April 14, 1947 - from Jo

Monday April 14

Dearest "Doc".

I may as well begin this overdue letter with the best and most important news I know and that is that I am once again an "auntie" to a new nephew born April 2nd!

We are all enthralled over him and at the time I am with my sister using whatever nursing technique I've acquired thus far!

This is Monday afternoon.  Michael, the baby and my Sister are all snoozing, so I grabbed at this one free moment to write to you remembering that you were waiting for a bit of information regarding Anne' birth date, that to get to the point cleared is April 19th!  I know that she will be surprised just to know you might have "remembered".  She doesn't know about the fact that I am writing this letter to you!

It is perfectly heavenly in Valparaiso.  An ideal day for hiking or just fooling around out-of-doors!  For the past days the weather has been very damp and cold, so now that ta really nice day has come along, we are all more than grateful and quite excited!

I have taken an emergency leave of two weeks and honestly I'm loving  every minute of being away from that place for awhile.  Confidentially I think I needed a little change - but it will be good to get back again too!

My Sister and brother-in-law were unable to get a nurse in this city, so Mrs. Stevens came for a few weeks, but not being a Spring Chicken she was once, it was too much to ask of her, so now I'm going to see how great my perseverance is at this "tender" age of mine (a gluten for punishment if I ever heard of one)

I have some delightful music on the radio - some of your favorites "Offenbach's -Now Hydra, ah contentment!

This is all for now, Doc, I must write to my Mother now, she hasn't heard from me for so long she most likely thinks I am dead! - So write whenever you find the time - to the Sanitarium.

Hope you and your family had a nice Easter!

Sincerely, 

Jo Roberts

March 31, 1947

March 31

Dear Doc,

I'm specialing a feeble old lady, perhaps you remember I told you I was doing some secretarial work for her.  My fatal mistake!  As she just "adores" me and as hired me as a special, which is much to my dismay, however, if I make her day just a little more pleasant I am satisfied.  She is quite sweet - well, to get on, I have escorted her to the O.T. shop and find myself with an hour and a half which I shall spend with you.  If you have no strenuous objections.

Please pardon this horrible paper but it is all that is available.  We must not be choosy!  Mustn't we?

Your very nice letter was quite pleasing to receive this morning.  I was quite amused with your operation.  Oh dear, How I wish I could have been there.  Sounds like you had a jolly good time of it, but please, Doc, take it easy.  I can sympathize with your poor mother - What you need, Mr. Rounds is a special nurse to keep you in bed - May I apply?  Guess I ran mother ragged when I returned from the hospital.  By the way, how long were you there?  Massage the first night, huh?  Same magnetic personality, Doc, massages usually never come until later. Pardon time out to accompany Mrs. Aldis to the bathroom - Oh joy of life, at last I found you!

Now I shall continue, as I was saying, Remember my first day home, I pleaded for a steak - Mother submitted.  Boy did I have a time.  It was fun.  I think of it now and it seems quite funny. One enjoys being pampered - and I loved it.

Speaking of him, we are going home for a short visit after Easter, not being able to get off for Easter.  Oh, for some of Mother's good cooking.  Guess I told you they were going to San Antonio. No thanks!

Received letters from Doctor and he said yes, he remembers you very well and sends his best.  He is trying his "darn best" to get us to come down.  Would enjoy working with him very much and may consider a winter there.  He is a fine, fine person.

The O.T. shop is very pleasant.  Classical musical is played during each period, which makes for atmosphere.  That's for me, I am a fool for atmosphere.  Amid the piano concerto of Greig can be heard pounding, female chatter and everything else your imagination is capable of, but it is restful.  Some lovely projects are turned out daily. One of the patients is doing weaving, She is weaving some linen placemats and they are perfectly beautiful. I admire her patience.  Weaving is quite fascinating.  Jo and I are making the doctor a desk set.  Can't say when we will finish.  Fine Christmas present, I'd say.  It is a great deal of fun.  Something I've never done before.  It is amazing, the wonderful new things there are to do in this wonderful, wonderful world.

Have you seen "It's a Wonderful Life" ?  Pardon the incoherent speech, I may have asked you before - but you know, Mr. Rounds (forgive me for calling you Mr. Rounds, I'm not being formal) questions really should be answered.  Anyway, it was a very good movie.  Best I seen in a long time.  Frankly, Sorry I must leave, Dear old girl is tired so I shall finish later - Bye!

Say, Doc, let's take a vow?  Will you number your paper?  I promise to, however it will be difficult.  This is April 1st and we are waiting for Laura so I shall continue.  We are going out to one of the nurse's homes for dinner.  Wish you could go along.  She makes the best New England boil dinner I've ever eaten.  Not having ever been to N. E. I don't consider myself an authority but they are superb!  If I ever do get to N.E. I shall eat myself silly of seafood.  Also drive myself "dots" listening to the Boston Symphony.  One really must attend a concert to enjoy it at it's best.

Oh yes, my little rat, (how sweet) Let me tell you a thing or two - Speaking of operations, I believe you can say no more about your tonsils.  Did you know I had 6 stitches? 3 on each side, top that, can you?  Oh, it was painful!  Oh hell, aren't we silly - Gosh I think I'll have an operation - One finds so much to say!  Let's see, what shall I have taken out?  (That question was not meant for you, was thinking ) When I see you I shall rave on for hours!  Hypocondriatics to say the least!  

Must close, Laura is here and anxious to go.

Enclosing a sheet done the P.M. Hope you can stand this "jabbing"  Write again soon.  We enjoy your letters. Also take care yourself - you are a sick man - But you can gain weight.

As ever, 

Anne

Tuesday

Doc, while my pet takes her nap I shall continue my letter to you.  you will probably get very bored with my "moments of freedom" letters.  Guess I had better return to knitting.  By the way, are you taking orders for the snuggles? Don't forget, you promised a photo!

Listen my little rat, gosh man, where did we ever pick that up?  How affectionate, little rat - I shall tell my grandchildren about "the rat".  Second though, I won't!

Doc, tell me more about Mary.  She sounds like a wonderful girl.  I remember her by her picture very well.  I envy her taking the recent Y.H. trip.  Say, little rat, will you ask her about it?  Guess we could get some information from Monrae Smith but I'd rather get it first hand.  Jo and I are quite interested in a trip through New England, Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a summer.  Will you do that, please?  Anything relating to the Youth Hostels will be interesting.  It is a beautiful, beautiful spring day, April 1st = Boy I have the fever - and that ain't good.

Mrs. Aldis is calling - 'cuse me.

March 28, 1947

March 28

Dear Doc, 

Hello, Doc, I hope you have recovered from the operation.  Tell me, how was it?  I have been quite anxiously awaiting a letter from you tell all.

Being you have been so liberal with your correspondence Wisconsin way, I want to tell you I really do appreciate it.

Strange, no it's not strange at all but I find myself waiting for your letters.  Which is as it should be, I guess.  So, really, Doc, when you get the urge, comply -

You've mentioned it several times with ner a comment from me about the Prom, Doc, there really is nothing I'd rather do - seeing you again would be wonderful.  The Prom would be fun but you know Milwaukee is a "small voyage" to Boston and being financially unable, I shall have to say it could not be arranged.  Perhaps before then I shall land a  "sugar daddy" or perhaps strike gold or oil or something - Hell, (pardon the profanity please) why aren't you going to school in Milwaukee?  Why, Mr. Rounds?  Do you suppose we shall ever see each other again?  See no reason, why it couldn't be arranged, sometime.  Let me warn you, I no longer will be the so called good listener I was in days of old.  Frankly, I always thought quite the contrary - you were quite a fine listener yourself - Remember, Doc, the night we went to the concert, guess it was the night we heard Elman - You had just returned from furlough (or is it called leave?) and surprised me with the gardenia and of course, yourself.  Gosh, it was good seeing you then and I think it would be just a good seeing you again - or perhaps better, on second thought.

Tell me, what have you been doing?  I would like to write a longer letter however, I must get ready for church.

Write soon - won't you?

Nursing continues to be interesting work, I like it so very much.  Tell me, Doc, do you need a good nurse?  Boy, what a question - you needn't answer it -

Must dash -

My best,  

Anne

Enclose Bill's picture.  Really didn't want to keep it.  Joe just misplayed the thing - We have a fine one of Bill.  What do you hear from Mr. And Mrs. Agnes?

March 24, 1947

Wednesday

Dear Doc,

Now that we are among the "minus tonsils club" I hope you are feeling alright and have gotten over the serious operation.  Oh, what I wouldn't do to use my technique on you.  You'd have no ill effects whatsoever. I guarantee recovery.  But of course, any good nurse does, and I'm sure "Honey" will take good care of you.  I hope you are wearing your snuggles because you must caution against relapse.  They are really just what you needed.  Tell me, did they fit?  Oh, I hope they did - you didn't say both Jo and I are worried they may be too large.  Enlighten us please.

Lets see, I shall try answering some of your questions: Doctor Pyterek is still in San Antonio.  You know he is out of the Army.  (Thank God)  He is doing wonderfully well.  That is not hard to understand.  Has begun construction on the clinic he is going to open out in the Woodlawn section.  You know, the section near Thomas Jefferson High.  He is one fine person, my ideal in men.  It has been quite some time since I have sen him.  I really miss his fine wonderful talks we use to have along with the many good times.  An unfortunate thing happened to Pam recently.  She was burned someway or another but is doing fine now.  I really don't know the details as Eric was too upset to elaborate.  Skeeter is still the wild little boy he always was.  Remember the time we fed him beer?  My, were we brilliant.

As for John, I can't ever remember telling you about the incident of reading the paper in church.  I'd prefer forgetting it.  He is no longer in the family and everyone is better cause of it.  God bless him wherever he is, guess he must be married to some German lass.  His was a case of being too intelligent, can you understand that?  If you don't mind I won't go into it.  Best it be forgot.

Right now I could give a very vague report on human activity cycles.  I shall look into the subject and report to you Dr. Rounds.

You asked me what I do - Well my social life is nil except for a few dinner engagements - Attending lectures, church, reading that is about all.  Oh yes, Do you remember Dic Durham?  He was up a Bandera - the mad pilot, who strafed the ranch - well through much effort he finally got in contact with us and was down last week-end.  He is attending the U. of Minnesota.  Sends you his best as he remembered you.  The three of us went out for a fine time - Time passes so quickly one really has to ration one's time which I see is not done by you.  As long as you are kept busy that is the important thing.  One never has enough time to do everything. My what a dull life it would be.

I've been doing a great deal of reading - just finished "Wasteland" Jo Sinclair.  It is a fine book.  Think you would enjoy it.  Also "Peace of Mind" which seems will take forever to comprehend - It is one book everyone should read.  Stimulation.  One learns how important religion is for happy living. Bet you've read "The Last Puritan" by Santayan (the spelling may be incorrect excuse please)  So you see, I've been quite busy.

As for the summer, Don't think I'll be here longer than June 5th - Really have no plans after that except to roam around the country on bikes and feet - Leading a rugged life - 

Tell me, Doc, oh, never mind.  I was going to start an argument but I guess I won't disrupt this peaceful mood I am in.

The family is going to San Antonio for the "Fiesta" in April.  I am tempted to go along but I guess I won't.  I've had my fill of the town- Seeing the Doctor would be the only inducement.

I really don't know how you tolerate these letters but we all must suffer - 

Oh, good news, tomorrow Jo and I have decided to quiet a screaming family by having our portraits taken - Should be most amusing.  You have a surprise in store Mr. Rounds - We shall add you to our list - OK?

Best of luck with the operation!  Must close - time for church - Jo sends her love - 

My Best,

Anne

Write soon - your letters are not as much a bore as you think!

March 20, 1947 - From Jo

March 20, 1947

Dear Doc,

Anne mentioned that you were having your tonsils "removed" today so I find this a good time to write you to let you know that we are both thinking of you in your deep miseryaa!  I'm confident that everything went along as should, but I am deeply sorry we couldn't have been nearer to bring you bushel baskets of pretzels, potatoes chips or anything relative there of... (I am around Anne entirely too much, can't you see that I am getting just as "ratty" (your term) as she always was!)

Anne enjoys your letters so much and I might add so do I! I cannot understand why you keep insisting that your letters are dull - etc.-  Perhaps you do not truly believe that, but you do say so in order to fill up the page - regardless your letters are quite interesting and now and then we have cause to believe that you are doing some deep thinking which is damn good!

Spring vacations, gad, I've been so busy I just recently realized that the month of February had already passed!  No doubt you'll be busy every minute of your so-called "vacation" considering the schedule you mentioned in Anne's letter!  Have fun.

This happens to be my day off and "off" is as appropriate of a word that could be found in the dictionary.  It is a beautiful bright summery day out - and I feel quite happy about the whole thing except that Anne is preparing to have this day and tomorrow off at which time she'll be with my sister in Valparaiso, who mentioned quite casually that her refrigerator was stacked with thick steaks and that Carl, my brother-in-law) has the mixings for a barrel of martinis available!  The big gripe is that our Sup't of Nurses very sweetly refused to permit me to have the day off - due to the shortage of nurses which exists in our building particularly, as "Little ol' Florence Nightingale" will be at grind tomorrow again.  It seems damn funny at times to remember how I detested to conform to anything - and for the past six months that is all that I've been doing, which is an interesting fact to the extent that it proves how individuals can adapt themselves  to their immediate surrounding conditions.  Now if we had the time we might discuss just the "whys" of this business of conforming.

Anne is definitely "alerted" at the present, finding more about the human activity cycles.  Don't be too surprised if you happen to receive a barrage of information regarding this topic. We do have the references here - "at our fingertips"!

You asked about Doctor Pyterak in your last letter, here is what we know of him: It has been an extremely long time since I have seen him and had a good long heart-to-heart talk with him, and to be quite truthful having him to talk with these past months would have made many things a little easier.  The Pytereks have purchased a new home in San Antonio, an act which was compulsory due to their enlarged family, and Doctor has opened a clinic in the San Pedro section with the help of a few other doctors of course, other than that I understand that he looks wonderful in civilian clothes, simply adores his little girl, Pam, and is working like a "dog"!

It makes us both very satisfied  whenever you mention "the doctor" or say any of the fine things about him.  I always felt very pleased when I have the opportunity of having my friends meet him and his family.  He has all the good qualities that I admire in any man, honesty, generosity, kindliness, and an educated background.

It is needless to say how much he means to us and I feel indebted and grateful to him for everything he has done for us and the priceless wisdom he has passed on to us!

It would upset me terribly to hear Doctor's wife was not fully appreciative of him at times, but as you mentioned why letters were good, I too can say anything to you because no one would be hurt by it, and  since it has no effect on you one way or the other, I'll say what ever I like which is quite a treat) but I guess most families go through the very same thing, but now that they have the home, a new child, more work in general, possibly the will forget themselves and be happy "regardless"!  Families are such damn complicated affairs.  I doubt very much if they really are here to stay.  I will mention that you spoke of him in my very next letter.  Doctor Petered is one of the better and happier things I remember of San Antonio.

For the past two weeks i have been assigned to our insulin treatment room.  I had one patient, a young lad of 17 a student at the U. of Wis. with an I.Q. of 140!!, emotionally unstable, with a deep dislike for his parents.  I remember when he was first admitted, he was very shy (at times) called his doctor "an utter idiot" etc.  It was a bit trying but that was his way of getting attention!  He was finally transferred to another building - but then he came back to us here at Colonial Hall.

It was a fine experience for me but one of the more serious treatments they give here, and it is very different compared to the others I have seen.

There is an entirely different atmosphere in the treatment room itself.  Everyone makes a greater effort in being more pleasant and cheerful, patients as well as nurses.  I particularly liked this phase of my work here because one can do so much more for a patient, and one also develops a closer relationship with the doctors, which is just wonderful as far as I'm concerned but dammit they are all married!

There was a very definite closeness that I felt towards Bill and if I may be vain for a moment, I should say without being mistaken that the feeling was mutual, but then that's quite natural.  The nurses are with their patients constantly, due to the fact that an insulin pt. can go into shock at anytime if they are not properly fed, but that was quite the easiest part of the treatment, in fact Bill had very few trousers in which he could get into when he left.  He had a tremendous appetite, consequently he gained a great amount of weight.

His dad called for him last Sat. in the evening and I am sorry to say I did not have an opportunity to say good-bye to him, I was off duty.

Anyway, the pt. did show much improvement, talkative, polite and quite a gentleman.  I had many "little" arguments with other nurses who are always so eager to pull a pt. down.  It all came out fine though, no one pulled hair or anything like that. On one of my days off another very old nurse took care of him - and she returned with the most startling reports "He wouldn't drink his solutions,"  "growled rather than spoke to them and so on and so forth far into the night. I appreciated how good he was after hearing the reports.

I am out of stationery and you must be exhausted.

Write if you aren't too busy.

Sincerely 

Jo

Have you read "Peace of Mind" by Rabbi Liebman

Wasteland - Jo Sinclair

How about Thomas Wolf - anything at all.  You have some fine reading and much beauty in store for you.

March 15, 1947

March 15

Dear Doc,

I'm answering your very nice letter with this short note also to tell you that very soon I shall write you a long, long letter, as I have a lot to tell you.

Enclose find the pair of snuggles you ordered so very long ago.  Jo and I have worked hard trying to figure out your size as you remember you neglected giving us such vital information. Anyway, I hope they fit and shall be waiting for the picture of yours truly in "said pants."

As you mentioned it would indeed be an honor making each member of the crew a pair.  They certainly need something like them to spur them on and on.  We would be more than delighted to oblige. Nuff said - Hope they fit!

Thank you for the very nice letter.  It was good hearing from you after such a long time.  Also the picture, you really don't think I will send it back, do you? Now really, Doc, you know me better than that.  I'll be good though, and send you one soon.  The nurses have taken some.  Please don't be shocked, after all, I don't want you suffering with a nervous breakdown.

Have you ever heard Strauss' Suite Der Rosenkavalier.  I'm sure you must have heard it.  I know you'd love it.  I do - not that that makes any difference.  It's mighty good.

You asked several questions.  What am I going to do this summer etc.  I shall go into detail later -

Frankly, it wouldn't take a great deal of pressure to get me to Boston, Mass. Later I am anxious to get these snuggles off to you for your debut. Good luck - of course I shall cheer you on - I'll be on the other side.  See you when you get there - Sounds odd but I hope you understand what I am trying to say.

Must go to dinner - 

My Best,

Anne

February 25, 1947

Forest Park Avenue         Valparaiso, Indiana

Friday

Dear Austin,

Yes, I know it really is about time I answered your letter.  Forgive me, I hadn't realized a week has gone by.  Someone has to set an example for the two of us and it may as well be me, that is in letter writing - just in case you were wondering.

I am spending a week with my sister, who incidentally is going to have a baby in March, while Carl is in Cincinnati.  So, this is a fine opportunity for some letter writing - You shall be my victim.  I hope you have no objections.  You may voice them - if so.

By the way, are you enjoying the snow?  I'm getting somewhat a sadistic pleasure out of learning of the blizzard in the East.  "Being a lover of beauty" - I shall say no more.  You may take phatar to your hearts delight that is after you've shoveled and dug yourself out.  Well, here is wishing you great funN!!  I love it.  Gosh, I enjoy the lonely winter nights we have been having.  It has been perfectly wonderful. (Which I don't consider on iota trite)  Have you done any skiing?  I hope you have.  It is one of my favorite sports, however being in San Antonio didn't help - My skiing that is.  Silly I should mention San Antonio - I'll never regret the time spent there.  I'd have never met you.

Speaking of regretting - that is - Sorry I was interrupted and I can't for the life of me think what I was going to say, later perhaps.

Thanks for the picture of Bill.  I have instructed Jo to send it back to you however if she is too engrossed in her knitting I shall when I get back.  Frankly, I wish you hadn't.  Is it possible for a person to change so much in year?  Need I ask?  Tell me, what has happened to Bill?  Why so laxed? Now this is trite.  He looks rough.  It can't be married life!  He just doesn't care.  Really this may sound cruel but Bill is in a rut.  But I shan't go on.  I have fine memories, and fine pictures of Bill in my mind and I guess I won't foul  reality and his present state - My advice to him is the Du Barry Success Course pronto!!  I wonder if I have changed as much as he- suppose so, but people really don't change.  I keep telling myself - when I know perfectly well - Tell me, do I sound confused?  Sometimes I wonder.

This is Saturday afternoon and we are listening to Carmen.  It is a find thing.  Rise Stevens, Carmen is the only opera I have developed a taste for.  I became too sad and melancholic with Wagner who I consider the best.  I'll listen to the prelude and orchestrations but not the vocal.  One must develop taste for opera as fun scotch, astern and married life - I don't know what brought that later on but anyway Carmen is very good.

Michael, my nephew keeps interrupting me but I really don't mind.  He is a lot of fun - you really would  love him.  He calls me Annie.  this morning we were out playing in the snow - oh what fun - it is good to unlax for a change - By unless I mean relax to the extent.

It is Saturday evening and I am full of Martinis - which is a most pleasant state - My sister insists on playing the perfect hostess, which she is, by my having cocktails before dinner - I think it would be wonderful fun having a home - and of course husband. This is the first time in a long time I have thought seriously of marriage.  I always do though when I visit the Stevens' family.  Theirs is so perfect.  Must be the Martini or perhaps I'm growing old.  How rare!  I have said enough already- I shall say no more.

My, Doc, what a treat you must be in a tuxedo.  Lucky, lucky girl.  Tell me more, that is beside being late to all engagements, No don't, if you don't care to.

I'm glad you are living at home.  Fraternity house life was never very inducive to duty in my estimation - But, I'm really not an authority on fraternity house life - Ahem!

I wish I could remember your last letter - Did you ask me anything.  Guess not, I would have remembered.

For your sake, I shall give Jo a bit of peace while she is knitting your _______  "What you might call'ems!"  I do hope they are finished before you make your debut.

This is Monday and I must get this off to you!  I'm having a fine time and regret Friday is so near.  That is when I am leaving - returning to Milwaukee - You may write me there - soon please!

My best -
Anne