Nov. 6, 1944. From Verna to Stinko
Written on quirky hotel letterhead called “Bedside Manor,” this charming 1944 letter from Verna to “Stinko” blends gossip, wartime worry, and a dash of humor proof that even in uncertain times, teenage life marched on with candy counters, cold snaps, and complicated crushes.
Monday November 6, 1944
Dear Stinko,
I haven’t heard from you for quite awhile. I saw in the paper where one of the kids that left at the same time you did took a boat ride already. I never know whether to keep on writing do you when I don’t hear or not.
Gee did it ever get cold in the last couple of days. Wednesday they had the air conditioning on it was so warm and Thursday I wore my winter coat and we almost froze.
I can’t think of much to write. Quiet I know. I can’t think anyway, but I can pretend, can’t I.
I’ve written 4 letters already and I still haven’t answered Chuck’s letter so if I’ve got time I’m going to do that next.
It’s raining so we can’t do the washing today.
We didn’t go skating last night because Margaret washed her hair and I sent my skirts and a couple of dresses to the cleaners. I forgot until it was too late that Leonard was going to get me some film. Oh well maybe next week. We went to see American Romance last Sat. night. It was pretty good.
The girl I run around with at noon is trying to go on a diet. She thought she was doing pretty good Thursday when she got all around the candy counter once before she got some candy. She always says she’ll start tomorrow.
By the way you’re not sick again are you? Have you got a snapshot of yourself you can send me.
Margaret’s boyfriend Jessie was wounded during Oct. and so was Al. That Jane’s boyfriend and so was Russ, and he’s my boyfriend.
Well I can’t think anymore so I’ll close for now.
Your friend,
Verna