On Jan. 23, 1943, my uncle, Frank Ebner Gartz, (photo in uniform, above) reported to the draft board in Chicago to start his training for WWII. So began the correspondence between him and family & friends, comprising almost 300 letters going both ways. I’m posting many of these World War II letters, each on or near the 70th anniversary of its writing. To start with his induction, click HERE.


This blog began in Nov., 2010, when I posted a century-old love note from Josef Gärtz, my paternal grandfather, to Lisi (Elisabetha) Ebner, my paternal grandmother, and follows their bold decision to strike out for America.


My mom and dad were writers too, recording their lives in diaries and letters from the 1920s-the 1990s. Historical, sweet, joyful, and sad, all that life promises-- and takes away--are recorded here as it happened. It's an ongoing saga of the 20th century. To start at the very beginning, please click HERE.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Let me know how you come along

LaVerne "Cookie" Karbach
(bridesmaid photo) Ebner's
high school girlfriend
Chicago, ILL
March 3, 1943
Harvey Duck

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 going home and we both visit for [a] goot 1/2 hour. She like her work. You know it already [that] she have Duk’s work.

 Note: "Duk" is Harvey Duck, one of Ebner’s best friends from Austin High School. His h.s. grad photo (1942) notes, "Ambition: Become a successful sports writer." He did. Read about him HERE.]

 My grandmother is writing that Cookie, Ebner's girlfriend, took on Duck's job, a typical transference of a job to women when all the men went into the military). She continues her letter: 
Probably the "insignia" my grandmother refers to
I gave her one of your insignias. [see right]

I just waiting for some lines from you––If only 10 line from you to leave me know how you com allong and how is school. Try hard. God bless you steady and help you to finish what you wish. I will [be] praying steady for you by your picture.

Sunday afternoon I sent you $25.00 with a letter. Do you need some sweater or anyting [so] you not get a cold? Send me lines. [i.e., write me.]

We have very cold here, [and] steady hard working for Papa of course.

I [wish] the best for you [wherever] you go and [whatever] you do. God lead and be all the time with you. With lots of love and kiss.

Mother and Dad and Will





Posted by Linda Gartz at 2:30 AM

1 comment:

Marian Kurz said...

no wonder they call them 'love letters'...they are filled to overflowing

By the way, Cookie is a knockout!

March 3, 2013 at 9:41 AM

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