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June 25, 1934 “Forgive any mistakes I make in my writing. English I do not know yet and German I am forgetting.”

June 25, 1934 “Forgive any mistakes I make in my writing. English I do not know yet and German I am forgetting.”

June 25, 1934. Monday 11:00 a.m.

Dearest Papa, Doddo and Erna,*

Received your nice letter today. Sorry I did not write for more than 1 week but I was really busy and I ask you to forgive any mistakes I make in my writing. English I do not know yet and German I am forgetting. Now I am trying to remember what I have not answered yet.

Three Sisters

Trudel, Erna and Lotte in 1932

The [Greyhound] buses are very similar as at home. The seats are upholstered, leather covered and adjustable. Each armrest is always covered with a fresh white cloth. There are 2 seats on each side of the bus and between a narrow gangway with an emergency seat to fold down. Enough for about 40 passengers. No drinking water but stops every 2 hrs. Either real short just for passengers getting off and on or at mealtimes about 25 min.

The chauffeurs are all very reliable, decent and polite. Martin Seekbach whom I still have not met is such a chauffeur. When he does come we are not home and when we wait for him he does not show up.

Right now I am listening on the radio the Mozart minuette to which Erma and I used to like to dance. Remember? Anyhow the music on the radio is beautiful. Good thing music is international.

Trudel's father, Adolf Adler

Now back to the letters. The red jacket I wore 3 times on the boat. I will not wear it here until winter again. I am remembering [numbering?] my letters to make sure you receive them all.

Marion Hamburger is 19 and Bernice 18 yrs old. The difference in age does not seem to matter here. Often the mother looks younger than the daughter.

I will try to find some interesting catalogues for Lou at the Fair. So far I have not seen anything. Why does Papa never send me a kiss too? Have I answered your questions?

Now I can continue my story. Monday Henny and I went to Leo Joseph, brother of Beatrice Wolfgang. They look very much alike, not as heavy but just as friendly. Since Beatrice had given me only his business address but not the name of the firm we had trouble finding him. But we made it. He is located on the west side where they had such a big fire recently. You probably read about it. He asked me to call his 29 yr old second wife but I have not been able to reach her so far. They live not far from here. He had us driven home in his car and we went through that whole burnt out vicinity.

Fire at Stockyards

Fire at the Chicago Stockyards on the West Side, on May 27, 1934.

In the evening I was home alone for the first time. Uncle and Aunt went singing. I took a little walk along the beach and when I wanted to go home at 8:30 I met the Lindeimer family who were on the ship with me. They live real close to us. I went home with them and met their 25 yr old daughter and a young man from FFM [Frankfurt]. I forget his name. Did not stay long.

Tuesday I sat with Edith Grossberg in the sun at the beach for an hour and roasted. When the weather is nice I cannot go swimming and when I can it either is raining or too cold. That is Chicago weather, I will not talk about it.

In the afternoon I went to Rose Seckbach. There were several German girls including a 19 yr old from FfM but we did not know each other. I stayed for dinner (supper) and afterwards with Rose’s brother, Hans, to the Fair.

First we went to a beautiful concert outside at the Ford Symphony Gardens. They play everyday from 3 to 5 and from 8-10 p.m. for no extra admission. Then we went through some of the exhibits. Sat in the newest model Chrysler. Then we went to the amusement park. He does not care for those rides so we only watched some of them. We ended up in the Canadian Club Cafe’, direct in the lake.

Night time concert at the Ford Symphony Gardens

Picture this — The Fair itself is on the beach. The amusement park on an island connected with the land with 3 bridges. This restaurant is on one of the bridges and you sit right by the water and all around are those beautifully illuminated buildings. My cavalier is an excellent dancer. There is a very good dance orchestra and also shows: dancing, acrobats, singing etc. Some of it really wonderful. One woman dancer is completely naked but painted with black laquer all over. Really interesting.

We did not get home until 1:30 a.m. and I spent the night at Rose and Mack’s home. Hans and his father live there too. Rose told me the next morning that it has been years since her brother stayed out after midnight in the middle of the week. When he comes home from work he will probably complain how tired he is and will go to bed at 8:00 p.m. But believe it or not that did not happen. We went out together again that night. We went to a very dressy Jewish hall in one of the best hotels here on the south side.

Aerial view of World's Fair

Aerial View of the Fair

I met a few nice people and probably lost a few pounds it was so hot. I never sweated that much even with hot pad, aspirin and 3 blankets although I was dressed as light as possible. As we came home at midnight it started pouring. He is very nice but can you see me with a man with a mustache. He is close to 30 and has together with 2 brothers a very good business and the thing I like best is the fact he takes me to real nice places.

On Thursday his father, my Opa took me downtown where I had a date with Herbert Pohl. Although we did not know each other we did find each other and the 3 of us went to lunch together. I like Pohl very much and we had a very nice time together.

Unfortunately he travels a lot and spends very little time in Chicagio Opa gave him his phone number so he can get in touch when he is in town again. We have no phone as yet.

Afterwards I met Edith Grossberg and her parents and we went to the movies after [based on?] a German book together. I went home with them for dinner and early home. Mr. Grossberg is a big lawyer and very nice like his wife and daughter.

On Friday it was so cold that I wore a warm suit. In the afternoon we were downtown and in the evening Uncle and I went to a German movie on the north side. Henny had to sing somewhere around there and after eating together we separated. Saturday morning I picked up Mr. and Mrs. Lindheimer and we went together to the synagogue and afterwards ran into Opa, who had made some visits in the neighborhood and was on his way home. Instead he went with us to visit several other refugees. Some were busy and others took time to visit. Opa took me for lunch. Henny had to go downtown to arrange about work at the Fair.

Al Jolson

Wonder Bar

After changing clothes because it was so hot we went again to a movie, Wonder Bar, with Al Jolson, It was the first American movie I really liked. While Uncle got cleaned, shaved etc., for the weekend and Opa kept me company, I received a telegram from his son Hans — the best way to communicate when you have no phone.

[to be continued]

*“Doddo” is the nickname for Trudel’s sister Lotte. Erna was her other sister.

 

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August 5, 1934 “All those little white dots are people . . .”

August 5, 1934 “All those little white dots are people . . .”

Aug 5, 1934

My dear Goldkind:

Yesterday I received your letter dated 7/20 and today one from Ernale dated 7/24 with photos.

So far I have not received the little pins [I asked for in an earlier letter]. I guess they will come some day.

Since Thursday I am working again. We are very busy now and I do not have to worry about being laid off again soon.

Enclosed I am sending a little map of Chicago. Guess this is no better than my drawing. Right? Also I am enclosing a snapshot of myself which one of my travel companions sent me. You can do whatever you want with that little film. One photo should be of a woman drinking water from one of those many fountains on the street like I tried to explain to you in a previous letter.

Hot Summer Days in Grant Park

. . . people just laying on the grass in that heat.


For more explanations to the photos I sent you earlier. On the photo facing south all those little white dots are people either in shirtsleeves or light colored dresses. All just laying on the grass in that heat. On the photo facing north the big square dark thing on the Chevy sign is a big clock which I can see from my seat at work. Photo #3 shows Madison Street running East and West between skyscrapers and dividing the city into north and south.

All streets start with house #1 from there in every direction. The building where I work in is No 14 N. Michigan Ave, and is only 8 floors high. Last week I went to see somebody on the 19th floor [of another building].

Grant Park with Clock

View from Trudel's Work Place, with Chevy Sign

I am having a lot of correspondence now. Today I received an opened letter from Alice and was glad to hear that she is getting better. By the time you get this letter she will hopefully be all o.k. again.

Also today I received a very nice letter from Dr. Salzberger from their vacation and I have to answer: Ellen, Kurt Dielnberg, Eugene Hollander (from the boat) Hans Roos, Ernst Straus, Hamburgers, extra Marion at camp, Ernst Goldschmidt and Herman Weiller. You see I won’t get bored.

Michigan and Madison

Michigan Ave. and Madison Street.

Also this week I started hats for Rose Seckbach, Henny and myself and hope to finish them next week. Just right now I notice Doddo’s kiss on the last letter. A little weak but I could recognize it.

I am very glad you are saving my letters for me. It should be interesting to read them again in 20 yrs or more.

I have not heard from Herbert Pohl in a long time. He wrote me from a trip and I answered him. May be it is that his brother wrote him that he does not know me. I lost Mrs. Brown’s address and cannot find it anywhere. Maybe you can write it to me again.

You know, Bubele, I would love to take all of you to the Canadian Club Cafe once but just the admission to the fair alone is 50¢ each. For the month of August I do not have a pass anymore either. And then we would have to eat or drink something there and unfortunately my billfold is not holding that much yet. Hopefully some time in the future.

Of course I used my pass a lot last month. I could make a good guide by now. My English is getting much better. I can now make people understand what I have to say. I can make a few English phone calls already. I do not feel like taking lessons. My newest boyfriend, Harry Ehrlich, talks and understands very little German fortunately.

Kösterlitz comes from behind Berlin. One nephew is a lawyer. Do you remember a court case about a pupil, “Schöller-Krautz?” He was one of the lawyers in that case.

Now I am very happy to tell you that I have lost 5 lbs and feel very well. Did Ernale lose her rainbow marks again? Aunt Henny is o.k. so far but is working much too hard. I am afraid she will collapse one day if she keeps it up.

How you doing in finding an apartment. That cannot be a pleasure to be apartment hunting if it is as hot as you write.

With the warts I would suggest you go to Bob or wait until it rains 3 days and Papa can try his luck. The wart under my arm I cut off with a piece of thread. During the heat it had gotten very sore. Now it is gone.

Ernale, you were going to give me Justus’s address. I asked my Hungarian travel friend about him. He had heard about his father, a very well known doctor.

I sure hope I too will learn to drive before too long. Hope you do not need to take a driver’s test.

Dillinger Shot

Crowd Gathers at Biograph after Dillinger Shot

Dillinger’s killing was the talk of the town for at least 3 days. Henny’s boss happened to be in the vicinity where it all happened. He went there and dipped a piece of paper in Dillinger’s blood and carries it with him all the time as a good luck charm. That’s America for you!

In the meantime we all followed newspaper reports about Pres. Hindenburg health progress very diligently. He has reached a nice old age.

Right now I am listening to Strauss Waltzes on the radio. That is good music for writing.

The same day I last wrote to you I wrote an additional 8 picture postal cards, 2 reg. postal cards and 2 letters and in spent the evening at Rose’s. The next evening Hans took me again to the Chicago Theatre. Besides a very nice movie we saw the Boxer Max Baer in person on the stage, besides a nice dance group and orchestra. As always an excellent program.

Women in Uniform

Women in Uniform (Original German version)

After eating we went for a walk and he showed me the biggest hotel anywhere. We always go to the theatre before 6:00 p.m. because it is much cheaper than later about half the price. Saturday I went to the Fair in the afternoon and later went with one of my travel companions from Vienna who works at the Fair to see the movie Girls in Uniform. Not especially great. Maybe I did not understand the English well enough.**
Stevens Hotel

World's Largest Hotel

Sunday I left already at 9:00 a.m. with Hans for the Dunes. Also I took a lot of oil with me this time. I got pretty much sunburned again. It was another gorgeous day only we left early to go home, change clothes and he picked me up again to go for dinner and then to the gigantic outdoor stadium called “Soldiers Field” to attend “Jewish Peoples Day”.*

Several very interesting Jewish speakers and singers and dancers. Excellent orchestra. An 11 year old Jewish boy played fantastic violin. I think his name was Isha.* [Possibly Grisha Goluboff? This video made in July, 1934 begins with a lot of noise but may be worth watching. Trudel’s Son.]

Jewish Day Preparations

Preparations for Jewish Day
Hyde Park Herald, July 6, 1934

And the main thing a play called “The Epic of a Nation.” The program included:

  1. Ancient Palestine with a cast of 500 people. The 12 tribes, each in different colors and their different banners, coming in from different sides to meet in the middle of this gigantic stage together. They sang old Jewish songs and joined the orchestra as a chorus.
  2. The Diaspora–they start wandering.
  3. [At] first very happy and everything fine. The Jews give gifts and knowledge, ethics, justice etc. then suddenly everything changes. They are persecuted and have to leave. Their books are burnt. A big pile is being burnt in the middle of the stage while the choir sings Kol Nidre and Kaddish.
  4. Interlude: The orchestra plays a rhapsody depicting the wandering Jews in many different lands.
  5. Again hope and happiness. Singing and dancing with candelabras with burning candles.
  6. The workers of today. Just singing by the choir.
  7. The new Palestine.
  8. Dancing and singing to the tune of America. All come together from all the different lands with many flags from all over.

It was really very beautiful and impressive, only a little too long, the whole pageant was organized by some Jew.

Well, Monday I met Alfred Hamburger and his wife at the Fair. She was reading something and had sent me an invitation. Then I went to the Black Forest exhibit when my Vienna friend has his stand now to cut shadow pictures. Since his wife was sick a friend, Charlie, helped him and I kept them company until 11:30 p.m. Tuesday I did the same only until 11:00 p.m. This Charlie is a real friendly light hearted guy. He wants to take me along when the fun is over but I wouldn’t think of it.

[Comment: Now [when I am translating these letters] I can tell you the reason I went out every night. I just could not stand to be house with Uncle Julius alone. I did not care to cook for him or spend my evenings with this miserable selfish guy and play cards or just listen to his German talking all the time.]

On Wednesday I was again at a movie. This time with Julius’s brother Max, his father-in-law, Isi Kösterlitz and his granddaughter. We saw “Good Dame.” 50-50. You can go to the movies any time of the day or night. It is there comfortable, cool, the time passes quickly and it is rather inexpensive. Yes, the time sure goes fast. 1/4 of a year actually 13 weeks ago I left FFM [Frankfurt am Main]. It seems to me as if it was yesterday–On Thursday I was at Rose’s trying hats.

Good Dame Poster

Good Dame

And yesterday, believe it or not I went to see a movie. “Viva Villa” very good but very exciting. Today it is again awfully hot. As usual I went to the synagogue this morning. I met the Lindheimers from the boat who introduced a Mr. Harlemann from FFM to me. Then I did a little shopping and tried to visit another travel companion who was not home but I spent quite a while with his very nice Aunt with whom he lives very close to us.

Viva Villa

Poster for Viva Villa

For lunch today I had a big order of chocolate ice cream and later a piece of bread and butter and a glass of milk. That is something new. I drink a glass of milk almost every day. Now I have been writing for over 2 hrs on this letter. A good thing you can read faster than I can write. Tonight I may stay home may be. Tomorrow I am going to Weil’s for dinner. It is now 5:45 and your Trudelkind’s stomach is growling very much. It’s been 5½ hrs since lunch. If it is not too hot I will try to bake some butter cookies next Saturday.

So just sending you uncountable greeting and kisses.

Yours,

Trudel


*[I can find very little about Jewish People’s Day at the Fair in 1934 but see this article about the celebration of 3000 years of Jewish history in July, 1933. Trudel thought the 11 year old Jewish boy playing violin was named “Isha.” When she translated her letters she wrote that it was Yitzhak Perleman, but he wasn’t born for another ten years. It was most likely Grisha Golub who did play a Stradivarius loaned by Henry Ford at the Fair. I have found conflicting information regarding Goluboff, a prodigy of the period who was probably older than he claimed at the time. The video clip linked above is courtesy of Film Images-Paris Search “Goluboff” in their website for a larger version.]

**[Ironically with one exception, all I can find are references to the original German version of the film, including this Wikipida article and this YouTube with English subtitles. Trudel’s Son.]

Shortlink to this post: http://wp.me/p1yA95-2T

 

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March 8, 1935 – I was very very grateful when they delivered me safe and sound at my door.

March 8, 1935 – I was very very grateful when they delivered me safe and sound at my door.

3/8/1935
671 N. Dearborn
My Dear Dear-ones, golden goldchildren, dirty bums, sweet sugar cookies, and lazy no-writers! Each one of you can pick which name fits best.

It is really unbelievable how fast time goes. This week I had a wonderful time again. On Saturday, I was again at Samuels. Clem had the great idea for me to use rollerskates to go from their house to her sister-in-law’s. Unfortunately, my skirt was too tight. Maybe next time I’ll try to see if I can still rollerskate. Can you picture that?

So, anyway, we played Rummy and it was as usual very gemutlich. Afterwards, I sat in Len’s office until 3:00 a.m. While he was working, I read newspapers, worked crossword puzzles and crocheted. I am really nuts sitting there so long.

On Sunday I was (for a change) tipsy (to put it mildly). At 2:00 p.m. Gwen and Eddy picked me up with their car, to celebrate the 1st anniversary of their acquaintance. At the same time Eddy wanted to talk to one of his clients in a nearby town. But not much became of that. When they picked us up at Leonard’s hotel neither one of us had had any breakfast and were both very hungry. Leonard bought a small bottle of milk, as it is being sold here, and a few cookies which we tried to consume while riding in the car. Of course every time he or I tried to put the bottle to our mouths the car for some reason or other jumped a little. Please do not picture what we both looked like, I would really be ashamed. Well, it tasted good and we were both laughing about it.

Gwen and Eddy's Car

Eddy, who had started to drink early in the morning already, was thirsty again, so we stopped about ½ way at a real nice little tavern right on the highway. We were driving west on Roosevelt Road, to have something to drink. During the two hours we stayed there we each had six or eight whiskeys, highballs, etc. We had a real nice time there. When we left I think I was the only one who still knew at all what I myself and the other three were doing. Of course I too was in a very high spirits. Then we drove on.

Eddy stopped at a movie theater, trying to see his client, while Gwen and I went to the washroom. I cannot explain the walk from there to the car. It seemed to me three times as long as it really was. Then Eddy drove us to the restaurant which really was our goal. A beautiful place, very lovely, decorated, elegant, in a very small town, with a great bar. Gwen, who did not know any more what she was doing, sat down at the Bar with a glass while Leonard and I sat at a table nearby. Eddy kept changing between the two. We had a fantastic steak dinner, danced, drank and had a really good time. Anyway, I was very very grateful when they delivered me safe and sound at my house door at 11:30 p.m. after we stopped in the neighborhood for a sandwich and a cup of coffee.The following Wednesday, when I was at Bishops’ as usual, they asked me about several things they could absolutely not remember.

Baker Hotel

Monday I visited Aunt Henny in her new rooms, just around the corner from where she lived before. I suppose you will write to her again for her birthday. Her new address is Hotel Cerf, 3635 Blackstone, room 8. She only moved because she had no phone on the other place, which is really very important in such a big city.

Tuesday I was for supper at Gus and Marie Bing. They were really awfully nice. Marie is trying to get me in where she is working now, and if it does not work out Gus told me that Budwig (where I worked before) is starting again and I should go to him. Maybe he will take me again. Anyway, I have to wait till next week. Something will work out that I find something better. Now that the new season is starting is the right time to look.

The weather has been so nutty that one does not know how to dress. One day just ice and snow and the next beautiful sunshine.

Last night for a change I was in bed at 9:30 p.m. It was really necessary.

Tonight I will have one of those nice relaxing Shabbos evenings at the Samuels. Tomorrow at Weils. In general I am quite lazy — darn socks, only when I have no more to wear without holes, do my laundry just once a week, also started three or four letters but did not finish. I am crocheting a black skirt for Gwen and carry that with me everywhere I go even if I do not work on it.

Hotel Baker

Hotel Baker

For Aunt Henny’s birthday I will make her a brown straw hat and a stand for it. Nobody can understand that I have not had a word from my slster Lotte in three months, and even from Erna in two months. Yes, that is the way it goes. Of course I tell people, well, then I do not have to write to them either!

Last week a lady called me from the new “Immigrants’ Club” but I was not at home. She left her name and phone number. I am really not interested. I feel very happy here without their help. Only if I could get some customers for hats, but I doubt that very much.

The mysterious phone call from two weeks ago has not been cleared yet. By the way, Mr. Arthur Eggener, fiance of Clem Samuels, will probably get in touch with you in the near future. He will come here in in a few weeks and would be glad to bring me some butter cookies. With this I am ending this megilla, with a hearty kiss for each of you. Best regards to all when [they] ask for me.

Your loving daughter and sister,
Gertrude Adler
671 N Dearborn Street.
Phone: Dearborn 5425


Trudel often told of a wild ride out to the Baker Hotel in St. Charles, Illinois. I believe that was the trip she describes in this letter.

 

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

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

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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