May 9 & 13, 1941

Hi! M.R.B!
W.E. (WALT)

Friday May 9, 1941
8:31 P.M.

Dear Mary Rose:

'Tis a beautiful night at Camp Forrest and here I sit writing a letter to go to a far distant city called "Cincy".  Who would have ever thought they could do this to me?  They did however, and I'll just have to sit back and wait for daddy time to speed along.

Imagine you getting lost in your own home town.  Of course I was on foreign soil and without a map when I lost directions.  You had better check your knowledge of the fair city and study up in order that you will be able to pass your driver's license exam next September.

Hummy is coming home in June, but he has a good excuse.  His sister Stella is getting married and of course he wishes to add his bit to the ceremony.  Several of the fellows and myself may hire a cab on a Friday nite and breeze homeward.  If we can get the all important pass.  It is very possible and in such a case I'll write you so as to give you plenty of time to break that Saturday evening date- Ahem!- (over)

We have been on the rifle range two days this past week.  So far I have been the sole member of the Amer. Auto boys to experience being kicked around by the butt of a rifle.  It is quite a bit of fun even though very noisy and hard on the shoulder and sometimes the face.  The first day I had my upper lip pulled out of place on a couple of shots and as a result I had a very beautiful looking mouth.  Everything is O.K. now however, and I get better as the time progresses.

My picture- Ah-- what a problem.  To be truthful I haven't as yet found a half-way decent photographer in any nearby towns.  I believe that I will be in Nashville Saturday and Sunday and I'll go to the first picture snapper in sight.  Well- how's that for action.  I also have been assigned a horse and a plan to take a flock of pictures one of these days.  I'll send you a set and you may pass on my nag and put it on the wall alongside your trophies.  My horse (Firefly) is a little touchy about getting his rear hoofs cleaned and after a short bit of wrestling I win.

Well- the lights are about to go out and so must I. Write soon and I'll be waiting.

As Ever

Sully (MISTAKE)
Stan.

P.S.  Walt's going to address the envelope and lick the stamp.

820 Suire Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio
May 13, 1941

Dear Stan:

Talk about your beautiful nights we have them here too- especially tonight and with all the trimmings too.

Do you really think you will be able to come come home soon- it would be grand if you could.  Or is this just another pipe dream- I hope not.  Maybe- possibly maybe- the captains or whosit will break down.

Well Saturday and Sunday are past and did you or didn't you have you or haven't you had your picture taken.  If not- why and if so- Good.

If your memory is good- perhaps you will remember saying Walt and you were having a royal dispute over a horse (is Firefly the one?) or did Walt win or neither of you win.  What color is your horse- purple or yellow or green and white.  Please take some snaps of Firefly soon.

Stan-you disappointed Mandy because you didn't on her engagement and I kinda think she expected some kind of remark. 

Do you know what- Amer. Auto won a game tonight which makes them one up and one down.  The score tonight-something like 17-6- Hooray.  Maybe it was on account of their large audience- everyone was there- as a matter of fact everyone from Mr. Mohrhaus to ----- was there and we all practically broke our wrists applauding. 

Shirley (Smith is her last name) said to inform you she might drop over to see you and the rest sometime next week as Shirley is coming down that way on her vacation- and don't grimance when I mention vacation.

Sounds to me as though your rifle is getting the best of you- kicking you around.  Try to take better care of it behave or else you are doomed to a year of bang bang you're hit.

Tell Walt "hello" and I didn't recognize his writing- also you two had better get together on where you live- seeing as how you both put entirely different return addresses on your envelopes.  Settle it..

Time is growing late.  paper- less and less- I'm sleepy and out of what to say except I hope the Captain is lenient and one of those breeze homewards come mighty soon, also a letter.  I'll be waiting.

Sincerely

Mary Rose

May 2 & 5, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn.
Friday May 2, 1941

Dear Mary Rose:

Kinda late reply isn't it?  Well, I have plenty of excuses.  Monday I had stable guard.  That's from 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. and no time to write.  Tuesday we went on an overnite ride, and really had a tough time.  We reached our destination at about 8:00 P.M. and was it dark?  Why you know it.  We had to tie our horses to the picket line, feed them and unsaddle in the darkand carry, saddle, bridle, saddle bags, blanket, rifle, raincoat, pistol, night pack and ourself to a certain spot through the bush.  Then we ate.  Then slept on the cold, cold ground.  Do you get the idea?  And the physical discomfort I went through for whosit?  Oh well it was grand experience so I'll know what to expect the next time.  Wednesday and Thursday I cleaned dusty equiptment as a result of the overnite ride.

We really had a peach of a ride this afternoon.  A lot of cantering and jumping.  How's your riding coming along?  I suppose the stiffness has now left you and you're ready to mount up again.  Not so?

I was sorry to hear about the rough tactics resorted to by Don, in an attempt to get Gerald F. out of the way.  But why did he have to include Dick?  I hope both the inquired parties are recovering rapidly.

Ash is also out of the hospital and is feeling fine as evidenced by the fact that he allowed the barber togive him a short, very short, haircut today. 

Really now I must close and will await your speedy reply.

As Ever

Stan.

820 Suire Avenue
Cincinnati Ohio
May 5, 1941

Dear Stan;

Almost you have been gone two months and by the time you are reading this it will be two months- then just six more two months and you won't even have to look overnite rides in the eye.  Golly I was on the verge of thinking drastic thoughts such as a horse or something taking you down a peg or two when I didn't hear from you but no- I was wrong- You're in the army now.

I spent the weekend getting my nose sunburnt tearing around Columbus and Sunday night was spent in trying to find my way home and I felt like I was going in circles for hours.  Of all things I become lost in Cincinnati after having dropped a friend at her home in no man's land and from there on it was one round of turn right at the next corner and left at the next stop light and June saying "Well do you think we're really lost"  As if she didn't know.  Someday I'll get my directions straightened out- By the way what does being lost remind you of?  Could it have been the wrong bridge. it was fun though.  Tis said "a winner never quits and a quitter never wins".   That sounds alright to me but doggone this in between stuff. I rolled up a neat eighteen (18) on two holes of golf and then it was too dark to play- probably a good thing or I would have broken the course record on "How not to play golf".

Mary Jane Qwail, Jay's girl friend to you called me up and told me all- about Camp Forrest and what goes on.  We're planning a look at the pictures she took in the near future.

Hummy in his letter said Perhaps you will come home in June- do you really think so or was Hummy just day-dreaming.

Well today it happened- Mandy got an engagement ring from Bill Rithsmalty- they tell me that is his name- you know him because I've heard rumors to the effect he was the neighborhood ruffian when you were knee high.  Also, June Wise is R. Mohrhans secretary and we have a new blond in the office.  Dick Asbury was arrested for speeding in his car- it must have been an awful big hill.  Last week Tom Lett's mother died after a long illness, but still it was unexpected and hit him quite hard. 

Well- not trying to be funny or I am trying .  I'll close with a ha ha I got the last word in and a hope that you don't spend your nights guarding stables and what not and await your answers.

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

P.S.  I haven't forgotten your picture either.  Has it been taken?  answer please.

April 8, 1941-- Postcard from Friends

Dear Stan-



We've been waiting to write but these darn debts (?) won't leave us alone.



Ash does nothing but sleep and swim so I leave to hold up the social life.  Its really a tough job and could sure use some help from you.



Tell all the boys that we said hello.



Ash and Jack





Mr. Stanley Sullivan

April 4 & 7, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn.

Friday April 4th, 1941



Dear Mary Rose:



"Jello" again from Camp "Mud" Forrest.  Rain- Rain and more rain.  Mud- and water- water and mud- a pretty wet picture- do you get it?  It's a pretty tough job keeping equiptment clean not to mention being polished.



The Easter leave is definetly out in view of the fact that two day leaves are the limit.  You know how bad I felt when this bit of news was posted.  I really wanted to get home but there's nothing I can do so that's that.



Your golf game can certainly be improved, I'm sure.  You might insist that the club officials saw down a few trees and fill in the puddles.  This should very easily cut that 84 in half.



You're very fortunate to be going plane riding and by the time you receive this letter it'll be all over and no doubt the thrill will have disappeared.  By the way you must tell me all about it.  Really....



You, no doubt, have read my letter to the office and I think you'll agree it was about time I did something along this line.  You might inform me as to how the letter was received by all.  Of course I didn't elaborate on any particular phase of the army and it probably is a good idea to let the boys in the office be drafted with their eyes closed.  Do you get it?  Army life in my estimation is far from being rosey and the boys out of it should appreciate their present positions and surroundings as much as is possible.  I know they can't and I didn't realize how fortunate my setup was until I spent several days here.  Last night one of the boys posted a clipping from the Cincinnati Post on the bulletin board.  It stated that War is protected in 60 days by Washington experts.  A very nice article which you might have read.  Of course we all hope and have been for a year and a half that it wouldn't come but the few newspaper items I've been able to read indicate that it is no longer an impossibility.  I suppose Lindsey is all for it and is preparing to fill in the vacancies with bald headed men.



You may be interested to know that (H-MECZ) means Horse Mechanized.  Does this answer your question?  As you probably know, I've been writing to Pearl and she has asked the same question.  So I can't necessarily blame it on you for not being able to figure it out. 



You will notice that all of my letters are written in the first person for the most part.  I'd like to find a way to avoid the pronoun "I" but under the circumstances it can't be avoided. 



This letter has been done by flashlight and if a few words have been left out let me know I'll provide the key to any sentence.  Well good night and write real soon....please...



As Ever



Stan



P.S.  Are you having any fun?

Cincinnati, Ohio

April 7, 1941



Dear Stan:



Perhaps your theme song should be "Rain -rain go Away"- you know what I mean-



Lets drop the weather and hope it bounces back better and devote a few lines to your once "thought of" trip.  I am dreadfully sorry you can't make it- phooey on two day leaves- but that's that so what can one say?  I ask you.  I spect it was quite a big disappointment.  Does this two day leave mean you will never be able to come home or is it just a temporary order?  I hope so to the latter of my previous penned thoughts and do mean 'pened'.  [square drawn]  (in case you are wondering this is a fence.)



Things are certainly zipping along- Madge was married last Sat. and Marry something or other who wears a knot on the back of her head is to be married this coming Saturday- You know her.  Clint Downs is leaving us for good- another Home Office picking- I am sorry to see him leave.  If you had been here when your letter arrived you would have had to take a dozen bows- so great was the ovation- and believe it or not I'm not kidding- You know me serious Mary- I was known as - No- no dowt.  I didn't get to read your letter through no fault of my own - it just wasn't there when I was- BUT I heard.  They tell me you fell twice- remember the third times a charm- In case you don't understand= I am talking about you and a horse.



Who was the pessimist who said we will be in war in sixty days.  Throw him out.  You people just don't read the right papers- ours never said anything about the 60 day talk.  It must have been in the afternoon edition- We get the late edition Post.  No- I don't believe Lindsay would pick bald-headed men he would probably rob the cradle.  If you don't believe me you should see it around here.



By this time you will probably have found what I intend to enclose.  I hope it isn't to small but from from what I hear I don't know where you could put a larger one- except in the head of your bunk and I'm afraid some official might object.



Yes I agree it was about time you did something along the line of sending a line to the office.  Everybody was on pins and needles awaiting some word from Tenn as Jack has kept us up to the minute on Navy news.  As a matter of fact work goes in a rut when a letter arrives from either point and we all make a point of catching up on our news.  Please write them more often- they like it immensely- the same goes for your comrades.



Sincerely



Mary Rose



P.S.  I am sorry you can't make it.



___________________________________________________________________________________

Small Letter inside:



Pardon the switch in stationary but I just had a brilliant idea- and they being few and far between I am voicing it here and now.



May I- if one is available have a picture of you doing anything from falling off a horse to being dressed up in your best bib and tucker.



Please.



Mary Rose

April 20 & 23 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn.
Sunday April 20, 1941
7:30P.M.

Dear Mary Rose:

Here I am spending Sunday evening at home.  Wouldn't my parents be shocked.  Ah!  but it's not at home or even at the barracks.  It's in the hospital!  As you might have heard over the fence.  I've been here since Thursday A.M.  Supposed to have accute bronchitis.  I had had a sore throat and cough for about a week and one half and finally decided to go see the doctor.  He said I had a fever and so slapped me in this heavenly place.  I feel very well now however and my fever is slowly coming in line.  The sore throat has gone and I should be set free Tuesday morning.

Easter didn't seem like Easter but the date indicated it as Easter, so I suppose it was Easter.  Am I right?

Ash is also in the hospital but he too is on the mend.  Trouble-sore ears and throat.

I heard the "hit parade" last night and it seems as though all of the songs we danced to are still at the top of the list.  We listen to Glenn Miller every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:00 P.M. after the lights have gone out.  Everyone waits for his "killer"number and at it's completion we drop off to solemn slumber. 

The work details are as bad and as many as ever.  We are told that this will be done away with shortly and soon we should begin drilling daily.  We should and I hope!

Last week we received 80 new horses.  They are really beautiful and seem to surpass any that we already have.  By the way have you done any riding as yet?   You must learn so we can go for an early morning cantor on my day off.  Sometime in the distant future.  You will have plenty of time to become expert, so don't hurry.

You must get this week's "LIFE" and read all about the U.S. Cavalryman.  A very fine article.  Learn something about your army. 

Well I said enough for a so called sick man so I must stop here or run out of space.  So long for the present and I hope to write you from a different location next time.

As Ever

Stan

P.S.  I haven't forgotten the picture.

820 Suire Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 23, 1941

Dear Stan:

Hello sick one or are you a sick one or a well one- Ihope by this time you are a well one.  Sounds to me like Ashley and you were in cahoots and just playing hookey for a few days.  Still- how are both of you by this time.  P.S. in the middle of a letter "Yes I heard yesterday about the two of you and Pearl and I just got to thinking.~Have you or have you not heard about the office catastrophe.  Well even if you have here goes again.  Don Sandman hit or rather swung at a ball that wasn't there and his hands being wet the bat flew out of his hands hit Dick Schutte in the jaw- broke his jaw and took him out of circulation for some time to come then hit Jerry T in the nose, broke some and cut him over the eye.  The elevator boys have sent in a note of resignation wherein they state they will not play ball with "Amer. Auto" on account of they play too rough.  Moe-em-down Sandman he was known as in them days. Poor Dick- he's in an awful mess, Poor Jerry-he is too- and Poor Don.  We have two new boys and a new girl in the office- Population enlarging. 

16am I'm one step ahead of you-I have already taken a glimpse at "LIFE" and read the whole thing and now- Smarty that I am- I know all about the army from the top to the bottom.  By the way have you reconsidered the General's position??

Have you noticed a creak or a squeak- don't be alarmed- It's just the results of riding last Thursday- effect- I have aches in my shoulders from tugging on the reins- evidently I din't have the right idea of just how to go about riding a horse- but as the saying goes "A winner never quits and a quitter never wins" I'm giving it another tryout tomorrow night- then watch my smoke.

Try this please- put one finger to your ear- then take your other arm and act like you are winding something sticking out of your head- Ready- What do you think you are a pencil sharpener- Ha Ha

One, two, three- well to get to the point its now twelve bells and even though I'm not a Cinderella and won't turn into a pumpkin or something I need my forty winks- so until you reply its

Sincerely.

Mary Rose

April 14 & 16, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn.
Monday April 14, 1941


Dear Mary Rose:

Here 'tis Monday night and after such a fast week end in and about the neighboring towers of Manchester and Shelbysville I thought I'd spend the night at home.

Joe Busam's dad was in camp on a visit and he treated us to one fine time. Last night five of we boys went to Shelbysville which in some 20 miles from camp. It was a beautiful moon-lite night and we rode all the way with the top dawn and gazed longingly at the full moon and twinkling stars. The car, which is a 1941 Ford Convertable sedan, was really the stuff, so to speak, and did we attract attention? Ash's mother and father and oh yes, his sister, looked around the camp Sunday afternoon. More people from Cincy visited our happy group this weekend and it looked like old home week. Jay Snyder's girl friend visited him over the weekend and and I suppose she has already spoken to your over the phone. (At my request).

Thanks a million for your Easter card. For some unknown reason it was sent to cory shelby in error and I just recieved it this evening. it was indeed vary thoughtful of you Miss Bertke.

Keep it up- your dancing will come along. I can't understand how you burnt your finger. Please explain. Some parties you go to. I"m sure I never attended such a rank brawl.

I'll have my picture taken at the first opportunity. I really didn't have the time thus far and maybe I won't be able to for two weeks at least. It seems as though our whole troop is quarantined for fourteen days. It's not as yet official but it probably will be announced to-morrow. Just a few cases of measles.

Well the lights are about to go out and I'd better close and brush my teeth.

Hope the Reds win tomorrow and that you have the opportunity to attend.

So long and pleasant dreams.......

As Ever

Stan.

P.S. Things are looking up down here...I think!

Cincinnati, Ohio
April 16, 1941



Dear Stan:

I really should start off with a whimper, add a couple of groans, and after a moments consideration I'll season it with a few groans- I mean howls. I knew I shouldn't have chased that rabbit yesterday- and now by way of explanation- I aquired a real-live baby rabbit for Easter and the darn thing has me nearlt beserk trying to catch it. An evasive little rascal I'd say.

And speaking of Easter did you wow the visiting crowds in your new Easter shirt? Don't tell anyone and I'll leave you in on a secret. I spent the morning, that is, Easter morning taking pictures of the rabbits. I'm fascinated with them.

Another deserter in our midst- Eddie Turrell by name. Every week brings another fadeout. Umm- Ray Ryser is at this moment rendering his version of "It All Comes Back to Me Now" Nice? And now back to earth and news of office goings ons. Jack Taurman came happily in Monday morning and gave us all a lecture on "how to fly" in his own words. Easy as Pie- just pull the stick and up you go. Now its the Congo by Ray Ryser. By the way how do you Congo by now?
I just finished mailing a bomb to the Mail Department. Guess they will keep their Camps Forrest and Shelby now- or did I have the wrong address- after all I did it all by memory-anyhow I know I had Camp Forrest. So There.

Jay's girl friend has not as yet called me but I'm hoping with all my hopes that she will weaken and let me hear from her.

For goodness sake keep the measles off your doorstep- they're dreadful- as spoken by the voice of experience.

I'm afraid the Reds are letting us down- I mean let us down yesterday. No I didn't get to the game although I had expected to- but Dad failed me- so I heard it via office announcements. Ah but there is still a whole summer of baseball ahead of us and then the world series. Pearl and Betty won yesterday's winnings - darn the luck.

Music, music, and more music it's wonderful- now its "All I Desire" as interpreted by some unknown orchestra- Pardon me while I dance this one out. Back again two minutes later- time 11:00 P.M. and sleep lying on my eyes and still speaking in terms of musical language I'll say "Goodbye Now".

Sincerely


Mary Rose

P.S. I'm glad things are looking up down there- You think! But please explain- do you mean you like your company better or is it your duties?

April 9 & 11, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn
Wednesday April 9, 1941

Dear Mary Rose:

Your letter and picture certainly were fine and hit the "spot".  The leather case is a swell idea and very convenient.  Tonight I sat and looked for a long time at your likeness and let my mind run back to Cincy to think of the good times we had together.  I think you'll agree we did have lots of fun and good times on each and every occasion.  All I can do or say is to look forward to a continuance of these happy moments when my year is served.  Sounds like I'm refering to a prison term. Well there's very little difference as I understand it.  Oh yes-thanks very much for the picture and folder.

Until further notice there will be no leaves other than week ends.  It is rumored that we will not be allowed to go home until October.  I hope it's just a rumor and that someone will break down and allow us to have a lengthy leave much sooner.  Maybe it's better for me that I can't come home in view of the fact that I've just been here for three weeks.  Things are getting a little brighter here or maybe we have just gotten use to the W.P.A. work.

My family has asked for a picture of their boy and I must do something about it.  As soon as I get the opportunity to reach town I'll look up a photographer (if I can find one) and have my picture taken in my best covert cloth khaki.  Your copy will be sent as soon as possible and I hope it's as good as your's.  This I have a right to doubt.

I wasn't surprised to hear that Madge got married and can only wonder whether or not it was to Bill Martin.  Who is the person with the knob on her headwho you refer to as about to be married?  I couldn't make it out even though I tried very hard.  I'm sorry indeed to learn that C.B.D. is leaving for H.O.  He is a great guy and will be missed by all I'm sure.

Ash has not been feeling so well recently.  He is having pains in his ears once again and you know how it is to have an ear ache.  Walt and Hummy are getting along fine and have no apparent physical defects as yet.

I've received my new Easter tags and will sport them Sunday.  My Easter outfit represents one new shirt.  I bet your ready to make heads turn with your Easter outfit.  I'd like to see the hat.  It should be a Lulu.

It's time to turn out my flashlight and say goodnight and happy Easter...

As Ever

Stan.

Cincinnati, Ohio
April 11, 1941

Dear Stan,

I'm off (and not in the way you are probably thinking) so get that "I told you so" look out of your eye and I'll continue on my winding way.

What no rain- hail or windstorms.  Or (am I right) are you just ignoring them.  I'm curious.  From your inscribed conversations you lead me to believe you you are having quite a time at Camp Forrest- what with tearing through mud- dropping things around, falling off of horses, washing windows and what have you.  (By the way have you fully recovered from that 224 panes/pains of washing windows episode or do you still wake up nights screaming or have it your way shouting "Quit shining at me")  Speaking of nightmares I had a bit of an animal dream last tnight and to make matters worse was dreaming myself into one of their number.  Oh unhappy nightmare.

Don't become impatient and don't jump jump the gun- in plain English here comes that special bit of office news.  Earl alias "Mort" has forsaken our little cluster to hop off on a flight with Wright Airplane Co.- in so many in-dolled up words- Mort now works at Wrights'.  If I write in circles don't blame me- things are just happening too fast- from some whispered and some not-so- whispered conversations I think ( and no back talk) that we are enlarging the office and taking over (?) spot tof cluttered up space next door-I'll give you the low-down on this bit of tear-down as soon as I hear- (It's those gangster stories I have been listening to- not the weather that makes me talk like this.  Also we have a new girl who goes by name of Mary and sits in back of me at that hither to empty desk since you left and they took the files and puzzles away.  We had a farewell party on Clint Downs Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 to 10:00.  Music by a phonograph- I fared well coming out only with a bruised shin and burnt finger from dancing but all in all I missed kicking my toes while dancing with you and trying to catch up with your new step.

Speaking of you I hope town yeilds a photographer who has his eye on you mighty soon in regards to a picture of you and not wanting any photographer to have a thing on me I'll await his results.

As I am coming to the end of this page and can think of a thousand things to say I'llned this one sided conversation and give you a chance to part in a word or two about this and that, So until then,

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

P.S.  Tell Ash to pin his ears back and get rid of the ache.  Walt and Hummy to keep up the good work in regards to health.

An Easter card was sent from Mary Rose a few days later:



April 4 & 7, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn.

Friday April 4th, 1941

Dear Mary Rose:

"Jello" again from Camp "Mud" Forrest. Rain- Rain and more rain.  Mud- and water- water and mud- a pretty wet picture- do you get it?  It's a pretty tough job keeping equiptment clean not to speak of being polished.

The Easter leave is definately out in view of the fact that two day leaves are the limit.  You know how bad I felt when this bit of news was posted.  I really wanted to get home but there's nothing I can do so that's that.

Your golf game can certainly be improved, I'm sure.  You might insist that the club officials saw down a few trees and fill in the puddles.  This should very easily cut that 84 in half.

You're fortunate to be going plane riding and by the time you receive this letter it'll be all over and no doubt the thrill will have disappeared.  By the way you must tell me all about it.  Really....

You, no doubt, have read my letter to the office and I think you'll agree it was about time I did something along this line.  You might inform me as to how the letter was received by all.  Of course I didn't elaborate on any particular phase of the army and it probably is a good idea to let the boys in the office be drafted with their eyes closed.  Do you get it?  Army life in my estimation is far from being rosey and the boys out of it should appreciate their present surroundings as much as is possible.  I know they can't and I didn't realize how fortunate my setup was until I spent several days here.  Last night one of the boys posted a clipping from the Cincinnati Post on the bulletin board.  It stated that war is predicted in 60 day by Washington experts.  A very nice article which you might have read.  Of course we all hope and have been for a year anda half that it wouldn't come but a few newspaper items I've been able to read indicate that it is no longer an improbability.  I suppose Lindsay is all for it and is preparing to fill in the vacancies with bald headed men.

You may be interested to know that (H-MECZ) means horse mechanized.  Does this answer your question?  As you probably know, I've been writing to Pearl and she has asked the same question.  So I can't necessarily blame it on you for not being able to figure it out.

You will notice that all of my letters are written in the first person for the most part.  I'd like to find a way to avoid the pronoun "I" but under the circumstances it can't be avoided.

This letter has been done by flashlight and if a few words have been left out let me know I'll provide the key to any sentence.  Well good night and write real soon....please...

As Ever

Stan

P.S. Are you having any fun?    

Cincinnati, Ohio

April 7, 1941

Dear Stan:

Perhaps your theme song should be "Rain- rain go Away"- you know what I mean-

Lets drop the weather and hope it bounces back better and devote a few lines to your to your once "thought of" trip.  I am dreadfully sorry you can't make it- phooey on two day leaves- but that's that so what can one say?  I ask you.  I spect it was quite a big disappointment.  Does this two day leave mean you will never be able to come home or is it just a temporary order?  I hope so to the latter part of my previous pened thoughts and do meaned "pened".  [square drawn] (in case you are wondering this is a fence.)

Things are certainly zipping along- Madge was married last Sat. and Marry something or other who wears a knot on the backof her head is to be married this coming Saturday- You know her.  Clint Downs is leaving us for good- another Home Office picking- I am sorry to see him leave.  If you had been here when your letter arrived you would have had to take a dozen bows- so great was the ovation- and believe it or not I'm not kidding- you know me serious Mary- I was known as- No- no dowt I didn't get to read your letter through no fault of my own- it just wasn't there when I was- BUT I heard.  They tell me you fell twice- remember the third times a charm- In case you don't understand = I am talking about you and a horse.

Who was the pessimist who said we will be in war in sixty days.  Throw hom out.  You people just don't read the right papers- ours never said anything about the 60 day talk.  It must have been in the afternoon edition- We get the late edition Post.  No- I don't believe Lindsay would pick bald-headed men  he would probably rob the cradle If you don't believe me you should see it around here.

By this time you will probably have found what I intended to enclose.  I hope it isn't too small but from from what I hear I don't know where you could put a larger one- except at the head of your bunk and I'm afraid some official would object.

Yes I agree it was about time you did something along the line of sending a line to the office. Everybody was on pins and needles awaiting some word from Tenn. as Jack has kept us up to the minute on Navy news.  As a matter of  fact work goes in a rut when a letter arrives from either point and we all make a point of catching up on our news.  Please write them more often- they like it immensely- the same goes for your comrades.

Sincerely

Mary Rose

P.S.  I am sorry you can't make it.

Small Letter Enclosed:

Pardon the switch in stationary but I just had a brilliant idea- and they being few and far between I am voicing it here and now.

May I- if one is available have a picture of you doing anything from falling off a horse to being dressed up in your best bib and tucker.

Please.

Mary Rose

March 27 & April 2, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn

Thursday March 27

Dear Mary Rose:

Greetings from Camp Forrest on this damp misty evening.  Ah!  Glen Miller just came on the radio.  Good enough.

It certainly has been a terrible day here.  Chilly, damp and a drizzling rain most of the time .  The mud is still here and probably will be for sometime.  Many of the fellows have colds and the hospital is filled.

A 6th Class Specialist is merely a form of rating which includes extra pay for performance of a special duty.  Mine is that of a mounted messenger so they tell me.

The Easter trip is pretty much still a question.  The fellow handeling the arrangements spoke to the captain and he indicated that it would be O.K. with him.  However it seems as though we must get written permission from the Major.  This latter step is mere routine and should not involve any hard work.  As soon as I learn one way or the other about the setup I'll give you full particulars.  As it now looks this will be our only chance to get leave until November or December.  It is rumoredthat we start our maneuvers June 21st.  This will last for four months and will take us to California, Texas, New York, and Washington. 

This week has been the start of our thirteen week training period which should take us up to the maneuver date.  We've been riding bare back about two hours each morning and you can bet there have been many boys hitting the ground unwillingly. (I haven't as of yet)  The food continues to be fair or I might even say poor and the boys by no means take it gently.  So much for the drafted army. 

Opening day is quickly rolling around isn't it?  I'll certainly miss it and all the fun connected with it.

Oh! well I'll grin and bear it.  Possibly it could be worse.  You, or anybody not connected with the army, cannot appreciate what really goes on here.  I'll detail this statement when I see you.

In order that I may rise and shine in the morning I must now prepare for bed.  So long and write soon. 

As Ever

Stan.

P.S.  I hope you haven't made a special effort to send me your picture.  Have you?

Cincinnati, Ohio
April 1, 1941

Dear Stan,

California, Texas, New York and Washington.  I thought it was the Navy you joined for such sights.  People never tell me anything.

I've been trying so hard to get something besides Molle on the radio but after two minutes striving I give up and so I listen to Smith vs. Harvard, like it or not.

Pens are impossible- running out of ink or they don't work at all- but- here I am a full pen and lots and lots to tell you.

Success and more success in sticking to your horse and how would you enjoy a private salt and pepper shaker- it might help your food- especially potatoes.

Things are happening right and left around the office- Betty Bonte is in the hospital with appendicitis, and desks are changed around or have I mentioned this before- Bud doesn't have to go to the Navy because he can't see very well and Dun got his papers- but you probably know this and Loraine was in to see us and there are lots more but I just can't remember what they were- After reading this last bit I wonder if it will make sense- oh well it makes a good puzzle anyhow.

You might say I did and you might say I didn't make a special effort for this picture.  Several weeks ago I had my picture taken for family use and just had one more added to the ones I had already ordered.  So enough of that.  It will come this week.  Maybe.

Believe it or not I hit a neat 84 last Sunday in my first game of golf this year- 84- I must be truthful 84 for nine holes.  If it wasn't a tree it was a bridge if it wasn't the bridge it was the lake and so I am beginning right where I left off.  up high.

My goodness!  I hope you find out soon about your Easter trip- I'm all a-dither.

Next Sunday I'm going plane riding so with this bit of something or other I'll leave you and tear off to a bit of nightmares and dreams.

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

P.S.  I hope it has stopped raining by this time.  What does (H-MECZ) stand for?

March 21 & 24, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn

March 21, 1941

Dear Mary Rose:

First of all thanks for the very speedy reply lets keep up the good work.  Secondly you may send the picture that was taken one month ago if you please.  Honestly,  I do and will  appreciate it very much. 

As yet we have done practically no riding to speak of and plan to start in regularily Monday.  In a few words this has been clean up week about the camp for us new arrivals.  Today I washed 224 window panes (small ones) while some of the other fellows were pulling tree stumps and making wooden walks.

Even though we're in the same barracks Hummy sleeps upstairs while yours truly bunks on the first floor.  Walt and Ash are in another barracks but sleep side by side.  All four of us seem to be getting used to the routine and only occasionally "squak" about the darned army but that makes us good soldiers.  (so they tell me).

About fifteen of the boys, including myself, are going to attempt to charter a plane so as to come home Easter.  We'll have to get the Captain's permission to leave and in all probability the whole plan will fall through.  I don't know whether it's a good idea to take a leave so early- that is so close to the time that we reached here.  Oh! well it's food for thought and gives me something to dream about.

By the way- I just learned that I've been officially made a first class private which means $6.00 more per month in addition to being made a 6th class specialist.  The 6th class specialist means $3.00 additional and I'm to be a mounted messenger.  Walt and Hummy have also been made first class privates.  So you see- recognition at last.  That General's job certainly looks well at this point and I've been thinking very seriously of taking over.

The lights have just gone out and I'm now writing by the light of my trusty flashlight.  As you may know, the lights go out at 9:00 P.M. but we are free to stay out until assembly the following morning.  I'm gaining weight and certainly feeling tip-top.  Saved by the army!  No night life- no mornings without breakfast- no rushing off to the office to be ontime.- It'll work wonders (but just for a year).

I met a very fine fellow by the name of George Sullivan.  He lives in Price Hill and thinks he knows you and your family.  He, however, insists your name is Rosemary.  Why doesn't somebody tell me these things?  How long have you been operating under the alias- Mary Rose-.

Well- I had better get to bed and start counting window panes instead of sheep.  Tomorrow is a comparitively easy day and I should have no trouble living through it.  Then comes Sunday- a day of rest.

So long and I'll be waiting for your reply and picture. 

As Ever

Stan

Cincinnati, Ohio
March 24, 1941

Dear Stan,

Curiosity once killed the cat I'm told but what does 6th class specialist mean.  I'm curious.  Congratulations on being recognized as a first class private- I mean- the afore mentioned 6th class specialist and a mounted messenger.  All in one too.  You really surprise me.  As for the General's job why don't you let that pass for another six weeks.

Unique, I am sure, is the only description I have for the time and place you write your letters- first at an unheard of hour of the morning then by flashlight- Oh well.

Now for that spicy little slice of office news.  Lindsey is back fit as a fiddle and enquiring hourly about you and the rest.  Fred Lange was in the other day for a nonp-stop flight.  Bud is leaving Sunday to join the Navy due to a call for his division.  We don't know how long he will be gone.  It is now the morning after the word gone and Dick Ashbury is renduring a rendition on Eddie's horn and giving Eddie fits.  He isn't bad either.  Somebody received a letter from Jack Taurrman who assures us he is perfectly happy but would appreciate a few extra blankets to add to his already enormous collection- just for comforts sake- for no other reason- in other words its cold up there.

Please put poor George Sullivan at rest and tell him to go right on insisting he knows a Rosemary Bertke- he probably does and I'll put you to rest by assuring you I'm not flying under false colors- My name is Mary Rose- Can I help it if there are two of us.

You will just have to be patient about my picture because the cobwebs and dust are positively glued to it.

Do you think you might possibly make that trip Easter?  I'm afraid it is too much to ask for but I'm hoping with all my heart that you can come home.  Please let me know as soon as you can what the outcome will be.

Was it fun counting window panes in your sleep or was it all a frightful nightmare!  This is my third start on this letter as you can readily see by my changes in pen and ink.

The office is having a party Friday night at Mt. Airy Lodge and the boys are having fits because only a few of the girls are planning on going.  As soon as I receive your reply- pardon the blackout- I'll be back in a flash with a flash.  I probably should have started this series of flashes with a flash as that is what it consists of.

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

"Pardon the blackout"

March 18 & 19, 1941

Camp Forrest, Tenn.

March 18, 1941

Dear Mary Rose:

It is now 4:45 A.M. and as usual since induction I'm once again on guard duty.  Since our arrival at camp we've had very little time to write letters and even though this is an uncanny hour to do so here 'tis.

Most of the fellows found it difficult to leave Cincinnati and I was no exception.  We had a very pleasant trip and because the boys were feeling low, a very quiet one.

Upon descending from the train on arrival here the first thing to greet our eyes was MUD.  The whole camp was just a mud hole and of course our first impression was far from being a good one.  However upon awakening Monday morning we found the temperature had dropped about 30 degrees, that is about 23 degrees above zero and the ground is of course very solid at this time.

The sleeping quarters are very fine and indeed much better than anticipated.  We've been straightening out the barracks and clearing the premises about them the past two days.

Walt, Ash and Hummy are very well and are overworked and underpaid as expected (I might exclude Corpral Gray from this class)

Suppose you write by return mail and let me know how everything is in dear old Cincy.

By the way, I wonder if you have a picture of yourself that you would be kind enough to send to me.  Take the one out of the basement and brush the cobwebs from it if you please.  In all seriousness it would be greatly appreciated but by the same token don't make a special effort to get one.  If you haven't got an excess one forget it.  Thank you kindly for your consideration.

I had better try to get some sleep at this point since I have to go back to my post at 8:00 A.M.

So long- and I'll be waiting for your reply.

As Ever,

Stan

P.S.  How's the cough?

My address is:

Pvt. Stanley A. Sullivan

107th Cavalry Reg't

Troop C

Camp Forrest, Tenn

envelope: 

Miss Mary Rose Bertke

820 Suire Ave

Cincinnati, Ohio

___________________________________________________________________________________

(My grandparents met while working together at American Auto Insurance Agency, then he was drafted in the first peacetime draft, should the US decide to enter the conflict...)


Cincinnati, Ohio March 19, 1941

Dear Stan,

Hello, and how are you?  Uh, Uh- You don't like guard duty- Too bad.  Why don't you put your foot down and declare your rights.  I, of course, will not guarantee the results.

Please tell Walt, Ash, and Hummy who are well, over-worked, and underpaid "Hello" and not to feel bad about it- just remember the old saying- Another day, Another dollar, A million days, A million dollars.

There are lots of things happening here, such as- The ceiling of the office started falling down the other day and all right above Fred Ruth's desk.  He certainly had a swell talk on what he would have sued for if he had been at his deskand if he had been hit by the falling debris.  Oh well. it was funny when it happened.  Guess who is back in the hospital again- Right but just to have his tonsils out so everything is fine.  Mary Donovan was in today and looks swell.

Well now lets see- I have a picture when I was three and gruesome, at six minus my teeth, at twelve when I couldn't decide what to do, at eighteen when the photographer was against me and one taken about a month ago.  Now take your choice and tell me which one.  I never threaten people.

What do you do all day?  Drill, ride, eat, sleep, talk, laugh, growl or what.  Will you have a horse of your own or just a horse to share.  I'm glad your barracks are more than just nice although I don't suppose you will get much real use out of them if this guard duty business continues.  What is a little mud anyhow.  I'll send you some grass seed and when the grass grows the mud will be gone so another unpleasant factor removed.  Of course you could keep that freezing weather but I doubt if that is agreeable with you.

Time for a bit of sleep now as I have to be up at seven ready for work and since I have done my share of questioning I'll await your reply full of answers. 

Sincerely,

Mary Rose

P.S.  My cough is fine.  Practically disapeared.


Envelope:
Pnt (?) Stanley A. Sullivan
107th Cavalry Regt
Troop C
Camp Forrest, Tenn.

back:
820 Suire Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio

Draft Notice: Jan 9, 1941--------The First Card: December 21, 1940

___________________________________________________________________________________



Looks like a short and sweet, customized xmas card.  Not even signed, it seems as if they were ordered with her name in it.  Her family probably had some money-- her dad started and ran Bertke Electric.

The envelope:

Mr. Stanley Sullivan

2737 Markbreit Ave.

Cincinnati, Ohio

No return address.

Outside: May the golden glow of Christmas
Inside:  Like a lamp's cheery light lend joy to all the season and make the whole year bright.  Mary Rose Bertke