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Today we have a letter written by 20-year old soldier Harry Lowell in New Guinea to his 23-year old sister Eva in San Francisco.
New Guinea
October 28, 1944Dear Eva,
With the war in Europe coming gradually to an end and with the probability in view that I’ll be here in the Southwest Pacific area still, even if the war over there should be over, I am sending in this letter a few instructions and suggestions concerning mother and father. My suggestions will probably correspond with your own ideas about the matter; however, we’ll save ourselves a lot of delaying correspondence in the future if I summarize now all the steps that’ll have to be taken immediately after the completion of the European war. First of all, determine the exact whereabouts of our parents (thru the Red Cross) and, after you have received word of them, send them as much money as is permitted by authorities (probably about $200). If you haven’t got it, try to borrow the amount to save time and let me know right away so that I can send you a money order for the amount sent. Furthermore, advise me of any transaction involving money; be very careful not to fall for any phony or fake relief societies or other possibly shrewd enterprises. (Just a warning, old girl.) Don’t fail to consult Paul about anything if you are not sure about things, he is experienced; also, be sure to consult me, too. I will meet all expenses for transactions, fees, traveling, etc.
Just send me a detailed request. (In case anything should happen to me, you’ll be the recipient of $10,000 which will be paid to you in monthly installments of about $50. On the face of that pension, it would be easy to obtain a large loan if necessary.)
As to the question of support, it’s needless to say that we’ll be able to support our parents. Moreover, stress in the application the fact that father and mother will not accept any work nor in any other way will constitute an economic or social burden (whatever the legal terms may be) to the government. Be sure to mention this because it’s one of the main factors that delay and hold up the processing of applications. I guess you know all the steps that have to be taken in making out applications, affidavits, etc. Let me know if you want me to make out a letter of authorization to authorize you to sign my name. Well sis, you’ll have a job on your hands when the time comes, but I know you’ll carry it out successfully despite the few difficulties you may have to overcome. Keep me posted on everything that you do.
Now that the business part of my letter has been completed, I’ll proceed with the answering of your letters (which I have been receiving quite regularly, save for the last month and a half). I’m glad you finally had a picture taken and I am looking forward to it. (It’d better be a good one!)
As far as that job as a plantation nurse in Hawaii is concerned, I’d advise you to stay away from it for various reasons (other than the ones already mentioned) Your place should be in the states while I am so far off. I’ve spoken.
I was surprised when I read of your experience at the blood bank. After three years of blood-curdling events at the hospital, you weaken at the loss of a pint of blood, tsk, tsk! In regards to your sunburn, I cannot say that I am surprised; as far as I know, it happens to you every time. If it weren’t for the fact that you are my favorite sister, I would trade you in for a radio or a twenty-acre farm. You’ll never learn, will you?
Apropos radio, the other night I listened to Radio Tokyo. After an hour of entertaining (to the ridiculous) propaganda, they broadcasted the performance of “La Bohème” in Nipponese. What a treat that was! In imitating the Met they failed; they murdered that poor little opera thoroughly.
I don’t think I’ve told you of my postwar plans yet. Here goes. According to the soldiers Bill of Rights, I am entitled to a scholarship at any college for the period of my service in the army, not exceeding four years. Well, my plans are rather Spartan, indeed; it’ll be two or three years of self-discipline and abstinence from worldly pleasures. (What prospects!) I’ll work full time at night and attend college in daytime, which leaves me about ten hours to divide between study and sleep. What do you think of your brother now? (Ain’t I the one though?)
“Gaudeamus igitur, inverses…” – however, it seems that I will not take full advantage of my youth, though that it, I won’t have time to “Sow my wild oats” as is customary for a chap my age. In the future, if you want to see me, you’ll have to either come to my place of employment at night or to watch me sleep during daytime. I’ll be known then as “Harry the unavailable.”
I am expecting your opinion and approval of my plans in your next letter.
I just thought of something you could send me in a package, namely, two pairs of swimming trunks (32), an assortment of dehydrated soups (there is some brand that is sold in a tin foil package. No canned soup!). If there is some room in the box, add a few cans of sardines to it. We make life here more bearable by frequent pot luck picnics; up till now, all I brought to the picnics was a big appetite. (By the way, the fountain pens you sent a long time ago haven’t arrived yet.)
Well, that’s all my pet,
With love,
HarryP.S. My new address is on the envelope.
Today’s letter reminds us how quickly Helene’s children had to grow up and that they were not unaware of how much of their childhood was lost. Harry ironically quotes Gaudeamus igitur, an academic and drinking song – given the responsibilities he and his sister are taking on, he acknowledges that he won’t have a chance to sow any wild oats.
By October of 1944, Eva and Harry had been separated from their parents for five years. For the first two years, everyone believed that they would be reunited soon. By the end of 1941, especially after the U.S. entered the war, it was clear that a reunion would not happen anytime soon. From 1942-1943, only a few brief Red Cross letters were exchanged between Vienna and San Francisco. As we saw in the October 15 post, Helene and Vitali were arrested and deported to Ravensbrück and Buchenwald in 1943. By the end of 1944, success by the Allies in Europe seemed not far off. Harry writes to Eva today to make sure they agree how best to expedite their parents’ arrival in America as soon as that might be possible.
Earlier this year, we saw letters where Harry tries to talk his sister out of accepting a job in Saudi Arabia. Today it is Hawaii. Eva dreamed of an exciting life working as a nurse in some faraway place and wanted to emulate Harry’s escape from the expectations of their San Francisco relatives.
Harry has been requesting a photograph from his sister for a few months. We saw the likely portrait in the September 12 post. In the January 21 post, Harry also wrote “Ain’t I the one?” – he must be referring to something familiar to them both, but unknown to me.
A curtailed childhood is echoed throughout the generations. According to my grandmother’s memories of her family history, her father was born in a small Bohemian town with little to offer. Helene wrote: “One fine day, the oldest son Adolf, then 10 years old, packed his bundle to be off. He had neither money nor any idea where to go but for the fixed plan to go to school wherever he would have an opportunity. At random he chose the road toward Pilsen. At that time there was no railway, but even had such a transportation been available, he wouldn’t have had the money to pay for his fare. He was very tall for his years and didn’t show his age which made it easier for him to get a job which enabled him to attend high school. It was in Pilsen where he found the work he was looking for, as helping hand on the night shift of a liquor factory. He received room and board and some spending money and had so the opportunity to get through high school. Having finished that part of his education, he went on foot to Prague and registered at the college for teachers.”
Helene wrote stories about her own youth, including several chapters that she titled “Child Without Childhood.” Bilin’s rampant anti-Semitism and her sister Ida’s early death forced Helene to grow up quickly. In the World War II letters, we see how quickly Eva and Harry had to grow up.
Interestingly, despite much easier life circumstances, Harry’s son Tim couldn’t wait to grow up to seek adventure. Like his great-grandfather, as a teenager he looked older than his actual age and began working on fishing boats at the age of 12.