Letters to America

Friday, February 21st, 1941

My dear Joan,

I had another letter from Auntie Mary this week with two of yours. They were very nice ones darling, but I am sorry you have all been sick and hope everybody is quite well again. What a nice treat for you when Auntie slept with you that night – I hope you gave her plenty of room and a nice little cuddle, especially as she said you were going to have a swell(1) junket(2) for dinner that night. I might try and make some of those lovely dishes when you come home.

When Auntie Mary hasn’t got a maid, there are lots of things you can do for her, sweetheart, like trying to keep all your toys tidy and laying the table and clearing away – she would love that.

Did you write and thank Mrs Thomas for the hanky and tell her how you are getting on with your music and what new pieces you have? Nanny wrote to you this week and Uncle Dick asked us if you had received his letter and said that they were writing to you again. You said in your letter you were going to play paper dolls – is this a doll you cut out of a book with paper dresses? You remember you had one here once. I am sending you on a letter that Margaret Buchanan sent you this week. Mrs Buchanan told me she still keeps true to that very first little friend. Remember the game that you and she had on the swing? You grew up together from tiny babies, didn’t you.

Anne has taken your dolls pram out once or twice, and today she had the pram and John had a pull-along toy and we went to Wealdstone and back. They loved that. They are being very good lately.

Well, goodbye darling. With lots of love and kisses from
Nanny, John, Anne and Mummy.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Joan,

Just a few lines to let you know that we are all A1(3) here.

We have had a letter from Mummy and she told us how nicely you are getting on at school over there and what a lovely time you are having, and I know Mummy is proud of you. Well, Joan, you won’t forget to write to Mummy and Daddy whenever you get a chance, as I know they look forward to your letters.

It has been very cold here and we had a heavy fall of snow, but I am glad to say it has all gone now. But you can guess Beryl and Hazel enjoyed playing snow balls. We had a very quiet Xmas here but hear you had a lovely time. What a lot you will have to tell us when you come home. We are sending you a little book and puzzle which I hope will pass an hour or two away.

Beryl is still learning the piano and seems to be getting on nicely, but does not like practising very much. Uncle Dick and Grandma send their love and will be writing next time. Hazel is writing you a little letter and Beryl will write next time.

Well Joan, I am afraid I have not any more to write about but will write again very soon. So cheerie O(4) with lots of love and kisses.

From Uncle Arthur, Auntie Nellie, Uncle Dick, Grandma
xxxxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx

  1. Swell is informal American English for 'very nice'.
  2. Junket is a milk-based dessert with a jelly texture, made with sweetened milk and rennet.
  3. A1 means 'in good health'.
  4. People sometimes say 'cheerio' as a way of saying goodbye, especially in British English.