31 May 1942 – Queens, New York
Dearest Marion,
I really don’t know why I didn’t want to come around and see you today. But somehow I felt I wasn’t to blame for the little trouble we had Sat. night. Whether or not it was my fault or your fault I don’t care. I want to go on like we have been the last few months. I was very happy because we didn’t have any arguments. And even though I was out of work and we did[n’t] do anything, you never said a word. I liked that.
Until I saw you tonight I’d didn’t think I’d be writing so soon. But it couldn’t be long because I want you and I love you.
As far as getting a nice greeting when I come around to see you I don’t mind a little questioning or anything else even though I do like a nice friendly greeting. George told me you were mad about Jimmy coming with me. Well we only came around with the intention of staying a few minutes and then we were going home because I was going to come back about eight o’clock and he was going out. Whenever we have plans of doing anything in particular he won’t be there. I don’t know what you have against him but you sure can put up a fuss about it.
Regardless of Jimmy or anybody else I don’t want to have arguments with you. So if you want to continue from where we left off Sat. morning (and I hope you do) I see you after school. If you don’t, it looks as though I’ll lose the most because you wouldn’t lose an awful lot by losing me. Well goodnight sweetheart I’m closing now.
Love, Larry
P.S. I love you angel, please love me. L.R.
Excuse the envelope it’s the only one I could find.
My Genealogy
Letters from Larry – 5 April 1942
5 April 1942 – Queens, New York
This is a pink Easter card – the cover has a book with flowers and a yellow ribbon tied through the card.
On the front of the card, it says:
Easter Greetings to my Sweetheart
Inside the card, there is a little envelope with a note peeking out that says,
Just for You
On the inside of the card, it says:
Every Easter glory
Is sweeter for me today,
The sunshine seems more golden
As it falls across my way:
Each day is filled with gladness,
And all throughout the year
The springtime seems to linger —
Because of you, my Dear!
Handwritten underneath the poem:
To Marion
With love
From Larry
Letters from Larry – 22 March 1942
22 March 1942 – Queens, New York
Dear Marion,
I’m sorry I won’t be around to see you but I was sick today. I didn’t go to work. It was that egg salad sandwich I ate last night. I’ll see you tomorrow night. I only wish I could see you tonight. I’m in the mood. I’ll miss you honey. I love you. How about you. Well so long dear.
Love
Larry
Letters from Larry – 14 February 1942
14 February 1942 – Queens, New York
This is a lacy Valentine’s Day card – the cover has a cutout gold foil-lined heart with two blue love birds with their heads tilted together while sitting on a stand next to a flower arrangement.
There are no words on the front of the card, but the cutout makes the words inside the card visible even when the card is closed.
Inside the card, it says:
Remembering You on Valentine’s Day
It’s a pleasure to send wishes
And you know that when I do,
Every one means glad remembrances
Going from my heart to YOU!
Handwritten inside the card:
To Marion
From Larry
Also inside the card is an image of a little cottage with a white picket fence and flowers along the fence.
Letters from Larry – Undated from 1942
Undated – presumed to be sometime in 1942, after Pop went to training for the U.S. Navy, as he talks about being away and being in class. The exact location of the letter is also unknown but presumed to be in Newport, Rhode Island.
Dearest Marion,
I received your letters of the 28th and 29th. The first letter was swell but the second letter almost knocked me flat. I can’t seemed to get it straight but whatever happened is some mix-up somewhere. My mother wrote a letter the same time as you did but she didn’t say anything about it. That’s one thing I don’t like. My parents never did anything to make bad friends between me and anyone else. I love you honey and no matter what anyone says or does they’ll never change that. I’m going to wait for one more letter from home and if they don’t say anything about it I’m going to write and find out all about. Don’t let it bother you honey. I’ll get this straightened out. I despised Mr. Fredericks for interfering with George and Terry and I’ll make sure that my folks won’t do the same thing. I’m in class now and if I get caught writing I’ll get the devil. I’ll write again tomorrow. Don’t forget honey whatever happens I’m yours for the asking.
I’ll always love you,
Larry
This letter hints as some possible conflict between Pop’s parents and Nan. If the presumption about timing is correct, they were already talking seriously about getting married, but Nan still would have only been about 16 years old, and I can understand that this may have caused concern for Pop’s parents. Based on the comment regarding the Fredericks, I can imagine that this might be close to what this letter is about. But without Nan’s letters, it’s hard to know this for sure.