V-Mail - Edward Gontarz, Mar 1944

Edward Gontarz S 1/C

United States Coast Guard

U.S.S. Laurel

c/o Fleet Post Office

New York N.Y.

12 March 1944

Miss Naomi Speer
National Safety Bank & Trust Co
1384 Broadway
New York 18 N.Y.

My Dear Naomi,

     Well just how are you?  Still punching for me?  I hope you are because it would make me feel good to know it.
     Some of the words I may put in might be censored then it may not be.  You see I'll just write along and what they don't like they'll just take it out.
     This morning we landed [CENSORED].  Its not as cold up here as I figured it would be.  A little colder than in the States but not bad at all.
     It was regular routine work during the daytime and at five o'clock the fellows that had liberty were starting to shove off the ship to be on land again. 
     I happened to be one of the boys which had liberty and was able to see it.  To be truthful it was nothing at all to see.  I went over to the canteen to get a few glasses of beer and what happened?  Yes, they closed the canteen as soon as I stopped into it.  Just my luck isn't it.
     Maybe this will be the last place we will hit that has any beer to drink and I had to miss out on it.  You see up north they do not serve any hard stuff anywhere.  So just wait until I hit good old N.Y. again.
     Before I forget.  The Navy band sponsored a dance for our ship U.S.S. Laurel.  But it didn't do any of us any good.  Why there were only about 25 girls here and about 500 service men.  So figure it out yourself.  The permanent boy which were stationed here had them all.
     And the girls.  Why you made me laugh about the guys you seened in Greenwich village.  But you should see some of them out here.  The lack of space does not permit me to write about it.
     So if you'll excuse the mistakes and take my love I'll remain the same as always

Love.

Ed.

Seasons Greetings - John Gemmell Jr., Jan 1949

Dear Naomi,
    
     You Christmas present to me confirms what I have long suspected - that you are a darling.

     I am just as happy as a child over that mowing picture and especially at it came as a great surprise.  I supposed that the first camera output had been ruined.

     One thing is sure: no mowing machine could be operated today in that west pasture nor would any lightly dressed person last long in that bitter climate.

     I hear that we are all to dine sometime soon - until then Happy New Year.

Affectionately,

John Gemmell Jr.

Jan. 3, 49.

Social Butterfly - John Gemmell Jr., May 1946

177 MONTAGUE STREET

BROOKLYN, N.Y.

May 3 - 1946

Dear Naomi,

     The most delightful way in which old people may be pleased is when they recieve any spontaneous attention from young people; it proves they have been thought of and when this happens in the case of an old man who has been remembered by a charming young lady, the success is complete indeed.

     I had not realized that I had spoken of Captain Bone [David William Bone] in your hearing and I am so glad to have this latest report of him, which I shall paste into one of his books that I have.

     Thank you, many times.

     I am relying on Mrs. Gemmell to plan it so that we may see you at the farm this summer.

Affectionately,

John Gemmell Jr.

Fairytale Romance - Renee Tornberg, Jan 1946

Postmarked Beverly Hills California 12 Jan 1946 11 AM

Mrs. Murray Tornberg

1/10/46

Dear Naomi,

     Guess this is a bit of a surprise to you but I was married on Nov. 18.  I should have written you but theres was so much excitement.  I met Murray on Aug. 9th.  He is really wonderful.  He was a buddy of my brothers in Hawaii and a native Californian.  We are very happy.  So far can't find a place to live so we are with my folks.  But we're hoping.

     Well s'all for now.  My regards to all the folks.

Fondly,

Renee

Letter Not Sent - Naomi Speer, Aug 1942

August 10, 1942

Dear George,



     I've just recieved your letter from Nova Scotia.  What there is of it.  Only the last two lines.

     After recieving it just now I'm in a quandry as to whether or not you were in an on the lousy little plot that was played on me yesterday.  Somehow I can't concieve of your doing such a thing.  But the post mark on your letter leaves enough time for you to have returned and been in NY yesterday.

     I recieved a phone call from Paul Donovan about 5:00 PM yesterday Sunday.  He tried to find out how I had learned all my information about Ken.  After telling him without mentioning you he put Ken on the phone.  Ken continued the battery telling me things about you and me which made me suspicious.  He told me you were there.  I was too furious with the three of you to bother to ask to speak to you.  If you were there may I repeat that anything I said to Ken about you still stands.  If you weren't there I'm very sorry for what I said and I hope that I have not caused any trouble for you.  I hope you recieve this before you see either of those two; so at least you will be forewarned.  If you were with them, George, I think you're one of the most despicable people I know.  Of course, if you were there yesterday, this is all a huge joke to you.  But believe me I hope sincerely that you weren't.

     Please phone me as soon as you recieve this - either at home or at the office.

Truly yours,

Naomi

PS.  Whatever did you write in that letter?  I'm mad as a wet hen because there's so little left.  Heavens the censors are strict.

Secret Code - Edward Gontarz, Sep 1943

Postmarked New Bedford Mass 12 Sep 1943 12 PM (Letter 2 in envelope)

HVKG 9, 1943

HFIVKRWV IZWRL

NB WVZJ MZB,

     DVOO SUJV R ZN ZTZRM R IVZOOB SLKV BLF WRWM'G SZEV ZMB GRLFYOV RM GSV OZHG OVGGVI.  RU BLF  WRW SVIVH ZMLGSVR LMV.  IVNVNYVI BLF HZRW GSV OLMTVR RG GZPVH BLF GL NZPV LFG ZOVG- GVI GSV NLIV RMGVIVHGRMT RG RH.

     VEVICGSRMT SVIV HVVNH GL YV GSV HZNV.  VCXVKG GSZG MLD ZOO GSV EZXZGRLMRHGH SZEV OVUG.  DSRXS NVZMH DV ZIV MLD ZOO ZOLMV.  YFG NZBYV MLG ULI OLMT.

     GSVIV ZIV IFNLMH ZILFMW GSZG GSV MZEB RH NLERMT RM LM GSVB NZBYV DROO SZEZ Z YZHY SVIV LM GSV RHOZMW.

     YFG, GSZG'H MLG GSV LMOB GSRMT.  R'EV YUUM SVZIRMT GSZG DV'IV ZOO TLRMT GL YU GIZMHUVIVW LUU GSV RHOZMW.  ZMYLWB GSZG'H SZW ZMB HVZ WEGB ZMW GSZG'H YUUM LM OZMW ULI LEVI GSIVV NLMGSH DROO TVG GIZMHUVIVW ZTZRM GL HVZ WFGB.  ZMW HL UZI RSZW MVZIOB HUEVM NLMGSH LU HSLIV WFGB. 

     NLMWZB NLIMRMT POHG DSVM NB ORYVIGB DZH MVZIOB LEVR UREV LU LFI YLBH DVIV GIZMHUVIVW LUV GL YLHGLM.  GSRH NVZMH HVZ WFGB.  RU R DZH'MG LM ORYVIGB GSZM R GSRMP R DLFOW SZEV YVVM LMV LU GSV VREV.  YFGZH OFXP DZH ZODZBH DRGS NV.  R NZBYV TLG Z UVD NLIS DVVRH LI NZBYV NOMGSH FMGRO GSV MVCG TILFK LU YLBH DROO YV OVZERMT ZTZRM.  NZBYV GSRH GRNV R'OO ZOHL YV LM ORYVIGB.  R SLKV.  

     YFG ML FHV DLIIBRMT ZYLFG RG MLD.  R'EV YVVM LFG DSVM RG DSH WZMTVILFH LFG RM GSV ZGOZMGRX.  MLD RG DROO LMLB YVZM LXVZM ZIFRHY.

     ZYLFG NB HUXLMW ORYVIGB, RG XLNVH LM GSV GDVMGB-URUGS R GSRMP.  YFG R'OO OVG BLF PMLD ZH GSV YZGV XLNVH Z ORGGOV XOLHSI.

     ZMW RV DV WL KZIGRXRKZGV RM GSV HL XZOOVW TIZMW KZTVZMG ZMW KLD DLD SLD XZM DV XZM BLF GVOO NV?

     DVOO MLD ZH R ZN TVGGRMT HOVVKRMT ZMW R MLD SZEV GL WVXLWV GSRH OVGGVI R'OO XOLHV MLD.  HVMDRMT BLD NB OLEV.

BLFI OLERMT

TIZMWHLM

VW

     Remember Honey, Don't give up it's very easy.  You have to make it out of course.  I only hope you won't be to angry with me for this. 

     You told me, "To make it as long as possible", so here it is.

See you in the next letter

EdG

sept 9, 1943 surfside radio

my dear nay,

well here i am again i really hope you didn't have any trouble in the last letter. if you did heres another one. remember you said the longer it takes you to make out a let-ter the more interesting it is.

everything here seems to be the same. except that now all the vacationists have left. which means we are now all alone. but maybe not for long.

there are rumors around that the navy is moving in on they maybe will have a base here on the island.

but, that's not the only thing. i've been hearing that we're all going to be transfered off the island. anybody that's had any sea duty and that's been on land for over three months will get transfered again to sea duty. and so far i had nearly seven months of shore duty.

monday morning last when my liberty was nearly over five of our boys were transfered off to boston. this means sea duty. if i was'nt on liberty than i think i would have been one of the five. but as luck was always with me. i maybe got a few more weeks or maybe months until the next group of boys will be leaving again. maybe this time i'll also be on liberty. i hope.

but no use worrying about it now.  i've been out when it was dangerous out in the atlantic. now it will only be an ocean cruise.

about my second liberty, it comes on the twenty-fifth i think. but i'll let you know as the date comes a little closer.

and if we do participate in the so called grand pageant and pow wow how can we can you tell me?

well now as i am getting sleeping and i now have to decode this letter i'll close now. sending you my love.

your loving
grandson

ed

Mirror Mirror - Edward Gontarz, Sep 1943

ENTIRE LETTER IS BACKWARDS - NEED A MIRROR TO READ IT

Sept 9 1943

Surfside Radio

Nantucket Mass

My Dear Ney,

     As I said I would I am now writing you a letter.  I know I am a little late but as you know a little late is better than never.

     The reason for me not wanting to write is not because you can't see my writingor to make it out but I never can find anything to write about.

But I'll try to keep up with you.

     Today I recieved two letters from you.  With all my heart I thank you very much for them.  Since I said I keep up with you I send you two in one. 

     I enjoyed my last liberty very much but when I think of it now we should have seen so of New York. 

     I've told the fellow that I've be in New York and they asked me what I've seen?  I told them that I've seen my girl.  But they didn't want that - they wanted to know what in New York I've seen.  So I had to lie about it.  Told them we seen everything worthwhile seeing.  Radio City and so forth.

     All this is getting to that the next time we see New York we will really see it.

     Listen, Honey, don't be disappointed in this letter because I've said this is a two in one.  So if I say everything I have to in one letter I won't have anything to say in the other letter.

     As my paper is getting short I'll have to close wishing you the best of h until I next see you.  Shall we say Ni Fun! 

Your loving G...

Ed

Slightly Censored - George A. Kern, Aug 1942

Postmarked North Sydney Nova Scotia

5 Aug 1942 6 AM

BULK OF LETTER CUT OFF

you are feeling fine and dandy.
Hoping you recieved my last letter  I must sign off.

Yours truly

George A Kern

US. Merchant Service

Unrequited - S. Gilchrist, Apr 1945

At Sea

Fri. 6th Apr. '45

My Darling Ni,

     I write this epic at sea, something I seldom if ever do, but the fact is you've been constantly on my mind since I last saw you, every minute of every day, & I have to write this & write it now.  It was simply swell to see you again, & so typical of you to go to all that trouble just for the sake of seeing me.  It makes me feel positively humble.

     But it's been like that all along, you have given me so much, love, affection, even faith & all you ever had in return was a lot of fancy talk & a few red roses.  Why dont you that that Red Cross type's advice & eat me right out.  God knows, I dont want it that way, but I have nothing to offer you, just nothing & it would be fair of me to expect you to stick around in the hope that some day I might marry you.  Some decent type who will be around all the time, who can look after you & give you the things you deserve, is what you want, & not a broken down, imbecunious, sea-going engineer that you have a chance of seeing about one week in a year.

     Actually I had intended telling you all this when I saw you, but I couldn't, kid, I couldn't do anything to hurt you not even a little bit.  You're so sweet.

Please, please, Ni, understand what I am trying to say.  I phrase it badly, & I'm sorry, but I mean everything I have said; with all my heart. 

     I shall keep writing to you & if we return to the States I shall try to see you.  But it may be that you will not want it that way, & I cannot find it in my heart to blame you if you don't.

     Please forgive me, my darling, & Thanks.

Yours

Gil

Homebound - S. Gilchrist, Oct 1946

9 Langstile Rd.

Glasgow S.W.2.

Tue. 8th Oct. '46

My Dear Ni,

     As you can see by the adress I am at home & was therefore in a position to personally recieve your letter from Quebec, which last I must say certainly took its time getting here.  I think they must have sent it over on a sailing ship, & a damn slow one at that for I only recieved the letter this morning almost a month after you posted it.

     I have been on an extended, & I may say an undesired leave for a spell now, but I expect to back if not on the ocean, at least on a ship within a week.

     I haven't been doing a great deal lately, which is just as well or I would be in debt, instead of just plain broke.  Incidentally, they are sending some of the American ships we have been running back to the States, so I may see you again soon.  That would be just swell.

     Since Ina went to London I have been on my own most of the time.  She has had a lot of bad luck recently.  She was in the Royal Air Force for about 3 years during the war, but she was discharged Dec '43 with Tuberculosis.  She was in a sanatorium for a spell, but when I met her she was getting well enough to consider taking a job.  All the time she was in Scotland she was fine, but she had no sooner gone back to London that, bingo!, she was banged back into hospital.  She was really ill too.  She sent for me asking me to come down, but when I went she was unconscious, & being banged in & out of an oxygen tent.  She is a bit better now, but they have collapsed one of her lungs & she will have to be in the hospital for many months to come.  It's a damned shame, she was such a pretty, lively kid.

     You seem to have hand quite a time to yourself north of the border.  My old man was in Quebec many times & was quite intrerested in the pictures, especially the Chateau Frontenac.  I guess it must have been one of his haunts when he was a gay young sailor.

     The big girl is back with us again for a spell, running up & down the blyde to see how fast she can do it.  All the engineers I know shake their head & say she's no good, but inside they're just bursting with pride.  Anyway, they wouldn't be satisfied until they have her airborne.  I cut the pictures out of the papers last night to send to you, so it wasn't really a surprise to get a letter from you, this morning.  She really is a beauty.

     There is little more I can tell you now that would be of any interest to you.  So goodbye for now, Ni, & the usual good luck!  I'll write again soon.

Be seeing you.

Gil

Adrift Again - S. Gilchrist, Feb 1946

S.S. 'Samshire'

Liverpool

Sun. 17th Feb. '46

My Dear Ni,

     As you can see by the above address I have changed my quarters since I last wrote to you.  I spent about a month in the 'City of Lancaster' but I was brassed off there so when I got the chance of a seagoing job again, I grabbed it with both hands.  And this is it the S.S. 'Samshire' built in Baltimore & a sister ship to the 'Torch' & the 'uta' of beloved memory.  I like these type of vessels, for they are very comfortable.  I am alone abaord tonight, except for Smoky the ships Persian cat, for I lack both the inclination & the hard cash to allow me to dash ahore & indulge in bitter beer & badinage with the barmaid.  I do not like cats, & I do not like Smoky, but she is very beautiful & I must need admire her.  What is more, she does not possess the disgusting habit of most cats of assuming that the 'world is her toilet'.

     We shall probably be in Liverpool for a few weeks yet, which is bad, for I loathe the bloody place, but they have pretty good orchestral concerts once a week, & I may take a couple of days off & run up to Manchester & see Tommy Pallas.  The rest of the time I shall stay aboard, smoke, read, remember & cheat myself furiosly at cribbage, all of which are well loved diversions of mine.

     It is quite a long time since I heard from you, & I could not help but wonder if you had come to the conclusion that you had had enough of my tedious prattle & had finally decided that you would call it off.  I could not blame you if you have, but I would be sorry; sorry indeed.

Should you, however, feel like continuing our usual correspondence, my address is as usual i.e.

'Eng'r Officer S. Gilchrist

S.S. Samshire'

Ellerman Associated Lines Ltd.

Tower Building

Liverpool

     That is really all I have to tell you at present, except that they're playing 'Clair de Lune' on the radio, & I like it & I bet you do too.  Goodbye, & Good Luck, kid, I'll write again soon.

Yours Ever,

Gil

Competition Arising - S. Gilchrist, Oct 1945

                                                                               9 Langstile Rd.

                                                               Penilee

Thur. 8th Oct. '45

My dear Ni,

     Hello There, kid, remember me.  Frankly I would be in no way surprised if you didn't but to refresh your memory I'm the guy who doesn't sign his letters.  Sorry about that but as a matter of fact its an old habit of mine, I've had complaints about it before, however the unmistakeable spelling & grammar or lack of it should be trademark enough.

     You keep bawling about me not answering your questions so I'll see what I can remember up

Incidentally 'Speer' is an old Scots word meaning to ask questions.  You asked about Clarkie.  Well I met the long one in Swansea just a few weeks ago & he was terrific as usual.  He's packing the sea up early next year & taking over a yacht booking business on the Riviera.  He was suggesting it might be a good idea if I came in with him, it might at that, but I guess I'm a deep sea man for good.  Another item of news that may interest you is that Mrs. Thomas Madison Pallas became a proud mother just a few weeks ago.  I dont know the sex of the creature because I forgot to ask.

     As for me things are pretty much the same, except that i have been kicking around with a young woman for a while.  She's a friend of my sisters, one Miss Ina Briton & a good kid but I dont see much of her, for I'm busy as hell at the Tech just now.  The three of us were at the ballet when it was here a fortnight ago & never having seen 'Swan Lake" before they were enchanted.  But, what the hell, I've seen it umpteen times & I was enchanted too.

     My examinations are on Nov. 20th & 21st & just one week after that I will have another birthday coming off.  Twenty-four, ye gods, I feel positively decrepit.  On this sad note I'll say goodbye again, my Ni.

Good Luck kid

Gil