October 27, 1940
Helen Romako sent this letter to her brother Ed Poltrack while he was in flight school in Illinois. It contains news of home and a mention of a new mahogany desk which was her pride and joy throughout her life.
Transcription
Oct. 27, 1940 Eddie dear I mean “Dear Eddie” but jes couldn’t resist that salutation just for to tease you because you were both meanies to comment on it. My chores are now over-and have I been on the go since morning- and I shall now glory in just relaxing at my new mahogany desk (yep, a recent and good looking acquisition in the R. household). You and Fran outdid yourself in correspondence last week, both having written to Marcia on the same date, etc. I wouldn’t haven’t missed the reception she gave those letters for anything. She immediately took possession of them and I had to wax them out of her in order to follow Lil around and read them to her while she rushed to a football game. Whilst I finally read, Marcia named [?] her delight at receiving personal mail and acknowledged the difference[?] when it comes to filling your requests. However I shall have to slow down when I cease to be obliging. Bear with me. You will have to specify mags you want because it would hardly do to send old Life’s [Life Magazine], which are very heavy and cost accordingly, only to have you part with them. In Digests, I have in my possession only April, May & June issues. Please let me know if you want these, Old Collier’s, Life’s, Sat. Ev. Posts. And tell[?] me if you didn’t receive the pkg. containing 2 Lifes, 2 Times, 2 Sat. Night Posts etc.I would appreciate a personal letter written on Army letter-head anyway for souvenir purposes. Fran has been sending me at least a card but you haven; been on the job for a while. Johnny Poltrack also mentions being un-mentioned in our family letter. Does that mean he never hears from you or [illegible]? He Ant & Pete sat next to us in movies last nite & Peter immediately had me laughing aloud, for which catastrophe Johnny admonished him with “don’t get Helen going”.items[?] with comments and very ingratiating smiles. For insistence at mentions of phone calls, she said, “He said “Thank you for phone calls'' and at hugs she ran to me and gave me a big bear hug saying “bear hug to give to the boys”.Very appreciative youngster as is Cynthia who smile gratefully for all services rendered her. Li & I were gabbing, she about horses and I about moving to N. Canaan and no-one was getting anyplace when Marcia chirped, “It seems to me that you’re both kind of involved”. (I recognized my favorite expression in that.) Her other contributions are “don’t be arguing”; “It’s a surprise” to questions regarding the original song she was singing. “Don’t disturb me, I’m concentrating” & others… It’s going to be very difficult for me to relax and forget about getting to post office, etc. as all are now telling me to do - especially since i seem to be the only one able to find wrapping papers, advocates [missing line] Everyone was thrilled with your pictures & all are expending a fortune having them made. Did you borrow the Pilot's jacket you are wearing? You look very much like a pilot and everyone is impressed, Anthony particularly said (in his inimitable cute way) “Gee watta looking guy” meaning of course that you did look handsome. Maybe you’ll go too far and lose your looks altho’ [illegible] gain in wgt. & good food should do wonders for your teeth. Don’t lose those good teeth. [Illegible]. I’m afraid I’d like to complain loud and long about army life. Talk about how it is so favorable, but when you think about stealing, insufficient recreational facilities and lack of medical attention, I’m for writing to the authorities - I mean or least about getting adequate protection for personal possessions. How can you trust them with a camera, Henry’s [illegible], your return [illegible], etc. If in one of the pictures (in the funereal vestments) where you are sleeping on a cot in a tent with a hat over your eyes, the guy isn’t you. let us know for sure. From Helen