820 Suire Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio
June 30, 1941
Dear Stan:
Seeing as how your long awaited letter brought such good news I would be willing to receive but one each month if they all brought the same news. This is going to be one of those "wishful thinking" weeks and I hope it won't all be in vain. I will probably be up at the break of dawn Friday morning waiting for the phone to ring and probably break my neck answering it every time it does. Golly it will be good to see you. I suppose everyone down there is in a complete state of dithers wondering if they will be lucky enough to be one of the homeward bound.
So you're a Corp now-and how does it feel- any different- do you bark orders or does someone bark orders at you- still? Of course you failed to mention this fact but I had heard about it from three different sources long before your letter arrived with Corp etc. inscribed upon it.
Since this letter will not be due at the box until 8:00 P.M. and it is now only 5:00 P.M. I have literally oodles of time in which to scribble my thoughts away. Well we had our picnic Saturday a week ago and a fine time was had by all. Wish you were there. I was right up there taking batches of pictures in my usual way- and they turned out in the usual way- one out of every four took and it was anybody's guess as to what it was. You are going to catch me in the midst of a case od sunburned nose which was acquired on yesterday (Sunday morning). It was fun though. I even got up nerve enough to fall off the second board and the way I feel today I wonder if I'll have nerve enough to dive from the side of the pool. So many bones and stuff to ache.
Tis' a lovely evening here- breeze flowing through the trees and blowing my correspondence hither and yon- but far be it from to say "away with the breeze" on with it, says I.
Tom Leth left for the army today and was positively broken-hearted about it- Poor Tom. They had a stag farewell party for him last Thursday evening. Such things leaving isms out.
Ding-Dong time for dinner or shall I say "Mary Rose- dinner has been on the table for 10 minutes when are you coming down" and so its "Goodbye" until Friday morn when I hope, wish and will dream it will be a "Hello" by phone. You say you will be awake all night- I can beat that I will probably lie awake all week. Hoping you don't disapoint me- Just four more days.
Sincerely,
Mary Rose
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Friday June 27, 1941
Camp Forrest, Tenn.
Dear Mary Rose:
Honestly I haven't written a single letter in two weeks. We just got back to camp after having joined in the maneuvers for three days about thirty miles from camp. The last sentence doesn't make a bit of sense but I hope you'll be able to tear it down and understand the supposed meaning.
Today we learned definitely that two thirds of the troop will be allowed to journey homeward over the fourth. We will be able to leave here Thursday at 3:00 P.M. and will probably arrive in Cincy about one or two in the morning. We must be back at good old Camp Forrest at 8:00 A.M. Monday. One of the fellows is going to drive several of us in a nice new convertible Ford Sedan. So I'll be on my way before I could possibly receive a reply to this letter. or will I?
Of course I realize that you in all probability have your program all lined up for the holiday and I don't want my visit to interfere with your plans in any way.
In any event you go ahead with your schedule and I'll call you sometime Friday morning. (Not during the wee hours however) If you have any other ideas you might send your bit in an air mail letter which will get here before the "boat" leaves. I wouldn't ask you to do this if the time wasn't so limited. They didn't let us know definitely about the leave until today and for this reason everyone is rushing about making plans at the last minute (The Army way).
Wait a minute. I'm not even positive I'll be one of the lucky ones to be allowed off. So you had better just go ahead with things as you had planned. As soon as I learn definitely, and if possible, I will let you know pronto.
I've got my fingers crossed and will really be diligent at mass Sunday hoping that everything turns out for the best.
I'd better say good-night and get a letter off to my parents. Hoping to be with you on my ??? visit. I'll retire soon to plan the week-end and probably be awake most of the night.
As Ever,
Stan
P.S. This is certainly a mixed up letter isn't it
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June 23, 1941
Dear Stan:
Are you lost, strayed, stolen, or what. I am in such a habit of writing you every Monday night I can't quite break away from it and so this puts me one up on you.
Has Firefly bewitched you or have you bewitched Firefly as yet, what I am saying is does your horse still kick when you try to brush her up. Have you been doing much riding lately and if so= what kind. I will warn you here and now- I have limited myself to three pages and I have a 10:30 deadline I want to make for catching up on my dreams so don't be surprised if I just drop off.
We had our annual picnic (remember) this past Saturday and it was a wonderful day and a wonderful time. We all were rather disapointed that bone of you showed up but repeating myself over and over I will say "You're in the Army (Cavalry- what difference) now.
Hoping this time bomb jolts an answer from you- a long one. I'll say "Goodnight" and hope you answer mighty soon, and I really mean I am hoping.
Sincerely,
Mary Rose
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June 9, 1941
Dear Stan:
Call it coincidence but at this very moment they are playing "There's no Place Like Home"- Lanny Ross program. Of course it is the 150th anniversary of the composers birth- so the reason.
It's a wonderful night here- not a star not even a moon in the sky- but still it's a perfect night. Just the kind one dreams of in their day dreams. Enough for the weather and on with what have for you. You will probably laugh but I have been tearing around since 5:00 P.M. with your letter in my pocket between dentist- music- and others and have just finished reading (your letter) (is at 10:30 P.M.) and so here I am setting forth my scattered thoughts. P.S. This is supposed to be at the end but there is no room so I will tell you here. I will give the cards to Lindsey tomorrow. You're welcome.
How was your inspection the day after you wrote your letter- Saturday by name- were you right there, neat as a pin and all? Are you still nibbling away at cookies, candy, etc. or are you over that by now. Please don't mind if you suddenly track down a smudge of carmel somewhere but I had yearning for them so I'm crunching away.
Well tomorrow Kay leaves us and soon thereafter Thelma Martins and then its more recruits- one thing you can't complain about the sameness of scenery nor the lack of variety in new faces. Rather like a never ending line.
Golly it was grand seeing Hummy come walking in and such a surprise. 0f course, upon looking over the files and seeing his hat I patiently awaited a few additions but so much to my disapointment- only Hummy arrived. It was good to see him though. All goes to show you are still alive down that way. He is certainly looking in the best of health but of course I don't believe I ever heard mention anything about him diving on his head or falling off his horse. Are you and Wally trying to monopolize the sick list.
I had a dream the other night in which everything from you and the nextdoor girl running her car into trees to Dick Asbury playing ball with little kids- but it being quite lengthy- I will save it for a future date when perhaps I can tell it without writing it. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Mary Rose
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| The image she sent. |
Friday June 6, 1941
Dear Mary Rose:
My, what a letter! You must have really been in the mood. I really appreciate it and hope that you will continue to write such letters.
Oh yes, I'm again in the swing of things. My shoulder hasn't completely healed but it's very little trouble. I still have it held secure with a single piece of tape. The tape is stretched across the shoulder blade so as not to hamper the use of the arm.
My Aunt reached the barracks about 11:30 A.M. Saturday. I showed them the camp and we took a few pictures. We then spent the rest of the afternoon in Winchester, Tenn., a little burg about 15 miles from camp. They left about 7 o'clock Saturday eve in order to be able to keep a date somewhere in Ky. Auntie presented me with a large box of cookies , marshmallows, mints, gum, nuts, and candies. I have spent a great deal of time nibbling this week.
I'm far ahead of you. I happened to get a hold of a Times Star and read all about Mr. Sanders appointment . I'd really like to join his outfit.
You were really busy over the holiday, weren't you? Golf, tennis, swimming, and horseback riding in one day. That's a pretty fast schedule. Was it really one day or is this your week end activities?
No picture yet, but soon. I hadn't better say any more or you'll be accusing me of not keeping a promise.
This will have to be a short letter because tomorrow is inspection and I must tidy up a bit. My next letter will be a lengthy one telling of the sadness of it all. Once again I must close hoping and waiting for the opportunity to see you. Goodnight.
As Ever,
Stan.
P.S. Will you please give the enclosed credit cards to Lindsey?
June 3, 1941
Dear Stan:
You can't say I didn't warn you before hand in order to give yourself a chance to be ready for my twelve page letter and please don't be technical if I write but ten.
First and foremost how are you- Still parading around as a one armed soldier or are you fully recovered? I am still trying to figure your head and shoulder angle out but I spect there is a connection somewhere at that and so all I'll say is "I hope you are well on the road to recovery.
Is there any definite news to date as to when you are coming home. I mean have they told you "Oh go play in your own backyard" or Sorry, but you can't go home. If they said the first they will be friends of mine for life, if the other for life they are my enemies.
Did your aunt show up Saturday- morning- noon- or night? Did you show her the camp or were you still confined to the barracks.
And speaking of people visiting you- Shirley S. is not coming to see you on account of she is now back in her harness at the noted Claim Department. After a bit of third degree I discovered that instead of a mere sixty miles she was but a mere two hundred miles away and since she had nothing but a broken down nag to use for conveyance she did not come a-visitin.
Then you ask "Has Kay Dorning departed". The answer is no- Ray won't leave us until next Tuesday and will be married on Saturday June 14. For the first time since you left Ray had a fit of giggles the other day of course, there was an agitator on the sideline name of Dick Asbury. Until the next page it is Sincerely,
Mary Rose.
Dear Stan;
Back again and well on the way to a good start. Now lets see I was talking shop. I had all the good intentions of cutting up the Saturday or was it Thursday Times and sending it to you- but alas and whack I was caught in the act and so I will have to say what bit I remember and you will have to sort of filter it out of general talk just what this important news was. Are you very curious yet?
Ah ha and on this page the mystery is solved. It was all about how Mr. Sanders was made a Lt. Col. and will again be active in some kind of work at the Reading Road Armory. This is all I can recall at the present moment and unless I can beg, borrow or steal the paper clipping from some unsuspecting soul this measly bit of information will have to suffice.
You know I have just been trying to figure out how I am going to cram this book into the envelope but after a flash of inspiration I remembered the old saying "Where there's a will there's a way" and so I'll just rattle on.
In your prize package you mentioned that it rained Decoration Day down there and asked what sort of weather turned up here. Well it rained on and off in spurts and to date it has done nothing else. As a matter of fact at this moment it is raining so hard one would think All heaven is emptying its rain stored for months down on us. But between the rains I have managed a set of tennis at which I was badly beaten, a game of golf on which rolled up a score of 59 (improving) a spot of horseback riding at which I am improving and two afternoons of swimming. The next installment is forthcoming
Just
Mary Rose
Dear Stan:
Personally I think I'm tearing this off pretty good. And now back to swimming again. Did you hear anything that sounded especially like a loud splash- No need to worry It was only me doing one of my very famous "How not to Dives". Truly I'm improving in this art though as people are beginning to tell me my dives look more like dives everyday.
And speaking of sports, brings to mind the office picnic. It- that is this great event is to take place on Saturday June 21st and we are all looking forward to it with enthusiasm. My only wish is that you and the rest could also attend to make it a perfect day.
Well yes and no, there has and there hasn't been any word received about induction into the army but several of them have received their papers regarding it the latest of these being Tom Lett who tells us as he claims the story goes he did all but act dead to scare them away from taking him. Yes Tom Mc and several others will have to register and are more or less looking forward to this task with anything but pleasure.
There are angles, angles, and more angles to be considered on that "Soldier Dance" proposition. I rather agree with you in that the girls have a terrible task in acting as I suppose hostesses but even though I admire them in trying to be entertaining and nice I certainly wouldn't care to be in their shoes.
Now don't spoil your horse with too much sugar- pet or no pet. I would like to see him following you around- untied of course. Have you taken any pictures of him yet and again how about your picture. I am becoming more and more anxious to see them.
Well here I am at the end of twelve pages and have still more to say but I will save it until I see you and hope your next letter will bring news- good news of a visit from you to our fair city. Until then it's "Goodnight".
Always,
Mary Rose
Friday May 30, 1941
Dear Mary Rose:
You can bet I'm coming home the first opportunity. It now develops that it's going to be either a plane or automobile ride. However it's very difficult to speak of any definite means of conveyance at the present time. Just as soon as I learn definitely I'll send you complete details.
Shirley Smith didn't stop to see us as yet. Did she say definitely that she intended to pay us a visit? Has Kay Dorning departed from your midst to prepare for her marriage?
Your golf game is improving. Isn't it? You should be able to lower your score considerably before you become too interested in swimming and give up the Scotch game.
My Aunt isn't supposed to show up on the scene until tomorrow. I'm supposed to be confined to quarters. Since Monday I've been kept at the barracks as a result of an injury to my left shoulder which was acquired when I hit hit on my "haid". At the present my left shoulder is taped very securely to my side. I had an x-ray taken Thursday and learn that there is no evidence of broken bones. The doctor says that their is a mild separation of the ligaments about the shoulder blade. So, at the present, I'm negotiating as a one armed soldier. Last night we attended a dance, at the Tullahoma Y.M.C.A., which was given for Troop C solely. For the most part I acted as a door guard. Later on I sipped a coke or two and wondered off with the music. Yes, just to dream of a night in Cincy and how I will be able to do all that I expect on such a short visit. The dance was very fine but to me it seemed as though the group of young ladies present were from a different world. Yet, all of the girls were from the very best families of neighboring towns. To me the girls have the most difficult task. That is, dancing with anyone who takes it upon themself to tag. In addition they must carry on a conversation, no matter how bored or disgusted they may be. If I was in their place you couldn't pay me to attend one of these soldier dances. Do you agree that I have the right idea? Or am I being to rash at making such a statement? In any event I suppose there are many angles to be considered before condemning any of the young fair sex. This, in all probability, sounds like a lot of useless chatter but I got started so I had to finish. So please remember this when you begin to feel puzzled.
Say, I'm in a fine mood to continue on to a ten page gospel as promised, or should I say, suggested, in your letter.
The pictures taken in our last bivouac have not as yet returned. I should have several this coming week.
My horse is really becoming a pet. He does not hesitate to follow me wherever I choose to go. That is, when I leave him untied, understand. He is very thin skinned and shines very brightly. After doing a good grooming job I feel very proud of Firefly's appearance.
How did you spend Decoration Day? It rained very hard this afternoon here and is continuing to do so this evening. It was surely welcomed inasmuch as it is the first rain we've had in a month. I hope your day wasn't spoiled by the weather.
When is the office picnic to be held? Hummy received several letters from Columbus which indicated that it is forthcoming.
Have any of the fellows received any word regarding their induction into the army? I suppose that Tom McLaughlin will have to register since he is now twenty-one.
I suppose it's time to let you rest your eyes after such a weary day at the office - ahem- so I'll be signing off shortly.
Now to shower and then to bed thinking of you and my Aunt's appearance tomorrow. Sorry I must share my dream to-night.
As Ever
Stan
P.S. See you subsequently-
May 28, 1941
Dear Stan,
Maybe you did and maybe you didn't- but after you hit smack-dab on your haid- have you a tooth left in your head to speak of. Sorry but until the present moment I had heard no rumors about a missing tooth.
Yes, you attended a party at M Glassmeyer's right in the midst of the Christmas Holidays.
Seems nice to think of Cold Christmas days in the midst of this heat wave- but there are remedies and so Friday, Saturday and Sunday I think I'll spend my days swimming or should I say sinking. Which reminds me.
That trip you mentioned in your recent letters. I hope that what you said you hoped was the truth I hope so too. It would be perfect if you could come home so I'll just go on hoping, hoping, hoping.
Golly that must have been some horse show you were in last Saturday. I would have liked to have been an on-looker. What do you mean by (so-called dress uniforms) don't you like it. Also what do you mean no-time at all - a big success. It is now two months and how many more.
Did Shirley come in to see you or not. And thinking of vacations Don is having these two weeks and speaking of Don and Shirley reminds me of the office. Well things are still moving along- Alice Sullivan is leaving and Pearl (as you have probably heard) is taking her place- Betty is taking Pearls and a new girl name of Dorthy Peters is taking Betty's place and so we have a whole new set up. We have another new girl whose name I do not know who is taking Kay D's place and also helping Peggy at the switchboard. Last but not least A.A. lost 11-2 last night in a game with Rex Eler. I think the name of the team was Woe is me.
Well I'm glad you mentioned something about maneuvers as I have been hearing all kinds of reports as to when they will start. Seems to me everybody in the army is headed for Tenn. Must be the thing to do this year. Bob Berding tells me his brother is in the vicinity of Camp Forrest or do you know this.
Last Sunday I played golf again and again. I shot an 82 for (close your eyes and read this) (nine holes. And speaking of shots and shooting did you get your picture shot yet.
One of these days I am going to tear of a ten page letter and tell you everything I want to or have to say but until such a thing happens I will end my four page note and say "Goodnight".
Sincerely,
Mary Rose
P.S. How was your Aunt's visit?
Monday May 26, 1941
Dear Mary Rose:
One of the fellows informed me, this evening at mess, that he hired a private plane to Cincinnati for $65.00. He said that this private pilot would carry four passengers for this same fee. I hope that that this is the truth. We do not contemplate making the trip for about three weeks. So I will keep you posted as to developments.
Jim Condo is sitting at this very table and we have successfully thrashed out the Glassmeyer situation. Wasn't I at her home, to attend a party, during the Christmas holidays?
Say- did you hear that I lost a tooth? Well I didn't. Lucille Hardy wrote one of the boys (Ferd Spangler) and told him I lost one. How do such rumors get going. If you see her you must put her straight.
Plenty of pictures were taken on a bivouac which took place Saturday and Sunday. We rode to Manchester, Tenn. a very little town about twelve miles from camp. We went through the town mounted and when arriving at a selected spot in the woods all went in swimming. It was really a beautiful place. Water fourteen feet below a very picturesque falls. We were diving off a cliff about 15 to 20 feet above the water. On the seventh or eighth dive I hit bottom smack dab on my haid [head?] that ended my water party for the day. That evening we participated in a horse show. We really looked sharp under the flood lights. The 25 horses that took part were trimmed in white and we had our so called dress uniforms. According to reports we were very good. A big success in no time at all.
The latest reports have it that we do not leave on maneuvers until late in August . The best plan is to live from day to day here because nothing is done according to schedule.
Since you've taken up horseback riding at such distance stables you might join the Cavalry and ride seven hours a day. All riding is complimentary and it is not necessary to reimburse the government one dollar for every hour.
My Aunt (one of them) is going to visit me this week end. Walt's folks were down yesterday and brought everything from apples to radios.
Goodnight until I hear from you- soon-
As Ever,
Stan
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