Guide to the Keyton Family Collection (RG 256): Coblenz Letters, 1919-1920
Folder 256-20-0731-001-014
Transcriptions and Links to Scanned Original Letters (in PDF) for folder 256-20-0731-001-014: April-June 1920, Joyce Williams Keyton to her mother, Annie Williams. 19 items.
Biographical Note: John Arthur Keyton of Dothan, AL and Joyce Williams of Norwich, CT married in 1917
before he shipped off to World War I. In 1919, his unit became part of the US Third
Army (Army of Occupation of the German Rhineland) headquartered at Coblenz ("Coblence"
in French). Joyce joined Arthur in Late Summer, 1919. The couple was stationed in
Sinzig, Germany then relocated to Coblenz when Arthur was reassigned to the 6th Field
Artillery and the American forces were reduced in number. They returned to the US
in Late Summer 1920.
Table of Contents
256-20-0731-001-014-001 April 20, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-002 April 29, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-003 May 2, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-004 May 4, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-005 May 7, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-006 May 12, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-007 May 18, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-008 May 22, 1920 [Coblenz, Germany] Joyce to "Dearest Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-009 May 24, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-010 May 26, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother of Mine"
256-20-0731-001-014-011 May 28, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother of Mine"
256-20-0731-001-014-012 May 30, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-013 June 2, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-014 June 5, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to [her mother, Annie Williams]
256-20-0731-001-014-015 June 8, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-016 June 12, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-017 June 15, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
256-20-0731-001-014-018 June 19, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dearest Mother of Mine"
256-20-0731-001-014-019 June 23, 1920 Coblenz, Germany Joyce to "Dear Mother"
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-001
[Page 1 appears to be missing. Information from envelop]
From: [J.] A. Keyton, 1st Lt. [?] C.
[6th] F. A. Coblenz, Germany.
[A.] P.O. 927. A. F. in G.
To: Mrs. Anna Williams
14 Sturtevant Ave,
Norwich,
Connecticut, U.S.A
Forwarded to: Waterford [CT] 32 Clifton St. R.F.D. No. 2
Postmarks: Coblenz = June 5, 2020; Norwich, CT = June 21
. . . It has been rumored that all of our men will be out of Germany by Sept. and that they will start the movement next month I mean July. So I guess you will have your kids home before awfully long.
I bought Junior another cute suit the other day, it is pure linen, the pants are tan and the waist is white. I don't want Nellie to know as that is one of the things I have for him. I had have a pair of kid gloves for Jordie, the cutest things in the World.
[page possibly 2]
I want to get little Clem a Dutch doll. Listen Mother, about Fannie's beaded bag, when I bought Clem's & Nellie's I paid about $8 for them but now they sell for 25 to $100 of course that is due largely to the Mark gaining in value so but if by chance the mark looses again I will be glad to get her one.
I bought a handsome jersey blouse yesterday. It is corn color and Hon likes it very much.
You see if we come home this summer I will have to be all dressed up. I am
[page 3]
3.
planning to go to Paris before I go home and get do some shopping. They are wearing all accordian pleated skirts an even in the suits and feathers on the hats.
We have been saving pretty hard and now we have about $1500 in the bank. Don't you think that is pretty good?
There are so many things over here I would love to buy but I just can't get them home.
[page 4]
We are thinking very strongly of taking one of our maids home with us, Matilda, she is my second girl and a wonderful ladies maid. Of course I don't have my many buttons to be sewed on or stockings with a ladder for her to fix Ha! Ha! but she massages my hair and helps me dress most of the time. I just adore her and hate awfully to give her up. Lizzie is a good cook but not as sweet and good as Matilda.
Well Mother dear I will close for to-day with heaps of love, hugs, kisses and prayers from Hon and I, I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
give our love to Ells Nellie & Jr.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-002
Coblenz, Germany
April 26th, 2020.
Dear Mother,
I have just finished a note to Aunt Maryann, I feel she is so lonely I just must not forget her.
Saturday evening Dr. and Mrs. Pollock gave a dinner party and we were invited and after the dinner we all went to the "Festhalle" that is a beautiful German Opera house taken over by the Americans and operated by the Y.M.C.A. They have concerts, operas, vaudeville, movies and everything else imaginable
[page 2]
2.
in the way of amusement. Well that night after the regular show we stayed for the movies and lo and behold it was a picture with the scene laid in Connecticut, around New London, then to add to it they had the Norwich Golf Club in it and the picture was about a golf player who was trying for the Championship and consequently the whole grounds were in the picture.
Well, it kind of made me my heart flutter for a few minutes to say the least.
[page 3]
3.
Last evening Mrs. Collins had Dr. and Mrs. McLelland and Hon and I out there at Bendorf to dinner and we surely had one good dinner.
When I started this letter it was lovely out but now we are having an April shower. They tell us April May will bring real good weather so we are all hoping it will.
To-day I received a nice bunch of papers form you of March 16th etc.
You can't imagine how
[page 4]
much fun I get out of them.
Well I guess before long we will get out of the Army as Father keeps writing to come home then too Hon has another proposition on hand but I am not going to tell you what it is until we either get it or don't.
Well Mother dear, take good care of yourself, write as often as you can for your mail is everything to me. With heaps of love from Hon and I, hugs, kisses and prayers and our love to all the folks, I am,
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-003
Coblenz, Germany,
April 29, 1920.
Dear Mother,
Last evening we had Dr. and Mrs Woodland and Dr. and Mrs. McLelland to dinner and we had such a pleasant time. Later in the evening two officer came to call so we had quite a party.
This P.M. I am going to the Club and it meets with Mrs. Woodland. To-morrow night we are going to Dr. and Mrs. Elmendorf's for dinner and then go to the theater afterwards, they were in Washington with us.
[page 2]
2.
Did I ever write you that the Bishop's had gone to the Phillipines, they have been there about 4 months now I guess.
Well I had the nicest letter from you yesterday, dated Mar. 19th, also a bunch of papers and I surely was glad to hear from you.
It is real cold here to-day, so different from the last few days.
Dear Mother, I guess you think my writing is terrible and so it is but my old fountain pen is broken for good this time
[page 3]
and it is almost impossible for me to write with any other kind of a pen.
I suppose you are wondering wither we will be over here much longer, well, I'll tell you a little secret, if this proposition goes through that Hon is trying to land in New York go we will be home before so very long, say July or so, of course we are not saying a word about it until we are sure. Dr. Gorgas is trying to land the place for Hon, Mrs. Wrightson's father,
[page 4]
formerly Surgeon General Gorgas of the United States Army.
I do hope my box has gotten there by now, did you ever receive the express receipt I sent you for the box?
With heaps of love to you Mother dear from Hon and I and our love to Ells, Nellie, Jr. and all the folks, I am with jugs, kisses and prayers
Your loving daughter,
Joyce
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-004
Coblenz, German,
Ap May 2, 1920
Dear Mother,
Since I wrote you day before yesterday I we have received the pretty Easter cards from you and Aunt Louise, also several letters from you the last one was dated Apr. 2, in which you said it has been such a long time since you had received any mail from me.
Well Mother dear you must not worry about us, you know our mail goes on transports and they do not run as
[page 2]
2.
regularly as the Steam-ship lines, consequently the mail is often delayed, then again, they go quite often and so it is, one just cannot expect mail at any regular space time.
You know if I were ill or anything were to go wrong Arthur would cable you at once. we can get a cable to you in about 2 ½ days so Mother dear please do not worry.
Mother Keyton writes the same thing. she sees in the papers where these
[page 3]
Heines are fighting etc, it is all among themselves and there isn't any danger of us getting hurt. We have 16,000 Americans over here besides 92,000 French 14,000 British troops also 22,000 Belgians so you see there isn't any danger in the occupied areas.
Of course I know it is hard for you when you don't get mail when you expect it, I alone can appreciate your feelings for I dare say I don't believe any one here has ever waited more than I for mail.
[page 4]
We are getting on just fine. Hon just came over and gave me a hug and a kiss and he spoke about me getting so fat, really Mother you wouldn't know me, I don't believe.
Well I don't as do so hope you will get some of my letters long before this one reaches you.
With heaps of love to you from Hon and I and our love to Nellie, Ells. and Jr. I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-005
[Coblenz, Germany]
May 4, 1920.
Dear Mother,
I wrote you Sunday but I did not tell you anything about the big Battalion dinner and dance the 6th Field Artillery had, Col. and Mrs. Margetts were the host and hostess and we had about 36 present, all the officers and the wives of those officers who were here.
It was the opening night of the gardens at the Casino and the General and everyone else of importance was present.
[page 2]
The gardens are beautiful, typically German and the fountain in the center plays with all colored electric lights and at times one would scarcely realize it was just water for it really looked like specks of gold falling.
I need another evening dress and have been tempted to cable you for it but if we land the place Hon is trying to get we will not be over here long enough to pay sending it. I guess I will just have to quit going to these parties etc if I don't get something new for evening. Then too, Mother, I don't believe you had better send my hat until I write you again, we are just sort of waiting and
[page 3]
3.
hardly know what to do, but you make believe I haven't written you not to send it and get it so when I do get back you and can send it or bring it too me.
My Our anniversary is near at hand and Hon has been pricing diamonds and a silver service and they are so high now since the value of the mark has increased so, that I told him I would rather he wouldn't tie up our money in anything now but bank it and as long as they are so expensive I would much rather get one in the States.
So yesterday when we were in
[page 4]
town we looked at clothes. Hon is having three pair of slippers and shoes made for me for one thing for our anniversary we can have them made for about $12 or $14 which beats $20 at home, don't you think?
Well Mother dear Matilda is here reporting to me that she is ready to go to the Commissary so I guess I will have to kiss you good-bye for this time, with heaps of love from Hon and I and our love to Ells, Nellie and Jr. I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-006
[Coblenz, Germany]
May 7, 1920.
Dear Mother,
I have written you a bunch of letters that will go off Sunday on the "Princess Matioka" and I do so hope they all reach you.
Several of the girls have sent letters through the German mails between transports so I think I will try it.
Last evening we went to the boxing matches as one of Hon's men fought for the championship of the A.F. in G, he did splendidly but it was a draw.
[page 2]
2.
Of course it would have been lots better if he could have won it but a draw is much more desirable than a "knock out."
It is rather cold and windy here to-day we really have good weather for over a week.
This p.m. I am going over to call on a guest our Commanding Officer's wife has, a lady from gay Paree, an American however but she has lived in Paris most of her life.
Next Monday I am giving a tea for her at the Casino Club Garden. I wonder if you are in Norwich
[page 3]
3.
or N.L., I just wonder so often what you are doing and just where you are at the time.
How are your eyes and feet Mother. I mean really and truly how are they getting along.
Surely by now you have my letters in which I told you to open that perfume I left at home and use it.
Before I go back I expect to get as much Quelques Fleurs as I possibly can as it isn't quite as expensive here as it is at home. by that I don't mean it is very cheap here.
How is precious little "Jr." getting
[page 4]
on, I suppose he will be such a big boy I won't know him I when get home.
Well Mother I guess I'll kiss you good-bye for this time with heaps of love from Hon and I and our love to Ells. Nellie and Jr. also Aunt May and Aunt Louise & families I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-007
[Coblenz, Germany]
May 12, 1920.
Dearest Mother,
I declare it is just like summer out to-day and I have just come in from town where I have been marketing.
Last Saturday night we went to another dinner-dance and had the best dinner I have had since we have been over here and that is saying a good deal.
Yesterday I went to Mrs. Graham's
[page 2]
tea, she is the lady who was in Sinzing with us for a while, I guess you remember my writing about her.
The It was a sewing tea and for Mrs. White, she expects a new arrival before long and we all sewed for her. The wool you sent me came in handy as I gave have made her a little sacque.
Hon and I have a date to go shopping this p.m. can't you imagine him shopping, but then it's for himself.
Our social Club, the medical wives, meet th at the Officers Club to-morrow afternoon.
I mustn't forget to tell you
[page 3]
two of Hon's boxers have won the Championship and were awarded gold medals last evening. Some class to Hon as a teacher, don't you think?
I wish you will tell Clem not to think of coming over to see us because we do not feel sure than we will be here long enough to run a chance of her coming. You see we might get ordered home when she was about to start.
Ten doctors are leaving on the next transport and 20 more
[page 4]
are going on the one following and as yet no one knows who they are to be, mostly men who have their 2 years are being ordered home but you see Hon's is up in July the 10th so we Hon may [after] be one of 20, we are rather hoping we will but of course one never knows what is coming next in the Army.
Prices are about four times as high now than as when we came over, the mark seems to keep on gaining in value and consequently us women have quit buying things and you know women don't enjoy being over here and not be able to buy all the beautiful linens etc they
[page 5]
see in the windows. The prices of course have been raised for our special benifit, when the mark was 100 to the dollar we bought things right and left but no the mark is only about 40 and still gaining in value and the prices are still up, consequently we will not buy much more while we are over here.
There are three transports scheduled to dock at Antwerp
[page 6]
during this coming month week so we ought to get quite a bit of mail.
I do so hope you will go write me that you have reached that express package we sent the first of February. If you haven't by now I guess.
May 13, 1920.
Dear Mother,
Yesterday p.m. I went to town with Hon and last evening we were so tired we went to bed early for a change, consequently I didn't get to finish this chapter.
It is so hot to-day I declare the climate here surely is changeable.
This p.m. our Club met and
[page 7]
the hostess entertained us at the Officers Club some swell place and we had such a nice time.
This evening two of Hon's men are fighting so of course we are going.
I often wonder what us girls will do when we get back home and have to do our own work, really here, all we do is society and that's all we care about doing.
How I wish you were here to enjoy all the good things we have to eat, fruit salad, chicken salad, ice cream and some whipped cream. I have actually had some
[page 8]
twice since I have been here and it surely was a treat. It is almost impossible to get it however as they use the cows here for plowing etc just like horses and as a result they get very little cream or butter.
Well Mother dear, be good and take good care of yourself until your children come home.
With heaps of love to you from Hon and I and our love to all the folks I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, February 28, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-008
[Prescript] Am sending this thru the German mail just to see if you get it. Do not use this address just send my mail as you always have done. 6th F.A.
Coblenz, Germany,
May 18, 1920.
Dearest Mother,
I wanted to write you yesterday but it seemed as though one thing came up after another and I just didn't get to it.
Well I must tell you we have had 10 letters from you and several from Alabama since Saturday. I was so sorry you didn't receive any mail for five weeks but you know how uncertain the mails are going from here. There is one
[page 2]
consolation and that is this: if anything is wrong with us we will surely cable you so please try not to worry.
I certainly was glad to know your last package reached you safely also the "bunnies." Of course Jr's suit is rather large but it will come in mighty handy later on.
Well Mother we went out to Burg Eltz Sunday in a machine and had a picnic, celebrating our anniversary very appropriately don't you think, and we had a wonderful time. I am enclosing a picture of the castle and it looks exactly like this picture
[page 3]
3.
We went all through it and really words cannot begin to describe it. it is supposed to be the best preserved castle in the whole part of Germany and during the Summer members of the family visit it and this Summer a Princess is to be there. All these things I see I cannot attempt to describe so I will just wait until I see you the I can tell you about everything.
The ladies in the crowd furnished the lunch as we had several bachelor officers in our party.
[page 4]
Hon sent me some beautiful roses for our anniversary and wanted to buy me a diamond but they are sky high here now and at present I feel that our money is better off in the bank than any where else.
I told him if he wanted to give me something to just give me things I needed so I received a rose silk sweater, a pair of long white kid gloves, one pair short kids, a pair of wool lined with an edging of fur for driving and 3 pair of handmade shoes, all of which I needed very badly. I don't expect to need
[page 5]
my sweater much over here so it will be nice a fresh when I get back home. We are going to ask to be sent home by July if we are not ordered home before.
Yesterday I had a letter from Mrs. Wrightson of Washington and she said she was packing up to go to Peru to live and she expected to be gone about five years.
I suppose Jr. is a real man by now almost a year older than when I saw him. The picture of Nellie & Jr. really doesn't do the
[page 6]
precious little fellow justice I don't think, Nellie looks well but so thin.
Yes, I received the letter in which you said Charlotte Joseph was married, it seems strange to think she had such a quiet wedding. I suppose Geraldine will be married next month.
I wish you could have been here for lunch to-day we had some of the nicest strawberries you could imagine and they are so sweet we don't even have to put sugar on them. Cherries are on the market now too and they are 5 marks a pound or 10 [cents]
[page 7]
7.
according to the present rate of exchange and I am, for the first time in my life, getting my fill of cherries (strawberries).
Really you wouldn't know Hon or I, I don't believe, we are both pretty good specimens of healthy folks. Hon just eats like a little "piggy" only 5 times a day.
I am so fat that everything I own is so tight on me I am uncomfortable to say the least.
So Irene is in Boston now, I wonder if she like it? Is
[page 8]
Ted working as hard there as he did in Norwich? Ha! Ha!
Well I guess I will finish this epistle to-day and will write again to-morrow when I will send you another money-order.
With all best wishes and heaps of love from Hon and I and hugs, kisses and prayers for your safe-keeping, I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
P.S. give our love to Ells Nellie, Jr., Aunt May's folks and Aunt Louise's.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-009
May 22, '20.
Dearest Mother,
I am going to town now and as Mrs. Hurdis is waiting for me I won't stop to write a letter but just send the order so it will go out on this noon's mail.
Please keep this $25 until I send you $20 more which will make $45, pay that and then I will
[page 2]
just owe $200 even. I wish you would tell me after you pay this next amount whether I am right or not. Just say in your letter, that with Miss F. is O.K. see.
I had to send the order now however as it wouldn't be good after 6 months so cash it now and wait until I send you the other 20 before you pay.
[page 3]
With heaps of love and kisses from
Your true loving daughter,
Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-010
Coblenz, Germany
May 24, 1920.
Dearest Mother,
We surely have received a lot of mail this time including 2 packages. The wool came and I am so glad to get it, then we received a box from Dothan with some silk socks for Hon, 3 pair of silk stockings for me a crepe de chene shirt waist, candy and peanuts. wasn't that nice.
We just gobbled the candy you should send right
[page 2]
2.
down it was so good and different from any we have had in a long while.
Saturday, May 22nd, I sent you a money order for $25 towards you know, I trust it will reach you safely.
I have already started the baby coat for Mrs. Woodland as she expects to be sick about the 4th of July.
Mrs. Hurdis, who came over on the boat with us, and who lives right near me, is going home in August and she expects her baby the last of June. Pretty close
[page 3]
connections don't you think? Her husband is going to teach at West Point this coming fall and has to be there not later than the 24th of August.
Mrs. Mac is going late in the last of August on account of her health. I guess we will all be home before so long.
The weather is delightful now and we surely are enjoying it.
Yesterday Capt. & Mrs. Bledsoe took us out to a beautiful Castle on the Rhine
[page 4]
in a car and then when we came back we had a tea with them and had such a good time. Really we have seen some interesting things since we have been here.
Yesterday and to-day have been real big holidays for the Germans so I let my girls go Saturday p.m. until last night and it is the first time I have cooked a real dinner for Hon. I surely was glad to see them come back believe me.
Well I must write Mother Keyton so with heaps of love to you from Hon and I and our love to Ells. Nellie & Jr. I am
Your loving daughter, Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T. Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-011
Coblenz, Germany,
May 26, 1920.
Dearest Mother of Mine,
I just wonder how you are this beautiful Summer morning. I just wish you could see this beautiful country now, the vineyards are coming along so nicely, the gardens are pretty well advanced and the roses and other flowers are gorgeous, I am well aware of the roses being in bloom as my rose-cold is in full swing. We have had fresh
[page 2]
asparagus, cauliflowers, carrots, onions, strawberries etc out of the gardens all ready.
Yesterday Mrs. Graham and I went to Bonn to shop, I am having a white ribbon hat made to go with my rose silk sweater and now I am going to get charmeuse for a skirt.
I got you a bottle of perfume and something else but I can't tell you what if I do it won't be a surprise.
This p.m. Mrs. Simpson and I are entertaining our Club to-gether as we have
[page 3]
3.
so many members it is too much work for one hostess.
We are only allowed to serve two things for refreshments so we are going to serve pineapple salad with grated cheese and nuts, butter thins on the plate with the salad and iced tea.
During the p.m. we are going to have a big bowl of cherries passed so they won't be included in the refreshments. Cherries are five marks a pound or 10 [cents] at present which isn't so expensive.
[page 4]
I have started a sweater for Mrs. Hurdis' baby, it will be her before long now I guess.
Well Mother dear, nine months ago you were busy packing my trunk and I was fixing to cross the pond. I surely have had a good time since I came over here.
With heaps of love, hugs kisses and prayers from Hon and I, I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
P.S. give our love to Ells. Nellie and Jr. and all the folks.
Yes, Bonnie married Pete the fellow with the tooth out in front, I used to make so much fun of.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-012
Coblenz, Germany,
May 28, 1920.
Dearest Mother of Mine,
I had three nice letters from you to-day dated May 9-10 & 13th and one from Dothan.
Mother K. writes me she was going to Washington to a convention and I guess she has been so busy she hasn't had time to write very much.
So Jordie's Bunny reached him safely, well I am glad.
I think it is so strange that box I sent you by Express in Feb. has never reached you.
[page 2]
Yesterday P.M. I entertained my Club, I served pineapple salad, cheese straws, butter-thins, ripe olives, cherries and iced tea, don't you wish you were here to enjoy it with us. Never mind I will have tea for you every afternoon when you and I get to-gether again.
Listen Mother, don't be unhappy, just think of the time when I come home and all the pretty things I will bring you.
[page 3]
3.
Next week I expect to go to Belgium on a trip over the battle-fields, several of my friends are going, the Y.M.C.A. are giving it and it is very reasonable so Hon insists that I take advantage of it.
Of course he can't go but I won't be gone so awfully long, perhaps a week.
Did you see in the paper where the Increase Pay Bill went thru and now we get about $210 a month instead of $166.67. It dates back to Jan 1st so we get $250 extra this
[page 4]
month which we will put right in the Bank. We saved $60 this month. I am going to send Jr. another little suit next month one he can wear now.
Hon and Jack are here just having the best time playing ball. They lead me a merry chase.
With oceans of love from Hon and I and a kiss on each wave I am
Your true loving daughter,
Joyce!
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-013
Coblenz, Germany,
May 30, 1920.
Dear Mother,
This is Memorial Day and I have just come home from Church where we had a Memorial Service.
All those who gave their lives over here, either in France or else where, will be honored to-day and to-morrow by members of the A.F. in G. Our general is in France at one of the cemeteries and other officers and men are also in France
[page 2]
2.
Well we had quite a bit of excitement this morning in the Keyton family.
J It seems Jack's nurse Matilda, my second girl, took him out to walk this morning before we got up. When I came out into the dining room she told me Jack was gone, I told Hon and he immediately dressed and went out to search for him but in vain, finally Hon had to go down to headquarters on business so I dressed for Church, just before I left I heard the maid next door
[page 3]
3.
calling Matilda and shouting Jack is on the street, only she said it in German, I flew out we and brought the young man up stairs.
It was church time by then so the car came for me and I went by Headquarters and told Hon and then walked in Church late as a result of my puppy. Hon was so happy to think Jack did come back he told him (Jack) that he thought he would kill him and stuff him then he wouldn't be so hard to take care of.
[page 4]
Intermission
Monday. While I was writing you about our pet Hon came up in back of me and scared me so I had to get up and tickle him as a result I didn't get another opportunity to write all day. Sunday P.M. I couldn't write my eyes were so bad and later on in the evening Capt. and Mrs. Bledsoe came over so you see how our day was spent.
To-day is a holiday for our men and Hon has been home most all day.
[Ed. note: Letter ends here without signature. It is possible that the letter is missing pages]
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-014
Coblenz, Germany,
June 2, 1920.
Dearest Mother,
Yesterday I went to Bonn to get my hat and I surely was pleased when I saw it, it is a white ribbon hat and mighty pretty.
I also got charmeuse (white) for a skirt and Matilda has it already to put the hem in by hand. Some class to me with a maid who can dressmake.
It is real warm here just like Summer and it makes me begin to plan
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a Summer wardrobe.
Of course I don't want you to send me that hat, especially now since I have another one.
You see for a while it looked as though I just couldn't get any kind of a hat for thin dresses but now I am fixed up O.K. I rel realize Ruth and Charles have done a great deal for me and I appreciate it all very much. Aunt Louise too has been of both yours and mine and I have a pair of kid gloves for her and a bottle of perfume.
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3.
We are getting a few things gradually now to take home so in case we go this Summer we won't have to buy everything at one time.
One of my friends just had a baby girl, it was only 7 months and weighs a little over 3 pounds. I haven't been out to see her as she isn't well enough to have any one visitors but I guess the baby will live.
Mrs. Hurdis is about next and I hope she will be soon because they have their
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orders to go home in August.
It is quite a trip across the pond with 2 babies.
Hon is just as saucy as ever and eats like a pig. I wish you could see us eating cherries. They have them here by the wholesale.
Well I will kiss you Bye Bye for to-day so with heaps of love from Hon and I, and prayers for your safe-keeping, I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-015
Coblenz, Germany,
June 8, 1920.
Dear Mother,
I just wonder how you are this beautiful morning. It is just like Summer and the Sun is shining into my room so warm and bright.
To-morow we are to get some more mail and I can tell you we are looking forward to it with no little pleasure.
I guess I wrote you we had dinner over to Capt. and Mrs. Bledsoe's the other
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2.
evening. she has just come up from a Winter resort in France where she has lived with some of her relatives for nearly five years. She is an American however.
He went to school with Hon before he studied Medicine.
Well we sent $300 home to the bank yesterday, part of it was the back pay I wrote you we received and part we saved ourselves. We now have about $1500 in cash, don't you think that is pretty
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good for a couple on a salary.
How is precious little "Jr." getting along these days? What is he wearing, rompers or what?
Matilda has been to market this morning and brought home the nicest freshest vegetables, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and some nice big juicy cherries.
The are very cheap and we have five pounds a day at least.
Don't you know I will be turning into a cherry pretty
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soon? I wore my new silk sweater and white hat with my charmeuse skirt to-day and it was quite a pretty combination.
I had several compliments on the out-fit.
Well Mother dear I'll close for to-day with hopes of having some real interesting news before long. With heaps of love to you from Hon and I and our love to Ells. Nellie and Jr. and all the folks I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-016
Coblenz, Germany,
June 21, 1920.
Dearest Mother,
Hon and I are going away for a few days to Neuenahr, a very noted summer resort so I will write you before leaving.
Well the last two days has brought letters and papers from you all including my birthday letter and gift and I assure you I appreciate them both more than I can tell you, nevermind it
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2.
won't be long before I can will be with you then I can give you a big hug and kiss and show you have pleased I am with both.
We really are expecting to go home before long now what y do you think about that? Perhaps the last of July will find us in New York, Col. Bruns, the chief Surgeon of the A.F. in G. told Hon. We asked to go home as we feel you and Mother & Father Keyton need us and we have
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seen enough of this country to last us a while so we are ready to go home to our loved ones who need us.
Of course I don't want you to get your mind too set on it because you know this Army as well as I do and it is mighty uncertain to say the least, but however as far as we know we will surely be there 'ere long.
Father Keyton is in pretty bad condition I guess from
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what he wrote Hon so we are very much worried over his condition.
I can scarcely believe I am going and when I think about it I get so excited. Really Mother dear I have no idea where to begin to pack. You know I have picked up so many things since I came over I just don't see how I can pack them all, the worst part is getting started packing.
Hon is so happy he doesn't know what to do, it is a
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5.
long long time since he has been home for any length of time.
At present we know absolutely nothing about where we will go when to land, Hon is going to ask for a month's leave as soon as we get to Hoboken and we will either get it there or have to report at Wash. in either case we will have you come to New York and visit with us a few days before we go South.
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6.
If Father K. wasn't ill we would run up to Conn. but Hon feels as though he must get home as soon as he possibly can.
We are planning to get out of the Army and will probably live in Dothan in which case you are by all means to come with us and make our home your home and live happy for a change with your saucy daughter. I don't
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7.
believe I am as bad as I was since Hon has beaten on me so much with the hair brush. That fact is proved by this: when I came over I weighed 117 lbs. and yesterday I tipped the scales at 135 can you imagine it? You will scarcely know either one of us for we surely look some better now than when you last saw us.
Hon weighs about 185 lbs so you can see he isn't very puny either.
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Well Mother dear I trust this letter will find you all well and pray that before long we will all be re-united.
With oceans of love from Hon and I and a kiss on each wave I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
P.S. Much love to Ells, Nellie, Jr., and all the folks.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-017
Coblenz, Germany,
June 15, 1920.
Dearest Mother,
Well we are home again and we surely spent my birthday in one beautiful place. Neuenahr is a resort famous all over the World and it is just a wonderful place to rest and enjoy life. It corresponds to the Griswold in beauty and prominence.
Hon gave me a handsome table-scarf with hand made Brussels lace. It is a beauty and I have added it to my other treasures
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I have collected since I came over here.
We bought a trunk to-day and I am going to put all of our Winter clothes away and things I don't expect to use, then when we get our orders I won't have so much packing to to.
Matilda is a perfect ladies maid and all I have to do is tell her to do pack so and so and it is done much better than I could do it and I feel as though I could pack.
Of course now I have given
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3.
up the idea of taking either one of the maids now since we will probably make our home in Ala. and since the Negroes do the work it would be too lonesome for a white girl there. You see I feel I would be more or less responsible for her and I would be so sorry for her if I thought she was lonesome.
Then too, only Mothers with baby's babies are allowed to take their maids so I guess I am out of it all the way around.
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It is late and I guess I will kiss you good-night for this time. To-morrow I am going out to spend the day with Mrs. Collins at Bendorf has Gen. March will be out to inspect the 6th F.A. and Hon won't be home for lunch.
With heaps of love to you Mother dear from Hon and I and prayers for a speedy reunion. I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
P.S. Our love to all the folks.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-018
Coblenz, Germany,
June 19, 1920
Dearest Mother of mine,
I had two nice letters from you a day or two ago and I surely did enjoy them.
The last letter I wrote you in which I spoke of our going away for a trip I meant to put in a post-card of the hotel we stayed at but I sealed the letter before I thought so I will send it along this time.
About three weeks ago
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2.
Hon discharged Lizzie my cook because she got so she was out late every night and would take an age to go to town etc and then we found out she had a soldier keeping her so he "ran her off" as he calls it.
Well of course I made out very well with Matilda, my maid in whom in truest a bit, at least for her virtue and here the other day when I went out to Mrs. Collins in Bendorf, Hon greeted me with "Well Sweet-heart, your maid's gone bag and baggage, I
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3.
just had to run her off she went out to-day and was gone about an hour and a half instead of getting me something to eat. (She also had a soldat!
Of course I was distressed to be all alone because we have so much entertaining we just have to have help.
Well he tried to get me another cook and I got one yesterday, in the meantime Joycie did her own cooking etc, with Hon's help from Tuesday night till Saturday morning.
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I wish you could see my new cook Maria, she is as old fashioned as a cup-cake, not as big as a minute and she is a woman, thirty-one (31) years old. I am fed up on young servants. Of course all the girls over here go out and have a good time with the soldiers but most Madams don't seem to pay any attention to them but I won't have my girls out after a descent hour.
I don't think I shall try and get a maid as it won't hardly pay for before long we will be "homeward bound" we expect.
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5.
It is real hot here now most of the time but still changeable.
I am glad your eyes are not giving you so much trouble now and you must be careful and not sew or use them too much.
General March who has been on a tour of inspection here for about ten days has left the Rhineland and and the 6th F.A. gave him a big farewell party. During the War he was with the 6th F.A. so of course since he was visiting here we felt as though we ought to entertain him.
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6.
We had about fifty present including all the big guys over here all Colonels and their wives.
Our table was beautiful with small cannons and red ribbon (the Artillery coll color) gracefully draped, we used rambler roses because they were red. The place cards were big red 6's. which made the table very attractive. We only had three bands. The Casino gardens are an ideal place for a dinner party.
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This is one more Society crowd, I have never seen anything like it. It is a typical Army Post.
Well Mother dear I wish say "good-night" to you for this time, with oceans of love from Hon and I and hugs, kisses and prayers for your safe-keeping
I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
P.S. Give our love to Ells. Nellie and Jr. and all the folks.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
Item 256-20-0731-001-014-019
Coblenz, Germany,
June 23, 1920.
I received a nice letter from you to-day dated June 9th. The mails are much more frequent now and it surely does make everything so much better.
Mother K. writes us Father was burned right badly and we surely feel anxious about him.
If we were only there we could help both him and Mother. Nevermind it won't be so very long now before we will be home and we can be a real comfort to you all we hope, although I am still pretty saucy so
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I can't be sure of how much pleasure I'll be too you.
I received an announcement of Geraldine Joseph's marriage I surely did think a great deal of it as it showed they really were thinking of me.
Hon has just brought me two liters of ice cream all nicely packed and I only could could only eat a soup plate full, you see I have lost my appetite since I came over here.
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Everything is beautiful here the gardens are gorgeous, it takes these people to have flower gardens for you and their vegetable gardens are planted in such a way as to make them very attractive.
We have market day here three times a week and it is such fun to go and see the old women selling their goods, then too, to buy nice fresh
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vegetables. When us girls get home we will start out with our market baskets thru from force of habit and I am sure we will be a funny sight.
Hon and I have just been talking about home etc, and it makes us both so anxious to start. We will have one grand reunion when we do arrive, won't we?
Well we have another big General who has just arrived here to visit us for awhile. The A.F. in G. surely will be thoroughly inspected by
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5.
the time all these 'ere general's are through with us.
Before long Hon and I will be out of all this Army business and then we should worry about any General.
I hope your back is feeling better by now, and Mother dear you must take care of your eyes, if sewing hurts them, don't sew.
If we stay here much longer I will have to have a real sure enough evening dress. We go to so many things which require evening clothes and since my wardrobe is so limited I guess it would be fortunate if we could leave here at once.
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With heaps of love from Hon and I and hugs, kisses and prayers, I am
Your loving daughter,
Joyce.
P.S. Please give our love to all the folks.
[Transcribed by Martin T Olliff, March 1, 2023]
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