Sept 20, 1943 (Alex) “You can’t worship a goddess in rags”
This loving and detailed letter feels like the first one where their distance is more prominent. Alex goes into detail about his life at the camp (which he corrects is … Continue reading
Sept 20, 1943 “Your call knocked me off my feet” (Sylvia part 2/2)
This was a complicated letter to put together, transcribe, and get translated from multiple languages. But we get multiple perspectives of the day and many voices assuring Alex that all … Continue reading
Sept 20, 1943: when I’m alone I get morbid. Will write you what I do and when, if ever. (Sylvia, 1 of 2 parts)
Sylvia is waiting with Adrienne for Alex’s parents and siblings to arrive. Adrienne is all dressed up for the occasion and this letter is mostly her idle observations of the … Continue reading
Sept 17, 1943 “They come of course from the city and are more alert.” (Alex)
I was really torn about whether to title this post with the quote from this letter: “this is the flap that goes down when you want to use your dickey.” … 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
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
Thursday will now be a word of magic for me
Happy Thursday! Here’s a sweet letter from Sylvia who sounds a bit giddy from playing with Adrienne and having talked to (in her words, “kibbutzed”) with neighbors all day long. … Continue reading
Happy New Year!
Below is a letter to Alex that everyone in the family contributed to on New Years Eve, 1944-5. Some are written in Hungarian and Sylvia wishes for victory and the … Continue reading
Beauty Parlors and Weddings
We are going back a few years in this letter, to the time before Sylvia moved into her apartment in the Brooklyn Navy Yard projects. This letter is particularly gossipy … Continue reading
That’s me pushing a broom
This letter is from the U.S. Naval Training Station in Sampson, New York. Alex wrote it to Sylvia in 1943. My darling A week from today I’ll be in your … Continue reading
