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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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!