Letter from Jerome Epstein, Jr. to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Epstein and Mr. Louis Green, dated January 31st, 1945
Item
Identifier
C0262B001F004L002
Title
Letter from Jerome Epstein, Jr. to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Epstein and Mr. Louis Green, dated January 31st, 1945 See all items with this value
Creator
Epstein, Jerome, Jr. See all items with this value
Description
Letter written by Jerome Epstein, Jr. while serving in the Italian theater during World War II, discussing Italy, sightseeing, souvenirs, war news, and censorship of mail. See all items with this value
Date
1/31/1945 See all items with this value
Extent
2 pages
Coverage
World War, 1939-1945
Subject
Military See all items with this value
Source
Jerome Epstein Papers #C0262, Box 1 Folder 4 See all items with this value
Publisher
George Mason University Libraries
Rights
Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Transcription
C0262B001F004L002
Image 1:
(1)
Jan. 31, 1945
Dear Mother, Dad, and Grandpa,
Well, one month of the new year end today. We get paid the 6th, so I will be drawing my overseas pay for the first time, which, incidentally will make me a wealthy man, since I’ll be getting $10, or perhaps I should say 1000 lire, more. We are still prohibited from writing about places we have visited, but we have seen quite a bit in a short period of time. One afternoon this week we had 4-hour passes and went into a town. It is very interesting indeed and quite prosperous compared to other places I have seen in Italy.
Today I sent you some objects and art which I picked up – all Italian alabaster. One is a novel set of ash trays and a cigarette box which form one complete set when put together. Also a bird-bath (miniature, of course!) and a powder box. I do hope they arrive safely. I was looking for some Capi di Monte figurines, but couldn’t find any. They have some gorgeous things in the shops there.
(continued in next letter)
Image 2: Front of Envelope (NT)
Image 3: Back of Envelope (NT)
Image 4:
(2) Jan. 31, 1945
I also bought some post-cards which I will send when I am permitted to do so. Also I want to send some Italian and Allied Military Currency for souvenirs.
Dad, I received the “Life” magazine of Jan. 8, and was indeed glad to get it. Can magazines and papers be sent without requests? I thought perhaps not, and thought you got around that by sending it in 2 parts.
Well, last night I heard that the Russians are 70 miles from Berlin. They are really flying! I hope the good news will continue. It seems that the rumors from neutral countries are prevalent once again. It’s difficult to sift the true facts out of the propaganda. Dr. Goebbels is really working overtime.
I don’t believe that I can talk about the weather, but you can read plenty about it in the newspapers, and believe me it’s all very true. “Miserable” is one way of describing it.
I guess that’s all for now. I want to write to you more tomorrow if possible. Love to all of you.
Lovingly, Jerome, Jr. P.S. Send some food. Hope that doesn’t sound too commanding.
Image 1:
(1)
Jan. 31, 1945
Dear Mother, Dad, and Grandpa,
Well, one month of the new year end today. We get paid the 6th, so I will be drawing my overseas pay for the first time, which, incidentally will make me a wealthy man, since I’ll be getting $10, or perhaps I should say 1000 lire, more. We are still prohibited from writing about places we have visited, but we have seen quite a bit in a short period of time. One afternoon this week we had 4-hour passes and went into a town. It is very interesting indeed and quite prosperous compared to other places I have seen in Italy.
Today I sent you some objects and art which I picked up – all Italian alabaster. One is a novel set of ash trays and a cigarette box which form one complete set when put together. Also a bird-bath (miniature, of course!) and a powder box. I do hope they arrive safely. I was looking for some Capi di Monte figurines, but couldn’t find any. They have some gorgeous things in the shops there.
(continued in next letter)
Image 2: Front of Envelope (NT)
Image 3: Back of Envelope (NT)
Image 4:
(2) Jan. 31, 1945
I also bought some post-cards which I will send when I am permitted to do so. Also I want to send some Italian and Allied Military Currency for souvenirs.
Dad, I received the “Life” magazine of Jan. 8, and was indeed glad to get it. Can magazines and papers be sent without requests? I thought perhaps not, and thought you got around that by sending it in 2 parts.
Well, last night I heard that the Russians are 70 miles from Berlin. They are really flying! I hope the good news will continue. It seems that the rumors from neutral countries are prevalent once again. It’s difficult to sift the true facts out of the propaganda. Dr. Goebbels is really working overtime.
I don’t believe that I can talk about the weather, but you can read plenty about it in the newspapers, and believe me it’s all very true. “Miserable” is one way of describing it.
I guess that’s all for now. I want to write to you more tomorrow if possible. Love to all of you.
Lovingly, Jerome, Jr. P.S. Send some food. Hope that doesn’t sound too commanding.
Item sets
Site pages
Page 1 
Front of Envelope 1 
Back of Envelope 1 
Page 2 
Front of Envelope 2 
Back of Envelope 2 
Transcription