1630 St. Nicholas Avenue New York, N.Y., October 12 – 1938
Dear Puppiken,
I hope you received the postcard I sent with the Normandy yesterday. If I hadn't promised to send you a letter via the Bremen that leaves tomorrow, I would not take up the pen today because I am so incredibly tired. We were very busy today. Although we already finished at 7:30, it was 9 by the time I had eaten and arrived at home. That's early. Against my better judgment, I also had a glass of beer and that made me even more tired. Even though I already defended myself against your accusation that I don't read your letters in my postcard yesterday, but I would like to address this again. Who or what gave you that idea? Until now, I have read every single one at least three times! If I failed to answer a question,
that is certainly not proof for your opinion. We'll see what you do when you get here. Let's see if you even write half of the letters that are expected of me right now.
And again, most importantly: I think you received my registered letter with the documents you requested. You should know that I didn't send anything to the consulate. What is missing now is the confirmation of Form 575. Washington will send this straight to the consul. There is nothing I can do about it. Should I receive another postcard telling me that the confirmation is on its way to Berlin, I will send the card to you immediately; but this time, I will send it via registered mail. Immigrating via Cuba is out of the question. Your opinion that it would be faster is wrong. It now takes very long. For W. Schiff, this would be an option. I was glad to receive your picture; you look great, I'm happy to say. So don't lose your nerve in the next few months. Your mother was separated from her husband for longer during the war. I did not receive your letter dated September 8, but I received one dated September 4. And I also did not receive the ointment.
However, the money for September arrived. I thought I had confirmed this. Why did I forget the holidays? Didn't I send a telegram on time? So I didn't forget anything. The telegram wasn't meant for Nieheim. By the way, I didn't send it primarily for the [birthday?] but to tell you quickly that I received your telegram and that I am taking care of everything as quickly as possible so you don't become too impatient sitting there. I can't really avoid this entirely.
Mr. R. certainly didn't buy the store in R.! He doesn't have any money. I think he is the CEO. I take it Suse hasn't arrived in Nieheim yet. She has been writing for months that it is over. I am not in a great hurry. But why am I writing all of this. And what's going on with you? You said you were expecting to be laid off next month. Why? Isn't Ury Jewish anymore? Is Mr. Herz no longer there? If he is, why do you expect to be laid off? I haven't heard anything from Mr. Meyer. So I have to assume that he is doing well. He didn't have work the last time I talked to him. My relatives are doing well.
The office had a good start. I haven't heard anything from Wills, and I think it's because I haven't written from here. My uncle and cousin are still in Palestine. In my opinion, they will not come here. What are Aunt Toni, Uncle Albert and Edith doing? Did he give up the tailor shop or did the shop give him up?
By the way, I thought you had received a passport after submitting the affidavit. I also thought you had received a visa right away on September 21. That would have been possible. I do know how things look at the consulates right now, but I thought if they have you come in and if all of your documents are in order, he might give you a visa. I told you so many times not to let things get to you, and I don't want to repeat myself, especially because I can tell that it's to no avail. You have to stay calmer in the face of things. We didn't expect at all that you might get here in less than 6 months after my departure. Some things worked out better here than I initially expected. It is certainly a pity that things took this long over there, but it can't be changed. You can't get upset about that.
I cannot reject strongly enough this pretty stupid opinion that it's easy for me to talk—because I am in a fix. As though I was doing better without you than you without me. That is pretty dumb. And one day, you will come. I see a terrible time ahead. I shiver just thinking about it. You and I will do pretty well. So does it matter whether you leave 4 months earlier or later? You have to remember that again and again. And no matter what we both do, we cannot change the situation. And that's why I say: Stay calm! Mrs. Stern's baby has arrived. It's a girl. There's another one crying next door. I stayed here despite that. I only looked at a few rooms that I didn't like. Unfortunately, I can't send you the music notebook you wanted.
So don't get too upset; it will just make you gloomy. And I want a pretty Puppiken. Even if you can no longer imagine what it's like when we are together again, I can imagine it pretty well and I will get you used to it again! Just like we used to be! So stay healthy, be good, and 1000 kisses from your Fritz
[Side:] Much love to all!
Simon sends his love N. Rath Zabłotów bei Kolomyja Klein Polen
Dear Eva, my book by R. Katz must be in my box or in my desk box – I don’t know where yours is
Much love Joachim
Mrs. Eva Frankenberg Leipzig C1 Langestr. 8 Ic/o Löwenstein
Top, upside down:
Much love from the birthday girl as well Gisela. Love from your Dad
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We send our love from Gisel's birthday party. Good families from Zabłotów are with us today. If only you could be with us. We are playing Rommé at the moment. –
Love and kisses from all of us Mutti
On the occasion of your sister's birthday, I would like to send you my best wishes although we haven't met. Pfeiffer(?)
Best wishes although we haven't met
???
Best wishes, Granitz(?)
Best of luck Nathan Kern
Best wishes G???
