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Letter 1: On board S. S. Minnewaska


September 17, 1932

Dear Folks,

This is the first of a series of letters to close relatives. I thought it would be much better to write a letter, with detailed news, and send carbon copies, than dash off short and scrappy notes. It was for this reason that Dora and I thought it would be a good idea to take the Remington Portable along, even though we begrudged it the necessary space.

The letter to my mother can be seen by all the folks in Brooklyn and by Dave and Dorothy. I am sending separate copies to Henry and to Jack. Bill and Isabel's letter can be mailed to Corinne. Mother Lurie's letter will be seen by Moe and Ruben and their attachments. Harry is getting his own copy.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to keep these letters for a while. Perhaps you or friends of yours may take a similar trip and then the information about hotels etc. might be useful.

Well, as some of you know we had quite a job on our hands. Dora handled all the packing as I was busy with the "Winaukee Watchdog" and with arranging personal and Estate matters. Dora thought we could manage with one wardrobe trunk (to be shipped direct to Cannes) and two suitcases. Then she added an overnight case and a shoe-bag. Then she bought a big case, something like a young trunk.

Wednesday the dishes and books were packed and Thursday morning our effects were stored. At two we arrived at the Hotel Pennsylvania where we stayed until we took a taxi to Pier 17, or rather West 17th St. Friday morning, however, Dora had gone to Gimbel's and bought one more big suit-case. This helped consolidate a lot of small things and to take care of the many gifts.

More gifts awaited us at the boat. I haven't counted all the books but it's quite a little library. Marcus has enough candy to last for a while. We received some lovely letters and something like two dozen telegrams.

It is beautiful today. We have been reading and resting. Marcus is busy with Robert Ehrenfeld, the principal's son. He has tried out his beautiful new chess set.

We were surprised to learn that the ship is stopping at Halifax. I shall try to mail this letter there. We have a whole day at Halifax.

Our love to you all!

Affectionately

Morris

Wikipedia: S. S Minnewaska
Minnewaska was owned by the Red Star Line in 1932, having been sold on by the Atlantic Transport Line, whose business was severely affected by the Depression. She had accommodation for 369 first class passengers, but was primarily a cargo carrier, the largest afloat at 21,716 tons.

Wikipedia: Gimbels
Gimbel Brothers (Gimbels) was a major American department store corporation (HQ in New York) from 1887 through the late 20th century.
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