Letters From New York
13th February 1967
Dear Mum,
“Black Friday” here in New York (Monday actually, of course) and back to the normal letter writing evening. With the family gathered around watching the 1967 American Ice Capades and the weather freezing outside will try to bring you up to date with the weekly doings. Won’t be able to top last week’s effort (did I hear you mumble “please don’t try to”?) and hope you’ve recovered from the shock. Joan visited one of the local hospitals for a test on Friday and though she won’t get the result for a month (her next visit) the doctor confirmed her own diagnosis as being correct. Unfortunately, she found the atmosphere and the “service” at the hospital somewhat short of what she’s been used to at home – and something of a disappointment – but we’ve got a couple of other sources to check out. It tends to be an expensive item over here if one uses a gynaecologist and semi-private hospital ward; a figure like $700 being freely bandied about. A little frightening, of course, but if it affords her peace of mind and saves the waiting and sheep-herding associated with running with the mob it will have to be found.
As you’ll know now our anniversary was quite eventful, memorable and happy and, what with the snow we had early the following week, we were very lucky to squeeze it in. Joan has had great news from Neil to the effect that he sails from Vietnam on April 30th; arriving in Sydney May 13th, just in time for Helen’s wedding. Anthony’s been accepted into the Confirmation class and will be received by the Bishop on Sunday March 11. We have Greg standing by to act as sponsor (He’s going to take Peter as his third name; Neil being his first choice but not allowed since it isn’t a Saint’s name). Catherine will be making her First Holy Communion on May 13th! Jill (who also has two candidates for Confirmation [Kerrie] and Communion [Julie Anne]) and Joan are going to give them parties to mark the occasions.
Have received news of the terrible fires which have been raging in Tasmania (but missed the newscast of them on TV last night) and the Australian community here is deeply shocked. We have a few Tasmanians amongst us and, naturally, they’re avidly awaiting details and assurances from home. Can’t bring myself to have any sympathy for Ryan – in some ways I guess I’m something of the “eye for an eye” fraternity – but hear that it did raise quite a furore down there. Here, furore’s are commonplace the current one being a re-kindling of the controversy over the Warren Commission’s report on Kennedy’s death, culminating last night (on TV) with the pro-Warren-ite’s reply to the anti-Warren Commission case. The whole matter will never be allowed to rest it seems and I find myself becoming avidly interested in the pros and cons. There is currently being played on Broadway (and it is also published as a book) a play called MACBIRD (a play on the Macbeth theme) with the Johnson’s and the Kennedy’s in the feature roles. At home it would be libellous material – if it was ever allowed to be printed or performed – and my reading of it has me wondering how the playwrite gets away with it.
Seems Sydney is going to the pack – read an account in a recent edition of the Telegraph of an hour of violence about the city – and even New York seems safe by comparison. Glad to hear that things are on the move again for Vince and hope its the prelude to completion (favourably) of the matter. Keep me posted. Just hope the blood-sucker doesn’t, in her usual fashion, sink her teeth in!! No notable disasters here over the past few days – the Liverpool train disaster, though bad, luckily occurred at a time when there would have been few travellers – but we’ve had our snow problems. Down it came during Monday night and all day Tuesday (in blizzard fashion) to deposit 15” of beautiful snow and throw the city into a turmoil. Traffic was immobile and cars stranded everywhere with shops and offices closing about 1.00PM. Only the subways were operating and they, of course, were overtaxed. More snow (3”) came on Thursday, and our car was snowed in until Saturday morning when it took me 2 hours to dig it out. Just in time too for Saturday & Sunday & today were freezing (temperatures below freezing and rarely above 15°) turning the snow into solid ice. It’s snowing again now & more predicted tomorrow but there’s little likelihood of any big deposit.
Bill Dressed for work arriving after February Blizzard 1967
Had a wonderful night out with the Tolhursts on Saturday at the house of another Australian from Perth (with an Indian wife) in New Jersey and had a marvellous evening, also meeting their American & British friends. Quite my longest driving spell – well over 50 miles – on the freeways & bridges and enjoyed it all immensely. With the temperature so low only went out to go to Mass yesterday but, even so, got stuck in the snow (not nearly as hard a job to dig out of it this time though). No more news and little paper. Will leave the back to Joan for the women’s view.
Loads of love and best wishes,
Bill
Dear Mum,
Have been at the ironing again today so am pretty tired. The latest lot of snow has been lovely the children had two days off from school last week (all schools were closed) & they had a wonderful time. It is just solid ice now and very dangerous to walk on. However it is ideal for the youngsters & their sleds. Jenny’s cold is better & she is walking all the time now. She is a little doll, loves her Daddy & says “Bye bye Dad” every time he goes out.
Lots of love,
Joan