6852
LETTERS from NANY to his son JEAN HAUSERMANN,1938, extracts
For memory: 1 franc of 1938 was worth about 2.8 F or 0,42 Eurode2004.
Inflation was +13.6% for the year
1irJanuary 1938SaturdayParis
...Our Simon approaches Montevideo, and in the day their trio will be reconstituted (Jean Cordelle had certainly taken a local line to go to Montevideo to find Simone, only a few hours away from BA)....... the great George writes this morning that the millions are not far away, immediately touched, he makes his packages......I have received your letter, my dear children, full of affectionate vows and tenderness for your old Nany, you might well have wished me a young wolf teeth – mine, after the blows of recent months, f... iche lecamp with little strokes – nothing pleasant and often even very painful.We go in pieces, until the final disrepair!Very few people remain like our old aunt, still so valiant, but whose memory goes away.
You will see in the letter to your elders that Tio Mio drops every day; he is an old man with a curved back, and abandoning his car at the garage, whose insurance has not just been renewed, says much about his physical possibilities. I must say that for my part, I had insisted that he make this decision, both for him and for future accidents....
...I have fulfilled all my duties in Vierville, it translates into a good bunch of mandates that will bring a little softness to the modest interiors. T-I say that our old Maria Dubourg is pretty impotent as a result of blood pressure. Suzon will one day go to Vierville, to take a look, our people seem sorry that we have given up our usual journey; I had maintained them until now from my arrival, and we had worked well. You should go and see this without too much delay, and on the other hand it will gradually bring Suzon to the attention of the old house. Rents are also paid for a big part at Christmas, and my good Normans have no idea of using the Post Office. I do not intend to go there before Easter. So go say after that that that I am not a reasonable Nany!
We had another one of the public service strikes this week; the government, this time, showed a little authority, it hurts too many people, the soldiers, registered in the barracks, were used for transport, our specialized mathurins were already on their feet, and they had decided to mobilize-requisition, which would have forced all workers to return to work, or to be declared deserters. Most of them walked like sheep, without having the desire to strike. The situation of the communists is clear, we see where they are going; and the testimony of Mr Deloncle (famous among the cagoulards) arrested at the Health but questioned by his judges made a profound impression. I urge you to read it in the Morning of last days. Strikes have done a considerable harm to the trade which is already not brilliant, the department stores announce a loss of 2 to 300,000F of revenue per day on last year. Fortunately the Senate has just refused the extension of the Exposition by 284 votes to 73. It's a start of reason, we have many other cats to whip than to continue good prebends.
...So little Maine, we saw Yo, beautiful in his beautiful uniform.......I charged Yo to invite him (Ms. Saillard, mother) to come and rest this summer near you; Yo ms promised to do his best to come too, but he is not certain......I also spoke to him about the desire you would have to see your brothers and sisters in Normandy this summer, but nothing is yet fixed, it seems...
...I gave Martha your 50F, she's in charge of thanking you very much, no doubt the same for our people in Vierville...
ParisSaturday, January 8, 1938
I had your little note of March 31, my John, last night only, the mail had to land in Barcelona because of the bad weather, I suppose that's the same reason that is causing the inexplicable delay of other correspondences, unless qq used hateful has done some tricks to the good bourgeois we are. We can expect everything in these extraordinary times that we are living. You will read qq details of the strikes that we have just passed through in the letter of your elders. The prospect of being deprived of water, light and heat was not amusing, all the possible containers were filled, the lamps were taken out of the cupboards, and the old oil or alcohol stoves! By Gaby we knew that unless there was always a sabotage, we would not miss electricity, but the gas from Sunday had decreased by more than half, we would have closed it the next morning! And for once our government had a semblance of grip by calling the Army to rescue, which carried food and goods, and even our brave specialized mathurins to take the controls of the machines if needed. But this lacked immediate organization, and it would have taken a few days to replace the strikers. They felt that this strike was unpopular. Many workers did not want this; A handful of energy-intensive troops are at the head of these troops and our good socialists, who hold too much to the voices of their communist comrades, have not dared to blame them openly...
I put you at the post office this week – recommended – a package that is at the address of my Jean-Louis, whose 4 years I don't forget. It contains... ...and 3 more issues of Gringoire that I recommend you to read everything in the first pages that concern domestic politics. This may seem excessive, and I have considered for a long time partial, sectarian, what the newspaper was reporting. Unfortunately, it is nothing. I had on the case of the Cagoulards precise information that confirms these statements. They were recently provided by the La Heudrie, whose long visit I had (they were leaving for Italy where they planned to spend the winter). They had just lunch at Mrs Deloncle's "mother and grandmother of Cagoulards" as she cares about what they call it and she gave them details about the arrest of her son, her daughter-in-law, her grandson Tenaille – all parents of the sons-in-law of La Heudrie, all workers, intelligent, cultivated. They were treated as ordinary convicts, assimilated to the worst apaches. Mrs Deloncle was held for 24 hours, without food, without drinking, without sleep and interrogated without interruption by brutal and threatening police officers. She was allowed to spread for 1 hour in a room, on a low-flank, among the girls arrested for special vagrancy or drunkenness. My last Republican illusions are very ill! I regret that those people who had armed themselves to defend us against the communists – not for anything else – were arrested. The treatment inflicted on General Duseigneur, ace of war, raises the most intense protests, there is something to be done...
...I had this week of good visits......your friend Boudier......he seems very satisfied with his fate (unfortunately, he says) he is now general agent in Paris of the big firm Rives de Giers – foundries – and he has huge orders;;; for war! We work hard. It is better than letting ourselves be caught in green, but the perspective is no more cheerful for that.
....Georges finally hit the last million, he'll be back in two or three weeks. I can't tell you how much I'm happy for your elders...
...one of my neighbors behind the wood demands that I have the tall trees pruned.
Around 15 January 1938
....the business of France is very stumbling, the real patriots are concerned about it, but there is a bunch of gaillards who would be better off in Guyana. I think that Suzon can go to Vierville shortly, there are several things to see, my farmers mécrire that all their animals are sick of foot-and-mouth disease, and I am asked for a delay for rent, that cannot be refused. Dubois, for his part, has 21 cows sick to stable, and at least as many pigs. It is a public disaster that this disease, all our French countryside, among the Beaujon, in Meurthe and Moselle, is sick.
I laughed at yesterday's acknowledgement of the 50Fs that I always sent to the Firefighters of Vierville.
for the Board of DirectorsHere's one that doesn't think he's a cat.
My poplars are slaughtered in the vines – 1500F that will help to make the hole.
I'm taking care of the rest of the way to replace poor dead Pompon, with a horse that's a little more manageable, I'd like to walk my kids in the barrel this summer...
Paris22January1938
....Georges came here the day before for a sad circumstance, his old mother died, without suffering, suddenly removed by a heart attack......He had the satisfaction when he went to the office yesterday to find that this return (his) He was definitely expected shortly. He has to leave by the end of next week and will make his packages immediately to come back here.
...the maté had arrived well, it's always a satisfaction for me. I also finished paying Collières by a check of 5000F which was sent on Sunday. He hasn't yet acknowledged receipt. For a precise man – he's a precise man – poor Denise! I have been informed by the same mail Mr. Pommier who wrote that I could without risk
So we're definitely going to be at the beach, we're going to fix something that's pretty, and our little sons will be able to enjoy the beautiful "golden sand" beach this summer where they'll fish shrimp that they'll cook.
...The spirits are calming down in front of a ministry that seems almost too good to last. We would finally understand that we need peace and quiet to work, and the business is going very badly. It is said that the Louvre will close, 400 employees have already been dismissed, the old house Go to bankruptcy declared. The Samaritan is in great difficulty, the Galleries idem! Everyone restricts his expenses. I said that my quarter of rent was increased by nearly 800 francs – following the laws of the Popular Front, household waste, taxes, etc., it is not cheerful. Daily life is out of the question. I wonder how to spread households with 4 or 5 children, and even with less.
...I'll be busy with the books of my John Paul this week, but I'm afraid we're having a hard time with the book Hattemer. The course must have commercial ownership, and they should only give it with the full course. Veremos.What did you decide for your atlas? I found the one of the Illustration very sufficient, but Simon said that you were very difficult, as well as his John of the rest.
I had Claude's visit (Collard-Challier) And her husband, she's cute like all under one of those extravagant little hats of today's fashion. Robert is well tormented with his things that go rather bad than well.
...Jean-Pierre said to warn your little ones that in Vierville, there are lots of guns and drums, and that we will make a nice regiment and magazines....
Saturday, 29 January 1938
While I am writing to you, little Maine, your mother is walking in the arms of a great Duke Romanoff in the small church of St Ferdinand des Ternes......I would have liked to go so far in order to describe the beauties of such a marriage, but although in good condition, my health does not yet allow me the crowds or the long stations. The noise still tired me, and I had to regret refusing the kind invitation to the wedding and to the reception of your aunt of Rosière's afternoon...
...I've learned that you're packing your bags to move into Riachuelo. I'm sure you'll know how to use your loneliness, and we're never alone with children, and then the big sister will probably be able to find you, and your Jean may be able to make a jump so far.
I will send you by Massilia the books of the Hattemer course that I had the chance to find from a boy's comrade on Tuesday. The list is complete, even arithmetic. J-is very happy, it cost 35F, the books are in very good condition, no worries for any contagion, the books have been disinfected by me, it is more prudent.
Saturday, February 12, 38
....We built projects for the summer with Mrs. Saillard who had lunch at my house on Wednesday. She was coming back from Reims and I'm in charge of finding a villa where the Rousseaus and maybe the Vauterins would come to spend a month or two. I thought first of all of Than's mansion, which is quite uncomfortable, it is true, but vast, containing a respectable number of beds, enjoying a beautiful garden, and at our door, but No Rousseau would like to have something by the sea, so that they could let go of the little ones in the morning, she did not want to be too expensive, because they have a big expense to do in the house that their parents abandon them, and they do not like the modern installation; so I will write to St Laurent and Vierville, where we will find quite something. L-Last year "The Embruns" (see here) – a house 2 steps from the Hausermann cabin of the sea – Two years ago, it was a small family pension, it would be good, because not far from home and it wouldn't take much maintenance, which No has to do, so that I don't have any trouble; what I understand! Paulette might also come, but I think that Henry and his family could not afford to pay the big costs of such a trip. In any case Maine will have the joy of being among his own, and it is agreed that Cdt and Mrs. Saillard will settle near their daughter in the little apartment you know. This is a happy summer in perspective, my John, and I don't want to think you're probably not. Noblesse obliges! I know what it's like with the homework that falls....
....The health is good around me, but I caught a wave cold that, by the way, nails me at home. Finished even the three little towers in the neighborhood, it was cold, it rained, dirty week...... and then I started work in my furniture, cushions, curtains, to have a nice apartment.
Georges left Monday night, but we all hope he'll be back in a little while...
...Our policy also seems to be calming down, but the other countries are in the throes of the ice, Germany, Romania.?? We don't know what's going on and your peso has been cautiously down...
...We haven't seen the old Flondrois these days. George tried to see him at home, he had gone out, and he thanked him for his visit by a friendly card, sent 27 avenue... I wonder how she got here, but our old friend derailed, it's sure.
Did I say that Georges has seen my cabin in Vierville completely disassembled and put back at home, it is in excellent condition except the corrugated sheet roof. So I have to replace this one. While buying me this sheet at the Calvados agricultural union, of which I am a member, I have to 800F You can't believe the cost of living right now, I wonder where it will stop.
The red Spanish are taking a all horses, whatever they are, by us, it is very difficult to get them; that's what Leterrier said to your elders; I would like to have a blouse for this summer, and to walk with the little ones in the barrel...
...The bride and groom were already back from a short honeymoon. He was going to take up his job, he left the HEC School and has a job in the direction of "unique prices". She, she kept her advertising office which earns him for 3000F a month, her husband seems to be very busy, because he is very busy from morning to evening, and there can be no question of sleeping much in the world...
Paris19February1938
....Good news from Georges who, barely returned, works to try to bring his millions back, thanks to French capital needs there. The Greeks make indifferent ammunition for the two camps in Spain, they need money, raw materials, the frozen credits of Georges would serve for this, by a simple accounting game, but it is too good to be sure, and Georges himself does not have much hope. In any case he intends to be here shortly.
Our affairs in France are still very worrying, it is said that the ministry will not last, all these social conflicts put him on the stiff rope every day. We lack an authority, we manage to envy our Italian neighbours, despite the heavy grip under which they live. We heard yesterday at the TSF the diplomat Butenko, escaped from Romania, who promises that he will spend the end of his life enlightening the world about what is happening in Russia. He did well to take refuge in Rome. It is not here that he would have sufficient protection, it is rather humiliating. ...
ParisSaturday, February2638
....all your health is good, so it is here, and you will have confirmation by the Zapata (An engineer from Argentina and his wife), and Mrs. Claudon whom I saw yesterday at an hour apart, the first very kind stayed at least 1 1⁄2 , they spent a few days here, busy with the rest, which is not surprising, they intend to come back, because they are delighted with their trip, and from Paris. We took tea at Suzon who also had Juliette Pétini (Batifol, I think) , which asked us to pass the small corridor, which has had a lot of fun for our Argentineans. We have caused many things, often in Spanish, because the seniora does not speak and understand French poorly. J. had pleasure in hearing that "el senior Hausermann is in muy trabajadore", and that relations with the management Hersent were most courteous, thanks to its Director and Deputy Director, who are of "verdaderos caballeros" on which We can trustIt reminds me of an Argentinean expression about your dear Father "el senior Hausermann," he said, no more mas que una palabra.
We left the best friends in the world, I regret that their departure this morning did not allow me to have them lunch, but this good Suzon, from their departure, jumped by car to Bouché, and made a good and Large The box of exquisite chocolates, candied fruits, stuffed nuts, tied with a large ribbon, all very Parisian, which she was wearing (it was 71/2 in the evening) until the hotel of Mount Thabor where our Argentineans had gone down – honor is safe – . They saw my boy Cordelle, who were returning from the ice rink a little earlier than usual, to greet Mrs. Claudon who arrived just over 1/2 hours after them - her husband had lunch with the Gilbert Hersent, with Zapata, and I also know that Gilbert lent them his car to take them to Fontainebleau. do This Gilbert, much better than Marcel, who treats some Greeks high, that he would nevertheless have advantage to spare, God knows if the great Georges is sorry and furious...
... Time has been a lot softened; it has allowed me to go out every day, it shakes me, it is not an evil. I am not sleeping in my inactivity anymore. End the 7am hikes, which you are talking about, Jean, I would be quite incapable of doing so, and I do not get out of my bed until 101/2 am!
I'm waiting for my old aunt tomorrow for lunch, she was also in her shell.
I am very spoiled by visits: I had the one of the Benezeth on Sunday, perfectly! I do not come back, very kind both, but I did feel well – by causing him to be kept very far away from Rosario, he does not know the Claudon, and did not see the Zapata. Is he more aware of Greece, I doubt it, he did not know the efforts of Georges to bring in his millions, efforts which seem to interest our diplomats who are very busy with success, orders of the Quai d'Orsay, without doubt; so that Georges has a good hope again; But it doesn't make him close his suitcases, and it's a shame.
Our boys are working very well, and the girl, without doing it, is in the first of her class of 40. She is smart the girl, she is also very much served by her memory, and makes excessively serious readings, from which she benefits. Funny little woman, she has grown up a lot and seems more than her age.
Seen Tio Mio Wednesday at Suzon's where we had lunch, I find him getting smaller and smaller, he forgets everything.
...As for you, my John, what you said about your journey didn't surprise me! .......It was the same for your dear Father that his affairs were held long in Argentina, before he could finally get away. And it was our trip in 1910. Do you remember our joy when we arrived on the French coast. It was six years ago that we had not seen France again, I confess. (Bizerte, then Dakar, then Rosario from 1906).
....Phil passes his board of revisionTuesday at the 16thndHe'll probably be accepted, I like it better, Leon writes that G. (Georges Victoire, his son, probably) passed on March 28 in Trevières, and that he would be sorry if he were not taken.
At the moment I get an answer for the villa Les Embruns; I am offered for 5000F – it is not given, but it is the only one large enough. On the other hand the owner already has amateurs, so he cannot give me a firm answer before theirs. J-write immediately to Reims...
Saturday, 5 March1938
...the big start is approaching the rest and in 3 months it will be your turn, little Maine, to do your trunks...
...you will see in my letter to Simon that I am actively occupying a villa for Nono; I have several between St Laurent and Vierville, but the hiccup is to rent only for 1 month, as she just wrote to me, it's quite difficult to get, especially for the month of August...
...while I am writing to you, I taste a beautiful and delicious orange from Algeria, Baroness Peyronnet has sent us each a large basket of these fruits, which come from her property in Algeria (it seems to be from 8 to 900.000F per year!) (this is Francis) I'm sorry I can't see, but the Drest I've been inexorable, I've had to bow, so I don't run the risk of tormenting my children with another disease, but if I'm angry, I'm also very upset that I can't act any more at my own will. God knows if I've been close to infectious patients in my life, without ever having to get to my age to be treated as a child – sad!
Phil passed the review, he was taken, of course, we're all happy...
ParisSaturday, March 12, 1938
...my great Francis is rid of his chickenpox. I had permission to see him yesterday, and I quickly took a car to go and kiss him, I found him a little pale, but perfectly unhappily and demanding his exeat to go out, which he will do tomorrow. I will prepare a good snack in this honor to celebrate the rescapé. Mich is still unharmed, but the Dr advises not to rejoice too early. The girl, who neither saw her cousins, gives no sign of weariness, hope she will escape from contagion.. and touch wood.
There are many patients around us, and we were terribly worried about our tantine. She started the lung congestion week with a horse fever; thanks to the enlightened and immediate care she received at her Family Circle where the medical service is permanently installed, she is pretty much out of business, the congestion seems to be stopped, and if there is any left of bronchitis, we hope to hold on to the right end, but we have had a warm one.ir spending the nights; but the Bolshevik (Marthe Pichorel, Tantine's daughter) He was angry with his sister who knew her sick mother when she went away, as he said this morning by telephone, when he came home to spend the night near her dear mother "My sister is convinced that she will save the Republic, she will fall well without her". Any visit was absolutely forbidden near our dear sick person whose strength must be spared (we kept the heart with injections), so we did not see it, it will be for 3 or 4 days. I thank God for leaving us again this good and dear Tantine. That's all I have left of my dear mother, and we all love her tenderly. She was still at home Saturday, teaching the three boys – available – the elements of the solfege with a train, a good mood that enchanted the students. When she left us, she said, joyful, "I love youth, their momentum, their cheerfulness" and it is very reciprocal! So many old ladies by their mood rogued, would need her beautiful example...
...we aspire to Easter holidays, this term is long for students. They will need a lot of air. I hope to leave if time permits; it's that I intend to be very valiant this summer; my bites do me good, I will see the Dr after the show. The brave Tatou slowly recovers from her liver attack, and to house her, your elder gives me the hospitality of lunch, which simplifies her service. She is like me, she gets old too.
...the situation remains critical, business is going worse and worse, I am losing money in a company that has been declared very strong. The book is at 159F, and the government resigns, when it would be necessary to hold the handle.
...I wrote to Leon that he rushed for the garden, that he made quantities of vegetables and potatoes, and that he stood out in the flats.
I sent 4 villas addresses to No this week, 2 which seem very interesting, all 2 on the road from Vierville to St Laurent, with cars or bikes, it's 2 steps away from us. It remains to be known if we will rent them for only the month of August...
...it will be very convenient to go to Le Havre to get the dear travelers; I see myself here on the pier...
... seen Guillemette de Pierres who came back this week and sent you a good memory. I congratulated her on her valour to accept with a smile the difficult situation that she is suffering. She is absolutely without any help, not even an hour of cleaning woman in the week, she does everything at home, and it's, says Suzon, exemplary cleanliness, she eats in her kitchen, dresses feet to the head, and with her elegance, always looks so good to her.
I have a horse! The brave Laterrier m-en found a brown bay size 1m58, 5 years, soft and well coupled, 3500F only because of a small insignificant tare which consists of a slight width on the front right cannon (following a kick from his mother when he was foal). After Laterrier, this did not cause him any harm, otherwise it would have been sold to the Army. I can't believe he will keep it at Ormel qq days to get him to keep his good habits. Poor Pompon had been sold 1250F, it returns to me at a reasonable price.
....Good news from Georges who wrote to the constipate that he had only to come back. The famous "combinazione" to bring in the sheep completely failed. I therefore think that it is more than the matter of qq weeks for him to be here, finally!...
Paris19March1938
...Here we have been with the Mich in bed for 2 days: varicella! It was well to be expected and as recklessly we let the girl see her favorite cousin on Thursday, 2 days before the time imposed by the faculty, there is a thousand chances that she will also spend there, and in a very near period of time to our departure for Vierville, which makes a flood of protests from the male quartet, who, he, aspires to the tranquility of the holidays in the open air, as I understand them!...
...Our aunt is better, she's been walking through her room, having overcome this challenge with a huge head.
As for the great Francis, he lengthens his legs with more ardour than ever and tries to harmonica with the 2 necks. We have not managed to make a choir like Ventura, we are looking forward to you this summer, to guide this recalcitrant youth to the beauties of musical technique...
...We had terrible emotions with Hitler's coup in Austria, and this without government at our head. The one we have by the grace of Sir Lebrun, is perhaps even more evil, we feel discontent everywhere, I wish the great Georges had returned...
...I received this morning a letter from the owner of the Embruns, to whom your sister has not yet given her answer, and who needs to know. I will write to No to alert him, perhaps the little sister wanted has put her nose out?.
Did you learn about your cousin Yvonne Sicher's marriage to the grandson of Abdul Hamid Osman Yaghen Bey. Morning yesterday warns as to what to do, he says. J-hope that the grandson will be less cruel than the grandfather whom was called the Red Sultan, and whose reign was only a series of massacres, especially in Armenia. He had succeeded, it is still wondered how, to hide those of 1895-96, where thousands of Armenians were persecuted horrificly. Your cousin seemed very sweet, and will be happy, hopefully.
Saturday, 26 March 1938
...I didn't hear from you, and I'm afraid my dear mail will fly at the whim of the Pyrenees, unless it burned with the poor plane that lost itself on the night of Wednesday with its 8 occupants...... by sending a sad prayer for the unfortunate, I had deplored the loss of the letters; however, some of them were found scattered and half burned...
... news of Mich who, without being worrying, were boring, the poor little one had a tremendous eruption of buttons that caused him a high fever. Fortunately it is completely finished without any blows......the girl is unharmed, but Dr. Artaud......do not doubt for a moment that she falls ill these days....There is a real epidemic in Paris, and also a lot of flus, scarlatins...no more S.V.P.!
...our unwise Dr. had gone out very quickly, found herself tired again, she is better now, she is very affectionately surrounded by some old ladies of her Family Circle who even care for her, Robert and his family often come, the least eager and yet the most free of her movements, .... It's Marthe Pichorel. .... I allowed myself to wake up by telephone the filial apathy of her sister. We had an animated conversation where I didn't make my way of thinking, and so much if she takes it shade. But as she had the pleasure of saying, "I am very busy, you understand – and to what, God? – To my Federation – your Federation?, but there is no Federation that stands before a mother's disease, as yours still does. Send me to walk all this; it is only your duty; if you do not go to care for your mother, it is I who will go – ah! no, it is not yours to go – I know it is yours."She understood and finally did... what she was going to do......As for Robert he said sadly that his sister was thinking only about politics....
....Suzon, I push her to see her friends as often as possible, because she crushes black, the dear elder, there is a little of what: Georges has been waiting for Marcel's answer to his letters for 1 month, where he asks her to return. If he does not write "I come back", he is still there for a long time; he does not I'm sure you're not. Nothing in Piraeus where any idea of a transaction for frozen drachmas is abandoned. His presence here near his sons, especially Phil, whose studies he takes care of would be very useful....
...the trees are all green, the spring flowers of the gardens put their cheerful note, it is written from Vierville that it is the same, that daffodils glaze the lawn and the primevères too....... I always think to leave on Monday 4...... I will occupy at Easter the installation of my house by the sea, the departure Illegal I'll settle with my mason the fence, wall and barriers,... there's also a case of the roof that was freshly corrugated, but it's very damaged, it would take 7 to 800F to replace it; I thought of the "slates" that are eternal, even at equal prices, that would be advantageous, and as it's quite light, it doesn't require any structure other than that which exists for the roof.
My "burst" is always at Leterrier's, which maintains it in excellent arrangements, you have to change the collar and flange, too small, it must be bigger than Pompon. Laterrier does not advise me to tie up with the DIY, nor to remove the eyelets, which is very regrettable. Veremos, for the eyelets at least! What are the details...
I sent your sister, my little Maine, the letter from the owner of the Embruns who asks for an answer; the rentals usually take place at Easter. She answers that she had forgotten her summer rental, she had to write to rent the Embruns for the month of August. I doubt if they were left to her. ...
...Internal and external policy marks a time, but our ministry is said to be at risk, and it's so much better, it's got its croupières and it's got its hard tooth. Everyone wants a national union ministry. I like to talk with simple people, I don't miss the opportunity to know what they think. The thoughts of a driver who took me home yesterday, have made me see once again that many people no longer want the popular front; the occupation of Citroen factories made for The intervention in Spain, was made difficult, and during this time the reds receive a monster pile of Franquists, it is a relief for all the real French. The trade is in the marasm, nothing goes around here, Suzon tells me that the department stores are deserted, the Louvre would have been relieved of bankruptcy by the government who was afraid of the unpleasant impression near the foreigners of the long line of empty windows in the heart of Paris....
Friday, April 8th,Vierville1938
.....I arrived here again very tired, and already these 2 days of good air and oxygen have invigorated my heart failing; I have resumed my injections of special drops, no doubt that in a few days I will be a thousand times better than in Paris.
I went around the owner, and found it all in good condition, our people worked well, I rewarded them. I found my horse to my liking (the brave Leterrier was very worried about my appreciation), if he did not turn the noble blood of Pompon, at least he made a good figure; higher than his predecessor, very soft, very dark brown, I looked forward to the crew, who is at the dumpster, returning to try it out. I had to replace necklace and bridle too small, and Laterrier found a nice opportunity at the sale of the castle of Commes, which his owner Philipp, in deconfiture, had to split first, then sell. He is not the only one to be ruined, alas, we no longer count the fortunes on the ground, where will it be? It seems that the horse can get up, j-en leaves the surprise to the boys that I expect tomorrow with Suzon and the girl.
The wood is superb, despite the dark cut that I had to make because of our immediate neighbours – two customs officers in retreat – quite bad sleepers. The stake is full of big logs and qq hundreds of fagots – provisions for the future.
Just arrived, little Maine, I asked about the Than mansion your sister wanted information from. Unfortunately it has been rented for a few days and for several years! Nothing to do on this side, it would have been necessary to take it earlier, I told your mom when she went to Paris. No find the seafront villas too expensive, more than in Touquet, mécrit-elle; but no doubt she did not rent for the month of August, and there are also more facilities to fragment the rentals, I will inform at Ste Honorine, Grandcamp, but it is already 10km away from us. I would like to find something for our joy to all, for yours in particular.
Here I am in your summer apartment, I think you will be well there; near your dear parents, if they prefer, I could put them in the big yellow room in the second, but you would be less together...
Vierville14April 1938Friday
......I have to write to you 24 hours earlier here, to make sure I don't miss the plane that's leaving now
Directly in the early morning hours of Sunday for Casablanca...
...the horde arrived on Saturday under the leadership of Aunt Suzon... this trimester has been long, the one coming on will be very short: 1 month 1⁄2 and it will be the exams, whose 1st (philo) starts on June 16! ... they have taken qq colors and the rose of apple blossoms (!!) color the cheeks. Mich is completely restored, of course, but the buttons still leave traces... the girl is definitely unharmed... ..it's still rounded...
Georges, more eager to return than ever with what is happening in Europe at the moment, but the divine Marcel told him... that he wanted to go to Greece at the end of April. I think it's a simple pretext to keep him there, and we have to expect the said journey to be remote, it will be so much won, poor sire!
And of course I have to tell you about myself, otherwise you would not be happy. I really feel much stronger since I'm here; I left with a tight program of our good Artault, I am at the letter.......I don't recognize myself anymore when I walk through the woods, or vegetable garden so sunny. I almost found my step as a policeman!
I am pleased to take care of everything that the property entails, my program has been communicated to the interested: mason, painter, carpenter, roofer, who must stand ready to perform the repairs indicated from the 1st days of June. The layout of the cabin on the edge of the sea agreed with the brave Emelie (successor of old Father Tual) we have to prepare the platform to fix the hut, build a wall around the ground to lay fence and balustrade; transport qq quarteaux of quarry waste to level the land and make qq something clean. I am afraid, for example, that my plantations will be 1 year late. It will be too late to replant the fusans who have to go around it and border the central driveway, too late to set up 2 cypresses of Lambert which will frame the cabin at the bottom. I have placed it in retreat to avoid the immediate vicinity of the boulevard, but we have a splendid view on the entire beach; What was impossible for us with the facilities of Legallois, the Cusinberche terrain is completely masked by daffodil cabins made of bric and broc, he had managed to maintain it with the sure help of good masons like him, and thanks to the veulerie of our mayors who were almost afraid of it; the big Dubois attacked him, as a dope after his prey, and I think it will certainly be the end of these illegal installations, to make way for a small hold on a gentle slope, which will allow the old people, the children, the cars, to access the beach. It's not a joke.
Did I tell you that the bd of Cauvigny grows year after year; we enjoy it in front of the beach, with even a small staircase carved in the wall.
...I saw Mr. Pommier this week and settled with him the last purchase fee, that is 2500F due to the tax, again we, that Simon had to tell you, declared a purchase price - - -
Overview Marcel Parmentier came in a wind, he had just arrived and he is here for 15 days. You must believe that his occupations in Chaville are not urgent! He has grown so strongly and he is still as excited, brave boy but a little brac!
...our old aunt wrote that she feels more valiant every day. She cares about finding choirs for our boys who dream of nothing less than competing with Ray Ventura and her troupe! We are counting on Aunt Maine this summer to support the budding choir!
... I took 6 months of insurance for Pépita. Given his date of birth, it really costs only insurance against third parties (300.000F per man) in this way, Suzon can serve as a teacher to our boys who already hold the wheel very well. Ph and Jean-P. are old enough to take a license, what they will do when returning to Paris. The horse is in honor, we ride it, it has my faith very good with the Mexican saddle of Daddy. I could not yet put it to any of the cars, the features are still at the bourrelier that does not end up.. ;
..I think I'll decide to put on my cabin some small tiles of Carentan, so it's a roof that I won't see the end of, but here's for 7 to 800F at least.
My dear Maine, we've been to the villas, there's one that would be good in St Laurent, but the price is high, we're asking 4000F for the only month of August. I'm going to write to your sister, she hasn't answered my last letter yet, I hope.
My boys have on my desire, come down with a lot of skill, the huge array of stairs whose all weapons were rusting. I will not hand it over, the cloth of the shield has passed, salted, and it is a whole aria to clean this. The duly greased weapons will reach the attic, waiting better. The boys speak of a room of arms in the tower of the abbot...
ViervilleFriday, April 21, 1938
....In the present times, when you don't have a roof......the price becomes prohibitive if you settle in the hotel in the smallest hole. Here there is no one in the hotels, nor in Grandcamp of the rest where we went, Suzon and I, see villas for No. I quickly tell you that I just received a Reims mot, telling me that it is decided for a villa in Grandcamp. I think they will be there, it is located on the perré and the beach – on the opposite side to the Duguesclin hotel, which is better and quieter, the beach is also more beautiful; the villa is simple but it is not very good. very I'm sorry that Jean Rousseaune didn't decide to come here, but I'd have been better, and I'm a little moved by my responsibility: 6 big beds, very
clean dishes, a convenient kitchen with running water, electricity everywhere. The 9 km that separate us are quickly crossed by car. The small fishing port that provides fish in abundance, supply of any other food in the same town, pharmacy: 2500F for the only month of August. Here there were very good villas, but 4 and 5000F for August. It is inconceivable, and No found it too expensive, with reason. So here is one thing decided and we are very pleased.
I've been seriously busy with my cabin by the sea this week; and all things taken into account, including the cost of the tax, notarial act, repair and assembly and dismantling of the cabin, a new roof in tiles, equalization of the land, wall, foundations, laying of the gate, etc., I have for 22 to 23000F. It's not nothing, but I am happy because I do there something lasting for you and the little ones.
My horse is a good little beast, you will see the picture... ...it is charming at the saddle, and our boys ride it every day.Suzon even did some tests, but with a pair of panties of his sons, but the feminine cootery prevents him from starting again, and she thinks about another outfit for this summer....
ViervilleFriday, April2938
...the smalah left Sunday with regret, and since I've been putting my hands to the last storage, to the last arrangements also in our summer that I want as comfortable as possible......I'll have all the time to make the house very beautiful for the arrival of our dear travelers, but I'm a little dreamy about the complications that this 5nd So I hope that the arrival will be by Le Havre, and that I would have the joy of going to the pier to see the "Groix" on July 23, and if unfortunately Mrs. Saillard could not go back to the north, I understand Maine's desire to go and kiss her before coming here... ... No rented the villa of Grandcamp for August...... it would be a great disillusionment for all if the program were changed.
The big necks have "refurbished" the huts near the tennis, before they leave, everything will be ready, but if I delay too much I think melancholy that the famous large-scales at the size of the young will have finished their harvest – the end of July is a maximum for their maturity.
I tried my horse at the car, he lengthened well, I'm delighted. Laterrier showed his card, he is the son of a stallion of the stud of St. Lô, he is 4 years old and he calls Muscadet, his pedigree is interesting, I am sure that the former gunner will have pleasure in riding it, because I see that I too, Jean, convince myself that you will come looking for your 3 darlings. I therefore leave tomorrow for Paris...
...good news of Georges to whom the redhead (as he says) did not reply, - what am I saying? - it is his way, to do, it is not that of a True Chief, we don't hide. Suzon reaping in the dark...
Paris7May1938Saturday
...the journey of Maine and the little ones I see decidedly scheduled for June 15. You ask me what I think... I can only accept the situation, my dear children, ... the impossibility in which I find myself going to Marseilles in front of your three darlings, my Jean, is sick of my great happiness, I will be able to wait for the 1st.ir August that will bring you all 3 to the big house, little Maine, ....... given the still imprecise date of a birth, it seems very difficult to fix your parents' arrival now, it will disappoint the inhabitants of the villa of Grandcamp...
...the Vauterin, it seems they will come to Grandcamp for about twenty days. ...
...I take your letter, Jean, you ask me if Germaine could not sleep in Paris. Obviously this can still be done, Suzon may still be there, but I think that the best thing would be that Maine would go through Paris and settle down for a few hours at the Hôtel du Havre, opposite St Lazare, there are very convenient trains between Paris and Bayeux; one that leaves around 11⁄2pm or 2pm to be in Bayeux at about 6pm. The same evening the little ones and their mom would sleep in their beds, and find there a well-earned rest. We are talking a lot about a tourist card for foreigners or French residents abroad that would give 40% reduction in way of hell and a huge discount on car gasoline, do you want to see this? This must probably settle down at the Cies of Navigation. ..
...You've read the stabilization measure
(translate: devaluation of the franc....) The city of Paris has sent us its tax slip, and we have more than 1800F in the last year, plus 1000F in Vierville, a bad business that surprises no one, alas, after the governments of the front of the people that we have suffered. Where are we going? There is something to worry about.
I left Vierville in good condition, our brave people very .. ? ..to make a beautiful garden for the arrival of Mr and Mrs. Jean. I give you the reflection of Jeanne to Leon who was getting a little bit of ear to redo some border of box "And then Madame is right, when Mr. Jean will see cha, will say: I want not to be cha, it is the I'm a terrible They are good people, we still find them in our home, and also elsewhere, fortunately, but the Parisians as a whole are not really the best part of the French population.
... seen Mrs Juliette and even Batifol (but this one without her wives, as always). He was out for lunch at the Duchess of Grammont with other closed crowns. I asked him if these people were made otherwise than us, he replied that many of them, very seriously affected by the crisis, were working to improve their rents...
Saturday, May 14, 1938Paris
...if you don't see any inconvenience your flowers will be part of a boner chair to furnish the sea hut, because I also do projects of beautification that will not carry out all at once, as it should...
...I am very well with my old memories the march of your work, bravo for the latest bell, it will have to be resolved to replace the old material, would you believe that Jean Hersent and Bénézeth were speaking the other day to Sauze to sell the remaining equipment in Cherbourg for which one guard 1000F per month is paid!
I must tell my two little ones that I hope the gooseberries will resist until they arrive; I will have them put some shrubs under canvases to prevent birds from grappling in their place!
...I wonder if you will see Georges again, you will read on the other hand the dirty trick that Marcel has set him up, it is quite obvious that Bénézeth must not serve him to help him return to France. Poor Suzon has a lot on her heart, and I regret that Georges did not decide to resign in 1933...
ParisSaturday, May 21, 1938
...I am about to leave in Vierville, to prepare the old house, and put some rose on my cheeks, the real one, not the stick one you all have in your bag. ......The good Suzon lives hope - she too - has advanced his journey to Piraeus where he must be today. Georges is determined to speak firm, but...... there are times when the man must bow...
....I also saw at Suzon, Odette Colas-Paléologue, always charming and original, she receives a rather heterogeneous world, mainly artists, musicians, painters, critics, never trivial, often extraordinary. Suzon went there to spend 1 hour, and had fun having a discussion between two friendly painters, she is prayed Saturday for 1 hour of music, it's always less insipid than visiting bad languages, or stupid women...
...if Phil is received at his 2nd Georges on the advice of the math teacher would let him do one year of Math Spé before he would go to any school. Jean-Pierre would continue 2nd Math Spé's year and intends to introduce himself to the X! Veremos. At Centrale, there are still few candidates, and those who run for St Cyr this year have a happy chance of being in front of an increased quota. 500 I think Navale is also favored. We need executives. In Janson we no longer present a candidate for the year of Math Spé, and it is said that Nicole The Mee, the daughter-in-law of Dessus will take the course of hypotaupe next year in Janson with our Francis!! .
Saturday, June 5, 38Paris
...I spent a week in Rosario, with all the friends who willingly dedicated me to come and talk to me about you all ..all of them said that you were in excellent health, and that you worked a lot, my John. The brave Van Haaren especially knows what it is, for giving his share when he was young; he was a hard worker when we were there. He also said that he had fun meeting with the house Hersent and you, as in the past. He also said to me, my John, that he was struck by the likeness of your method, of your writing, with that of Father. "it's only less harsh, more flexible than that good Mr. Hausermann who was hard on the job, but so fair"
...And now I'm closing my house. What aria that park all these carpets, these curtains, against the moths. In a few days the atmosphere will be irrespirable in the apartment because of those nailed carpets that I have to sprinkle with camphor and naphthalin, if I don't want to find disaster. That's why it would be very difficult, my dear Maine, for you to come and sleep here. I have the new indicator, you will have at St. Lazarus station, a quick one that leaves at 2:24 pm and arrives at 6 pm in Bayeux, another at 4:30 pm and arrives at 8:25 pm, there is even one at 1:05 pm which arrives at 4 pm in Bayeux, where you will find us one or the other. stroll On the way, you'll be better off in Vierville the same night.
...Mich once again flung us with his urticaria, which could have been a rubella, he came out again, in excellent health...
...I think my old aunt will be spending 15 days with me at the end of June, if time permits, because with what she just had, you have to be careful...
...the old Flondrois had to come back these days to attend the council of the Port of Rosario, but I did not receive anything from him yet. They voted a payment of 200F per share, of which 100F were paid in January, in advance. The state takes on there 32% tax; finally it is still good to take. ..
ViervilleFriday, June10,38
...As for our Suzon, she is like a bird on the branch, waiting as Sister Anne that Georges arrives.......The discussion with Marcel was so hard that I would not believe in George's coming back until I saw him. We can't be more deprived of heart than this being. Poor Georges was all about it! Still, he couldn't say everything about it, through a sybillic language, because of the censorship that still reigns in Greece. Marcel doesn't want to know that George left Greece... why, and you see how easy it is to board his last boxes without anyone knowing anything about his surroundings? ......I remain convinced that Georges's paid back work there is the only reason to prevent him from returning. He was so far told, "You'll take 6 months off, but you won't come to the office, only to put your things away." I still regret that Georges didn't get forked five years ago when he was given the opportunity, and I thought he would not get much benefit from those 14 years in Greece. Most of the millions are frozen for X time, and to get back some of them, it takes business combinations and credits that are very little successful.
Thanks to God, your business is brighter. I spoke at length with all the Martins I saw, and then with these brave Van Haaren...... I want to go back to what Van Haaren said about your work, which he compared to your dear Father's; it can be said that it was awry, because this one had little time, alas! to teach his method.... The Martins are still at Georges V. I called several times in the morning, because it is the only time when they are sure to find them. The two young women, angry, and nervous, continued their investigations in all the fashion designers of Paris; not deciding on anything, finding this model extravagant, this one far too expensive. We do not find a small suit less than 3000F, and a blouse less than 1500F, still are models for high coconut or for the great world, which is hardly suited to their simplicity. There are, however, houses of 2nd And I'm sure that they're not Argentina's for nothing, and a dress signed by a Lelong, Maggi Rouff or Patou is worth it to them, even if it's horrible! - Tonazzi? ) to look like roommates in a luxurious hotel...
They must be at Suzon's today to have tea. She gathers them with the friend Flondrois who, coming back from Stang Ar Lin to attend the board of directors of the SPR( !!!), ate lunch at Suzon's on the eve of my departure. The poor man is still a little bit more collapsed, it's a pity, he fell, for no reason, he says it himself in his bathroom in St. Ar L., wanted to hold back, snuck his right hand and spent some painful days in his Breton solitude. ......Intellectually he is very touched, doesn't remember anything, hears even less, what a fall!
...From Monday I will raise the hut, the foundations are made; I found everything in perfect order, the already very pretty beds in honor of Maine... and Mr Jean, the vegetable garden full of vegetables and fruits, I eat the first strawberries, and go make rhubarb jam. Martha returns Monday of holiday, the brave Jeanne replaces her with dedication. My horse is beautiful and works like a heart, the wood is superb, the currants are numerous...
....The CIC received your 10 SPR shares, and I was able to do what I needed before I went to group all our shares – in total 110 with those of Jean Cordelle, Georges and mine, to be part of the general meeting that is due to take place on July 12, and which grants a 48F share share token. Moreover, the dividend is 200F this year, 100F were affected in January, the others will be affected in July. Taxes are very strong, unfortunately, 100F are reduced to 68,10F I think. It's always good to take...
Friday, June1738
...In three weeks, Maine and the little ones will be in Marseilles, it's a real pain for me not to be in front of them, but it's so far away this journey, and after my failures last year, I don't dare to move away so far from myself. Unfortunately! My means do not allow me to be accompanied either! ......All this will soon be forgotten when I have your dear ones here, do you think they will stay with me in September? ...
...At least you have the satisfaction in Argentina that it makes! In France, I hear everyone complaining, big houses close. The worker's gente is starting to understand. In the province, many of these Parisian workers are still dissatisfied. In the arsenals – (Marthe returns from Cherbourg) – we work 48 hours and even 50 hours at intensive armament, it's less funny, but it has to be done to avoid war; if possible! Our priest who sends his affection as well as to your elders.
Our Vierville is getting more and more beautiful now, it's a debauchery of roses, geraniums in flowers, but we have to water every day, our people don't come back! ...
ViervilleFriday, June 24, 1938
...Simon whose letter of the 17th, tells me that you are well, though very busy at the assembly of the huge bell which you expect wonders; these new tools are wonderful, but how many hands they remove the task! This is the failure of our beautiful inventions, and socially speaking we could align long pages on their utility services? ...
...You will read all the news in Simon's letter; our two boys: France (François) and Jean-Pierre are admitted to the philo oral, it is a good start to all these exams that our boys are taking, and an encouragement, so what a joy it would be for us all to record only successes and allow students the quiet holidays they have earned.nd François is on his oral exam on Monday morning, and he's going to start with Phil in math on Tuesday.
...I work, or rather I do work for the old house to be very beautiful, we astride, we do bluff, we paint. My beach cabin will be very successful, what a view! This changes us from our other installation, ruined by Legallois, who will be forced to get rid of it so that we put there a kind of hold allowing to go down from full foot to the sea. Father Dubois worked well on this project, he had difficulty dislodging the all-powerful Legallois who, until now has always acted like Hitler by putting people in front of the fait accompli.
Yesterday I was returning to your friend Jacques de Mons and his wife the visit they had made last week, and I wanted to return in the eighties! It was not without emotion that I saw St-Sever again: the last time I went there, it was in the autumn, my poor friend from Mons was already sick and alone, the leaves were slowly falling while I kissed him on the threshold of her house. It was an unspeakable melancholy...I didn't see her again, she died 3 months later in Lisieux.
The young people of Mons have rejuvenated, cleaned the entrance, the staircase and even the dining room by making them paint in clear shades; this last room is in light grey, it highlights the work of the woodwork, of the kind of those of my bedroom, which is pretty. But the furniture arrangement is no matter, cold, and I could see that there was a lot missing; probably carried away by Denise.
Jacques wanted to show me and make his last work, in this case a small organ, made of his hands, whose pipes are in gutters' pipes, the result is quite hare, the sound dry and haily, but there is however an idea, and then it occupies him. They seem very happy! The garden and park are in a state of leaving it to go terrible; it is not worth the order of our garden! and Leon who had accompanied me with the car – my footman! – is very proud of his work, there is of course. I'm always delighted with my horse, it's easy to drive, while keeping ardour that suits his age.
The house of Collières is in the same condition as last year; and the brave Denise will settle there with her 4 children, still without water and without toilet. This makes all the people who keep to the family of Cauvigny and Mons an emotional memory. There are some in the village among our peasants.
I enjoy strawberries, and am very sorry that I could not send them to Paris, but it is a delicate fruit, and I have had entirely lost shipments. The currants ripen very quickly, because of the sun that floods us...I fear there is nothing left at the desired time.
"Leave with pay" is beginning to arrive, it's not the best thing in the landscape!.
Friday, July 8, 1938
...... so here they are, and I can hardly believe that they are in France...... The Jean-Louis especially who must have changed so much since I left him hanging out on 4 feet in the living room of the Villa Bleue, and who will be a boy now...I have repainted this week the little swing appropriate to his age, after having refurbishing the table and the 2 small chairs that it will be so fun to carry in the small cabins, near the tennis...
...I had a letter from Maine, put to Dakar...it's a shame that Casa's stopover didn't take place, but I wonder what the lovely Aunt Martha would have done.
...the Blessed One has sent my Francis, I am waiting for him tomorrow with Suzon – and I see here the joy of John and Simon who will soon see their great boys again!
...The peaches of the forepan are covered with fruit, years ago that it had not happened.
ViervilleFriday, July 15, 1938
...I can't believe that they're only a week away in France! I'm languishing Suzon is writing to Maine precisely... to give him the time of arrival of his nephews. (Fr and Mich) In Marseilles on Wednesday morning 9:40 am. The Florida leaves at 4:00 am, so there will be plenty of time to turn around; I am so quiet that Maine takes them in and entrusts them to the Becker. Any big and well-fed, our boys are only 15 1/2 and 16 1⁄2 years old.
......I assure you that they will give here all four, they will tell you in person the new installations, ask them to tell you my stucco painting essay at the bottom of the staircase, it is very successful. I finished with the workers, apart from the painters who are pursuing the cabanon, and I had just settled before yesterday my roofer, 700F, including 400 for the cover of the cabanon, when the gariser of Treviers called to revise the Pépita, saw a big misfortune. The block is split! It's a blow, and I was on the edge. I have agreed to have the repair done (yet for 2500F) which will allow us to have the car in a fortnight. At the end of the season, I will exchange it with Letron or Renault for a new one that I will take only in the spring.
Godard who came to see me yesterday changed hers, a HP like us of the same year, for a 10 HP Lemon. She was taken back for 6500F. She gave 14000F. I don't have what it takes to make such an expense, and on the other hand I couldn't have an immediate car. And Pepita will be very convenient for our goings and comings to Grandcamp. What do you think of my decision?
Friday, July 22, 1938
...I laugh because in 8 days your darlings will be very close to here and you leave me with a hope of coming in the fall. It would be good, my John, and I thank him for taking the great John, but not to have too much disillusionment if I fail, I will leave this beautiful project in a corner of my old heart, I will come out without trouble if need be!.
...It seems that it was splendid, both in terms of the way our army was held, and represented very widely, that the enthusiasm of the crowd. The era of tight fists is no longer a matter of betting, at last! We find ourselves between French. The reception of the sovereigns of England was splendid, we have seized what bits here by TSF, it is quite special to hear all the noises without seeing anything, when television will exist, it will be perfect, but it is already quite extraordinary that this invention.
You will read in my letter to Simon that I had 3 or 4 bad days, I totally put myself in bed, because the milk is not even allowed in such cases.Well, I am once again d'aplomb, and I write in the garden sheltered from the parasol.
...Suzon left us this morning. Georges arrives tomorrow, she hopes to bring him back here very quickly. ...Maine will find at their home, whether they are there or not, a complete hospitality, but if she wants to spend 3 or 4 days in Paris, I would rather advise her to go alone, for example by taking advantage of a trip from Georges or Suzon, I would gladly keep the two little ones who will be better here....
ViervilleFriday, July2938
It's 7am, Jean, the whole house is asleep, but old Nany has long been awake, after a night without much sleep, it's okay to be a little restless when we go back to those little ones and their moms gone for so long....I went over 20 times yesterday in the little apartment that will be theirs with Cdr and Mrs. Saillard, to shake a cushion, turn around a tumbler, see if everything is ready! The little white beds are made...
...Georges and Suzon have arrived in their beautiful 402 and we will all I told Halley that the caravan will not be able to get all into the car of the big ones......All the time, the whole family will arrive at the PLM station and go to Lamballe,...... they will take the train from 14:24, to be with us in Bayeux at 18:00 – Joy! , my Jean...I see here the little ones and Brigitte so impatient, too! to have his little companions continuing in the park, the wood, the vegetable garden – where I barely saved two large trees, whose grain too ripe falls on the ground – and there are lots of joys. George's arrival is falling... Monday Georges saw Marcel who was delicious !, granted him a leave until the end of September, with only perhaps a small trip to Bizerte to solve a sale of dredges, it's nothing unpleasant...
...Our poor friends Godard are struck in a cruel way: Louis's wife, who was with friends, went with them on a small boat ride, disappeared with her companions, the cotre n' was seen nowhere, it was hoped that the crew had been gathered at sea by oil or cargo who would have continued his road without being able to stop, but 15 days ago, we had to give up all hope, after ships and seaplanes from Cherbourg alerted to make a thorough search of the surrounding area. Only one tanker reported by TSF, in the pass of Alderville, the hull of a boat turned, which was not seen again. Is that one? I suggest you think in what condition these poor friends are. Louis stays with 4 children whose senior is 10.
...The Remises must arrive on Sunday......I wonder where they all intend to stay, with the Rousseau de Lunéville, and even the Vauterins. By admitting that they find accommodation elsewhere, the house does not have sufficient kitchen and table equipment for about twenty people that they would be at least!...
..the boys spend a part of their time in canoes, horses, bikes, they can be said to be getting rough. They have a nice friend in Jean de la Boulaye, who had come here a little to find Gérald Collières, but these have not yet made their appearance, and I do not know why, no one has news of them.
At sea the big crowd has not yet made its appearance, we expect the rest to be fewer clients than last year. "Leave with pay" as it is said, would they have been assailed or less numerous?
In the same order! I received yesterday a letter from Flondrois dated Rennes; to writing all trembled, asking me news of the Boys' exams, whose result he knew since beautiful lurette. He was returning from Brest to Paris by car, via Orleans, and must go back to Stang Ar Lin on Monday. It is absolutely crazy in his condition, and dangerous for him and others. He absolutely does not want to confess that he is getting older, yet it is our lot to all, and the best is to do it.
Our old priest who just celebrated his 50th birthday, gave you and your elders a picture that I'll give to Maine...
...I'm leaving you, but I'll put a few words in Bayeux to give you news of travelers...
A few words written by Aunt Maine:
From Bayeux, in the joy of arrival I send our tenderness – Nany is there, I don't believe my eyes, I find her only a little pale, the face may be a little thin, but the joy is already shining and she is playing with our Titi while Jean-Paul grabs her godfather.
We're here on the train station dock, and while we're loading all our bags I want to give you proof that you're with us, my Jean – as well as Simone and his family we've already talked about.
Tender kisses from all of us and it's already a big tour, you can stretch your two cheeks.
Friday, 12/81938
My John, we're burning all fours with this new tax that brings to 19F75 (!) the price of a letter plane.
....we make the best cleaning, and we come without being prayed by the bed or the sun lounger of this sacred Nany who never makes any other, and who in the background is no more proud than it needs to be of what happened to him. I don't insist on what happened, there are two gazettes that will replace me, don't exaggerate the danger run, there was none, it's the risk of the job, and you can be quiet, according to your Titi recommendations, I will be careful that the bourrin doesn't walk on the same foot.
Funny as this one! While the Jean-Paul is having fun with the big necks and the Bison, he's been furious all over, his nose in the air, his smile on his lips, his eyes brilliant. Everyone loves your little ones, and I'm not gonna end up telling you their stories. os take a ladder to go and supply some wooden box that was in the attic of the Club .... "Congratulation!" I shouted! "I forbid you to scold him, I am glad that he too is taking a foot in the old house."......Titi was looking for a broom yesterday to sweep the 2nd Cabin floor...
Friday, August 19, 1938
...thank you, my John, for taking the time, despite your occupations, to write and do what is necessary for the maté. Cr Ly. has already acknowledged receipt of the boxes that he received; it does me a favor, and the price is interesting for us, it is less for France, I will do the necessary near the friend Flondrois who is at home, badly in place, fortunately surrounded by his sister and niece...
...I speak only for memory of John Paul's langine, very quickly stopped and without any gravity... ... I was badly done this week, with an absolute disgust of food, which Dr. Lehoux, called, attributes to the poor functioning of the liver. I have this one in such a state, that I think I will decide to make a cure next year in Vichy. I cannot continue so, I poison the lives of others ..and mine.
The elders came back last night from St Malo and Mt St Michel, who left in a car with their children. Georges was sorry not to take your wife and her goddaughter, but it is difficult for Maine to leave her parents and the brothers and sisters who came especially for her, and then this good little girl didn't want to leave this sacred Nany alone.
Vauterin arrived yesterday and came to greet me immediately. Rémy Rousseau left in maneuvers; I saw this happy band several times. They had to make a great trek of castles and lunch in Ouistreham. J-admiring the mothers for having left a great day their 11 children in the care of 3 good ones, 2 of 14 years! Moreover everything went perfectly well. There were also regattas and races in Grandcamp, and it was a good day for Maine and his own. But I'm telling you all this while I know that Maine has halved, m-said, the dimensions of her writing to tell you by the menu all her actions...
... Georges had formed the plan to leave on Sunday with his sons for Paris and Savoy, but it is possible that Georges is forced to be at the office around the 25th to discuss a new way of getting his drachmas back in.
...The old Maria Dubourg, too ill now to continue her service with us, saw your Titi the other day "Ah! bi! this time, it's Mr. Jean!".
ViervilleFriday, August 26, 1938
...As I said to your cadet, "Well, what will you tell him when he gets to the gate?" Cynically he says, "He's to say hello on the 1st.ir I admit that I stayed a little bit coite, the dirty kid often has the right word. I would have liked you to see him at the Vignet making an apple supply. They are all the same. Meanwhile the Jean-Paul with all the band of the Grandcopais and even the Cdt and Mrs. Saillard were fishing mussels at the Percée. From evening dinner, he was served 5 or 6 small fried fish, personal product of his fishing, and it was necessary to see if he was happy in summer....
...youth and even the Commander and Mrs. Saillard are a lot of people; I, .... less ; and the good Suzon who left her trip to Savoy to stay in help her old mother, don't leave me. I feel really better for a few days, but what a tape, masseigneurs! I would like to be drinking for your arrival...
Friday, September 2, 1938
...Here your darlings are very well, they all took a tanned complexion, which suits them very well, and even a good red dye on the cheekbones. I regret not weighing them when they arrived here, you remember that it was a point of honor for your dear dad, when he received guests, to send them back with excess weight...
...the old house has almost returned to calm, and in good selfishness as I am, I am not angry to enjoy your 3 darlings more completely. Suzon must leave tomorrow to join Phil who works bravely again. She will return to us at the weekend with Georges who must return from Savoy. Jean-Pierre will join here Monday or Tuesday...
...Tio Mio ms has had a lot of bad hours. I sent him his 9079 F 30 cheque, of course, by registered letter. I was a little surprised not to receive the acknowledgement from him; When yesterday I get a word from him asking us, that he was worried, not a note from the check. Surprised, I telegraphed him to ask if he had received my recommended letter of 22. Answer: Ns received no recommended letter. I'm letting you think of my problem, the check, although it had been a long time since it was stolen. washed I've already taken all kinds of defenses, when this morning, new dispatch: "I received a letter on the 22nd, with my mate, excuse me." I've called him all possible names of birds, it gives you an idea of the mental state of this poor man. He writes that he is going back to Paris more tired; I confess that I have no desire to have it here, I always fear that the worst is coming, one must wait for it from one day to the next....
ViervilleFriday9Sept.1938
...I received your letter of September 2 that you had affectionate thought of sending to replace our Simon party in escapade with his 4 men...
...I will therefore enjoy the week that I have left, because she will leave for Reims and Moussy on Friday, where she must spend a dozen days. So this is the end of my holiday, which I had made so much joy and which my ill health poisoned anyway. I will then see you again in Paris when you return, you and Maine...... I intend to stay here all October to take back some hair from the beast, so that you find me good; Dr. Lehoux has been able to raise me with caution, because my sacred liver reacts badly to many things.
...J'heard the two little ones who with Bison are very busy around the electric train of the big necks, which Jean-Pierre mounted yesterday in my lingerie. The good boy would have done well before. But the presence of the other little cousins was very dangerous; the more crazy we are... the more we break...
ViervilleFriday, Sept. 1938
...My dear John, we received your letters this morning, very happy to hear from you: they did not bring the very anxious ones of the days you lived with us this week. Your dispatch to Maine is proof of this, and I cannot tell you enough what relief it was. for me, for us, not to see the 3 darlings go to Reims. It was in my opinion one of the last places to go, at this moment when things could have been spoiled terribly from one moment to the next. The roads would have been quickly impossible with the troops moving east; as for the Iron Way, let's not talk about it! Everything would have been sacrificed to the army, of course. I didn't dare advise Maine to stay with us; She was very happy to go back to her own, which is quite natural, and on the other hand Mrs. Saillard did not seem to realize the full gravity of the hours that were flowing and did not speak of this in her letters.
So it was a real relief, I repeat for all of us, including Maine who confessed to me after, that you would urge not to move here...
...this little rabbi of stay is welcome, if we can ignore the cause that brought him. Jean-Paul hears at best with the Bison, the Titi plays them tricks, he is well independent the kid! (he has whom to hold) and often sits with his distributeds... while I write, he went to the market of Treviers with them (Suzon and Georges) , Georges wants to go this afternoon to visit some beautiful castles, his car walks wonderfully, as for the Pépita that is going again, I am afraid that she had not finished her career at us; it's going, it's going, it's the main one, and well-studded, she still has a look! ...
Vierville23 Sept.38
...Maine has just telegraphed you that she leaves in Moussy tomorrow. The situation has indeed been much calmed, if not completely clarified, because it remains to be done to all our leaders to solve without break the many problems that arise at every moment on their way! But finally! It is to be hoped that, as the reflection helps, the most hard-hitting solutions will be solved to lower flag. There are also chances that we, if not French feathers, will leave them there, at least a little bit of our prestige; there is no reason to be proud of always having to bow before Hitler!But when we think of the horrific cataclysm of war, it is better to accept the discussion. Everyone understood your gesture, my Jean, to advise Maine to stay here...Maine didn't hesitate for a moment to comply with your advice, it was almost a relief...... she feared that she would be called a froussard...and they all left tomorrow for Moussy where they would be waiting for dinner.......Georges will wait for them in Paris at 4:00 am, the trunk will be recorded for Toulon where Maine intends to be at the end of next week ....
...John Paul informed himself if it was absolutely useful to go to Reims, as for the Titi, he came back triumphant the other day "I've got a club for me – not possible, and where?"In the screen! ??"Je'ait un moment à comprend que c ́est dans la tour de l'Abbé, whose wind is indicated by the wind-girouette.. and here he is delighted and installed with an old table, a wave seat to make its correspondenceI promised him that he would get his next comeback to make a door and window fix, and put a lock on him, with a key, that he would keep it on his side, so as to make the naughty "big ones" that l"s nice.
...All health is good, my coward From time to time, sad carcass!.
ViervilleFriday, September 30, 38
My John, Little Maine will give me a little place in his letter, for there is nothing left of me in that of Simon who is filled with the one of their children – well arrived – and of Mrs Cordelle, refugee here since Tuesday... sad week, full of anguish for all; and for our dear country, led in a new war, by the demands of this terrible Führer. As we had almost lost hope of a possible arrangement, the theater of the meeting of the 4 (probably Hitler, Mussolini, Chamberlain, Daladier in Munich) , was communicated to us last night by TSF, and this morning hope is really allowed, since the invasion of Czechoslovakia is abandoned by the Boches – at least for tomorrow! We are finally determined to discuss all the disturbing issues that threatened to set Europe on fire. . . I do not need to tell you, Jean, that while accepting with resignation and calm the test that was waiting for us all, we are very happy to think that everything that has just happened will remain in a state of nightmare.
We've been together 12 in the old house that has been doing its duty as a refuge since Saturday night 24, your little Maine had come back with your two kids; I saw him arrive at 101/2 in the evening with relief...... ( ? illegible)The news was more worrying from minute to minute, I was sorry to know it in the middle of the roughha of the trains heading east. Fortunately Georges could reship it by a train leaving Paris 10 minutes after his arrival. Here is the rest lödyssey of your 3 darlings, told by Titi: "So we arrived in Paris, we went down the bWe saw Uncle Georges; so he said "we don't want you," we made a little way, and we got back on another train to come back here."
All this should have been avoided if we had telegraphed earlier from Moussy to Maine, but the dispatch sent to him at 11:26 a.m. was reached at 6 p.m. I didn't need to tell you that telegraph and telephone services were congested at saturation; we asked Suzon 3 to 4 hours to be able to call Georges. Finally, once a good night had passed, your three darlings were dimmering. And here we all came together, clinging to each other.
Boys (François and Michel, back from Argentina) arrived after a sea trip without stories, and on the way to make it enlivened because they had to change 8 times of train. Mrs Cordelle had arrived at 11pm the day before, without shouting station, and Georges and Phil in the night of Thursday by car.
The TSF, in the order of the government, called for the departure of the train from Paris if it was available, warning that if it were to be mobilized, all trains would be reserved for the army. The Maginot line had been full, and it is likely that it would have been difficult to force it from the first days, but the raids were still possible and God knows the disaster that would have resulted. Let's hope that all this will be spared. In our Norman corner, we don't have much to fear, but we tremble for those who wouldn't be sheltered!
Seen the Martins on Wednesday, they're leaving for New York, having no place on any boat. Despite all the affection I have for them, I felt once again everything that separates us from these strangers, Marcel (Martin) blew up your wife by telling her that you only had to stay away from Argentina...Tonazzi was afraid, probably he didn't want to join the Italian army, as for Sarrucha, she said that all these quarrels weren't interested. Apart from that, they found our dear house charming. Tonazzi kept repeating "it's a castle, it's not a house". Good Mrs. Martin had brought a huge box of chocolates, and our four little ones were already a happy band. I'm telegraphing them today to wish them a good trip. You have to see them around 10 Nov....
ViervilleFriday, Oct.
...I'm treating myself, I'm treating myself, I'm going to be Young and beautiful, as our Mara said, but a mother and a nanny who would not poison her life, which I did with wear, all summer...
...and even this good and charming Yo who had to leave last night for Reims, via Paris, the last of the 6 chicks who left the Villa Bleue... I was thinking last night, near my fire, of the emotion of the Cdt and Mrs. Saillard who finished their job, ...but had to see their last born with regret. Fortunately, Maine, so affectionate and understanding will be there to surround them with his best......ndAnd your Titi that we couldn't hold to the guignol the other day... it reminds me of Jean-Pierre.nd The TP and delighted with his fate; Suzon métats that he is transformed from it...
George is still in Morocco, saw Emile, you'll read the news in my letter to Simon...
ViervilleFriday, Nov.38
...I think I'll be back next week, after putting the last hand in the winter so you can find everything in order for your next trip here. Is it really possible, Jean, that in just 1 1⁄2 months, I would have the joy of kissing? ...
...I want to send fruit to Toulon, I have some beautiful ones, and there are some red apples that only ask to be eaten by small teeth. Jean-Louis knew well the trees where they are sweet......I am delighted to have been a vegetable garden where all my little ones can without rumbling...
Jeanne's son left yesterday to join his body in Maubeuge, in the best dispositions. He is a good boy.
Do you remember our lunch at the door of the barracks in St Cloud where you were incorporated? and the fort of Domont, where my car entered.. as if I was the President of the Republic? About the Republic, I wonder what these gentlemen of the government are reserving for us at the end of the week. You have to expect to be strangled. If it was only to restore some disorder in our dear country!
I hope the work is fine, Jean, and the beautiful bell is full!....
ViervilleFriday 11 Nov. 1938
... I'll be there on Sunday, too happy to see all my smalah again, and prepare your arrival...
...Good news of your dear trio to whom I sent a package of pears and qq red apples for the little ones. They will find some when they come. I prepared my fruit tree with the brave Jeanne, so that you can taste our harvest. The cider will be done, not yet good to drink, unfortunately. I intend to find a garden well at the point; I have established a very tight program to Leon, who sometimes needs it. My health this summer had made quite a lot of things go away, it is clear, and I hear that everything is going back to a good fold. I told Leon that you would do a serious inspection in every corner.
For what you tell me about the tyranny, you will distribute them here. The Christmas tree is sufficiently provided now; I have just chosen a small tree that will do very well; it was stifled by other co-religionists. You will give for the school canteen, it is a good work that relieves many families. Just for Emile Thomas you know, four little ones take a substantial meal every day at noon, idem at Saillard the gardener, where they are 5, etc. It is better than giving money relief that go too often to the wine dealer. Women are often worse than men...
...thanks for the mate, Jean, I'm very glad that the land is running out, because I'm afraid that old Tio Mio will be here any longer.
All right, the big Peugeot garage is just a few steps away, it'll be easy.
...Bravo for the bell that resisted the tormenta...