Goldie Marcellus Mails Her Husband, Edward, a Love Letter—Which He Promptly Returns with Commentary

It cannot be determined precisely why, when, or how Goldie Marcellus and her husband, Edward, settled on their unique epistolary system. Possibly it was to save paper. Or Edward may simply have been a man of few words. But whatever the reason, after receiving her handwritten expressions of affection from the homefront, Edward, a clerk stationed in German camps overtaken by the Allies, would type succinct, sometimes teasing remarks directly on her letters and then return them to her. The following is just one example. (His words are in bold.)

Dear Husband,

This is a Sat. afternoon and I have the work all done and washing on the line. Smart girl I do not know what they would do without me I must say. I am sure very tired. You see Mamma is sick at Proctor Hospital & Dad away and Gladys is not real strong & Hila will not work too hard No for fear she might spoil her buty beauty. Yes, Booty is right.

Mother is getting along just fine now. That’s good.

Excuse this writing for my arm is so tired. When I was home I did not know what work was. I didn’t think so. I received a letter from Pearl. Why don’t she write to me? She is not well at all poor girl. I think she will never get strong now. She says that her husband comes home at night and does up all of her housework. Very nice of him. It is hard on him, but it sure is nice that he is so willing to do it. Your mother goes over and does the washing & ironing and the baking, and talking So you see that she must be a very weak woman. Yes, you are right One should be so happy if they have good health.

I took your picture to church with me. (You see I just must have you with me that is all.) That is a catastrophe

Everyone thought you sure was a fine fat looking young man. Our preacher’s wife, a most lovely lady, said “your husband sure is nice looking” and the preacher said “not only he, but he is the posseser of a nice looking young wife.” I will look more pretty when you get home, dots gut for I will be more happy. I want to keep myself looking well for you and you alone. We both must keep our health at any cost, for health and looks go well together. I hope and pray you can come home soon.

Your picture stands right in front of me this very moment. Why don’t you send me some of yours? I have worn yours out already. I can hardly believe it is you. The only part that looks natural is your eyes. And what about them? I just have to kiss that sweet fat face every time I look at your picture. Well I must stop a bragging on you for you might run away with some pretty girl over there. Ha. Ha. There isn’t any.

It is a setting in for a rainy evening.

Mother is getting along just fine and I think we will bring her from the hospital by next Sunday. I think she is strong now. It seems so lonesome with just women about the home. Just think we have three of the best men on this earth and every one of them is miles from home.

Ed I get all of your letters now, but they all come in bunches about every two weeks. Glad you get them anyway.

There is an article in the High School paper about Me. It is on my efficiency in Type. They have sent it to Hazel & Stella or I would clip it out for you. Can you afford to buy another?

So some of the men in your Co. go with girls. No, not girls, fraulines. Well dear Ed, I expect there is much more of “not being loyal” by the girls over here. Yes, I know all about them. I just read in the paper where a returned soldier came back only to find the one he had been true to in love with another man, so he killed her. Yes, you’ll find the members of the A. E. F. are not afraid to kill. I do not believe in killing but she really got what she deserved I must say. I guess one side is as bad as the other.

Do not even let Herb know this, but I prayed for Gladys C. not to give him up & marry some other man too sickly to fight for his own country. Several weeks ago she came to me on her way home from work, her eyes filled with tears and said “Goldie, oh help me out, you are a married girl and one of my dearest friends.” I really am not surprised at this but do not tell her I said so. I won her on the point that she did not know men at all, if she would turn untrue to Herb he being such a strong man, would just go all to pieces Yes, I believe he would and just throw his life away. Well she went home and thought it over and now “all is well” and Herb is alone shining in Gladys’ sky. Good, you’re a missionary too. Oh, I have read some of Herb’s letters and Ed his future entirely rests with that girl. I sure am happy over the outcome.

Oh See it is mail time and I do want to get this in the box by 4:30. So I will have to close. (I could write to you by the hrs.)

Take good care of yourself and I will do the same. So By By my dear hubby, I enclose all love for you

From your loving wife,

Goldie Ed

Ed Marcellus survived the war and returned home alive and well.