Saw Oahu By Jeep

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Sunday 8 October, 1944, 9:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been a swell day and I feel badly that you have to sit around and wait for someone to call while I'm really getting around and seeing things.  Al Klein paid me a return visit today and we spent the whole day doing "the town."  He came aboard at 10:00 AM. I took one and a half hours showing him around the ship.  I learned a few things myself. Some of the explanations we got about different instruments were new to me even though I've been aboard for nine weeks or so.  There is always something new to learn.  After our tour we sat around and gassed until 12:15 and then had luncheon aboard.  Soup, salad, fried chicken, pie a-la-mode with lemonade and coffee to drink.  It was as good as it sounds.

          After lunch we hopped into the jeep Al had.  He showed me parts of this place I hadn't seen before.  There are many beautiful homes, educational institutions and buildings that one can't see unless one has a car for transportation.  We also drove along the coast and saw several interesting phenomena.  Then a visit to a hotel for a couple of beers and a little walk to stretch our legs.  Al hadn't seen the aquarium I've mentioned so we look in there also.  By then it was time for dinner. Al led the way to a restaurant I hadn't been to.  We had a steak dinner with all the trimmings and it cost $3 plus tip (no tax).  The steak would have brought a least $6 at any mainland eating place.  It was large, tender and tasty.  Then we returned to the ship just in time for the movie "When Hearts Were Young and Gay" was the title--from the book by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Ethel Kimbrough.  It is about the two authors when they were teen age girls.  Put it on you "must see" list.  It is the most refreshing and amusing picture we've had aboard for some time.  After the movie, Al left and I found some mail for me.  Two letters from you and one from my mother.

          Ran out of stationery so will finish on this paper.  That stomach upset must have been something you ate. Hope you are all over it now.  You sure haven't had much luck with household help.  Hope this new girl pans out.  Please don't buy too much for me in the way of Xmas gifts.  Unless it is something useful I'd probably have stow it somewhere. Extra room is at a premium.  However I guess you realize that and will use your judgment.  Please finish typing up my course and send it on.  I was hoping it would be here by now but I realize now how swamped under you must have been.

          Do you remember your birthday party many Thanksgivings ago when I gave you your first real engagement ring?  Well after the war that new wedding band you've been wanting is going to be first on my list.  Going to sign off my darling with these three words, "I love you."

Devotedly

Gil

Aboard Ship Sunday Is Just Another Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

           U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O San Francisco
             Saturday 7 October 1944, 9:30 PM

My darling,

          Just saw the movie aboard and here I am again.  The picture "Do It Big" was just fair entertainment.  Jack Haley, Harriet Hilliard and Ozzie Nelson were the stars.  Now for a little visit.

          Nothing much since my last writing.  Saw three patients this afternoon and when I finished I played a few games of checkers.  It was pretty warm today and I felt much better after my daily shower and change of apparel.

          Sweet I'm going to make something for you and the kids.  Please send me the waist measurements of each of you.  It will take time to make but it should be done for Xmas.  Don't ask what "it" is going to be.  Be patient now and be surprised later (I hope).

          How did your new maid pan out?  I hope she showed up and works out OK.  I meant to mention it in this morning's letter but forgot.  The music you sent sure made good time. It was postmarked the 30th of September and arrived here on the 6th.  That is almost as fast as airmail.  Must have come over on a pretty fast ship.

          I should be receiving scads of mail soon.  I've written Taylor, Gilman, Bergman, Vanetek, Deb and Dave, Ruth, Libby, Earnest, Nina, Aranoff, Harry S., Davis and my cousin in Bell Harbor.  We'll write Marty, Sam, Bill and Dave Katz soon.  I've written several more that I can't recall just now but I'm doing a fair job.

          Al and I have a tentative date for tomorrow.  After our visit I'll finish this note.  Until then take it easy, Sweet.  Now I'm going to bed and dream about you and I after the war.

Lovingly

                      Gil

Sunday 8 October 1944, 9:30 AM

Good morning Sweetheart,

          This being Sunday, call for breakfast was 7:30 instead of 7:00.  Otherwise, at sea or I should say, aboard a ship, Sunday is just another day.

          This morning our welfare account was audited and then a book was set up for me to keep.  I'm finding plenty to keep me busy outside of my dental office.  I am mess treasurer now and have to collect the mess bill from each officer at the beginning of the month.  Then I have to pay for all food and supplies we draw from the general mess and that is purchased from other sources.  Then I'm still trying to get more books for our library without paying for them and that requires a lot of running around.  By the time I get home I'll be a real chiseler and you know how I hate to ask for anything for nothing.

          Well honey, this is Sunday, the day we spent together.  Boy wouldn't I like to get into the car and drive you and the kids down the beach for a stroll.  Then take Linda and Norma to the merry-go-round.  Do you remember how scared Linda was the first time I took her on?  Now she rides like it is an everyday occurrence.  After the war I won't be so anxious to dash off and leave our girls at home.

          Bye Sweet, I've got some more things to do.  Will write again tonight.  I know you are giving my regards to all so I don't have to ask you to do it.

Lovingly

Gil