Last edit of this site 2023.AUG.11
Abe (Abram) Simon wrote many letters. Those he wrote to his brother Nate (Nathan) have largely survived, thanks to Nate’s obsessive habits. On each piece of incoming mail, Nate noted the arrival date. Abe’s letters are not always elegant, as he often wrote in difficult situations. There will be only minimal changes to clean up grammar or punctuation, but (sic) will be noted for obvious errors. Explanatory comments will appear in brackets [ ].
Most letters have date of writing, date of postmark, and date of receipt in Mocanaqua. Postmarks are used, where possible, to identify letters.
Much of Abe’s writing was done with green ink. For (almost) everything Nate received, he noted the date in green ink.
Abe wrote many letters during his time in the Army. After his discharge late in 1942, there are fewer letters.
The letters are reached with the following links:
February-March 1942, Abe’s initial experiences in the Army
April 1942, time at Fort Lee, Virginia
May 1942, training at Fort Lee
June 1942, on track for auto parts work, hoping for Officers Candidate School
July 1942, ulcer attack and surgery delays all plans
August 1942, resting up in Tampa
September 1942, waiting to learn what will happen next
October 1942, birthday in the military hospital, moving toward discharge
November 1942, considering post-Army possibilities
January to March 1943, Buddy Levine’s jewelry store
April 1943, Abe’s jobs options and Esther’s poignant letter to Nate
May-October 1943, announces return to Mocanaqua and engagement to Inga, plus a honeymoon postcard
June 1956, one odd letter defying interpretation
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