Jon Bouman to the Bouman Family

Jon Bouman to the Bouman Family

Bouman, Jon Anthony, 1873-1958

WWP23171

1928 March 7

Letter from Jon Bouman to his family.

Gift of William C. and Evelina Suhler

Germany--History--1918-1933

Correspondence

Berlin, Germany

Rachel Dark

Denise Montgomery

English

PROOFREADING

Evelina Suhler is the granddaughter of Jon Anthony Bouman and inherited the family collection of his letters from the years of World War I. She and her husband gave the letters to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in 2013.

                                                                               March 7, ‘28

 Dearest;- 

            I got back here again this morning from Leipzig Fair of which, of course, I haven’t seen a tenth part, but I pretend I’ve seen it all. The party whose guest I was, evidently very rich; I can’t forget the monumental furniture. In the drawing room, a book case full of classics, but very plainly, never opened, but expensive bindings! And the wallpapers!! Even the ceiling in the lav. was painted with coloured stars!!! They also had a parrot, which became very agitated at seeing me, a stranger.

            “Papagaya! Papagaya!” he kept on yelling.

            “Yes, all right, Polly, I see you.” I said.

            “What??” he screeched. “What??”

            And then, quite quietly: “Du darfst hereinkommen.” (You may come in.)

            A fowl bird! 

            I had quite a talk with Anton Lang, the Christ of Oberammagau, who with his wife was selling hand shaped ceramics at the Fair. A very lovable face, something like Domine Van der Linden, but still handsomer. 

            On returning to my room, I found a vase full of narcissi on thet able, together with a plate of apples, oranges and figs, a delicate attention of Frau Hauns, the manageress. I think you will like her when you meet her as possibly you may have to stay some days before going into our own prospective flat. 

            The Schurholzes are leaving on the 10^th and as I am back on day work this month, I may go out and see them tomorrow evening. I spoke to them on the phone; she is still far from well and is longing to get away. Mary must go on steadily with her German; of course she is doing that. Glad to hear good reports of Betty; let her tell me some time how she thinks she got on at her exam. Bill I hope is also progressing as he ought to. 

            I wonder if you if you will have time to read this screed what with the excitement of your trip &c. I shall think of you strolling along under the palms on the Promenade des Anglais at Nice. I do hope you will have fine weather and that all will go off well.

                                                                               Love to all,
                                                                               from,
                                                                               Jac.

 

Letter

Bouman Family