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 … Continue reading
Sept 15, 1943 – Alex’s first long letter “You ought to see me in my uniform”
This is the letter that Sylvia was responding to in the last letter I posted from her. Look at the beautiful flourish on Sylvia’s name on the envelope! Alex has … Continue reading
Sept 15 1943 Alex arrives at Training Camp
Today I’m sharing this short letter that Alex sent the first day he arrived at his training near Lake Geneva. He notes that no one else is writing a letter … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
Happy New Year 2025
It’s hard to believe that 11(!) years ago I posted a letter from New Year’s eve 1944-1945. Exactly 80 years ago now. I’m sharing that letter anew today. Since originally … Continue reading
Happy Birthday, Grandpa Alex
Happy birthday, Grandpa! I think you would have been 111 years old today. I really still miss you. I love that we almost share a birthday and yours goes right … Continue reading
Dearly Beloved S.O.B.!
Happy holidays! Today we’ve got a letter from the strange liminal week between Christmas and New Years. This letter from Sylvia is great because it’s interrupted by some visiting neighbors … Continue reading
Think of all the ugly things about me
I love that in this letter Sylvia warns Alex not to idealize her. She has imposter syndrome about her relationship! It’s an interesting side effect of correspondence and prolonged absence: … Continue reading
Why should I develop those horrible bourgeois traits!
Happy Thanksgiving! Today, in honor of the chaotic consumerism that is Black Friday, we have a letter from Sylvia written the week after Thanksgiving expressing some jealousy of her neighbor’s … Continue reading
Tonsorial Operation [aka Haircuts!]
A short letter from Alex about keeping your head up, waiting, and haircuts. Nov 8, 1944 Dearest lover of mine, Another day has gone by and we still are here … Continue reading
