Johnstown PA, May 8th 1956

Mrs. Gini (redacted)
4919 (redacted) Drive
Washington 16, D.C.

Tues. 2 A. M.

My Darling-

Guess what? Your letters came. Let me fill you in.

After i mailed your letter I had breakfast and then came back here looking for Buddy. I waited around a while and he finally came in around 7 P.M. Apparently he thought I'd gone away when he looked in my room earlier but I was in he shower. Well, anyway, I was sure glad to see him as I was dreading spending a lonely nite here by myself. I'd thought perhaps that he'd hopped the plane for D. C. to go visit Kitty. I suggested that we go to Pittsburg. He said o. k. but why don't we go to

-2-

Campanella's Italian Restaurant first and dig some spaghetti. That we did. By the time we got back from there it was 9 P.M. So w agreed that it was too late for Pittsburg. (75 miles). We then decided to visit the Forest Park Club. A place where Buddy played here in Johnstown several years ago. It's  kind of on the outskirts of town so we changed our clothes and got shaved and stuf. Buddy was dress before I was so he told me to meet him downstairs at the Towne House, a restaurant as he had to make a phone call. When I finally came downstairs he was waiting for me in the entrance to the Mell O Dee and he greeted me with "guess what I've got?"

-3-

With that he withdrew from his pocket a sheaf of letters among which were two  for me-your two. Everything was ok then. I put them both in my pocket with the idea of prolonging the moment when I finally talked to my girl on the written page.

Then we went to Forest Park. The owner was glad to see us and was rather hurt because we didn't come to him first before booking the Mell O Dee.  Actually Buddy tried  to get the agent to book us there when we first got through at Hagerstown but the stinker for some reason told us that Forest Park was in bad shape and couldn't afford us. The exact

-4-

opposite is true. and if we'd only contacted For. Pk. directly we could have been playing there now instead of this hole. They also  supply the bands with  rooms and food too and for what the trio that replaced us at the Vogue Room said, the food was pretty fabulous. They went to the vogue directly  from Forest Pk.

Oh! I forgot. When Buddy went downstairs to the restaurant to make his phone call, the bar tender handed him our mail, apparently when this place is closed, they leave the mail at the restaurant.(No connection with the Mell O Dee) We stayed at For. Pk, till about 12 A.M. (we were the only ones there) Band's night off.

-5-

and then we came back to town had some eggs  and then back here and now you are up to date Sweetie pie!

I don't think I mentioned it Honey, but I picked up a hairbrush I Plainfield for 1 buck. It is all nylon bristle with a Lucite ( Methyl Methacrylate) handle. Tonight is the first time that I've been able to wear the clasp and cuff links since I last saw you. I wore my brown suit and they lent the finishing touch.

Before I got your letters  tonight, when I was  waiting for Buddy to return, I got out my Allegheny Airlines timetable and started working the flights

-6-

between Johnstown and D. C, there are two flights a day in each diretion. One leaves here 11:14 A. M.  and gets in at National Airport at 1:04 in the afternoon. The other leaves here at 9:29 P.M. and hits D.C. at10:50. Coming back the flights for John.  leave at 8:55 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. respectively with comparable travel times. Golly, how I'd like to hop one and meet my girl at the airport. Just dreaming sweetheart.

Gini, the letter you mailed on the 5th, a Saturday reached me on the 7th. Perhaps if the connections are right  letter can go in one day from D. C. to Jst. although  the one you mailed on Thurs. got here the same time apparently.

-7-

Where do you find such poetry dear? They sound like they were made for us. And the stamp bit, I'd heard about that but had never seen or received a letter with them inverted. Such things I'm learning in my old age.

It;s funny Hon, I think I closed my letter to you last evening with almost the identical words that you closed your letter of Thurs. And I hadn't even seen the thing yet. What's workin here sis? Read both of your letters twice as soon as I opened them and I'm sure that I'll be reading the again before I get your next one.

-8-

I don't know whether I mentioned it baby, but they are cutting back on the entertainment here next week. The show is going to be presented on Sat. only. They've also let the sheff go as he was getting a rather large  salary and the kitchen wasn't doing enough business to justify itself.

Excuse me Pet, but I'm starting to droop. I'll put a  tag on this later today when I finally shake the sleep out of my eyes. Nite X X ( never mind how many, they're real)

Tues 2:30 P.M.

Greetings Kitten,

Here we are 12 hours later I'm going to go get breakfast  now mail this and look for your next letter. I think I'll take in the movie this afternoon. The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit is playing and Buddy saw it and said it was very good.

I would really like to have a picture of your gardening efforts Babe. I can picture you at work in those surroundings right now. It is a beautiful cloudless day here and I wonder if it is the same there. I'd like to take  a long walk with you through the park or hilly glade where the trees are just now putting on their summer garb. Until later then Gini. I'll say keep your little chin up. I'll be seeing you before too long.

Affectionately

Your,

Norm

Washington D.C. May 7th 1956

Norman (redacted)
c/o The Buddy Rocco 3
The Mell O Dee Club
209 Franklin St.
Johntown, PA

Sunday 11:30 AM

HI my Dearest Angel,

What a beautiful, beautiful day. It's  warm and bright and the birds are singing. I'm having my  breakfast on the patio while I write. I have on charcoal grey shorts & light grey blouse with a yellow sweater- what a silly girl I am sure you aren't interested in  what I'm wearing. Mother is digging in her flowers & Daddy is  washing  his car- a nice peaceful Sunday Morning with just the Harveys around. I wish there was one Norman Elliott to make my happiness complete.

I have more work to do darling- Making money like crazy- No- it's just a telephone survey tonight- after Ed Sullivan Show- I have to call almost 50 people at random out of the phone book and ask them if they saw the commercials, etc. I've done several of these before four Young & Rubicam. After you do so many you automatically get a pay increase- I should be about due. This month my payment will be considerably less as one of  the big jobs (you know the one with all the maps) is only done twice a year.

-2-

Tomorrow I have a busy schedule- We vote  for the first time in Md.  My first time to vote as I was living in D. C. when I was 21 and never got home at the right time to register.

Then I have to deliver my work to Mrs Hines & Elaine is coming for lunch Aunt Cathy & Connie- and I have a (unreadable) wash to do. I don't think the day will be long enough for everything.

Gimme a kiss Darling X. Hold me tight-take my breath away- I miss you- I love to talk to you sweetheart. I wish I was rich so we could have a direct line- we would never get anything done would we? Perry Como sang The Rosary last night and I cried. " the hours  I spend with you, dear heart, are but a string of pearls to me" My darling- 16 more days until I can hold you close.

Monday-12:30

Sweetheart,

Just finished reading your letter, except that it was a little cool, I loved it.It's so much better when I can talk to you Angel. You always say the right things.

-3-

I'm so glad  you got your check cashed without any more trouble- I meant to ask you Sat when I called, but I got carried away as usual.

It's a dismal, showery day here, cool, and real sticky. I've been over to Hines to deliver my survey this morning. I am waiting for Elaine to arrive. She didn't even tell me when- maybe she won't come- I hope- I've been cleaning closets and arranging summer clothes- wish I had some new ones. Can't afford them- Have to vote yet today. Nothing on for this eve. I have some paperwork to do that will keep me occupied.

We are invited to a birthday party for a friend of ours Wed. night and as much as I like the crowd I don't feel like going they are my best friends and I hate to have to pretend in front of them.

Yesterday afternoon, Dad, Mother and I, took a friend of Daddy's to the airport to catch a plane back to Milwaukee- He was here for some shrine doings and it was all I could do to keep from hopping on that little ole Allegheny Airlines to you. We went into the cocktail lounge for some beer/wine and it was

-4-

sitting right under the window waiting to take off. It's a good thing  I left my money home or I would have been there, as is, without a change of clothes. We got home  about 7:30 and I had time to eat before Ed Sullivan. Bob was too busy waxing the car to go along- who needs it.

I hope things are going more smoothly for you dear- is the show running more smoothly?  When they leave will there be another show? Give me the scoop Darling.

Did you go to Pittsburg today? How I wish I was with you. I wish you were as close as Al is to Waynesboro for one.

Please pick a better ending for your letters Darling- I'm far form an old girl. Maybe I seem like one, but I can assure you I don't feel like one.

King Cole sang "Little Girl" on Sullivan's show last nite. I wish you felt  like that about me-

I'll be looking for your next letter Angel- I love you

                                                   Your,

                                                           Kitten

Johnstown PA, May 7th 1956

Mrs Gini (redacted)
4919 Westway Dr.
Washington D.C.

Mon 5 PM

Sweetheart - Boy am I  fit to be tied. This damned place is closed on Mondays and nobody comes near it. I know for sure that your mail must have reached here by now bu I'm a S.O.B. if I know how the hell to get at it. It would certainly help me if I could read one of your dear  notes Honey. Guss I'll have to go back to some of the old ones.

Al took off for Waynesboro rather early I guess, and when I got up  he was gone. I took a shower and then when I got back to my room Buddy was gone. Then I went to breakfast and now here I am back at the room. I hope to x!&%  I hope  he comes back, as I'll be damned if I relish spending this nite alone

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in this dump. I would have liked to take a ride to Pittsburg and look it over but I don't have any desire to do so alone. If my kitten was only here and I could only hold her in my arms for a while!

They're cutting down on the shows here next week. They're only going to have acts on Saturday nits for a while. They fired the sheff yesterday too, I guess the place is on the verge of insolvency. Pray they'll  have the loot to pay us off every week. Oh well, if they don't I guess I can  always pack down to Washington till the storm passes. I'll write more later.

Your very own- 

Norm   X

Washington D.C. May 5th 1956

 Mr. Norman (redacted)
c/o The Buddy Rocco
The Mell O Dee Club
209 Franklin St.
Johnstown, PA.

Saturday 9:30 AM

Sweetheart,

It's another beautiful morning and I plan to get outside and work in the yard today- One of our neighbors little boys is going to cut the grass- it's so thick  & long I couldn't push the mower through it. He has a power mower so it will be easy- I'm going to do the trimming & weed pulling. I want to get  a roll of color film and I'll send you a  picture. Our azaleas are beautiful such a vibrant red this year and also pink & white ones. The pink and white dogwood trees on the patio are beautiful too.

How did you make out with your check Darling? I hope you won't get in any trouble. It was so wonderful to hear your voice my Angel- I was writing you a letter last Sunday when I wok you. I'm happy that I seem that close to you. I speak to you so often during the day Norm. I'll be riding somewhere in the car  or maybe in my room and I say- Hi darling- I'm thinking about you- I love you. 'm sorry I was so low in my letter, but after re-reading your letter- I think we were both

-2- 

in the same mood. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss you- I feel so lost- after hearing your sweet, dear voice yesterday things are a little easier- I never knew a phone could be so important- I feel so close to you- every night when I get into bed I touch the phone like you did the night you stayed at the Houston & said- My darling is just a call away- We will have to arrange a time to call, Sweetheart- So I don't call person to person- it's quite a bit more- When is the best time for you to call me- Tell me what you think of calling Sunday around 11:00  and Thursday  around 2 PM or 8 PM- The rates are cheaper on Sun. & eve. aren't they?- You call me collect and I will always be near the phone at those times- Saturday morning around 11:00 is a good time- This plan we could use then I wouldn't be calling you at all kinds of hours and you could call me from somewhere where you could talk without interruptions. Hurry and answer me Darling- if we could

-3-

be sure of talking to each other at least 2 times a week- wouldn't it make things a little easier? I know it would mean everything to me. If 11 AM is too early just tell me  what time & I'll be rright by the phone. Tell me what you thing Dearest.

Let me know how the air mail is working also- I'llmail this today airmail too. Do you know stamps upside down on  an envelope mean I love you? I feel as though I'm back in my teens- Oh how I wish I were and we were just starting life together. We have so many good years ahead of us Darling,  but I'm just a litle jealous of those we've missed.

Please Norman- don't feel bad about Mrs. W.- needing affection- She's at least known a great love and had a full happy life. What have we had? I resent any time and thought you give her- Yes, I'm jealous & and it makes me feel a little disgusted that my mother-in-law is trying to give me competition. She has plenty of dates with men her own age and sh has never stopped throwing it up to me. That I'm 3 1/2 years older than Bob, as tho' it's something to be ashamed of. I can't see where she has any right to talk.

-4-

I can imagine you got an ear full of me in the course of your conversation - She's quite a prefabricator so be careful what you believe. It took me 9 years to really know her and believe me she isn't to be trusted. I'll never lie to you darling- I hope you believe me-

I have so much to do today- wash out undies- get out some summer clothes. Start housecleaning. Wish you were here- my tasks would seem so much lighter and  (unreadable).

I miss you Darling- I want to hold you-kiss you xx Give you all my love. Tell me when you think you'll be here- We will make plans.

Have you finished Wash. Cofid. yet? Did you like it? What do you do with all your free time darling? I wish I could spend every inute with you. I'm there sweetheart in mind, if not in body.

God bless you Dearest and take care of yourself- I pray God will bless us  both and someday we will be together (do you like the poem?) Please write to me often darling. 

Always & always

Your

Gini

You and I-

My hand is lonely for your clasping; dear;

My ear is tired waiting for your call.

I want your strength to help, your laugh to cheer. 

Heart, soul and senses need you, one and all.

I droop without your full, frank, sympathy,

We ought to be together, you and I

We want each other so, to comprehend

the dream, the hope, things planned, or seen or wrought,

Companion, comforter, and guide and friend,

As much as love asks lov, dos thought ask thought.

Life is so short, so fast the lone hours fly, 

We ought to be together, you and I

         -Henry Alford

Washington DC, May 4

Friday Night

11:45

Volume I

My Sweet Darling,

Here I go again - No place to send my letters- but I had to talk to you anyway. We left around 6:10 and arrived at Aunt Sara's at 9:15. We made excellent time through Baltimore 1/2 hr- I managed to make all the lights but three. How do you go to Jersey? Route 40? We watched TV until now & I'm in bed - I just finished reading your letters - Send me some more Angel - How I love them!

I have a blue shortie gown on & sleeping on blue sheets & pillow cases - The color of your eyes, dearest. Oh oh how I miss you - I wish you were here to hold me close so gently -  How I love those quiet moments when our hearts & souls commune. Today when you held me so close and just looked into my eyes I had the feeling that something way deep inside of us became one - I said so too, didn't I Darling? I'm glad you felt it too. Words seem to be unnecessary when we are close Sweetheart. Still I can't be quiet about how I feel about you I hope you don't

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get tired of hearing it. I'm getting sleepy Darling, and I want to close my eyes and savor every precious moment we've lived together since the second day of March. Every look, caress, kiss, x x x x x x x . Goodnight my Norm, My sweet, handsome Angel.

Sunday -

12 Noon

Hi Sweetheart,

Well the big doings are all over. We had a great time. I went with Philys and Elma, two old gals whose husbands couldn't attend the banquet so it wasn't so bad. We had about 30 of our class of 120 there, which was a lot to yak at one time, and we sure did plenty of that - We had fruit juice, Roast Chester County turkey, plain filling, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, cole slaw, cranberry sauce, celery, olives, pickles, rolls & butter, coffee/tea, and ice cream & cookies, and believe me, it was delicious. I longed to have you sitting next to me, my Darling. I would have been so proud. Elma's husband couldn't attend as he was playing in  his orchestra, for a wedding. He plays clarinet and also teaches it. He started in our swing band at school too. After all the speeches, they finally cleared away all the tables 

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for dancing - One of the boys in our class writes a column for the papers here & he took pictures of us some stayed to dance and joined us later, but we left to go to the class party. I didn't want to dance with anyone but you, Sweet - so I left as fast as I could - more and more of our class arrived, that didn't attend the banquet & we talked & talked & looked at looked at a lot of pictures we had taken on our class trip. Gerald & his wife have a beautiful home & we ate more there - sandwiches, soft drinks & cake. They had over 60 people in that place & still had plenty of room. Our class president said "We sure were a seedy bunch in school, but we sure have improved with age" That was the first time I had seen him & a lot of others since the day we graduated. We talked & reminisced until 3 AM and that meant 4 AM as we lost an hour.

___________________________________________

11:30  PM

Interuptions - You are not going to be able to make much sense out of this Sweet - My Uncle & Cousin & car full just arrived from Harrisburg as I was going strong on the party.

-4-

Then Mother & I drove to Downingtown to see our cousins that used to live next door to us. Came home from there about 9 & watched TV until now. I hope to get away by 9 tomorrow morning - We are taking Stella ( the above mentioned cousin, back with us for a visit) and I have to go to work the minute I get home- I miss you so terribly my Darling. I kept hoping you would call me while I was here and then again I was afraid if I went out I would miss it if you did. I hope things are not too difficult for you Angel -  Do what I do when they get too bad - I go off to myself and think of you and how much we've given each other and just shut everything else out, but your closeness - and remember I'll always be here when you need me and I'll always try hard to understand. Hold me close my Darling - Close your beautiful eyes and let me kiss them X X - Your sweet mouth X X X X Oh Darling, I love you so - I'm going to sleep now, I can feel your arms around me pulling me close - X X X  and I will dream, at least think about the next time we find a KEY  -

-5-

Volume II

Monday 4:30 PM

Darling,

Left Pa about 9:20 and arrived in Wash. at 12 - Made better time than going up. It's like summer here and everything is in bloom. I've put on shorts for the first time today. Bob isn't at all happy I'm home. He's trying to give me a hard time.He called and started to give me a lot of lip so I hung up.With company around I am sure he is going to make everyone feel miserable. He said he was going to do just as he damned pleased and from now on I could expect him when I see him. Enough of this crap.

_______________________________

In spite of everything I'm glad to be home. I'm lying across the bed and thinking about when you were here. I feel much closer to you in surroundings we've shared. We stopped at Howard Johnson's for lunch and I looked over at our booth as if expecting to see you. Sweetheart I miss you -  I wonder what you are doing - 

Until tomorrow X X X

-6-

wednesday 4:30

My Dear Sweet Darling,

I didn't write to you yesterday - I was so blue & depressed & played our records.- & cried & cried. I guess I wont be able to listen to them anymore. We went to see "I'll Cry Tomorrow" last night and that didn't help matters any-

I need you so Norman - your sweet understanding love - I am really getting the cold treatment - not even a peck goodnight - we just go to bed and neither says a word.  It's not hurting my feelings any - I just hope and pray I'm not pregnant - I don't think I could face it without you - but there I go building a case. If I could just look into your eyes & feel your arms around me - Everything would be all right. I hoped I would have a letter today - I need to hear from you Darling. Have you forgotten me already? I'm so afraid you will. I wish I could call you! I wish I could see you - oh this is getting me no-where - I wont write anymore until I get over this blue feeling - Have I lost you? I feel so empty - and it's only been 5 days since you held me close- It seems like 5 years, this trying to pretend I'll see you in a few more days just doesn't work. When will I see you Angel?

-7-

I hope I get a long letter from you with a great deal of your sweet self in it. Tell me everything you've been doing since Friday - at least - Having been to Hagerstown once I could picture some of your surroundings, but now, I can't, only your sweet, sweet self. I have so much to tell you when next we meet. I worked today and will be working on paper work at home all week - B. wont be home any night this week. How I wish you were here. He has decided to lead his own life - It is just a matter of time now Darling.

Did you call Mrs. W. before you left? I've talked to her once since I got home - the less said the better - as far as you're concerned - I never heard from you again - what do you think? Please tell me Norm. Until tomorrow Norm- I must get to work - I must go to work before I go crazy-

Your,

lost,

            little girl

Friday

11:30

My love, if I don't hear from you soon this will be too long to mail. It seemed like years waiting for the mailman yesterday and then no letter. My heart almost broke in half. Then I stopped to think - If you left for Johnstown Tues. you couldn't write & if you wrote to me Wed. it probably will take two days to get here.

-8-

So today I am praying it will come.Yesterday I worked in the afternoon & then last eve - I went over to Gloria's to do paper work & home & bed about midnight. I had an awful time keeping my mind on my work Angel. It was a week ago yesterday that we found another key to heaven -  and one week ago today that I felt your arms around me & tasted your sweet kisses. I think I was real brave - It was so hard to keep from crying - I've made up for it this week tho. You are ever in my heart  and all my thoughts-I couldn't sleep last night I kept wanting to reach out and find you & feel your strong, tender arms fold me close to you, I need your love so much my darling. I'm still true to you sweet, how about you?

How late do you play? 10 is late to start isn't it? Tell me all about it. Did you get your hair cut? I'm still going to get you a new hair brush. Well sweet thing- I must take my shower (and without you) and get dressed - I'm taking Stella to see a friend of hers this afternoon, then I have to keep Connie & Cathy  at 3 PM while Elaine gets her hair cut. The sun is shining and the leaves are all out it's so beautiful- My spirits are better today Darling -  I have faith I'll have a better today. How many more days until we are together again? 2 wks?- 16 days? I'm only living for the moment-

1:15

Needless to say, I'm happy Darling- Your

-9-

letter arrived. I'm not sure  whether I shoul answer or not- Mine is so full of love for you and I'm so mixed up- Why oh why did I ever leave Fri? I can't understand why you went to Va's. My heart is aching- No she didn't tell me. She said she didn't hear  a word from you- My Darling you are breaking my heart. Why do you hurt me so- I want so much to trust you- you are so fine and good underneath all this fly by night stuff- I'm at a loss to know where I stand- Please tell me Norm. Am I one of many- I don't feel very much like living any more- I just can't face life without you-Don't be surprised at anything- my life is unbearable. I've lost all feeling for my husband and you have become my whole life- I know I can't ever love you- there is nothing left & how did I ever get off on this kick- anyway. I'm toying with the idea of doing something about it- I've really flipped I guess- Love should be happy but when we're apart- tgere us bitgubg- because I'm not sure of you. I wish you had told me one thing- Something to hold on to- as it is I have nothing, but memories & that makes it harder.

-10-

Your letter was wonderful Norm- I'm happy to have it- I have a wonderful picture of everything you've done since you left me- I'm glad you told me everything even tho I can't understand part of it. I'm even wondering a little  why you hated to leave D.C., I  hate to say this Darling, but if you must have a woman, pick the younger ones-(I hope someday I'll be the only one you'll ever need) Dreaming again. I hope my love will hold you until we see each other again- No young girls or lecherous old ones,

I wish I could take a chance & call. Enough said- I'm on that pink cloud again sweetheart- I'll drop this in the mail right away & be looking for your letter Thursday.

                          I love you

                                   with all my heart & soul

                                                       Your

                                                             own

                                                                  Gini

* Blog Author's Note

After taking days to type this ONE letter. I have come to the conclusion that my dear Mother was a raging 'Manic-Depressive'. Those of you reading this that are under thirty, know it by the tag. 'Bi-Polar'. I can see it in her writing style, her shifts were very fast. She was undiagnosed in her lifetime, but looking  back on growing up. This topsy turvy-ness was present in everything she did. She was either elated/excited/royally pissed or crushed and brooding. Some times all within the space of a couple of hours.

She was not easy to live with at times, but our lives were NEVER dull and boy could she throw a party!!! I know some of you remember!!!  She kept a childlike wonder her entire life. Her moods were quicksilvery and sometimes when the worst of them were directed right at you she could tear you to ribbons with a single sentence. I learned a lot, watching her rise and fall on the tides of her own fickle emotions. Most of all, how to rein in my own when they threatened to run away with me, and how to help others do the same. Thanks, Mom. (and I mean that sincerely)

Johnstown, PA May 2 1956

Wed. 4 A.M.

Dear Little Gini,

Well we've just finished our first night's work in Johnstown. We didn't have too much of a crowd but the manager told us that it was the best he'd seen in quite a while.The people received us very enthusiastically themselves. As we played whatever we felt like playing which is quite a welcome innovation. Needless to say, Jazz was well represented.

We're living on the floor above where we play. We each have a private room with single bed. Al's and my  rooms each have a sink and toilet, while the one that Buddy is occupying has only a sink. Poor Al! whoever did the decorating in my room certainly had his/her taste in his/her mouth! The walls are a deep shade of flamingo, bordering on orange! Wild eh?

Our rooms go with the job. This is a good thing but- the blooming job still doesn't pay enough. We're reportedly the highest paid group that's been here in a long time. So happens we were hungry.

Our food we can get at the house kitchen for 25% off menu price.(haven't seen the menu yet) Of course we can also eat out if we prefer. But- the big advantage is the fact that we can sign a tab here and pay later.

We left Buddy's house  Tues. morning at 10 AM and we hit Johnstown at 5:45P.M. almost

OVER

eight hours. We made three stops on the way and that cuts into your average speed pretty severely. The mileage is 332 miles so I guess we didn't do too badly at that.

This was my first exposure to the Penn Turnpike and I must say, the scenery is pretty great along the route. Then the tunnels held quite a bit of fascination for me too. (My engineering streak again honey) I tried to hold my speed around 55 or 60 as I was worried about my motor overheating again. I've been having trouble  with the thing ever since last Dec. and just when I think the blasted thing is doing O.K., up jumps the temperature and I either have to slow way down or stop and let it cool off. On my way home from Washington Sat. afternoon I started having trouble. Seems like the old bus just hated to leave- just like the driver. I had to drive 40 MPH all the way to Jersey and the trip took me all of eight ours I guess. (excuse me baby-my eyes are closing. will finish this when I wake up. nite. X)

Wed. 4:30 PM

Hi sweetie,

Well back again 12 hours later.

Got up at 2:30 and looked out on a dark, dreary, dismal, dank, damp, disheartening, disappointing, disgusting and very rainy day. A very

3

poor condition under which one should see this bustling little metropolis. Honestly Gini, the place is quite depressing. Everything is black and grimy. Even the people look that way. Yes, the young girls too. Oh hell! Let's change the subject.

As I said before, my car started to over heat on my way home Sat. afternoon. So, when I got home I had to spend almost all of my time and money to get the thing in shape for the trip here. It was partly covered by guarantee as when I first  started having trouble the guy who fixed it said that his work was guaranteed. Even so it ran me about 18 bucks. That coupled to the costs of coming here left me completely broke. I borrowed some loot from the bank back home to pay my taxes and hold me over till payday but the loan didn't go through before I left so I hope it gets here by tomorrow anyway.

I got a good haircut while I was at home. He really took quite a bit but it looks good. I'm told that it looks more youthful this way.

4

After I left you Fri afternoon I called Buddy and made arrangements to meet him at the Neptune.Then I called my brother-in-law to say so long to him. When I called, the lady who owns the place answered and when I tried to explain who I was I told her I'm Doris's brother Norman. Then she told me that Doris was there and would I like to talk to her. I then had a brite idea. I told her not to say a word and that I would be right over.

When I walked in my sister almost choked on her food. We haven't seen each other for over 4 years and needless to say we had quite a few drinks and reminiscences. My youngest nephew Douglas came with her and when I walked in I didn't recognize him at first. He's grown so. 19 yrs old.

As time wore on I thought I had better call the Neptune and check with Buddy. As expected he wasn't there, so I left my number and a message for him to call me when he arrived. I stayed with my sister until about 12 mid-night and then went to the Neptune after saying my goodbyes. Again, as expected, no Buddy. I waited until closing

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and then went over to the "Cock 'n Bull" and had a couple beers with the gang-like the old days.

Before I left my sister I called Virginia to say goodbye and she insisted that I come over and have a drink before I left and she was very sorry about Thurs. nite, and she didn't want me to get the wrong impression of her etc.etc. I told her that Buddy and I were leaving and I wouldn't have the time. But as you know, Buddy was elsewhere. Well, by that time I was damned if I was going to take off for home alone.and look at the trouble that I'd have had with a misbehaving car at 3 o'clock in the A.M.

So to make a long story short, I went over to Virginia's and

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awakened her. We shot the bull for a while and finally hit the sack around 6 a.m. She had to get up at 7 I think as she had to be to work early Sat. I made her promise not to tell a soul that I'd been there but I bet a dollar to a do-nut that she's already told you. Anyway all we did was sleep and you probably don't believe me. If you don't believe me just ask her how her periods have been lately.

She was planning to take me to some steak house for dinner on Sat. nite and maybe come back to the apt  after and watch T.V. but when I got up around 1 PM I had a very uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach  that I couldn't explain. I simply had to get going with no buts. So I called her at work and explained how I felt and she sounded so

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disappointed that I felt guilty. So I took off and after what happened to the car it's a good thing that I did. If I'd delayed my stay one more day, they wouldn't have been able to fix it in time for the trip to Johnstown.

On the way home Sat. I thought about you honey and said a little prayer for you. I hope your trip was pleasant and enjoyable and that you had fun with your old buddies.

Sunday I woke up at 12 noon EST(1pm daylight time) I woke out of a sound sleep and it was as if the phone had rung and very clearly and in a very happy voice you said "Hi" to me and told me that you were "tickled". I lay there quite a few minutes trying to figure out what had happened. Coming here on the Turnpike

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I passed the Downingtown exit and thought about my girl being so near there the day before. Then something else, further along the turnpike at exactly one PM Daylight, I had a strong ringing in my left ear, the one nearest you. What's coming off here?

This place is doing something to my creative writing ability Gini. I can't seem to get anything interesting moving. I hear Al and Buddy downstairs rehearsing. They're practicing an ending for Dixieland stuff They never seem to agree on what should happen at the end of a Dixieland.

O our rooms are all in a line off of a long hall. Mine is 10, Al's is 11, and Buddy's 12. This is the first time

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we've ever had complete privacy and I can say that I think it's a damn good idea.

I have in adition to my bed, one chair, one small table, a dresser and a clothes rack. I have one mirror over the dresser which is about 18 inches square. The rug is rather threadbare. The john isn't too bad-a pot a and a washbowl, good mirror and a very good light above it with an outlet for my razor. My window looks out into an alley and I have a view of a brick wall about 10 ft. away. I remarked to Al last night that I dug this dormitory atmosphere. He got a kick out of it. Our bathing facilities are down the hall a bit. We have a community shower with

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3 or 4 spray heads.

Now I can hear them practicing "Night Train" and it rather makes me  feel like joining them. So Hon, on that note(no pun) I'll finish. I don't know when I 'll see you again. We can talk that over in our ensuing correspondence, eh? It would be nice to have and hold you again. I'll certainly be looking forward to your letter. The way it looks now I wont be getting a reply until Monday at least. I don't know the phoning set up that would be best. We have a public phone in the bar (no booth) and there's also a house phone in the office. I'll give you both numbers. I guess we have to have a set arrangement as to time of call. I work from

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10 till 2 with indefinite intermissions. I'll probably be in my room till at least noon (probably later) every day. I don't think the bar is opened until late in the afternoon but I might be able to gain access through  the kitchen. But if the kitchen is locked I couldn't get to either phone. Let you know more about it Hon as soon as I find out. 

So again, I'll say so long and god bless you. Keep your fingers crossed and play it real cool.

Your,

     Norm

OVER

My address:

Norman (redacted)

c/o The Buddy Rocco 3

The Mell O Dee Club

209 Franklin Street

Johnstown, PA

Public phone: Johnstown 7-9219

House    "    :       "           8-2675

MORE LETTERS ...

I have been very lax since November, in posting these lovely letters. They have been within arms reach of My computer since then, but I have such trouble reading the handwriting and typing at the same time, that I took a long break.

I will get back to it today. An acquaintance of mine has a lovely blog that he put together about his mother who passed on in December. She ran a restaurant in North Carolina. I read a post linked from his facebook and it was the impetus I needed to begin again with Mom and Dad's letters.

When last I posted it was gray and dreary November. I will be beginning again with the letters from May of 1956. I should be able to feel the letters even better as I write them, now that spring is here and the season now matches the season in which they were written. I will post more photos as I can.

Thanks Wic!