Author’s note:
February 15, 1939: The German Kriegsmarine launches its largest Battleship ever, The Bismark.
On February 20, 1939, approximately 22,000 Nazi sympathizers gathered for the meeting of the German American Bund at Madison Square Garden. The group supported antisemitism, anticommunism and U.S. isolationism.
By February of 1939, Buddy has secured employment as a radio engineer at the RCA in Camden, NJ.
2/21/39
919 Cooper St., Camden, NJ
Martha Darling:
I hope you got Cliff’s telegram and wrote to me. The last 24 hours have been lonely ones.
Am I apparently lucky. I called the Y and they said they had one room which they would save for me. When I got there, they said they didn’t have any but one, which they were saving for a fellow who had called from “Trenton” a few minutes before. I had called from North Philly, and taken a cab over. They misunderstood the name and didn’t suspect anything because I arrived too quickly. After glancing at the place, I decided to leave well enough alone and asked for addresses of private homes near the RCA. He gave me about a half dozen and roughly sketched their locations. He was a very nice person and let me leave my bag at the Y.
I picked one in the middle of the list, found it, didn’t like the outside but rang the doorbell anyhow. After several attempts, I gave up. Just as I was several houses away, an old man came to the door and I went back. His wife was out but would be back in 5 minutes. I waited, against my better judgment.
To cut it short, here I am in the first house. It is neat & clean inside. The room is 3rd floor. In addition to a rug and a ceiling, it has a bed, dresser, desk, 2 chairs, lamp, window, and closet and hold your shirt, sweetheart, only $4 per week with linen and towels furnished! When you see that, you can see why I didn’t look farther. The rest of the rooms listed from $6-$12 per week. I would like a private bath but I don’t feel that it is justified or necessary yet.
The family consists of Mrs. Elizabeth Brooks, about Mother’s age, and her husband, about 10 years older. Her daughter, Margaret Hanah, is a nice specimen about Nena’s age and teaches in the junior high school (math & Engl.). (I wouldn’t stand a chance, so you needn’t worry.) The only other roomer works for the local newspaper. I haven’t yet met him. He has a second floor room. There is another room on this floor which may someday be filled (at $5), but I hope not. At present, it is so quiet the clock sounds like a riveting machine.
After arranging for the room, I went out and called Aiken’s. Doc was out, so I thanked Mrs. Aiken in his place. She says to drop in whenever I can, as they are not far off. Afterwards, I saw “Topper takes a trip” which is good. Mebbe you and Mary can do something about it. Then I ate a good supper for 35 cents! About $1.00 per day will probably do the trick.
With supper to fortify me, I called John. Boy, was he happy. Apparently dizzy spells nil. The first thing he said when I told him the set-up was “Oh, you’re bringing the gal out about next fall, uh?” I think he kinda likes the idea of our being together. Tell his folks that he sounded well and happy.
All indications are for darned short hours at the RCA. I hope so, but I’m not counting on it.
Pardon the pencil, but the pen went dry. If things go alright tomorrow, I shall have the typewriter by next week, and then I will write letters like I did long ago. I shall go out to mail these and buy some ink then come back and take a bath. Mrs. Brooks says ok on milk for breakfast and a 200 watt lamp at 75 cents a month. This is about right. I may have to raise the ante if her bill jumps too high. Being on the third & top floor, I may put in a small rig with which to qso* Johny. We should be able to make the 200 miles or so with low power. But that will come much later. Also you might rescue my logbook from Huntoon. It’s on J.H.’s desk, “LOG W9KWP”, a grey cloth covered loose-leaf ledger. Hold it with books Conklin has.
It’s getting late dear, so nighty night. I’ve been away from you for over a day, but we’re also one day nearer to seeing each other again.
I’ll probably write again tomorrow. Then, unless something comes up, I won’t write until you’ve answered my tomorrow’s letter. Then we will avoid crossing.
With as much love as a pencil & paper can convey.
Cy
*A conversation between two radio amateurs.