21 Aug 1944

August 21, 1944

This is in answer to your questionnaire of Auguest 17, 1944.
File #4BRO: IB:CS.

Question:

#32. High School attended – Woodrow Wilson, Nebraska Avenue and Fort Drive, N.W.; Washington 16, D.C. I completed two years of high school, sophomore and junior, during 1942-1944. I will complete my senior year and receive my diploma in June, 1945. My courses are academic.

#37. I was attending school from February, 1944 through June 23, 1944, so I held no job during that time.

#49. My residence during the part (past) five years and present is 3149 Newark Street, N.W.; Washington 8, D.C. My two nearest neighbors are:

Mrs. William H. Stringer (a roomer for two years)
3149 Newark Street, N.W.

Mr. Gordon Taylor
3219 Newark Street, N.W.

I have not been outside the continental limits of the United States since 1930.

Very truly yours,

Sibyl M. Greenleaf
(signed)

P.S. I hope my final eligibility comes through before Monday, August 28. I have resigned to go back to school at that time!


Tuesday…

This thing is dragging out. Today I went to History 3… The history of England and the British Empire. I have Dr. Gordon, the guy I had for summer school and liked so well. The course promises to be an interesting one.

The next period after hist 3, I went to hist 1 (both meet Tues, Thurs & Sat) and found out I was registered for the MWF section (must have been a mistake, but I didn’t mind now I only have one Sat class.) The teacher is the same as the T-Th-S section – Mr Bauer. He was very interesting, and I think this will be an interesting course, too.

This afternoon I went to the Eng 10 – Newswriting class. This will be a fascinating class, I think. We have to write 15 news stories this semester – in the style of newspapermen. Next Thursday we meet in the Star Bldg downtown in DC and go through the whole building on a 1 ½ hr tour. I wish you’d get me a subscription to the Christian Science Monitor. That’s one of the top three newspapers in the country, and I think I’ll be able to get mostly everything I want out of it. I’ll have to buy some papers this week. He’s given us an assignment for next Tues to cut of 15 different articles about different phases of newswriting – like feature, stories, crime, disaster, human interest, gov’t releases, weather, etc.

We pledged eleven girls tonight and I got a daughter! Almost dropped my teeth – wasn’t expecting one. Carolyn got one, too. I guess I’ll have to pay for her corsage, but I couldn’t help it. She chose me, I didn’t choose her. She’s awfully nice. Jackie went to BCC with her.

Got the Reader’s Digest today and almost dropped dead when I opened the front cover. Read the first story – the book – “Let’s Help Them Marry Young” – positively guaranteed to convince you – it convinced me. That’s a very good article if you take it seriously – which you won’t, I know. Just a suggestion, dear.

Tell Audrey Charlie and I are coming to the Wilson Homecoming Dance. Thought she’d be intrigued. I’ll be home to see you for a little while Friday before the dance, but he has to take me back to school for my class Saturday and I’ll stay there to study and finish my homework Sat afternoon, cause we’re going to Baltimore to the Yankee game Sunday.

By the way, my Eng. 10 course is 3 credits now instead of 2. It was listed wrong in the book. So I’m carrying 5 three-credit courses, making a total of 15 credits. Now that I’ve changed my history, so I have one history a day, it should decrease the load of reading I’d have had to do in one day. If things turn out the way I’ve planned and I do all my work, take notes, and read all the outside reading material I should get some good grades in Feb.

I just figured out my finances. How you can understand them. I worked it out this afternoon and then went to pledging tonight and spent $15 taking my daughter to the Hot Shoppe for dessert. We always do that. There were about 40 AED’s (Alpha Zee Deltas) at the Hot Shoppe. We had a fine time!

Hope this is legible. Its late now and I couldn’t type cause Jackie’s studying. I haven’t any assignments yet, but I’m reading the 1st chapter in my history book, anyway. I’ll send a list of my books soon.

Love,
Sibyl

P.S. I need another budget book. Do you have one? SMG

***Note: This Final page is a listing of books she (Sibyl) needed for the coming semester.  I didn't type it up.  You may enlarge it and read as you choose.

26 Oct 1956

25th Tuesday

My darling,

Received 2 more letters today – gee, it was good to hear so often – keep them coming, please!

Was surprised to hear about Barkley – sure, get them a gift. Sounds like you’ve been real busy on the yard. Bet it looks wonderful.

That “Tweetie-Bird” must be a giant – can hardly wait to see him – think he’ll recognize me when I come home? I sure hope so.

I think the Den Mother idea would be good for you. Go ahead and take it. Chuck can join next year anyway.
We have the airplane so barring bad weather will leave tomorrow for DC. Just called Mury and she will meet us at Andrews. We’re due in about 2330 hrs.

So the Blackburns were having a matinee! Say I could use a few of those too, and some evening performances too for that matter.

About the Marsh’s – its just a complete blank – no one sees them after school – no invitations – no nothing. We’ve felt real strange about it. I guess they are just a peculiar family. Anyhow they aren’t overly friendly nor are they busting themselves to invite us over to see them. So – I’d just as soon forget about them.

Hey now, what’s with this “make a baby” stuff? Lets don’t lose our heads, baby, we’ve been awfully lucky with our three and so far we can feed and clothe them but I don’t know about another one just yet. Maybe when and if a promotion comes through, huh! Course I’d love to practice with you. I think we need lots of practice since I’m getting kinda rusty in my procedures. Lack of practice you know! We’d better schedule lots of training periods before we really start making more young uns.

Incidentally, young lady, I’ll have you know that when a wife dreams about her husband making love to her – it isn’t naughty. Next to the real thing it’s the most wonderful thing possible. It shows that subconsciously as well as normally we are happily mated. Thank heaven you are sexually warm and not cold. I couldn’t stand it if you didn’t enjoy it – completely. That’s what makes our relations so wonderful – the fact that you so thoroughly enjoy and want it and give it everything you have.

You have no idea of the thrill I get seeing you lying there so contented, so warm and soft with a smile of joy on your lips that just won’t quit. I go nearly crazy here thinking about you – sometimes I wake up at night swearing that I can smell your fragrance as though you just had gotten up from our bed. At first I just dreamed about you, now I think sometimes I can even see you, like a mist, almost teasing me. 1900 miles is a long distance on a map but when I wake up, somehow, I’m almost convinced you were here. I know you were in spirit and honestly that’s all that keeps me going. I woke up this morning about 3:00am in a sweat – I had dreamed about you and it was a wonderful dream but what shook me was that I could smell the warm fragrance of your hair, your body and feel your lovely lips as though you had just kissed me. Maybe my mind is playing tricks but even so – its helped me get through the day and its been a long one. Thinking about you helps so much – UP TO A POINT – then I could scream, I want you so much. Sometimes I just have to stop even thinking about anything that’s connected with home.

Everything revolves about you – my thoughts, my hopes, my needs and desires – you share in them all Thank GOD for the partner in life I was so lucky to win.

Time I closed and went to bed. This letter is not very good, my sweet. I just can’t seem to write coherently, everything that runs through my head pertaining to us.

Just believe me, when I tell you, that disjointed as it is, I mean it all and more. I’ll have to admit I can tell you in person locked together, much better than in black and white.

Goodnight, honey, wait just a few more weeks and we’ll be together for a long time. I love you.

Hubby
(lonesome as hell)

27 July 1944

July 27, 1944

Dear Daddy,

I haven’t a thing to tell you that’s happened since yesterday, but I thought I’d write you, anyway at your other Hotel and say hello. Your letter the other day was disgustingly short. How was the conference? I’m glad you’ll be on your way by the time you receive this. We’ll be having dinner together again. I haven’t much ambition to get dinner when there’s no one to eat with. I’ve only had dinner with Mary Jane twice. She’s been out to dinner the rest of the time and twice when she was aked out I was asked somewhere else, so it didn’t make any difference. Tonight I’d like to stay down town and see what there is to see. I didn’t tell Mary Jane, cause I haven’t seen her to talk to.

I had a music lesson last night and he couldn’t have me till 8:30, so when I got out it was very dark and he walked home with me. Poor Bernie, I think that was swell of him, considering he can hardly see a thing anyway.

I believe I’d better stop typing now, as I’m taking care of the telephone for a man’s secretary while she’s out to lunch and he just got back. This typewriter makes a lot of noise here and it might disturb him. See you Sunday…

Love,

Sibyl
(signed)

24 Oct 1956

Tuesday 23rd

My darling,

Tomorrow at noon we’re over the hill, or is it around the bend? Anyway we’re ½ through at noon. Yippee! It’s still fast and furious and Lt Col Thomas was right – it’s a real good course but man – the amount of material per 8 hour day is terrific. So far we’ve learned how to use over 50 different graphs and charts in addition to numerous tables in order to do the job. Still have about 40 more charts to learn. They give you 5 minutes of lecture, then you work 5 or 10 problems, then repeat the process all day long. Working conditions are real fine and so are most of the instructors and believe me this helps.

Lt Col Thomas said he had called you and that you all were fine but lonely. I told him that makes us even – we were lonely here too.

I have to go back to work Nov 26th but have to sign in the 24th. That will give us a whole week together. Speaking of time together – write Patti and find out what weekend or days they want us there. I have to start planning our 2 week “honeymoon” for January. There will be no problem in getting leave – I just need to know when we will leave. Just think 2 weeks to ourselves!!!

I approve of the Blackburns for Thanksgiving – sounds like a nice way to spend the day. I sure appreciate Ed’s help on the switch, please thank him for me.

Looks like we will definitely go to DC this weekend if the weather is good. Won’t call Mury though until Thursday. We’ll know for sure then. Hope to find out something about the future while I’m there.

I need you too, Baby. I’m so pent up inside I could bust. Need those lovely arms of yours around me (those legs would help, too!) I know what it is to hold you – at least from my side of the picture. Its not only peace and security – it’s the wonderful feeling of knowing that you want to be held and snuggled. You’ve no idea what or how a man feels when he finds a woman who returns his love. I guess maybe it’s the same to you too, but I don’t know. I do know how I feel though. Believe me, I’ll tell you all about it just as soon I can, too!

You tell Jimmie that when I get home I’m going to cut in on his time and get some of those hugs he’s been getting since I’ve been gone. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Honey, I can’t hold my eyes open any longer so will stop for now. Keep those wonderful letters coming – I need them, oh so bad!

Miss you terribly, my dearest and love you, love you, love you.

Hubby

21 Oct 1956

Sunday, 21 Oct

My darling,
Have 3 letters to answer – ‘ain’t” it wonderful. Move over – I’ve been sick too. Came down with a touch of flu Thursday morning and struggled to class both Thursday and Friday with aches and a fever – some GI’s but not severe. Finally shook it yesterday and am in A-1 condition today. Haven’t eaten anything but coffee and ice cream since Thursday. Am going to get a meal tonite though. Tell Shonny I hope she’s better now – we were sick together.
I don’t think the final grade is released here – you either complete the course and graduate or you get sent home. It may have an effect on future jobs but not on promotions.
Hope Jimmie is ok and no ill effects from his tumble. Tell Shonny Daddy says for her to real careful when she watches Jimmie.
Thanks for Chucks picture – it looks good to me. How about sending one of you?
We may get an airplane for D.C. next weekend if the weather is good. Will call Mury Thursday nite if we are going.
Meil just heard from Millie that they are being transferred to Albuquerque as soon as he gets home. Also understand that Carl Johnson is going to Ankara, Turkey. What a break. Wish we had a deal like that. Maybe our orders will come soon.
Am lonesome as blazes, honey. Its rainy and dull here so we’ve been laying around all day but its gtting supper time so will brave the elements and go eat and to a show.
Miss you more and more all the time. Can hardly wait to get home. Thank heaven we’re almost ½ through.
Got to run now – now that I’m ok will write more often. All my love to the best there is -

I love you
Hubby

26 July 1944

July 26, 1944

Dear Daddy,

You got some important looking mail, so I enclosed it not knowing what else to do with it. (Come to think of it, I don’t believe I will enclose the checks, and the bank thing, as you might lose them, or this letter might get lost.

Anyway, one thing came from the American Security and Trust Company. It says at the top “This deposite accepted by AS&TCo. It was for $147.28. I don’t know whether it was a check or a receipt that you’d deposited that amount, tho, I guess that last was it. Anyway, I’ll put it in your desk drawer. Also you got a check for $44.32 from the Vocational Guidance Films you were working on. Pretty good, old boy! Congratulations! I’ll put the check in your desk, too.

Alease came last night and did the ironing. I washed the things Monday night. I guess I’ve told you everything else.

I went swimming last night with Louie and one of his Sea Scouts and a Sergeant in the Army that he knew in Indiana. We had lots of fun till we got dressed and the Sergeant discovered that his wallet was gone. It didn’t have any money in it, but worse than that, it had all his identifications and Army passes to get into and out of camp with. He’s stationed at some camp here in Washington. He didn’t find it when he went home, but I’m going over there tonight and look some more for it. Someone might have thrown it out of the window when they discovered there wasn’t any money in it. I think you should have put screens in the window in the boys room as well as the girls room. The boys are just as bad as the girls, you know, and most of the roberys have been there. I sure hope he got back in camp last night.

Tonight I have music lessons. I couldn’t have one Monday night as Bernie’s girl that helps him in the store while he’s giving lessons went to the beach.

Mary Jane and I had some frozen baked beans for dinner Monday night. Very good.

Your place doesn’t sound too interesting, but it’s different, anyway, for a change, yes? No! Bring me back something.

The peas were very good. They still aren’t eaten and neither are the beets or the beans, but we’ll finish them all sometime.

That’s all there is to tell. See you when you get back. What train are you coming on Sunday? I might meet you if it wasn’t too late.

I miss you….

Love,
(signed)
Sibyl

P.S. I enclosed a letter I got from Mom the other day. I want it back when you come home.
smg

16 Oct 1956

Monday – 15 Oct 56

My dearest,

Your long letter arrived today. Lord – what a lucky guy I am to have a wife like you. I read the letter you wrote in May and after thinking about it I wonder you didn’t throw me out before this. You were so right and I’ve been so wrong. I won’t try to apologize again – its almost too late anyway for that and I’ve done it so many times it would almost seem superfluous. It really took this trip through to make me realize what I have waiting for me at home. After reading your letter my spirits went up for the first time since I left home.

I wonder if you know what it is to sit in a BOQ room at night and hear nothing but male voices, or a radio blaring out while its owner tries to drown out his homesickness with noise. Do you know what its like not to hear a wife’s laughter, or the banging of a screen door as the kids go storming in and out, or see a smiling face at the table or feel the touch of your hand or the warmth of your lovely body at night? It’s the most dull, boring, miserable existence on earth. It isn’t just sex, although I admit that is a large part of it when two people are as happy as we are – but it goes so much deeper – its like half of you is missing. It’s a terrible lost feeling. I could tell you I love you from now until doomsday – but I can never explain how much – you just can’t measure it in terms that can be understood. Sure you like to hear me tell you “how much” I do, but my answers are so inadequate and always will be.

You’ve given me a gift in the last 2½ years, my darling, that I can never repay. You’ve stuck by me, given me the courage to go on when I needed it the most. And I still need it – but your letter today has shown me how close I came to losing everything. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for believing in me. I know I’ve mistreated you, not physically, but unintentionally mentally. It hasn’t been my choice – believe me, but I’ve done something these last 2 years I’ve never done in my life – I’ve used people to gain an end. To do this I’ve tried to be like them in order to get as close to their thinking as I could. Thomas served his purpose, and like you, I’m glad he’s gone. He taught me how to do my job a little better – even though unconsciously I picked up his other faults. Larry I used in the same way. I don’t think either realized it. Thank heaven, I’ve found out in time how far not to go in the future. I’ll never be a perfect husband but I swear to you I’ll never subject you or the kids to a repetition of this again. Life without you or the kids would have no purpose and I could never stand it.

You mentioned my first marriage – true, I’ve never said much about it because I could never prove anything. It was, on the surface, a case of desertion, she walked out but I knw in my heart she had been unfaithful. Knowing this, could I be unfaithful to you? Would the loss of all I hold sacred be worth a few minutes of a physical thrill? I won’t admit that I don’t look but I just couldn’t carry through if I tired. I’m just not built that way. I remember when we were first married telling you once that when we were joined together you seemed to transmit to me an inner strength – an answer to a mental or spiritual need. How inadequate that is today! It’s a will to live, a courage to face the problems of another day. And it’s the pride in showing off to the world my family – I can say to any man “see my children – and the lovely woman who gave them to me – my WIFE. I love you, my darling. To hold you again, to kiss your lips, your eyes, to stroke your lovely body – I’d give anything tonight to whisper to you in person. Believe me I’ll never let you go!!

To answer your questions now, thanks for sending the new credit card and the dues – once you belong to a lodge you always belong to that one regardless of where you are. You never leave your home lodge.

I’m glad your lip is better and hope there are no after affects on the teeth.

I guess after 9 years you should know about the copper earring and bracelet. Anita never knew I bought them until we were home.

I won’t comment on Larry’s actions now. Suffice to say he had his nerve and I’m proud of the way you handled it.

Yes, we have been back studying several nights – the course seems to pick up speed each day. Like sorta hanging onto the tail end of the Chicago Limited at 90mph. You can’t afford to let go.

Tell Bubba I’ll be home about the 24th, that will give us some free time of our own. I have something for you too – so there too!!

I’m glad to see you are eating fairly well – now lets be getting some sleep, too. Don’t you go getting too thin – I don’t want a new girlfriend – I want my wife I left. However I’ll agree to a hairdo and a minor redistribution of weight but nix on the loosing part unless its preventing you from wearing your knit suits. I want to see you in those this winter. I like my girl sleek and sexy in knit suits! I like my girl!!

Goodnight my sweet
You own all my love
Charlie

13 Oct 1956

Postmark: 6:30pmm, Oct 13, 1956 – Montgomery, Alabama

Darling,
Two weeks down – 5 to go and the pressure never lets up. Boy, they can really throw it at you for a solid 8 hours. It takes up 2-3 hours to unwind at nite and we’ve been in the sack and asleep before 10pm lately.
The course is real fine but the mess of information per day is outstanding. I’ll say one thing – we’re exposed to so much, we should retain something when we leave.
Otherwise, it’s a real dull existence – the food in the mess hall is so horrible we practically eat off base every-nite. I don’t know how the cooks do it – it isn’t easy. What I wouldn’t give for your cooking right now.
We all made a mad mistake in not bringing a radio with us, too. These BOQ’s can get mighty dull and boring at times. We’re staying home this weekend instead of going to Eglin – will probably go again next week. We had planned to go but got out of school late tonite so just said the hell with it.
Had a short letter from Mury today – I had already written her Tuesday. Incidently, I goofed and put the article in the wrong envelope so she will send it to you.
Don’t have much news left – I miss you terribly darling and love you very much.

All my love,
Hubby

9 June 1944

Friday, June 9, 1944

Dear Nannie,

Well, here I am again after another busy day. School is almost over for me. It really ends the 21st of June, but I am getting out the 19th to go to Richmond for a week to visit my girl friend, Patti Bailey. When I get back from Richmond, I’ll begin work immediately.

I have my job confirmed now, I think. I’ll work down on 3rd and Independence Avenue in the New Social Security Building for the C.P.R.B (Combined Production and Resources Board) under the W.P.B. My job will be senior typist, although I’ll do a little clerical work such as filing at times. It all sounds very interesting to me, as of course, it is all new to me. I don’t imagine I’ll get up to see you before the 1st of September, but I guess you can get along without me, though I’ll miss you a lot. I’ll be thinking about you all summer long, and I sure will be glad to see you at the end. I’ll have to make Daddy’s and my breakfast in the mornings and we’ll both just buy a big dinner at noontime and have something light at night.

My garden is coming along fine. The beans (for that is all I have in it) are real long. They are acting like pole beans now. I don’t know what to do. The ones I bought are called “Bush or Dwarf Bean” and are put out by W. Atlee Burpee Co. in Phila. Do you think I should string them up anyway? I don’t ever remember having to put up poles for bush beans, but it could be, I suppose.

This is the writing paper I bought with the money you sent for my birthday. Isn’t it nice? I wanted some with my name on. I bought a whole lot, as I’m always running out of paper.

I hear Lloyd is in Australia. Boy, those Sebago Lake kids are sure a long way from home. Subby is in South America and Willard Moulton (who came to see us for about 3 hours between trains) is in Miss.

My recital was a riot. Mom thinks I played my piece well (even though I did skip 5 pages out of the original 12) but I think it was terrible. I guess I didn’t leave much of an impression. Next year I’m not going to take music lessons. I’ll go on practicing whenever I can, but it won’t pay to take lessons, as I won’t have time to practice all I’ll need to. That will be my senior year, you know, and I’ll have a lot of outside activities that will keep me at school longer after school. Then, too, there’s the question of homework. Next fall I’ll take Physics, American History, English, and another major subject which I haven’t yet decided. I’d like to take aviation, but daddy and my section teacher don’t think it is a good subject for college credit. I may take sociology. They both think that is good, but I don’t agree.

Well, I have to get this mailed if if’s ever to get to you. Next time I’ll tell you all about my plans for redecorating my room this summer!

Lots of love,
Sibyl

P.S. The enclosed bean seed is what I have planted. SMG

10 Oct 1956

Tuesday – 9th

My darling,

Received your letter today – what a pleasant event. I was really getting worried then shocked to hear of your troubles. I sure hated to hear about your fainting spell – believe me, I won’t say a word. Hope your teeth are ok now and they won’t give you any more trouble. Also take care of that cold too and get well quickly. Can’t have you getting sick when I’m so far away.

Baby, I’m going nuts here without you but we just can’t come home. Meil can’t get a B-25 and the C-45 is too small to fool with, with the weather problems staring us in the face. We have to be back Sunday nites – no excuses and bad weather on the return might ruin us. We can’t take the chance and its killing us. Nobody wants to get home more than I do. In fact last night I started having interesting dreams about you. A couple more like that one and I’ll be needing clean sheets. It may sound peculiar to some people but you have no worries – I just can’t get interested anywhere else. Like I’ve told you before I’m a one woman man and you’re the woman!!!

We may get to D.C. one weekend but this is also uncertain because of the weather. If we do it will be a last minute deal.

Millie’s phone is Em 6-8492 – it’s also in the phone book and Pat Spencer and Cat Moore both have it – TSK TSK…

About the money, so far I have only cashed $25 so if I interpret your letter correctly I used the $20 and $5 of the $8 you had left, so we shouldn’t be overdrawn. I won’t need anymore until payday next Monday when I’ll get another $25. So, for your checkbook just show me charged with the original $20 & $5 of the $8. My book will read $0 as of now and I’ll add $25 as of the 15th and cash it.

Congrats on your sewing job - I’ll know you’ll be lovely when I get home. Sorry about the toaster – please thank Spencer for me for fixing it.

Cass and I got the nuts from the State police while Meil was taking a driver’s license test. What a scream, eh!

We haven’t been to the Marsh’s for dinner and I doubt it we will. Skip any idea of having their Thanksgiving. I’ll explain when I come home. Invite someone you really want.

There’s no change in my face, will work on it when I come home – no time here. Tell Chuck and Shonnie I’m proud of them being so good and will certainly bring them something when I come home. Also will bring Chuck a birthday present.

The car registration goes in the glove compartment loose. I’ll get a holder for it when I come home.
Tell that “Tweetie Bird” he’s eating me out of house and home. He must be a doll – large size though. Can hardly wait to get home and see him – all of you too.

That sure was nice of Phyl Yancy to help out. It’s a relief to have such wonderful neighbors to help out. Glad we live where we do.

Stop worrying about the possible promotion – you’re going to be more disappointed than me. We aren’t sure when they come out.
Am writing Mury tonight and will mention your dress and Chuck’s coat.
The school is really moving fast and you’re beat at nite from the rapid pace. We’re usually asleep by 10:00pm.

The show at Eglin was stupendous – wish you could have seen it. It was complete with sonic booms and B-52s. The enclosed is a local writeup. Will tell you all about it when I come home. Please send the enclosed to Mury when you’ve read it.

Must write Mury now, honey, so will close. Miss you terribly and am really pushing these weeks by as hard as I can.

Take care of yourself.

All my love,
Hubby

***Note: The back of the envelope has a stick figure sketch on it of a man wearing pants, with the word “Daddy” below it. Judging by the relative ‘skill,’ I’d guess it was drawn by Charlie.