I understand that you will continue with your study of the French language to prepare for a position as translator at the new United Nations edifice in Manhattan. My very best wishes to you in all your endeavors. I am sure you will do well.
Sincerely,
M. Edgar Jones
Principal
Sparta, N.Y.
June 20, 1946
Dear Lucile,
I am so very proud of you. Your mother sent me a copy of your valedictory address at the high school commencement exercises. A very good speech except for the whistling at the conclusion.
Ah, well. If you are going to be a hellion, at least you will be a well-educated one. I am being humorous.
Sincerely,
Your Grandmother
Mrs. Zachary P. Thomas
Millvale and Duboise
321 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
August 23, 1946
Miss Lucile Royster:
With this letter I confirm your employment with Millvale and Duboise as a General Management Aide, commencing Tuesday, September 3 at 8:00 a.m. At that time, please report to my office for your introduction to other staff and your desk assignment. Your remuneration will be $72.00 per week, less deductions, with seven (7) paid holidays and one week paid vacation annually.
All of us at Millvale and Duboise look forward to your employment with us.
Sincerely yours,
G. Philip Duboise, Jr.
Personnel Officer
GPD, Jr./avc
The Bronx, N.Y.
December 5, 1950
My dear Lucy,
Please forgive me for telephoning you at the office yesterday afternoon about Roy. The Army Officers rang my doorbell at 1:30 pm to give me the news that my son was killed in action at Chosin Reservoir on the 30th, as was most of B Company, 31st Infantry. I was so agitated that they called my next-door neighbor in to sit with me. That is when I telephoned you. I simply did not know what else to do except to share our grief together.
Roy loved you very much and was looking forward to the wedding once he had fulfilled his military duty.
Please come and see me when you can.
Warmly,
Mrs. Roy Puller, Sr.
Sparta, N.Y.
December 7, 1950
My dear child,
You mother called to tell me of Roy’s death in Korea. I join you in your grief.
Always remember that Roy died a hero for his country against the godless Chinese and Koreans.
It is Pearl Harbor Day as I write you. The defense of freedom carries a high price, as my husband often said. He, too, paid the price. Now, regrettably, you and I have a stronger common bond through the men we loved.
Your mother says you have been given a week off. Please come and see me and we shall console each other.
With deepest sympathy,
Your Grandmother
Mrs. Zachary P. Thomas
Sparta, N.Y.
June 5, 1952
Dear Lucile:
After your mother informed me of your elopement, I pressured her to tell me of your new address and at last she has sent it to me.
I will speak to you plainly. You are old enough to have a handle on life, and if your heart has led you to James Scott I say, God bless your union. Now for something even your mother does not know. When I was your age, I ran off with a dashing Army lieutenant named Zachary Paul Thomas, much against my parents’ wishes and warnings. My mother was a martinet, and I regret to say I am more like her than I wish to admit. However, Zach and I had a wonderful marriage and three wonderful children. May you be so blessed as well.
Life as an Army wife was not easy. Your life with James will not be easy. But if you are true to each other and able to overcome difficulties together, you will have the joy of shared memories later on.
I have appreciated our conversations and confidences in recent years. Please come and see me – with James – when it is possible for you to do so.
And do remember: your parents’ hurt and feelings of rejection will heal. You are their only child and they will not want to lose you forever. We all have the ability, if we choose to use it, to come to terms with uncomfortable facts. My parents did and so will yours.
Your Loving Grandmother,
Mrs. Zachary P. Thomas
May 24, 1953
Dear Precious Lucy,
We have a first anniversary celebration dinner with our friends at Stragoni’s on the day you will receive this, but you know how tongue-tied I get when sentiment is involved. So I am putting my thoughts on paper.
You are a wonderful wife and I am honored to be your husband. A year ago it was all such a whirl. We survived! We both know that first month wasn’t easy. Thanks to our mutual love and sense of humor (did I really say “waffle leaded wife” in my vows?), the rest of the year has been great.
I am so glad you enjoy being on top. I love to hear your laughter!
Jim
Tampa, Florida
October 17, 1976
Dear Lucy,
Thank you for taking time away from your husband and the school to come for your father’s funeral. I would have figured out the checking account and other financial matters by myself but I appreciated your help.
It was good to see the photos of your children. My goodness, they’re all grown up now. And I do wish you would consider spending more time in the Florida sunshine. How you can stand winters in New York is beyond me.
Mom
November 28, 2003
Hi, Mom.
It was great to have another Skype face-to-face the day before Thanksgiving. I saw Abe Weinstein hovering behind you. Please thank him again from me for letting you use his computer for our connection. And give my thanks to the church ladies for sending along a lovely package!
There was a big surprise for our Thanksgiving meal here. Because of the censors I cannot tell you who came. A very high official and a good time was had by all. It was real lift to our spirits!
Going with a convoy tomorrow. Wish me safe travel.
Give a big hello from me to Brother Jim and Sister Sophie. I will send you some more Iraqi jokes to pass on to them.
Will try for another Skype session after I return. I’ll let Abe know by the usual channels.
Love you,
Steve