Sept 17, 1943: Sylvia to Alex’s Parents

After Sylvia received Alex’s first letters she wrote a short postcard to his mother (who she calls mom). She addresses it to Mrs. David Rosner, Alex’s dad (and what he named his son, my dad).

Her summary of the letters is the rare chance to see what she took away and relays to someone outside of their relationship. Seeing as Alex made it clear he had little time to write, it’s very considerate and sweet that she took it upon herself to write. They’re living on the Lower East Side, on Orchard Street, at this time, and Sylvia is writing from her parents’ house in Brooklyn. I love how casual and intimate their relationship feels when she writes “Adrienne and I are expecting you all on Sunday. Don’t fail us. How’s Pop?” She sends this note off for 1c.

Dear Mom – Alex wrote me a short note saying that he’s fine, but very tired. He rode all night before they got to camp and he couldn’t sleep. He got his uniforms, but won’t tell me what he looks like. The food is swell, so far, and plentiful. He said he’d write you too. Adrienne and I are expecting you all on Sunday. Don’t fail us. How’s Pop? Love from Baby and me

Alex sends his love to all of you. His address is:

Alex Rosner – A.S. …

I found their address at 2 Orchard Street on Google Maps and the same building they lived in still stands. The red door is the entrance and it looks like a 5 story walk up building. I’m not sure which apartment they lived in but my quick look on Street Easy shows renovated apartments that don’t give much insight into what they would have looked like 80+ years ago. The building was constructed in 1900 and currently has 12 units.

Here is a detail from one apartment with a ceiling that seems to have survived the most recent renovations:

(For those of you who are curious, the apartments last rented for between $2,700 and $4,000 per month now. Oh la la, exposed brick!)