There is life after the war

Just a couple of kids at a college dance!

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N. Division

Marshall, Michigan

29 Sept 1952

Ann Arbor

My Dearest Rosalie

                It seems funny tonight not having you here with me, but I guess I’ll just have to get used to it for a while.  It sure was heaven being with you the last two weeks.

                Went to work this morning over at the store.  Seemed kinda nice to be working again over there.  I ain’t planning on making this working a habit.

                Got back to A2 about 630 last night, had a lot of traffic on the road.  Took the car and had the gas tank filled then took it over to Ed and Helen’s.  Mickey and Chuck was over there so I shot the breeze with them for a while, had a couple of hunks of cake, then came home.  Rich and I went to the show last night and seen some war pictures.  Wasn’t bad, wasn’t anything special either, just a movie.  I even forgot what the name of it was now.

                I’m going to bed early tonight as I have to get up early, tomorrow and go to work.

                So goodnight sweetheart, til we meet Friday I’m all yours and always will be

                All my Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

1 Oct 1952

(Chorwon, Korea)

My Dearest Darling Rosalie

                Got your second letter today and was very happy to hear from you again.  After all it’d be quite a while since I’d heard from you, all of 24 hours at least.

                Talked to Gus tonight and he told me your message.  Mom said she’d love to have you help fix chow Fri night.  We’re going to have city chicken.  She’s going to leave any instructions you’ll need to know.  Gus is coming over for chow that night.  I don’t know what time I’ll get out of work Fri, but if I get too late I’ll just take off.

                That’s about all the exciting news I can think of so I’ll go to bed now and finish this in the morning.

                All my Love

                                Ken

Hi,

Nothing happened during the night, except I’m one day closer to being with you.  Be seeing you Fri PM

                All my Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N Division

Marshall, Michigan

 

Hi Baby

                How’s my gal tonight, studying hard I hope.  I got home OK last night, l got here about 20 to one.  Wasn’t any traffic at all on the road.

                That notice won’t be in the paper til tomorrow, so you probably won’t get it until Wed some time.  I’ll mail it to you as soon as I get it tho.

                Gus, Hook and Erwin just left for home as it is now about 1030.  Soon as I finish this I’ll take it up and mail then hit the hay.  It’s going to take me all week to recover from these weekends but I’m going to love it.

                It’s so much fun being with you and then too I love you an awful lot, so you’re something extra special to me.

                Going to go to be soon as I get this mailed so I can get some sleep as I was pretty tired to day.  So I’ll say good night sweetheart.

                I’m yours now and forever,

                                Ken

                                               


 

October 8, ‘52

Wednesday nite late

My Precious Sweetheart, Ken,

                Guess you know by now that when you call me “Babe” that I just melt.  Didn’t feel I should take the time to write but after your letter today – I just have to even if it’s short and with pencil.  I’ve been writing my ___ - our part of the house is dark as Mary and Pam have gone to bed – Nancy and I are in Mary Grone’s room writing on her bed.  So you’ll excuse me I presume if I don’t go out and start rummaging around in the dark for my pen.

                Finished a big ole day of observing – believe it or not, it’s hard on a person sitting there nearly all day – except at recess when they ran me ragged. They’re a sweet bunch of kids – 33 combined first and second grade.  They call me Mrs. Rosalie.  Their leader is Mrs. Pam.  So both, Pam and I assume the same status.  They would love you to pieces if you’d let them – was absolutely pooped when I got home tonight.  They sent a lot of cute notes that I’ll bring home – I’d send a couple along, ‘cept I’m afraid you’d get the wrong idea then I’d have a hard time explaining when I got home.  Tonight was PTA.  It was pretty good but we were both really too tired for much else after school was out.  Didn’t get around to doing any work until 10:00.  Cut my hair some more.

                Tomorrow bright and early we’re off for Battle Creek to Michigan Education Convention all day and half day on Friday.

                This ole letter doesn’t say much but I had to write.  Words can’t express my feeling toward you, Ken, I just adore you beyond all words – this week is flying so – won’t be but a few hours after you get this letter that I’ll be tight in your arms again.  Until then remember I’m

                                Lovingly,

                                Rosalie

PS Still no Special delivery am going to pick up mail tomorrow at 8:00 at P.O.

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N Division

Marshall, Michigan

10-8-52

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hi Sweetheart

                Well it finally got in the paper so I can mail it to you.  You’re in with two other musume (SP).

                I was up at Lansing today to see about going back to school, and I got accepted already, so I’m a pinhead again.  All I got to do now is to find a place to live.  Gus went with me today, but he has to send his application down to Ypsi first before he gets accepted.

                I’m still working awful hard, too darn hard, I’m about ready to quit working and go back to the army, but not quite tho.

                There isn’t too much news to write about so I’ll close for now.

                All my Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N Division

Marshall, Michigan

15 Oct 1952

A2 Michigan

My Dearest Rosalie

                Just think, next week at this time I’ll be a civilian again.  Clarence is going to pick me up at about 900 tonight and we’re heading for camp then.  There’s a chance we’ll be out by Sunday, but I’m not counting on it.

                Haven’t done much since you left the other day.  This town is absolutely dead during the week.  It’s so dead it’s pitiful.  It’s been raining ‘bout every day, not really hard tho.

                There isn’t too much more news sweetheart, so I’ll close now and get busy and do the dishes.

                Bye for now baby

                                All my love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N Division

Marshall, Michigan

29 Oct 1952

My Dearest Rosalie

                Not much going on now.  Went up to Flint the other night to see Clarence and to get some pictures from him.  Gus and I showed them all last night at that family night they had down at church.  It came off OK I guess.

                I’m supposed to go to the Rotary Club dinner this noon, don’t know if I will or not as yet, I’m not too hot on the idea.

                Just got back from taking Dad to work and I’m just waiting to go myself.

                There isn’t any real exciting news today, so I’ll close for now and go to work.  Bye for now sweetheart, I’ll be seeing you Friday nite.

                All my Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Mr. Kenneth Zill

1713 Maryfield Drive

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Monday Night

My Own Precious Darling, Ken:

 

If I had known that it was going to thunder and lightning still today as loud and furiously as it did I know one lad who wouldn’t have left here so early.  But I, like you, didn’t know what the doggone weather was going to do.  And it would have been wonderful somewhere with the ole rain beating down on the roof and us all cozy inside.  This morning was such a lovely one to sleep in – if I could have been doing it for sheer enjoyment I would have liked it a whole lot better but I didn’t know what my rash was and I had been up coughing half the night –trying to get rid of the tickle in my throat and still keep from tossing my cookies.  About 9:00 my housemother came in and shoved a thermometer in my mouth –but no temp-so she made an apt. with the doctor anyhow for this afternoon.  Got up and fixed me some breakfast then worked on my log awhile.  Really got hungry about that time so fixed a whole mess of milk toast –well, about the time the big ole part of the storm we had here this morning came – and it was really bad so I shoveled the toast in and dove under the pillows and went to sleep.  Woke up again at something like 1:00.  After the kids left to go back to school I dressed and at 3:00 was at the Drs.  Of course he had to look at my chest – poor guy- decided it was from the oil that I greased my chest with Saturday night.  So he gave me a shot of penicillin for my cold and sulfa tablets and that was that.  All this attention should put me right on top-sure have had enough sleep.

                About Wednesday night – there is a Teacher’s Party at school and I have to go – I’d forgotten all about it –that’s the breaks-of course I’m not sure you would be able to come up anyway.  I’ll be here Thurs. night as the girls are all going to Percy Jones so if you can come up I sure would be glad to see you- of course remember that I’ll be home Friday night.  In case we don’t see each other between then and now-you will come out to the farm Friday night and pick me up won’t you?

                There isn’t too much to write about – having put in the exciting day that I have put in.  Aside from the noise and lightening it was such a nice rainy day to be in with nothing special on your mind-just catching up on sleep-couldn’t help but think how nice it would be to be far, far away from here with you, as my husband –naturally, - the ole rain beating down and just you and me.  I love you so very, very much – must bore you with the same ole phrases week after week-but I do and you know that I do-love you that is-not bore you-I hope!  Golly, this is kind of a dull letter so will sign off for a while and see if I can do better later.

                Have just finished typing 10 pages more on my log – will be so glad when that blasted thing is finished – a week from Wednesday – just before we go home for Thanksgiving vacation.

                Well, darlin’ I’ll say goodnight and kinda hope that I’ll see you this week but if not we’ll be together Friday-got extra lost time to make up for this weekend.  I adore you beloved-that goes without saying.  Remember always that I am

                                Lovingly yours

                                                Rosalie

Bad habit I’m getting into – opening your letters all ready yet.  Well, I sent this one forgive me?

                Heard “Submarine Command” on the radio tonight-remember it was a movie and you said you had seen it.  That  and that article I read Sunday in the American Weekly plus something I was writing about you in my log- made me think how very very thankful I am that you are safe here at home again.  You are the most precious thing in the world to me Sweetheart sometimes I may not show that that is that is the way I feel but it is.  I hope and pray that I shall be everything you ever hoped your wife would be- I shall certainly try and be.

                Jane gave our diamond a good cleaning tonight, if you’re lucky this week, we’ll have a car to polish too.

                You were asking this weekend what I wanted for Christmas – you mentioned a watch – unless per chance you’ve already gotten it – otherwise Sweetheart thanks for thinking of it but I already have one and so I really don’t need another unless, as I mentioned above you already have it.  You told me to tell you what I would like – well this is something we would both use eventually – a cedar chest.  It is not only a useful piece of furniture but very nice to store blankets etc. in – we will be moving around a lot at first I imagine – just a hint – if you get a better idea OK.  Whatever it is I know I will love it because you gave it to me.  I will not ask you what you want because you won’t tell me anyway – however if there is something that you would really like I wish you’d tell me.

                Goodnight, my dearest, til I see you again I shall miss you and be loving you more than ever and always will be.

                Your Rosalie

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N. Division

Marshall, Michigan

11/4/52

A2

2240 Hours

My Dearest Rosalie

                Got a clipping from the paper about Frieda’s wedding.  Mom thought you might be interested in seeing.

                Herb and Muriel are coming over for a while Saturday night, so we’ll probably stay home that night.  Mom and Dad are going away Sat. so we got the house to ourselves, so we ought to have a good time.

                Sitting here half listening to the election returns, I’m going to probably listen til 10 or so and then go to bed.  I’ll find out in the morning who won.

                Mom said got one of the Xmas Ideals for you, you probably know what she means.

  There really ain’t too much news so I’ll close for now.  Haven’t gotten those pictures as yet, but anyhow you know I still love you.

                Bye for now,

                All my Love,

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

332 N. Division

Marshall, Michigan

12 Dec 1952

A2 Michigan

Hi Honey

                Not much going on down here now.  Went over to Brecholtz’s last night and bought the car.

                Tonight all the business men in town are having a banquet for the football team since they’re state champs.  Dad went up there with Ash tonight.

                I’m going to bed early tonight as I’m tired.

                Going down to Detroit tomorrow to the V.A. to see about schooling and converting my GI Insurance.

                I’ll run this up town and go to bed.

                All my Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W. Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

Jan 6 1952 (1953)

 

Hi Sweetheart

                Went over to Ypsi today to see about my classes.  Got my schedule all worked out.  It isn’t too hard a schedule all I have is: Chem, Analytical Geometry, Shakespeare, and economics.  Got two classes in the morning and two in the PM.  So I’ll have lots of time to study between classes.  Next fall isn’t going to be no snap tho, Chem, Physics, Solid Geometry, and Calculus, so I might have to study once in a while.

                Outside of that I didn’t do much beside work.  I gave your address to Ash and he was calling up some of the wheels on the school board. But he ain’t said nothing to me as yet, so I don’t know how you’re doing.

                That’s about all the news I can think of now so I’ll close

                                Bye for now

                                                All my Love

                                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

Jan 12 ‘53

Hi Sweetheart

                How’s every little thing up there in East Lansing?  I guess I’ll live down here in A2.

                I made it home ok, didn’t snow any at all, so it wasn’t as bad driving as I thought it would be.  Got home around 9 sometime.

                Went to Senior meeting tonight over at Ralph’s, didn’t do nothing important.  Got thru about 11:30 took Heinleg home then wandered home myself.  Figured out my income tax tonight, I get about $80 back, so I’ll do ok.  Only earned $858 this past year.

                Erwin won’t find out for sure if he’s getting drafted or not til the end of the week.   Hope he doesn’t have to go.  There isn’t any more news so I’ll close for now.

                                All my Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W. Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

1-19-53

Ann Arbor, Mich

Hi Sweetheart

                I guess I got home OK, cuz I’m here.  It didn’t rain any on the way home.

                Just went up town a few minutes ago and got a newspaper.  No news, but the comics were good.

                Haven’t heard how Erwin came out with the draft as yet, but will probably know in a couple of days.

                Me and Rich are still going to leave on Sunday morning to go out to Marc’s and Marilyn’s.

                There isn’t much going on down here, just work as usual, and that ain’t too exciting as you might well know.  That’s about all I can think of, so I’ll sign off for now.

                Bye for now

                                All my Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W. Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

1-27-53

Hi Sweetheart

                How’s everything way back there in Michigan?  Rich and I made it out here OK got here about 8 AM yesterday morning.  Had real nice driving all the way.  We’re not leaving til Fri morning so I probably won’t see you until Saturday.  We probably won’t get to A2 until about 10 Fri nite.  The weather out here is real fine, it isn’t too cold, around 20 or so, above.  We’re going over to So. Dakota.  It’s only about a 10 minute drive from here.

                Marc’s church is coming right along, he’s got most of the brick up now.

                Got 13 hours sleep last night so we got rested up fairly good.  We’re all going to Cinema tonight to see a show.  I don’t know what’s on, but I’ll go anyhow.

                That’s about all the news there is now so I’ll close.

                                Love,

                                Ken


 

Sunday night

2/1/53

My Own Beloved Darling, Ken:

                Just finished my lesson plans – both groups are done for this week.  I’m so pleased – got some brilliant ideas so I think the children will not only learn something but have fun doing it as well – and that’s what I’m working toward all the time.

                There isn’t much to write.  My old nose is running a mile a minute – I just can’t get sick – and I won’t.  When you make a lesson plan you sorta should be there to carry it out.

                Kay began working on my typewriter a little after I got in tonight – and you know by golly – she’s almost got it fixed – sure will be swell if she can fix it – she can fix anything – handy thing to have around the house.

                Enclosed pictures are intended to make you appreciate the good pictures you have of your ‘ole battleax.  You probably guessed that the one is me in my rummage sale attire – real “chic” huh?  The other well I hope I haven’t corrupted your morals but you have to learn the facts of life sometime – wanna give me some lessons?

                Must bring this fiendish letter to a halt and go to bed.  Darling – seriously – I love you with all my heart and soul now and always shall.  The time I spend with you is so very precious to me.  You are the one perfect answer to everything I ever wanted in a sweetheart and husband.  These past months with you have been heaven on earth for me.  The weeks just fly by to the weekends that we have together and I have never in my life been so completely happy than since you came home and we’ve begun plans for the wedding.

                Don’t forget to find out about the date.  If you don’t feel that Sat. the 20th gives you enough time – please, beloved, if you don’t feel that it does – call Rev. Brauer and tell him we’d like to set the 27th as the date.  Whatever you think is best dearest.  Goodnight, my precious sweetheart – I’m lovingly,

                Your Rosalie

P.S. Find out about a cottage too huh?  If you have time.  Good luck in school.

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W. Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

Feb 2, 1953

A2 Michigan

Hi Sweetheart

                Went over to register today, but didn’t get finished, gotta go back first thing in the morning and finish up. Gotta get there at 8 so I can get thru early.  Will probably go to work when I get thru and make a couple of hundred chips.  Classes start Wednesday morning.  I really have a schedule for that day, one 8 o’clock class and one at two and the other at 3:00.  Thursday is my best day tho, one at nine and one at three.

                One of the guys Gus knows got his combat pay yesterday and he filed for it the same time we did so maybe I’ll be getting mine pretty soon.  He got the full $360.  I guess I made it home OK, cuz I’m here.  Got up real early this morning, seven o’clock so I’m going to hit the hay early tonight cuz I’ll probably more than likely have to arise fairly early tomorrow also too.

                Play basketball again tomorrow night then Thursday night too.

                There ain’t no more news so I’ll close for now

                                All my Love

                                                Ken

                                              


 

February 9, 1953

Monday

Larry’s candy for you

My Very Dearest Ken,

                I’m down at Bill’s now, the restaurant not the bar.  Came down with Les, the girl from the house.  None of this Bill’s Bar stuff for me again.  Am one beat kid tonight. Went to bed at 10:45 last night – with Kay beating the typewriter and radio going full blast- that was really grinding me – set my clock but didn’t wind it – guess I gave a sufficiently long enough groan and threw my pillow violently enough over my head that she took the final “hint” – I have asked her to quiet before I woke up at 7:15 – when I’m supposed to be down at the corner. I was running around like a turkey with my head cut off – trying to get one of the girls that hadn’t left yet so they could have the key.  No luck.  Mr. Gibson drove me out.  The morning went pretty well.  They needed a substitute this afternoon so I stayed out and taught alone in the 4th grade.  Caught the bus back and was on campus again by 4:00- gulped a cake at “Immoral Hall” and beat it over to the All College Judge meeting.  This new case promises to be quite the deal tomorrow.  We call in six kids, 4 fellas and 2 girls to testify.  Might be and probably will a rather drawn out deal.  Am recording secretary again – a big job trying to get down testimony almost verbatim but I’m happiest busy.  We also handle on campus traffic cases – of which we have one as soon as this case is over.  Everything is mounting up to be as busy and too crammed full as usual.  Spring term will be different though with only 19 credits and just preparing for our wedding!

                My teacher and I were talking about the wedding today and apparently my kids heard some of it because when I got back this noon it was all over, “Mrs. Nash is getting married”  they thought right way.  Talk about little girls being starry eyed.  They were all hugging me – even my little fourth grade boys – begging me to tell them when and all about you and what my name would be and testing out the title “Mrs. Zill” on me.  All of this was unintentional but rather amusing and fun, one of my most favorite little boys – comes up shakes my hand, congratulates me and gives me two cinnamon candies, one for you and one for me.  They’re begging to see a picture of you – did you ever guess that seeing your picture would be such a treat?

                I am home now – please excuse the scribbling on the back of this page but I have to write where and when I have the time.  Had a letter from Marc and Marilyn which I am enclosing.  I wrote them a long letter tonight bringing them up to date on all the developments so far in our wedding plans.  I have to write my sister Barb yet tonight and then I will be caught up more or less.  Your baby is sure enough tired tonight and it doesn’t look like there is going to be any let up this week either – But we’ll make up for it.

                My beloved darling, I adore you with all my heart and soul-never forget it even for a minute.  Miss you so but guess that we thrive on it.  I have never been so completely happy and successful in everything that I undertake –being in love and very happy have a lot to do with everything that a person does –at least I think so.  My teacher told me tonight after I had finished teaching for the day that the principal for the Holdt Elementary Schools had been out in the afternoon to see how everything was going-one of the regular substitute teachers who is taking over for a month while one of the teachers is gone has been having a rough time of it- he decided to observe my methods behind the closed door-there’s a glass in it-I didn’t see him but Mrs. Shaver said-and I am not boasting it just made me happy –that he was very impressed with what he saw.  Well, I’m gonna move along now and get busy.  Goodnight, my dearest, remember always that I am now and always will be

                                Lovingly,

 

PS Hope that $ is on the way for Bear’s gift- I would get it except I don’t ever have any extra anymore.  Is Rich coming up for sure?  I will take it for granted that his unless I hear otherwise.

                                              


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

Feb ? 1953

Hi

                Rich had his physical today and he passed OK.  He’s leaving Thursday morning, so he probably won’t be able to pick you up in Lansing.  So bring the bus all the way down here to Ann Arbor.  On that party deal, we may as well go, cuz it ends up with a party for Erwin out at his house.

                Mom had lunch today with Issy uptown.  I guess she likes the dress anywho, she said she did I guess.

                Am sending some money for the bear’s present.  I guess I forgot it when I took you to E.L.

                Nothing exactly happening over at the salt mine, studying my head off is all.  There ain’t too much more news so I’ll close for now.

               

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

 

Hi Sweetheart

                Sorry I haven’t written sooner, but I’ve been pretty busy up until now.  This darn school work is driving me nuts.  The ole brain ain’t used to being racked so hard.

                Our basketball team won for a change 66-51, we’ve got a 11-2 record now, which ain’t too bad.

                Got my rough schedule tomorrow, one class at 9:00 and one at 3:00.  Really a dilly of a schedule.

                Got my income tax back yesterday, so I’m back in the chips again.

                Finally got a letter from Rich today, he’s out in New York State.  He says he likes it pretty well, anyhow he’d better, he’s got four years of it ahead of him.

                Dad’s going up town to mail letters so I’d better bring this to a close if I’m going to get it mailed tonight.

                Bye for now, see you Fri

                                All my Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

Feb 25 1953

Hi Sweetheart

                We called our party off until next week on account of the J Hop, as a couple of the guys want to go to it.  So I’ll pick you up in Pinkney at the same ole place.

                Had a couple of tests this week, one in chem, one in Shakespeare and the latter one was really rough.  If I eek out a C on it, I’ll consider it lucky.  The one in chem was a snap.

                Your folks was down here and went to church tonight and talked with Rev Brauer after while.

                The penmanship ain’t too cool tonight but I guess you might be able to make it out. That’s about all the news so I’ll close for now.

                Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Hi Honey

                Not too much news but there’s some.  Mom decided she couldn’t fix Helen’s hotchamacallit up so we got you a new one.  I drew a sketch to show you somewhat what it looks like.  It’s sorta of sorta gold with some bloody flowers woven into the material.  It’s really sexy you might say.

                Didn’t do too shoddy on my analy Geo test only got a 89, but hope to do better next time.

                Our basketball team eeked out a 47 to 29 win tonight.  So we’re still in second place.  That’s about all I can think of so I’ll close

                                All my Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

March 4, 1953

Dear Rosalie

                Just a line.  Helen came up town to day and we had a cup of coffee.  I told her that I walked up to State St. yesterday to see if they had a formal at the Madamasaille Shop which you could wear (They had a fire sale).  The dresses that were good were still $15.00 and the cheaper ones were no good.

I asked her if the green dress she wore for Marilyn’s wedding couldn’t be shortened by putting the hem up so you could wear it – if you cared to.

                Why she said it could be cut off and you surely could wear it.  She wants it cut off anyhow and use what is cut off to make something for Pamela.  There is just one question – how many inches from the floor are the dresses to be – and would enough be cut off so she could use the cut off part?

                I’ll try to get the dress over here for the weekend so perhaps we will get a chance to try it on.

                If that won’t work – another idea I had was to put a deep tuck in your dress about 1/3 down just below the hip.  The bottom of tuck would be below hip – and hem up to slip part.

                Rich said to thank you for your letters.  He hoped to write to you this past weekend.  Marcus knows the chaplain real well – where Rich is (Chaplain Boehnke).  Must close now and get ready for church.

                Yours with love

                                Mother and Dad Zill

 

P.S. After church -  Just talked to Helen again.  She said that she didn’t care how much or how little would be cut off the green dress.  She will bring it over tomorrow evening.

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

March 9, 1953

Hi Honey

                Got home OK and no one was home.  Everyone went down to church to see those movies, but the projector didn’t work too shrewdly, so they didn’t get much out of it.

                Trying to do my geometry, but it’s kinda rough so I decided to take a break.

                Please don’t worry about anything, everything will work out OK.  It always has so far, so it will keep right on being OK.  I’ll come out to Pinkney and get you Saturday unless of course it’s snowing or raining.  We’ll find something to do.

                It’s about time to get back to my geometry so I’d better close.

                Goodbye for now and try and not to worry about anything.

                All my Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

17 March 1953

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hi Rosalie

                Got the car fixed today, really looks sharp.

                I’m including that receipt for the Wolverine.

                Our basketball team lost night so we ended up in second place which wasn’t too bad.

                There isn’t much news tonight as I ain’t done nothing exciting, besides I ain’t got no ambition so I’ll write again tomorrow.

                Bye for now

                                Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

March 27, 1953

 

Hi Honey

                Got your letter today.  Also got three tests back today, aced two and was lucky to get a C on the other.  The highest mark in the class was a B- so I didn’t do so badly.

                Herb and Muriel got a kid, it’s either a boy or girl but I guess it’s more girl than boy, so I guess you’d better call it a girl.

                Just got back from church, not much else to write about not much new has happened.

                Love

                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

April 8, 1953

Hi

                Got your letter today.  Mom said she got you a blanket for Jean, so you can take it to her wedding.  Got the State News, but I can’t see anything important in it, so I can’t figure out why you sent it.

                I guess I’ll see you Saturday night the as long as you’re going out to Jean’s!

                Haven’t worked any this week, and ain’t done nothing exciting.

                                See you Sat

                                                Love

                                                                Ken

                                               


 

Monday night

At dinner at Bill’s

Undated

 

Hi, Sweetie Pie!

                Well, I had me quite an evening last between when you left and 11:45.  I made the trip down the hall 5 times.  Couldn’t finish my music I was too beat so set the alarm for 6:00 when I made the trip during the night I reset the alarm up to 7:00.  Then I began to dream and whatta dizzy dream, literally!  I was afraid I’d be too dizzy to go to school today – must have been dreaming.  Still woke up at 6:00 so got up and goofed around until time to go to breakfast – didn’t get any music done.

                You have me in such a tremendous mood I doubt if I’ll be off yet by next weekend not complaining boy – I love it – but I’d love it better if you were here – maybe it’s a good thing you’re there.

                Sitting in my 7 o’clock now.  These night classes are for the birds – that’s for sure!  I’m off to a good start in this class – stuck last week’s worksheet in a folder with all the other 10,000 mimeographed sheets they give you in every class and forgot to do it – and has Mr. Gibson been teasing me about it.  Being as how I sounded off so much in last week’s session and this week I was scared to sit up – fraid he’d call on me.  I was pretty lucky I will have to hand it in next week with the kids who added the class and take my chances on how’ll I come out.  I’m telling you they’re really snowing me under currently with home work,  guess I kinda know now a little how you felt when you first started back to school.  It’s really since last spring term that I’ve had to really hit the books- or, incidentally had any books to hit!  But I’ll survive I guess.

                Say you, know every time I tell anyone I’m trying to gain weight – they say “why?” – not that I’ll be able to but maybe I shouldn’t try so hard.

Gotta go home and do dinner dishes – Les and I are eating in rooms now.  I’m not bothering with paragraphs anymore in this letter- Took those red loafers in that I knocked the heels off – said it would cost $3.00 to re sole them so decided to buy some navy sneakers – the girls wear them all the time spring term up here.  You probably don’t know what I mean but you’ll recognize them when you see them.

                Am enclosing a letter I rec’d from Marc and Marilyn today.  I returned my contract to Dearborn and also sent in that one application for apartments that the chamber of commerce sent me.  Class is over now I’m waiting for Mr. G.  He is more or less a semi wheel in this class – assistant professor or something – it won’t do may any good but the transportation is swell because we are approximately two buildings beyond the Forestry Cabin on S.C.

                I flubbed up royally this morning in Play and Play eds – the instructor is head of the Women’s Physical Educ. Department – has a PhD, MD and so you can’t tell the ole gal anything.  She assigned me the game, “Cat and Mice” to play teach the other girls. She said she told me the classroom variation instead of the gym.  But I only learned the gym one so she was more than a little disgusted, but let me present the game.  Between Play and Play Ed – MSC variety and Play and Play Eds – Zill variety I’m pretty well done in – couldn’t resist that pun – not complaining, Baby, gotta get the old gal in shape!

                Good night, my own precious Ken – I love you with all my heart and soul – don’t ever forget it – guess you won’t – but I don’t plan to give you a chance either.

                Back home again.  Just been feeding that huge serpent like tape worm of mine again.  Have an appetite like a horse, really will have to give up my newly acquired vise or you won’t marry this little butterball!  Goodnight – Baby-

                Lovingly,

                                Your Rosalie


 

 

 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

April 14, 1953

Hi Rosalie

                Not much news, ain’t done too much.  Johnsmiller’s changed their date to June 27th and Helen likes the dress.  That’s about all the news.

                I got a 91 on my geometry test.  I sorta goofed it up, should’ve gotten higher, but I guess that’s life.

                That’s about all the news there is so I’ll close for now.

                                Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Tuesday PM

Undated

My Own Darling Ken:

                There isn’t much news – spent this week so far trying to get down to business on homework.  I’m really behind in Audio Visual now.  I’m going to try and get the work sheet I flubbed up on last week completed this afternoon between two and four.

                Last night after I got home from class I was so hungry that I had to make me practically a whole supper, then did my washing and Les’ and my dinner dishes, time I worked awhile on music I was beat.  So was in bed by 11:00.  Dreamed most of the night about driving.

                My student driving instructor didn’t recognize me as one of the guinea pigs yesterday so I didn’t tell him – of course I knew what he would be asking me and knew most of the answers when he came into class today he just happened to sit down across from me and was his face red when he realized that I was in the class with him too.  The other girl that is learning along with me I’ve known ever since orientation week of my freshman year – so we’ll get along good.  We won’t be going out into traffic probably for about two weeks now as they want us to get the shift down pat.  The kids that got the Olds are going out next week.  We’ll have about 4 weeks with each car.  Both have the directional signals.  Can tell you better how I’ll like the automatic shift when I get a chance at the Olds.  I’m getting along alright with the Ford hand shift.  I’d feel a whole lot better if the student in the Olds wouldn’t tail us all the while.  The course is gradually varied and he had me stopped on a slight incline yesterday which was fine until I looked in the rear view mirror and there she was.  Can’t imagine me out in traffic but in a couple of weeks I’ll be there and probably liking it too.

                Am baby sitting with the Gibson kids tonight.  I don’t like to babysit much got my fill of that at Booths – but I’m going to be there so I couldn’t very well so no.

                Did I tell you I’d be thru Friday at 9:00 am – my music teacher will be at a convention.  So I’m going to go home as soon as my Play/Ed class is out.  Hurry out Friday night – maybe we could do something or just watch TV and they go out for a while.  Of course you know I won’t be going back to A2 with you on account of no work.  I’ll hop a bus in Saturday afternoon late probably.  Did you know we have only nine weekends left until we will be married?  You know if you find a nice place for our first night maybe you’d better put some kind of reservation on it – our night is going to be a pretty popular night – half of State’s population is getting married on the 20th too!  There isn’t much to write ole boy – cept I love you with all my heart sweetheart now and always will.  Be good and see you Friday.

                                Lovingly,

                                                Your Rosalie

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

 

Hi Rosalie

                Not much happened since I last saw you.  Had one test on Mon. the other prof put it off until today, and today he was sick so I guess we don’t get it until Fri.

                Washed the car this afternoon wasn’t nothing else to do, so I got on the stick and washed it.

                Shot some pool this afternoon between classes so I’ve been getting my recreation in today.

                That’s about all I can think of so I’ll close for now.

                                Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

4-29-53

Hi Honey;

                Not much news this week, didn’t do nothing exciting. 

                Haven’t gotten any of my tests back as yet.

                Got your letter this afternoon.

                Gotta go up to the bank tomorrow and make a payment on the car and put some money in the bank.

                Haven’t heard from Richard in a couple of days.  That’s about all the news I can think of, so I’ll close now.

                                Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

Miss Rosalie Nash

218 W Grand River

East Lansing, Michigan

May ? 1953

 

Hi

                Not doing much outside of going to class.  I guess the weather down here is about the same as it is up there, so there’s no need in discussing that.  Ain’t smashed up the car either.

                Schools going OK, so’s there ain’t nothing to write about that.  There really ain’t nothing new so I’ll close.

                                Love

                                                Ken

                                               


 

June 9, 1959

My Dearest Ken,

                Thank you for the very nice graduation gifts.  Don’t give it a thought about my having a jewel case.  They aren’t alike and I like yours much better and so that will be the one I use.  As I told you I’ve never had a string of pearls of my own.  I think it was appropriate and very nice that I received them from you.  I am going to wear them with the wedding dress, even though they won’t show.  I don’t think.

                I survived a very warm hour or so posing for the picture.  It was not too hard to look pretty when I thought of you and how much I love you and how very very happy we’re going to be in just a few short days.  I hope that you will like the pictures- and me, and the dress and everything because I want you to be proud of your bride.

                I’m thinking of you darling, working on your exams I know you are going to do very well.

                                Lovingly,

                                                Your Rosalie

                                              


 

 

 

 

This is the picture Rosalie mentions that she is posing for in the letter directly above.

Copyright © 2013 Mary Elizabeth Zill VandenBerghe

Smitty 23.08.2014 21:49

I to gave my girl a pearl neckless. I was the driver ed teacher.

| Reply

Latest comments

04.10 | 19:01

Of course, thank you for asking! Would love to see what you write if you can share when you are done.

04.10 | 18:39

I'm writing a book on Christmas in Wartime. Would it be ok to use a couple of comments in your dad's letters related to Christmas in the book? Many thanks!

09.07 | 22:16

If your related to Celia Gearhart Nash 1913-1988. Please contact me. I have a self-published book of poems written by her titled the View From My Window

05.09 | 07:05

I found this article really interesting and gonna share its link with my sister before taking https://www.goldenbustours.com/san-francisco-tours/