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Welcome to the World of Trudel Adler

08 May
Welcome to the World of Trudel Adler

Trudel Adler, my mother, came to the United States 1934 when she was 21 years old. She frequently wrote long letters home to her family in Germany and asked them to save her letters and they did — over two hundred handwritten pages.

Trudel was an amazing young woman who grew into a fascinating warm wonderful woman, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was funny, serious, forthright, and considerate. She worked hard all of her life and gave to the world more than she ever got. The tale of the rest of her life was full of challenge,sadness and joy. These early years are more than that. They reveal the strength of character, the chutspa, the love, that helped her through all those years. Preparing her letters for this blog has been like entering a conversation with her and getting to know the young woman I never met.

Trudel as in Strudel

When asked how to pronounce or spell her name, Trudel, would reply, “Trudel, as in strudel.” She always said the “s” in strudel was for sugar and she was sweet enough without it. But all was not sweetness and light. In 1933, Trudel wrote in her diary, “There is no future for Jewish youth in Germany. I think I shall go to Palestine.”

On May 8, 1934 she sailed for the United States. What happened next is told in her letters which are posted here on the anniversary dates of their original posting.

Here is a link to the most recent post:

  • May 11, 1935 – “All afternoon today I was sitting in sunshine on my bed.”

    • Trudel on the ship

    Trudel on the S.S. Manhattan, May 1934


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    Posted by on May 8, 1934 in Chicago, diary, family, immigrant experience, Memoir

     

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    May 11, 1935 – “All afternoon today I was sitting in sunshine on my bed.”

    11 May
    May 11, 1935 – “All afternoon today I was sitting in sunshine on my bed.”

    May 11, 1935

    My beloved Love Ones!

    Often I wish time would not go so fast so I would not have to write you so often.

    The cookies, which I received Friday night, were gone by Monday. They were delicious, of course not enough. One half of them we ate already by Friday night at Samuels. I almost thought there would not be any left for me to take home.

    What ever happened to mother’s jet dress? I wrote you a couple of times that we could use it very well here.

    Slot Machine


    I ate so many cookies on Saturday morning that I could not eat any breakfast. At 3:00 pm I finally had some hot chocolate and a little toast. After that I lay on my bed in beautiful sunshine. Later I picked up Leonard for supper.

    On the way home we found a different slot machine that we had not seen before. I decided to try my luck for a change and won 55 cents. Of course about 1/3 of it went back into the machine.

    Sunday after sleeping late I went to the “south side” for the bris of the newest Samuel baby. The father, Fritz, is the youngest of the 4 Samuel children. Leonard came later with Flora Mae. We ate as usual in the Madison Park Hotel and afterwards saw a movie, “Life begins at 40.”

    Life Begins at 40

    Click Image for YouTube

    On Monday we worked only until 3:00 pm. It was miserable rainy weather so I had nothing better to do than to go to a movie again: “The Night is Young” after a novel by Vicky Baum and playing in Vienna. The main actor was Ramon Navarro and a small part played by Hermann Bing, brother of Gus.

    Then I picked up Leonard and we met Louise and Alfred Hamburger. She is giving lectures to new German refugees on American literature. It was really very interesting.

    Afterwards we went to the room of a lady in the same hotel and had very interesting conversation. In 10 years Leonard has not heard as much German as that evening.

    The Night is Young

    Click image to see trailer

    Tuesday night I was at Aunt Henny’s. She moved into a nice, quiet hotel for the same amount of money. Wednesday I stayed home, ate dinner with Mrs. Saunders and went to sleep at 9:00 pm.

    Do you remember the red sweater I started to make for Ellen? I ripped it all and made it very pretty, all new.

    Thursday I ate at Fritz and Bertl Samuel. I am altering a hat for the new mother. Fritz worked in FFM at the “Flôrsheimer Stiftung” [Florsheim Foundation] Addie Eggner worked several years at Sigmund Strauss Jr. and the 3 of us talked about a lot of Frankfurters.

    Both young men know Alex from the “Stift” although Fritzis much younger. He and Addie used to go often to Wehrheim to sell goods. Addie sends his best regards to Doddo [Trudel's sister] and thanks her for the letter. He thinks you really should find time to write to me and described you as a “light blond goyishe girl.” What about that “light blond?”

    By the way do you still have so much trouble with your stomach? I found a very cheap easy cure. From all that not so good restaurant food my stomach was in pretty bad shape. Now I drink a cup of very warm water with just a little sugar first thing every morning. At first I did not like it, but now I got used to It and my stomach is fine. After that I eat 3 or 4 cooked prunes with milk or cream.

    Frozen Cream on Top

    By cream I mean what is on top of the milk in the bottle. One can get milk here only in bottles, homogenized and does not need to be cooked. Just try my prescription for a little while and you will have no need for other medicine. Good Luck! Maybe you will feel so much better that you will write me more often.

    Now back to my itinerary. Friday night again I went to the senior Samuels. Tomorrow, Mother’s Day, they will be married 40 years. I gave them a very pretty salad serving set and salt and pepper shakers. When they scolded me for spending my hard earned money I declared that I wanted to give to a mother who deserved something for Mother’s Day. After all she is the “mother” of a bunch of young people. As always, the meal was very, very good. Too bad we live so far away from each other. Maybe it is just as well. If I would eat there too often I would gain a lot of weight.

    Mr. Eggener has not found a job yet also. All of us are trying to help him. It is always very hard to find work until one speaks better English.

    Today I went downtown early to pay Leonard’s phone bill, then I spent $4 for a collar, cuffs, belt and some flowers to make the blue dress and coat look new.

    LJGinChair

    LJG

    Since [For] 3 days we were having gorgeous summer weather, but now it is starting to rain.

    I am writing this in the office after dinner. Leonard is sound asleep in his chair again. The poor guy did not get home until 4:00 am every night this week and had to be in court at 10:00 am every morning. I do not know how he could do that if he did not sleep here 1 or 2 hours in between sometimes.

    I really have to try to get more sleep too. I got a good start on Wednesday. All afternoon today I was sitting in sunshine on my bed and sewed, washed and ironed a little.

    Shirley Temple Paper Dolls

    Shirley Temple Paper Dolls

    We are invited for Mrs. Gray’s birthday on the 22nd. At the same time they are opening their “roof garden” for the summer season. That is when I want to look very nice. I have no idea what I should wear. Hopefully I will have that pullover sweater ready by then. It would look nice with my white linen suit.

    Shirly Temple Paper Clothes

    When will I receive a photo of Ernst? Did you receive the underwear? Do not forget Erna Grünebaum’s birthday on the 25th. I will send her a Shirley Temple “paper doll” with paper clothes. I hope it arrives safely.

    When do I get answers to my letters? I asked weeks ago what was wrong with Steffie O? I am giving up hope that my sisters will answer. At least my dear Papa writes to me now and then. What else is new?

    I do not know any more to write.

    Love and kisses
    Trudel and Leonard

    I am trying to learn more about the “Flôrsheimer Stiftung” or “Stift.” Flôrsheim is a city in the mountains near Frankfort. There also appears to have been a Flôrsheim street in Frankfurt. In my research, I discovered Dr. Max Scholl was a chemist who built a business specialzing in the chemical treatment of leather in Flôrsheim. Since Trudel’s sister and her boyfriend were in the leather business, there may have been a connection. Dr. Scholl’s tragic story is told in a series of letters in a 1997 NYTimes article Dear Cousin Julius, We Trust on Our God and on You…’

    There does not appear to be any connection to Dr. Scholl’s shoes or to the Florsheim shoe company which was founded in Chicago in 1892.

     
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    Posted by on May 11, 1935 in Chicago, diary, family, immigrant experience, Letters

     

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    May 2, 1935 “I hope my brains are waterproof.”

    02 May
    May 2, 1935 “I hope my brains are waterproof.”

    May 2, 1935

    My Sweets:

    Since I do not have anything better to do in lunchtime today I will start this letter to you.

    So, what happened this week. Friday evening for Shabbat I was at Samuels and met Mr. Eggener. His trunks have not arrived here yet [from Germany] and I am looking forward to the cookies. He tasted them and said they are very good. Well, the later I receive them the longer will I enjoy them. Rudy Gerson, from Dresden, was there again too.

    Cole Bros Circus

    We walked for one hour towards home and then wanted to take the I.C. [Illinois Central electric train]. After waiting for ½ hour for a train, we left to take the streetcar. Just as we left a train came. It was warm but raining and I did not get home until 2:00 a.m. Nuts!

    Saturday I went to the dentist and then a little shopping. At 2:00 p.m. I met Flora Mae and “kinder-Fraulein” [governess, nanny] in the office and the 4 of us went to the circus. This was the 1st time Flora Mae went to a circus. We all 4 enjoyed It very much. It was really a nice change.

    We listened to the president on the radio

    Leonard and I took a nice walk afterwards, ate a good supper and went to the office. While I wrote an English letter to Ilse Niederman, Leonard slept in his chair. At 10:00 p.m. Alfred and Luise Hamburger came and we talked until 2:00 a.m. It was very relaxing.

    FDR-FiresideChat

    FDR Fireside Chat - Click on image for YouTube

    Sunday, April 28, the weather was bad and I slept all day. I read the papers for about 3 hours and it was 9:00 p.m. before we went to eat. At 10:00 we listened to the president on the radio.

    Monday evening I went again to the dentist. Since he is on the same floor as Leonard’s office, I waited and we went to eat together. Then he went back to the office and I walked home, visited with Mrs. Saunders for about 1 hour and then to bed.

    Sunbathing without spectators

    I like this room so much better than the other one. The sun shines in so very nice that I can lay on my bed and get fresh air and light and sunbathe without having to be afraid that I might have spectators.

    Tuesday night I was at Aunt Henny’s again. She had a very bad cold, so I got her some aspirin and made her go to bed.

    How Henny earns her money

    I finally found out how she earns her money. She gets people to sign contracts for home remodeling, painting, etc., and she gets a commission for each agreement she gets. She also works for another outfit selling land along the lake for summer and weekend homes. She gets a little money daily and of course commission on every sale.

    [Continued 5/3 at lunchtime]

    Trudel answers her father’s questions

    First I am going to answer dear Dad’s nice letter dated 4/7. I hope the cigar you were smoking while writing it agreed well with you.

    Aunt Henny was delighted with your beautiful birthday card.

    There were more votes for Grace Gray than we had expected, but it was not published. Leonard has had too much experience with his own election campaigns so he will not take money for his speeches but does it only for his own convictions.

    Yogi Fned

    Yogi Fined


    Yesterday he received the newspaper you sent [about a German yogi]. Our Yogi is really not such a magician. Yogi Roy [LJG's client] uses only herbs for healing. He himself is a vegetarian. He only got a fine of $100 while some papers thought he would go to jail for several years. The judge in that case got many insults in the newspapers.

    It was really Leonard’s work that made him set such a light sentence. When you compare [Frankfurt attorney] Bruno Fürst with Leonard you are not wrong. I too have made that comparison. But please only in their professions, not in private life, thank G’d.

    About my finances I think I have given you explanations. Everything is reciprocal.

    At that Atheist Club we went only once for fun and my drinking is not nearly as bad as it sounds. Since that Sunday with the Bishops I have been very sober.

    The going to bed so late is in my opinion a family sickness. You really read my letter thoroughly even between the lines!

    Ripley's Believe it or not

    By Ripley

    I wrote before that Marie Bing was trying to find me a job. My old boss, Gus Bing, her husband, is also working.

    You asked what means “by Ripley” on the newspaper clipping. Mr. Ripley finds out very unusual things and has them in the newspaper daily.

    Frankfurters are of course frankfurter sausages, a very much enjoyed food here. Now I think I have answered all your questions. My lunchtime is almost over.

    Yesterday I had a postcard from Baden-Baden on Easter Sunday. Did you have nice weather? Here it was beautiful.

    They do not keep Good Friday or Easter Monday here. Only Sunday was a holiday.

    At Samuels’ last week I saw a business card from “Allgemeine” presented by Lotte Adler. I hope that means a raise in salary.

    Now continue my weekly report. I was Tuesday night at Aunt Henny’s. Sure hope she is O.K. again and am glad I did not catch anything from her.

    Now I am sitting again in a streetcar on my way to Samuels. After it was so hot and dry last week that I feared my brains would dry out, today it is miserably raining, snowing and cold. I hope my brains are waterproof.

    Click on Image for YouTube

    Last Wednesday I was again at the dentist. Although he is nice and careful, I keep thinking of Dr. Samuel in Frankfurt, comparing his nice big office with this little room and equipment. As usual after I had my 2 fillings done I waited for Leonard and we went to eat together.

    Afterwards we saw a very good movie at the Chicago Theater, “Go Into Your Dance” with Al Jolson. Although he appeared as a Negro in part of the film I like him best of all the movie actors.

    Chicagp Theater

    Chicago Theater

    The rest of the program was excellent too with a fantastic violinist etc. It is really a special treat to go to the Chicago Theater. It costs a little more than other movies but it is really worth the difference. As you notice neither one of us has money to spare, but we both manage to get along with what we earn.

    I am just now passing the fairground from last year. Too bad it is all over.

    Did Max Wolfe ever write to Alfred Hamburger?

    By the way, Julius Seckbach and Isi Koesterlitz are now living in the same boarding house.

    Yesterday, Thursday, we worked only until 3:00 p.m. Since the weather was miserable, I went straight home, did some laundry, sewed a little. I went out to eat and right home again, lengthened my raincoat with the help of electric tape, gave myself a shampoo, manicure, pedicure and went to sleep at 11:30 p.m.

    I think I have sleeping sickness (G’d forbid). No matter when I get to sleep and get up I am always tired. Maybe it’s spring fever. I am yawning again, by the way. Doris K. wrote me some time ago that my sisters had promised to call her!! Now I am going to sleep a little. I hope I will wake up before I have to get off [the street car]. That has happened to me already.

    Weils, Samuels, Aunt Henny all send their best regards. Please remember me to the whole meshpoche and friends.

    Your ever loving daughter and sister,
    Trudel

    PS Special regards to Liss.
    It would be nice to get a letter from my sisters again sometime.

    PPS What kind of postage stamp was on the envelope with the newspaper? Was it something special? Somebody had taken it off before Leonard received it.


    On April 28, 1935 President Roosevelt gave a radio broadcast on the WPA and Social Security. The link above is edited. The complete broadcast can be found in two parts as follows:
    President Roosevelt’s April 28, 1935 Fireside Chat on the economy: Part 1
    President Roosevelt’s April 28, 1935 Fireside Chat on the economy: Part 2

     
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    Posted by on May 2, 1935 in Chicago, family, immigrant experience, Letters, Memoir

     

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    April 26, 1935 – “Celebrate every happy occasion as it comes!”

    26 Apr
    April 26, 1935 – “Celebrate every happy occasion as it comes!”

    4/26/35

    My dear ones,

    This morning I went back home to get writing paper and then I forgot Papa’s letter which I wanted to answer. Trudel! Where are your brains? And there was so much I wanted to answer. Well, next time.

    Today is such a beautiful summer day, that one can forget everything else.

    Bergstrasse

    Bergstrasse

    I did receive Erna’s postal card from Bergstrasse. It would be gorgeous there in weather like we have here today. I also had a nice letter from Hedwig, telling me about the engagement of Walter Loeb and Elsbeth Haas. How did they get together? Haas are rich friends of Trums.

    Papa always claims that I do not answer everything but my sisters do not answer anything. But I am OK anyhow!

    Mr. Eggner, Clem Samuel’s fiancé, arrived well and happy here on Monday finally. He only fell out of his bed twice on his trip here. I do not know if he had the lower or upper. I have not talked to him yet but expect to do so tonight. I am nosy to see what is in the package.

    Do you remember one year ago today when I spilled the whipped cream in the staircase? I am not sure which day I should celebrate, 5/17 when I arrived in NY or 5/29 when I arrived in Chicago. Aunt Henny thinks I should celebrate both days. As our dear mother used to say: “Celebrate every happy occasion as it comes!”

    Since [for the first time in] a long time I heard the Hungarian Rhapsody again on the radio. Of course I danced to it in front of Mrs. Saunders.

    Friday I was at Samuels. Two young German fellows, who I had met earlier, were there also.

    It took a real big effort, but I finally went again to a dentist. He cleaned my teeth thoroughly and I have an appointment for tomorrow for 2 fillings. Then I took a walk around downtown in my pretty new Easter clothes (paid for mostly by Leonard) in beautiful weather. I bought Leonard a very beautiful black leather briefcase as an Easter present. You see dear Daddy, it all gets paid back. You should know me well enough that I do not expect anything for nothing, and neither do anything for nothing. Did I ever stamp one of your order books without getting 5¢ for each?

    Chicago Street Car

    Streetcar

    Now I am continuing in the streetcar on my way to Samuels. We closed ½ hour earlier today. So I am taking the streetcar instead of the bus, so I can write better.

    So, Saturday afternoon I stayed home, sewing, washing, manicure, etc. At 6:00 pm I met Gwen and Ed in Leonard’s office. Of course they got married last July. We went for supper and dancing to the Terrace Gardens in the Morrison Hotel, my favorite place, since Leonard took me there on our first date. It is a real nice place. They have an excellent “floor show”: dancing girls, singers, etc. This time they had something extra good. They always have some comic on the program. This man was exceptionally good. Without saying a word, he mimicked a man taking a cold bath on Saturday night. He was excellent. I cannot remember seeing anything that good.

    Terrace Garden, Morrison Hotel

    Terrace Garden, Morrison Hotel

    Sunday afternoon we were together with Flora Mae as usual, in wonderful Easter weather. Then we went to the other end of Chicago to Grace Gray for supper. She and her husband are such delightful people. In August they are planning to move to Florida and would like to take both of us along.

    Sweet Music Poster

    Sweet Music

    Monday night Aunt Henny came downtown and Leonard took us to the kosher restaurant for supper. Of course we enjoyed the food. Afterwards the three of us went to the movies: “Sweet Music,” very enjoyable. At the “week’s revue” they showed a seder at a home of old orthodox people.

    Tuesday night I made “Easter cleaning.” But I did it a very easy way. Through my window I could see that the room across from mine was empty. So I took all my belongings and moved into that freshly cleaned, sunnier, nicer room. It is 50¢ cheaper a week than the old room. That will pay for a new pair of stockings each week! Mrs Saunders helped me and in three hours we were all finished.

    Wednesday morning Leonard woke me at 7:00 am with a phone call. He had stayed all night at the office and asked me to join him for breakfast downtown instead of the Devonshire Hotel restaurant as usual. Of course I went. I really admire how he can get away with so little sleep. Of course he frequently falls asleep at his desk in the office.

    Wednesday evening I had supper with Mrs. Saunders and then finally finished my brown skirt.

    Schillerplatz and Hauptwache

    Schillerplatz and Hauptwache

    A man on the radio has been telling stories about things that happened during and after the war. I heard him for the first time yesterday and he told about something that happened in FFM [Frankfurt] at the “Schiller” Plaza near the “Hauptwache.”

    Yes, I ate again at Mrs. Saunders last night and that brings me to the end of this “report.” My stomach is growling and my brains seem to have dried out from the unusual warm weather. Maybe I [will] lose some weight by the rest of this ride.

    My heartiest greetings and kisses

    Your loving Trudel

    Handwritten by LGJ in English across the top of Trudel’s letter:
    I am looking forward to the butter cookies – Leonard

     
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    Posted by on April 26, 1935 in Chicago, family, immigrant experience, Letters

     

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    April 18, 1935 – “We did not laugh as much as last night in a long time.”

    18 Apr
    April 18, 1935 – “We did not laugh as much as last night in a long time.”

    4/18/35

    My Sweet Goldchildren,

    After a delicious yonteff* dinner we just landed in Leonard’s office with big filled stomachs. We feel too heavy to go home right away. And how do the matzos taste to you this year?

    Trudel’s First Passover in America

    Last evening, first seder, we ate at the same kosher restaurant as tonight. The difference was the fact that we participated in a seder last night and today only dinner. We did not laugh as much as last night in a long time. They had one large table and several small ones. Of course we sat at a small one. Since the service took so long and we were very hungry, we emptied our goblets with very good red wine every time. You can imagine the result! The seder was very good, but not many melodies like at home, only a very few.

    County Chairman

    The County Chairman

    The dinner was excellent both evenings. Of course the matzo ball soup was not so [good] that Lu could claim he could not eat anything else after 2 bowls full. They did not serve sour/sweet carp either. But very delicious almond torte and macaroons.

    Tonight, Thursday night, it went very fast and was finished including dinner at 9:30 pm. We both were in such a good mood with our tummies full that we did not feel like going home. So we went to a movie. Very funny, just right for the mood we were in: “The County Chairman.”

    On Tuesday night we were in a movie too. Very serious and good: “David Copperfield.”

    David Copperfield

    David Copperfield

    And before I forget, I want to tell you the funniest thing that happened to me this week. Sunday as usual Flora Mae had dinner with us and Leonard took her home. We did not feel like going on that long bus trip home so we went to see an excellent film, “Clive of India” right there in Hyde Park. They have a new game there and I won a free pass. Unfortunately it is only good on weekdays. I gave it to Aunt Henny when I was there on Monday night and I expect we will use it frequently.

    Clive-of-India

    Clive of India

    Saturday I ate at Weil’s and Leonard joined us later. It was nice as usual. I had brought along my photo album and they enjoyed looking at old friends and relatives. Friday night I was again at Samuels. Clem’s fiancé is now one or two days in New York. Did he ever visit you? Neither he or you wrote anything about that.

    I do not know what is wrong with me tonight, that I tell everything backwards.

    Sears Spring Ad 1935

    Spring Fashions

    And now something very new. Especially for myself: a navy blue spring coat for $16, navy blue shoes $3.69, purse and 6 pair of hose, also a light blue blouse for my blue suit. One never knows how the weather may be Easter Sunday. If it is like last Sunday I need only my blue suit. But if it is like last Monday I need also the coat over the suit, besides galoshes, raincoat, umbrella and maybe warm underwear. In any case I will be prepared.

    SportcoatsFall1935

    Sports Coats on Sale

    When I turn around in my chair now, I see what you can see on the enclosed snapshot. That photo was taken after a week in the new office. Now there are so many books and papers on the desk that you cannot see the desktop. In a few minutes he will have it cleared and we shall go home. I do not feel like going alone.

    This week we were not very busy at work so I even worked short hours. That of course is the result of that crazy weather. Hopefully it will be nice on Sunday. Then we will get busy again.

    LJG at (temporarily cleared) Desk

    I suppose that finishes my report for today. I hope the matzos agreed well with you. I bought a box for myself. For breakfast during Passover, I have been eating 2 matzos, 2 hard boiled eggs and 1 cup of coffee. The ham or bacon, what usually comes with the breakfast, I cut out this week.

    I am writing you tonight since I want to make a hat for myself in my lunchtime tomorrow.

    I am your loving

    Trudel

    • “Yonteff” is a Yiddish variant of Yom Tov — Hebrew for holiday. Literally “Good Day.”
    • “Leonard,” sometimes referred to as “Len” or LJG would become my father.
    • Flora Mae was LGJ’s 6 year old daughter by a previous marriage. My half-sister.

     
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    Posted by on April 18, 1935 in Chicago, diary, family, immigrant experience, Judaism, Memoir

     

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    April 12, 1935 ” I am just thinking how much we laughed…”

    12 Apr
    April 12, 1935 ” I am just thinking how much we laughed…”

    4/12/35

    My very dear Bubele:*

    Everything good and best wishes etc, etc, to you. I hope that both my letters to you with some underwear arrived OK. One I sent to your job and the other home. Hopefully they fit you and you like them and that you will wear them in good health and happiness. I am just thinking how much we laughed when one year ago today we tried to arrange the gift for Alex in our dining room.

    Trudel profile with hats

    Trudel

    I am again writing in my lunch time. It is very nasty outside. Rain and strong wind. It is hard to walk. My black rain coat is sure welcome now. Tuesday night when I was again at Aunt Henny, I took the fur off my gray coat. I like it almost better that way.

    Monday I finally had a haircut again. I like it that way – real short.

    While waiting for Leonard in his office on Wednesday I wrote a few letters again, called a few people, including Fanny Ratzenstein, whom I could not reach. I also for the first time took some business calls for Leonard. I am a little cautious about that. I always think people will not understand me on the phone. But I had no difficulties.

    Trudel's Warm Gray Coat

    Trudel's Warm Gray Coat (with fur)

    Last night I was in bed at 8:30 p.m. but did some sewing until 10:00 p.m. I wrote you that I had to make my brown skirt tighter. That is not finished yet. I should make all my clothes tighter on the bottom, which indicates that I am getting a more adjusted figure.

    Tonight I will go to Samuels again. They had their 2nd grandchild on Sunday and will have the bris next Sunday.

    Aunt Jenny met Julius S two weeks ago but only talked with him very shortly. When I go to them for dinner tomorrow she will tell me what they talked about.

    My ink has run out again so I have to continue with pencil. Actually there is not much I have to tell you today. No wonder – this is letter #13 for this year.

    Yes, I think this is all my dumb brains can get together today.

    For all of you, heartiest greetings and kisses. A special birthday kiss for you, dear Bubele.

    Your loving

    Trudel


    “Bubele” was Trudel’s sister Erna, whose birthday was in late April. Alex eventually became Erna’s husband. The next day LJG wrote a handwritten Birthday greeting to Erna.
    LJG Birthday Greetings

    Letter to Erna

    Click on the thumbnail to see the letter at a legible size. A typescript of the letter is set forth below.

    April 13, 1935

    Dear Erna:

    Happy birthday to you. Many jolly returns of the day! The day you were born was and is an important event in dear Trudel’s life – even tho’ it first occurred three years before she was even a bright idea in her Father’s mind. How much you mean to her — How much happiness your thoughtful love has always meant to my sweetheart you can never know, and makes you very precious to me. Instead of writing you congratulations, I wish I could embrace my precious sister with a birthday kiss. But I can only wish you all the happiness you may wish for yourself, and look forward to the day when I can tell you what a wonderful girl I think you must be because are not you and Trudel made of the same material? With a heart full of love to you, Lotta and Father – who must be congratulated on your birthday, for without him, would such a joy as Erna ever bring my darling’s adoration?

    Devotedly,

    Leonard

     
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    Posted by on April 12, 1935 in Chicago, diary, family, immigrant experience, Judaism, Letters, Memoir

     

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