Letter, Irene Conole to her parents
A letter from Irene Conole to her parents. Irene writes that she received many birthday cards and gifts. She reports that she plans to visit her boyfriend, Pat, in Florida soon. Irene tells her parents she is considering joining a local bowling team and catches them up on news from friends at home. She writes that she is frustrated about gossip going around in her barracks. Irene discusses the Waves’ anniversary celebration and tells her parents that she is learning how to swim in the ocean.
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28 July 1953
“Tuesday”
Dear Mom & Dad,
Received your birthday card plus
Aunt Anna’s, James and Henry’s. I love the
slip. The Telephone sent a box. It had Fanny
Farmer’s candy, nuts, cheese crackers etc. They
also sent a pretty handkerchief and a stick
cologne. I had a wonderful birthday.
I received a letter from Pat today
and he wanted to be here for my birthday
but he had the duty. I’m planning on
going down to Florida to see him sometime.
Are you sure that Betty wears a 38
blouse? I wear a 36 and sometimes a 38
especially in a wool jersey blouse.
Janet wants me to go home with her the
weekend after payday. I don’t feel much
like going.
A civilian woman here wants me to
be on her bowling team. We get along very
good and her name is Pauline. Her sister
owns the bowling place near here. Since
I have Monday’s off, I believe I might join
the team. They have a sponsor too.
I haven’t tried the skirt on yet but
I imagine it’s okay. How is the suit coming
along?
Glad to hear that Henry and Betty aren’t
going to Elmira. The next time I come home,
Mike should be walking.
Did I tell you that Coleen’s husband is
in California? She is staying with her family
in Penn Yan until Lou sends for her. She
has sold all her furniture. Hope he makes
out good down there. It seems that there are
quite a few Rochesterians down there and they
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2. have formed a club and call it “The Rochester
Club.
Our troubles in the barracks have
straightened out a little. I’m sticking to myself.
There’s so much gossiping going around that
it’s sickening.
The Navy is releasing sixty thousand
sailors by January. All of them are practically
reserves and their tour of duty is only two
years. When war breaks out in Korea again
they’ll probably be called back again.
The Waves are having a party here
Thursday night. It’s the Waves’ birthday. I’m
working and also wondering how it’s going
to turn out.
Mr. Morris of the Telephone Company sent me
a nice birthday card. I’m going to drop him
a line.
I have been going swimming and we
have salt water down here. I’m learning
pretty good. Can open my eyes under water
now. Our beach here on the base is
beautiful. On some bases, everyone has to
take a swimming test. I’m glad they don’t
require it here.
I guess I’ll bring this to a close now.
Tonight is bingo night. I pass out the
prize money. I like to have half of what
I hand out. Well bye for now.
Love and Kisses
Irene