March 29, 1943 Meeting Eleanor, More Army, Our Friend Sully and Oatmeal Cookies

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I just finished baking some oatmeal cookies and they are really good.  I'll trade a handful of them to you, Daddy, for a glass of milk to go with them.

We're just fine and there hasn't been very much going on.  Of course, there was the dinner last Tuesday.  It was certainly a fine affair and was well worth the $1.75 ticket.  There were 300 women and Mrs. Roosevelt's body guards (about 6) there.  While we ate we had music by a string trio and after we ate Mrs. Roosevelt talked.  First we had a half grapefruit with a cherry in the middle, then we had baked chicken, peas, mashed potatoes & gravy, rolls, 1/2 pat of butter, olives and coffee.  For dessert we had ice cream and cookies.

Mrs. Roosevelt is terribly tall and wore a black mannish suit with a pale blue blouse.  She didn't have any hat and her shoes were black pumps with rhinestone buckles.  She wore a corsage of gardenias and roses that the Dames gave to her.  On her left hand she had a huge diamond with her plain yellow band wedding ring and two small rings on her little finger.  Another ring was on her right hand and she had a triple string of pearls on.  She wears her hair like B's mother does--with a tiny bun in the back.  It's just about as gray too.  She's awfully homely when she's serious but she smiles most of the time and is lovely.  Her voice is rather high pitched.  The talk was wonderful.  Part of it was funny, but she told some things that made everyone's eyes watery.  Her talk was all about her trip to England and she praised the women for all they do.  After the dinner there was a reception so I've actually been introduced to and shaken hands with the First Lady.

Last night we saw a play.  It was very good, but was a Nazi story.

There are five or six apartment houses across the street from us that are owned by Yale and have been vacant since we came.  They have been cleaning them up and the army seems to be moving in.  They moved cots in this afternoon.

This morning we saw a Chinese couple on the street.  The woman had on oxfords and a polo coat, but she had on a Chinese dress.  It was to her ankles, was black and the side of the skirt was split.  When the wind blew her skirt we could see it was lined with bright, flowered material.

I haven't bought any spring clothes yet.  I thought I might get a suit but I can't find any I like that are within reason.  Most of them are $30. or $50. and that's too much.  My coat still looks nice so I may just get a dress and new accessories.

The picture is of Sully, our Catholic friend.  He is a Conn. boy and a real nice fellow.  He is a very devout Catholic and we have learned all about their doctrine.  We ask him everything imaginable and he can explain every little detail.  He still comes over, but not so often.  School work is getting heavier and he doesn't have much extra time.

Write soon and often."

                     Lots & lots of love,
          
                                B & Bonnie

NOTE from Ann:  I have continued to look for the text of Eleanor Roosevelt's speech to the Dames but haven't yet found anything.  For those who might be interested,  Eleanor's journal entries contain a brief mention of the visit with the Dames.  My sense is that her talk had a profound influence on Bonnie who was passionate and knowledgeable about politics for her entire life.
http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1943&_f=md056454