This past weekend, we went to Milwaukee for the wedding of our dear friends' daughter. We didn't have a lot of time, because we had the Ted Nugent concert at the Wausau Fair on Friday (more on that in another post) and then left early Saturday morning, got to mom's, got changed and went to the wedding in Racine. We didn't get back until 10 p.m. and then had to get up and leave mom's by noon on Sunday, so we would have some time to visit Aunt Gladys before driving home. So, we're sorry if anyone's upset that we didn't visit, but their just was absolutely no time at all. We promise next time we come down we'll visit with folks!
While at mom's house, she showed me some letters that my father wrote. He was always a prolific letter writer. He LOVED to write! Must be where I get it from! It always makes me sad that he passed away the morning Aaron left for basic training. I know dad would have written tons of letters to him.
Anyway, I took pictures of the letters so I could remember them, and I knew I wanted to share them with all of you. Mom and dad eloped to Dubuque, Iowa to get married on June 29, 1957. They were both just 22 year old. Back then, in Wisconsin, you had to wait between the time applying for a marriage license and actually getting the license. In Iowa you didn't have to wait. I believe it was actually fairly common for couples from Wisconsin (and probably other states) to elope to Iowa.
In August, 1957, mom and dad were planning on moving to Chicago. Dad went first so he could find work with Chicago Bridge & Iron. Mom stayed with dad's parents up here in Wausau, Wisconsin while dad was in Chicago. Mom said that dad was there by himself for about a week before she joined him.
Here's the first letter:
August 16, 1957
Chi-Town
Hello Darling,
Well I never was one to say I told you so, but I did it. I got the job with the Chicago Bridge but I won't start until the 20th. The reason for that is I can't take my physical until then and then it will be night work for awhile but that don't bother me too much. I will just have to get used to it. The bad part of it is the starting pay is only $2.05 per hour. I am going to look around at some of the tunnel jobs to see if they have any openings before I take this job.
I think I would really like the work though. They want to start me out operating an overhead crane. It isn't a hard job and it could lead to something a lot better. I will see what they have to say on the tunnel jobs first.
The personal office at the plant sent me to a place where I could get a room and I almost fell over when I saw the place. It's in a real ritzy neighborhood in a beautiful house owned by a crackpot dentist and his wife. They are an elderly couple but they are really trying to be nice. The old gal must be lonely because she is talking my head off.
I have a room of my own with a bath and shower right next to it. She said I could watch T.V. any time I wanted to and if I get hungry I should go down and brew myself some coffee. She isn't charging too much either. It's costing me $10 a week. For the place I got it is worth it.
Tomorrow I am going to a couple filling stations in the neighborhood to try for a part time job. I'm quite sure I will get one.
Gee honey I sure do miss you. I couldn't even get to sleep last night thinking about you. I kept reaching over to touch you and you weren't there. I almost felt like crying I was so lonely. The only thing I have to console myself with is my ring and the fact that our next meeting is two days closer. Please write as soon as you get this letter. I'm dying to hear from you. And don't forget, write air mail. Bye for now Little Darling. I love you.
Johnny
If that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you just don't have a heart. Here's the next letter:
August 17, 1957
Chi-Town
Hello Darling,
Well I wasn't able to get much done today being that it was Saturday and I suppose tomorrow will be the same way. I slept late this morning, later than what I wanted to in fact, so that helped to hamper things.
I did get the names of a bunch of contractors out of the phone book but was unable to get a hold of them. It seems no one works around here on a Saturday.
I located a Catholic church not to far from here and a halfway decent restaurant. The only trouble is they can't seem to get it through their heads that I can eat a lot more than they want to serve. On three meals a day a person can starve to death around here. Honey I swear I will never complain about your cooking no matter how bad it may be so long as there is enough of it. I will even let you quote me on that, and I bet you will too. Don't take me too serious now. I may just have to eat those words yet.
You know I can say with a straight face that I have not had a beer since I left Wausau except for two I had this afternoon. I wouldn't have had them except that I got lost and had to stop and ask directions so I cooled my temper in a bar. By the way you can tell ma I got a chance to visit with Val Stankiewicz, Roman and John's brother. I got there about five and stayed to almost nine so I was able to get a free meal out of it anyway. Everyone there is well and send their regards.
I sure wish you were here with me, then I wouldn't have to write these damn letters. Don't get me wrong now I love you very much and wish you could be with me all the time no matter what happens. It's taken me an hour to write this much. Think of all the enjoyment we could have had together in this hour.
I think I will close for now honey. I'm going to hit the sack and dream of you. Bye until tomorrow Little Darling. I love you and miss you very much.
All my love,
Johnny xxx
Just the sweetest letters! I guess I never knew this side of my parents! Here is dad's last letter:
August 18, 1957
Chi-Town
As far as I can see this started off to be just one more Sunday in a million except for one thing and that was you were here with me much as I would have liked to have had you.
I am going to get right down to business right away because it is late and I am dead tired.
I met this old army buddie of mine today and him and his wife have been giving me quite a few pointers on finding a decent apartment, such as neighborhood and the like.
They have a real nice place themselves but they have all their own furniture and it is still costing them over $60 a month so I don't really know what to expect just yet but don't worry, the kid has a few angles left yet. They are going to ask around and see if they can find a nice place for us. He gets around quite a bit and she works at the N.Y.C.railroad so they might be able to find something. I am going to check a few places that were advertised in the paper and see what they have to offer. Wish me luck honey I may need it.
Like I said before it is late and I am bushed so bye for now and remember, I love you.
Johnny
I'm sorry to say that's the last letter. I really would have loved to read more letters, but I'm pretty sure mom went to meet him shortly after this letter and that's why there's not more. I'll have to check with mom.
There's not much more to write, as things are going well around here right now, so that's a good thing!
Blessings to all!
Julie
