Scotty ~ Letter 1
MONDAY NOVEMBER 30TH, 1942
Barlin H. R157162 RCAF
RCAF Station North Sydney, Nova Scotia
Monday Morning Nov. 30. 12:00 noon
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Dearest Zelda,
Off the train at 10 o'clock after a rather rocky trip and didn't know where to go. Hopped into a taxi with some airmen who were going to the airport. On arriving there I found that it was the wrong place. They phoned this place and a car came to get me - It isn't even a station - just an office who handle shipments of men going to Newfoundland. However, my posting leads to this.
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4:30 pm
Don't worry yet - Just as I was writing this, a phone call came thru from the airport saying they had received a letter of my posting here - to R.C.A.F. Station North Sydney, N.S.
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I've spent the whole afternoon just checking in - and now that I'm finished - I still don't understand what it's all about. On reporting to the hospital, which incidentally is only a 6 bed affair, I find there is a Pharmacist here already - posted here 3 weeks ago. I had a short chat with the medical officer and like everyone he is at a loss to know why I was sent here.
It's very plain that there isn't enough work for 2 Pharmacists - not really enough for one. The posting states definitely to this station, so in the meantime I'm to sit tight, and I guess do something around the dispensary until something is made of the whole affair.
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As you might expect I'm not terribly impressed by North Sydney - although it may be nicer on a sun-shining day. It's sort of dismal out - lots of snow, a mist over the bay (I guess it's called), and it can't decide whether it wants to rain or snow.
The station itself is reputed by all to be one of the best. My first impression is that its a bit dirty - but liveable. The boys all seem quite happy and have a decent time. I've seen a couple of chaps I know from Winnipeg - but just whether they'll bother to remember, I'll leave to them.
As you can imagine, I'm quite tired so I think that after supper I'll shower and get into bed.
I'm feeling fine myself - my voice is back altogether and I can taste the pipe tobacco - so I doubt gave a cold anymore.
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I trust by this time you've received my other letters so you'll have some idea of how much I miss you - today its all the more. Everything is so strange and while I'm sure I can adjust myself - it leaves me with a sort of hungry, empty feeling - knowing I won't be able to come over tonite.
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Just had supper - and I won't make any comment yet about the food situation. Well kiddo, if I'm to be kept here I guess I'll be able to stand it and in the meantime there's no use worrying about the future.
Certainly the other Pharmacist or myself must go eventually but as the medical officer says - sit tight until something happens and make the best of things which is of course all I can do.
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I think I'd better drop a line home - looks like I'll be able to do a lot of letter-writing here. Give my regards to all and I guess its not necessary to ask you to write soon - I'm placing all my faith in you my dear - I do love you so.
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Scotty
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Call Hershies + Zelenys whenever you have a chance - they may be interested to know of my complications. I'll write to them in a few days.
Scotty ~ Letter 2
TUESDAY DECEMBER 1ST, 1942
Dearest Zelda,
Another day, and all in all it hasn't been too bad. I spent my time around the hospital getting acquainted with the dispensary and the run of things here in general. It would be very nice if I were the only Pharmacist here, goodness knows what both of us are going to do - after all he's been here for 3 weeks so I guess he's my senior. There must be some sort of a mix-up someplace and until things are straightened out I'll just sit tight and take it easy.
The little hospital itself is very nice and the chaps that work in it are all fine. The other Pharmacists, named Wisemen, (not Jewish) is from Saskatoon and is a nice boy. In the meantime I'm learning how to run the dispensary and incidentally the medical office in general, and by the time things do straighten out - and if I'm posted elsewhere - I should be able to run things without any difficulty.
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North Sydney, when the sun shines, is much prettier than a dull, dismal day - but then, so is Toronto. It was very nice out today, and a great deal of the snow has gone. There is a rather pretty site from here but not one I'd care to come 1,400 miles from Toronto to see. The town itself offers very little and as yet I haven't spent any time there. Sydney itself is supposed to be a little livelier but it will probably be some time until I get to see it.
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I showered and got into bed by 7 yesterday. At about 9:30 I was awakened by a lot of noise - the boys were celebrating - all of them drunk - it was pay day and some were leaving - I really can't describe here just what I saw - words on paper could never make you appreciate it - I'll tell you about it. But, "be it resolved, I, H. Barlin, do hereby promise not to have more than (ok.) 1 glass of beer per day - if that!"
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I had sort of hoped there would be some mail from you today, but I guess its a little too early. Perhaps tomorrow?
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I'm over at the hospital now where I find I can write in peace in nicer surroundings. In a while I'll be going over to barracks to see a moving-picture, and then probably back to the hospital where 'Johnny' says he'll have some tea ready and we'll finish the cake you gave me.
I guess about the only thing we can say is that we cannot count on my staying here too long, and just what then - we'll have to wait and see.
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I miss you so very much, my dear, so please write. I do hope things work out so that I can see you again soon.
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Love, Scotty
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Scotty ~ Letter 3
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2ND, 1942
Dearest Zelda,
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Before I go any further let me warn you that there are bound to be a whole lot of mistakes. Reason: There aren't any lights here tonight. There is a gale blowing that some say is at least 70 miles an hour. The rain is blowing down torrent upon torrent, never in my life have I seen anything like it. If they sent me all this way to see what the East Coast is like, well, I've seen it, and they can send me back any time at all.
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There are absolutely no lights on in the barracks, so I've come over to the hospital where there is one kerosene lamp which I've got on another chair beside me. The patients will just have to rest in the dark.
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I didn't want to miss a day writing to you but I can see that this will not leave here tonight so that if I write tomorrow you should have two letters when you receive this. There was no mail again today and while I realize that I must be patient, still it would make me feel a whole lot better if I could at least see your handwriting so I will know how you are getting along. I do miss you, kiddo.
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I don't know just what to write to you about tonight. Nothing very much happens here. Slept in this morning until 8:15 and got to the hospital about 8:45, but there is no need for me to rush anyhow, there's not a great deal to do. However, today I did keep rather busy. We are getting emergency hospital kits together, for boats, etc. Today we went out to one of the small patrol boats to pick up a kit, and it was fun. The office is still without a Medical Clerk who should have showed up today didn't, so I'm sort of filling in and doing all the typing in my own inimitable two-fingered style. There is still nothing new in regard to my position here so I may as well relax and let things take their own course. I'll wait for at least a week before I make any mention of my furlough. It seems unlikely that I'll be able to combine it with New Years leave as the other Pharmacist has already made similar arrangements. About all I can say right now is that if I'm still here (not posted) by some strange chance I may get it sooner than I expect, but if I am to stay, it more likely I will not be able to manage it until middle of January. One way or another, I hope it will not be long until I can be with you again.
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As I mentioned before there is not a great deal to do here, but enough to keep the boys happy. the show last night was quite enjoyable...even though it was half in the barrack's basement. "Honeymoon in Bali" with Fred MacMurray, Madelaine Carroll, et al. I got quite a kick out of it. Of course the reel had to be changed three times during the show, and once in a while the sound was cut off, but that didn't matter. The fellows all helped supply sound effects (the lights have just come on -- its 8:30 pm now). They all had remarks to make, particularly if a pretty girl appeared on the screen in an abbreviated costume - whistles, and wheeeuuuu - etc. but its all in fun and really they are a nice bunch of fellows, most of them a long way from home. A lot of the boys are not more than 19 or 20 and while they may have been just kids when they left home, have become real men. The only trouble of course is that they usually drink a little more than they can hold and become a little disgusting - have to be put to bed, and already I can see that I'm sort of elected to take care of them as I've told them that I can't drink, so that they won't offer me any. Really, my dear, I don't care. I can see where I'm going to enjoy coming over to the office at the hospital, where I can write my letters, and read all I care to. It is very nice in here...all new, a bed in the office for the chaps who have to stay overnight and watch the patients. There are all sorts of Doctors books here that I hope to have a chance to read. Also, I've found its impossible to write letters during the day so I'll have to do them in the evenings.
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I've been told that the people in town are very nice to the boys on the station here, also that there are quite a number of nice Jewish families in Sydney itself, and perhaps I'll get to meet them. Sydney is 15 miles from here and there is a bus leaving every hour so it won't seem any further that going out to Hershies place...
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One of the boys at the hospital here is being married tomorrow and he's asked the staff here to come to the wedding. Evidently his religion doesn't allow drinking, dancing etc., but it should be nice to see some of the customs of the people around here.
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We are just a few minutes from the centre of the town, but as yet I haven't gotten around to seeing it. If the weather is nicer tomorrow perhaps I'll go to the Church for the ceremony and see the town at the same time.
I haven't written any of the gang yet and I'll probably start on the mob in the next day or two. I've sort of been expecting something to happen in regard to the posting, but as there doesn't even seem to be a stir I'll just relax, and make myself at home. In fact, now that I think of it, I may not even wait for a week until I inquire about my leave, because if I want to combine it with Christmas leave I figure by the calendar here that I could leave on the 7th and not have to get back until the 28th in the morning. This could give me more than a week with you even if I wanted to go home for a week. I might just as well as we are given a warrant for traveling at one-third of the cost of a single fare for the round trip.
The wind has died down now and it has stopped raining, I've been talking to the orderly here while writing this letter and its already almost 10 o'clock and just about time for bed.
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I wish my letter could be a little more exciting, but I haven't felt like writing anything, say, "philosophical" for some time now, perhaps one of these days I'll get into a writing mood and tell you something of what my thoughts are and my feelings. What and whom I like, the things I like to do, the things I like about others.
I wish you would write to me some of these things about yourself. of what you hope for from life, what you hope for from me. I do so want to please you, kiddo...I'm counting on you, Zel, and I do want you to count on me.
I think I fell in love with you mostly because I saw one of the sweetest dispositions and felt that you couldn't help but be honest with yourself and others at all times. I know I fell in love with you, because you're you, and my idea of YOU is just the grandest of people. I do hope there's mail from you tomorrow.
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Again, my love to the folks, Lawrence, Minnie, Sam and Dora. Oh yes, I'd better not forget Minnie's Max. Also any of my friends that you may be in contact with.
I hope the folks have written to you, but they are a lazy bunch in that respect...Mother doesn't write herself...and the others are none to prompt...but Anne should write particularly if you drop her a line. I wrote a few words home yesterday, and I'll probably write again tomorrow if the wedding doesn't take all evening.
Please keep writing as it is beginning to get kinda lonesome not having you near, and as yet no mail.
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I love you,
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Scotty
Scotty ~ Letter 4
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3RD, 1942
7:00 pm
My dearest Zel,
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Don’t think it effeminate if I say I was ‘thrilled’ to get your letter today. It seemed to take such a long time to get here - but now its here and its a wonderful one - even more than I’d hoped for. You see, I’ve never received letters from one who really cared, like you do. It sort of makes a fellow want to live and do things - to know there is someone to live and do things for.
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My darling, before I write any more, I think I have some good news - if everything goes well, I should be able to start my leave next Tuesday. Don’t be too optimistic for another day or so until I’m sure myself, but it does seem the best time for me to take my leave, as Bob (the other Pharmacist) has already arranged to leave on the 28th for 3 weeks. Thus, I should be able to arrange to have my leave from the 8th to the 29th AM - I’ve got my fingers crossed!
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Your letter started the ball rolling. I got yours this morning and later on one of the boys brought in 3 more - one from an old boss, another from the chap (Pat) in the office at M.D. - he sent a money order for $6.60 and promised the remainder after the 15th. I was going to send you the whole amount, but now I may as well save it until next week in the hope that I’ll be there personally.
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The other letter was from sister Betty - I’ll enclose it. Once again I get a calling down for not writing to Mother first. I suppose I shall have to write a letter of explanation and try to clear myself.
I did write a letter home this afternoon mentioning the graduation pictures - if they can’t find one, they’ll send a negative, and Dave or someone can make a large one. I’d like your folks to have a larger one - framed.
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The work here is dandy. I like it more each day. Of course, it isn’t hard, but at present - the end of the month - there are a million forms to fill out, stock keeping, bookkeeping, and a hundred little things to do to put the dispensary in tip-top shape.
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The fellows here are just grand and I can see if I’m here for any length of time I’d be happy with the set up. The little hospital, as I’ve mentioned before, is a dandy little place. I’m over here now - privacy, clean, my own desk and everything for comfort. If only it wasn’t so far from you.
I got a better glimpse of the surroundings today. We’re beside a stretch of water and the land on the other side is very picturesque. Rolling hills, plentifully dotted with clumps of trees, fences sprawl over the hills pleasingly patterned - the whole giving a very peaceful picture. The sunrises and sundowns are gorgeous. The sky lights up rainbow - like, bold black-grey and white clouds tinted red and yellow from the sun gives a depth of unsurprising beauty to a true work of art. But, I’d better stop now before I become rapturous.
I did attend the wedding last night and it was quite an experience. 7th Day Adventists. It was nothing like weddings as we know them. Everyone sat around to a turkey dinner and afterwards sang a few songs. No drinks, no dancing, everyone looked quite solemn about the whole things. The minister acted as master of ceremonies throughout the evening. They were all very sociable of course, and it was a different way to spend an evening. We were home by 11:00.
Tonight, there is another show at the barracks that I want to see, ‘I Wake Up Screaming.’ After that a shower and to bed. I’m certainly getting lots of rest - I don’t have to show up here until 8:30 am which of course gives me plenty of time without rushing. I’ve not written half the letters I want to but I should have most of them away by the weekend.
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About the ring - if theres something you like, be sure and get it and - again, I hope - that next week I’ll be there to put it on myself. I dearest, I wish I knew a refined, slightly different method of showing my love to you - but darling, I’m so happy about it all that I guess the words don’t really count.
I feel just swell - my cold is completely gone (I give the vitamins credit) and thinking of you all the time keeps me happy. My dear, I hope you are keeping well and you should be getting lots of rest (I guess you need it). I do want you to keep well.
I hope the folks are fine and getting used to the idea that there is another son in the house. And Lawrence - I hope he realized he’s got an elder brother, and certainly I dont want to tell him how to run his life, but I’d like to help him with any advice or any other way possible. I’d get a big kick of receiving a letter from him, so tell him to think about it. As far as Sam and Dora - I feel they are as close to me and us as anyone could be, and I shall always love them for it. Give my regards to them. Tell them I’ll write if I don’t get my leave. Also, regards to Minnie and Max, and to Minnie’s folks. If you see Hershies or Zelenys, of course my regards - I’ll let them know if I’m coming next week.
Well my own, I guess thats all today. I’ll write tomorrow again, and perhaps I’ll know more about the leave. Keep well and think of me. I love you.
Scotty
Scotty ~ Letter 5
SUNDAY DECEMBER 6TH, 1942
10 AM
My dearest Zelda,
The thought of having to work seven days a week here isn’t exactly pleasing – but then I’m not really working today, I just have to be around. And again, I think I’d rather be here than over at the Barracks. The boys here at the hospital (3 of them) are making a general cleanup and seem so hard at work that I almost feel guilty - they breaking their backs and me taking it easy. Oh well, this is far more important anyhow.
You may possibly wonder why I didn’t write yesterday. Here’s an account of yesterday. Got down to the hospital about 8:45, scrounge up some breakfast, and begin finishing up stock order forms. About 11 am, Bob and I went down to the orderly room to inquire about our leaves and as things stand today kiddo there is no reason why I shouldn’t get my leave starting this coming Thursday morning.
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I repeat – unless something unexpected (such as a new posting for Bob or I ) turns up, I hope to leave here on the Wednesday evening train which should bring me to Toronto either Friday night or sometime Saturday. Of course you’ll know more definitely in a day or so – and I’ll wire, say, from Montreal to let you know the exact train.
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Darling, I’m taking a ticket to Winnipeg and I do want to get home for at least a couple of days - there’s no telling when my next chance will be. I haven’t made up my mind just when I’ll go to Winnipeg, but we can decide when I get to Toronto. Honestly love, I can hardly wait until I see you again, and now that I’m so certain I’m going this week, each day seems years. I’m so happy that it hasn’t had to be a long stay away from you because feeling as I do I can imagine it would be more than I can stand.
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Yes – to go ahead with yesterday. After lunch we were kept busy with more order forms and before we knew it, quitting time. One of the firemen who had stopped in for a chat Friday night told me to bring my washing over to the furnace room where he had a dandy washing machine - last night after supper Bob and I piled a bunch of washing and took it over. I turned my bags inside out and found stuff I’ve neglected – you should’ve seen the pile! We carted it over and were all through with the washing by 7:30. I was told it was dry enough to iron – and not wanting to leave it, decided to get it over with then write to you later.
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I started pressing (me - the expert! I should stick to pounding pills, or go back to nitrating glycerine) at about 8 o’clock. Finish the shirts etc. by 10 and as I had a steam iron beside me decided to press my suits as well. By 11 o’clock I decided I better quit - take a shower and jump into bed. I read a little and woke this morning about 8 o’clock.
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I’m feeling much more rested than in Toronto – even lazier – but really there’s no use taking it too hard if I’m going on leave in a day or two. I’ll wait until I get back and then get busy.
I sat down at the typewriter and started this letter to you but it seemed so impersonal that way that I scrapped it. It’s probably a little more difficult to read my handwriting, but I hope you’ll like it better. I always want you to write your letters rather than type write.
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I haven’t seen anything more of the country hereabouts so I’m afraid I’ll let descriptive phrases rest this letter. I wouldn’t want you to think this is a heaven, because it’s not. But don’t let a Cape Breton-er hear you say it. They love their country. Later today Bob and I are going to make a cleanup of the dispensary so that should keep us busy all afternoon. I understand there is a singsong for the boys at the K.C. Hut tonight so that if I feel in the mood I’ll go to it and if I feel foolish enough I’ll probably do a recitation or two - got to keep up the morale you know.
I had a letter from brother and sister in the states (keep this confidential always - perhaps I’ve told you why, if not I will) But they are grand. I’m enclosing the note. We will both write to them when we get together. A letter also from the Goldbergs in Brandon ( I’ve told you of them). I’ll show you this letter when I see you. I’m going to write them in a day or two - Golly! ( your expression. I like it) will they be surprised and happy - they're grand.
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May I warn you to get lots of rest in the next few days – not that I want to keep you from getting enough sleep, but I know I shouldn’t see enough of you in a little time will have. I sure hope Speedy will have his holiday at the same time I do – it would be nice to get together for some good times. He’s a dope, but a swell guy.
I sure wish you could come to Winnipeg with me – but I guess that will have to wait. Do you want to arrange something for Saturday night, as I intend on spending the weekend in Toronto? Perhaps leave Monday for the Peg and try and get back the following Monday – I won’t have to leave until the morning of the 27th to get back here in time, so we can figure out some such tentative arrangements.
G-d darling it’s almost too good to be true – I can hardly wait! Give my love to the folks, Lawrence and everyone. Keep well and may the powers that be see fit to allow us together so very soon. I love you so.
Scotty
P.S. Received two letters from you written December 1 and 1 - that’s only three altogether
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