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| Juli 1965 Korporal Hubert Leinar |
Monday, September 30, 2013
1965 12 18 Hubert Leinar to Walter J. Schnack
This letter is written in German and I won't try to translate. Please contact me if you would like to attempt a translation. I believe it is holiday greetings from the author and his family to my family. The author's photograph is included. The original card has a picture of a statue of Mozart that I discovered is located in the Burggarten Park of the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, Austria.
1956 5 17 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
My father is looking forward to visits from family members and tells his mother of the heat in the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.
Family names in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
17 May 1956
Camp Irwin, California
Dear Mom and all,
I received your most welcome letter two days ago and, believe it or not, I'm answering it already. Gee, I hate to put you all to the expense of a trip out here but I can't see how I can manage to make the trip East. So, I guess I'll be expecting you about the 17th or 18th of July. It will take you about three days to come out if you don't push it too hard. Try to let me know when you are coming so I'll be able to get a few days off. Mrs. Cole and Tinker and Irene's Aunt Roxey and Uncle Clarence are planning on coming out sometime, too, so be sure and let them know when you are coming so, that if possible, you won't all visit at the same time. We have the room but we
would all enjoy it better if you came at different times.
I'm glad to hear you got your raise and I know what you mean when you say it still isn't enough to go around. I've gradually become aware of how rough it is to bring up a family and I haven't really gotten started yet.
I'm glad that Don and Doris had a nice wedding. I guess Irene sent their gift. I know she said she would but you know how long it took for your teakettle. It sat around the house for a month.
Gee, its too bad you can't have some of the weather we're having out here in the Desert (Mojave). We are only 40 miles from Death Valley. It runs about 110° in the afternoon, cool at night. Irene says it has hit 109° in Manhattan so I know its hot there because they have a lot of humidity.
Out here, its so dry you have a hard job sweating. I've fixed 360 out of a possible 400, so I'm doing pretty damned good. We run a lot of tactical problems here when, what we need for these young soldiers, we have in the unit.
I sure miss Irene and the kids, especially Cindy. She and I were getting along just fine before I left and I really miss her. She is as you say, "a real cutie." Irene says she says kitty and baby now but no more teeth and only one step.
I'll try to get some cards for Katie. How does she do in school? Say hello to Dad for me and all the others; so, until next time, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
Family names in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Mrs. Cole' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, his mother-in-law
- 'Tinker' is Margaret Elizabeth Cole Gray, his sister-in-law
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack Speer, his wife
- 'Aunt Roxey' was Mildred Roxey McNeilly Perry, his wife's maternal grand-aunt
- 'Uncle Clarence' was Clarence David Perry, Roxey's husband
- 'Doris' is Doris Jane Rose Hastings, his cousin
- 'Don' is Donald Franklin Hastings, Doris' husband
- 'Cindy' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'Katie' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself and the author of this letter
17 May 1956
Camp Irwin, California
Dear Mom and all,
I received your most welcome letter two days ago and, believe it or not, I'm answering it already. Gee, I hate to put you all to the expense of a trip out here but I can't see how I can manage to make the trip East. So, I guess I'll be expecting you about the 17th or 18th of July. It will take you about three days to come out if you don't push it too hard. Try to let me know when you are coming so I'll be able to get a few days off. Mrs. Cole and Tinker and Irene's Aunt Roxey and Uncle Clarence are planning on coming out sometime, too, so be sure and let them know when you are coming so, that if possible, you won't all visit at the same time. We have the room but we
would all enjoy it better if you came at different times.
I'm glad to hear you got your raise and I know what you mean when you say it still isn't enough to go around. I've gradually become aware of how rough it is to bring up a family and I haven't really gotten started yet.
I'm glad that Don and Doris had a nice wedding. I guess Irene sent their gift. I know she said she would but you know how long it took for your teakettle. It sat around the house for a month.
Gee, its too bad you can't have some of the weather we're having out here in the Desert (Mojave). We are only 40 miles from Death Valley. It runs about 110° in the afternoon, cool at night. Irene says it has hit 109° in Manhattan so I know its hot there because they have a lot of humidity.
Out here, its so dry you have a hard job sweating. I've fixed 360 out of a possible 400, so I'm doing pretty damned good. We run a lot of tactical problems here when, what we need for these young soldiers, we have in the unit.
I sure miss Irene and the kids, especially Cindy. She and I were getting along just fine before I left and I really miss her. She is as you say, "a real cutie." Irene says she says kitty and baby now but no more teeth and only one step.
I'll try to get some cards for Katie. How does she do in school? Say hello to Dad for me and all the others; so, until next time, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
Friday, September 27, 2013
1956 5 10 Irene Schnack to Olive Schnack
In addition to general news of her children, my mother tells of a 'tornado scare' in this letter.
The family names in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
May 10, 1956
Dear Ma,
Just a few lines to say hello. I wanted to write a long one but I guess, since I can't get that much time, a short one is better than none. I'm sending along some pictures we took last Christmas.
I got Raymond a sterilizer with the money you sent him. Cindy Lou's was rusted beyond use. He is really doing good now. He gained one pound five ounces the week after we brought him home. I had him out for a check-up Monday and the doctor said he was fine. I have to take him again in two weeks. They still don't know what his trouble was.
Cindy Lou is doing good, too, growing up like a weed instead of out. She acts like she wants to take off and walk. She's eleven months old so she should soon. She still has only two teeth. She started missing her daddy yesterday and he'd been gone a week already.
No, I haven't nicknamed Raymond yet but Jake once in a while calls him peanut.
He gets back here the 11th of June.
We had a tornado scare tonight but it died out before it hit, thank goodness.
I was scared to death, got my flashlight and a bottle warmed for Raymond. Three were sighted but all fizzled out. All we got was a little wind which isn't unusual here.
I must close and try to get some sleep before Raymond wakes up.
Love,
Irene and babies
P.S.
There is a Mother's Day gift on the way.
The family names in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
- 'Ma' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, her mother-in-law
- 'Raymond' is Raymond Cole Schnack, her son
- 'Cindy Lou' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, her daughter
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, her husband
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack, herself, author of this letter
May 10, 1956
Dear Ma,
Just a few lines to say hello. I wanted to write a long one but I guess, since I can't get that much time, a short one is better than none. I'm sending along some pictures we took last Christmas.
I got Raymond a sterilizer with the money you sent him. Cindy Lou's was rusted beyond use. He is really doing good now. He gained one pound five ounces the week after we brought him home. I had him out for a check-up Monday and the doctor said he was fine. I have to take him again in two weeks. They still don't know what his trouble was.
Cindy Lou is doing good, too, growing up like a weed instead of out. She acts like she wants to take off and walk. She's eleven months old so she should soon. She still has only two teeth. She started missing her daddy yesterday and he'd been gone a week already.
No, I haven't nicknamed Raymond yet but Jake once in a while calls him peanut.
He gets back here the 11th of June.
We had a tornado scare tonight but it died out before it hit, thank goodness.
I was scared to death, got my flashlight and a bottle warmed for Raymond. Three were sighted but all fizzled out. All we got was a little wind which isn't unusual here.
I must close and try to get some sleep before Raymond wakes up.
Love,
Irene and babies
P.S.
There is a Mother's Day gift on the way.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
1956 5 8 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
My father took a train to Camp Irwin in California for six weeks of training. Camp Irwin became Fort Irwin in 1961. Fort Irwin and the National Training Center was, and still is, a well-known training ground for the U.S. Army.
The family members in this letter and their relationship to him are:
8 May 1956
Camp Irwin, California
Dear Mom,
Don't drop over in a faint but I'm writing you a letter after all this time. I was busy before I came down here, and I'm really busy here, but the nights seem so long. I go to bed at 7:00 and we get up at 4:00. The weather here is hot and dry, cold at night. They say it hasn't rained in parts of Camp in over 100 years and I sure believe it. There's so much of nothing out here. We had a nice trip out here on the train. We had Pullmans and chow was good. We left Wednesday night at 7:00 and next morning at 5:30 we were in Denver, then on to Laramie and into Salt Lake City 5:30 next morning Las Vegas, Nevada and we arrived at Barstow at 10:00, then a 37 mile run to Camp. We're 36 miles
from Death Valley. I was sure glad to get Raymond out of the hospital before I left. They said they didn't know what was wrong unless he had mucus in his throat. He sure had me worried. I had to breath into his mouth for about 2 minutes before he gave a gasp. He was eating like a horse when I left and seemed to be in real good health. Cindy is still my little doll, though. To me, she's so cute and she sure is a lot of fun. I hate to be away from them for these 6 weeks. At night when she finishes supper, we try to wait a few hours before we bathe her for bed but, if anyone runs water anywhere, she heads for the tub and jumps up and down and laughs and won't hardly leave the tub until she's had her bath. I really get a kick out of her.
I hope she starts walking soon but I sort of hope she waits until I get back to take her first ones. I guess she's a daddy's girl, maybe Raymond will be a mama's boy. Well Mom, I'm getting tired and I'm going to have to bring this to a close. This is going to have to do for a Mothers Day card, too, because you are the best Mother a guy could have. I'll try to write again but no promises. So, until another time, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
P.S.
Say hello to Dad, Eddie, Katie, and all for me.
The family members in this letter and their relationship to him are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Raymond' is Raymond Cole Schnack, his son
- 'Cindy' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself and the author of this letter
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Katie' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
8 May 1956
Camp Irwin, California
Dear Mom,
Don't drop over in a faint but I'm writing you a letter after all this time. I was busy before I came down here, and I'm really busy here, but the nights seem so long. I go to bed at 7:00 and we get up at 4:00. The weather here is hot and dry, cold at night. They say it hasn't rained in parts of Camp in over 100 years and I sure believe it. There's so much of nothing out here. We had a nice trip out here on the train. We had Pullmans and chow was good. We left Wednesday night at 7:00 and next morning at 5:30 we were in Denver, then on to Laramie and into Salt Lake City 5:30 next morning Las Vegas, Nevada and we arrived at Barstow at 10:00, then a 37 mile run to Camp. We're 36 miles
from Death Valley. I was sure glad to get Raymond out of the hospital before I left. They said they didn't know what was wrong unless he had mucus in his throat. He sure had me worried. I had to breath into his mouth for about 2 minutes before he gave a gasp. He was eating like a horse when I left and seemed to be in real good health. Cindy is still my little doll, though. To me, she's so cute and she sure is a lot of fun. I hate to be away from them for these 6 weeks. At night when she finishes supper, we try to wait a few hours before we bathe her for bed but, if anyone runs water anywhere, she heads for the tub and jumps up and down and laughs and won't hardly leave the tub until she's had her bath. I really get a kick out of her.
I hope she starts walking soon but I sort of hope she waits until I get back to take her first ones. I guess she's a daddy's girl, maybe Raymond will be a mama's boy. Well Mom, I'm getting tired and I'm going to have to bring this to a close. This is going to have to do for a Mothers Day card, too, because you are the best Mother a guy could have. I'll try to write again but no promises. So, until another time, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
P.S.
Say hello to Dad, Eddie, Katie, and all for me.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
1956 4 4 Irene Schnack to Olive Schnack
This letter, written by my mom to my paternal grandmother, announces the birth of my brother. My mother told me that she and my father had not told their families about this pregnancy because of the 'talk' of having another child so soon after my own birth. My brother was born prematurely; he and I are 10-months apart in age.
The family members in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
April 4, 1956
Dear Ma and all,
About a month ago I started a letter to you and got as far as the envelope. About two weeks ago I got one page written. Now I'm starting over again. I hope to finish today.
Cindy Lou has finally cut a tooth. It came through a week ago Sunday on the the bottom. She sure is a little pill and gets into just everything and she's only 10 months old. I don't know what I'll do when she starts walking. She sure is jealous. One of the couples we are renting a room to, has a two month old baby and she doesn't like it at all if Jake or I hold it. She will stand beside you and just holler. I'll have to break her of that, I don't want a jealous and selfish child.
I don't know what the thermometer reads today but it must be in the 90°s.
We have three rooms rented now. I can't think of much of anything to say.
Yes, Cindy Lou both creeps and walks by holding on furniture or pushing a chair around.
How is Eddie making out? Does he still like his job? Does he get a vacation?
Yes, we got the money from the post office and we have had the teakettle for about two months. I hope to get it sent soon.
We got a wedding invitation to Doris' wedding. Would you find out for me what she would like and needs?
We got the More Journal. I have read it all through and found it very interesting.
Would you send us a write up of Doris' wedding from the paper when its in? We let our subscription expire and haven't felt we could squander the money for a renewal. Now we get very little news from back home. I suppose if I wrote more often, I'd hear more news. I'll try to write more but I'm so busy and haven't been feeling up to par.
We got some more clothes for Cindy Lou from Viv. We call the pink nylon her Easter dress. We bought Cindy Lou a green corduroy coat and hat for Easter and since I found the first tooth, I got her a full, stiff slip to help the dress stand out. We took her picture with the dress on Easter. Of course, I'm standing behind the tree holding her hand so it will look more like she is alone. She has a chocolate Easter egg which one of our ex-roomers got her and a chocolate bunny. We haven't given her either of them yet.
Yesterday, I got a package from Mom with a darling jacket Tinker had made
for Cindy Lou, two polo shirts, two overalls, and a sweet little yellow dress. Cindy Lou sure is a lucky child and we're lucky to not have to buy her too much.
I started giving Cindy Lou her bath at night in the tub. You should see her. She just loves the water. She splashes and gets on her tummy and makes like she is swimming.
I had her to the Well Baby Clinic about two weeks ago. She weighs 22 lbs. and is 29 in. tall now. She is supposed to get polio shots when she is one year which won't be long now. I didn't think I wanted her to have them but Jake and I talked it over and decided to give them to her.
I just can't think of much more to say. I'll wait 'til Jake gets here to seal it up and maybe we can give you some more news.
Jake couldn't think of anything to add on so now we'll let you in on a secret. We don't want any nightgowns or receiving blankets. We have plenty from Cindy Lou. We don't need any large blankets either. You have another grandson. He is six weeks premature but doing pretty good. I'm fine myself. They give the rooming in plan here but I can't have little Raymond for another day or two. He is in the incubator. Jake says he looks more like a baby than Cindy Lou did. I had this one entirely without anesthesia. They usually give Demerol but wouldn't give me any because of the baby. Yesterday, the doctor told me they'd bring me the baby today, but changed
his mind this morning as they can't leave him out of the incubator yet. I'm supposed to go home Monday. I asked the doctor if the baby would be able to go with me and he said he couldn't say yet.
Now you understand another reason why I haven't been writing so often. This pregnancy has kept me worn out. I have been to the doctors every week since November.
I had an appointment with the doctor Tuesday, my delivery day. When Jake got home to bring me, I had my suitcase packed. I knew I'd be staying. I started my labor at 6:30 in the AM but it was very irregular until about 3:45. I had 3 or 4 sharp pains and delivered little Raymond.
I haven't had him in my arms yet but I have seen him through the nursery window and right after he was delivered.
Well, I must close now and write the good news to my mother.
Love,
Irene Jake, and two little ones
P.S.
We hope you aren't angry with us for keeping the secret but we both wanted it this way.
The family members in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
- 'Ma' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, her mother-in-law
- 'Cindy Lou' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, her daughter
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, her husband
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, her brother-in-law
- 'Doris' is Doris Jane Rose Hastings, her husband's cousin
- 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, her sister-in-law
- 'Mom' or 'Mother' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, her mother
- 'Tinker' is Margaret Elizabeth Cole Gray, her sister
- 'Raymond' is Raymond Cole Schnack, her son
April 4, 1956
Dear Ma and all,
About a month ago I started a letter to you and got as far as the envelope. About two weeks ago I got one page written. Now I'm starting over again. I hope to finish today.
Cindy Lou has finally cut a tooth. It came through a week ago Sunday on the the bottom. She sure is a little pill and gets into just everything and she's only 10 months old. I don't know what I'll do when she starts walking. She sure is jealous. One of the couples we are renting a room to, has a two month old baby and she doesn't like it at all if Jake or I hold it. She will stand beside you and just holler. I'll have to break her of that, I don't want a jealous and selfish child.
I don't know what the thermometer reads today but it must be in the 90°s.
We have three rooms rented now. I can't think of much of anything to say.
Yes, Cindy Lou both creeps and walks by holding on furniture or pushing a chair around.
How is Eddie making out? Does he still like his job? Does he get a vacation?
Yes, we got the money from the post office and we have had the teakettle for about two months. I hope to get it sent soon.
We got a wedding invitation to Doris' wedding. Would you find out for me what she would like and needs?
We got the More Journal. I have read it all through and found it very interesting.
Would you send us a write up of Doris' wedding from the paper when its in? We let our subscription expire and haven't felt we could squander the money for a renewal. Now we get very little news from back home. I suppose if I wrote more often, I'd hear more news. I'll try to write more but I'm so busy and haven't been feeling up to par.
We got some more clothes for Cindy Lou from Viv. We call the pink nylon her Easter dress. We bought Cindy Lou a green corduroy coat and hat for Easter and since I found the first tooth, I got her a full, stiff slip to help the dress stand out. We took her picture with the dress on Easter. Of course, I'm standing behind the tree holding her hand so it will look more like she is alone. She has a chocolate Easter egg which one of our ex-roomers got her and a chocolate bunny. We haven't given her either of them yet.
Yesterday, I got a package from Mom with a darling jacket Tinker had made
for Cindy Lou, two polo shirts, two overalls, and a sweet little yellow dress. Cindy Lou sure is a lucky child and we're lucky to not have to buy her too much.
I started giving Cindy Lou her bath at night in the tub. You should see her. She just loves the water. She splashes and gets on her tummy and makes like she is swimming.
I had her to the Well Baby Clinic about two weeks ago. She weighs 22 lbs. and is 29 in. tall now. She is supposed to get polio shots when she is one year which won't be long now. I didn't think I wanted her to have them but Jake and I talked it over and decided to give them to her.
I just can't think of much more to say. I'll wait 'til Jake gets here to seal it up and maybe we can give you some more news.
Jake couldn't think of anything to add on so now we'll let you in on a secret. We don't want any nightgowns or receiving blankets. We have plenty from Cindy Lou. We don't need any large blankets either. You have another grandson. He is six weeks premature but doing pretty good. I'm fine myself. They give the rooming in plan here but I can't have little Raymond for another day or two. He is in the incubator. Jake says he looks more like a baby than Cindy Lou did. I had this one entirely without anesthesia. They usually give Demerol but wouldn't give me any because of the baby. Yesterday, the doctor told me they'd bring me the baby today, but changed
his mind this morning as they can't leave him out of the incubator yet. I'm supposed to go home Monday. I asked the doctor if the baby would be able to go with me and he said he couldn't say yet.
Now you understand another reason why I haven't been writing so often. This pregnancy has kept me worn out. I have been to the doctors every week since November.
I had an appointment with the doctor Tuesday, my delivery day. When Jake got home to bring me, I had my suitcase packed. I knew I'd be staying. I started my labor at 6:30 in the AM but it was very irregular until about 3:45. I had 3 or 4 sharp pains and delivered little Raymond.
I haven't had him in my arms yet but I have seen him through the nursery window and right after he was delivered.
Well, I must close now and write the good news to my mother.
Love,
Irene Jake, and two little ones
P.S.
We hope you aren't angry with us for keeping the secret but we both wanted it this way.
 |
| Raymond Cole Schnack birth registration |
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
1956 2 16 Irene Schnack to Olive Schnack
I knew that my father 'dropped out' of high school to enter the Merchant Marines but I don't think I knew that he studied to take the G.E.D.
The family members in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
February 16, 1956
Dear Ma and all,
I've been meaning to write now for about three weeks but just couldn't seem to get around to it. I have been quite busy and so has Jake. I have started taking in sewing and washings. Jake does most of the ironing. I have to sprinkle some fatigues this afternoon for him to iron tonight. Maybe I'll get around to doing a few myself. It is a nasty day out today and if it clears up this afternoon, I'm going to take a walk downtown with Cindy Lou to the post office. We got our income tax return so Cindy Lou got her high chair and a stroller. They are nothing extra fancy but are new and just as good as the most expensive. Her high chair is a plain wooden one with an adjustable sliding tray and adjustable foot rest. It can be made into a youth chair. Her stroller is heavy cotton twill with a shopping bag and a shade. I wanted a metal high chair but they are more expensive as are the strollers that lean back that I wanted. I have to get money orders made out for what we still owe Pa on the garage bill and what
we owe my mother for back and future life insurance.
The other couple who live with us are looking for a cheaper place to live and, boy, am I ever glad. We will rent the extra rooms out then. We will have four rooms to rent. And rooms are needed bad here.
How is Eddie making out with IBM? Does he like it?
We can't get another casserole set so we'll send you a Revere whistling tea kettle. We haven't forgotten, it just takes time to be able to get out shopping. I usually go right after payday and then not again for another month. I have been going out to the hospital so often that I'm rather sick of it. But now Cindy is well again, for awhile anyway. I should knock on wood though. Something else is sure to come up soon because she is starting to get a cold. This is sure good weather for it, too. First its nice and warm, then it gets chilly and rainy.
It's 11:30 now. I guess it won't clear up any today but the first nice day, I'll go down and get Pa's money off to him.
I started this before dinner; maybe I can get it finished tonight.
I just put Cindy Lou to bed and Jake is ironing fatigues.
Last night, I started letting Cindy Lou
feed herself. She still has no teeth but she's eating from the table and likes it better than baby food. She sure makes a mess of herself, too, but I have to expect that. She gets baby food mornings and noons and baby food pudding for supper unless we have a dessert. She loves raw apples. I don't know how she chews things up so good without teeth but she does. It sure made me feel good to see her feed herself. She holds a spoon in one hand and eats with the other and gets food in her hair, eyes, all over her face, and high chair tray. It won't be long and she'll throw it on the floor.
Jake is taking a one year G.E.D. college test so he gets home earlier. Rather, he has been taking it; today was the last. Since it didn't clear up today, I took the car after he got home and went to the post office for the money orders so now I guess we are even with you.
I will close for this time. I have to write my mother and Viv. She says she has more clothes for Cindy Lou if
I want them and I sure do. The less I have to spend, the better.
Love,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou
The family members in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
- 'Ma' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, her mother-in-law
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, her husband
- 'Cindy Lou' or 'Cindy' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, her daughter
- 'Pa' was Jochim Walter Schnack, her father-in-law
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, her brother-in-law
- 'mother' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, her mother
- 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, her sister-in-law
February 16, 1956
Dear Ma and all,
I've been meaning to write now for about three weeks but just couldn't seem to get around to it. I have been quite busy and so has Jake. I have started taking in sewing and washings. Jake does most of the ironing. I have to sprinkle some fatigues this afternoon for him to iron tonight. Maybe I'll get around to doing a few myself. It is a nasty day out today and if it clears up this afternoon, I'm going to take a walk downtown with Cindy Lou to the post office. We got our income tax return so Cindy Lou got her high chair and a stroller. They are nothing extra fancy but are new and just as good as the most expensive. Her high chair is a plain wooden one with an adjustable sliding tray and adjustable foot rest. It can be made into a youth chair. Her stroller is heavy cotton twill with a shopping bag and a shade. I wanted a metal high chair but they are more expensive as are the strollers that lean back that I wanted. I have to get money orders made out for what we still owe Pa on the garage bill and what
we owe my mother for back and future life insurance.
The other couple who live with us are looking for a cheaper place to live and, boy, am I ever glad. We will rent the extra rooms out then. We will have four rooms to rent. And rooms are needed bad here.
How is Eddie making out with IBM? Does he like it?
We can't get another casserole set so we'll send you a Revere whistling tea kettle. We haven't forgotten, it just takes time to be able to get out shopping. I usually go right after payday and then not again for another month. I have been going out to the hospital so often that I'm rather sick of it. But now Cindy is well again, for awhile anyway. I should knock on wood though. Something else is sure to come up soon because she is starting to get a cold. This is sure good weather for it, too. First its nice and warm, then it gets chilly and rainy.
It's 11:30 now. I guess it won't clear up any today but the first nice day, I'll go down and get Pa's money off to him.
I started this before dinner; maybe I can get it finished tonight.
I just put Cindy Lou to bed and Jake is ironing fatigues.
Last night, I started letting Cindy Lou
feed herself. She still has no teeth but she's eating from the table and likes it better than baby food. She sure makes a mess of herself, too, but I have to expect that. She gets baby food mornings and noons and baby food pudding for supper unless we have a dessert. She loves raw apples. I don't know how she chews things up so good without teeth but she does. It sure made me feel good to see her feed herself. She holds a spoon in one hand and eats with the other and gets food in her hair, eyes, all over her face, and high chair tray. It won't be long and she'll throw it on the floor.
Jake is taking a one year G.E.D. college test so he gets home earlier. Rather, he has been taking it; today was the last. Since it didn't clear up today, I took the car after he got home and went to the post office for the money orders so now I guess we are even with you.
I will close for this time. I have to write my mother and Viv. She says she has more clothes for Cindy Lou if
I want them and I sure do. The less I have to spend, the better.
Love,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou
Monday, September 23, 2013
1955 12 26 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
My family seems to have settled into their new home near Fort Riley, Kansas and my father has traded his old car for a 1953 Studebaker Land Cruiser. I wouldn't mind having one of those for myself!
Family names in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
26 December 1955
Manhattan, Kansas
Dear Mom and all,
I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but, gosh, we have been so busy we don't know whether we're going or coming. We have moved. Where we were living, the owner's father-in-law had a house, 12 rooms, which he wanted $125 for and, of course, it scared me away. Then an old friend of mine from Fort Knox and Germany came over to see us one day and mentioned he had to find a larger place because he had only 3 rooms and two kids. So, I mentioned this house to him. We all got in the car and came to see it. It was so large, we decided to share it. There is only one kitchen and bath but rather than share it we both use it. I guess that sounds a little crazy but what I mean is that, rather than them cook something and us cook something, we all eat at the same time and all eat the same thing. We buy the staples and they buy the meat. It works very nice. There is a large front room, a library room, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and 2 large bedrooms downstairs. Upstairs, there are
3 rooms. We use two of them for the kids and use the other for a sewing room, although I haven't seen much sewing going on. In back of the house there used to be a barn about the size of our horse barn on the farm in Laurens. It caught fire in October and they put it out but it sure was an eyesore and the people around have complained and the owner offered a dollar an hour to take it down. It's down now and we are waiting for a big truck so we can haul it away. The 4th of December, our main body got here and we had to get them straight. Then they started classes and, of course, I had quite a few. We have newer tanks than those we had in Germany and a lot different. Actually, none of us know too much about them yet. We had to give classes so that used up many hours of time reading and preparing. Then again, half the company is on leave; and guard and charge of quarters still roll around only a lot faster. We just barely got time to do any shopping. I'm sure glad the stores stayed open later or we would never of made it.
I presume you received your gifts. We received yours and I can sure take a hint and we do want to thank you. They are swell. We had planned to buy some in January because the Army says I will lose weight or else. We called Mr. & Mrs. Cole last night and will call you New Years if we can get a circuit. It took all afternoon, till 7:00, to get Coles. I have changed cars again. The Chevy turned out to be either an ex-taxi or police car and after you looked close, was in sad shape. The guy gave me $737 trade-in. I paid $750. A different dealer, of course. I now have a '53 Studebaker Land Cruiser, 4 door, tinted glass, white sidewalls, large hubcaps, radio, under seat heaters, and window washers. The cost was $1095 plus $462 he paid off on the Chevy. I sold the Lincoln for $55 junk. I met the man who used to have the car and he's an office supervisor for Kansas Farm Mutual Insurance and an ex-college professor here in town.
It only had 34,000 + on it. A brand new tire as spare and the rest look very good. I met him before I bought the car because he was trading for a '56 which hadn't arrived yet. The dealer had to let him have a car till his came in after I bought his old one. Irene even likes this one. So, I guess I'll keep it. Our T.V. quit night before last and, of course, no repairman until tomorrow due to holidays. Makes me quite mad. We had a lot of guests and expect more and no T.V. to help entertain. Cindy had a temp of 103.2 last night and we took her out to see a doctor. He examined her and its her tonsils. They are bad and cause her ears to be infected. Its the second time. He gave her a shot of penicillin and some drops for her ears and told us to keep her inside and not let her catch a cold because that's what causes all the trouble. I hope she doesn't catch one because he said they can't take tonsils out until 3 years of age and that's a long time off.
I got Irene a pair of loafers for Christmas and she got me a pair of house slippers. Cindy Lou got clothes. She received quite a few toys from people we know within the 63rd. As soon as we get some pictures developed, we will send some on. I know you'll want some. Cindy still has no teeth but indications are she's trying. I'm sorry to hear about Eddie and the Ford plant. I think he should try the Army and go in for Tanks. How's business at the shop? I still owe Dad $12 which I'll send as soon as I can see daylight through all my bills which I have to pay or quit living. I sure appreciate him waiting so patiently. Well Mom, I'll TRY to write more often, but we are quite busy. So, until another time we remain,
The Schnacks
Sgt. & Mrs. W. Schnack
1227 Poyntz Ave.
Manhattan, Kansas
Family names in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Mr. Cole' was Howard Cole, his father-in-law
- 'Mrs. Cole' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, his mother-in-law
- 'Cindy' or 'Cindy Lou' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
26 December 1955
Manhattan, Kansas
Dear Mom and all,
I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but, gosh, we have been so busy we don't know whether we're going or coming. We have moved. Where we were living, the owner's father-in-law had a house, 12 rooms, which he wanted $125 for and, of course, it scared me away. Then an old friend of mine from Fort Knox and Germany came over to see us one day and mentioned he had to find a larger place because he had only 3 rooms and two kids. So, I mentioned this house to him. We all got in the car and came to see it. It was so large, we decided to share it. There is only one kitchen and bath but rather than share it we both use it. I guess that sounds a little crazy but what I mean is that, rather than them cook something and us cook something, we all eat at the same time and all eat the same thing. We buy the staples and they buy the meat. It works very nice. There is a large front room, a library room, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and 2 large bedrooms downstairs. Upstairs, there are
3 rooms. We use two of them for the kids and use the other for a sewing room, although I haven't seen much sewing going on. In back of the house there used to be a barn about the size of our horse barn on the farm in Laurens. It caught fire in October and they put it out but it sure was an eyesore and the people around have complained and the owner offered a dollar an hour to take it down. It's down now and we are waiting for a big truck so we can haul it away. The 4th of December, our main body got here and we had to get them straight. Then they started classes and, of course, I had quite a few. We have newer tanks than those we had in Germany and a lot different. Actually, none of us know too much about them yet. We had to give classes so that used up many hours of time reading and preparing. Then again, half the company is on leave; and guard and charge of quarters still roll around only a lot faster. We just barely got time to do any shopping. I'm sure glad the stores stayed open later or we would never of made it.
I presume you received your gifts. We received yours and I can sure take a hint and we do want to thank you. They are swell. We had planned to buy some in January because the Army says I will lose weight or else. We called Mr. & Mrs. Cole last night and will call you New Years if we can get a circuit. It took all afternoon, till 7:00, to get Coles. I have changed cars again. The Chevy turned out to be either an ex-taxi or police car and after you looked close, was in sad shape. The guy gave me $737 trade-in. I paid $750. A different dealer, of course. I now have a '53 Studebaker Land Cruiser, 4 door, tinted glass, white sidewalls, large hubcaps, radio, under seat heaters, and window washers. The cost was $1095 plus $462 he paid off on the Chevy. I sold the Lincoln for $55 junk. I met the man who used to have the car and he's an office supervisor for Kansas Farm Mutual Insurance and an ex-college professor here in town.
It only had 34,000 + on it. A brand new tire as spare and the rest look very good. I met him before I bought the car because he was trading for a '56 which hadn't arrived yet. The dealer had to let him have a car till his came in after I bought his old one. Irene even likes this one. So, I guess I'll keep it. Our T.V. quit night before last and, of course, no repairman until tomorrow due to holidays. Makes me quite mad. We had a lot of guests and expect more and no T.V. to help entertain. Cindy had a temp of 103.2 last night and we took her out to see a doctor. He examined her and its her tonsils. They are bad and cause her ears to be infected. Its the second time. He gave her a shot of penicillin and some drops for her ears and told us to keep her inside and not let her catch a cold because that's what causes all the trouble. I hope she doesn't catch one because he said they can't take tonsils out until 3 years of age and that's a long time off.
I got Irene a pair of loafers for Christmas and she got me a pair of house slippers. Cindy Lou got clothes. She received quite a few toys from people we know within the 63rd. As soon as we get some pictures developed, we will send some on. I know you'll want some. Cindy still has no teeth but indications are she's trying. I'm sorry to hear about Eddie and the Ford plant. I think he should try the Army and go in for Tanks. How's business at the shop? I still owe Dad $12 which I'll send as soon as I can see daylight through all my bills which I have to pay or quit living. I sure appreciate him waiting so patiently. Well Mom, I'll TRY to write more often, but we are quite busy. So, until another time we remain,
The Schnacks
Sgt. & Mrs. W. Schnack
1227 Poyntz Ave.
Manhattan, Kansas
Sunday, September 22, 2013
1955 10 25 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
Travel plans to return stateside have changed. Instead of by boat, my family might arrive by plane to the Idlewild airport.
The family members in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
25 Oct 1955
Kitzingen, Germany
Dear Mom and all,
Well, here I am writing again so soon. You thought it wasn't very quick at all so now I'm answering your letter as soon as I got it. Irene's sitting across from me writing one to her folks. Gee, I hope there wasn't too much flooding around home. How did it all come out? I'm very sorry to hear that there is something wrong with Viv. Maybe it is just nerves, mom, from being depressed. Then again, that wouldn't account for the pain and temperature; maybe she's got some sort of trouble like Irene had. Maybe she should have it looked into, then again, she could have ulcers from worrying and being depressed, I know she wrote me and said how, no matter how much Harry worked, they never seemed to get ahead. I really couldn't figure that one out because they have a nice home and car, furniture, and they sure aren't going hungry. Maybe I look at it in the wrong light but I'd say she has quite a bit to show for all her hours alone. When I spent two months in Belson and six weeks in Velseck, plus all those three days and guard and charge of quarters, Irene never saw me and they sure didn't pay anything extra for it. So, she shouldn't feel to depressed.
You sure figured out a good way as far as I'm concerned for getting me to Fort Riley. I never even though of getting insurance that way. I'm surprised at myself because I thought I knew all the angles. Yes, you can transfer the title. Just as soon as possible, I'll get it straightened out because, whether you realize it or not, I really don't like to be obligated to anyone for anything. You know what I mean. Mom, will you take the car to Cole's so they can put the stuff Irene wants in it? You should get it down as soon as possible and have the car ready to move out because I have just been informed I stand a 50-50 chance of flying home because of a small child and not much space available aboard the ship we are scheduled to sail on. If we don't fly, we won't stand much of a chance of seeing each other on the ship because I will be in the hold with the troops and Irene will be in the cabins and never the twain shall meet. If we fly, it will be a short notice for you all at home, but we will be in New York in about 20 hours flying time. We land (if we fly) at Idlewild Airport on Long Island and there they take us to Fort Hamilton and then we should be free to take off. I'll send a telegram just before we leave Germany (if we fly) and give you the details. I thought you should be forewarned so you all could be ready. You can get a substitute teacher and come down. If you bring Kathy, I'm sure the school would okay it. Dad could come, too, because business isn't that important, or rather busy.
You'd need someone to drive you back and maybe Eddie could if he hasn't started working or school. How is he taking his discharge? Has he decided nything yet? I still think he should try the Army and he'd know for sure whether he would even have to go in the service. When you take the car to Cole's, you could leave it there until you hear from us and then tell them to start packing it. Wait a minute, the last is rescinded. You get in touch with Mrs. Cole and she'll let you know when she has the stuff ready to pack. Irene is telling her folks to let you know when they are ready for the car. Gee, I'm all mixed up so I hope you can keep from getting that way.
I guess I'm mixing Jake up a bit. You and Mom get together about packing the car. I don't particularly care how its packed in as long as its there and there is room for Cindy Lou. If it isn't just comfortable for us, I'm sure we can rearrange it. I don't think it's a good idea to leave the car down home as dad needs room for the bus and truck and tractor and his cars. Of course, if it's alright with him, go ahead, that is all left up to you and my folks, not us. All we are interested in is having it ready so we don't have
to waste time and be AWOL.
The Christmas idea sounds good except for one thing. I don't want a one sided Christmas. That's all I can say on it. We got Cindy a pram suit as you call it. It looks like a snowsuit to me. As for Cindy, I guess all she needs are pajamas (with feet in them) size 1 year. The one she has now is a "Nitey Nite" size 1 and will fit her all this winter, or a small bathrobe for her. She wears overalls and polo shirts now and she has enough of them. No dresses till next summer. Irene and I will submit a list of things we need personally but would be just as happy if you combined prices and got us something for the home. Irene needs nylons, blouses, panties, socks, etc. sizes are as follows: nylons and socks 10 1/2, blouse -40, panties size 8. I need a sport jacket or shirts 16 1/2, socks size 11. But together we need a bedspread, a crib and playpen combined, I don't know what they call them but you can use them for both. Also, pots and pans and cash. It's hard to say really what we want, Mom, because we've been getting along on nothing for so long, we really can't say. Well, Mom, I'll write again as soon as I hear something, so until then, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
P.S.
Cindy Lou and I send our love, too, since Jake forgot to.
Love,
Irene and Cindy Lou
The family members in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack Speer, his wife
- 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, his sister
- 'Harry' was Harry Donald Cope, his brother-in-law
- 'Kathy' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Mrs. Cole' or 'Mom' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, his mother-in-law
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, the author of this letter
- 'Cindy Lou' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'dad' was Howard Cole, his father-in-law
25 Oct 1955
Kitzingen, Germany
Dear Mom and all,
Well, here I am writing again so soon. You thought it wasn't very quick at all so now I'm answering your letter as soon as I got it. Irene's sitting across from me writing one to her folks. Gee, I hope there wasn't too much flooding around home. How did it all come out? I'm very sorry to hear that there is something wrong with Viv. Maybe it is just nerves, mom, from being depressed. Then again, that wouldn't account for the pain and temperature; maybe she's got some sort of trouble like Irene had. Maybe she should have it looked into, then again, she could have ulcers from worrying and being depressed, I know she wrote me and said how, no matter how much Harry worked, they never seemed to get ahead. I really couldn't figure that one out because they have a nice home and car, furniture, and they sure aren't going hungry. Maybe I look at it in the wrong light but I'd say she has quite a bit to show for all her hours alone. When I spent two months in Belson and six weeks in Velseck, plus all those three days and guard and charge of quarters, Irene never saw me and they sure didn't pay anything extra for it. So, she shouldn't feel to depressed.
You sure figured out a good way as far as I'm concerned for getting me to Fort Riley. I never even though of getting insurance that way. I'm surprised at myself because I thought I knew all the angles. Yes, you can transfer the title. Just as soon as possible, I'll get it straightened out because, whether you realize it or not, I really don't like to be obligated to anyone for anything. You know what I mean. Mom, will you take the car to Cole's so they can put the stuff Irene wants in it? You should get it down as soon as possible and have the car ready to move out because I have just been informed I stand a 50-50 chance of flying home because of a small child and not much space available aboard the ship we are scheduled to sail on. If we don't fly, we won't stand much of a chance of seeing each other on the ship because I will be in the hold with the troops and Irene will be in the cabins and never the twain shall meet. If we fly, it will be a short notice for you all at home, but we will be in New York in about 20 hours flying time. We land (if we fly) at Idlewild Airport on Long Island and there they take us to Fort Hamilton and then we should be free to take off. I'll send a telegram just before we leave Germany (if we fly) and give you the details. I thought you should be forewarned so you all could be ready. You can get a substitute teacher and come down. If you bring Kathy, I'm sure the school would okay it. Dad could come, too, because business isn't that important, or rather busy.
You'd need someone to drive you back and maybe Eddie could if he hasn't started working or school. How is he taking his discharge? Has he decided nything yet? I still think he should try the Army and he'd know for sure whether he would even have to go in the service. When you take the car to Cole's, you could leave it there until you hear from us and then tell them to start packing it. Wait a minute, the last is rescinded. You get in touch with Mrs. Cole and she'll let you know when she has the stuff ready to pack. Irene is telling her folks to let you know when they are ready for the car. Gee, I'm all mixed up so I hope you can keep from getting that way.
I guess I'm mixing Jake up a bit. You and Mom get together about packing the car. I don't particularly care how its packed in as long as its there and there is room for Cindy Lou. If it isn't just comfortable for us, I'm sure we can rearrange it. I don't think it's a good idea to leave the car down home as dad needs room for the bus and truck and tractor and his cars. Of course, if it's alright with him, go ahead, that is all left up to you and my folks, not us. All we are interested in is having it ready so we don't have
to waste time and be AWOL.
The Christmas idea sounds good except for one thing. I don't want a one sided Christmas. That's all I can say on it. We got Cindy a pram suit as you call it. It looks like a snowsuit to me. As for Cindy, I guess all she needs are pajamas (with feet in them) size 1 year. The one she has now is a "Nitey Nite" size 1 and will fit her all this winter, or a small bathrobe for her. She wears overalls and polo shirts now and she has enough of them. No dresses till next summer. Irene and I will submit a list of things we need personally but would be just as happy if you combined prices and got us something for the home. Irene needs nylons, blouses, panties, socks, etc. sizes are as follows: nylons and socks 10 1/2, blouse -40, panties size 8. I need a sport jacket or shirts 16 1/2, socks size 11. But together we need a bedspread, a crib and playpen combined, I don't know what they call them but you can use them for both. Also, pots and pans and cash. It's hard to say really what we want, Mom, because we've been getting along on nothing for so long, we really can't say. Well, Mom, I'll write again as soon as I hear something, so until then, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
P.S.
Cindy Lou and I send our love, too, since Jake forgot to.
Love,
Irene and Cindy Lou
Saturday, September 21, 2013
1955 10 16 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
My father is awakened early by his alarm clock which he thought he had turned off and writes a letter to his mother. My mother writes a post script and includes the company's (63rd Tank Battalion) new mailing address in Kansas.
The family members listed in this letter and their relationship to him, are:
16 Oct 1955
Kitzingen, Germany
Dear Mom and all,
Well, here I am writing another letter to you. I'm getting good. I haven't written much since Irene got here. This morning (It's Sunday, I made a mistake on the date above) I had planned to sleep and last night I shut the alarm off and I'll be damned if it didn't go off at the regular time. I was so mad that I got up anyway. It's a German alarm clock and, to stop the alarm, you push a button on top down. It's quite easy to put it back in position to ring. It quite often goes off after I get home at night. Oh well, at least you are getting a letter from me because of it; maybe you'll think its not so bad a clock. My conscience was bothering me anyhow about my letter writing. Irene and Cindy are both still sleeping. I went into Irene's letter box and found three letters from you so I'll answer those although we have written since we received them. The first one is dated September 11. Gosh, that's a long time ago. I'm glad to hear you have a job right in Milford. It sure must be nice. I'll agree with you on the gray hairs you could get from driving between Portlandville and Milford, especially that hill to the school. The school in Milford does have a much nicer atmosphere. You have your assemblies right there and
don't have to run back and forth.
Gee, you sure must have worked hard if you have gotten so much of the house painted. I'll bet it looks real nice. I know it needed it. Oh well, at least the front is finished. You can say you have a false front house.
Gee Mom, if you fell in love with Cindy Lou from her passport picture, I know you'd want to get a hold of her now. She's so much cuter and a bigger "butter ball" infant. The Doctor has her on a diet. She weighs 18 pounds 10 ounces. We had to take away orange juice, one serving of cereal, all puddings and Karo syrup; he even wanted one less bottle a day, but she only gets three now so we still give her three. She seems to be very susceptible to colds though and she has one now. She's had three so far. You should have seen her last Sunday when she was baptized. She was a perfect angel. She never once made noise all through church, not even when she got her hair washed. The chaplain, after he sprinkled her, put his open hand on her head and said a prayer; she never moved and that's one thing she doesn't like. I can't put my hand on her head without her getting mad. Chuck and Betty were our witnesses and he charged them to see that she was brought up to live a christian life. It was really very nice. I rather think Chuck and Betty will try for one now. They both seemed to fall in love with her, especially Betty. If she stayed here long, Cindy would be spoiled. I know also what will happen the first time you get " a hold" of her.
I wish I had more time when we get to New York, but that's the way it goes. If I want time to find a place to live, I'm going to have to leave as soon as possible after the boat docks. We leave Germany November 23 or 24 and arrive (estimated time) 2 December. We should make it because that's quite a few days to cross. We will dock at Port Hamilton, New York (Brooklyn Army Base). We will be there most of the day we dock while they process us; then they will turn all persons with leaves and married personnel and personnel who have cars loose and the rest will proceed by train. I guess that's all for that letter; the next is dated September 29. And mom, you say a lump comes in your throat when you hear Irene and I talk about Cindy. You should see the ones I get every once in a while when I see Irene and Cindy playing and I'm watching. It sure is a wonderful feeling even if a lump is in your throat. I may not show it but I'm about the proudest daddy around.
Gee, I'm glad to hear you went bowling. I hope you can find time to do it often. I never learned but I guess I will some day. I like very much to watch and I have set pins before. I think it would do my waistline good if I started. I know they have quite a few good bowlers in Milford. How does Kathy make out? Too, you should try and get Dad interested. I'll bet he would really enjoy it. Have you tried that yet?
Gee, if what you say is true about Kathy, I'll surely want to see her. I'm glad to hear that she is doing so good in school. I'm also glad to hear that she really wants to take piano lessons. Maybe she'll get more out of it than I did with a trumpet.
Gosh, I guess you did have a house full of company for your anniversary. We mailed your card late but we are to blame for that. We had it here in the house and forgot to mail it. Marcia sure must be fickle or something. I'm sure if my engagement had been broken, I'd never become engaged to the same girl again.
Gee, I'm sorry for Eddie. I can imagine how he feels about not being able to stay in the Navy. Especially since his buddies are still in. If I were him, I'd volunteer for the draft and see what the Army says. They don't have so strict a physical as the Navy and if the Army won't take him, at least he will never have to worry about the draft and can go ahead with his schooling or get a job without fear of ever being drafted. With his little schooling in mechanics, he could ask for Armor and, if accepted, could be sent to Fort Knox and get in the Armored school for mechanics on track vehicles. I would really try it if I were him. All he can have happen to him is to be rejected and he would know once and for all if he could be drafted or not. I guess, though, he'll have to enlist in order to get whatever school he wanted. Try and talk him into it. I believe that would be best.
Now I'll talk some more on the Lincoln, which I hate to do. The way it looks to me, I don't believe I'll get those checks from Indianapolis and we will be short on cash for awhile and I do want the Lincoln to drive to Fort Riley. From the way it looks to me, it will cost between $125 and $150. If you can hold off on what I already owe and get my insurance and license, I could pay you back so much a month or when I do get my checks. They are for a total of $404.30, so you can see how much in the hole I am. If you could arrange a loan at the bank for me, I'd rather it was that way because I hate to ask you to help me that way because I know it will put you in a strain and besides, I have a personal reason for hating to ask you and dad for financial help. Well Mom, I've written myself out. Maybe Irene will add a post script, so until I see you, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
Boy - this sure is a help when Jake writes letters. He's said about all there is to say. He wrote Viv today, too. Now I have to write Don and Mother plus a few others to be answered. I catch up on the few others when he is on guard. All night, Cindy Lou has been holding quite a conversation with
anything she sees. She is quite a girl. I'm hoping Don can see her before we leave. I called him today and he doesn't think he can get down. We surely can't get up there. I'm still hoping though. Jake left one thing out about her baptism. The chaplain used a carnation. We have it, or rather we had it. The maid threw it out because it was dead. I'll look in the trash for it in the morning. I hope I can find it. I guess I'd better close and put Cindy Lou to bed.
Love,
Irene Jake, and Cindy Lou
P.S.
Don't write here after November 15. After Decemer 9th, the address will be
Sgt. Walter Schnack, Jr. RA54015856
Co "C" 63rd Tk. Bn.
Fort Riley, Kansas
The family members listed in this letter and their relationship to him, are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack Speer, his wife
- 'Cindy' or 'Cindy Lou' is myself, Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'Chuck' is Charles Elbert Rose, his cousin
- 'Betty' is Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose, Chuck's wife
- 'Kathy' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself and author of this letter
- 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, his sister
- 'Don' was Donald Everett Cole, his brother-in-law
- 'Mother' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, his mother-in-law
16 Oct 1955
Kitzingen, Germany
Dear Mom and all,
Well, here I am writing another letter to you. I'm getting good. I haven't written much since Irene got here. This morning (It's Sunday, I made a mistake on the date above) I had planned to sleep and last night I shut the alarm off and I'll be damned if it didn't go off at the regular time. I was so mad that I got up anyway. It's a German alarm clock and, to stop the alarm, you push a button on top down. It's quite easy to put it back in position to ring. It quite often goes off after I get home at night. Oh well, at least you are getting a letter from me because of it; maybe you'll think its not so bad a clock. My conscience was bothering me anyhow about my letter writing. Irene and Cindy are both still sleeping. I went into Irene's letter box and found three letters from you so I'll answer those although we have written since we received them. The first one is dated September 11. Gosh, that's a long time ago. I'm glad to hear you have a job right in Milford. It sure must be nice. I'll agree with you on the gray hairs you could get from driving between Portlandville and Milford, especially that hill to the school. The school in Milford does have a much nicer atmosphere. You have your assemblies right there and
don't have to run back and forth.
Gee, you sure must have worked hard if you have gotten so much of the house painted. I'll bet it looks real nice. I know it needed it. Oh well, at least the front is finished. You can say you have a false front house.
Gee Mom, if you fell in love with Cindy Lou from her passport picture, I know you'd want to get a hold of her now. She's so much cuter and a bigger "butter ball" infant. The Doctor has her on a diet. She weighs 18 pounds 10 ounces. We had to take away orange juice, one serving of cereal, all puddings and Karo syrup; he even wanted one less bottle a day, but she only gets three now so we still give her three. She seems to be very susceptible to colds though and she has one now. She's had three so far. You should have seen her last Sunday when she was baptized. She was a perfect angel. She never once made noise all through church, not even when she got her hair washed. The chaplain, after he sprinkled her, put his open hand on her head and said a prayer; she never moved and that's one thing she doesn't like. I can't put my hand on her head without her getting mad. Chuck and Betty were our witnesses and he charged them to see that she was brought up to live a christian life. It was really very nice. I rather think Chuck and Betty will try for one now. They both seemed to fall in love with her, especially Betty. If she stayed here long, Cindy would be spoiled. I know also what will happen the first time you get " a hold" of her.
I wish I had more time when we get to New York, but that's the way it goes. If I want time to find a place to live, I'm going to have to leave as soon as possible after the boat docks. We leave Germany November 23 or 24 and arrive (estimated time) 2 December. We should make it because that's quite a few days to cross. We will dock at Port Hamilton, New York (Brooklyn Army Base). We will be there most of the day we dock while they process us; then they will turn all persons with leaves and married personnel and personnel who have cars loose and the rest will proceed by train. I guess that's all for that letter; the next is dated September 29. And mom, you say a lump comes in your throat when you hear Irene and I talk about Cindy. You should see the ones I get every once in a while when I see Irene and Cindy playing and I'm watching. It sure is a wonderful feeling even if a lump is in your throat. I may not show it but I'm about the proudest daddy around.
Gee, I'm glad to hear you went bowling. I hope you can find time to do it often. I never learned but I guess I will some day. I like very much to watch and I have set pins before. I think it would do my waistline good if I started. I know they have quite a few good bowlers in Milford. How does Kathy make out? Too, you should try and get Dad interested. I'll bet he would really enjoy it. Have you tried that yet?
Gee, if what you say is true about Kathy, I'll surely want to see her. I'm glad to hear that she is doing so good in school. I'm also glad to hear that she really wants to take piano lessons. Maybe she'll get more out of it than I did with a trumpet.
Gosh, I guess you did have a house full of company for your anniversary. We mailed your card late but we are to blame for that. We had it here in the house and forgot to mail it. Marcia sure must be fickle or something. I'm sure if my engagement had been broken, I'd never become engaged to the same girl again.
Gee, I'm sorry for Eddie. I can imagine how he feels about not being able to stay in the Navy. Especially since his buddies are still in. If I were him, I'd volunteer for the draft and see what the Army says. They don't have so strict a physical as the Navy and if the Army won't take him, at least he will never have to worry about the draft and can go ahead with his schooling or get a job without fear of ever being drafted. With his little schooling in mechanics, he could ask for Armor and, if accepted, could be sent to Fort Knox and get in the Armored school for mechanics on track vehicles. I would really try it if I were him. All he can have happen to him is to be rejected and he would know once and for all if he could be drafted or not. I guess, though, he'll have to enlist in order to get whatever school he wanted. Try and talk him into it. I believe that would be best.
Now I'll talk some more on the Lincoln, which I hate to do. The way it looks to me, I don't believe I'll get those checks from Indianapolis and we will be short on cash for awhile and I do want the Lincoln to drive to Fort Riley. From the way it looks to me, it will cost between $125 and $150. If you can hold off on what I already owe and get my insurance and license, I could pay you back so much a month or when I do get my checks. They are for a total of $404.30, so you can see how much in the hole I am. If you could arrange a loan at the bank for me, I'd rather it was that way because I hate to ask you to help me that way because I know it will put you in a strain and besides, I have a personal reason for hating to ask you and dad for financial help. Well Mom, I've written myself out. Maybe Irene will add a post script, so until I see you, I remain
Your loving son,
Jake
Boy - this sure is a help when Jake writes letters. He's said about all there is to say. He wrote Viv today, too. Now I have to write Don and Mother plus a few others to be answered. I catch up on the few others when he is on guard. All night, Cindy Lou has been holding quite a conversation with
anything she sees. She is quite a girl. I'm hoping Don can see her before we leave. I called him today and he doesn't think he can get down. We surely can't get up there. I'm still hoping though. Jake left one thing out about her baptism. The chaplain used a carnation. We have it, or rather we had it. The maid threw it out because it was dead. I'll look in the trash for it in the morning. I hope I can find it. I guess I'd better close and put Cindy Lou to bed.
Love,
Irene Jake, and Cindy Lou
P.S.
Don't write here after November 15. After Decemer 9th, the address will be
Sgt. Walter Schnack, Jr. RA54015856
Co "C" 63rd Tk. Bn.
Fort Riley, Kansas
Friday, September 20, 2013
1955 10 9 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
This letter, written by my father to his mother, includes my baptism. I've included scans for it baptism at the end of this post. When he says about Donny is because my Uncle Don was in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in England at the time.
In addition to other names, the family names in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
9 Oct. 1955
Kitzingen, Germany
Dear Mom,
Well, I hope you don't drop over in a faint but here I am writing you another letter again so soon. We are still in very good health and Cindy Lou is getting cuter every day. I know you'd like to get your hands on her but it looks to me as if you'd have to be in New York when we dock if you do. I am going straight to Fort Riley. We are supposed to arrive in New York on December 2nd and they will give me 6 days to go to Riley. I figure maybe two or three days to get there and 3 days to find a place to live around Fort Riley. I guess we will stay one night with Jerry Houlihan (Cornish) and her husband. He is with finance at Riley. If Fort Knox is so far from my route I won't even stop off there. I could make it home for maybe 24 hours but I'd rather wait a couple of months or so and then come home for 15 or 20 days. If I came home for 1 day we would be tired and busy because we couldn't be at both houses at the same time and I, for one, don't want, and won't stand for, any hard feelings. I know we would be tired and still have a long trip ahead of us. So, we plan on going straight to Riley and then I'll take a leave as soon as its possible. Gee, I guess the Lincoln is costing more than I thought. After Dad sees his agent in Worcester, try Farm Bureau and compare prices. 5-10-5 is enough for Post tags but if
I can't get it I'll have to take more. If I have to pay so much I sure hope its not assigned risks, but being as I'm only a soldier supposedly defending our country, I'll probably be a big risk and will cost more. Mom, I have a big favor to ask and I can't be mad if you can't do it. As I stated before, the Army has messed up my pay and we are on thin ice. Could you get my insurance, license, etc. and bring the car to New York? I could pay you as soon as I get it or so much a month if that is alright with you. As of now, the government owes me $404.30 which you might say I've saved since Irene came over because they have taken that much out of my pay and now I'm waiting for checks covering it. I really hate to ask you for a favor like that but I'm hurting until I get paid at Riley or the Army sends me my money.
Chuck and Betty will come up tomorrow for the last time before we come home and Sunday they are standing up with us for Cindy Lou's baptism. We'll have some pictures to send you. We haven't taken too many recently. No money for film and bulbs. I think its real nice to be able to see Chuck and Betty. I wish and hope Donny and us can get together before we come back because if he doesn't, it could easily be seven years before we see each other again. I'm glad to hear Kathy is doing so well and is turning into such a nice young lady as you described. I, too, hope they keep Eddie in the Navy. Of course, maybe they can help him in the hospital. If they try and don't do any good, he'll at least be eligible for a pension. I see no reason why they shouldn't take him. I don't believe he is
much worse shape than I was when I came into the Army. As long as you get around without complaining you usually have it made. I started out on a touch football team in the company and dislocated a shoulder which is okay now. I got in a fight last Saturday night and had my false teeth broke so I'm a terrible looking thing now. Irene had her hair cut and cold waved today and she sure looked good when I went home for supper. It's the first time she's had anything for herself since we were married. I have to get her some clothes somehow because she sure needs them. I'm on C.Q. (Charge of Quarters) tonight. So, I'll be off tomorrow morning and then when I wake up maybe Chuck and Betty will be there. Well Mom, I hope to hear from you soon as to whether you can swing my insurance, etc. and if you will meet us in New York or have the Lincoln there or what because I'll have to find a way soon. Well, I'll sign off and maybe Irene will add a post script.
Love to all,
Jake
P.S.
Sorry your card is so late. I guess Jake said about all there is to say. I sent Mother a list of things to put in the Lincoln when it comes to New York City. So, have the car down there to be loaded up about the night before. Chuck and Betty were up this past weekend
and we had Cindy Lou christened. I'm sending you one of the bulletins.
Love,
Irene, Jake and Cindy Lou
In this photograph, taken at the pulpit of the Harvey Barracks Chapel, from left to right are, Charles Elbert Rose, Walter J. Schnack, Chaplain Ervin L. Shirey, Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack holding Cindy Lou Schnack, and Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose.
In addition to other names, the family names in this letter and their relationship to my father are:
- 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother and recipient of this letter
- 'Cindy Lou' is myself, Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack Speer, his wife
- 'Chuck' is Charles Elbert Rose, his cousin
- 'Betty' is Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose, Chuck's wife
- 'Donny' was Donald Everett Cole, his brother-in-law
- 'Kathy' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Mother' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, his mother-in-law
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself and author of this letter
9 Oct. 1955
Kitzingen, Germany
Dear Mom,
Well, I hope you don't drop over in a faint but here I am writing you another letter again so soon. We are still in very good health and Cindy Lou is getting cuter every day. I know you'd like to get your hands on her but it looks to me as if you'd have to be in New York when we dock if you do. I am going straight to Fort Riley. We are supposed to arrive in New York on December 2nd and they will give me 6 days to go to Riley. I figure maybe two or three days to get there and 3 days to find a place to live around Fort Riley. I guess we will stay one night with Jerry Houlihan (Cornish) and her husband. He is with finance at Riley. If Fort Knox is so far from my route I won't even stop off there. I could make it home for maybe 24 hours but I'd rather wait a couple of months or so and then come home for 15 or 20 days. If I came home for 1 day we would be tired and busy because we couldn't be at both houses at the same time and I, for one, don't want, and won't stand for, any hard feelings. I know we would be tired and still have a long trip ahead of us. So, we plan on going straight to Riley and then I'll take a leave as soon as its possible. Gee, I guess the Lincoln is costing more than I thought. After Dad sees his agent in Worcester, try Farm Bureau and compare prices. 5-10-5 is enough for Post tags but if
I can't get it I'll have to take more. If I have to pay so much I sure hope its not assigned risks, but being as I'm only a soldier supposedly defending our country, I'll probably be a big risk and will cost more. Mom, I have a big favor to ask and I can't be mad if you can't do it. As I stated before, the Army has messed up my pay and we are on thin ice. Could you get my insurance, license, etc. and bring the car to New York? I could pay you as soon as I get it or so much a month if that is alright with you. As of now, the government owes me $404.30 which you might say I've saved since Irene came over because they have taken that much out of my pay and now I'm waiting for checks covering it. I really hate to ask you for a favor like that but I'm hurting until I get paid at Riley or the Army sends me my money.
Chuck and Betty will come up tomorrow for the last time before we come home and Sunday they are standing up with us for Cindy Lou's baptism. We'll have some pictures to send you. We haven't taken too many recently. No money for film and bulbs. I think its real nice to be able to see Chuck and Betty. I wish and hope Donny and us can get together before we come back because if he doesn't, it could easily be seven years before we see each other again. I'm glad to hear Kathy is doing so well and is turning into such a nice young lady as you described. I, too, hope they keep Eddie in the Navy. Of course, maybe they can help him in the hospital. If they try and don't do any good, he'll at least be eligible for a pension. I see no reason why they shouldn't take him. I don't believe he is
much worse shape than I was when I came into the Army. As long as you get around without complaining you usually have it made. I started out on a touch football team in the company and dislocated a shoulder which is okay now. I got in a fight last Saturday night and had my false teeth broke so I'm a terrible looking thing now. Irene had her hair cut and cold waved today and she sure looked good when I went home for supper. It's the first time she's had anything for herself since we were married. I have to get her some clothes somehow because she sure needs them. I'm on C.Q. (Charge of Quarters) tonight. So, I'll be off tomorrow morning and then when I wake up maybe Chuck and Betty will be there. Well Mom, I hope to hear from you soon as to whether you can swing my insurance, etc. and if you will meet us in New York or have the Lincoln there or what because I'll have to find a way soon. Well, I'll sign off and maybe Irene will add a post script.
Love to all,
Jake
P.S.
Sorry your card is so late. I guess Jake said about all there is to say. I sent Mother a list of things to put in the Lincoln when it comes to New York City. So, have the car down there to be loaded up about the night before. Chuck and Betty were up this past weekend
and we had Cindy Lou christened. I'm sending you one of the bulletins.
Love,
Irene, Jake and Cindy Lou
 |
| Morning Worship bulletin - Christening of Cindy Lou Schnack |
 |
| Certificate of Baptism - Cindy Lou Schnack |
In this photograph, taken at the pulpit of the Harvey Barracks Chapel, from left to right are, Charles Elbert Rose, Walter J. Schnack, Chaplain Ervin L. Shirey, Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack holding Cindy Lou Schnack, and Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
1955 9 17 Walter J. Schnack to Olive Schnack
My father writes to his mother about moving stateside in this letter.
The people mentioned in this letter and their relationship to him are:
Kitzingen, Germany
17 Sep 1955
Dear Mom and all,
Gee, its been a long time since I've sat down and wrote you a letter, but its a lot easier and you probably get more letters this way because if you depended on me, I'd bet a couple weeks go by before I wrote again. We are all fine and Cindy Lou is as cute as can be. She put in to take a furlough as soon as she gets to the States to see her Grandmas and Grandpas but I turned it down because I need her too much where I'm at. I told her she might get one in January and she said that would have to do. I guess the only way for everybody to see her would be to get to New York when we arrive. (Somebody will have to bring the Lincoln because I want to go straight to Fort Riley. I can't get a leave until after Christmas anyway. She'll really be a big girl by the time you see her. It seems as though she does something new every day. She is like a cuddly bear and I like to hold her. I'm afraid her Daddy will spoil her if he isn't careful. What did you think of the pictures of her? She's getting as fat as I am and her clothes don't fit her for long. I know now what a job it is to have a family.
What is there yet to do on the Lincoln? As far a I know, we should arrive in New York around Thanksgiving. Would you, in your next letter, send me the following costs:
How's business at the shop? Ask Dad if he would make a route for me to Fort Riley from New York City via Fort Knox, Kentucky. I would like to go over the Pennsylvania turnpike. It should be a good road. I'll sign off and let Irene add whatever she wants.
Love, Jake
The most important thing is to tell Viv to hurry up about those dishes if she wants them. Our household goods are packed October 3rd. Then I'll be without a washing machine. I'll have to go back to washing every day then. I won't be able to do Jake's work clothes.
Cindy Lou weighs 16 pounds 7 ounces now. She has more than doubled her birth weight now. She had done that last month, 14-6 1/2. She sure is getting big. I'm going to get her some overalls next month and I have to get her a snowsuit, too. As soon as we get to the States we'll have to buy a crib for her, too. She's getting noisy, too, always talking or yelling. She's just found out how to yell. She smiles at everything.
Jake is on guard today. He had it Friday night, too.
I guess I'd better close and get Cindy Lou ready for bed. It sure helped me by Jake writing for a change. I have felt so lazy the past week that all I've done is cook, wash, iron, and take care of Cindy Lou. I haven't done any cleaning, just a little straightening up in the house.
Love to all,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou
P.S.
I'm sorry the card is so late.
The people mentioned in this letter and their relationship to him are:
- 'Mom' or was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
- 'Cindy Lou' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, his daughter
- 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
- 'Daddy' or 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack Speer, his wife
- 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
- 'Kathy' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
- 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, his sister
Kitzingen, Germany
17 Sep 1955
Dear Mom and all,
Gee, its been a long time since I've sat down and wrote you a letter, but its a lot easier and you probably get more letters this way because if you depended on me, I'd bet a couple weeks go by before I wrote again. We are all fine and Cindy Lou is as cute as can be. She put in to take a furlough as soon as she gets to the States to see her Grandmas and Grandpas but I turned it down because I need her too much where I'm at. I told her she might get one in January and she said that would have to do. I guess the only way for everybody to see her would be to get to New York when we arrive. (Somebody will have to bring the Lincoln because I want to go straight to Fort Riley. I can't get a leave until after Christmas anyway. She'll really be a big girl by the time you see her. It seems as though she does something new every day. She is like a cuddly bear and I like to hold her. I'm afraid her Daddy will spoil her if he isn't careful. What did you think of the pictures of her? She's getting as fat as I am and her clothes don't fit her for long. I know now what a job it is to have a family.
What is there yet to do on the Lincoln? As far a I know, we should arrive in New York around Thanksgiving. Would you, in your next letter, send me the following costs:
- Garage Bill
- License for 1/2 or 1/4 year (whichever I can get)
- 5-10-5 Insurance for 3 months
How's business at the shop? Ask Dad if he would make a route for me to Fort Riley from New York City via Fort Knox, Kentucky. I would like to go over the Pennsylvania turnpike. It should be a good road. I'll sign off and let Irene add whatever she wants.
Love, Jake
The most important thing is to tell Viv to hurry up about those dishes if she wants them. Our household goods are packed October 3rd. Then I'll be without a washing machine. I'll have to go back to washing every day then. I won't be able to do Jake's work clothes.
Cindy Lou weighs 16 pounds 7 ounces now. She has more than doubled her birth weight now. She had done that last month, 14-6 1/2. She sure is getting big. I'm going to get her some overalls next month and I have to get her a snowsuit, too. As soon as we get to the States we'll have to buy a crib for her, too. She's getting noisy, too, always talking or yelling. She's just found out how to yell. She smiles at everything.
Jake is on guard today. He had it Friday night, too.
I guess I'd better close and get Cindy Lou ready for bed. It sure helped me by Jake writing for a change. I have felt so lazy the past week that all I've done is cook, wash, iron, and take care of Cindy Lou. I haven't done any cleaning, just a little straightening up in the house.
Love to all,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou
P.S.
I'm sorry the card is so late.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
1955 8 14 Irene Schnack to Olive Schnack
This letter was written from my mom and dad's new apartment in Kitzengen, Germany. My mom wrote about 'Mother' but I'm not sure to whom she is referring. She usually refers to her own mother as Mom. The Shipwreck Casserole she was making to share with her friends was a family staple for many years. I'll have to make one for old time's sake!
The names in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
Kitzingen, Germany
August 14, 1955
Dear Ma and all,
Jake just called. He said he wished he could see Cindy Lou and me, too. I had Cindy Lou on my lap and just as he said it, she answered with AAAh! It pleased him. I just can't wait for him to get home and I know he can't either. It won't be long now. He should be home Saturday about noon.
I'm getting supper tonight. Us lonely women are taking turns about it. I'm making a Shipwreck casserole. It smells real good.
Cindy Lou's pictures came back so I fixed them to send you. I started a letter to you a week ago. Today, I threw it out and hope I have better luck this time. I wrote to mom last night and sent her some pictures. We haven't taken any since Chuck and Betty were here. I have to get some bulbs but keep forgetting them.
I'm going to make an album for Cindy Lou. When I get back to the states, I'll get an album with her name on it and put the pictures in. Mother sent her a darling dress, bonnet, and shoes for her baptism. Boy, she's getting big. The pictures don't look anything like she is now.
No, I don't think the time will ever come
when I'll leave Cindy Lou for a week. We'll be too far away anyway for that. When I leave her for a day, I'm lost and lonely 15 minutes after I leave. I usually take her everywhere with me. The only time I leave her is when the weather is bad. She is too sweet to be away from me. I admit she makes me disgusted at times. When I'm feeding her, she spits the food out then looks at me and smiles. It hits right in the core of my heart. How can I get mad at her? She is more a part of me than Jake. He is company every once in awhile but she is always here. She is getting quite active now, too, as well as smiley and talkative. When I'm burping her, she is jumping around and hitting me. She just loves to use her feet. Instead of me giving her a bath, she gives me and the floor one. Her daddy is missing so much. He knows it, too.
I must close for now. I guess I've said enough about my (our) little prize.
Joe Menogan sent her a swimsuit. It's too big for her now but she'll wear it next summer. It will be hot in Kansas. She doesn't need one much here.
Love,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou
The names in this letter and their relationship to my mother are:
- 'Ma' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, her mother-in-law
- 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, her husband
- 'Cindy Lou' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, her daughter
- 'Mom' was Ruth Elma Harder Cole, her mother
- 'Chuck' is Charles Elbert Rose, her husband's cousin
- 'Betty' is Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose, Chuck's wife
- 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack Speer, herself
Kitzingen, Germany
August 14, 1955
Dear Ma and all,
Jake just called. He said he wished he could see Cindy Lou and me, too. I had Cindy Lou on my lap and just as he said it, she answered with AAAh! It pleased him. I just can't wait for him to get home and I know he can't either. It won't be long now. He should be home Saturday about noon.
I'm getting supper tonight. Us lonely women are taking turns about it. I'm making a Shipwreck casserole. It smells real good.
Cindy Lou's pictures came back so I fixed them to send you. I started a letter to you a week ago. Today, I threw it out and hope I have better luck this time. I wrote to mom last night and sent her some pictures. We haven't taken any since Chuck and Betty were here. I have to get some bulbs but keep forgetting them.
I'm going to make an album for Cindy Lou. When I get back to the states, I'll get an album with her name on it and put the pictures in. Mother sent her a darling dress, bonnet, and shoes for her baptism. Boy, she's getting big. The pictures don't look anything like she is now.
No, I don't think the time will ever come
when I'll leave Cindy Lou for a week. We'll be too far away anyway for that. When I leave her for a day, I'm lost and lonely 15 minutes after I leave. I usually take her everywhere with me. The only time I leave her is when the weather is bad. She is too sweet to be away from me. I admit she makes me disgusted at times. When I'm feeding her, she spits the food out then looks at me and smiles. It hits right in the core of my heart. How can I get mad at her? She is more a part of me than Jake. He is company every once in awhile but she is always here. She is getting quite active now, too, as well as smiley and talkative. When I'm burping her, she is jumping around and hitting me. She just loves to use her feet. Instead of me giving her a bath, she gives me and the floor one. Her daddy is missing so much. He knows it, too.
I must close for now. I guess I've said enough about my (our) little prize.
Joe Menogan sent her a swimsuit. It's too big for her now but she'll wear it next summer. It will be hot in Kansas. She doesn't need one much here.
Love,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou
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