Sept 17, 1943. The woman stuck in the toilet seat (Sylvia to Alex)

I am going back to the early letters now and trying to approach this story in a more organized fashion than I have in the past.

It’s interesting to see this letter from 1943 because it feels like an early letter. There are questions about how Alex looks in his uniform, and making friends and whether he brought his chess book. She reminds him that “You mustn’t forget how to play – it’s to uphold the honor of the navy – and Brooklyn!” She asks about what training he’ll receive in the Navy, and notes about how Sylvia is using her money.

I’m particularly fond of the part where she lists jokes for him that he can tell. Overall, the letter is pretty light hearted and feels like a new chapter as they venture into a long distance relationship (he’s training in Sampson, NY, which is up near at the finger lakes near boarder with Canada).

Darling Sailor Boy –

This afternoon mail brought a second letter from you, to my great delight. When the mailman came at two o’clock, something made me ask him if there was anything for me – and I was never so surprised as when he said there was. 

You say that you were very exhausted the first night in camp, and babe, that had me worried, as I know you can work very hard and not feel tired. What sort of work did you have to do there? 

How does the uniform look on you? Do you look good? I’ll bet you do!

Page 2. 

Golly, $114 worth of clothes sounds like a lot of clothes, Let’s hope it’s worth the cost. What about laundries?

Babe, itw as goo to hear that you found two nice companions. When you’re ready for the set of chess, let me know and we’ll have it sent right out. Did you take your chess book? You mustn’t forget how to play – it’s to uphold the honor of the navy – and Brooklyn! And Adrienne! And me! Also, darling, if you need anything else, please let me know, otherwise I’ll be sending you something you don’t need. By the way, don’t forget to send the color, style, and size of your sweater

Page 3. So that Tante Drashe[?] Can start it right away. A picture of it too, if you can. The chief officer Mr. McCane sounds nice. I’m glad to hear that he’ll plains[sic] everything carefully. You see, dear, I was a little worried about any language difficulty arising but everything seems to be working out well. 

Have you any idea yet about what you will be trained for in the Navy? Let me know whne you find out. 

As for Baby and me, everything’s fine. She’s delightful, and keeps me well occupied during teh days so I don’t have too much time to moon around about you. 

Page 4. However, this morning she had me worried as she took only 2 teaspoonfuls of cereal – and she was crankyish all day long. She vomited all her food up after one teaspoonful of cereal tonight, drank her milk and fell fast asleep. I guess she’ll be ok now, but if she’s the same way tomorrow, I’ll call Dr. Mendell and see what she says. (Her bowel movement is ok.)

I must have mentioned this in my other letter, but this business of living here in Brooklyn is working out better than I expected. So far, no serious complaints. There’s always a lot of excitement here from the yentes who hate being called Yentes.

Page 5. They spill water on each other and curse like hell. I enjoy it all but mustn’t laugh at it when they’re around. It’s fun!

Mom had to pay the rest, so I gave her $15 towards the rent and $15 for the food. That’s $30, which left $25.00. I sent Bertie Schneider $5.00, and paid $4.50 for the radio. I hope that K.V. sends the rent money to me, because I don’t want to touch the $100 check. Baby must have some winter shirts and winter pajamas, as from the day you left until today, it’s been very cold, especially at night. 

I’m sending your mom a card tonight

Page 6. Telling her that you’re ok. Have you written to her yet? I wish there was someplace I could call Serena or Anna or someone. We’re all expecting them Sunday. 

I wrote my brother Al today and started writing your address, but didn’t have it with me, so I left a space, intending to fill it in later, but very cleverly sealed the letter before doing so. Anyway, his address is

Pvt. Albert Kotin 32,9. 97, 768

4th Platoon

Co. A – 4th Bn – ERTC

Fort Belvoir, VA

Page 7

Do you have time to tell jokes out there? Do you remember them? 

1 – the Bean Joke (farting)

2. The naked girl on Bicycle

3. The priest who was a mother

4. The woman stuck in the toilet seat

5 – The horse jokes

More jokes later – 

Did you meet Al and Bernie at Camp? 

Please write again dear, very soon. Love and more love

Adrienne and Sylvia

P.S. Do they offer any religious services?

Syl

P.P.S. Your breakfast sounded good. How’s the rest of their food. What about socks and handkerchiefs and stuff? 

Until your furlough, love,

From Sylvia

Friday Morning

Mom put on her dress backwards this morning and we both expected a surprise. Then came Railway Express with a package frmo you – and we both grabbed and opened it so excitedly – to see your underwear, socks, etc. We’re both still laughing over it. You spoiled me when you took other trips and sent back presents. 

Love, Sylvie