Amanuensis Monday - Sadly the Separation Continues

February 1, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Received you gift today and its really swell. The locket & bracelet are just beautiful, so tiny. They are a little big now but I can hardly wait to put them on her. Thank you Dad they are just what I wanted.

  Have you heard from Dr. or Paul? Paul says he’ll know pretty defiantly whether or not he'll have to go between the 1^st or 15^th so I’m thinking of leaving in 3 weeks. I can imagine how proud you were seeing Jr. name on the Honor Roll. I’m proud too.

  Well I just fed the baby and have her back to sleep. I hope, she’s really awfully good tho, and she’s so cute. She’s growing so much and just looks at everything she can focus her eyes. They are turning brown too.

  I’m feeling swell and have to call the Dr. to let him know how I am. Then Sun. I’ll be able to go out.

  I’m going over to Uncle Ch as decided that would be better than having them here.

  Mrs. Rita came up to see me & the baby she sure that she was a little doll.

Sunday I got grandmas trunk so I’m going to start packing. I called Mrs. Brown yesterday, she wants me over for dinner before I go, so I’m going to be pretty busy seeing everyone and preparing to leave. If Paul must go I think I’ll leave anyway & go to W.Va. I haven’t made any arrangements with Aunt Marg & she doesn’t want anything but somehow I feel I’d like to give her something. ????? I’ll need all I can get now.

  I ?????? to Jr tonite and I had a letter from Joyce telling me about the make up ??? Guess she’s very pleased & she thinks you have very good taste, so do I.

  I haven’t said anything to Grandma all tho from all I’ve heard she really made a fuss over Aunt Mar notifying everyone & was quite insulting. I’ll be glad to get away from all the fracas for its quite nerve wracking.

  The baby is really fussing but I’m letting her cry for if I spoil her I’ll really be tough. She’s just mad not hungry. It gives her exercise sure wish you could see her.

  Dad I wish you good luck on the house and I’ve been thinking if Paul leaves I’ll go to W.Va. then maybe by the time of your vacation, you’ll have things settled. You can come get me & help me take care of her on the train. Does that sound ok?

  What do you think of the Japs & their terrible atrocious. It’s just too horrible I hope we bomb off the face of the earth. I can’t help but believe it for I read that magazine you had on their treatment of the Chinese.

  I have to take the certified copy of Carol Ann’s birth certificate back to the City hall for they didn’t put down her name. Anything to delay me getting it sent in to the Army. And I’ll need that extra money too.

  Boy I’ll sure be glad to see a change of environment I think they are rather tired of me too. I guess I can hardly blame them for I’ve stayed longer than I ever should have. But as John says I really have learned a lesson sometimes I think my lessons will never end.

   Well Dad I should try to get some sleep & I haven’t taken my exercises I have to keep them up if expect to get my figure back. I don’t weigh what I did in fact I weighed myself today, I weigh about 132 ½. I’ve lost my big behind, I hope I can keep it down.  But I have a tummy to lose too. Really feels good tho no to have that extra weight I really didn’t need.

  Well I’m gonna close and will write again Thurs.

  Thanks a million again Dad for the gift. They are perfect.

Lots of Love

Elaine & Carol Ann

NOTE:This is a two page letter handwritten on both sides, envelope addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Washington. The return address is: Mrs. Paul Moore 3117 So 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. mailed on Feb 2 1944.

February 3, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Well I just put the baby to sleep. She’s been good all day but was a little fussy tonite she’s really growing and I believe she’ going to have brown eyes. I’m feeling fine and will be glad when I can go downtown.

  Paul called me long distance last nite and reversed the charges. He was very upset for he hadn’t heard from me since last Fri. But when I told him I hadn’t heard from him in 11 days while I was in the hospital he kinda pulled in his horns. Then to top it off three days have gone by this week & I haven’t heard from him. He told me to keep planning on coming to see him???? he seemed worried he wouldn’t be there. He put a deposit on a house so he would have a place for us to stay.

  He hasn’t written to Aunt Marg yet and I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t. If you write to him try to explain the necessity. Will you?

Evelyn & Johnny were over yesterday to see the baby. Evelyn gave me a dollar for her. Then Shirley came over too.

  I had a letter from Aunt Gladys but she didn’t have much to say except to congratulate us, said C.J. boyfriend was operated on for appendicitis.

  Then I also got a letter back from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Dad they don’t have a record of my seasonal payment on file. I wrote them all the details about it buy they can’t seem to find it. I don’t know what I’ll do if I have to pay it again. You know I sent a money order but like a fool I didn’t keep the stub. Like I say my lessons will never cease, seems like I have more thinks to worry about I should be getting my next check this week. I’ll have $100.00 but that won’t last long after I pay for the telephone call, the telegrams & any my train ticked I’ll also have an express bill too when I send the trunk.

  Haven’t heard from Junior for a while but suppose he is busy. Grandma called today saying she had a letter from you. By the way don’t you think you’ll be able to come see me on your vacation no matter if I’m with Paul or in W. Va.? I’ll be planning on that for sure.

  The baby was crying so Ken Jr. felt sorry for her so he goes in & pat her for a while & shacked her bed & finally quieted her for awhile. He feels pretty proud for he figured he had the right touch. ????? she’s at it again guess she’s really going to bawl – he’s in there again. I’ll have him experienced I imagine her crying nerve racking when they aren’t used to it. The all take their hand at it except Uncle Ken.

  Did I tell you I was going over to Uncle Chas Sunday. They were coming over here but dumb Mary doesn’t care to have Aunt Loretta here. So I had to change plans. I hope they don’t have any brawls till I leave for I don’t want to be implicated. It all dates back to when Beverly was up here & her going over there. Aunt Loretta said something to me that I don’t understand nor take the way Aunt Marg said it was intended. If I had I never would have told her but I just told her what Aunt Loretta said about Bev causing so much trouble & saying thinks about Betty which weren’t true. Things are too confusing & ??? to me but I don’t want Aunt Marg to get me in bad with them.

  I can hear Kenneth giving Bob heck for stomping up the stairs while the baby is asleep. The men are the only two who show any consideration there. The rest figure she should get accustomed to noise. It make me awfully nervous but there’s nothing I can do.

  You know its sure funny but since I’ve had the baby I can hardly keep warm at nite. I woke up & I’m just soaked with sweat & then get the chills. Maybe I lost too much blood.

  Well Dad I’m gonna close fro I’ll have to get some sleep for I never know how long the baby will keep me awake. And after I feed her at 9 in the morning I’m up for the day regardless. And I have several things to do.

Lots of Love

Elaine

Write soon.

NOTES: This is a two page handwritten letter on both sides. The envelope is addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle11, Washington. It was mailed Feb 4 1944 the return address is Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 St. 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. 

Amanuensis Monday - A Newborn with Military Separation.

Jan. 28, 1944

Omaha, Nebr.

Dear Dad,

  Well I’m home now so will try to get my letters caught up on. It really feels good to be out of the hospital.

  The baby is fine and I’m feeling pretty good. Bob & Deb are sure crazy about her. They hold her all the time. All tho the baby is pretty good.

  I got my first letter from Paul yesterday. He’s been in L.A. I’ve been quite put out to think he didn’t write at least at that time but I’ll remember it. He was in LA. I don’t intend to write to him all week & boy I’ll be getting a L.D. call wanting to know what the heck is the matter.

  The baby is sure fusing now cause I told them to put her in bed. She still has another hour before feeding.

  Aunt Jill was up and she’s really crazy about her. She gave her a little dress. Then Darlene gave me 3 receiving blankets, a baby book a bunting a lovely silk nitie.

  I’ve been feeling pretty good although my back is still pretty weak. I’ll be glad when I can set up for awhile without wanting to bend over.

  I’m glad you had a nice time in Spokane. Wish you could have come here but I’ll see you this summer. Had a letter from the Moore’s they are expecting Ernie to come home on furlo. Jr. wrote to me & also another on to uncle Chas. I think he should write to grandma J. and Aunt Marg. Grandma J. & Ernie sent the baby two dollars.

  Well Dad this is short but I’ve so many letters to write & I want to write to Jr.  

  Write soon I promise a longer letter next time.

  We had a thunder storm the other nite. Imagine in Jan. We are having very peculiar weather.

               

Lots of Love

                Elaine & Carol Ann

                P.S. I named her Carol Ann.

NOTES: The letter was handwritten on both the front and back of one sheet of paper. The envelope was addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Washington. The return address was from Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St., Omaha 7, Nebr. The postage stamp shows it was mailed on Jan 29 1944 out of Omaha Nebr.

January 31, 1944

Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

                Well here comes another letter. I received yours yesterday. I’m glad you are having such a nice time with the Spaulding’s.

                The baby and I are fine. She’s really a little peach. Her behavior at nite is really good. I was only up with her and hour and a half. I’ve been rather constipated and it fills like I have a hemorrhoid but I guess it isn’t.  Anyway it’s pretty uncomfortable. I got some agar gall so hope that will work.

                Paul wrote and says they had an inspection of their clothing. It really looks like he will be going back. I can hardly stand to think of it.

                Say I had a letter from grandma and Great Aunt Hanna passed away last week from a heart attack. I was terrible shocked at the news. Just wonder what will become of her estate. Her attorney called grandpa. I guess grandpa-grandma have been pretty sick too.

                So Jr. wants candy bars. They aren’t so hard to get anymore are they? I haven’t heard form Joyce lately but expect to very soon.

                The weather has sure been peculiar it’s so mild out. The other nite we had thunder, lightning and it rained last nite. Actually winter will be gone before it arrives. If I can I’d like to leave here maybe by the end of Feb if the Dr. will let me. For I want to see Paul so bad.

Annie called me and she had been sick with a cold. Says she wants to come see the baby so bad but can’t come till she’s over her cold. Aunt Loretta called today they were coming over but they have colds too. So they’ll be out sometime next week. They are going to bring grandmas trunk. I’ll be glad to get it for then I can put some of my things out of the way.

I’m sure going to have a lot to do to get ready to leave here. I have so much stuff and everyone wants me to come over and bring the baby. I’ll be glad to leave but would be happier if I had a home of my own to go to. Paul spoke of a little house he heard about but I don’t know anymore about it. Sure wish I had some of my other things with me for I don’t know if anything like linens, dishes will be furnished.

                Ernie is home on furlo so spose he’s tickled over that. Wish Paul could have gotten one. Ernie should be commissioned pretty soon. Did I tell you Wayne was promoted to 1^st Lt. He’s getting resign up there.

I’m embroidering a little ice box scarf for Aunt Marry. It’s really cute. Has a Mexican donkey on it.

                Well Dad this is another short letter but I’m nearly out of stationary & news. I’ll be glad when I’ll be able to wait on myself for its awful to depend on others.

Well I’ll close & write soon.

                Keep having a good time and take care of yourself.

               

Lots of Love

                Elaine & Carol Ann (handwritten)

I’m glad you like her name. I think it goes very nice with her last name.

NOTES: This letter was handwritten on once sheet of paper on both sides. The envelope was addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, Washington. Then return address was Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St. Omaha 7, Nebr. The postage stamp reads that it was mailed on Jan 31 1944 out of Omaha, Nebraska.

Amanuensis Monday - Alaskan Love Continues

The difficult part about reading these letters are they are only one sided, that was until now. We now learn that the love between Elaine and Paul grew into not only a marriage but also a new born. Like most military families we are sometimes separated during the most difficult times and those special ones like the birth of a newborn.

U.S. ARMY TROOPS

FORT GREELEY

KODIAK, ALASKA

Wed. Nite – 4/29/42

Elaine Dearest:

  Well now you sorta have me wondering why I haven’t heard form you in about a week & I’m lost when I don’t get your letters.

  Thanks a lot honey for the picture and it was swell. I thought it would never get here. So now I really have to get busy & send mine to you right quick. So you don’t get too impatient & I will send it to you as soon as possible. I promise faithfully (to love & honor, till death do us part). Oh honey if I could only see you love you and maybe even cart you off and marry you some time when you don’t even look for me to. You see dearest I am really planning on taking you home with me Just as soon as this thing is all over & I can honorably return to my job. You see dear I feel as if all of my wondering days are over. (I want a home of my own) and I can really settle down to working & just be contend to live & love my wife. I think I can do that & darling I’ve picked you for the one. I hope you have no objections but you can tell me what you think. Just so I will have no doubts as to what you would do when I do come back. I realize dear that this is very sudden & I should know you better but I didn’t get the chance so now we just have to do the best we can. So, Will you marry me, dear? I’m in earnest about this but I also realize that is neither the way or the time to propose to you but I would like very much to know what you think of the idea. Might be I could find a ring to fit you (if I know your size) and of course if you would accept it? Could you dearest? By the way, when is y our birthday? You mentioned its falling in May but you didn’t say when. So could you sorta enlighten me huh?

  Darling I have written all this letter in all seriousness & I do wish you would think it over and then, Say yes!

  I miss you so much, so very much dear. I know how this will sound but I can’t help it. I Love you. So darling come up & see me some time soon. If you only could. How swell it would be. Write soon & forgive me for loving you so much.

Especially for you

Paul

IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 5000 KISSES TO GET ME BACK TO NORMAL.

I sent one of our best papers, like it?

Write

NOTE: This letter was written on the same letter head as above and it is three pages long with writing on only one side. The envelope was addressed to Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, Wash. it was sent May 3 1942 “Via Air Mail” the letter was sent by Paul L Moore, A.S.N. 3???5865, 1-H., U.S. Army Troops, Fort Greeley, Alaska.It was checked by 1st Lt Paul R. McFarland.

      

January 19, 1944

                                                                                                                        Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Dad,

  Will try to write a few lines tonite and tell you how I am. I kinda looked for a telegram from you. Hope you received Aunt Mary’s tele. Right away.

  The baby was born at 9:10 pm and weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. she’s really a darling baby. She has black curly hair, blue eyes. Has a deep dimple in chin, she’s really a doll and getting along fine.

  I labored form Friday nite till Sunday nite. I didn’t suffer too terrible but was out when the worst part of it was taking place. I woke up long enough in the delivery room to fight the gas and cuss when they strapped me down. I was pretty bruised  when I woke up. One of the nurses’ asked me if I’d watched wrestling matches at City pub. Guess she was banged up too.

  I’ve been pretty good and was catheterized once but it hurt so I decided I could use the bed pan by myself. My bottom hurts worse than any other part especially my rectum. For the exams were all made that way. I had an enema the a.m. but it didn’t hurt like I thought it would. Paul isn’t here yet but I guess he’s trying. His folks want to come if he can be here. Spencer is home so they are pretty talked over there.

  Joyce sent me a beautiful satin yellow & comfort for the baby.

  I got an air mail special deliver form Moore’s with a dollar for the baby Guess they are pretty proud.

  Annie came to see me today and Helen, Grandma, Aunt Mary, I’ve had no other company.

  I’d give anything to have you & Paul here. I know you’d both just be tickled pink when you saw the baby. She so cute even the nurses make over her.

  It’s really a good feeling to know a little thing like that belong to you.

Well Dad I’ll close now. Write later I’m a little tired.

  Write soon. Sure wish you were here.

Lots of Love

Elaine

NOTE: Handwritten letter on a single page on both sides. Addressed to Mr. F.L. Cummings at P.O. Box 178, Seattle 11, Wash. mailed out of Omaha, Nebraska Jan 20 1944 from Mrs. Paul Moore, 3117 So 52 St. Omaha 7, Nebr.