May 27, 1942 - Dear Audrey
I still am not sure what is required of me up there.
Well there's nothing to worry about... for now. But just wait until there's another 24-hour pass and he's right back to panic. It is taboo for women to control what happens to their bodies. To choose and have access to birth control - which has been developed and is a "thing" in 1942; it's not available or acceptable. Not even for married ladies. So it's not "if"!!! And with all those questions, he'll have a good, long letter coming back. Especially after all the kisses. Check out all those Xs. Note that Eddy is Mom's brother. Not sure if he's been drafted or if he's still at the farm in Boxborough. But glad he's getting someplace. And tear this letter up - haha. He could go on and on (don't get him started on Army life) but doesn't have the paper. Tune in tomorrow for U.S.O. paper?
Original Letter
Transcript follows.
Jersey Bounce
Were you wondering about the Jersey Bounce? I did find Benny Goodman's version but it didn't have the zip that Dad describe so, here's Earl Bostic.
The Boston Globe - May 27, 1942
The turn out for W.A.A.C.s is impressive but note - it is no place for babies. So birth control, right?? NO! Honorable discharge. This "world war" is getting around as Brazil enters the fray. The Nazis in Kharkov battling Russions and Mussolini buggering France the war is in full swing. Mr. Ickes does not bring good news regarding gas rationing. But tires? Maybe?
The Boston Globe - Evening
I am such a fan of Emily Saltonstall. She is the Massachusetts governor's daughter. First in line (figuratively) to join the Army. To support the war effort. To serve her country. All with shoes that look very uncomfortable. Then there's the defiant Madeline Webb. Accused in the murder of Mrs. Susie Flora Reich. Spoiler - she will get life in prison with no parole on June 19th while her accomplices get the electric chair. And speaking of electric chair, if anyone deserves that it's the gestapo HANGMAN. Better aim next time. Let's get this war over with.
Women Recruits
Emily Saltonstall
If anyone is qualified for the Army - it's Emily! She was leader in the Ladies Auxiliary Fire Department of the Massachusetts Women's Defense Corp. The Boston Globe covered her as front page news. Check out our April 17th post.
Meanwhile in Hartford...
Very controversial Dorothy Dix - let those kids make it on their own. Tough stance. Note that Social Security has been around for a few years so not widely accepted or tested. And not included in her discussion. This war is really wreaking havoc on attitudes. And people are dealing with the rationing, shortages, blackouts but cold boiled tongue??? Really? Damn you Hitler.
Transcript - May 27, 1942
Bat H - 9th C.A., Fort Banks
Dear Audrey,
Now that I know there is nothing to worry about, I can assume a different attitude. A “I know what I was doing all the time” attitude. I can brag about how well I’ve been playing my cards. My poor wife is bewildered but I keep as cool as a cucumber. Just like rolling off a log. Just between you and I though, I was real scared. I couldn’t keep my mind on the work to be done. My heart and mind were miles away in East Hartford. I almost took off under the fence to see you. So little do I know about mother nature that I had you sick in bed by last Sat. I couldn’t see how you could catch up on your knitting. How’s your new suit? Does it fit you and look nice?
I’m glad to hear Eddy is enjoying himself and also getting someplace. Someday I’ll buy you a whole orange grove. (don’t forget to tear this letter up after you read it. I don’t want any promises like that down in green and white. You might try to black mail me or something. In fact, I think I had better look thru all those letters you have. I might have promised to marry you or something else equally as foolish. You could take all my money away from me.)
We had that colored band over to play tonite at chow. Wow! Can they go. The whole building shakes. They can play the “Jersey bounce” good and all stop at the same time. The fellows keep them playing long after we are thru eating and they play all requests. They played a polka, but not very good. It is not their style.
I think I’ll give up playing hard baseball. Not only is it too strenuous but I bruised my hand today. My hands are too soft. It is something that never happened before and I should be ashamed to admit it. Do you think I’m getting old?
We are going to have night drill tonight and as usual I’m not looking forward to it. I don’t get enough sleep as it is without going up there. We don’t do anything. We are supposed to have extensive training to get in shape for our target practice in June but it’s a joke sometimes. We’ve stood around hours and all we did was indulge in a little horseplay. There are more jokes tossed around up there. I still am not sure what is required of me up there. If I ask any one they tell me not to worry, so where am I, you tell me. If I should start out on this Army life again and I almost did, it would last for at least 2 or 3 more pages and I don’t want to do that and besides I have not got the paper. I had to borrow this. I think I’ll go over and see what kind of paper the U.S.O. has to offer.
As I said last night, I don’t know what is going to happen this weekend. I might be able to arrange to have a 24-hour pass seeing the following day is Sunday. Or I can come down anyway and take my chances getting in under the fence. I can’t decide whether the last is worthwhile. I am going to look into this officers training school and I don’t want a black record behind me.
Besides how do I know how you will treat me. You might decide to be mean to me then what will I do. But I’m only kidding about the last. You wouldn’t be mean to me, would you? I love you very much and hope I can figure some way to see you. I’m saving a little of my love until I see you but here is what’s left.
Love
Leonard
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Next letter tomorrow, May 28, 1942
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