I cheered myself up by buying 2 pairs of stockings and a compact. (Sylvia) Sept 23, 1943

This is a letter I typed up but neglected to post earlier. In this short one, we get to hear Sylvia’s reaction to her brother’s letter a day or so earlier. She relays his depressed tone, and send Alex his mailing address. Sylvia was also clearly hurt that Alex was angry about their missed phone communication and she did some retail therapy (stockings and makeup). I think there may be a missing letter, lost to time, where Alex mentions not having enough time to poop and sends Adrienne a stuffed goat that Sylvia references in this letter. I wish I could see both the toy and the baby playing with it, as I’m sure Alex wished.

Sylvia to Alex Thurs (Sept 23, 1943) 7PM

Dear Babe,

Cookie started pulling the beard of the Nanny – Goat as soon as she saw him. She stared at it for a long while, studying it very seriously, and then smiled. Her hands flew up and landed on his beard, and she tugged and tugged. She had it until I gave her her bath tonight, when I had to pull it from her by force. She’s sleeping now, her head next to the goat’s, and it’s a picture to delight your heart! It was a beautiful gift, sailor. 

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She’s a real sailor’s daughter, especially in her bath. She loves it. She kicks and laughs and talks and spits. Spits I said!

I’m all knocked out after running around the stores looking for a dress. There was absolutely nothing! So I’ll try one of these neighborhood stores. Wish me luck, honey. 

Rec’d a letter from my brother Al and he sounds very depressed. Says he can’t keep up to the other guys in physical endurance tests and he feels badly about it. His address is:

Pvt. Albert Kotin 

4th Platoon, Co. A-4th Bn. ERTC

Fort Belvoir, Va

He says he’s always being hustled – there’s no time to rest, think, breathe, or smoke. That’s bad, but not as bad as when you are where there’s no time to take a crap! I can’t get over that, babe. And I hope you have gotten over the fever and are feeling better. 

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This afternoon I cheered myself up by buying 2 pairs of stockings and a compact. After your letter this morning, which upset me, I felt I needed a drink or something. So I brought those things, and it helped. 

Babe, I’m anxious to hear about your training so let me know soon. 

Until you call tomorrow, honey, have all my love,

Sylvia