Your Xs Are Too Small

June 14, 1941, Last night I didn’t fall asleep until almost 3:00.  Guess my mind wandered about Alabama too much.  Ernie and I shopped in the afternoon, then she went home to VT.  I came home and was busy intending to stay home.  Edmund came up about 7:30 while I was washing dishes.  He took…

Rendezvous of Dreams

June 12, 1941, After work I had a bite to eat at The Moonlight and went to Henrettea’s for my permanent wave.  She talked a steady stream and told me about her wedding and a lot of things a single girl doesn’t know.  Marriage is certainly no hay ride but every girl thinks her’s will…

Garrulous Tonge

Babu writes (prepare to chuckle, if you are anything like me): June 11, 1941, Had a letter and some pictures from Jakey.  I told myself to keep quiet about any plans to go South because they may not formulate, but I still talk.  Why do I have such a garrulous tongue?  Went to choir rehearsal…

Jake Gets the News

May 24, 1941, I had no plans for this evening.  Was taking a bath when Ed came up.  He asked me to go to a show.  We went to Hartford and saw Count Bernie Vici and his show and a picture “Redhead.”  We stopped for ice cream and Ed brought me out a box full…

Before the New Breaks Part II

On the day she recieved the following letters from Jakey, this is what she wrote: May 23, 1941, Soon after, and this morning we drove down to the funeral home.  Zosh and I said good-bye to Stretch.  I touched my cheek to his lips.  He had a beautiful military funeral and Nat didn’t say hardly…

Before the News Breaks: Part I

While Babu is in Chicopee wrestling with loss, Jake is in Alabama having no idea that he, too, has lost a friend. The letters Babu gets from him are a jarring juxtaposition to what she is facing at home. Was it a welcome distraction? May 21, 1941, Jakey wrote me another letter today and he…

In Honor and Memory of “Stretch” Part I

Unfortunately, this was the start of the end. I am simply to sad to create suspense or to worry about spoilers. May 11, 1941, Nat was angry because Stretch didn’t come home.  However, he’s sick in the hospital and can’t help that.  Ed K. came up and gave me a driving lesson and we picked…

Convicts in the Barracks, May 10, 1941

May 10, 1941, Saw Ernie off on the train and felt lonesome.  Came home and started cleaning my drawers.  Jake sent me another letter and some pictures.  He looks so thin and his hair is clipped short.  Edmund, Johnny Lech, and Eddie came up early and left soon. J.L. came back about 8 and we…

In Between Letters

Having been on this side of things more than once, the partner left home, I can tell you it’s not easy for either. Basic training, and being away from home for what follows, is no joke. We hear the strain of it in Jake’s letters immediately. But we left at home not only pine for…

Letters from “This Godforsaken Hole”

May 6, 1941, It’s so warm again and no rain.  I had another letter from Jakey again today.  It felt so good.  Freda Grockmal read our palms and told us what the stars had in store for us-at club tonight.  We adjourned to the Moonlight and we had cokes and exchanged experiences.  All the way…

Writing Letters and Waiting for Letters, May, 1941

Monday, May 5, 1941 Took my piano lessons and “Prof” at the city hall.  I wanted to get home and then dreaded it if I didn’t have a letter.  I had two when I got home.  Both from Jakey.  Gosh he wrote the same day he got there and another a few days later.  Said…

Just Listening to Some Jazz While Waiting on the Mail…

Friday, May 2, 1941 It rained in spurts today and by evening had turned really cold.  Washed my hair, cleaned my room, and played piano.  Nellie dropped in for a while.  I was anxious to get home tonight to see if I had any mail from Jake, but there was none.  His folks had a…