“Family Archaeologist” explores a century of family letters, diaries, and artifacts, and how they illuminate history and our shared humanity. To get an overview of the blog, click: “Welcome to Family Archaeologist”
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LaVerne “Cookie” Karbach(bridesmaid photo) Ebner’shigh school girlfriend Harvey Duck Letter Chicago, Ill Mar. 3 Dear Ebner I was waiting [for] Will to send you a Letter but he is with his Air Port Working and so busy so I have to try again. 2 March Cooky [Cookie] kam [came] from Work befor [...]
I pray hard for you
My grandmother placed two lights with green beaded shades flanking Ebner's high school graduation picture, as my father mentioned in his 2/21-23 letter. Here my grandmother tells her son how she keeps "in touch" with him through this little "shrine" she had erected.
Mom bubbles over with joy to hear from you
My father wrote to Frank, who was more like a best friend to him. Ten years older than Frank/Ebner, my dad had changed Frank's diapers as a baby, fed him, and entertained him with walks to the park when his mom was busy working on the buildings and the never-ending housework of era.
Somewhere in the Aleutians
The two Franks (Von Arx and Gartz), 18-year-old high school buddies, were so close, they called each other's parents "Mom and Pop," as here. This letter indicates that Frank "Ebner" Gartz is now in Santa Ana, CA. Frank Von Arx-"Somewhere in the Aleutians."
Watch your spelling!
In an earlier letter, after his family was so concerned they hadn't heard from Frank, he assured them he was writing at least every 4 days and suggested they start numbering the letters so that he'd be sure he received them all. His older brother Will, starts doing that here. Will also tries to smooth Frank's ruffled feathers at the apparently sarcastic letter Will had sent regarding not hearing from the young soldier.
Money all gone
In Frank's letter to his mom, he refers to "boilers." These were the furnaces in the many buildings my grandparents cared for. In this era, and for many years afterwards, they burned coal, requiring lots of shoveling of coal when the weather was very cold, often several times a day, even overnight. They could be finicky and required a good deal of attention.
Mississippi Miserys
Ebner describes the ailment "The Mississippi Miserys" and how it affects him: "I have what is called the 'Mississippi Miserys.' It’s a sort of a cold. I’ve had it about a week now and there’s no change for the better. Nearly all the men down here have it and it’s hell. It’s a cough that almost chokes you and a clogged up nose. It comes from the damp weather. I sent home some personal papers I want kept for me."
Writing as much as I can
Ebner responds to his mother's desperate plea for more letters, and his oldest brother's (Will) apparent chastisement about the "dearth" of letters.
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