May 2, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Frances Protextor

Dear DeLores,

I suppose you wonder why I am writing you. I expect to leave for Seattle in 2 1/2 weeks. My boyfriend is at Fort Lawton and expects to work for Army Ordinance in a plant nearby. He is in limited service. I am driving out. The rationing board will give me enough stamps if I have proof I’m getting married and making my home there. Maybe we could have gone out together if we had known about it (you and I).

I intend to work. If I’m not too inquisitive, where do you work and what do they pay? I imagine there are lots of jobs, but I would like one that pays fairly well. I am getting $.82/hour now and that amounts to $42.64 a week. That’s 48 hours, time and a half for over 40 hours. I was looking at a Seattle paper and what’s “Seattle Transit Coach” operations?

I was over to Darleen’s for dinner. She had a swell pork roast and everything to go with it. Your mother and dad were over there last night.

How far are you from Seattle and Fort Lawton? Would you try and write me this week and answer the questions I’ve asked?

As Ever,
Frances

May 2, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Mother)

Hello De and Joe,

Sunday and lonesome. Washed and have nearly everything put away so will write to you next. I am waiting for Dar. She said she is coming maybe the yes, more says no again she called and wanted your address, which I gave to her. I think she realized that you were hurt inside more than you let on. I puttered more in fact exploded. She said her self that she wished she had asked you and Joe to go with.

She asked me to come. Mother’s Day for 5 o’clock lunch. I don’t know if Dad will go. We sure won’t stay only till dishes are washed. We stopped just a little while to see her new house last night, which is cute but Jerry treated us just awful. Oh De, I wish you kids were here, believe me it is all I can do to keep my chin up.

I took your dress out last night. Do you want me to send it to you and the Twin City Furniture store was brought out by the St. Paul house we have to pay them now, isn’t that good I can’t find the Cardgo book. Where is it. Can you tell me? Your nylon stockings, where are they in the cedar chest? I locked it and now I can’t open it, but that is alright. Your things are all put away only the overalls are dirty yet.

Iris called wanting your address. Ma Anderson has been very sick with a cold. I took Mrs Buck’s small desk out here it is so cute instead of our old one also her studio couch.

Oh by the way, Frances Pro is coming to Seattle next week driving through and wanted your address. She will be married after she gets there. Her boyfriend is stationed there. And what is Joe dong now? Is he still at that 1st and place?

Bud changed into Co. D instead of Hg Co. Addie had a letter from him a few days ago.

I was so glad when your letter came and I cried. I worried so please don’t do that again. A card will do if you haven’t the time. What is your work going to be? Tell me everything. I have nose trouble Hg. Ha. The Moran girl that was traveling had the upper birth. all to the man below if he had time not the time nor the inclination.

Well I think this is enuf for now so with all my love to you and Joe, hugs and kisses.

I am as ever,
Mother

Got dad a new green shirt and ties and a sweater.

No more news.

May 2, 1943 | Dear Joe (from Lucy)

Dear Joe,

I just finished a letter to your wife and I decided I would answer your letter.

It was sure swell to hear from both of you. De told me about how often you can see each other and as I said in De’s letter, luck is sure with you kids now.

Dale and I are ok again Joe, and don’t worry about me stepping out on him. Just worry about him stepping out on me. He’s a good boy though, so it doesn’t bother me anymore. But if he should take someone out don’t you think he should let me? You know so I could go out too?

Maybe Dale and I will get married someday, but I’m not thinking of it now. It’s too far away and to tell the truth Joe, I can’t get the picture. I try to think of how nice it would be and imagine everyone tries to picture themself married, but I can’t see it. Did you ever feel that way before you actually married De? Please don’t tell Dale I said this because I know I love him. But he makes me so mad at times.

Dale is stationed at Treasure Island now. He said so far all it has done is rain. He didn’t say much about how he liked it so it can’t be anything extra special. He had a gold seal on his diploma and on the seal was written, With Honors. Only twelve out of two hundred received it so I guess I should be pretty proud of him.

The log cabin is open again and gee remember the fun we used to have down there? It is a lot nicer this year and I mean they won’t let any of those young punks drink in there. The coke glasses are filled to the tops too. I can hardly wait, either, for the time when the four of us can go out the way we used to.

Well, Joe, I guess that’s all for now. Give your wife my love and take care of her for me.

Love,
Lucy

Mom and Dad and Jack said I should say hello.

May 2, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Lucy)

Dear DeLores,

Gee, it was sure swell to hear from you. I didn’t know for sure when and if you left. You see I called you the Sunday before you left and your dad said that you had gone to the show with your mother. I couldn’t call you Monday because I didn’t come home from work.

Drill has started again, and it is every Monday now, so I go downtown for supper and then go to drill right from there. It was about 10:30 when I got home and I knew it was too late to call then. I tried to get you Tuesday evening before leaving for the show, but the line was busy. Well anyway, I didn’t get to say goodbye to you. I mean “so long.”

I’m sure glad to hear that you got a room right away and everything. Say you were pretty lucky to get a job right away too. It sure sounds interesting. Did you quit at the airport or did they grant you a leave of absense?

Luck sure has been with you lately. I guess it was worth waiting for. I mean at first we thought Joe wouldn’t get a leave and then you got the wire saying he was on his way home and now everything is happening just the way we all dreamed about, and never expected to happen. I bet Joe is happy about it all. I don’t have to bet about how you feel because I can put myself in your place. I’m so happy for you, darling. I envy you a little too though.

Dale finished his course down at Texas. He’s in Treasure Island California now. He graduated with honors and had his choice of Officer’s Training School or staying at the U of M as a student instructor. He didn’t do either. He said he would rather go on through school and learn all he could because it would help him find a better job after the war. I guess he knows what he is doing so I didn’t make any comments on the subject to him.

I don’t know if I mentioned to you that Dale was taking flying lessons. Well he has eight and a half hours of flying with an instructor and one hour and forty five minutes solo. He has his pilots license too already. After the war he says I can learn how to fly because we are going to have an airplane. That’s enough for Dale. O yes, I would send you his address but he hasn’t any permanent address as yet. But I will send it as soon as I know. That is if you want it.

I’m still working at B&B’s but Ive been transferred to war production. I don’t get any more an hour but I sure like it a lot.

I almost forgot to tell you. I received a letter from Joe a couple of weeks ago. It sure was a cute one. I’m going to write him a few lines. I will send one to him and then you can compare notes. Ok?

It sure did feel swell to hear from you De. I wish you and Joe all the luck in the world. You two sure have waited long enough for all you’re getting now. I know that if Dale were here he would want me to send his love to the two of you, so I will do it for him.

All our love,
Dale and Lucy

Give Joe a kiss for me and tell him to give you a kiss for me. Be a good girl darling.

Everyone (Mom and Dad) and the gals said I should tell you hello and wish you luck.

Bye for now.

I was just going to write your address on the envelope and I noticed that you didn’t give me your address. I’m going to call your mother now and get it.

April 31, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Mother)

Dear De,

I have been very unhappy about you not writing. I couldn’t sleep and I could imagine so many things. I am very glad that your letter came today. I will try not to worry any more. But that is Mother love, which I just can’t control.

How many hours do you work? And when do you start work? I made 63 last week.

What will I do with your letter from Newman Albright Studo and so on Will Lehner letter. I am mailing to you. Iris just called. I gave her your address.

E Vaun changes into Co D instead of Hg Co. He said it is for the better. Floyd is over now and his 1st chance he is going to find Bud if he can. We are fine. Dad has his yard all cleaned up. I got a cupboard in the basement to put my canned goods in. We are going to put in our coal there. I am going to clean the basement. I am very tired work. Tomorrow I will write more in a few days.

With all my love to a sweet little girl I miss.

Always,
Mother

Tell me everything. Love to Joe.

April 30, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Mother)

Dear De,

Got your note just as I got home tonight. I wrote you a big letter and I am not sure if I put a stamp on it.

Get in touch with Evaline. 908 4th Ave SW. Pryallup telephone is 3748 or 3948. She tried so hard to find you. Called me on the phone Thursday evening when you left.

Dad is mailing your stamp books. Dar nor Ed haven’t been in since you left. How are you honey? I miss you so much. How are you getting along?

Won’t you tell me all about it. You know I am the one who worries about you.

I must check in, getting late.

With all my love and good wishes. Hope you had a pleasant Easter.

Kisses,
Mother

April 29, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Mother)

Dear De,

I was surprised that there wasn’t a letter from you tonight. Just a week. Don’t forget me so soon. I am so worried. So many things go through my head. Won’t you try and write to me. If only a card will do. I know then you are alright.

Did you get your ration book? I am getting stamps from a girlfriend. Shall I send them to you? I will gladly if you can use them.

I won’t write much. I was out tonight a fare well on Janette’s.

Have I done anything wrong De? Are you mad at me? If there is anything, write me about it. Dar nor Ed’s have been in since you left. They came and got the stove, thank you and goodbye.

So I am very much alone, but I am simply beside myself that you don’t write. 3 letters in 2 weeks.

Well goodnight. May God bless you and keep you.

Love,
Mother

April 29, 1943 | Dear Joe (from Mother Albright)

Dear Son Joseph,

I am so worried about DeLores. I don’t know why she doesn’t write .I am so afraid something has gone wrong with her. Won’t you write to me and let me know how she is getting along. I hope I haven’t done anything to offend her or you.

I sure would do anything for both of you if you need my help. I can’t write much tonight

I am so upset, so do this for me please. I will do better next time.

With love and good wishes as ever,
Mother

April 27, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Mother)

Dear De and Joe,

I am waiting for Jerry and Dick and Dar to come get their stove so will write you in the meantime. How are you getting on? Have you money to go on with? I know it goes too fast.

What kind of work are you doing and where is Joe at now? You don’t tell me anything that I would like to know.

Addie is coming Wednesday and we are going to take in a show. Thursday evening a party on Jarmette. Friday evening a party and Mrs. Markgrafs house. Next week a party at Mrs. Sparr’s. I am really getting to be a bum.

Ed and Helen or Dar haven’t been in since you left, but it doesn’t worry me in the least. But I wish I could have a good visit with you. I sure miss you a lot, but I will take it on the chin. Haven’t heard from Bud for 3 weeks. Addie is so worried. Floyd is on his way over, don’t know when.

I am working very hard. They put on a night crew again, so much work. Raymond Beane came home on a furlough.

Well dear, they are here now, so with love and kisses to you both.

I am ever,
Mother

May God bless you both. Write.

Dad wired your ration book.

April 24, 1943 | Dear DeLores (from Mother)

My dear son and DeLores

A few lines from Mother this Saturday afternoon. Worked till 12. 93 1/2 hours this week. Not bad.

How do you like your work and what you do? Tell me all about it and do you like it? I got a beautiful plant from Addie for Easter, gave the children some candies, and Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and Dad and I are going to the Roman Cafe to eat tomorrow and 4 o’clock. We are too lazy to cook so that is the easiest way out.

Jerry broke the bridge of his nose and Dar says it is getting crooked. It must be some her that they have it hurts him quite badly. Dar has nearly everything ready to move. She said she was coming back Sunday but the other man said no.

Last night she was coming in to day again he said no. She can stay where she is at. It is ok. I keep my self very busy. Had company so didn’t finish my letter.

I am all ready to go eat. Beck’s have gone. Gave us $10 for staying with us. I got their bird and a studio couch on my porch.

The day is very beautiful and I didn’t go to church. I had quite a bad spell but don’t worry about it. I thought I had better rest.

I don’t know what happened to me but I hurried into the sink and I couldn’t breathe and now I am as fit as a fiddle.

Did you find a place to live yet? I hop. Dad has his garden taken care of and everything is green and fresh looking. Dar just called and wanted to come over and Mrs. Walker too. Just as we were ready to leave. Well honey, write mother, Ed & Helen. Haven’t been in since you left.

Try and call Evaline changed her address from 743 2 NE St NW to 908 4th Ave. She wrote me a big letter and she tried so hard to get you. She is so anxious to see you. Telephone 3948 or 3748

I can’t make it out. It is a double no.

Dad wants to know about your ration stamps. What to do with. Let me know.

Hugs and kisses. As ever your,
Mother

I hope everything is going fine with Joe and yourself.

Love to both