May 2, 1945

Dear Tom,

I’m afraid I’ve been neglecting you lately, but I seem to be busy most of the time and by the time the children are in bed and Stanley’s letter is written, I’m ready to crawl in, too.

Stanley is taking his boot training at Great Lakes. He doesn’t seem to be minding it too much – except for waiting in line half an hour for every meal. We can go see him on Sun. afternoon for the first time Mar. 20th. Of course, we can hardly wait. Will take Tommy along, if Daddy takes us, otherwise Karen and I will go on the NorthShore.^[1]NorthShore Railroad, an interurban light rail system that connected the “EL” trains that ran north through Evanston and Wilmette, to Waukegan…just past Great Lakes. The NorthShore … Continue reading Stanley is singing in the choir up there and is company clerk, so he’s keeping pretty busy.

I started working Apr. 23rd. I work from 1-5 on Mon, Wed, and Fri. afternoons. They’re paying me 75 cents an hour, so, after paying Mrs. Thomas, I can clear about $25 per month, which is about what I need above my allotment. I’m really enjoying it, and plan to continue, even if Stanley’s commission should come through. I’m posting dividends, and it’s a nice change to sit at a desk and write for four hours. We’ve heard no more concerning his commission except that it’s in Washington. He thinks his boot training will last until about the 26th of June, and then he’ll get a leave. They’ve tentatively put him down for storekeeper. He could go into radar, but I think he hates to think of the studying connected with it. No, I don’t blame him a bit.

We’re anxious for Zoe to come for a visit. Seems like ages since we’ve seen her, and I think it will be easier for her to come now than after the baby arrives. Did you know Ruth Mc ^[2]Ruth McCracken has a little boy? Wm. Lionel Jr. (Billy) born Fri, the 13 of April.

She’s using our basket, and then it’s to be transferred to Zoe.

The enclosed picture^[3]Missing from the envelope was taken Easter Sunday. Since then Tommy has four new teeth and has learned to pull himself to his feet. Howeverl he still prefers to be my little floor mop.

Has Andy’s baby arrived yet? ^[4]“Andy” Hal Anderson, Tom’s Radar Operator Isn’t it due in May?

Did the fellas tell you that Mrs. Hempelman died? ^[5]Mrs. Hempelman is the mother of Steve Hempelman, Tom’s friend. I think about a week ago. Too bad she didn’t get to see Steve again.

I just thought of a story Karen pulled at supper tonite. She got some chewing gum on her leg, and, as she was looking at it, she said, “just like a man’s.” When I asked why, she said, “doesn’t that black look like hair?”

She’s still quite excited about Aunt Zoe and Uncle Tom getting a baby. She keeps wondering where it is, so I say that Aunt Zoe hasn’t gotten it yet. Ah, yes, she’s quite sure it’s going to be a “little sister.” She’s so sister conscious that she keeps pretending Tommy is her little sister. (Wouldn’t he love that?)

Auntie ^[6]Lillie DeMoulin MacDonald, Tom and Elaine’s Aunt called me from Champaign the other night – just to see how we were making out. Jim^[7]son graduates around the last of May and will start in the U of I ^[8]University of Illinois this summer (to get in as much as possible before he’s 18 next Jan.)

I envy you your sight-seeing, but be careful of those French drivers. Sounds as if the was is coming along pretty good over there. Will be glad when it’s all over and we can all start living normal lives again. As you keep telling us, “Hope to see you this summer.”

Love, Elaine