1954 3 15 Walter J. Schnack to his mother

I don't have a return address for this letter authored by my father.  I believe it would have been Fort Knox, Kentucky, as he was stationed there when he married my mother.

The names in this letter, and their relationship to my father, are:

• 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
• 'Dad' was Jochim Walter "Walter" Schnack, his father
• 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
• 'Harry' was Harry Donald Cope, his brother-in-law
• 'Donnie' was Donald Everett Cole, his future brother-in-law
• 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, his sister
• 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, author of this letter

March 15, 1954

Dear Mom,

Well, I arrived safely Friday night with only 17 1/2 hours driving time.  Of course, I really rolled because the roads were real nice.  I slept for about 4 hours just before I got to Butler, Pennsylvania.  I used a little more gas than I did going up but I only used three quarts of oil.  I still think that's a lot of oil.  Ask Dad if he thinks its okay.  Also ask him to price 4 tires and tubes, 7:10-15, 4 ply.  Not the most expensive ones, though.  My buddy wants 4 and if he can save more this way, he'd like to buy them.  I told him it would have to be cash on delivery.  A lot of the guys were really surprised when they saw me drive in.  They thought I wouldn't make it back with that old car.  I guess I surprised myself a little, too.  Just so it makes it

home and back once more, I'll be very happy.  Of course, I won't push it so hard coming back the next time because it will have more of a load.

Gee Mom, I must really be in love.  I hated to leave when the time came and I wish I were there now.  It's a feeling I've never had before.

I was so mixed up when I left, I left my fatigues at home and I need them bad.  Could you send them to me as soon as possible?  Also, will you call the "Star" office and get 5 copies of the paper that had the engagement announced in it.  Somebody took the one I had in the latrine (the Star that is) and when I saw it, that page was gone.  You take one and put the rest (clippings) in the trunk.

How does my bill look?  I sent all bills home in case you get them first.  As far as I can see, that's the way things stand.

Eddie says that if he's around, he'll be best man.  It surprised me when he said he would.  Do you suppose Harry would be an usher?  Ask him for me.  I asked Donnie but he is going to have to be persuaded.  One thing about it, if I have those 3 in the wedding party, I won't have quite so much trouble because the Best Man and Matron of Honor  are supposed to help and not hinder.  I hope Viv and Harry aren't after revenge because if they are, I've had it.  I'll send you $50 on payday to be put in the bank

on a checking account.  I'll also send you the money that I owe you and Dad.  You can give Dad his.

Well Mom, I'm still tired so I'll close, and until I see you, I remain your loving son.

Jake

P.S. 

Say hello to all for me.

Also send one brown laundry bag.

 

This is the engagement announcement that my father referred to in his letter to my grandmother.  I don't know the date it was published but my mother wrote the newspaper name at the top of the clipping.

Engagement announcement of Irene O. Cole to Walter J. Schnack