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to "Moe" Weiner
9 August 1945
Weiner, Sylvia, 1912-2008
Sylvia notes the all-encompassing topic of the atomic bomb. She also and notes that Sybil (Alvin's wife) is better with her father than her own mother.
GLC09414.0666
10 August 1945
Sylvia notes the end of the war.
GLC09414.0667
12 August 1945
Sylvia reports that Dad took them all out for a lobster dinner.
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13 August 1945
Sylvia writes that she hopes there might be another atomic bomb because the "Japanese deserve it."
GLC09414.0669
14 August 1945
It is the day of the Potsdam Declaration. Sylvia describes the hectic day that follows.
GLC09414.0670
16 August 1945
Sylvia describes the revelry that is taking place now that the war is over. This letter is missing pages
GLC09414.0671
20 August 1945
Sylvia talks about where they might live in the future, and if they can match what they had before they were evicted.
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23 August 1945
Sylvia says she cannot stand the waiting period between now and when he comes home. She also admits to being a bit jealous that he gets to visit so many places.
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25 August 1945
Sylvia informs him that she no longer works for the War Assistance Unit. This letter is missing pages.
GLC09414.0674
24 September 1945
Sylvia reports that there is an elevator strike at work. Also her father has had another attack.
GLC09414.0675
2 October 1945
Sylvia is in the process of moving.
GLC09414.0676
3 October 1945
This postcard features a depiction of a late fall with trees of brown and orange leaves. Sylvia sent this as a reminder that this is Moe's favorite season.
GLC09414.0677
Sylvia discusses her day and mentions the enclosed card that she purchased from J.J O'Brien's a local store. The card is GLC09414.0677.
GLC09414.0678
4 October 1945
Sylvia went to a meeting about the current high cost of living. She also mentioned that a blouse shop closed.
GLC09414.0679
7 October 1945
Sylvia has been cleaning and fixing up the new home. She also complains there is no mail lately.
GLC09414.0680
10 October 1945
Sylvia vows not to mention Moe's coming home. She went to the movies with Bess.
GLC09414.0681
1929-1945
Sylvia mentions Ethel, and says she will respond to Moe's letters later. This is a letter fragment with just the last page of the letter.
GLC09414.0682
27 November 1945
This is a Thanksgiving letter from Sylvia, and features a drawing of pilgrims with a turkey.
GLC09414.0683
Sylvia writes that she is scared because she hasn't done anything about her paper yet. This is the last page of a letter.
GLC09414.0684
Sylvia mentions Ben and Sue. This is pages 3-6 of a larger letter.
GLC09414.0685
Sylvia had dinner with Mad, and read a book. This is pages 2-3 of a larger letter.
GLC09414.0686
Sylvia refers to the books Moe has sent her. This is page 2-6 of a larger letter.
GLC09414.0687
to Moe Weiner
22 September 1944
Sylvia mentions that she is trying to procure certain items for him through a girl in her office who deals with a grocer that has a relative overseas. He is only too willing to help with providing the scarce items.
GLC09414.1206
to Morris "Moe" Weiner
20 April 1943
Written at 6:00 PM. Sylvia is thinking of Moe and trying to imagine him in leggings. She reflects how he once was a quiet, thoughtful, sedentary thinker but now is a man full of activity. She speaks of the weather and how much she misses him...
GLC09414.0001
Written at 1:15 PM. It is a holiday morning and Sylvia is going to lunch at her mother's house. She refers to her husband's letters and his training exams and tells him not to worry about them.
GLC09414.0002
21 April 1943
Written at 5:45 PM. Sylvia is at home and tells him not to worry about sending some of his pay to her. She has bought the provisions (flashlight, clothing etc.) that he needs at A&S and will send them to him.
GLC09414.0003
22 April 1943
Written at 7:10 PM. Sylvia writes she had Italian pastries from a pastry shop, just like the ones they used to have together in Russia. Discusses telephone call they had and their ambivalent feelings about Passover. He had asked about the tires on...
GLC09414.0004
23 April 1943
Time not noted, Sylvia writes it at the office. Sylvia mentions attending a meeting of the CIO Industrial Council (for the purpose of infiltrating down into the community). A man from the NMU spoke of the importance of the Soviet. Plans were made up...
GLC09414.0005
Written at 6:45 PM at Mom's. Sylvia is at Moe's mother's waiting for his sister to bring home a new date for dinner. Written at 11:45 PM at home. Thinks the evening was funny with everyone trying to impress the new boyfriend.
GLC09414.0006
24 April 1943
Written at 9:00 AM, at the office. Talks about his being stationed in Portland [Oregon] and the shopping there. Says she feels as if she were in a play last night (referring to letter dated 23 April 1943) regarding meeting his sister's new boyfriend...
GLC09414.0007
25 April 1943
Written at 3:30 PM. Sylvia just finished planting a victory garden. Went to Broadway the night before and to Toffinetti's.
GLC09414.0008
Written at 11:15 PM. Just finished listening to the Anthony program on the radio, and found it funny, and WQXR Music to Read By.
GLC09414.0009
26 April 1943
Written at 1:30 PM. Sylvia is on the subway train going from one client [she works for the Department of Welfare of New York City] to another. Written at 4:30 PM at home. She has the next day off.
GLC09414.0010
27 April 1943
Addresses many of Moe's previous letters. Sylvia wishes her mail would reach him on a regular basis. Comments that he is sewing, not using a gun or pen in the Army. She attended the Executive Meeting of the Victory Educational Council of the Ocean...
GLC09414.0011
Sylvia finds herself listening to the "Bob Hope Program" and thinks of Moe. She talks about listening to the radio and the song "As Time Goes By" from the movie "Casablanca." She has heard the news that England is trying to make peace between Poland...
GLC09414.0012
28 April 1943
Written at 11:00 PM at home. Sylvia went shopping for him for shoe polish and thimbles to use for his trigger finger. Tried to get him Halva and was told it wasn't "in season." She talks about old letters that she has found that he wrote, one from...
GLC09414.0013
29 April 1943
Written at 9:30 AM at the office. Sylvia is glad he is stationed in Oregon. Boys who have returned from Southern camps do not report pleasant conditions. Says her brother Alvin has not been getting passes where he is stationed. Gives him her blessing...
GLC09414.0014
Sylvia tells Moe about the current book she is reading. Received a gift of two records, then played ping-pong. Notes that he has been gone for eight weeks. This letter includes a hand drawn map of the United States with Brooklyn at one end and Salem...
GLC09414.0015
30 April 1943
Written 4:30 PM at the office. Sylvia filled in at the Intake Department at work and enjoyed it. Describes working in the field as endless work, that makes you always think you've forgotten something. Describes a new 42 year old woman at work as a...
GLC09414.0016
Written 10:45 PM at home. Sylvia just got home from Moe's mother's place where she had a good dinner. Tells him his father really misses him. Responded to his letters. Enjoyed his description of the "boys" he spends most of his time with.
GLC09414.0017
1 May 1943
Sylvia tells Moe that Sarah has an application for OCS [Officer's Candidate School] and she will send it to Moe. Tells him to do whatever he thinks is best; but PVT or PFC is good enough for her. Talks about his brother Ben and his sister Adele's...
GLC09414.0018
2 May 1943
Sylvia reports that Dave H. has won two campaign ribbons. She tells a long story of how he won the medals and the Coast Guard off Nantucket Island.
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3 May 1943
Written at 12 Midnight at home. Sylvia says she received letters and pictures from him, as well as her allotment check. The picture makes her feel "warm and cold" because it brought her close to him yet he is not actually with her.
GLC09414.0020
4 May 1943
Sylvia asks Moe to thank Mrs. Feitelson for her letter. Says Sammy is in Officer's Training. She had a flat tire that morning and Sidney will help her change it. She and Sarah are planning on attending the Union Convention on Saturday. Will call his...
GLC09414.0021
Sylvia talks about yesterday's Labor Rally for the War Effort that didn't have the same spirit as a May Day Parade. The speakers were Senator [Claude] Pepper, Mayor La Guardia, Paul Robeson, and the French woman editor of the Free French Paper. David...
GLC09414.0022
5 May 1943
Sylvia saw the opera last night-Fledermaus/Rosalinda (Johan Stauss) Passed the Times Building and bought a copy of the Oregonian (Portland newspaper) to see news from his location. She is going that night to a place in Brighton that is run by the...
GLC09414.0023
Sylvia received a letter from Alvin (brother) on his 20th birthday. Her mother and father saw Alvin who is very thin because there is not enough food. Alvin is not allowed to go out and get food so Sylvia is sending some. Is enclosing a piece from...
GLC09414.0024
6 May 1943
Sylvia tells him that the Mother's Day gifts will be given from both of them. Thanks him for thinking up a scheme to keep her letters, so they will have a full story when this is all over.
GLC09414.0025
Dave has told Sylvia some new stories about his C.O. who sent him on a mission to Maine with the Coast Guard. Talks about a new law that all Ensigns must be examined by an M.D.. Says his brother Ben is shipping out this week and that he is trying to...
GLC09414.0026
7 May 1943
Sylvia notes that she has "B" [ration] coupons for gasoline. At A&S she shopped for gifts for Mother's Day. Reports that Marge has a job. She will probably start working in Intake sometime in the future. Says Moe's sister Adele is probably serious...
GLC09414.0027
9 May 1943
Sylvia went out to lunch with her friends, then went over to the Union Hall, where they heard three speakers. She thanks him for returning her letters. She was happy to hear the results of his training exams. She loved the local examples of flora...
GLC09414.0028
Written at 9:30 PM. Sylvia says she had funny dreams about him running after a trolley; like something out of a Dali painting. Delivered the respective Mother's Day gifts. Speaks of how many Sundays she spent with him.
GLC09414.0029
10 May 1943
Sylvia went to work and met her new supervisor (a man). She told her male co-workers to stop treating her differently because she knows what she is doing. Asks about whether he will be getting a furlough, or should she come out to the West coast to...
GLC09414.0030
11 May 1943
Sylvia says she rode in to work with Sid and one of his neighbors who boasted about a car trip to Grossinger's using Black Market gasoline. Discussed with others how well he did in his exams, and was still not chosen. Says there is either an age...
GLC09414.0031
13 May 1943
Sylvia says money will be a little tight in the next month; but to leave it up to her whether she can send him money. She will get a raise in July. Says she liked his poem.
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14 May 1943
Sylvia was able to get 9 gallons of gasoline. Gives Moe family news. Says one phase of the war is over, perhaps it will all be over soon. Is planning to take a full month's vacation to go West and see him.
GLC09414.0033
15 May 1943
Sylvia went out with a collection can for the Spanish Loyalists who have been released from concentration camps in North Africa and are being transported to Mexico for asylum by the Mexican government. Has to be "Rosie the Riveter" and has stage...
GLC09414.0034
16 May 1943
Sylvia took the car out and got her last instruction on "Rosie the Riveter." Went over to the party where the program was a Truth or Consequences game and then singing Russian songs by those dressed in Russian costumes. Then she came on; and did a...
GLC09414.0035
18 May 1943
Sylvia wants to come and see him on the West coast in August. Got home late from seeing "Mission to Moscow." Talks about the Trotsky trials and other events in Soviet history, and that Russia has to protect herself. Tells Moe he knows all of the...
GLC09414.0036
19 May 1943
Sylvia talks about Moe's difficulties in training. Sid wants to enlist; but can't because of his obligations at home. Postscript: Handwritten telling him that he has received a notice from "Uncle Sam" that he owes taxes. Will send him the needed form...
GLC09414.0037
Sylvia took the car to work and had to visit a Greek Catholic Church and found the priest charming. He acted as a Polish interpreter for her client. Sorry Moe has had bad weather and bad food, and reminds him he will have good food again when he...
GLC09414.0038
20 May 1943
Sylvia is tired because she walked all the way to her father's house. Saw children along the way, boys chasing girls and the girls calling them "dirty little Polack." Feels that "despite all we've gone through with the Depression and the War, things...
GLC09414.0039
21 May 1943
Sylvia went to a USO meeting, and to see "Counter Attack" [stage play about a Russian soldier-made into a movie in 1945] and read his letters during intermission. Tells him that FDR gave an audience to our delegates from the C/O Community Council.
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22 May 1943
Sylvia sends him money as she doesn't know how he is managing on so little. Writes about his health and the damp Oregon weather. Talks about coming to see him. A dried flower is enclosed in this letter.
GLC09414.0041
23 May 1943
Sylvia saw Sammy last night, who has enlisted because the war effort needs him; and to escape his problems. Postscript: Had a visit from his friend Charlie, who is 4 F. He and his wife are having a baby. Draws a picture of the living room for him.
GLC09414.0042
24 May 1943
Sylvia saw the movie "Stand by for Action" which depicts Navy maneuvers. Sorry he is still not feeling well and the weather is lousy. Comments on his army training not being suited to his abilities, but then corrects herself by saying that she has no...
GLC09414.0043
25 May 1943
Written at 2:30 PM. Sylvia encloses a clipping with her photo that is part of the news put out by SCMWA [State, County and Municipal Workers of America]. Talks about playing "Rosie the Riviter." Said she is going to be involved in directing another...
GLC09414.0044
Sylvia wants to share the anguish about training in his letters, but since she receives them about four days later, thinks at least that it is already over for him. Says she is prepared for anything in regard to his being transferred after he...
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26 May 1943
Written at 4:45 PM at the office. Sylvia talks about how the day before she had her hair done and her teeth cleaned. Went to Dave and Lil's and saw their baby. Has to attend an Executive Board meeting that night.
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28 May 1943
Sylvia tells Moe about a confrontation between some drunken Englishmen and other people who had been on the street in front of the store. Is angry that the Englishmen were saying the Americans have not suffered as they have.
GLC09414.0048
April 30, 1943
Written at 3:30 PM 29 May. Sylvia went to work, this Saturday morning, but as of June 15th will have Saturdays off. Written Sunday 30 May. Mentions this is the 12th anniversary of their first kiss; May 30, 1931. She discusses family problems.
GLC09414.0049
30 May 1943
Sylvia dubs her home the Weiner Hotel as letterhead and tells him she had a splendid day at this resort. Tells him not to worry about their "starving," that rationing is adequate and "if you are not a hog you get enough of everything." Admits prices...
GLC09414.0050
31 May 1943
Sylvia notes that since it's either hot, cold or damp, Oregon doesn't have any nice weather at all. Hopes he will soon know what his next assignment is. Is more than satisfied if he wants to just write about what's happening and not answer her...
GLC09414.0051
1 June 1943
Written at 5:00 PM at the office. Sylvia complains she has too much work to finish. Mayor can't believe the backlog in cases so has sent in the Herlands Committee to review the records. Has a ticket for the play "Tomorrow the World" but will only...
GLC09414.0052
Sylvia wishes she knew whether he was going to stay where he is so she could send him a subscription to PM. Glad he used the $10 she sent him to get away from camp and that he saw "Mission to Moscow" and enjoyed it
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2 June 1943
Sylvia tells Moe to look up a friend who made Lt. She is busy with her regular work schedule and planning a luncheon and raffle to raise money. She explains how at work she is accumulating twenty dollar ration permits and five dollars' worth of...
GLC09414.0054
3 June 1943
Written at 11:30 PM at home. Sylvia has had a chance to glance through the specific stipulations in the new tax bill, and proceeds to complain about it.
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4 June 1943
Written at 3:15 PM on a History Sheet from City of New York Department of Welfare. Sylvia claims it is very hot weather. Went to buy food for the luncheon tomorrow. Wishes she could go to the beach instead of the lunch, but will raise needed money...
GLC09414.0056
5 June 1943
Sylvia will have a lot of people for the fund raising luncheon. Says she is sending him more money, as he is paid too little. Says she passes the drug store where she had the incident with the Englishmen, but has gotten over it. Missed last night...
GLC09414.0057
Sylvia says the fund raising luncheon is over and was a success. Talks about the dissolution of the 3rd International. Tells him about her financial situation. The luncheon made $25 dollars, which is good since her office paid a considerable amount...
GLC09414.0058
6 June 1943
Ben, who had been overseas, told them about how cocky the German prisoners of war were and that they were going to win the war and bomb New York City. Reports to him about family and how much she misses him.
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8 June 1943
Written at the office. Sylvia talks about his transfer to Fort Lewis and promotion to Corporal. Talks about the plot of "Tomorrow the World" which she saw the night before. Afterwards went to Toffinetti's.
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9 June 1943
Written at 5:00 PM at the office. Sylvia was glad to get his telegram. Had seen a picture of soldiers in an overturned truck, and was worried he was involved in the accident. Went to see the film "Russian Story." Went to Tofenetti's afterward for...
GLC09414.0061
Written at 11:00 PM at home. Sylvia went through all of Moe's letters since May and reread them. Talks about his transfer to the new base. Hasn't been able to decipher on a map where Fort Lewis is.
GLC09414.0062
10 June 1943
Sylvia worked hard on old age assistance benefits in compliance with the Federal law at work. Hopes he is well and Camp Lewis is ok. Says the invasion seems imminent. Says the Black Market activity has been dwindling because they clamped down on...
GLC09414.0063
16 June 1943
Written at the office. Sylvia writes about the thought of him coming home on furlough. Tells him she's arranged for vacation time on a moment's notice. Not to worry, she has saved ration coupons for gasoline for when he comes home.
GLC09414.0066
28 June 1943
Written at 12:30 PM at the office. Sylvia tells him everyone at work says she looks tired after a week off with him. Glad he took the train back, as it's more comfortable.
GLC09414.0067
30 June 1943
Sylvia sends Moe $10. Says her sister Mad had gone to a Red Cross Training and that her husband, Sammy, wants to reconcile, Mad does not. A new investigator with whom she went to Brooklyn College was transferred to her office, and was on a date with...
GLC09414.0068
2 July 1943
Sylvia went to a meeting the night before of the CIO Community Council. They are getting after Congressmen to act. Her brother Alvin is having his last few weeks of flying at Buffalo. They hope he at least makes "navigator".
GLC09414.0069
Written at 12 Midnight at home. Sylvia is glad to get his letter from St. Paul enroute to Camp. Enclosing pictures they took on his furlough including one in front of Radio City.
GLC09414.0070
3 July 1943
Written on Saturday at the office. Sylvia is working on Saturday morning will give her a two and a half day holiday. Has no plans except maybe to see a movie with the girls. Her Dad sent her a check, knows it was her Mom's idea. Thinks she and her...
GLC09414.0071
5 July 1943
Sylvia got home on Saturday and had to rush over to the butcher, because he was only going to hold the weekend meat for an hour because of the acute shortages of meat. She took a walk and ran into Captain Abelow who told her about army life and how...
GLC09414.0072
6 July 1943
Written at 8:00 PM at home. Sylvia went to the office and remained in the field until 2:00 PM when she went to Moe's father's house. Talks about the book "Citizen Tom Paine." Compares Paine's writings to the current situation with World War II...
GLC09414.0073
8 July 1943
Time written not noted. Sylvia tells Moe that she has received word from him and arranged everything in regard to travel; and that she is coming to be with him [in Camp Lewis].
GLC09414.0074
14 August 1943
Sylvia asks Moe how it feels to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Says she isn't feeling well and may go to see an M.D. Says she and her sister avoided a ticket from a policeman who told her in Yiddish that he wasn't giving them a ticket for...
GLC09414.0077
circa August 1943
Sylvia says getting his letters always makes her feel better; but if he doesn't have the time, two letters a week is enough. Says she is feeling better and back to her old self. Comments on how Moe is now in charge of waking the other soldiers up...
GLC09414.0078
15 August 1943
Written at 11:00PM at home. Sylvia tells Moe all of the "errands" she has to accomplish on her lunch hour the next day. Writes about their friends and the friends' children and who is stationed where.
GLC09414.0079
18 August 1943
Sylvia is glad to hear Moe took a boat ride in Seattle on his day off. Sends him a few articles from PM, says it looks as if the "Big Fellows" are intent on taking over the world and recognize the need for internationalism. Hopes this will be worth...
GLC09414.0080
Sylvia reports the she went to work and then shopping. Had dinner with a woman who didn't go to see her husband on the west coast as Sylvia did. Talking with her made Sylvia glad she made the trip. Talks about not feeling well, and about her sister...
GLC09414.0081
20 August 1943
Sylvia has been home a week from visiting Moe on the west coast, but has fond memories. Comments on his being inspected for chemical warfare, worries that means he will be shipped overseas. She reminisces about all of the things they did when they...
GLC09414.0082
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