May 31, 1947

Tuesday

Dear Doc,

Just a short note before I get ready for a "going away" party the nurses are giving for me this evening, probably the last letter you will receive from me - while I am here.  Time is drawing near and I am glad.  Boy, I really am going to bread down and have fun.  Perhaps I shall survive perhaps not, we have great plans for the summer.  I haven't time now, shall elaborate later.

Congratulations to you and the crew for the fine "crewing".  It seems like a lot of fun.  I sure the undefeated men couldn't have got along with No. 4.  Say he looks like quite a character.  yes, I guess his mother thinks he is pretty wonderful - Thank god for mothers.  Say, No 6, Herman Mowatt looks alright.  Also Warren Young, thinking about it strongly I may get to Boston after all, Ahem!

Say, Doc, aren't you afraid to go out on the water without your flappers?

I think I shall go "bats" if Saturday does not hurry and get here.  Now that I am leaving I rather dislike it.  I have found so many good people here.  It has been a wonderful experience.  By the way, I followed your suggestion and am having some fun.  Thursday afternoon I am going flying.  That I am looking forward to very much.  I have met a pleasant young man - a medical student, one of the lab technicians at the Sanitarium, guess he was a former naval pilot and it has been a welcome change doing some dating.  Gosh, I had forgotten how to act -

Wish I had time I would tell you of a deal Mrs. Aldis is arranging for me.  I shall write more when I have time.

Say Doc, you do look thin.  You'd better gain a few pounds before you boast of looking like Charles Atlas.  Perhaps the "before".

Don't fret about the letter to Jo - I sent her your love and also a hope of a letter.  She is having a wonderful time.  It seems like a heck of a long time since I've seen her.  Boy, watch our dust.

I going to play golf, tennis, have a steak a day, millions of martinis and plenty of fun.  One serious thought is my limit - Probably be a wreck.

Be good

As ever,

Anne

May 19, 1947

May 19

Dear Doc,

You may shout hurray, if you wish.  It is raining and no tennis.  So I will be very very good and answer your letter immediately, or perhaps, you may "try" that perfect crime on the post man.  Please, Doc, don't.  I really wouldn't advise it.  Or was that settled in the last letter?

Considering the difficult time you had writing the last letter you did fairly well.  It was good hearing form you - after a week of writing.

Tell me more about Robert Young.  The only Robert Young I can recall is Robert Young, the war hero. Anyway, who ever he is he has some good ideas.  The two you mentioned appealed to me.  I think he is perfectly right, about getting married when one is young, or particularly not purchasing a house.  There is a lot of time for that.  A couple is inclined to get "too settled down" and not have any real fun if they do.  Women become too interested in their domestic duties and are unaware of the fact that their husbands want more than a good dinner and clean house to come home to each evening.  Of course, that all helps and is necessary but there is more - so very much more.  Wow!  I got involved - forgive me.  Anyway, who the heck is Robert Young?  You run into the strangest people.

I find myself counting the days until Jun 1st.  For your information, Doc Rounds, the "salt water rest cure" may not be what I need at all.  Good gosh, that could be anything!! Pardon me, while I get out my medical journal.  Tell me more.  You know a cozy spot, hmm?  I'll have to know more about that "salt water rest cure" before my doctor will consent.  Please send all information to my address!  Sounds interesting.

Frankly, Doc, I believe I am losing my mind (never reach that point) Fear not.  There is no censor en route.  I suffered a mild seize of hysteria when I found I had not enclosed the darn thing.  I could just as soon tell the thing to go to H. but it can be done and I'll prove it to myself.  It really isn't worth waiting for Doc, so toss it out the "windy".

Before I continue - I shall explain.  I'm not responsible for the "SWAK" on my last letter but it really isn't a bad idea.  Mre. Gendrich, one of the nurses, confessed today.  I wondered why she always asked if I had heard from you.  See, I had her mail my last letter to you.  We are continually playing dirty tricks on one another.  It is a lot of fun and they all are fine girls.  Sometimes the treatment should be reversed from all observation but we are happy or try to be happy.  There is a difference, isn't there?

You are quite right.  A lot of my time is spent with heavy backs, so you called them but I don't mind.  Of course, I'd rather be having a steak with you.  If that is what you suggest But!!!  One would think that you had no freedom.  Good heavens, man, that is our one privilege to do as we please at the time we please.  Why do people restrict themselves?  So many of us are prisoners of our own minds and ideas - and ideals perhaps, if you wish to include the letter.  Forgive me - I am getting all to serious!  I think it is good for me nevertheless.

Take care, Doc, did you read about the fellow in Rhode Island who was arrested for "laughing" in public?  Of all things.  He received a prompt invitation from Texas to come there and laugh all he wished.

Say, I think you may need a little attention - Really, Doc, my letters really are not "laughable" not even the first time.  Go ahead and have your fun!  But never will I tell a joke - "Duz - duz everything!"  We nurses passed better ones than that around - Reminds me of one!  Now Anne - remember what Mother always told you - ok - no joke.

Were you to a Pops concert?  Thank you for the program, or programs.  Lets see - I'd like to have been there Friday, May 7 and heard Grieg's Panio Concerto.  Don't miss De Rosenkavolier.

I'm going to be real good to you, Doc, and walk down and mail this - now isn't that sweet?

It is still raining so this should be pleasant (the walk, I mean)  Why did you ask if I were bored?  Are you?

Be good and write soon!

As ever, 

Anne

Excuse the mistakes, I'm not rereading this.

  

(enclosed poem)

Beloved San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Oh! San Antonio, you moth eaten town,

Your unpainted houses should all be torn down,

Your winters are cold, your summers are hot, 

The air is humid with mildew and rot.

It's the land of bad colds, sore throats and flu,

Of stiff aching muscles and pneumonia too.

You're a blot on the landscape, the Nation's eyesore,

Your people are out-witted and gad, what a bore,

Your streets are filthy from all approaches,

There comes swarms and swarms of your vile cock-roaches.

The home of side poraches and crowded thoroughfares,

And lovely girls with their very blank stares.

You live among spicks and don't mind the rats,

And seem to thrive on mosquitoes and gnats.

You can't even speak English, you speak Texaneese,

Inhaling sewer gas which you think is the breeze,

You make us pay double f or all you sell,

But after the war, you can all go to Hell.

And when you reach Hades, and Satan greets you,

You'll feel right at home, for he's a Texan too.

Yes, San Antonio, Oh! San Antonio, it ain't very charmy,

To be flanked on your door step by Uncle Sam's Army.

Have you ever wondered why all of us grieve?

Why all of us welcome the first chance to leave??

The worst of it is, you all think you're swell,

You think yourselves perfect and that gripes us like Hell.

You're dead and rotten and you think you're alive,

You think you have a palace instead of a dive, 

You're not worth this paper, You're not worth this ink,

YOU CAN TAKE IT FROM US........ SAN ANTONIO... YOU STINK.

May 10, 1947

May 10

Dear Doc,

I'm waiting to go play tennis so I shall start a letter to you.

Thank you for the letter today.  I really hadn't expected you to write Wed. as you promised.  On a "free day" one is able to find a million things to do- besides  letter writing.  I am pleased you "lived up to your promise".  I saw "Honey" excused you time for it.

There are many things I want to tell you so prepare yourself.

I enjoyed your letter.  I'm convinced a day off is really most effective.  You seemed so very happy.  Strange how moods are reflected in everything - considering that I guess my letters must be quite dull.  There is no doubt in my mind about that.

Spent a wonderful day off at home.  Jo is there now and we had fun trying to cram a million things in two days.  I was quite disappointed though, I missed seeing my brother who had to leave the night before.  As you know - He is the one, Bill who is in the regular Army Air Corps (for your information) and is going on a supposedly "secret" mission to Alaska.  Naturally all minds turn to Russia, whom I consider a threat.  Anyway getting back to the original subject - what subject?  He is going there, Anchorage, for six months to help "line up" more B29 bases.

Doc, I must go - more later.

Oh, I feel wonderful!!

That is a rare mood for me as of late.  The tennis was pretty good and I am stuffed with hamburgers and beer - Really Doc, there is no reason (I say here) why you could not be here enjoying it.  Anyway I thought of you.  That will have to be suffice.

Really Doc, I was rather shocked to hear you of all people thinking about the "perfect crime."  Why don't you read Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"?  Dostoevsky is widely accused of writing about monsters and neurotics.  Neurotics, yes, monsters, no.  I think you would enjoy it and perhaps yet a few ideas.  It may be somewhat grotesque, but nevertheless life.  The "garbage deal" wouldn't do - I, beginner that I am, knows that.

I am convinced, people really are not appreciative at all - at least one Doc Rounds.

excuse the change of paper but the first was going to be a note.  Getting back.  I should think you would be quite ashamed not attending a Pops concert.  you are right, we take so much for granted.  They sound like such good fun, I would think "one" would make a definite point of going.  I haven't heard any concerts on Tuesday evening I go to church.  I am hoping you will "report" you have gone.

Say, Doc, never could I try your plan for relieving oneself of their troubles and worries.  Gosh, I'd be worse off if I had to write letters with the sole purpose of tearing them up when completed.  I'd be a case, if ever.  I feel for the poor recipients of my so-called correspondence.

Sunday

Happy Mother's Day!  Something drastic must have happened last night as again I have started one of "those letters".  So please bare with me.

As for the summer plans, after June I shall be known as "Vagabond Annie".  I am going to roam without a care.  I'm tired of leading such dull life - so watch out - when I take that attitude.  Speaking of traveling - ye gads, man, what in the world are you going to do at Niagara Falls?  Of all places, Doc, what no imagination?  But on second thought you may be contemplating marriage then I guess it would be alright for you to take the "Honey" to Niagara.  Frankly, there are a million other places I'd like to see - I shall not elaborate.

I really have done nothing exciting to report, tennis,   , and little fun - however, I am going to "make up" for it royally this summer.  I am happy to report I am no longer on private duty with Mrs. Aldis.  She is a dear old lady - but oh my nerves.  (I'm as bad a speller as you think you are)  One must have the patience of Job in order to get along with her.  She is very much better.  It is more fun when one is not on special.  We have a pretty good hose, mostly all young people.  30 and younger - it is hard to believe.  Heavens what is happening to the young?   And you wanting to commit the perfect crime.

Oh yes, Doc, I want to wish you luck on your search for that rich young gal.  Do you think you'll ever find her?  Say when you do!  find out if she has a brother.  I'd be interested.

Thanks for the stick of Blackjack.  We all enjoyed it.  I picked up your letter on my way to the treatment room.  The gum was "chewed" three way.  Another nurse, Dr. Headle and I shared it. May I suggest three sticks if received Saturdays.  I'm only kidding - Thanks.

Doc, I have a million things to do - Excuse me for now - 

I completed only a half million things in need of completion.  It is amazing how fast time passes.  Good heavens, it is hard to believe I have been here seven months.  Seems just a week that I donned my white stocking.  Say, Doc, that is really something to see.  Good thing we have no men patients in our building. Now, isn't that a wicked thought?  Think I'll ask for a transfer for the remaining time at the San.

Dr. Headle has been doing some interesting research with psycho-drama.  Last week the patients produced the first drama.  It is a private affair and only the participants, Dr. Headle are admitted.  Dr. Headle is young and eager to pass on his knowledge so has invited a few of the nurses to attend if they wish.  So I shall - Wednesday.  He has selected on of O'Riel's, gosh I just can't remember which - but any of O'Riel will do for psycho-drama.  I'll try to give you a rough idea.  He selected patients to play a certain character in the play is related psychologically and reading and portraying the part relieves tension, nervous and mental bearings.  I've done rather badly rereading above.

So good night, Doc, I'll enclose the poem about San Antonio.  Just to get it out of my sight.  Can't understand how such a horrid thing got in my hands.  It is quite apparent the author did not know the S.A. I did or perhaps he did not know you - 

Doc, are you bored?

As ever,

Anne

Please excuse this terrible letter!  I need a rest