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:

• '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

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:

• '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.

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:

• '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

1955 6 19 Irene Schnack to Olive Schnack

This letter was written by my mom and dad to my grandmother.  At the end of this letter, my father writes about Garmisch and all the snow there in June.

Names in this letter are and their relationship to my mother are:

• 'Ma' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, her mother-in-law
• 'Pa' was Jochim Walter Schnack, her father-in-law
• 'Cindy' is Cindy Lou Schnack Arsenault Coffell, her daughter
• 'Chuck' is Charles Elbert Rose, her husband's cousin
• 'Betty' is Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose, Chuck's wife
• 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, her husband
• 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack, herself

Wuerzburg, Germany
June 19, 1955

Dear Ma and all,

Here it is Father's Day.  Did Pa have a happy one?  Jake spent his getting breakfast, warming bottles, and doing the wash.

No, Cindy didn't cause a bit of trouble getting into the world except for making me miss my spaghetti supper.  In fact, it all happened so fast that I hardly knew what was going on.  She was in a big hurry.

We have been taking pictures of Cindy on our new camera.  I'm hoping they turn out good so we can send some home.  She is such a cute little doll that we don't want you to miss out on too much.

I didn't know Ray Nearing had been sick.  What was his and Mr. Spargo's trouble?

No, we haven't seen or heard from Chuck and Betty  yet.  Do you know their address?

We kiss your tiny granddaughter all the time, Ma, so one of them was from you.  Yes, it would be

nice if you could just drop in and see us sometime, wouldn't it?

I meant to write as soon as I came home from the hospital, but am just now getting to it.  I was terribly cranky and tired the first few days I was home, too.  It's a good thing Jake had a leave or I don't know what I would have done.  He did practically everything for me.  He has been so wonderful to me and Cindy Lou that I shouldn't have been cranky, but I was.

Yesterday was the first real good day I had.  Not cranky once and had company for supper.  There was just one extra, though; a friend of Jake's whose wife is in the hospital with a new baby.

I bet you were surprised to hear of the baby coming early.

I started to breast feed but I started having trouble with my breasts and my nipples cracked, so I had to quit Tuesday night.  My breasts hardly ache at all any more but my nipples still don't look good.  My breasts are

just about empty now, too.  If I'd known what it would be like, I wouldn't have started but that is one thing you have to try out.  Next time it might be alright.

I think I had better go bring Cindy inside before it gets too cool for her.

June 20

I guess it wouldn't have gotten too cold for Cindy outside for quite awhile.  She was really sweating.

Cindy's hair was almost black when she was born, now it's getting lighter and is brown.  Maybe it will get real light and be blonde.  I don't know where she'd get it from, though.  You should see her hair.  She's not bald by any means.  She has plenty and its long.

Her daddy fed her last night at ten and I folded her diapers.  Jake says he likes to feed her once in a while.

He teases her, too.  He tickles her feet so she will jerk them and teases her with the nipple

when she's hungry.

Cindy woke up this morning just before Jake left for work.  I think she wanted to say good-bye to him and he kissed her before he left.

Cindy will be two weeks old already on Wednesday.  It doesn't seem as if she was born that long ago.  Time will go much faster now that we have her.  When Jake is on TDY, the days won't seem quite so long.  He goes on TDY for three days on Thursday.

Just two more days and I'll start Cindy on vitamins - poly vi-sol.

For her formula, I'm using SMA and have already used over a can in less than a week.

I should be getting my work done up but if I don't get this finished this morning, I never will.  I can't seem to think of much to say in a letter anymore except about Cindy.  She's just about all the world to me now.  It seems good to have two to

love and two to love me.  I think Jake is going to make a wonderful father.  It's already showing through.

If we had been told a year ago that we would be parents now, we wouldn't have believed them, but it is oh so nice, especially with such a sweet little girl.  I don't even mind her disturbing my sleep at night.  I don't know what I'd do without her now.

I kind of sound as if there's no girl better than ours, don't I?  That's how mothers are supposed to feel, anyway, instead of vice versa, isn't it?

I must close now and do a little straightening up.  I'll try to write again next week but if I don't make it right on time, don't worry about us.  We are doing real fine; just as healthy as can be.

Love,
Irene, Jake, and Cindy Lou

Hi folks,

Well, I finally did it and I'm about as proud as anyone about my new daughter and her mother.

She sure is a little doll and I don't tease her half as much as Irene says.  Say mom, how much more has to be done to the Lincoln?  Gee, it seems to take a long time.  I don't need it but will in November.  I'll send money about September to get a license and I want to know if you can get me 5-10-5 insurance.  Mom, would you go to Oneonta and get me three copies of my birth certificate?  I need them so I can get Cindy's birth certificate.  I'll need them as soon as possible.  There is a lot of paperwork to go through to get her birth recorded.  Gee, I'm mad when I think I have to be gone for three days.  She'll be a big girl when I come back.  The weather here is warmer now but still cold at night with quite a bit of rain.  They still ski at Garmisch though.  They have 121 inches of snow there yet.  Well, I'll close and we'll write again soon, so until next time, I remain

your loving son,
Jake

1955 6 4 Irene Schnack to Vivian Cope

She didn't know it yet, but my mother was just four days away from my birth!  Aw, my dad wanted a girl!

I find it difficult to comprehend washing laundry in the bath tub.  And, even with her new washing machine, she rinsed her clothes in the bath tub?  Was that before or after the machine wash? 

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

• 'Viv' was Vivian Eleanor Schnack Cope, her sister-in-law
• 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, her husband
• 'Ma' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, her mother-in-law
• 'Chuck' is Charles Elbert Rose
• 'Betty' is Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose
• 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack

Wurzburg, Germany
June 4, 1955

Dear Viv and all,

We were real happy to receive your letter.  I got yours along with fourteen others.  I hadn't gotten my mail for about three weeks.

Jake got home Monday (30) morning.  I was sure glad to see him.  He has guard today, tonight, and tomorrow morning.  Monday is a holiday so he doesn't have to work.  Tuesday night he has guard again.  About the 14th he has to go to the field for three days.

I only have about two more weeks to go before the baby is born which will probably be four weeks instead.  I hope not.  Jake and I both want this baby to get here real bad.

I just gave the back of my right hand quite a burn with hot water.  It hurts to hold the pan and write but I have to get my letters answered.

When Jake came home, he brought me a new Parker 51 pen and a new camera.  It's an Agfa flash.  Real nice.  Now we can take pictures of the baby and all this pretty scenery over here.

I bought a new washing machine last

month.  It's a Blackstone and works real good.  I've found it's a lot easier with a machine than washing in the bath tub.  My middle got in my way.  I use the tub for rinsing still but that isn't so much leaning over.  The tub was $100.

Yesterday, I bought a new vacuum cleaner.  It's a Hoover with all the attachments.  I've already tried it and it works swell.  That was $32.50.

I was going to get a carriage but they were all out.  The next thing I want is a sewing machine.  We'd like to get it over here.  I want an Elna like yours but over here they only have Singer, Pfaff, and Bernina.

I got a yellow crib blanket from Camps.  Now I have three large blankets.  Roses sent two nighties that say "hug me", one yellow and one green, and a bib, washcloth, and pacifier.  I have plenty of diapers, nighties, and crib blankets now.  I was surprised to get diapers given me.  I have all the things ready to bring the baby home in and we have the crib.  It's one the government furnishes.  We didn't want to buy one as we hope to get a second hand one when we get home.

We are supposed to leave here Nov. 11th to come home by boat and will probably have to go straight to Ft. Riley, Kansas when we hit N.Y.C.  Jake has put in for government quarters there until we can find a place off post.  We thought that would be better than living in a hotel with a baby.

I'm not really fussy about whether I have a girl or boy.  I just want a healthy baby.  Jake is set on a girl, though.

By the sounds of yours and Ma's letters, you've been quite busy going back and forth from your own work to helping her and staying with Katie.

I'm glad to hear you folks are all in good health.  I can hardly imagine what a great change we'll see in the kids when we get home.

How do I like it here - well, it's great.  You'll probably think I'm crazy but I feel much closer to home here than I did in Kentucky.  I wish some of you folks from home could come over and see Germany.  I really can't explain it on paper.  It just seems like a real pretty country.  I'm planning on taking lots of color pictures while I'm here.  I think I will hate to leave when it comes November but Jake hasn't had any luck getting a transfer so we can stay here.

We'll be glad to see Chuck and Betty.  They are quite a ways from us though.  A lot further south.  We looked it up on the map.  I don't imagine Betty will be specialling me while I'm in the hospital, though.  I'm too healthy a gal for that.

I gained 1/2 pound last week, the first I've gained in three weeks.  I'm feeling real good - a lot better than I thought I would be by now.  I guess I'm doing a few things I'm not supposed to like carrying

groceries upstairs; that's only once a week because it's easier to do my shopping for a whole week.  It tires me to walk up the little hill I have, to get to the commissary.  I lug my wash up and downstairs, too.  Jake and my neighbor don't think too much of my carrying heavy things around but it doesn't seem to affect me so I'll probably go right on doing it.  Just because I'm pregnant, I can't get completely helpless.

I have a maid come in once a week to do the cleaning because moving furniture and mopping and waxing does bother me.  With the vacuum cleaner it will be a lot easier.  I pay her 5 marks ($1.25) a day.

I guess I've said all there is to say for now so I'll close hoping to hear from you soon.  The next time I write I'll have my little darling if he doesn't hold off too long and I hope not.  I want him in the crib and my arms where I can see him.

Love,
Irene and Jake

P.S.  Tommy is there, isn't he?
P.S.S.  There's no reason for anyone to worry about me as I'm the healthiest specimen you ever saw.  They are no old steins to be gotten over here anymore.

1954 9 19 Walter J. and Irene Schnack to his mother

This letter was written by my father and mother to his mother.  What I find endearing in this letter is his comment about the newspaper photograph accompanying the announcement of his cousin, Chuck's wedding.  I've included the newspaper clipping at the end.

In my previous post, I wondered about the identity of 'Kathy.'  I'm almost sure now that it is my Aunt Katie, Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon.

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

• 'Mom' was Olive Letha Rose Schnack, his mother
• 'Irene' was Irene Orvetta Cole Schnack, his wife
• 'Eddie' was Edward Alexander Schnack, his brother
• 'Mr. Cole' was Howard Cole, his father-in-law
• 'Dad' was Jochim Walter Schnack, his father
• 'Kathy' was Katharine Rose Schnack Jones Gall Hammon, his sister
• 'Chuck' is Charles Elbert Rose, his cousin
• 'Betty' is Elizabeth Ann Olmsted Rose, Chuck's wife
• 'Jake' was Walter J. Schnack, himself

Sept. 19, 1954
E'town, Kentucky

Dear Mom,

Well, I see where six days have gone by since we received your very welcome letter so I think its high time (we) I wrote you.

I'm glad to hear your cake arrived in such good condition.  I guess the boys didn't get too hungry.  When Irene told me she had sent it, I figured the boys might get hungry and goodbye cake.  I know I would have been tempted.  They sure made good time getting home.  I know they must have really rolled because in 24 hours I drove as close to 60 as much as I could.  Maybe they didn't get lost like I did.  Did they follow the route I mapped out or did they take one of their own?  Have them (Eddie) tell Mr. Cole the route, too, so he won't have as much trouble

when he comes down.  Irene and I were both real pleased to have them come down.  I only wish they could have stayed a little longer, for Irene's sake anyway.  I showed them all of the tanks I could in the short time they were here.  I wish I hadn't of had CQ the night they were here but as it was, they were tired and needed the sleep.  I know Irene was tickled to have them.  She still all of a sudden up and says, "Gee, I'm glad the boys came."  I hope they can come again soon.  I hope also to see you and Dad and Kathy, too.  Has Eddie heard from Morrisville?  Or, has he gotten himself a good job?  They're hard to find.

I know what you mean when you say you've had to go it alone when it comes to church.  We haven't missed a Sunday yet.

I really enjoy listening to his sermons.  They hold my attention better than any other minister's.

I saw the picture in the paper of Chuck and Betty and I didn't think it was a very good one.  Of course, you would recognize Chuck but he seemed to be looking at something off to one side.  It's too bad they have to be separated so soon after being married.  They sure sent Chuck his papers at a very bad time.  I'm glad to hear you have such a good bunch of pupils this year.  Maybe you'll have an enjoyable year this year.

I'll want those license papers, also my pretty blue shoes, and all my ties.  If there are any more of my clothes around, send them down, too.

 I'm glad to hear you received so much nice cabbage.  It is good food.

We brought four with us when we came and today we finished the last of it.

The weather here has cooled off.  It's only 77 days now that the temp has been over 90°.  I suppose you could use some of it up there, couldn't you?

If Reynold's sends you another bill, hold on to it.  I'm going to send them some money the first of October.  Gee, you just don't seem to have so much cash when you're married, do you?  I know, "I told you so."  But, darned if I'm not happier with no money and a nice wife than I was with no money and no wife.  A few years ago I thought you could live on love.  I'm sure glad I changed my mind about that.

Well, we do have a nice car and a lot of nice furnishings and we aren't hurting for anything; so we shouldn't

complain.  I know quite a few couples that have debts coming out their ears and don't know how to pay them.  (Just give me time and I'll be the same way.)  I'm only kidding.

I'm going to work at the restaurant all next week while the boss is on vacation.  I know it will be hard on both Irene and myself but its not going to be steady and a week won't hurt, I don't believe.

You know, Irene has gotten so she can cook almost as good as I can.  She baked a real good cake the other night.  It was the landlady's birthday so we had her over for supper.  By over, I mean over on our side of the house; she had to walk from her dining room into ours.  Pretty neat, I'd say.  Irene's leaning over my shoulder and just pestering the

the daylights out of me.  Whatcha gonna do?

How's business for Dad?  I hope it is still good, after all, ___ ___ ___ to go skiing this winter.  When I come home next time (whenever that is), I'll let him do some work for me.  I'll probably need it by then.

Since I haven't written to my in-laws since I've had them, I think it's about time I did so.  I'll just put in my scribble with Jake's.  I don't know as there's much left for me to say.

Do you remember the cookies we liked so well when my folks were there?  They're the ones Pa said are never made twice alike.  I would like the recipe.  How do you make your brown sugar icing?  Jake wants me to put it on our next

chocolate cake.  And too, how do you fix the chocolate on the white icing?  Jake wants that, too.

You sure raised a wonderful son.  I think he's grand.  Noone knows how wonderful he is.  I consider myself real lucky.  We get along swell, too.

Love,
Irene and Jake

Almost a manuscript, no?

The Oneonta Star, 15 Sep 1954, page14, 1st column