ran in a different direction. Phil, the unlucky one, was caught, in the buff. In a moment of quick thinking, he smacked his captor in the head, and took off, running down the street in his birthday suit! The scene was complete with people pointing, ladies screaming, mothers covering the eyes of their children. He dashed into the five and dime, threw on some clothes, and made his way home, only to discover the cops waiting for him.<br />
<br />
The "Joe S" in Letter 2 was not, as I had hoped, Joe Z, but that's ok. Vic told me a few other things as well, but I think I'll wait until more comes to light from the letters to Sal...<br />
<br />
Many, many thanks to Vic for entertaining me and my little project.</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-81344629099616208092011-02-07T09:15:00.000-08:002011-02-07T09:15:07.269-08:00Letter 2, from Joyce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">[no envelope]</span> <br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Jan 31, 1949</span></div><div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dear Sal, (ahem)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I received your letter and this time <u>was</u> glad to hear from you. I would of answered your letter sooner but I was busy doing things for the school (no I am not trying for an “A”) Vic was home for a few days probably you'll get a letter from him soon. I said “Hi” to Joan for you she really is a nice kid.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> If you can come home, why don't you? Joe S. would be glad to see you I just hope you <u>can</u> come home for the Prom. But if you can't that's alright. I really wouldn't mind (like hell)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I just have to ask you this, its really bothering me, Have you heard from Chris? I just want to know thats all. There now I feel better.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I shouldn't of told you about the fire, I am sorry I scared you!! (ha ha)</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Its snowing like heck out today I wish I didn't have to go to work, I hate going out in the snow. I just like to put a housecoat on and cuddle up in a chair and read a “funny book.”</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-2-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I bet you make out like a bandit with all the girls down there. Come to think of it Sal, you really never told me “How madly in love you were with me” You couldn't tell a girl you loved her and mean it, so I wouldn't believe you anyway.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Lorraine got a letter from Phil (as usual) and he said he has to stay in Africa for 12 more months, Cripes! That poor kid you + Vic I think got the best deal.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The other night Vic brought his buddy over the house, What a creeper, first of all he has only kissed a girl 2 and has never taken anyone out. He does'nt indulge in “jokes” either. And you know how crazy I act, but for once I acted like a lady and he told Vic he fell in love with me. I wouldn't mind if he was huba [? illegible?]. The kids I try to make out with run, but I guess thats the way things go. About that picture you'll have to wait till I get a chance to take some (no I have'nt any on call I am not that much of a hater just letting you know so you won't insult me.) Oh! By the way that valuable “info” you have shove it. Yes I know thats not nice to </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">-3-</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">say, but I said it and I am glad.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> While Vic was home we didn't have any fights is'nt that wonderful. He just said I don't act like 16 and I should act a little older because he says things to me that I don't understand but I told him I'd learn gradually ← (is that how its spelled) I wonder how the heck old he wants me to act. Do you like the way I act? Truthfully now do you.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Boy! This letter is certainly longer than usual, I guess its the weather. I better shut up and let you say a few words, so until I hear from you</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Your Ever Loving</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> “Joyce”</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This letter hints at a few things. First: Joan. We'll hear from her later. Secondly, Joyce's curiosity about Chris shows that her claim in Letter #1 to have "forgotten about him" was not entirely true. Thirdly, there is trouble in paradise with Vic. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What I love about this letter is how age appropriate it is. She is 16 years old, flirty, boy crazy, and silly, like 16-year-old girls tend to be. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I think we tend to think of "hater" as a recent word, but there it is, in 1949. Searches for the word "huba" came up empty, so I wonder if the handwriting is simply illegible, but if anyone knows what a huba is, or what that word could be, given the context, please comment.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Sal was well liked by family and acquaintances, but as an adult he wasn't exactly the type to have buddies. He wasn't the type of man to "hang with the guys," and he tended to spend most of his spare time with family. However in his late 60s he began to spend more time with his brother Guy, and they became best friends. Once or twice a week, he went to visit Guy and they often went out to eat with Guy's wife Jaye and her brother Joe. It was the first time I'd ever heard Sal refer to someone as simply "my friend," and he said it with a lightness of belonging and joy. "My friend Joe," he would begin a sentence. I believe that friend is the "Joe S" mentioned in this letter, though in truth it should have been "Joe Z." At least I would like to believe it is.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Finally, Lorraine and Phil. Wouldn't you like to know what happened to Phil in Africa? Did he make it out? And did Lorraine wait for him? </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What questions does this letter raise for you, in your imagination? And maybe what are your imagined answers for those questions? </div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118980418446025401.post-77121134167118214752011-02-01T03:30:00.000-08:002011-02-25T10:19:51.223-08:00Letter 1, from Joyce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">no envelope<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Jan 13, 1949<br />
<br />
Hi Sal,<br />
I came home from school just now and found your letter waiting for me. I was glad to hear from you.<br />
Vic isn't mad anymore and he wants you to drop him a few lines. Everything is all fixed up now. After you left me + Vic had a “long talk” and he was mad at me not you or anyone else so please don't give him up. Ahem! You to know each other for a long time. <br />
Well enough for that. Well alright! Yes, I kept my word about Chris, infact I even forgot about him til you mentioned it in your letter.<br />
My mom is all better now but its still as big as ever, I guess its only natural. If I have any pictures taken I'll send you one, all right? That's if you promise to make some improvements when you<br />
-2-<br />
draw me. Whats this about you going to tell me something interesting about myself!! Come on S-A-L whats up? You better tell me in your next letter.<br />
I can't see what the difference is between that so called “unknown letter” and all my others. I say the same s___ over and over again. And its just as long as the rest well whats the “diff” I'll take your word for it if you say its different its different all right O.K.?!!<br />
No, Vic hasn't said anything about the Prom. I think he rather see me go with you than anyone else. (not saying I'd get asked by anyone else.) Before I forget you keep your part of the bargin about Chris to I know you will but – just checking.<br />
Well for once in a long time I've taken home some books to do a “little” studying. Don't laugh either. Well Sal I can't think of anything more to say so I'll end here until I here from you. Oh yes, don't forget to write to Vic. Is this ending better?<br />
<br />
Your loving Friend<br />
“Joyce”<br />
or<br />
yours truly!!</span><br />
<br />
I debated simply posting these letters and letting them speak, or rather not speak, for themselves. But being a curious person, I can't help but wish to fill in the blanks they leave, to wonder who are Joyce, Vic, and Chris. <br />
<br />
Joyce, according to Sal, was the most beautiful woman on earth. He said she put any movie star to shame. But for some reason, they were only ever friends. He told me once of how they had once kissed, but with a "Blech! Yuck!" they both agreed that it felt like kissing a brother or sister. At the time of this letter, Joyce is still in High School.<br />
<br />
Here's Vic, in a boot camp photo, found smiling in the second row to the right:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na-rCFLfXHY/TVk4vtMXIJI/AAAAAAAABi4/u0h6xJHaL9M/s1600/Boot_Camp_Buddies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Na-rCFLfXHY/TVk4vtMXIJI/AAAAAAAABi4/u0h6xJHaL9M/s320/Boot_Camp_Buddies.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>Sal is pictured opposite, in the bottom left. (Click on the image for a larger version.)<br />
<br />
Vic was going with Joyce when he and Sal joined the navy together. They served with another man, Chris, found in the photo just underneath Vic. (His name was actually Frank, but everyone called him Chris.) Chris was depressed because he didn't have anyone to write letters to. So Vic figured Joyce might have a friend who could write to Chris, or else she could write to him herself to keep Chris' spirits up. Thus began a correspondence between Chris and Joyce. You can probably guess what happened...but I won't spoil the surprise just yet.<br />
<br />
Re-reading the letter, you can see that Sal was not happy about these developments, and perhaps even felt stuck in the middle. If you have other interpretations or impressions of the letter, please comment below!</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05685607101782412986noreply@blogger.com3