52 Ancestors: Air - Sig loves the air!

U.S. Army Recruiting Service

My grandfather, Sig Levy, seemed to be interested in anything to do with airplanes and flight.  I wish I'd known that so I could have asked him about it.  I blogged about it a few years ago - you can read about it here.  National Aviation Day and First Days as a Cadet. 

I've mentioned before that Sig was a Flying Cadet and at one point was stationed at March Field in Riverside California.  He looked so dapper in his uniform - look at those cool boots!

He and my grandmother, Loraine Gunzendorfer, wrote letters back and forth during this time and I love reading tidbits about what they were doing and feeling at the time.  On November 9, 1918 Sig described a little about his time flying.

Well another day is over and I am still alive - and I had my first flight.  Sweet it was a wonderful ride and I felt right at home - honest it didn't frighten me a bit.  Was up for almost an hour just on a joy ride and went up a little over 2000 feet.  I have a peach of an instructor and he is a Mason so that helps.  They strap you in tight and away you go - it really is fascinating - and they also have you take hold of the controls and run the ship for a tiny bit now and then.  It only takes the least bit of movement to sway in any direction.  I dressed up real warm and was not at all cold in the air - have my helmet, goggles, etc. & look like the real stuff.  Wish I could send you a picture love, but they don't allow them down here.  From now on I fly every morning so wish me luck.  I have the same instructor every day.  I can't reach the rudder control without stretching a lot so I am having a pillow seat made.  They seem to think that I won't have any trouble flying and there are a lot of pillow aviators down here.  But if I do sweet I'll not venture beyond the proper point so don't worry - but it seems that it is going to be easy to handle the plane from today's experience.  The country below looks beautiful & I didn't feel at all sick and took it all in.

Yes, my grandfather was too short so they were making a pillow seat for him so he could join the 'pillow aviators'.

And two days later, Loraine wrote a letter addressed to just Flying Cadet Sigmund Levy, March Field, Riverside, California and it made it safely to him since I have it now.  Notice the date - the war was over!

An excerpt from her letter.

I was so overjoyed this morn at the wonderful news that I just had to telegraph you and hope you received my telegram O.K.  At 4:20 A.M. I was awakened by whistles blowing and bells ringing out the joyous news of peace.  They kept the racket up for two hours and started it again at nine this morn.  Then at two this aft all the automobiles who could paraded and everyone was so happy.  Everything was closed up so we went for a lovely ride around the 17 mile drive and just returned. My, but I was busy this afternoon down town receiving congratulations from friends I met, dear.  It was rather hard to recognize people in their masks but I managed to. And to think that my boy is really flying.  Received your letter this morn and was so happy to get it and to learn that your first flight was so successful and I hope the rest have been likewise.  And now that the war is a thing of the past, love, am so anxious to know what they are going to do about discharging you.  Guess now that you have had a start at flying you would like to continue but I’d rather have you safe on terra firma.  And I hope my wishes will have some weight.  But it must have been a wonderful sensation – flying 2000 ft and I am so proud to think of my boy being so brave and fearless.  If conditions hadn’t changed you would have probably been driving alone in a very short time.  I am wondering and wondering if they will still continue to train you.  Hope not.  So please, let me know, sweetheart, about it as soon as you can.

The other big event going on at the time was the Spanish Flu pandemic and here she mentioned the masks that people were wearing just like we are doing today.

I haven't found any other mention of Sig flying so that may have been his only flight.  But I know that he continued to be interested due to pictures and 'clippings' he kept throughout his life.  These two must have been very special to him since they were from March Field, albeit from the late 1930's.

Official Photograph U.S. Army Air Corps
July 23, 1938

Official Photograph U.S. Army Air Corps
January 29, 1938

I wonder if he lived in those barracks?

And later in life, it seems like he loved anything to do with planes.  Check him out here!

Sig Levy, right

I think that his Flying Cadet hat (or was that his helmet?), which I have along with his uniform.  Glad that he found a time to wear this other than Halloween.

Although I have SO much information about my grandfather, I have so many questions I wish I'd asked.

100 Years Ago Today

100 years ago today, 11 November 1918, the Armistice was signed which ended fighting on land, sea and air in World War I between the Allies and their opponent, Germany.  This was an exciting time and today we are celebrating and remembering those who fought for our freedom.

One of those veterans was my paternal grandfather, Sigmund Levy (31 July 1888 – 16 August 1968).  I’ve written a lot about Sig over the years but I thought it fitting to write about him today as he was a member of the Flying Cadets at March Field anticipating the end of the war 100 years ago today.  You can read a bit about his service, as well as the service of some other ancestors, HERE HERE HERE and HERE. 

Sig Levy, c. 1917-1918

Sig registered for the war on 5 June 1917 in Fresno, California.  As I’ve stated many, many times, Sig was short and he didn’t try to hide it when he registered.  Of course, there really was no way to hide that fact.



I thought the best way to describe the feelings my grandparents were having 100 years ago was to share the letters they wrote to each other as the war was ending and the Armistice was signed.  On top of that, they were engaged to be married and congratulations were pouring in.  Loraine’s letters in red, Sig’s in blue.  I had to go all the way to November 14 when Sig was grounded for good because he was too short.  I just can’t get enough of the love that oozes off these pages!

November 9, 1918 – 5:30 am
Friday eve
[March Field]

My darling Boy

Just spoke to your mother over the phone to tell her good-bye and she said she hadn’t heard from you. I was hoping for a letter today but will probably find one at home. I surely hope so. Your mother is fine and said she was so excited yesterday over the peace news. Then it all had to be spoiled. But let us pray that the Germans will accept our terms.

Had the loveliest letter from Leon today and I’ll send it to you, dear, as soon as I answer it. Melvine Schwarzbaum phoned a few moments ago to congratulate me and asked me to extend his wishes to you. He wanted to know what would be a good cure for a broken heart, Said he guessed he wasn’t quick enough.

Our announcement came out in the Emanuel today and the woman didn’t put it in a bit nice – leave it to them. I am not even going to get any copies – I gave it to her entirely different than she put it in. I hope the article in the Fresno paper will be good.

Don’t know a thing, love, to tell you, love, except that I am all packed up and ready to leave tomorrow morning at 7:30 for that is the time they are going to leave. Can you picture me leaving at that time?

Uncle Milt and Aunt Chas came in a little while ago and are here visiting. I am finishing this so they can mail it when they go. They enclose their love to you, sweet. Spoke to Bella a short while ago and she said to send her and her family’s love to you and said she hoped to see you soon.

Am so anxious to hear all about your camp and how everything is getting along. Sweetheart, don’t you think I am a good little girl to write to you every night? I love to write to you but some of my letters will be short on account of not very much news some days. After I get home I’ll have a little more to write about for awhile as everything will be news.

You know that I love you more and more and am thinking of you always and am hoping for your return to me very very soon. Then we will be so happy.

All my love, dearest, and then some. And a real kiss.

Yours forever
Loraine

March Field
November 9, 1918 - 10 A.M.
Friday night

My Sweetheart:

Well another day is over and I am still alive - and I had my first flight. Sweet it was a wonderful ride and I felt right at home - honest it didn't frighten me a bit. Was up for almost an hour just on a joy ride and went up a little over 2000 feet. I have a peach of an instructor and he is a Mason so that helps. They strap you in tight and away you go - it really is fascinating - and they also have you take hold of the controls and run the ship for a tiny bit now and then. It only takes the least bit of movement to sway in any direction I dressed up real warm and was not at all cold in the air - have my helmet, goggles, etc. & look like the real stuff. Wish I could send you a picture love, but they don't allow them down here. From now on I fly every morning so wish me luck. I have the same instructor every day. I can't reach the rudder control without stretching a lot so I am having a pillow seat made. They seem to think that I won't have any trouble flying and there are a lot of pillow aviators down here. But if I do sweet I'll not venture beyond the proper point so don't worry - but it seems that it is going to be easy to handle the plane from today's experience. The country below looks beautiful & I didn't feel at all sick and took it all in.

We have classes every hour down here the same as at Berkeley - but I find they are mostly reviews & one don't have to concentrate on them.

Listen sweetheart, did you get the clipping from the Republican. I didn't & am anxiously waiting to get it. I cried to Herb for a pillow to sleep on & it came today - believe me I've had a hard pillow up to now. The eating is rotten I hope I can live thru it - if the war would really stop all would be fine.

Received your very sweet letter today and thanks for all your love. I'm writing at the Y.M. tonight & Widekund is sitting opposite me doing likewise. He sends his regards to you. He also bunks alongside me & we are paling together.

Dear I just wish you could see this gang. Honest you would enjoy it - they do everything from pick & shovel to thrilling flying & go around like tramps. I see Seigel every day - he is doing very good he says. But it only takes a little mishap & they throw you out. But I'm not worrying - just taking it as it comes & enjoying it.

Sweet I'm sending you a big lot of wonderful love tonight and now your boy is a real flier. I wish you were here so I could hug you a lot in our own way - gee I long for it & my cough has just about vanished. Bye-bye for tonight - oodles of love & kisses. Also love to your folks.

Your own
Sig

Monterey
November 10, 1918
Saturday night
[March Field]

My very own Lover

My pen must not have enjoyed its trip down very much as when I took it out a minute ago I found it wouldn’t write. So here goes for pencil – you won’t mind I know.

My, but I was excited, love, when I read your letter that you flew yesterday and I knew nothing about it. How I hope that everything was fine and that you enjoyed your first trip in the air.

Had a very pleasant ride down this morn.

Oh, love, Dad just this moment phoned that the Kaiser abdicated, also the king of Prussia. And how I hope it is true – what wonderful, wonderful news.

To continue – rode down with Jule and his wife as far as Salinas. Hym couldn’t go. We left at 8 o’clock and had a very pleasant trip. At 12 o’clock when I reached Salinas I phoned to Dad and he drove to Salinas for me, so now I am home – until I got to my new home and the way it looks it won’t be so very long before I’ll go there –

So far it feels good to be here. Oh, the Fresno paper came with our announcement. But no picture. What happened, dear. Haven’t seen it yet as Dad took it to our paper to have the article put in as coming from the Republican and it is to appear tonight.

Your letter was such an interesting one, sweetheart, and surely the life is entirely different than at Berkeley. Am surprised they are sending you up so soon. And you said you didn’t think you would fly at all. One can never tell, can they? Am glad I didn’t learn of it until it was over but am so anxious to hear all about it.

You didn’t send me the address of that note of congratulation so I can answer same. Shall write to Leon tonight, then I’ll send you his letter.

Like the monogram on the stationery you wrote on – it matches my pin. The folks were very much in love with my ring. Oh, dearest, I hunted up the letter you wrote to them and it was adorable – a very cute letter I thought. And I am very proud of my little boy.

Hope that severe army life won’t be too much for you. If you don’t get enough to eat let me know and I’ll send you some goodies. Am going to start to learn to cook now, dear, so I’ll be able to cook a real meal for my boy some day. Shall learn to bake and the like. You’ll have such a nice little housewife you won’t know what to do.

Started this this aft and am finishing it this evening. Feel fine being at home, there is nothing like it – if you could only be here all would be complete. The enclosed appeared in tonight’s paper here – copied from Republican. Didn’t give you much of a send-off, love, said nothing of your former life. Have already received congratulations from some of my friends here.

We are going to take out lunch tomorrow and go off for the day. It is a glorious night and tomorrow will be a nice day I hope. Am going to take my chum along with us.

My old tooth just started to ache and I left my letter long enough to fill it up with oil of cloves. From the way it feels now I am liable to have a good time with it. The first of the week will probably see me at the dentist.

I’ve told you about all for tonight, dearest, and do hope I’ll get a letter Monday telling me of your safe flight yesterday and all about it, the sensation, etc.

My folks send their very best love to you, dear. And you know that every bit of m y love is for you and will be always. Yours was a very sweet letter and I liked it so much. Some more like that please when you have time.

Once again all my love and a million kisses (maskless too – joke?) to my very own boy. Oh, Wilt said the quarantine at U.C. was to be lifted today.

Good-night, my sweetheart – I love you.

Forever your own
Loraine


March Field, Riverside, California
November 10, 1918
10:00 AM

My dear little girl -

Sweet this is my afternoon off and I have written several letters to the family and one to my former boss. Just as I started to write we had a fire in camp and were all called out to extinguish same. I helped with the hose cart and we only lost a tent. Suppose I better first tell you what I did today. Flew at 6:30 and did most of the driving - for fifty minutes - did some climbing and more driving and everything went fine - did not even have a scare as I handle the boat very carefully. Gee but they made us learn quickly and think nothing of it. I fly again Monday but take a later hour all next week - probably 8:30 and start in landing ourselves - all the boys do the same thing.

About the war - I'm praying that Germany signs that note and all bets are called off. Was so excited when the reports came out but I doubted then being true by the time of them. But I think its all over & I hope they will discharge us quickly so my sweet little girl and I can have our life of real love together as it should be.

Received the story in the Fresno papers today & thought it real nice. The picture is to run tomorrow Sunday. Herbert wrote me today and said all my fellow chums were in congratulating him and wanted to know if you were a very tall girl.

Sweetheart Jens letter was a dear wasn't it - and I am returning it in another envelope with a couple of others. The one from Ike Alexander I wish you would answer with a tiny note just for him. If you remember we met him at the Palace that night when we were rushing out. He is a fine fellow & one of my best friends.

My dear I sent my letters all to Monterey because I thot [sic] you would be there so most likely you had to patiently wait for the first one. I'm sorry love but I did as you directed. Your letter today was so sweet that it just made me long for you and I assure you sweet that I realize how much we have to live for an am just as careful as can be and if I don't do stunts fast enough for them, I'll let them throw me out and take my chances on the future. I'm going to learn my ship completely before I go alone but so far I find it not at all difficult.

Still in quarantine but I think they will lift it next week. I'm sending you a copy of the paper they issue down here. So glad you bought the pin you like and anything your little heart desire, don't forget your Sig is very anxious that you shall have it.

Dear don't forget to write to Mother as often as you can and I'm so glad you are well & happy. I am the same - never get enough to eat. I'm even hungry after I come down from the air. Bye bye my own little dear and all the love in the work and lots & lots of kisses.

Your little worshipper
Sig

Monterey - Telegram
November 11, 1918 - 10:30 AM
Flying Cadet Sigmund Levy
March Field Calif
Wonderful good news Everyone happy Good Luck Much Love
Loraine
11:33 A

Monterey
November 11, 1918 – 9 PM
Monday eve
[March Field]

My dearest Boy

I was so overjoyed this morn at the wonderful news that I just had to telegraph you and hope you received my telegram O.K. At 4:20 A.M. I was awakened by whistles blowing and bells ringing out the joyous news of peace. They kept the racket up for two hours and started it again at nine this morn. Then at two this aft all the automobiles who could paraded and everyone was so happy. Everything was closed up so we went for a lovely ride around the 17 mile drive and just returned.

My, but I was busy this afternoon down town receiving congratulations from friends I met, dear. It was rather hard to recognize people in their masks but I managed to.

And to think that my boy is really flying. Received your letter this morn and was so happy to get it and to learn that your first flight was so successful and I hope the rest have been likewise. And now that the war is a thing of the past, love, am so anxious to know what they are going to do about discharging you. Guess now that you have had a start at flying you would like to continue but I’d rather have you safe on terra firma. And I hope my wishes will have some weight. But it must have been a wonderful sensation – flying 2000 ft and I am so proud to think of my boy being so brave and fearless. If conditions hadn’t changed you would have probably been driving alone in a very short time. I am wondering and wondering if they will still continue to train you. Hope not. So please, let me know, sweetheart, about it as soon as you can.

Those were lovely letters from your cousins and I want to answer them but don’t know their last names or addresses. Please send them.

Am so sorry that the food is miserable. Hope it improves. Want to send you something but don’t know what will keep for so long a journey as to Riverside. Will try to send a cake.

Oh, Wilt phoned at 8:30 this morn to rejoice with us. Said they got word at 1 A.M. and everyone dresses and paraded over the campus and there were several bands out to[sic]. I can just imagine how immense the noise was in S.F.

I am sending you the clipping from the S.F. Chronicle. They didn’t put it in the way I gave it but we should worry.

My girl friend and I are going to see a young married couple for awhile tonight. Shall I try to get some pointers, love? I don’t think we need any, though.

I liked you stationery again. Where do you get such cute paper?

Believe me, dearest, I am so happy tonight and am just bubbling over and how I’d like to see you so we could be happy together. Your love is so wonderful and I love you so very much and now we can really plan for the future and our hopes will be realisms quite soon.

I hear the whistle of the evening train and I wonder if the train could be bringing me a letter from you. Possibly I won’t hear until tomorrow.

All for tonight, love. Be the best boy in the world and be careful. All the love that my heart possesses for you dear and a whole lot of kisses from

Your very own
Loraine

Am so glad that your cough is gone and please don’t get any more. It is nice that you and Wedekind are chuming[sic] together as he seemed to be a very nice young man.

March Field, Riverside, California
November 11, 1918 - 9:30 AM
Sunday aft.

My sweet little lover:

Haven't a bit of news to write today but you must have a note. I guess by now you see I have been just as faithful as yourself. I have written every day excepting the first which was a physical impossibility. But my love it also gives me so much comfort to write to you and to receive your wonderfully loving letters. But I am getting so lonesome to have you in my arms - honest I'll never let go when we do get together.

Your letters arrive so regularly and I get them just after I return from flying and they sure give me enjoyment.

Today we have all day off & I have been getting my clothes and things together. Had a nice bath and Wedekind and I have just been taking it easy because next week will be very strenuous.

I'm anxious to receive that letter from Leon as I didn't get any. So glad you phoned to Mother. I received a note from her today - she being so happy that this war is almost over. Gee I hope so dear and that I can soon be with you and then our little family will be the happiest in the world.

We are still in quarantine so no chance for a furlough but I will try for one as soon as it is lifted.

I forgot to tell you that my nice trunk was smashed up on the way down. They put a big hole completely thru the end. I put in a claim to the S.P. & hope I get paid the loss.

I'm at the Y.M. - it's certainly a nice place to hang out. Buell Feltz just came in - he bunks near me so I see him often.

The canteen is just across the road from here - and we all usually have an afternoon tea party over there - a little of milk & cookies. That's all you can buy down here - no ice cream or cakes of chocolate or anything of that nature. But we had a good lunch today - real apple pie - I ate almost a whole one. But I really think I'm getting fat - at least it feels that way but we have no scales so cannot weight. I hope you are picking up my love, and know you will at home. If I had you now I would just kiss you a thousand times and love you like you love to be loved. But it won't be long dear and we'll have that, and some more and more.

It is really warm today and I am enjoying it. I'll send my suit case tomorrow as the post office is closed today. Haven't received any more letters concerning our engagement, but its nice you are hearing nice things from all your friends.

Bye-bye for today my sweet little dear . All my love to you and a lot more.

Your own lover
Sig

Did you get all my letters?

Monterey
(mailed) November 12, 1918 – 3 PM
Sunday Evening (November 11)
[March Field]

My own Dearest

We just returned from the loveliest ride over to Watsonville, which is about forty miles from here. Mother, Dad and my chum went and we took our lunch and ate it on the way. We had a nice hot lunch and enjoyed it muchly. But during our meal I kept saying how much nicer it would have been if only Wilt and Sig were with us. And I meant it too, love. We found the nicest little beach and a little boat that we sat in to eat and had fun saying how much we enjoyed the boat ride.

We reached home at 6 o’clock then ate some more. Then my chum, Mother & I sat talking until now – 9 o’clock. And my boy had to wait all this time for his letter to be written. But I didn’t forget you.

Sweetheart, our announcement appeared in both papers – fairly good articles, the Chronicle one is the best and I’ll send you the clipping as soon as I procure another copy. So we have had plenty of publicity for a little while, don’t you think? Republican, Monterey Cypress, Chronicle, Examiner, and Emanuel.

It was one glorious day today and I wondered what you were doing all day. I am hoping that you won’t have to fly every day. The Kaiser has abdicated but whether that means peace or not we’ll have to wait for. Let us hope tomorrow sees the signing of the armistice and then, sweet, our happiness will be complete, and everything will be fine.

Hope your cough is all gone by now and that you are your old self once more. Take the best cared of yourself, dear, and I hope you are required to wear your mask so you don’t take any chances of the return of the “flu”. Everyone here has to wear them so I feel right at home in mine.

Started a letter to Leon and hope to finish it after yours. Still have my notes to answer and shall do so tomorrow.

Hope I get a letter from you early in the morning. Do you like me to write to you every day? If it gives you any pleasure, believe me I am willing to do it and I hope my letters won’t get too uninteresting from lack of news. But I guess all you want to know is that I am fine and won’t mind about the other.

Do I need to tell you how much I love you tonight? If you want to know here it is – as much as ever only more so, so much so that all I can say is that I love you, love you and love you and will always.

All my kisses, dearest, to my boy from his own
Loraine

The folks send their love to you, dearest.
Did Chester Rowell die? Mother has an idea that she saw his death in the paper.

Monterey
November 12, 1918 – 6 PM
Tuesday
[March Field]

My own Dearest

If you could see me now you would enjoy it – am as busy as a bee acknowledging some of the notes of congratulation and believe me, it is no joke. Just wrote a long letter to your mother, dear, it was the very first opportunity I have had to do so. My, but I’ve been busy – have really had no time to myself since I came home. Spent a pleasant evening last night and tonight am going to one of the girl’s houses. With this constant going I’ll never gain weight.

The letter written Saturday and the one written Sunday both came this morn. The envelope with the notes came last night and when I got it I wondered why you hadn’t added a line. And I enjoyed both your letters so much and felt fine to think everything was going so well. Then your telegram came and it upset me considerably on account of the wording. That “everybody fine” got me and “Levy”. Could someone else have sent it and was something wrong? I thought. Expected something to be said about Peace in answer to mine but not a word. Of course, sweetheart, I appreciate your thoughtfulness of me when you are too busy to write and told you to telegraph me but this one wasn’t explicit enough.

I am such a worrisome creature especially now that you are flying, that I take every little thing and weigh it. So you had better write one word “well” on a card instead when you can’t write. Love, I am so anxious to hear what the termination of all this will be now that we have peace and I wish you could stop flying immediately so my mind will be at rest. They surely give you little time to get started flying before you get control of everything. Just think you haven’t been there a week and you are already driving and doing stunts. But stop, dear, as soon as you can.

Isn’t it the most wonderful thing to think that we have actually stopped fighting. What a glorious Thanksgiving this will be. You can just bet that I have a lot to be thankful for, love.

Dearest, that was an odd letter from Ike Alexander. He said “I read your ad in the paper.” Funny he should call it an ad. I remember the night we met him distinctly.

Am so sorry you don’t get enough to eat and what you like. If I get to it this afternoon yet I’ll get you some chocolate and send it to you in your bag. Mother is going to bake you a cake of some description but hasn’t gotten to it yet. We haven’t done anything that we should do.

That was O.K., dear, about your sending my mail here. Dad brought your first letter to Salinas for me. Guess I’ve received all of them – four in number. And they have all been so nice and I am glad you miss me so much as it is nice to be missed. It is a mutual feeling I assure you. A very interesting paper March Fld publishes and I read it through.

Was sorry to hear that your trunk was damaged. Surely the railroad company should reimburse you.

It has clouded up and the wind is blowing so it looks like we are due for a good rain storm.

Have still to write to the Wieners today, then I am through until I get those other addresses from you. Hope I don’t get any more notes for awhile, then I won’t have to answer any. Weren’t those odd notes from Mrs. Parch. How could she tell what I was like in one meeting. Mystery.

While I sit here writing I incidently[sic] look at my ring occasionally and admire it. Everyone who has seen it thinks it is a beauty. My girl friend said she would like to steal it.

No more today, my own boy, and how I do hope everything is breaking splendidly. As usual my wish – be careful - You sent me so much love, dearest, and I almost thought you were here giving it to me in person – wish you were but I can see that day not far off, can’t you, love I am sending, herewith, all my love to you, every bit, and all my kisses too, so be happy for I am very happy.

Always your very, very own
Loraine

March Field, Riverside, California
November 13, 198
5:30 AM
Tuesday

My sweetheart -

I only have a few seconds so will write just a tiny note. Not a thing new except that I am relieved from flying indefinitely. Should get some order today - would you be glad if I were discharged?

Well love the minute I get anything from headquarters I'll let you know. If you haven't sent the hand grip don't send it for the present.

I planned on having nights to myself so I would write you nice long letters but with K.P. I'm out of luck.

I sure have enough work to do and was certainly tired out yesterday. No letter came yesterday but guess it was delayed. The quarantine will not be lifted here for a couple of weeks.

Well my sweet girls I must hurriedly close as I have to report. Be a good little girl and I love you so much and I may see you soon. Loads of love to you and to your folks.

Your boy
Sig

Monterey
November 13, 1918 – 6 PM
Wednesday
[March Field]

My own Love,

No mail from you yet and I am hoping that everything is fine. Was some worried about the telegram yesterday but feel better about it today.

Oh, dearest, when Dad came home at noon he brought me a package and when I opened same found it to be a beautiful pink silk kimono from your mother! And a beauty it is and you can bet, dear, that I am crazy about it. It was simply lovely of your mother and I am going to write to her immediately to thank her but how can I be able to express my appreciation. I had planned on getting one later on as I have always been so fond of them. Picture your little girl in it, dear.

Received a very sweet card from Mrs. Schuman today. Am not sending it to you as you were probably the recipient of one also.

I sent your bag to you yesterday and slipped in a little chocolate. Wanted to send more but the assortment is punk. And I had an idea you didn’t like it with nuts in and it all seems to come that way. But if it suits you, love, let me know and I’ll send you some more.

It started to rain hard last night but cleared up in a little while. Spent a very nice evening with three of the girls and they treated me so nice – in as much as I am an “engaged girl.” So you see, dear, it is something to be engaged.

Am sleepy today as have been keeping quite late hours since I’ve been home. You know when I don’t have to get up at any definite time I never think about going to bed at night.

Haven’t a bit of news to tell you today, love, as everything seems to be running along quite as usual. I can hardly realize that the war is over and that before long everything will be running along as before. My, but you’ll be happy to get away from army life, won’t you dear, and I’ll be so glad to have you away from it, too, it can’t be too soon to suit me.

All the luck possible, sweetheart, if you are still flying and please still be as careful as possible.

Mother just called in for me to give you her love.

All the love possible to my sweet boy and write when you can. I love you even more than usual, if that’s possible, dearest, and a whole lot of wonderful kisses from

Your very own
Loraine

P.S. Just had a letter from Wilt in which he said he heard that the boys would have to remain in camp until next July. If that will be the case with you, wish you would leave flying if possible and go into a training camp where it will be safe as you know I’ll never be at ease while you are flying. I am so anxious for particulars about the demobilization of the troops.

Loraine

March Field, Riverside, California
November 14, 1918
Wednesday night

My sweet girl,

It has been raining hard late this aft and is keeping it up. I have a little while off so I will write another note. Am at the y.m. and the lights have been out so I am delayed again.

What do you think my dear I received three letters from you today. The one you wrote Monday coming before Sunday's and I sure did enjoy them and of course I want one every day. All I do is go to the P.O. looking for them and they are so sweet - honest dear I treasure them.

I'm so glad you are so happy and I think your wish (the big one that has worried you so much) has been fulfilled - about my flying - I am grounded for good for no other reason than being too small and I now have been detailed as orderly doing office work at headquarters. Spent all of today there and will stay for some time unless changed. I will be called before the board of officers at the discretion (when they are ready) and at that time will hear what is programmed for me. Until then I know nothing excepting that I don't fly.

I hope sweetheart that now your worrying is all over as I did not protest at all on account of you and Mother & when I see you I'll have a lot to tell. You know - the air is very fascinating there is a feeling that one can't describe especially when one feels at ease in the ship as I did.

About the telegram. I'm sorry but I worded it this way. No time to write today - everything fine - and signed it Sig Levy but I guess they got it all mixed up.

About my cousin's address I don't know it but Mother can give it to you - their last name is Benas.

And I'll explain about Alexander's expression "I saw your ad". He is an ex-newspaper man & in newspaper circles it is a common thing when anything appears about a person to use the expression. So don't think any sarcasm was connected with same as he is one of the truest friends I have.

I have heard nothing about Mr. Rowells death - if you get anymore on it send it will you please sweet.

You don't know how much it pleases me that you are writing to Mother. I will return your letters sent me in another envelopes.

I've had so much enjoyment reading your letters this evening and you see all your wishes are coming as you want them. I feel that my prediction will come true - that all will come out O.K.

My sweet, your expressions of love are so wonderful and I feel just as you do. In fact I am bubbling over with pretty love for you and it is growing more and more and everything I do is with the thot [sic] for your happiness.

With you at home enjoying yourself gee it makes me feel fine and have a real good time my love. I'l be with you soon.

Your own boy
Sig


While today is a day to celebrate the end of World War I and to thank all veterans for their service, I am relishing in the love my grandparents shared with one another and for allowing me (and all of you) to share in their feelings 100 years ago.

All finished – I’m coming home!

I’m jumping around a bit but I wanted to get back to the letters my grandfather, Sig Levy, wrote to my grandmother, Loraine Gunzendorfer, as the end of World War I approached and, finally, he was released to go home.  I first wrote about it HERE.  But now that it is almost exactly 98 years later, I wanted to include the letters they wrote back and forth as he finally came home.

Sig wrote on November 28, 1918 that he was hoping to be released from March Field soon.  Here’s some excerpts from that letter.

Riverside, California
November 28, 1918 - 10:30 AM 
Wednesday night  

My dear Lover:

I have a few more moments to myself tonight. Almost everyone went to Riverside this noon to stay over Thanksgiving but I didn't go because the flu is running wild over there and there is a possibility of me getting out tomorrow and I don't want to lose my chance.

I was quite disappointed today as they drew out the first lot of names to leave tomorrow but I missed it. Gee I haven't had any luck but I think I may get in as a substitute or else I'll be held over another day. We have everything turned in but our blankets and are just waiting for the quartermaster to make out pay checks but the whole thing is a big job. We had our turkey dinner today and they loaded us with food but as luck would have it, they made so many announcements on the line that by the time we went in to eat all the food was cold. But that's the way we eat all the time and one has to be tough here to live.

And sweetheart you dear girl - that wonderful cake arrived this afternoon - it certainly looked pretty and I treated the office force. Tell your dear mother that it was delicious and I thank her so much. I didn't open the other box yet as we have eaten too much today but thanks a lot dear for your everlasting thoughtfulness.  

Love, I haven't had time to write about our future in the last letter or two but I agree with you to decide on things when we see each other and talk it all over. I'll have to go direct to Fresno as Herb is up against it. Just had a letter from him that two more in the office are leaving and he needs me badly. So I'll go there and get things in order and my sweet I'll get up to see you and be with you to love as soon as possible. I'm so anxious to be with you, so I'll do my best even if at first it will be just for a tiny while. But I'll write you just how things are. From the papers it appears that Fresno is getting ready for a boom and we sure want to get in on it. Our firm sold about six homes within the last two weeks.  

All for tonight my sweet little lover. Thanks so much for all your wonderful love. It just makes me long for you in my arms - and then you know how that feels - would you like to be there now? A big hug and a lot and lot of kisses to you, sweetheart.  Hope my next letter will be from Fresno.  

Always your lover
Sig

Boy, this guy is SMITTEN with her!  The love just oozes off the page.

And then the most glorious thing happened – Loraine received a telegram telling her he was all finished and leaving for Fresno!  I can only imagine how excited she must have been to get this news.  Who says telegrams are usually bad news?



Somehow he’d managed to get on a train and was headed home.
 
And the next day, Loraine received a special delivery letter with a Fresno postmark – Sig was home!


 
Fresno, California 
November 29, 1918 - 11 PM 
Friday night 
SPECIAL DELIVERY  

My sweetheart

I'm late tonight as I've had a strenuous day. Honest darling I'm just worn out from shaking hands with everybody, almost, that I met on the streets and of course I had to answer a million questions. Herbert was delighted that I came back as he sure needs me. I found the office very busy and badly in need of help so I'll have to dive in and do my best in the emergency. The man who is running the rent dept is leaving so that makes it worse. But it will all work its way out.  

At any rate I'm home again and I really can't believe it. Sweet it seems like a dream and everything seems so strange but I sure received a royal welcome from people even who barely know me and congratulations of our engagement were showered on me. If you were with me tonight you could help me calm down - and mainly love me a lot.  

John Mallon came up the valley with me and we caught the first train out of Riverside - changed at L.A. making close connections and arrived here early this a.m. I am feeling fine sweetheart but naturally very tired and might say a trifle excited. Am staying at Herb's house - he wouldn't allow me to stay at the big home all alone so I'll stay with them a while at least. The babes are so cute and I'm having a lot of fun with Herbie Jr.  

And I first just left Dick and Helen - poor kid leaves at 3 a.m. for Virginia. He is on a furlough and tried to get discharged while here but nothing doing. They wouldn't allow him an extension or anything - wired him to come right back.  

Was a little worried tonight when the papers said Kaiser was trying to start again. Wouldn't it be awful if things would open up for another fight. Dearest I hope not but I think it is all newspaper talk. 

Naturally I missed your last letter. I didn't know definitely about my final discharge until the very last moment but I wired you the first moment possible which was in L.A. We traveled so fast we couldn't get to a telegraph office until then. Are you glad dear it's all over. I'll get things running more smoothly here and then I'll come up to be with you. Gee I wish Leon or Ben was here.  

Well sweet what do you know - and how are you? Think of it I'm going to sleep in a real bed tonight - and I must hurry home as I don't want to wake the babes. I'll try and write my letters to you in the afternoon hereafter.

I'm hoping for a letter from you tomorrow. It will sure be welcome because I haven't had any of your love in writing for a couple of days and I miss it so much.  

Helen and Dick send their very best to you - and she certainly said nice things about you.  

Will try and write things more interesting tomorrow love but I certainly have been thinking a lot of my sweet girl - and as soon as I can my dear I'll be in your arms. I'll write again tomorrow so goodnight my dear girl and more love than ever tonight and a big lot of kisses.

Your own boy  

Sig

After Loraine received the telegram, but before she received Sig’s letter of November 29, she wrote her own letter to Sig and mailed it off to Fresno.

November 29, 1918 – 3 pm 
Friday
[1933 Fresno Street]

My Sweetheart  

My, how wonderful it must feel to you to be at home after an absence of nearly five months. After receiving your wire early this morn I thought of you and how busy you must be greeting all your old friends again.  Your letter written Tuesday eve didn’t come until this morn and with the special delivery I received it at 8 o’clock.

Your letter written Wednesday also came this morn so I had the good luck to get two letters and a wire.  

Am so glad that you could leave yesterday and am anxious to hear how you finally got on the list. I can just imagine how fine you feel to be once more free. It is a “grand and glorious” feeling, isn’t it, dear?  

I believe March Field is one of the first camps to demobilize and after all, love, it was for the best for you to go into aviation. How beautifully everything has turned out!  

Am glad the cake reached you before you left and that it was good. Guess my letters written Wednesday and yesterday will be forwarded to you or returned to me. Now that you are home let me know if and when you want your racquet, knife and Shrine pin and I’ll send them to you.  

We spent a very quiet day yesterday. Drove over to Salinas in the afternoon. It was a very pretty out but quite cold. We had a very nice dinner all by ourselves and had just finished it when Uncle Col phoned to wish us a pleasant day. Uncle Milt, Aunt Chas. and Wilt were there also so we talked to the whole family. Wilt won’t be able to come home until Xmas. Cal won the big game yesterday by a score of 67-0, which doesn’t speak very well of Stanford’s team.  

Hallie came down yesterday but I haven’t seen her yet. Expect to have her for dinner tonight and we may later go for a ride. And tomorrow night I am going to have all the girls at my house for a little reunion. Hallie goes home Sunday so it is just a flying trip.  

Dear, I didn’t mean any harm when I sent you that spec. del. Stamp. Didn’t know if you could procure one and I wanted to experiment. It didn’t work very well, however, as it didn’t come until this a.m. anyway. There will be no need of you sending my letter for Sunday special as I found out that Sunday evening’s mail doesn’t come in until the following morn.  

Sweetheart, do you still want to write every day or would you rather cut it down to every other day now that you are “safe and sound” at home? Tell me when this letter reaches you so I will know how to mail them.

I really didn’t expect you to come here before you went home as Fresno is so much nearer than Monterey. I sort of hoped you would come but now I’ll know not to expect you until it is possible and that will probably be some time as you will have to stay home now and get everything into running order.  

Did you notice the envelope? It looks quite different minus Cadet and means different, too.

I’ve told you all I know for today, dearest, and if I write tomorrow it will just be a note as I am waiting for your letter telling me all about everything.  

Please give my very best regards to Herbert and Madeline and thank Herbert for me for sending my picture, etc. Haven’t had a chance to write to him yet. You’ve seen the new baby by now and is she cute?  

Sweetheart, I am sending you a whole lot of love and kisses. I’ll admit I’d rather have the latter real ones than on paper, they would seem different to me, so I’ll save most of them. The folks thank you for your love and send theirs in return.  

Always fondly
your Loraine

I just love being able to put all of these letters together and understanding what their responses to each other were.  How many people have an opportunity to read these back and forth letters between their grandparents nearly 100 years ago?

It’s official – SIG IS HOME!

Your boy is a real flier

As we approach Veteran’s Day, I’ve been thinking a lot about my grandfather, Sig Levy, and the time he served in the military as a “Flying Cadet”.  I’ve also spent a great deal of time over the last few days organizing all of the letters he wrote to my grandmother, Loraine Gunzendorfer, from 1916-1919.  I’ve already transcribed the letters she wrote to him but now I start the arduous (although interesting) task of transcribing his.

So I decided to start with his letters in November, 1918 as he transferred from Berkeley to March Field in Riverside.  I know he’d been sick with influenza and then wrote to his future in-laws asking for Loraine’s hand in marriage – you can read about that HERE – and then it was off to March Field.  From his letters, it looks like his first day there was just before Armistice Day, November 11, 1918.

Here’s his first letter which was mailed on November 8, 1918.





By the looks of the envelope, Grandma was pretty anxious to get it opened!


My dear sweetheart:

I'm in a hurry as usual- gee but I've been busy since my arrival. We have been stepping around like so many flies, ever since we came. This is regular army life - no mattresses just straw - no pillows or sheets. Up at 5:45 A.M. and work starts in. I've been house-cleaning all day until 4 P.M. and then we had an hour of drill. They picked me out right off the bat to command the company.

Dear airships fly around here like ants - so many of them that you don't even notice them. They also fly every night until midnight.

Sweet I have felt very good so far - and very much so when we heard the report that Germany signed the armistice - I hope its so & if they will give discharges you know how quickly I'll get mine don't you.  

Oh! the eating here is funny - like so many hogs - one big rush & grab. If you're quick & impolite you eat - if not you are out of luck - I'm learning.

Had a nice trip down & slept great. Saw Herbert at Fresno & everything is fine at home. I gave him the picture & the write-up must have shown up because I have a letter of congratulation concerning it. You most likely have received a copy by now.

What do you think - I fly tomorrow morning at 6:30 For some reason I am the first man on the list. I bought my goggles today & I'll tell you later what I think of the air. They don't waste any time down here getting you started. And tonight we have an hour of lecture. Our retiring time is 9 o'clock. Fritz is already flying - doing his own driving & is crazy about the sport.

This letter will appear as rushly written but I hope to have more time tomorrow & will write a better letter.

Received your sweet letter this morning and certainly enjoyed it. By the looks of things if they keep us moving so fast I won't be able to write as often as I would like to. But Dear you wrote such a pretty letter & I like those kind so much. I wish I could have given you a thousand kisses and next time I see you they will be there. Didn't cough but little today & not at all last night.

We all wear overalls and jumpers all day & look like a bunch of convicts. It seems to be just right to look like a bum & with the clothes we have it is no effort. But we are in quarantine so can't get to the city. We are located away out in the wilderness 10 miles from Riverside with no other inhabitants in sight. It is so different from Berkeley & I wish you could see the rows of planes lined up ready for the flights and officers by the score.

Sweet I have to read all the instructions for tomorrow's flying yet tonight.

I'll tell you I'm lonesome for you - all that is possible. And I'm so glad you are happy & going to be a brave little girl. You are home now and that is fine. I hope you rode with Hym.  

Well I'll rush this to catch tonight's mail. Sweet I love you all that is possible in the world. I'll be very careful & think of you every moment. Be a good dear girl and here is a bundle of kisses to my own little girl.  

Give my love to your folks. Bye-bye sweet - I fly tomorrow - much love Did you get my wire.  

Your own boy 
Sig

He really is going to be a flier – I’m sure he was excited to finally get in the air.  I’m guessing, however, that Loraine wasn’t so happy about it as she was always a worrier.  And the next day he described his experience in the sky.

 

My Sweetheart:

Well another day is over and I am still alive - and I had my first flight. Sweet it was a wonderful ride and I felt right at home - honest it didn't frighten me a bit. Was up for almost an hour just on a joy ride and went up a little over 2000 feet. I have a peach of an instructor and he is a Mason so that helps. They strap you in tight and away you go - it really is fascinating - and they also have you take hold of the controls and run the ship for a tiny bit now and then. It only takes the least bit of movement to sway in any direction I dressed up real warm and was not at all cold in the air - have my helmet, goggles, etc. & look like the real stuff. Wish I could send you a picture love, but they don't allow them down here. From now on I fly every morning so wish me luck. I have the same instructor every day. I can't reach the rudder control without stretching a lot so I am having a pillow seat made. They seem to think that I won't have any trouble flying and there are a lot of pillow aviators down here. But if I do sweet I'll not venture beyond the proper point so don't worry - but it seems that it is going to be easy to handle the plane from today's experience. The country below looks beautiful & I didn't feel at all sick and took it all in. 

We have classes every hour down here the same as at Berkeley - but I find they are mostly reviews & one don't have to concentrate on them.

Listen sweetheart, did you get the clipping from the Republican. I didn't & am anxiously waiting to get it. I cried to Herb for a pillow to sleep on & it came today - believe me I've had a hard pillow up to now. The eating is rotten I hope I can live thru it - if the war would really stop all would be fine. 

Received your very sweet letter today and thanks for all your love.  I’m writing at the Y.M. tonight & Widelund is sitting opposite me doing likewise. He sends his regards to you. He also bunks alongside me & we are paling together.

Dear I just wish you could see this gang. Honest you would enjoy it - they do everything from pick & shovel to thrilling flying & go around like tramps. I see Seigel every day - he is doing very good he says. But it only takes a little mishap & they throw you out. But I'm not worrying - just taking it as it comes & enjoying it.

Sweet I'm sending you a big lot of wonderful love tonight and now your boy is a real flier. I wish you were here so I could hug you a lot in our own way - gee I long for it & my cough has just about vanished. Bye-bye for tonight - oodles of love & kisses. Also love to your folks.

Your own
Sig

Although I am so happy to have a few photos of Sig in his uniform, I sure wish he had been able to get a photo of those goggles!  And how about that description of having a “pillow seat” made?

While I don't have a photo of the goggles, I do have his helmet and uniform.  Not just a photo but the real thing!


  


More to come on Sig’s adventures at March Field!