June 6, 1947

June 6

Dear Doc,

I miss your letters but I guess in order to get one, one must write letters, So!

I have been at my sister's enjoying the peace and quiet of family life.  I'm having a wonderful time with my young nephew, Mike.  We are planting a flower garden, oh boy have I turned domestic.  It is a relished change.  I feel rather nervous and helpless with the baby though.  He is two months - funny looking little bird.  I think babies are ugly until about six months.  They remind me of featherless birds - Remember Pam?

What are you doing?  If I may ask.  Also when is your vacation? 

My sister is in Chicago for the day.  I'm having a wonderful time with her record collection.  For your benefit I am playing the Gaité Parisienne - any requests?  This is a lovely afternoon.  It is raining and very dismal.  The boys are napping so I have peace.  This is really fun.  My brother-in-law and sister think I'm batty.  I keep suggesting they go out.  I enjoy the boys so much, taking care of them is no task at all.  Maybe I am just a "home-body" after all.  Anyway it is a change.  Pardon me time out for a change.

Oh say, you should see me now.  The Milwaukee Sanitarium was never like this.  Gosh, I really can fly to the head of the class.  I can now boast my diapers do stay on- Big accomplishment.

Listen Doc, give "Honey" a rest and do write me a letter.  I think you owe me one.  So you had better get busy.  I wish it would stop raining.  I am in the mood for  some golf.  Guess I'll go out with my sister tomorrow.  Care to join us?

I really must close - Baby is crying.  Must do my duty as a "mother".

As ever,

Anne

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

April 27, 1947

April 27

Dear Doc,

I really shouldn't be writing as my mood is most despondent perhaps the lovely music I am playing will cure my pains.

Arrived back Saturday at 5:00 am and found your letter.  Was indeed good hearing from you and it made the dismal morning seem pleasant.  I think I have had my fill, I really must do something different or I will be sharing bed with Mrs. Aldis.  Forgive me, I'll not say a word more.

Spent two wonderful days at home.  Seemed good sleeping until nine and the gabbing for hours over coffee.  Also played some golf but it was colder than H--  Came home and consumed a full quart of sherry which was just what we needed.  My game was unspeakable but it was fun getting out on the old course after such a long time.  Yee gads, Doc, will you ever be able to "shed" your red woolies?  Guess you will have to come to Wisconsin to enjoy the perfect climate.

Oh, De Rosenkavalier is going to be played.  Feel my spirits lifting already.

People are strange.  Considered a lengthy conversation about people but decided against it.  I'll not bore you.

Doc, I'm sorry you had to miss the Prom.  You really should have gone.  I'm sure there were many females just dying for the bid.  I'll continue tomorrow - Night!

Here it is Wednesday already and haven't done word more on this letter.

The past two days have been most pleasant so I think I shall stay home tomorrow (my day off) and do my many domestic duties.  Letter writing being tops of the list.

I really do miss Jo.  Gosh it really has been quite some time.  However, thinking about it she has been gone a month.  We haven't been away from each other for that length of time since High School.  It is possible but not much fun separated.  Perhaps we are too dependent on one another.  Second thought, we aren't at all.  It is lonely and most unnecessary - why we should not be together.  Forgive me, one of the nurses and I had a lengthy debate about the above - Gad, people have such narrow ideas.  But I shall change the subject to something less taxing.

Mrs. Aldis and I have a wonderful time together.  She is so very much better.  We have developed a very pleasing friendship.  All her life she has been unable to appreciate music, poor dear - gosh what she has missed.  Her husband died when they were only married a short time.  It made her very depressed, so she just avoided music. It is quite sad as she is a brilliant woman.  I have been teaching (desperately) her music.  Frequently we speak of the various symphony orchestras, so, Monday, grinningly she mentioned that San Fransisco Orchestra was going to be in town and asked me if I were going.  I wasn't as my budget wouldn't tolerate it.  I rather thought something was brewing.  So as I was going off duty she handed me a "token of her appreciation" and told me to take someone with me and get the best seats in the house.  That Ursula and I did and enjoyed it beyond words.  Doc, I think Monteux is wonderful - He rates along with Koussevitzky whom I thought could not be excelled.  The orchestra is touring the country so per chance they come to Boston don't miss it.  Cesar Fransk's D Minor Symphony was masterly performed.  I'm sorry you were not here.  I would have loved taking you.  I get so tired of doing such wonderful things with women.  Ursula is a darling girl, please don't get me wrong.  She and Jo are the only exceptions.

Must go to dinner - excuse me, more later.

Can't say I feel much better after our dinner, however, we must be satisfied.  I'd loved some lobster right now.  Reading the Atlantis Monthly I found the most wonderful recipe for lobster sauce, I must admit it is a rare thing for the monthly to be including recipes. Sounds good and the next time I get home I'll have to prepare it.  Don't laugh, Doc, I can cook - and love it.

By the way, tell me, about the race with AIC.  I am still holding the letter to return it as you asked - Say here's a good idea, I'll enclose the recipe for the sauce - Something for added flavor.  Sincerely though, I hope I won't have to. I'm sure you will come through with flying colors.

Speaking of flying, have you done any flying as of late?  Or have you really kept your promise to your mother to be good?

Have been trying most unsuccessfully to read Arthur Koestler's "Thieves in the Night".  I will .... or "blow" trying.

Soon school will be over.  Will you be relieved?  Need I ask?

Gosh, man, don't you get tired of this  raving?

By the way, you may retract immediately the pun, "Can't see the change of several years."  I'm referring to your remarks about the photos sent, after all, if you do not like them you may return "said photos" and forever hold you peace for more photos. I'll not have such remarks passed in regards to perfectly good intentions.  So now, what do you have to say for yourself?  I hope you realize I'm kidding I really don't give a d-- what anyone thinks.

Yes, the Boston Pops give the first concert Tuesday evening. Did you go?  I wanted to hear it but had to attend church.  So I'm hoping you will tell me about it.  Reading Dahl's "Boston", I'm wondering if I want to go East - Boston particularly.  Have you read it?  I'm sure not.  Don't believe the censorship would admit the circulation in the city.  I'll send you a copy (if I can find one) but please keep it undercover from the Watch and Ward Society.

Doc, are you confused?  Have I ever mentioned more than one Michael in the family?  No, he is the only one named Michael besides my dad.  Also may I say - without boasting, the picture I sent was not one of the cuter ones of him.  I'm not partial either.  I have proof.  He really is better looking than the photo.

Must close - as I have a million things to do.  Excuse the delay - but you should know by now - I am a terrible correspondent - Some "pen pal" I'd say,

As ever,

Anne

April 21, 1947

April 21

Dear Doc,

I really don't know what to say about the flowers, In fact, I still can't believe it and every time I look at them,  I think about you and wonder if they really are from you.  You are sweet remembering.  It does mean a great deal, more than you realize.  Thank you, Doc, for them, I send you a "peachy kiss" via the mail - which I think is a mighty poor via, however that is the best I can do right now.

This will be a short note.  Ursula and I played some terrific tennis the afternoon after getting off duty. Gosh, I am stiff.  More tomorrow.

Hope you have received a decent letter from me - the short noes are dull.

Thanks, Doc, you are a dear - 

With love

Anne

April 17, 1947

Thursday

Dear Doc,

I have been wanting to write you for quite some time but honestly I have been busy, really busy.  Mores. Ladies, my patients has been desperately ill.  Gosh, I thought she was a goner.  She is much better and now I can breathe easily again.  Enough about her, heavens I see her all day.  I hate special duty, never would I go on it unless to nurse a charming young man with vitality.

Jo is not at home, she is staying with Elinor in Valparaiso.  The Stevens' family has a wonderful addition.  A boy, who Jo writes is a darling.  I'm anxious to see him.  Guess I'll go down for the  week-end.

Oh Doc, let me tell you about the Roller Derby, better still I'll send the rules so you may get some idea of the game.  It's wonderful fun.  You'd love it.  Really is more exciting than the wrestling matches we attended in S.A.  It gets pretty rough when the women start slugging each other and pulling hair.  Oh boy, just my meat!  The skaters travel at a terrific rate of speed.  Oh yes, another good thing about the Derby - Beer  - plenty of good cold beer is served ---- Have you little wonder?

I surmised your letter was written with a new Reynolds "ball point" pen.  I have been trying to resist temptation to buy one but now I'm convinced.  They are too "thick".

Good heavens, Doc, you have no reason for feeling badly about the prom invitations.  I'm sure you shall have no difficulty "rounding" up a date.  Say how about "Honey"? I'd love to come but if it can't be arranged there is nothing to be done.  So I shall say no more. Have a good time and tell me all about it, if you'd like.

Hope it is nothing serious with your mother.

Explain what you mean by "I'm a damn Yankee and the blood runs deep."  I've never heard that expression.  Haven't heard about Damn Yankees since S.A.  Got this piece of so called poetry from a long lost friend who is still stuck there.  I consider it all the untruth.  Guess I'll write one on the virtues. I have plenty to say on S.A., I mean.

I must tell you about Ursula, one of the nurses.  She is a German refugee and oh, what a fine, sincere person.  Monday she and I attended the concert.  Heard the Chicago Symphony.  Was De Fauve's last concert with the orchestra and I think his best.  Saw him once before but thought he was rather dull and flat, not flat musically - but disinteresting.  (I'm having a slight difficulty with disinteresting).  The program was fine and the company superb.  We really had fun. It really is a pleasure being with her.  She know music very well, plays the piano beautifully - having given several concerts in Germany and also while she was in a concentration camp.  I tell you, man, she's fascinating.

I don't know how long I shall continue working at the sanitarium. Probably until the later of May.  Being is I really need a vacation.  Don't know what I want to do but this I know - I'm going someplace I've never been before to do something different.  Feel rather weary - which is a signal for a change.

The beer, scotch party sounds like fun.  I'm dying to go on a good stinko party.  I want to get all out of my system.  Something to compensate for the months of quiet living.  Mother had a charming little party for me when I was home, one martini and I was ready for bed. Incidentally, Doc, I am 21.  It was sweet of you to remember - you see, I read Jo's letter.  Feels no different but I can drink beer with a clear conscience. 

I'm dead - must get to bed - will write more tomorrow - Night!

Friday

Just got off duty and I've made myself very comfortable in bed so I shall continue as I am going to the Derby this evening.  Sunday is the last day so I'm going to get as much of it as I can.

Guess I've been doing a lot of photo promising so I shall submit.  These are some "right queer" ones we took while at the cottage last fall.  Was a good afternoon - very pleasant.  Jo and I were demonstrating some of wrestler Morallis's famous last holds.  That is Michael with us.  He's darling, don't you think?  Guess I was saying "peaches."

No rest for the wicked, Doc, so I will have to leave for now.  Must go down to the village before dinner.  Excuse please!

Returned and I shall try to make a favorable attempt at finishing this so as I can mail it.

It is raining - not violets either.  I got pleasantly soaked but it was good.  I enjoy walking in the rain, I have fond recollections of many fine times in the rain with you - Remember the evening we  walked to Evie's and stopped for fruit - some of Burbank's freak creations.  What was it?  Plum and something else - can't remember!  Was fun - Sometimes I think of some of the crazy things we all did and really wonder - We really did just as we pleased - not really caring what anyone thought.  That is as it should be - I'm a firm believer in doing as one thinks best for oneself.  Something or anything that will make that person happy.  Because you know, what might mean or bring happiness may not necessarily be happiness for someone else.  That is a poor way of saying what I want to say but I guess you can gather what I'm trying to convey.  Don't mean hurting others to please our own desires, because if it is a good, noble intention it will be good for us as well as others.  Heavens, how did I get started?

I've said my bit - 

Received a letter from the doctor.  He has quite a practice in progress.  For the present he has his office in the Medical Arts Bld.  You know where it is, do you not?  Same place Jo had her tonsils removed.  He is well and happy.  I'd like very much to see him.  It's unfortunate there are such few people like doctor in the sorted place we live.

Tell me, have you heard from Bill?

You asked about Ruth, she is still at Holff and Marx. In the Junior Section.  Oh boy, what a junior!  Guess she's alright, haven't heard from her - news via Evie.  She's a good kid, a lot of fun.  She certainly had some rough times.  Ah ha, Bandera - 

I really must close - Be good - Write soon

As ever

Anne