Navy Changes Its Mind Just Like a Woman

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Monday 22 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from another 4.0 movie.  We had "From the Bowery to Broadway" a musical with Maria Montez, Jack Oakie and several other stars.  See it, it's entertaining.

          The mailman was good to me today and brought me nine letters.  There were six from you, a letter from Deb and two birthday cards--one from Libby and Nat and one from Loretta.

          Now to your letters.  They're postmarked the 7th, 9th and 12th which still leaves the 11th and 12th to come plus whatever comes after the 13th.  Packages are still coming through so here's hoping I get mine soon.

          First darling, don't get you heart set on my being home in three months.  You know the Navy changes its mind just like a woman.  My chances still look good but still there is always the possibility that____.  Also if we did return in three months it would take somewheres between twenty days and a month's sailing time to get back to civilization. So be patient and hope for the best, but please don't work yourself up into what could turn out as a big disappointment.

          Glad Dave made corporal but Deb writes he's in the "line" which means he is due for overseas duty and that aint good.  I don't know what instructions Dave can give Sol.  For the amount of time Sol has been in he has progressed further than Dave. I bet he comes out of this war with the higher rate.

          Don't feel badly about my not hearing from you daily.  I still hold the record amongst the officers for the most mail and when I do get any it is always a stack.

          I don't know what more to say about Arrowhead except wait and see.

          The Willie, Wally,and Mary story is interesting but it isn't new except that now that Mary caught up with Willie the cat is out of the bag so the cat (Willie) may as well play.  What surprises me is that his health stands up to it all.

          Yes dear by the time I get home it should be Lieutenant without the j.g.  I hardly know what to ask for as a gift from Libby.  "Coronet" would be nice but it really doesn't matter.

          I'm glad to hear about Abe Weinberg.  He is a bright chap and should go far in the Navy and out.  Right now they are crying for men in certain fields for additional training. Many men are really getting terrific training at no expense to themselves and it will stand them in good stead after the war.  There is just one catch.  I doubt very much whether these fellows who are getting all this training will be released.  It is my guess that they will be kept on for many years.

          Enjoyed your report on the installation.  Next year we have a date to attend it together.

          The Arnerichs, Paul and Vincent are brothers.  One graduated in '31 and one in '32.  They are both in the Navy one being stationed at the hospital in San Diego and the other out here.

          Don't stop sending packages or mail.  Goodness gal. That was scuttlebutt and it depends entirely on the progress of certain military campaigns.  Besides if we return, mail will always go to our next port and held there until we arrive.  So, take it easy and keep those panties on.  I'll take them of personal-like when I get there.

          No more for now so good night my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Buy G Bonds

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 17 January 1945, 6:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well I did it again today.  This morning I got the National Jewish Monthly and the American Dental Association Bulletin.  This afternoon I got six letters from you, marked 4th, 6th and 8th. Also a nice letter from Harry.  And best of all I got the recordings of Norma's and Linda's voices and yours too. Sweetheart it really was good to hear all three of you again.  In the future cut the records a little deeper.  There is an adjustment for it on the cutting head.  With the needles we use out here the home recordings are easily ruined when shallowly cut.

          Now to your mail.  No I didn't send cards to Krause or Kramer.  They're not on my list and I've just got to draw the line somewhere.

          I don't recall the exact bank balance in the Santa Monica Bank account, though you could check it by the day book from my office.  In the back there is a perpetual balance carried forward.  I do think however it was around $2,300.  Check it and let me know.  How about taking $1,000 out from the San Diego bank and buying a series "G" bond.  That is the same type we bought with the $2,000 from my office equipment.  It is negotiable so it can always be cashed in and 2-1/2% interest is better than nothing.

          The signatures on the menu were those of the officers and crew, though probably several missed signing it.  All the drawings on menus and greetings originated from my office.  My corpsman is quite clever and when we get together we always get something nice out.

          About the liquor dear, I would have felt like a 24 karat heel to bootleg some of it to one of the crew.  Sorry I can't agree with you on that point but it isn't important, really.

          Scuttlebutt still is the same though a month has been added to the original three that I heard of at first.  Still I'd bet money that I won't be out longer than a year at the most.  Keep your panties on.  You'll have plenty of time to get ready when I get orders to return and then will there be a hot time in the old time! Wow!

          You mention three letters written on the 5th but I only got two.  Bet I get another stack tomorrow.  This mail is hard to figure.  One of you letters tells me about records you're sending me and the records got here the same time as the letter.  Yet one came air mail and the other regular mail.

          I see my guess about the Seitz home was correct. We'll still have a "real" home after this war and you'll be real proud of it.  Just wait and see.

          The box of fruit and nuts Deb sent were glazed and very delicious.  My roommates and I enjoyed it to the last crumb.  The "vitamin pills" arrived in excellent condition but I still have most of them.  You see, we can get chocolates and candies, so it's not as novel as the fruit.

          The Mary, Willie and Wally story is nothing new as far as I'm concerned.  Surely you knew what was going on too.

          If Dick thinks the Merchant Marine as a job is better than the Navy he is in for a rude awakening.  They may not have the strict discipline but Merchant Marine ships usually take part in invasions and are easier marks than Navy ships because they don't carry as much armament as a Navy ship would.

          Today has been just a routine day.  Worked all morning examining and filling teeth.  I've made a survey of the crews' health records and found 83 who hadn't received treatment in the past six months so I'm calling them all in, 10 per day.

          After lunch I went over to a nearby ship and bought a pint of ice cream for a dime and did I enjoy it.  Then I looked after some library, welfare and mess duties that had been awaiting my attention.  By then it was 4:00 PM so I undressed, showered, censored mail and read until 5:30.  Then I dressed for dinner, ate and here I am.

          I forgot to mention that we had pictures of the whole ship's company taken yesterday and every man will receive a copy.  I hope that the chief censor will allow them to be sent home.

          "Wilson" last night was good though it was slow in places.  Tonight we have "This is the Life" with Peggy Ryan and Donald O'Connor and its rated 4.0.

          Well darling I've been writing now for forty-five minutes and my fingers are getting tired.  Do you remember in the good old days when you were my social secretary and did all my writing for me?  After the war you will receive you reappointment for life.

          Good night Sweet I love you and miss you and look to the day when we'll all be one again.

Impatiently,

Gil

Ulithi

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Friday 3 November 1944, 10:00 PM

My Dearest

          Today I hit the jackpot again.  After days of no mail I received twenty-two letters, all at one time.  Sixteen from you, a couple from Libby, Ruth, Gilman, Manny, and the Fleishers. That was some haul. Three of the letters bear an October 9 postmark and looked like they had been soaked down.  It is my guess that these letters were on that plane that went down between the States and some of our Pacific Islands.  Anyway they were late but plenty welcome.

          I have arranged your letters chronologically and will try to cover anything that needs any comment.

          First Honey, I'm glad that you are getting out for a little recreation.  As a matter of fact all your letters have a much more cheerful tone and believe me that does make me much happier.

          The mails are going to be very slow from now on until well after Xmas so be patient if you don't hear right on the dot.  If you have anything to send on don't stall.

          I do wish I could see your new hairdo.  So you think I'd like it?  Well you know me so you can tell even if I don't see it.

          My throat cleared up quickly as did my cold and I'm in the pink right now.  I am all through with my shots and their effects. It should be smooth sailing from here on out.

          I am looking forward to the book you mention.  Do you think it is safe reading with so many sailors around? Ah Well, I'll let you know after I've read it.

          Those Xmas cards will never reach me in time so I may stow them away for next year and we'll sign both of our names to them.  By the time you get this letter the package I sent should have arrived and I hope everything will be OK.

          The Halloween party sounds very nice and I'm very sorry not to have been there to see my girls parade around, play games and entertain.

          Nina's split up with Jack isn't all surprising.  You could see it coming every time you saw them together.  However I am surprised at her joining the WACs.  Frankly I don't believe that it was purely a sex problem.  She had her friends and ways: he had his and neither was willing to compromise and divorce is the result.  After all no woman would suit me either after having loved and known you.  By comparison the same probably applies in their case.

          Regarding the office accounts.  Write or phone all who haven't made payment s in the past 30 days.  If you don't get any response turn them over to the bureau.  Pay particular attention to: Shelling, Teaham, and Mitchel.  Go easy on Curry, Guber, and Mellick.  Turn over Buchwalter  right away.  Accept the $20 from Solgado.  We would only net $5 more if we sued and would have to wait for our money.  In the future use your judgment.  Too much time slips buy for me to advise you.

          I really missed Halloween and the kids. Though I wasn't there I was wondering what you were doing.  I suppose I'll get a full report soon now.

          I hope you've sent in my correspondence course.  It takes too much time to send it to you for typing, so I'll have to write it out longhand.

          Still worrying about money?  Forget it and I shan't repeat myself again.

          I told you Mary and Wally would patch things up.  I would have bet my bottom dollars.  And by the way lay off the liquor.  Give other gifts. Whiskey such as "V.O." is practically gone, so put it away and forget about it.  Get Dr. White something at the Marbros.  They have plenty of stuff for men.  Just how far do you think a bottle of whiskey will go with just the family?  Again I say leave it alone.  I sound like a real drunk but good stuff is very hard to get and I'd rather not give it away.

          Sounds like you had a nice time with Freda and I'll drop her a note as soon as I'm caught up on my correspondence.

          Sounds like Dick and his band are really going places.  Doubling with Tommy Dorsey is really something to brag about.  I bet Ruth and Harry are really proud and they should be.

          About the rumor that I'm coming home on a furlough (really leave).  I'm afraid it's just a rumor after all.  So Ivie and Crossland are shipping out .  Well maybe, I'll see them maybe.  This Navy is really small when it comes to meeting old friends. McPherson was stationed with Jim but hasn't been there for several months.  Guess Mrs. Schurr was a little mixed up.

          The party at the Beverly Hills Hotel sounds quite nice and when I get back we have a date to go there so put it down in you date book.  You can fill the date later on.

          From what you write I'm never know my girls when I get back.  I just hope they remember me if only just a little.  Norma is really moving, right along and Linda must be quite a young lady now.  I've been away now for a few days over three months and it seems like three years.  I have a hunch that when I return I'll be back for good even if this war is still unfinished. I do think that my returning won't be too long from now.

          I've written to Edith about a watch and though I haven't heard from her  I'm sure she'll take care of it for me.  As far as what you are spending, I don't care Dear, go ahead and have fun.  That's what money is for anyway.

          Well Darling, the invasion of the Philippines is moving right along.  Though I am not involved in that action, all Navy ships and personnel  in the Pacific area fit in the general plan and have their jobs to accomplish, each one small but all working to a common goal, a final and lasting peace after a decisive victory.

          It is now midnight and time I turned in.  Honey do you remember my first weekend home after I had reported in San Diego?  Well our next meeting will just make that seem like a couple of kids playing house and I hope it'll last more than just a weekend.

          Goodnight my darling, till tomorrow.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Lovingly

Gil

Eleanor didn't know, but this is where Gil was. 

Ratio--One Woman to One Hundred Men

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Friday 6 October 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          I've sure been on the go today.  Went on the ship's outing I wrote you about and got plenty of exercise playing volleyball and swimming.  Plenty of sun also but not too much this time.  Besides that I found time to drink six or seven cans of beer and eat a nice big steak.  We left at 8:00 AM and returned at 4:30 PM.  Then I showered, changed and joined a group of officers heading into town on a little fling.  There were seven of us and we had a lot of fun drinking and kidding and what have you.  I was able to chisel a station wagon for us for this jaunt and we didn't get back until 10:00 P.M. Please send on my driver's license.  I couldn't drive myself because I didn't have mine and one never knows when I'll need one again.

          When we returned I found I'd hit the jackpot again--5 letters from you and also the music you sent along.  You ask so many questions that I'll answer some tonight and finish the rest tomorrow.  Here goes.  As I've written before, Wally is partly correct but I wouldn't worry about that two years.  Since he was here last, however, just for the record, all those houses he referred to have closed down by the civil government. The ratio of one woman to one hundred men still persists.  So even if I was inclined that way I'd find just a few obstacles to hurdle.  I don't believe I'll send any Xmas cards to patients except to some few whom I care for particularly.  And to them I'll write notes instead.  I will send greetings to our friends however.  Forget about any additions.  I'm satisfied with my two girls and won't worry about a son and heir.

          All the officers are swell fellows and the reason I only mention some of them is because we have different liberty section, so I never get to go out with some of them.  The doctor is a very fine chap and I would like to make a liberty with him but we stand duty on alternate days and that is out.

          That is all for now, Sweet.  I'll close with loving thoughts of you and of our ten years together.  Good night darling.

Love

Gil

Chiseled 260 Books for the Library

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Thursday 5 October 1944, 10:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,   

          This has been a busy day for me but I didn't do any dentistry.  This morning I got a jeep and chased over to a supply depot and picked up a mess of recreational gear for the ship.  It doesn't sound like much but one can sure waste a lot of time doing nothing.  This afternoon I went to the district library to see how many more books I could chisel for the ship.  Didn't do too badly as I was able to get 260 volumes--that is they are promised, but I feel certain that I'll get them.  Then I returned and found a letter from your mother and you.

          Glad you went out and had a pleasant evening.  You must have a little recreation once in a while. See that you get it. That is an order!  You didn't enclose Edna's letter--guess I'll get it in the next mail.  Nick and Wally are right in part.  Let's see what Leon says before I say any more.  Anything new with Dave?  I hope he makes officers' training but one can't be sure until he is on his way.

          Darling, don't be so touchy about what people say.  Look at Jim Frug.  He has been in for a whale of a long time.  Dr. Symington and Dr. Ing didn't go just for the lark either.  They were all released by the War Manpower Commission when I was, and there wasn't much choice.  Don't forget that a man isn't always as well as he seems and Dr. Messer definitely is not well.  He managed to stay out but I'd rather be well and doing my share.  I'll still have my health when I return and we'll have many years together and they'll be happy ones.  I'll say you're  a bit "balmy," but you'd better not wait until I get home to get over it.  You have as big a job at home as I have here and I expect you to do as good a job of it as I'm trying to do.

          The weather here is also perfect.  It is warm in the sun but cool in the shade and at night there is quite a breeze blowing down from the hills.

          I wish I could see my girls growing up but your comments on them will have to do for the time being.  Then when I get home I'll see if you kept me up to date.

          I've got quite an accumulation of gifts collected up but I'm going to wait until a few days before we shove and then send them all in one package.  It will be you job to distribute the gifts as you see fit.  I hope your song books get here soon so I can use them while we are under way.

          As far as food goes we get plenty of it and it's really OK. I'd love some of your "Brownies."  Do you think, though, that they'd be fresh and whole by the time they arrived?  I'll let you be the judge.

          Glad to here you got another woman.  Hope she pans out OK.

          Do you remember the date we made with Belle and Charlie to go to Alaska? Well I dropped them a note last night.  After the war let's keep that date.  I still expect to take a month off each year.

          Tomorrow will be another busy day.  Remember the ship's outing I told you about several weeks ago?  Well the men liked it so much that I've arranged another one and I'm going along in the morning.  We'll leave early so I'm going to close this letter tonight.

          Haven't I told you I love you darling? How can I tell you how much on paper?  Well just wait until I get back!  Good night, sweetheart!

Lovingly'

 Gil

P.S. Just reread this letter and that item about seeing that you get it. "It" means a little recreation in good company.  Sounded funny so the addition.  One never know what "it" can refer to can one? Night again Sweet and here is a big kiss!

         

Some Navy Employees Invited Us to Their House. I Made Lunch and Dinner.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                 September 28, 1944, 10:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well here I am again.  Just got back from liberty and now for our little visit.  Several navy civilian employees invited us over to their house for some drinks and dinner.  Nothing had been started in the way of food when we got there so I volunteered to make spaghetti.  The shelves were loaded with mushrooms, tomato paste, tomato sauce and the condiments I usually use. I went to town.  There were seven of us men and we sure cleaned up.  I also fixed a bit of lunch, one of my crazy omelet combinations.  The place was up in the hills so we left at 8:30 PM to get back at 10:00 PM and we just about made it.

          Got a letter from you this morning and am pleased to hear that you are getting settled.  What happened to Wally that he is on crutches?  A thirty days leave is usual when one returns from overseas.

          Glad to hear that you were too tired to write a long letter.  I love to read your letters, but being so tired shows that you are keeping busy and I bet you'll sleep better.

          Just got a short note from Dr. White.  He says he has had difficulty getting together with you on an appointment.  Try to get your teeth completed and out of the way.

          Good night dear and I'll be with you again in the morning.

          Friday 29 September 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning dear, isn't it wonderful what a good night's sleep will do?  This climate would be ideal for the kids.  You'd never have to worry about whether they were warm enough or dry.  If they did get wet, they'd dry in no time.  Living in a place like this does have its advantages.

          Well, I wonder what the morning mail brings.  I've gotten replies to all my notes except those to Earl, Leon, Harry Sieger and Nina Hursey.  Wrote Aranoff and Bergman but it is a little soon to expect a reply.

          Do you remember how much we enjoyed Wednesday night at home?  After the war we'll continue but we'll know better about whom to ask.

          Bye Sweetheart must go to work now.  How's about a nice big kiss before I go?

I love you,

Gil

Our Ship Won't Arrive Anyplace Until It's Safe

Tuesday 19 September 1944, 8:25 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          I never believed in mental telepathy but I do now.  Either Sunday or yesterday I recalled our visit with Belle and Charlie.  In the letter that I received from you yesterday you did the same.  On my liberty yesterday I went to a bookstore looking for something suitable for Linda and saw those books you mentioned in the same letter.  However I hadn't seen the letter until I returned.  There must be something to this telepathy.

          Worked all morning yesterday.  Had lunch aboard and then went on liberty.  Stopped at the Chaplain's Office to locate Wally and Al.  Wally is nowheres near here.  Al is at a station some distance from the base but I'll arrange to see him soon.  Then I went and had some pictures taken.  Will see the proofs on Wednesday (tomorrow) and then will wait a week for the finished photo.  Then I did the shopping I mentioned.  By that time I was pretty warm so I went to the beach and had a cold drink.  As I walked into one of the hotels another familiar face greeted me.  You may remember the name, but I've forgotten.  But you must remember the officer who lived around the corner at Diego with whom I tried to get together and share rides to the base when my schedule was changed.  Well he just arrived on the 14th and was on his first liberty.  He will be based here and seemed quite lonesome and lost.

          I hope Linda's stomach is completely settled now.  If she has another spell take her to Harry Sieger's and have him check her over.  Dear, don't worry about Leon's ideas.  Though we are going places alright, our ship won't arrive until it is quite safe.  I can't tell you why but believe me I know.

          Have to go to work now.  Will write again this evening after the movie.  By the way, saw Henry Aldrich in "Henry's Little Secret" last night.  Very funny and refreshing.  See it.  Bye my sweet.  Do you remember us and the Weinsteins at Arrowhead one afternoon in our cabin?  After the war let's go back, but alone.  I love you dear.

Your husband

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot
F.P.O San Francisco

 One of the photos

Stay Away From that Male Teacher or Papa Will Go Native

Friday 15 September 1944, 10:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just came out from the movie.  Saw Spencer Tracy in the "Seventh Cross."  It was intensely interesting and the suspense carried on to the very last scene.  See it if you get a chance.

          Got letters from Earl Bubar and Libby this morning and two from you this afternoon.  I immediately answered Earl and also wrote to Dr. Sieger, Dr. White and Miss Earnest.  Worked in my office the rest of the day. That is the way I passed my time today.

          You ask many questions in your Monday letter so here goes.  Yes, I received the taffy and wrote Linda and Norma a note.  You should have it by now.  I'll try to look up Al and Wally.  Can't write and tell them where I am or where to meet me because then I would be disclosing our whereabouts.  It may seem silly but that's the way it is.  Yes, I took something to the Rikes, a two week liquor ration and they were very pleased. I get all the current news via newspaper.  I've read a few mystery books but nothing exciting or worth talking about.  No cards thank you, but I do play checkers quite often.  The ship is a subscriber to several magazines although they are a little old when we get them.  No periodicals of a professional nature so far. 

          No Darling the way things are now I can't do any studying.  Not even much chance to play the accordion.  However it won't be long before I have all my comforts again.  Then maybe I'll do some of the things I've wanted to do.

          By the way, young lady, stay away from that male teacher or papa will go native.  I'm beginning to see why some men go native.  I really need you dear, but I'll put up with it as long as we can have our daily visits.

          I'm glad to hear that you are back teaching.  But Dear, even though you should keep busy, remember you have two girls to care for and you can't always find an Edna to care for them, even at $25 per week.  I've also made a note of the rings for my girls.

          Goodnight, Sweetheart, I love you, truly I do.  Do you remember eating cookies in the lower berth on the train to Frisco?  After the war we'll try that lower again.

Loving you always,

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot
F.P.O. San Francisco


 One evening in September 1944, Eleanor was  at the Florentine Gardens   

Left to right  Nick, Eleanor, Deb, Dave and 

 and Sol

For more about Florentine Gardens see http://dearoldhollywood.blogspot.com/2009/06/florentine-gardens-hollywood-nightspot.html

Wrote Five Letters

United States Navy

 

Tuesday 1 February 1944

9:10 P.M.

Dearest,

          Went to the movie tonight and saw "Phantom Lady," an interesting psychological murder story.  Returned to my quarters at 8:30 and wrote a few letters--Ethel and Doc, "Wally," Bruce Stern, the Jaffes and the Lodge.  Five letters in an evening is quite a record for me but I expect to do the same each evening until I'm caught up.

          Now that I'm through I sure wish you were here for a little "diddle" or something.  And maybe Linda and Norma would want me to put them to the bed.  Well maybe sooner than I think we'll all be together again.  I hope.  Won't we have fun--you and I and the kids!

Love and kisses,

Gil