June 3, 1947

Springfield

 

Dear Jack,

            How is the China weather?  I wasn’t shocked, but rather surprised when I received your letter.  Yes I would like to have you explain about “Madeleine and Rockie”.

            I’d like to explain that when I write to anyone I expect an answer.  So if you answer my letters I’ll answer yours.  It’s only fair.  I don’t have any good pictures of me but when I have one taken I’ll send you one. O.K.?  Please do send me one of you though.  I’ll describe myself to you.  I have light brown hair, hazel eyes, weigh 148 and I’m 5’ 7½”.  Rather tall for a girl.  You can ask “Rockie”.  He always used to call me “giant”.  There is one thing you didn’t tell me though.  How old are you?  This Wednesday, June 4 is my birthday.  I’ll be 15 years old.  “Simply ancient”!  I was 13 when Rockie knew me.  I told him how old I was but he never believed me.  Not that I blame him.  No one does.  I have to laugh every time I tell someone how old I am.  Or should I say (young)?  They just stare at me as though I told them some tall tale.  I look around 18 or 19.  Well maybe you don’t want to write when you find out how old (young) I am.  Well it’s up to you.

            All this week at school we’re having final exams.  Golly!  I’m going crazy.  Wednesday we are having “Algebra” exam.  That is some birthday present.  I detest Algebra!  We get out of school June 17th.  I can’t wait ‘till that day.  By the way I’m in 9th grade and I hope to be in 10th grade next year.  I’m not sure though.  Two more exams.  I’ll be glad when they’re over.

            The day before I received your letter, my grandmother’s house in Greenfield, Mass. (where my sister lives) caught fire and the damage is estimated at $10,000 loss.  My grandmother is a hairdresser and her school of beauty culture was all burnt.  No one was hurt.  The oil furnace exploded.  On the day I received your letter my brother Mederic (5 years old) cut an artery in his wrist.  He’s ok now.  Besides all that everyone is fine.

            Poor you!  I’ll keep you in suspense ‘till I send you a picture of me.  Well don’t worry, just as soon as I have one taken you’ll be the first to get one.  What is your favorite color?  What do you do?  What does the “H.S.” stand for in your name?  Do you have a “nick name”?  I’ve never been to N.Y.C. so I wouldn’t know where you lived.  I intend to make a career singing so maybe I’ll get there some day.  Can you sing or play any instrument?  Did you ever ride on a motorcycle?  Did you like it?  I think it’s lots of fun.  This fellow that I know takes me riding.  Well so long for now and write soon.

Sincerely,

Cecile