Sept 21, 1943 Alex to Sylvia: “I hope you won’t develop some of those yenta attitudes, you know how I hate that.”

Sometimes the tones of these letters are so strikingly different because they keep getting the wires crossed (literally). Sylvia last wrote to Alex to say how thrilled and excited she was to talk to him on the phone, and that she might be able to visit. But Alex begins his letter with frustration over the fact that she wasn’t at her sister’s (Sadie) and her husband’s (Charlie) house in time for his call. I just think about how often I’m late when trying to hustle my kids out the door and feel bad for Sylvia worrying about missing Alex’s call. Because so many letters remind her of where to be or to write back, I sometimes get the sense that she may be a little flakey – missing appointments, arriving late, leaving out details… But I have a hunch this reflects more on the men writing to her than on her behavior. Alex is living by a strictly regimented schedule, and Sylvia is parenting alone in NYC. I have a friend who is doing the same and sticks to a strict schedule, only to have it thrown off by naptimes and diaper emergencies.

There are a few words that seem almost purposefully messy in the letter and I’m immensely curious about what “interesting” topic the “boys” behind him were talking about that he just couldn’t stay out of. I’ve zoomed in on the words “explaining [??] systems” and just can’t figure it out. Any ideas out there, internet?

Alex also tells Sylvia to “go and see Bernstein!” I don’t remember if that’s her doctor’s name and since she doesn’t mention her health in the earlier letters, I wonder what provoked the command. Maybe I’m assuming everyone is a doctor because I know Sylvia – only in her 20s – is already in the last ten years of her life.

Alex has had his shots and tests and hair shaved off. He morbidly points out that he’s no longer “barber bait” but navy men post-haircut become “shark bait.”

Will Alex get the library detail he hopes for during the work week? I’m sure we’ll find out soon!

Monday 1900 Naval Time 

Evening 7PM

Dearest wife,

I was so angry last night that at the beginning it spoiled the fun of speaking to you. I called and you weren’t there I heard Charlie say you would be there in 10 minutes so when you got there you should have called the long distance operator whose number she should have left with Charlie and I would have got the call, well like it was I wasted a lot of time waiting till I cancelled he call and made the new one, because I knew things were gummed up at your end of the line. Well, live and learn, Friday I’ll call you around 7:30 to 8PM be there we shall save money and aggravation. 

Here things are going fairly well, we had our tests and I am a “skin head” that is I had the G.I. haircut. Till now we were called “barber bait” where few go out they call “shark bait” and so on. 

We had a lecture today, usual drill, morning exercises and general work of keeping gear and barracks clean. 

The uniform looks fine on me, but it is too much to get a photograph, you got to stay in line for hours. Well if I’ll be in humor to do it, just to make you happy I’ll get it. I’ve just met Al from [??] Village Pauline’s husband, he is trying to fix me up for a library detail when the Company goes on work week. 

Page 2

This morning I’ve received one letter from you and it made me feel very good to read about home. I hope you won’t develop some of those yenta attitudes you know how I hate that. 

I am very distracted because while writing I have a group of boys around me having a very interesting discussion and you know I wouldn’t stay out of it. One boy is particularly good in explaining [???] systems. 

Jim Griesi wrote me a letter and it seems that Mr Carey suspended couple of the boys. Though lucks enough to take the heart out of anyone. He didn’t tell me why.

Tomorrow we are going for our interview and will let you know how I made out. This interview will decide what kind of training I shall get. Also tomorrow, another needle against typhoid for good prospects for tomorrow. 

My love, write and let me know what’s going on  .Go and see Bernstein! Don’t neglect yourself. 

I’ve just received my pay $5.00 out of which they took out $2.48 for haircut, book, shoe repair, taylor shop. We will get another pay of $5– during my stay here. This pay they call it the “flying fine” because they take it away with the other hand I have some 11 or 12 box so don’t worry about me sweetheart. 

That is all for tonight, be good think of me, and give my love to the little one whom I also love so much. Alex